Blood drive planned

Twenty years ago, on Sept. 11, a tragedy shook our nation. Today, it still resonates in our hearts. Thousands of our siblings in humanity were lost to mindless terrorism.

As Ahmadi Muslims who believe in the return of the Messiah in Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, peace be on him, we condemned those cowardly attacks which had nothing to do with true Islam, the religion of peace. We were all impacted and moved to action. We lamented with and prayed for the victims and their families.

In the aftermath of the immense loss of lives and destruction, my Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, guided by the 5th Khalifa of Messiah Ahmad, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, launched our nationwide #MuslimsForLife Blood Drives to honor our lost compatriots. The Holy Qur’an enshrines the sanctity of every life, especially the innocent.

Through the 11 years of upholding this mission, we’ve held thousands of 9/11 commemorative blood drives annually across the nation in collaboration with American Red Cross, blood centers, Humanity First, churches and synagogues. We’ve collected over 61,000 pints, enough to help save over 183,000 lives. This year, with your help we want to do the same while ensuring your safety with COVID precautions.

There’s a severe shortage of blood needed to rescue lives so we’re asking for your help to fill the gap. Donating blood is healthy for you and only one pint of blood saves up to three lives. Even saving one life is akin to saving all of humanity in Islam and other Abrahamic faiths.

Join us at Baitul Aman “House of Peace” Mosque, 410 Main St., Meriden, on Saturday, Sept. 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Give blood in a House of God for the sake of humanity. Be a life-giver in a time when so many are being stripped away.

Zahir Muhammad Mannan Middletown

The writer is voluntary chaplain for the Connecticut State Police.