General Assembly of ASJA today

The post of President General of the Anjuman Sunnat-ul-Jamaat Association will be contested today in San Fernando, as Haji Yacoob Ali and 14 members of his team will vie to retain control of the administrative executive of ASJA. Elections for the 15 posts come up every three years. The highlight of the meeting today will be the report of the president general, who will outline projections and visions of the executive for the ensuing term of office. Reports of the secretary and financial reports will also be presented.

Haji Ali in an interview with Sunday Newsday said that the vision of ASJA is to empower the Imams who are affiliated with ASJA and give them the support to enable them to function meaningfully and to bring the message of spirituality, faith in God and the teaching of the brotherhood of man to members of the community. Ali said that ASJA’s role in the fight against crime is to preach to the following the basic tenets of the faith, which prohibits and does not allow members of society to do harm to another. He explained that ASJA does not support any type of violence, especially in cases where bombs are placed in buildings and cars which result in the loss of lives. He feels that all religions in Trinidad and Tobago have a role to play in assisting the authorities in the fight against crime and kidnappings.

He noted that Hindus and Muslims in Trinidad and Tobago live closely together, and added that we are fortunate that we have grown up accepting each other. ASJA is also working towards the involvement of women in the decision making of any ASJA projects. “My wish is that dialogue exists with sisters to have greater involvement in matters pertaining to society,” said Ali. He added that ASJA is fully aware that many of the rural mosques need to be upgraded and improved and this will be carried out shortly.