Creative Communication Center

𝑩𝒚 𝑺𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝑵𝒋𝒊𝒆 Sol Slim Njie

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁.𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝟒𝟓.

In a land vibrant with culture and history, the whispers of the ocean carried tales of a society where respect found its roots firmly planted in the soil of wealth. The Gambia was once known as a community celebrated for its high moral standards, humanitarian virtues, and religious and cultural prowess. Wealth existed but hadn't taken center stage; most people led modest lives rich with profound dignity, or "ngorr," hard work, or "jomm," and deep consideration for longstanding relationships, or "orrma." Unlike the past, the present society has transformed into a materialistic one, where the rich are seen as virtuous, and the poor, mistakenly, as worthless.

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩

In this community, the rich spoke with voices that echoed authority, their words rarely questioned. They basked in the warmth of admiration, their status a shield against the doubts and scrutiny others faced. Those with less, no matter their wisdom or kindness, found their voices often drowned out. Their truths were questioned, their worth overlooked.

Even in death, this disparity prevailed. At the funerals of the wealthy, an air of solemn attentiveness pervaded. Mourners gathered patiently, offering profuse prayers and paying their final respects with deep reverence. Religious leaders led the congregation in repeated blessings, meticulously guiding the community through prayers like "Fatiha" and "11 Ikhlas."

Yet, this marked not the end, but the beginning of respect for the wealthy. Following the attentive prayers and burial, there was a rush to the family home. Influential leaders across the sphere gathered in unity, their presence a testament to the deceased's standing. This gathering was characterized by repeated praises of good deeds and acts of kindness, echoing the societal norms that revered wealth.

In stark contrast, the passing of the poor mirrored a different narrative. Their prayers were rushed, and the burial hurriedly carried out with little regard for dignity. Once these modest ceremonies concluded, it was often seen as the end of obligation. Few felt the need to visit the family's home to extend condolences, often citing the busy nature of life as a reason to forgo this simple compassion.

Ironically, on the day of a poor person's passing, family members who had been unable to support their needs in life might suddenly step forward with thousands of dalasis to finance the funeral. Money that could have been used for vital medication was instead reserved for posthumous rituals, including seven-day and forty-day remembrances. As crucial as these prayers were, they became a luxury beyond the means of the deceased, highlighting an unsettling disparity in values.

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙤 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣

Marriage, a sacred union, was yet another mirror reflecting society's values. A wealthy suitor needed only wealth to open doors wide, their riches the sole testament to their worth. But for those without wealth, every detail of their character, ambitions, and family ties was examined under a microscope. Their journey to love was fraught with challenges that wealth alone could nullify.


𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙚 𝙑𝙖𝙡𝙪𝙚

Yet, beneath this exterior, there was a quiet understanding brewing within the hearts of the people. A realization dawned that true value goes beyond material wealth. Character, kindness, and the impact one has on others began to emerge as measures of a person’s legacy.

𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙇𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙨:

1. 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙚 𝙒𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝 𝙇𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧: Real wealth is measured by the depth of one’s heart, kindness, and the legacy they leave behind. Material wealth is fleeting, but a person’s character endures in the hearts they touch.

2. 𝙀𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩: In death and life, the true measure of respect should transcend wealth, focusing instead on honoring the virtues and contributions of each individual, regardless of their financial standing.

3. 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙊𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: Genuine compassion and support for others should not be tied to societal obligations or appearances but should stem from a heartfelt desire to uplift and console those in need.

4. 𝙎𝙝𝙞𝙛𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙑𝙖𝙡𝙪𝙚𝙨: Societies thrive when they value wisdom, integrity, and community solidarity alongside material success, fostering an environment where every individual is honored for their true worth.

These reflections remind us how meaningful transformations can occur when communities align their values more closely with compassion and integrity. It’s a beautiful call to action for a more empathetic and balanced society.

