Video Ad for our Kilimanjaro Expedition

Why I want to help Gaza's Children - M.T.Khan

As-salamu-alaikum - Peace be Upon You

I reflect back to a month and a half ago - when I first heard about this Kilimanjaro Expedition to raise awareness and charity for children affected by war in Gaza, Palestine - and I think about what compelled me to ensure that I would be part of this noble international cause. At that time, I didn't care that I was no were near physically fit enough to embark on such a grueling expedition, nor did I think how I was going to raise the minimum fund-raising amount; all I knew was that before me lay an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of innocent children - kids that have been ravaged by the devastating effects of the Israeli war in Gaza. It was clear to me that I had to grab this opportunity with both hands. I sit here now wondering where all this passion to assist our children in Gaza had come from and it dawns on me that the answer I am looking for is actually closer to me than I think.

You know, our religion is so beautiful in that it teaches us from a young age to be compassionate and generous to those less fortunate than ourselves. I think of how my parents, my mother especially, had a big influence in inculcating these values into my sisters, brother and I. But the major influence that has recently ignited my passion and determination to help our children in Gaza is my father Fazleh Ahmed Khan. He is one of those lucky, privileged and heroic doctors who formed part of the medical team with Gift of the Givers that traveled to Gaza in early January 2009 - during what we all know was the height of the Israeli aggression against the people of Gaza. I remember standing at O R international airport in JHB watching that noble team of doctors leave for Palestine and I kept thinking to myself how much in awe and amazement I was, and how much of pride I had in my father for doing what he was doing. He was sacrificing so much! – he was sacrificing his time away from his family and time away from his practice. More importantly, he could have been sacrificing his life knowing that there were so many inherent dangers with going to Gaza at that time of the war - but he did this all because he wanted to make a difference in the lives of those suffering. Standing there, it struck me - I actually felt guilty knowing that I had so much to be grateful to Allah (S.W.A) for - for what He's given me and allowed me to achieve in my life and the fact that our lives were so much less challenging than any of the Palestinians.

I also began thinking how much younger I was than my father, and how much much more I should be doing in my youth for others. It was then and there that I made a promise to myself that insha'Allah when an opportunity to help my brothers and sisters in Palestine arises again I would make sure I seize it. And you know, Subhanallah, we underestimate the power of our own Duaas and intentions - it was not long after that I was on the internet and I just happened to stumble across this Kilimanjaro expedition organized by Muslim Hands. Needless to say, when I saw it I got so excited that I immediately informed my brother (Muhammad Ridwaan Khan) and friend Nadim Mahomed about it. They inturn were extremely eager to take up this challenge and noble cause.

Alhamdullilah, my initial excitement and determination has started to pay of and things are now falling into place. Here I am today with fiitness levels rapidly increasing (due to intense daily training!) and charity donations starting to come through generously - with help from the other expedition members and family ofcourse.

I remember a saying that goes like this: "If you don't stand for something in the world, then you stand for nothing in life". I would like to believe that in setting myself such a tremendous challenge in such a short time, and taking a stand to help our children in Gaza, that I wouldn't ever look back on my life and think that I didn't make a difference in this world.

Was-salam,
Muhammad Taher Khan

"To the Children & Future of Palestine"

Kilimanjaro Sponsorship Banner Campaign

As-salamu-alaikum - Peace be upon You

Alhamdulliah, our charity-drive is going well and feedback has been good from friends and family. It's amazing how people respond to a noble cause - especially when it deals with a topic so dear to us all - our children affected by the war in Gaza, Palestine.

My friend (and fellow Kilimanjaro expedition member) Nadim and I were brainstorming about ways in which we could get the broader public - businesses and companies, more involved in our fund-raising initiative. Another friend (the infamous "Ned") had previously suggested to me the concept of a sponsored banner to sell "banner-space" to people in return for sponsorship towards our cause.

