Ref: PR/AF/009/2013
Eid Message from Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi, Chairman of the Federation of KSI Jamaats of Africa.
I shall begin this message with a Talbiya of Hajj – A Recital of Tawheed
“Here I am, O Allah (in response to Your call), here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise, grace and all sovereignty are Yours, You have no partner”
The Spirit, Aim and Message of Hajj:
All praise is due to Allah, to Whom belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth.
And those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah) and do righteous good deeds, they are dwellers of Paradise, they will dwell therein forever (The Holy Qur’an, Al Baqara -2:82)
Of all the rites of Islam, the Hajj is the greatest in manifestation of unity, sacrifice and the most vivid manifestation of belief in Tawheed and complete devotion towards Him. The pilgrimage therefore represents the essence and spirit of Islam.
Hajj is also the symbol of unity and universality, it is the most evident and effective lesson of quality and brotherhood to mankind, self-sacrifice and it is the pillar of unity in one belief and faith in One God.
Hajj eradicates inequality in mankind (no discrimination on the basis of colour, race, caste, wealth or might), regionalism or nationalism. Hajj ushers inner feeling of humbleness and prepares the mind for death, and most importantly – strengthens the faith of a true believer in Allah (SWT), in His mercy, blessings and grace.
Imam Ali (peace be upon him) says: “Allah has made obligatory upon you…the pilgrimage, for it consolidates the faith.” (Nahj al-Balagha)
The Hajj: Foundation of Unity
The problems of misunderstanding and conflicts amongst the nations currently surrounding many Muslim nations is an unfortunate disregard from the divine message of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) in his last sermon he delivered on 9th Dhul Hijjah 10 AH – 1424 years ago in the Uranah valley of Mount Arafat, he said:
“O people, surely your Lord is One, the father of all of you is one, you all come from Adam and Adam from the earth. (Surely the most honourable of you with Allah is the one among you most careful of his duty) an Arab has no superiority over non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab except for piety (Taqwa).”
Once again this year, over two million pilgrims will be performing Hajj, the journey of the purification of the soul and continued spiritual life in divine light to become better practicing Muslims, Insha’allah.
Hajj is a wonderful opportunity for the Muslims to change and begin a new life style of uplifting spiritual well-being and be conscious of one’s responsibilities towards Allah (SWT) and towards their fellow human beings; many who are in need of support, attention and care.
Let us pray for all the pilgrims for successful completion of Aamal-e-Hajj and the Ziyarat of the Holy Prophet of Islam, his progeny and the faithful followers of Ahlul Bayt (AS) in the holy cities of Makah and Madinah. Let us pray for the pilgrim’s safety and safe journey to their homes.
May Allah (SWT) grant us all the opportunity to perform this holy and divine – a lifetime obligatory act and place us among those who have truly submitted their will to Allah (SWT) and to invigorate the spirit of self-sacrifice and the spirit of charity in us.
I wish to convey Eid Mubarak to all the community members, and request each and every one to pray for peace and safety of all our Muslim brothers and sisters throughout the world.
SECRETARIAT