𝑩𝒚: 𝑺𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝑵𝒋𝒊𝒆 Sol Slim Njie

𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏. (2:226) 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑸𝒖𝒓'𝒂𝒏, 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝒐𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏,'𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏' 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒉𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒛𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒅𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔, 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔, 𝒗𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒔._ 𝑹𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒂𝒏 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚:5

𝗜𝗦𝗟𝗔𝗠 - 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗘 𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗥 𝗢𝗙 𝗪𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡

In the luminescent wisdom of the late Aja Mai Savage, her sermons resonated deeply, enlightening countless hearts about the profound dignity Islam bestows upon women. The late Aja Mai, known for her eloquence and passion for Islamic teachings, often spoke of how Islam, more than any other system, truly liberated women, conferring upon them respect, rights, and roles that celebrate their inherent worth and capabilities. Through her imminent institution of Aja Maimuna Yadalieu Savage Quranic Centre, She managed to teach hundreds of Gambians.

“Dear brothers and sisters in Islam,” she began in her gentle yet commanding voice, “let us explore how Islam, which came over fourteen centuries ago, is the true emancipator of women. In the holy Qur’an, entire chapters are revealed in honor of women( An Nisâ' Surah 17:35-37 ), highlighting their indispensable roles and divine gifts. Another chapter is dedicated to Maryam(19:68-72), the mother of Prophet Essa (May Peace be upon him), underscoring the respect and veneration for women who play pivotal roles in history and in our faith.

Before the advent of Islam, the desolate practice of burying female children alive was tragically common, driven by fears of poverty and societal burdens. However, Islam changed this narrative. It firmly ended such injustices, instituted by those ignorant times, by affirming the value and dignity of every human soul. The Qur'an, with its over a hundred verses dedicated directly to women, laid down the framework that all, regardless of gender, are entitled to respect, freedom, and the chance to thrive.

These divine injunctions resonate through the ages, fortifying the rights women deserve. Political rights, allowing women to voice their opinions and participate actively in governance, were affirmed through the message of the Qur'an. Financial independence, another pillar of dignity, was secured by granting women the right to own, earn, and manage wealth, ensuring their autonomy and strength in society.

Moreover, dear ones,” Aja Mai continued with fervor, “education stands as a beacon of Islamic enlightenment for both men and women. It is a right and responsibility that elevates society and nurtures pious, knowledgeable believers who will lead with wisdom and compassion. Our daughters and sisters are empowered to be the bedrocks of future generations, educators, leaders, and caretakers in every spectrum of life.

Each of us, in our journey, witnesses this beautiful tapestry woven by Islam—a tapestry where the roles of women are hailed not only as mothers, daughters, and wives but as educators, thinkers, and influential makers of change. Thus, Islam transcends mere equality in opportunity—it enriches life through a profound understanding of dignity, responsibility, and balance.”

Islam created a beautiful pattern of life where women are cherished not just as mothers, daughters, and wives but as educators and thinkers who make a difference. Islam gives not only equal opportunities but a profound respect for everyone’s role.

Through her revered sermons, Aja Mai Savage illuminated the essence of Islamic teachings that elevate women. Her spirit and conviction continue to inspire, affirming that Islam has always been, and remains, a liberating force that honors and values every woman’s contribution to family, community, and faith. Her legacy is a beacon, guiding us toward the harmonious unity and respect that Islam so wisely enshrines.

𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀:

1. 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 : Islam teaches us that every life is precious and should be treated with respect, stopping harmful practices and lifting people out of fear and ignorance.

2. 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 : By granting women the ability to participate in society and be financially independent, Islam empowers them to live fulfilling and balanced lives.

3.𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗹𝗹: Education is vital for both men and women, helping to build a learned and compassionate society where everyone contributes.The late Aja Mai is a true manifestation of the value of women who are educated.

4. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘀 : Recognizing the different roles people play, Islam fosters a society where the contributions of both men and women are valued and necessary.

Through these teachings, the late Aja Mai Savage (May God's Mercy be Upon her) reminded us how Islam has always been, and continues to be, a powerful force for dignity and respect for all women, highlighting a shared journey towards a just and caring society.