Last year, unprecedented monsoon rains caused major flooding across Pakistan, with flood waters covering roughly one-fifth of the country’s land area. 2.2 million hectares of crops were destroyed and 12 million homes were damaged or destroyed. That’s why Human Appeal – one of the fastest growing charities in the UK – stepped in. With a presence in 25 countries, spanning Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East, Human Appeal is there to help in times of crisis and to deliver sustainable development programmes in the world’s poorest nations.
Now Pakistani music icon Junaid Jamshed has stepped in to help Human Appeal raise money for its work in Pakistan. Supported by Fatih Seferagic and Sheikh Noumani, he’s starring in the entertainment running at a series of charity dinners which will focus on helping Muslims prepare for Ramadan.
Junaid Jamshed is one of the biggest celebrities in Pakistan. Jamshed gained international recognition as the vocalist in the rock band Vital Signs, whose 1987 album Vital Signs 1 topped the music channel charts around the country and helped to develop Pakistan’s rock music industry. Since 2004, Jamshed has focused on spirituality and singing faith-inspired songs. His debut nasheed (faith inspired) album, Jalwa-e-Janan, was released in 2005, followed by Mehboob-e-Yazdaan in 2006, Badr-ud-Duja in 2008, and Badee-uz-Zaman in 2009. Jamshed also owns a clothing boutique named “J.” which has several outlets throughout Pakistan.
Fatih Seferagic is one of the most popular Quran reciters in the world – you may have heard his unique and beautifully soothing voice on YouTube. Fatih first started memorising the Quran at the age of nine at a full time Quran memorisation seminary program, which he completed at the age of 13. Fatih then studied Arabic in the Bayyinah Dream Program with Nouman Ali Khan in Dallas, Texas. He is now based in Indiana, where he runs his own Quran memorisation programme for children, and travels the world teaching the Quran.
Sheikh Sa’ad Noumani attained bachelors and masters degrees in Islamic studies from Jamia college Darul Uloom in Karachi, Pakistan. He has also acquired certifications from world renowned experts on recitation and is also known for his incredible ability to mimic famous reciters from around the world.
The tour will raise money to help Human Appeal rebuild lives in Pakistan. Funds will be used to provide safe housing and healthcare, and to deliver sustainable development programmes.
The remaining tour dates are as follows: 9 JUN – CHESHAM 10 JUN – WALSALL 12 JUN – BRADFORD 13 JUN – OLDHAM 14 JUN – PRESTON
•For more information, go to: www.humanappeal.org.uk