...International Muslims Organisation...

Guyana...

Hazrat Shaykh Faizul Aqtab Siddiqi inaugurated the Guyanian branch of the IMO in 1993.  From its inception, the IMO in Guyana has been affiliated with the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) to the extent that the CIOG has now become the torch bearer of the IMO in Guyana. The IMO has official links with its executive president Hadji Fazeel M. Feroz and its religious head Sheikh Mo’inul Haq.  Sheikh Mo’iunl Haq is also the Shaykhul Islam of Guyana and has a close relationship with the Naqshbandi Hijazi Sufi order.  He therefore takes a particular interest in the philosophy and activities of the IMO.  These links have enabled IMO in Guyana to participate in the development of the entire local community of Muslims.

In the preliminary days of the IMO’s work in Guyana, the local Muslim community was troubled by certain extremist factions.  Hazrat Saheb, through consultations and conferences was able to spearhead the eradication of extremist thinking in Guyana.  This involvement has made Hazrat Saheb and the work of the IMO a source of inspiration of Guyanian Muslims.  It has also paved the way for building a tolerant Muslim community which is educated as to the real essence of Islam. 

Together with the CIOG, the IMO in Guyana has led the way forward in promoting social betterment through a wide range of developmental programmes.  These include projects aimed at the alleviation of poverty and educating the masses.  Additionally, the IMO has been affiliated with the many hundreds of schools, colleges, Islamic Centers and mosques run by the CIOG.

The IMO has been dedicated to raising Islamic awareness in Guyana and has played an active role in optimising the training of Imams and Madrasa teachers.  It has also been instrumental in the organisation of seminars and broadcasting of Islamic dawah programmes on radio and television.

The Poverty Alleviation programmes endorsed by the IMO in Guyana include the central collection of zakat (tithe) and its distribution.  Thousands of people and hundreds of Mosques benefit from these programmes.  There is also a highly successful Orphan sponsorship programme through donations of individual sponsors and the Kuwait Zakat House Programme.  This provides the essential rights of food, shelter, education and love to children who have lost their families. 

The National Committee of Sisters Affairs (NACOSA) is the women’s wing of the CIOG which also benefits from a close partnership with the IMO.  This group has been working hand in hand with the IMO in delivering a number of key programmes in all the districts across Guyana.  Its activities include lectures, conferences and workshops for women and young people on a wide range of relevant issues.  For example, a number of conferences were conducted in 2002 on HIV Awareness, Legal Issues, Motherhood & Child-care, Peer Pressure, Narcotics and Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence. Furthermore there are active Counselling Programmes for married couples and families.  NACOSA regularly organizes literacy programmes for women and children who may have ‘fallen through the gaps’ of the state system.

The CIOG is recognised by the government and has in its official capacity been responsible for the advancement of Muslim interests in Guyana.  The IMO has lent its expertise of working with governments worldwide to the CIOG in order to optimise the dialogue between the Muslim community and the government. 

The way forward ...

Guyana is rich in its natural resources and people.  However, the material escalation in certain nearby countries has made the attainment of the same material standards seem imperative to many.  Its normally relaxed people have therefore become anxious to enter into the rat race.  Large numbers have in fact migrated out in search of the material utopia.  IMO hopes to revive the Guyanian’s appreciation of the wealth within their own country rather than seek damp pastures elsewhere.  

The IMO will continue to fortify government institutions and be a conduit for creating greater understanding between the government and Guyanians.