Eid-ul Fitr Message from the Chairman of the Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaats of Africa, Alhaj Anwarali R. Dharamsi
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the most Merciful
As-Salaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuhu!
We thank Allah (swt) for His mercy and grace bestowed upon us to go through the holy month of Ramadhan in good health and with elevated spirits and tawfeeqat.
The celebration of Eid ul-Fitr culminates a month of fasting wherein the faithful have spent their time praying and beseeching Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala for forgiveness and mercy. For many, the most glorious month of Ramadhan was not just an abstention from food and drink. Rather, it was an exercise of patience and discipline a period of sober reflection and perseverance as all Muslims committed themselves to Allah’s injunction to fast, pray, show love & care and carry out acts of charity and benevolence.
We must remind each other on this festive occasion to remember those less fortunate, including those impacted by poverty, hunger, conflict, and disease.
On this happy occasion of Eid it is painful that I have to alert the community on the economic situation which has developed globally with no end in sight for improvement but on the contrary the predictions are that the situation will keep worsening.
As the African countries are also affected in the ripple effects of the downturn of the global economy and recession, like so, East Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands are no exception. Our community will not remain immune in this despairing and adverse situation.
It is feared that the next three years are going to be difficult and challenging.
The community is therefore collectively advised to resiliently remain acquainted with the economic situation in East Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands with the ongoing situation and make a strong determination, while placing faith in Allah (SWT), to adapt its style of living in a frame of such economy and precautions as would please Allah (SWT).
In this context of alert, Jamaats are advised to exhort the community to sharpen its spirit of magnanimity and charity for the poor as they are the ones who are already badly affected but it is feared the poverty may widen and deepen.
Apart from what has been said, the best tool to weather out the situation is Dua’a to Allah (SWT) with the wasilah of Ahlul Bayt (AS).
In contrast I have happy news to give on the matter of a greater unity within the Africa Federation. After almost six years of absence from Africa Federation, THE CONSEIL RÉGIONAL DES KHOJAS SHIA ITHNA-ASHERI JAMATES DE L’OCÉAN INDIEN (the Regional Council of Madagascar) is back with us as was the case before. This is a pleasant and momentous occasion for all of us to rejoice. We all thank Allah (SWT) and the Imam of our time, Al Mahdi (ATFS) for the achievement in strengthening the unity and brotherhood.
I would like to thank the leadership of the Regional Council of Madagascar for their determination and cooperation in this respect.
I cannot fail to record a note of appreciation on behalf of the Africa Federation for a role played by the President of the World Federation, Alhaj Dr. Asghar Moledina in bringing about the atmosphere conducive to the achievement of this mission.
On behalf of the Africa Federation Office Bearers, Trustees and Councilors, and on my own behalf, I send our warmest greetings to you and to your families on this auspicious day of Eid.
I request you to remember in your dua’as and pray for the safety, security and wellbeing of our brothers and sisters who are engulfed in the conflicts zones and hostilities in various parts of the world, and, particularly in Bahrain, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, Palestine, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Kashmir.
In closing I request you to remember all our marhumeens, especially those who were with us last Eid, and are no longer with us today with Sura-e-Fateha.
Anwarali R. Dharamsi
1st Shawwal 1432 AH