Imam Ali (A.S.) said: “O people! Verily this day of yours is the day when the righteous are awarded and the wretched are losers… O Servants of Allah! Verily the minimum reward for those men and women who fasted (during Ramadhan), is an Angel, who calls out to them on the last day of the month of Ramadhan (saying): “O Servants of Allah! Rejoice in the glad tidings that all your previous sins have been forgiven.”
May Allah’s (swt) blessings light up the path and lead us to peace, unity and open all the doors of success
Eid-ul Fitr Message from The Chairman of The Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaats of Africa
Alhaj Anwarali R. Dharamsi
Hijri 1433 (August 2012)
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 Barakaatuh!
We thank Allah (SWT) for His mercy and grace bestowed upon us to complete the holy month of Ramadhan in good health and with elevated spirits, spiritual nourishment and tawfeeqat.
I would like to extend to you and to your families greetings and my best wishes on this very special occasion of Eid.
We must remind each other on this festive occasion to remember those less fortunate, including those impacted by poverty, hunger, conflict, disease, injustices and human rights abuses wherever they are in this world.
This year again, the Federation of KSI Jamaats of Africa with the support of its parent body, the World Federation of KSI Muslim Communities has distributed funds as the Ramadhan Relief (Rahat Fund) to our Jamaats and Institutions. The purpose for these joint initiatives is primarily to support and assist those families in our community and in the local Shia community who are in need of assistance to enable them like every one of us to fast and carry out the Ibadaat during the holy month of Ramadhan in relative comfort and ease of mind.
To this end, I would like to thank each and every one of you, for the support and for your financial contributions towards the Ramadhan Relief Fund – 1433.
I wish to record my sincere thanks to all those who have overwhelmingly supported and contributed towards the Africa Federation Solidarity Day Fund for this year also. The Solidarity Day is a unique annual event of great significance to all of us; firstly it is dedicated to 15th of Shab’an, the birthday occasion of our living Imam, Al Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) and secondly, it provides opportunity to each and every member of our community on this divine occasion to gain spirituality and increase in sustenance and life span through Charity by contributing One Day’s income, thus helping the needy and the deserving members of our community.
There was a good collection for the Solidarity Day Fund this time as compared to past years.
May Allah (SWT) reward you for your kindness and grant you all success and honor in this life and Hereafter.
Once again I have to alert the community on the global economic crisis. The downturn of the global economy and the ongoing recession has ripple effects on the African countries; East Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands are no exception. There are clear indications that the adverse situation and ramifications caused by these factors shall impact each and every one of us in one way or the other.
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.
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 thrift and prudence as would please Allah (SWT).
On this happy occasion of Eid it is painful to see the brutal effects of conflicts and aggression in some MUSLIM countries posing enormous challenge to the peace and security in the world we live in. The worsening political situation and the escalating conflicts are causing untold human sufferings, destruction of properties, frustrations of livelihood of the people and displacement of families.
I go through a sense of deep anguish and grief for the loss of innocent lives in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Burma, Pakistan, Palestine, Yemen and in other countries. Let us all pray to Allah (SWT) for the safety, security and peace of all our Muslim brothers and sisters.
We have initiated, jointly with the World Federation, Syria Relief Fund for our brothers and sisters of the community in Syria who are caught up in the ongoing conflict in Syria. The situation appears to be worsening while the conflict continues. I request you to donate generously towards this Fund.
We are continuing with the tradition of the Jamaats hoisting ceremoniously the Federation Flag soon after the Eid prayers, as a symbol of Unity and Commitment. This short ceremony imparts a message to our youth also to uphold unity with commitment in their respective Jamaats.
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).
I wish to acknowledge and express on behalf of the Africa Federation our sincere gratitude to the World Federation, the Regional Federations of NASIMCO, COEJ and Pakistan, the Conseil Regional of Madagascar and to all our Member Jamaats in Africa for their cooperation and support. We shall continue to strengthen and develop further these relationships, collaboration and cooperation for the benefit of our Member Jamaats and for our community worldwide.
On behalf of the Africa Federation Office Bearers, Trustees and Councilors, and on my own behalf, I send warmest greetings to you and to your families on this auspicious day of Eid.
In closing I request you to remember with Sura-e-Fateha all our marhumeens, especially those who were with us last Eid, and are no longer with us today.
Anwarali R. Dharamsi
1st Shawwal 1433 AH