The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at on Thursday issued a statement saying they have learnt with ‘great sense of sadness’ the fire incident that took place in Basse on Monday.
The busy Basse market was brought to its knees late Monday after a huge fire broke out there. Everything got destroyed by the fire.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at said in a statement signed by Amir Baba F Trawally: “It is with a great sense of sadness and grief that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at learnt of the fire incident that took place in Basse on Monday 24th February 2020 consuming the market in that community. Reports have it that millions of dalasis worth of goods and properties were destroyed completely.
“This is not a misfortune only of Basse and the Upper River Region; rather, it is a great loss to the entire nation. The whole country is grieved due to this mishap.
“According to the Holy Qur’an these types of incidents happen from time to time as a trial for the people from Allah, the Sublime. As it is said: And We will surely try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and fruits; but give glad tidings to the steadfast (2.156).
“Surely, the fire incident in Basse is one such trial for the people not only of Basse and the Upper River Region but for the whole Gambia as a nation.
“However, as the verse continues, give glad tidings to the steadfast. This means that if we are steadfast and work hard and put our trust in Allah Almighty, He will substitute it for us with something better.
“We join the people of Basse and the Upper River Region, and indeed the whole Gambia to mourn this colossal loss and pray that Allah Almighty, may replace all the loss for the people who have lost their properties.
“Through the Office of the Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, the Gambia, instructions are issued in all our mosques throughout the country to pray fervently for the people who have been affected and their families by this unfortunate incident.
“May Allah Almighty out of His Grace and Mercy, grant the people who have lost their properties the ability to be steadfast as Allah Almighty has promised great reward for those who are steadfast. May Allah Almighty, the Sublime, bless the Gambia with peace and stability and may He uplift the condition of the people of the land. May He be our helper, guide, provider and protector. Ameen.”
