ICODEHS Is Still Making Strides; A New Magnificent Mosque For UDS In Tamale

The Islamic Council for Development and Humanitarian Services[ICODEHS] which begun as Book Development and Translation Council in 1991 in Nima Accra, by Sheikh Mustapha Ibrahim has made immeasurable quantum leap in humanitarian activities so far.

Between 1991 and 2000 when ICODEHS was formed, the original Intention of the council has been to promote Islamic knowledge and by extension moral development in Ghana and nations across Africa and the world through books on Islam in English and Arabic. One of the books written by Sheikh Mustapha Ibrahim which has made waves is, ‘towards understanding of Islam’. This book and some others on marriage and inheritance etc., which have become popular with Muslim and none Muslim students are currently being used in some schools and as general readers. These books are being discussed on the popular ‘MARHABA RADIO’ every Sunday night in Hausah.

After providing Islamic religious education through books and radio discussions ICODEHS then realized the need to provide physical structures such as mosques, schools’ orphanages, clinics and wells. Today hundreds of mosques, schools, clinics have been built by ICODEHS in many parts of Ghana and other African countries.

Due to the immense contribution of ICODEHS in development and humanitarian activities in Ghana the council, has been gaining support from Ghana’s Parliament and the Executive , philanthropists in countries like United Arab Emirates [UAE], Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Morocco etc. One area that is worth mentioning is the erection of mosques in higher educational institutions such Universities, Polytechnics and Training Colleges.

What is significant is that most students and lecturers in beneficiary institutions have been full of praise for ICODEHS and its donors for coming to their aid at the right times.

The latest beneficiary institution is the University of Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale where a new mosque was built for the teeming number of students and teachers in the institution.

The construction was sponsored by a philanthropist working with the Red Crescent Society of the UAE through the Islamic council for development and humanitarian services. The mosque was out doored just last week

The event was graced by dignitaries from the university, ICODEHS and the GMSA community. Some of the notable dignitaries were the Pro VC of UDS: Prof Seidu Alhassan, the Registrar: Dr A.B.T. Zakaria, the Northern Regional Representative of ICODEHS: Sheikh Aswad, the Project Manager: Alhaji Mohammed Suraj, GMSA Patron: Alhaji Nurudeen, Yari-Naa, the representative of the paramount chief of Sagnarigu and many others.

The occasion was chaired by the Prof Seidu Alhassan. In his address he on behalf of the institution and the Vice Chancellor thanked the sponsors of the mosque, ICODEHS, the GMSA executives and all those who contributed to the successful completion of the mosque. He reminded the Muslim ummah of the purpose of human existence. “… We are here for one thing: to worship Allah”-he said. He also pointed out that having a mosque is so important because it helps in the fulfillment of one of the five pillars of Islam, thus salat. He however entreated the students and the GMSA executives to make maximum use of the facility, encouraging them to maintain the facility for it to stay in good shape and last long for others to use.

Prof. Seidu Alhassan Addressing the Ummah
Addressing the ummah, Sheikh Aswad, the representative of ICODEHS thanked the school management and GMSA for their cooperation in making the mosque project a success. He also advised the ummah to contribute in kind and in cash towards the maintenance of the mosque.

Sheikh Aswad Addressing The Ummah
Sheikh Aswad led the Jummah prayers after the commissioning by the Pro VC. His sermon enjoined students and the Muslim ummah to seek for beneficial knowledge. He reiterated the importance of knowledge to the individual and the society. “…seek for beneficial knowledge with the intention of helping the course of Islam and the society”-he said. He made an appealed to the general public to help expand the mosque when the need arises, stating that the mosque has been designed to be a two storey building. He finally advised the students to desist from engaging in violent activities as it is against the doctrines of the Islamic faith.

GMSA UDS-TLC presented a citation to ICODEHS, Presentation done by the Registrar, Dr. Zakaria GMSA UDS-TLC presented a token (smock) to ICODEHS

The Outgoing UDS-TLC GMSA President, Mr. Issah Abdul-Aziz in his vote of thanks also express gratitude on behalf of GMSA to the sponsor, ICODEHS and all those who helped towards the successful completion of the mosque.

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