Global Impact Day: Gardening to Make a Difference

by Noor H. Salem

Global Impact Day is a worldwide event held by Al-Maghrib Institute, in which more than 25 cities participate. The mission is to put knowledge into action, and through different means give back to the community.

The theme this year focused on the environment, but the creativity that emerged under the umbrella of this theme was impressive from one city to another. Some cities focused on educating others in their social circle on the need to recycle and soil composition, while one decided to take a nature walk on a hiking trail and clean it up.

Other qabeelahs did “adopt-a-road,” while one decided to do a masjid clean-up initiative. The local chapter of Al-Maghrib, Qabeelah Ittihaad-Michigan, visited Huda Urban Garden to clean it up and plant vegetation there as well.

Children as young as 12 came out to help and enjoyed watering the plants while others removed weeds. Numerous seeds of vegetables and herbs were planted, and the hot scorching sun did not stop these hardworking volunteers from giving back to the needy.

Huda Urban Garden is a clinic in Detroit that provides its clients with free food to improve their health condition, naturally. Undoubtedly, the effort the volunteers put in on Global Impact Day will make an impact in the life of many others they will perhaps never come to meet.

“Although we are only planting the seeds, it’s such a rewarding feeling giving back to our community,” one volunteer said.

Qabeelah Ittihaad Michigan, Al-Maghrib’s chapter of Southeast Michigan, was founded back in 2005. Respect, integrity, manners, optimism, and helpfulness are all qualities of the many Qabeelah Ittihaad volunteers.

As of today, the Qabeelah has hosted more than 72 seminars and one-day seminars. Their mission is to help their communities by providing them with opportunities to seek Islamic knowledge in a fun, engaging, and extraordinary way.

It’s more than just sitting in a classroom and taking notes- bonds are built, memories are made, and seeds of friendship are planted.

They’ve had more than four students complete the Al-Maghrib degree audit to its entirety, two of which are now Al-Maghrib instructors themselves. The Qabeelah hosts seminars on various topics, covering Qur’anic Tafseer, pillars of faith, beautiful patience, Fiqh of marriage, modesty and clothing, ethics and manners in Islam, history, and many more heart-warming courses.

Other than hosting seminars several times a year, Qabeelah Ittihaad’s volunteers get together to put their knowledge into action: they give back to their community. Of the many projects conducted, they’ve made almost 300 personal hygiene packages, brought hot food to a homeless shelter, helped pack clothing for the needy, and much more.

This year’s theme of the environment led them into the beautiful neighboring garden of Huda Urban Garden. They work as a team, strive as a team, and experience the incredible fruit of their efforts as a team.

Across the globe for the duration of the entire global impact day, the earth became a more beautiful place. More people were educated about importance of recycling, energy saving mechanisms, and healthy eating habits. While it was just one day of cleaning up and planting, the results of the seeds that were planted are yet to bloom.

For more information about Qabeelah Ittihaad, and their involvement in the community, visit: Qimichigan.org or almaghrib.org/Michigan