After toying around with that concept, we've finally decided to initiate our Sponsorship Banner Campaign. The idea is to place the logos and names of businesses , companies or organizations that sponsor towards the Kilimanjaro Expedition onto a 1.5m x 0.90m vinyl colour banner (sufficiently sized to fit into a hiking back-pack). We aim to then carry the banner with us to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro insha'Allah, making sure we capture plenty of video footage and camera photos. The banner will look something like this:

There will be 42 sponsorship blocks available on the banner, each with a value of R1000. So if you are a business owner or are aware of any company or organization who would like to sponsor towards our cause, please contact us. I'm sure it would be a great feeling to know that your sponsorships towards a fund-raising drive made it possible for the team to make it to the top of the highest free-standing mountain in the world! We also aim to bring back and give to sponsors the photographs and videos of the banner at the summit of Kilimanjaro. Besides, the aim is also for all our photos and videos to be posted on YouTube, Facebook as well as on various print media such as the Muslim Hands feedback brochures, Islamic newspapers, etc.

Drop us an e-mail to get involved in our Kilimanjaro Sponsorship Banner Campaign: mtk007@gmail.com ; nadimm@gmail.com or phone us on +27 82 535 1201 or +27 82 221 2312.

Shukran, was-salam,

Muhammad Taher Khan

"To the Children & Future of Palestine"

About our Kilimanjaro Expedition

Welcome to our Blog!

As-salamu-alaikum – Peace be upon You

A journey to the top of Africa for a noble cause! - HELPING CHILD VICTIMS OF THE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN GAZA, 2009 & AWAKENING OUR CONSCIENCE AND HUMANITY TO THE PLIGHT OF SUFFERING CHILDREN IN IMPRISONED GAZA, PALESTINE

This blog follows the epic challenge taken up by 3 of us ordinary South Africans inspired by the noble cause of charity to attempt something extraordinary! We are 3 people representing South Africa and forming part of an international team on a 10-day trek to summit Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania insha'Allah (God-willing). The purpose of this year's expedition is to boldly raise awareness as well as money for children of war living in Gaza. The expedition takes place from 2 - 12 July 2009 and is organised by the charity organization Muslim Hands as part of their annual international "Green Ribbon Week" aimed at alleviating the suffering of innocent children the world over by providing food, medicines, educational supplies and trauma-counselling.

The perilous journey to summit Mount Kilimanjaro – the highest free-standing mountain in the world, is said to be both a physically and mentally demanding journey and a challenge of a lifetime. We are determined to conquer this momentous challenge to raise awareness and financial support for our children in Gaza ravaged by the destruction of their homeland, insha’Allah with your assistance. The 3 of us aspiring to fulfill this challenge are Muhammad Ridwaan Khan, Nadim Mahomed and myself Muhammad Taher Khan.

Our goal insha’Allah is to raise over R250 000 which will go directly to the destitute children of Gaza. Many of these children’s fathers , brothers and mothers have been martyred during the Israeli aggression and your donations in the form of any charity (Zakaat, Lillah or Sadaqah) will help us achieve this objective. Monies can be handed to us for which official receipts will be issued. Alternately, money can be deposited directly into the account of Muslim Hands South Africa:

Account Name: Muslim Hands
Bank: Standard Bank
Account Number: 071 621 881
Branch: Parow - 031110
Donor ID: 933393 (important)


NB: Please indicate in the reference the Donor ID (above) + type of donation (Zakaat/ Lillah/ Sadaqah) so that the money can be processed accordingly. Also, e-mail your payment confirmation to mtk007@gmail.com and zaid@muslimhands.co.za to receive official acknowledgement for your generosity.

We have taken the decision to personally co-sponsor a substantial part of our trip costs to reach the required amount of R19 000 for each of us. This will cover the air-fare, accommodation, mountain guides, equipment, food, etc. We humbly appeal to you to please help us meet these costs as well. Our targets have to be achieved before June 17th 2009 as this is a mandatory requirement to begin the expedition. Donations toward the actual trip costs can also be deposited using the banking details above. Please indicate ‘SPONSORSHIP’ as reference. Please note that no charity (Zakaat, Lillah, Sadaqah) donated will be used in any part to fund the trip costs.

We hope that by personally challenging ourselves physically and mentally to reach the top of Africa, we can motivate and inspire you to join us in this challenge to raise as much money as possible for Gaza's children of war insha'Allah. May the All-Mighty Allah (SWA) / God reward you for your generosity!

Sincerely yours,
Muhammad Taher Khan
- Kilimanjaro Expedition Member

"To the Children & Future of Palestine"