Muslims across the globe have been urged to prioritize spending more time with family and friends to promote mental well-being in society.
The Coordinator of the Nasrul-Lahi-I-Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) Swansea Group, Wales, United Kingdom, Alhaji Abdulfatai Omotunde, stated this yesterday, Monday, at the First NASFAT Swansea Group Sallah Get-Together Celebration Program held at the beach in Port Talbot, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom, with NASFAT members.
Alhaji Omotunde congratulated all NASFAT members and the Muslim Ummah globally on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan and for being among those celebrating the Eid-l-Fitr Sallah in good health.
“It is very important that we all create more time for relaxation and fun with our family and friends to prevent mental health challenges, particularly in this Western world, due to the system,” he said.
He noted, “We are in a country where culture, diversity, and the economic system are totally different from our home country, Nigeria. Back home, we are used to bonding with family, friends, and neighbors through social activities, but here in the UK, it is mostly work and home, which has created many barriers among families and friends, leading to mental health challenges.”
Omotunde explained, “One of the reasons we decided to organize this ‘get-together’ event for our members and other Muslim community members in Wales, UK, is to foster bonding, unity, love, happiness, and good health. As you can see, we all had fun, danced, played games with our children and friends, and enjoyed lots of food and drinks in the good spirit of Sallah celebration.”
He further emphasized that this get-together was the first gathering of Black NASFAT members in the UK in over two years, calling it a significant milestone.
He also congratulated all NASFAT Swansea Group members for successfully hosting the Iftar Program – Feeding the Faithful throughout Ramadan.
“Visiting each other at home during Ramadan created more unity among members, and everything was successful, Alhamdulillah. I wish everyone a happy Sallah celebration,” he added.
Some of the youths at the gathering shared their experiences.
Miss Sofiat Omotunde (18) described it as “an unforgettable experience and a beautiful bond of unity, love, and happiness among us as Black people in the United Kingdom.”
“I am very happy that, for the first time in over two years, I have had so much fun with my Muslim community and fellow Black people. It felt like a taste of home in Nigeria, which I have missed dearly. I appeal to the organizers to continue this unforgettable fun experience,” she said.
Miss Faizah Fashina (14) also expressed her excitement, saying, “Coming together with people who share the same culture, language, diversity, and compassion was a great development for me in the United Kingdom since I arrived here. It was a moment of joy and hope, and I am proud of the organizers for this initiative.”
Faizah added, “Since my parents started taking us to NASFAT Swansea Group Asalatul in Wales, I have made Black friends with the same ideology, unlike before when I only had white friends at school, whose culture and diversity are different from mine.”
“I feel fulfilled today, being part of the children and families gathered here to celebrate Sallah. Indeed, it is a monumental and joyful experience of a lifetime,” she said.
Master Furqan Amasa (12) shared his excitement: “I am very happy today because I had lots of fun, played different games, and ate various African foods. I wish the Sallah celebration program didn’t have to end, and I look forward to the next Big Sallah Celebration Program for another opportunity to have fun. Happy Sallah to all my friends and family!”
