Be a life-giver by donating blood Oct. 31

The tragedy that shook our nation 19 years ago on Sept. 11 still echoes in our hearts today. Thousands of our fellow Americans were lost to mindless terrorism.

As Ahmadi Muslims, we condemned those cowardly attacks which had nothing to do with true Islam, the religion of peace. We were all impacted and moved to do something. We cried with, and prayed for, the victims and their families.

In the aftermath of the immense loss of lives and destruction, my Ahmadiyya Muslim community launched our nationwide mission #MuslimsForLife to honor our lost compatriots and siblings in humanity. True Islam enshrines the sanctity of life, especially the innocent.

Through the nine years of upholding this campaign, we’ve held thousands of 9/11 commemorative blood drives annually across our country in collaboration with American Red Cross, blood centers, Humanity First, churches and synagogues. We’ve collected over 60,000 pints, enough to help save over 180,000 lives. This year, we plan to do the same while ensuring your utmost safety and adhering to all COVID precautions.

We’re facing a severe shortage of blood donations and we’re asking for your help to bridge the gap.

Join us at Baitul Aman “House of Peace” Mosque, 410 Main St., Meriden, Oct. 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Give blood in a House of God for the sake of others. Be a life-giver in a time when so many are being lost.

Zahir Muhammad Mannan,

Middletown; chaplain, CT and Meriden police; director of outreach, Baitul Aman Mosque