“ To each is a goal to which Allah turns him, then strive together as in a race towards all that is good. Wheresoever ye are Allah will bring you together, for Allah hath power over all things. “ Sura 2:148
(Holy Quran. A. Yusuf Ali translation)
The Committee to Enhance the Role of Women in Society ( CERWIS) of Masjid As Salaam has been blessed to continued its community outreach efforts for the past year. This In keeping with the vision of being a model community and part of that vision is service.
Community Service Toiletry Bags
Providing essential toiletry bags for incarcerated women, offering a sense of dignity and hygiene.
Our services aim to make a positive impact on the community by addressing essential needs.
- Empowering women with essential items
- Promoting dignity and hygiene
- Supporting incarcerated women
Summer Youth Bags
Empowering the youth with summer bags filled with educational and fun items to enrich their lives.
We are committed to empowering individuals and families in need through our various outreach programs.
- Enriching youth with educational items
- Creating fun-filled summer experiences
- Empowering the next generation
Free Clothing and Household Items Giveaway
Supporting families in need by giving away free clothing and household items to help meet their basic needs.
Join us in making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate by supporting our community initiatives.
- Providing free clothing and household items
- Supporting families in need
- Meeting basic essentials for the community
Our committee
Our committee over the years has been active on the local, state, regional, national and international level. This has been demonstrated through support of the breast cancer awareness walk, coat , sock and blanket drives, donation of toiletries to Sister Care and the women’s prisons (Greenwood and Broad River Road), feeding of homeless, annual community feedings serving hundreds of meals, gift cards to high school students, donation of crochet hats for seniors in nursing homes, fruit donations to seniors and for neighborhood distribution, monetary support of vitamin project spearheaded by Bro Rabanni for children in Ethiopia, donation of snack baskets for Fairfield County EMS, donations of food items for seniors in the Ridgewood Community and monetary donations to several organizations.
Our history
Brief History of CERWIS
During the early years of the Nation of Islam, the women’s group was called Muslim Girl Training (MGT) and General Civilization Class (GCC). The sisters were taught how to be a wife, mother, sister, friend, leader etc. In 1975, the Honorable Elijah Muhammad passed and the mantle of leadership fell to his son, Imam W.Deen Muhammed (then Supreme Minister), who began a series of changes to bring the community into true Islam. The MGT and GCC was changed to the Muslim Women ‘s Development Class. As the transition shifted into high gear this name ceased to be used. However, many of the sisters who were adults and young adults at the time survived the transition and developed into beautiful, honorable and respected women.
In the mid-80’s Imam W.D. Muhammad formed a committee to speak to the concerns of women in our association. He chose the name CERWIS (Committee to Enhance the Role of Women in Society). The formation of CERWIS was designed to promote unity, togetherness, cooperation and a strong sisterhood among the sisters in the masjid, which would enable us to connect with other entities to form strong working relationships for better community life. In addition, CERWIS was designed to function within the committee structure of the masjid as an integral organ that helps the body to function. The primary function is in the name. We have the pattern so let us continue to follow the guidance of Allah to develop into servants who serve in every way that we can.
CERWIS follows the teachings set forth in the Holy Qur’an, sunnah of Prophet Muhamad (Peace and blessings be upon Him), and the commentary of Imam W.D. Muhammad. The committee gets involved in the outer community as a visible presence thus educating the public about Al Islam and the role of the Muslim women in society.
“The summer youth bags provided by CERWIS have brought so much joy and learning to the children in our community. Thank you for your dedication and generosity.”