A.M.M.Muzammil
COLOMBO :
The Humanitarian Relief Foundation (HRF), in collaboration with the FAJR Council and the Kolonnawa Divisional Mosque Federation (KDMF), successfully inaugurated the Road to the Heaven initiative on Sunday, 18 January , at the iconic Tower Hall.
The ceremony drew a packed-to-capacity audience, underscoring strong community engagement and a shared commitment to spiritual renewal and social upliftment.
The inauguration ceremony commenced with the customary recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Mr. Waqar Hafeez, General Secretary of the FAJR Council, followed by the welcome address delivered by Mr. N. M. M. Nisthar, Vice President of the Humanitarian Relief Foundation (HRF).
The Road to the Heaven initiative is anchored on three fundamental objectives: to honour hearts devoted to carrying the Word of Allah, the Holy Qur’an; to reconnect hearts that have drifted away from its divine guidance; and to cultivate responsible citizens of Sri Lanka who serve their communities and the nation with integrity, compassion, and purpose.
Addressing the gathering, HRF President Mr. M. J. Feroze, FAJR Council President Mr.Nabeel Hamza, and HRF Secretary Mr.Mohamed Yousuf articulated the vision, scope, and strategic implementation of the programme, highlighting its anticipated long-term spiritual and societal impact.
In today’s intensely materialistic world, humanity is increasingly entangled in distractions and destructive addictions. The unchecked pursuit of worldly pleasures, excessive reliance on social media, and the spread of substance abuse have eroded inner peace and spiritual direction, often leading to anxiety, depression, and, in extreme cases, suicidal tendencies. Islam regards this crisis not merely as an individual concern, but as a manifestation of collective moral and spiritual neglect.
From an Islamic perspective, human life is a sacred trust (amanah) bestowed by Allah, and its preservation ranks among the highest obligations. When remembrance of Allah (dhikr) diminishes, hearts become vulnerable to despair. As the Qur’an affirms, “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest” (Surah Ar-Ra‘d 13:28). Spiritual disconnection, therefore, lies at the core of many contemporary afflictions.
Islam also emphasizes collective responsibility (fard kifayah). A society cannot remain indifferent when its members suffer in silence; rather, it is enjoined to promote righteousness and prevent wrongdoing. Guiding individuals toward moral discipline, emotional balance, and spiritual well-being is a shared societal duty.
In this context, the collaborative efforts of HRF, the FAJR Council, and KDMF exemplify the Islamic principle of cooperation upon righteousness and piety. Through awareness-building and faith-based guidance, they seek to redirect hearts away from destructive paths and toward the Road to Heaven—a life rooted in faith, compassion, responsibility, and hope.
Further strengthening this initiative, HRF and its partners are meticulously planning a mega one-day programme on Sunday, 8 February 2026, at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium. The event will feature two eminent international scholars—Dr. Ali Abdul Qader bin Ali Sait from Saudi Arabia and Sheikh Hamza Wardak from Canada—alongside Sheikh Agha Mohammad, Rector of Jamiah Naleemiyah, and Sheikh Noor Amith, Secretary of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU).
Bringing the ceremony to a close, HRF Treasurer Mr. M.T.M. Mihan offered a heartfelt vote of thanks, recognizing and appreciating the collective efforts of all stakeholders.
