Donate Blood and Save 16 Lives: Urge Activists

Hyderabad, September 21, 2023 – In a remarkable display of unity and compassion, FOCUSS and Irshadul Muslimeen are jointly organizing the 14th Annual Blood Donation Camp, an event dedicated to celebrating the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). This year, the blood donation camp will take place on September 24th.

The Milad Blood Donation Camp is set to occur at two prominent locations: Haj House, Nampally, and Eidgah Balam Rahi in Secunderabad, operating from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM to ensure that individuals have ample opportunity to come forward to donate blood.

“Donate Blood, Save Lives” Each donation has the potential to impact not just one life but up to 16 lives. This fact underscores the tremendous significance of participating in this noble cause.

Mohammad Omer, a Thalassemia patient who has successfully transitioned to a normal married life, emphasized that every healthy person can donate blood up to four times a year, with a three-month gap. This simple act has the power to save the lives of up to 16 thalassemia patients”, he added.

Addressing the Press Conference at Media Plus Auditorium, Dr. Ahsan bin Muhammad Al Hamoomi, Director of FOCUSS and Imam of Shahi Masjid at Public Gardens in Nampally, explained that this year Milad un Nabi coincides with the Ganesh procession in the city. In view of upholding communal harmony, and minimizing any inconvenience to the public, the organizers are organizing the camp on September 24th even though Milad-ul-Nabi (Peace Be Upon Him) officially falls on September 28th this year.

Around 2,000 healthy individuals, aged 18 to 60, without diabetes are expected to donate blood. Over the past 13 years, this initiative has seen hundreds of volunteers, primarily youth, who willingly donate blood. The collected blood is channeled to the Thalassemia Sickle Cell Society.

Dr Hamoomi emphasized the core humanitarian values behind these Blood Donation Camps. He highlighted that the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) dedicated his life to humanity, promoting tolerance, peace, and security – principles at the heart of this initiative.

Dr. Ahsan Al-Hamoomi revealed that, in keeping with tradition, a 12-day Congregation of Seerat-ul-Nabi (Peace and Blessings of Allah Be Upon Him) is scheduled in the Public Garden after Maghrib prayers, starting from the 1st of Rabi Ul-Awwal. Additionally, on October 2nd, a Seerat-ul-Nabi Exhibition is planned for women. On September 24th, the Milad Tree Planting campaign will commence, contributing to environmental conservation.

FOCUSS and Irshad-ul-Muslimeen have consistently advocated for prisoner release efforts on the occasion of Milad-ul-Nabi, mirroring the Prophet’s noble tradition of supporting the release of prisoners. This reflects their commitment to the greater good of society, transcending barriers of caste and creed.

In the Holy Qur’an, Allah Almighty reminds us: “The Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah Be Upon Him) enjoins goodness, forbids evil, makes good things lawful and forbids evil things, and removes the shackles of people from their hands and feet.” (Surah Al-A’raf).

Maulana Hafiz Mohsin Bin Muhammad Al Hamoomi, Mr. Aleem Baig, Joint Secretary of the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society, and Dr. Mustafa Ali Sarwari, Associate Professor at Maulana Azad National Urdu University, who were present at this conference also echoed this sentiment.

Mr. Aleem Baig lauded the tireless efforts of FOCUSS and Irshad-ul-Muslimeen, recognizing that their work directly benefits hundreds of thalassemia patients. He said “Currently, 3865 children are registered as thalassemia patients under the society’s care, requiring 60 to 70 units of blood daily. Donating blood is not just an act of kindness but also a significant boost to the health of the donors themselves.”