A veteran Gambian woman Islamic scholar, who dedicates her life to the teaching and preaching of the Holy Quran has launched a new CD entitled “Recitation and Translation of the Holy Q’uran” at a ceremony held on Sunday at the Paradise Suites Hotel in Kololi.

Haja Maimuna Yadalieu Savage,who is the executive director of her Islamic Cultural Center for Women and Children (ICCWC), is co-assisted in the production of the CD by her deputy, Haja Aisha Tafsir Gaye. In the CD, they recite the Holy Q’uran and translate it in English for the benefit of the Muslim Ummah.

The launching brought together religious leaders, government officials, Islamic associations, and a cross-section of the Gambia’s Muslim community. “I have been thinking of what to leave for Muslims in this world because I am not going to live here forever; when I die, I cannot talk. So at least while I am alive, it is my duty to start making some compilation and translation of the Holy Q’uran in English. We are not in an Arabic country, and you cannot fear Allah when you don’t know Allah’s words,” Maimuna Savage underscored, as she took the podium to address the gathering.

The veteran preacher said as scholars, it is their duty to make people know the Q’uran so that they can obey, fear and practice the teaching of the Holy Q’uran. This, she explained, formed part of the reasons they decided to launch this CD in the month of Ramadan, since the Holy scripture itself was revealed in this month some 1,400 years ago. “The CD is available at the (ICCWC) office in Kanifing, at a cost of D100. I advise all Gambians to buy the CD and listen to the words of Allah, which will pay and benefit Muslims in the hereafter,” she enjoined.

While asserting that finance has been their challenge, Savage commended President Jammeh for his continuous support to the promotion of Islam.

Also speaking at the occasion, a board member of the ICCWC, Alhaji Baba Drammeh, also a member of the Supreme Islamic (SIC) Council, hailed Savage for this achievement of bringing the Holy Q’uran to the doorstep of Muslims. “She has done a lot for women, the country, and the religion at large. The SIC joins the Muslim Ummah to praise Savage for the tireless effort she has rendered to all Muslims,” he said.

Underscoring that Maimuna Savage has gone beyond the level of women and defeated many men in the preaching of Allah’s words, Drammeh applauded the record she made in the promotion of Islamic culture, teachings and the development of the Holy Q’uran. He tasked all Gambians to support Savage in all ways, in the quest of further developing Islam.

Speaking earlier, Dr. Abubacarr Senghore of the University of the Gambia, also dilated on the importance of the launching, and thanked Savage for the achievement.