Message from the Chairman of the Africa Federation, Alhaj Anwarali R. Dharamsi – Welcoming the Holy Month of Ramadhan
In the Name of Allah; the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
“The month of Ramadhan is that in which the Qur’an was revealed, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs of the guidance and the distinction; therefore whoever of you is present in the month, he shall fast therein, and whoever is sick or upon a journey, then (he shall fast) a (like) number of other days; Allah desires ease for you, and He does not desire for you difficulty, and (He desires) that you should complete the number and that you should exalt the greatness of Allah for His having guided you and that you may give thanks.” (Surah al Baqarah-2:185)
My dear community members,
Salaamun Alaikum,
The holy month of Ramadhan – the most desired guest for the believers is just round the corner. Let us therefore welcome this special guest with glorification, praise and thanks of Allah (swt) and once again in this year too we should seek purification of our souls by fulfilling the obligations due in this month. In the sight of Allah (swt), this month is the best month, its days are the best days, its nights are the best nights and its hours are the best hours.
The purpose of fasting is manifold. Allah (swt) mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, that fasting is prescribed for the believers as it was prescribed for the people before them, so that they may acquire self control and God-consciousness (Taqwa).
Fasting also plays an important role in making us more conscious of the plight and hunger of the poor and even more, in this year, the plight and pain of those in large numbers, who have been displaced, with children, from the comfort and convenience of their homes by the sectarian hostilities attendant with violence in Syria and Iraq with uncertainties for the future.
We are also aware of the needs of the poor amidst us and their numbers keep growing and their needs getting greater. Our obligations for the month of Ramadhan include helping the needy even more so that they too on their part can perform fasting and other devotional deeds with lesser pain in this month.
I therefore appeal to you all to give more in Charity (Zakaat, Sadka etc.) in this month as this significantly has greater and multiple rewards from Allah (swt) than in ordinary days. Let me quote a verse from the Holy Qur’an:
Those who spend their wealth [in Allah’s way] by night and by day, secretly and publicly – they will have their reward with their Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve. (Surah al-Baqarah 2:274)
I also wish to advise the Jamaat leaders and members of our community to use this golden opportunity of the holy month of Ramadhan to remove barriers, if any, and develop closer inter-faith relationships with other communities in our regions, and build bridges through get-together, social (Iftaar) functions and communal meetings with our Muslim brothers and other communities of different faiths and cultures.
May this Ramadhan bring to us peace, harmony and prosperity, brighten our minds that we may reflect deeply for seeking God-Consciousness and make this world a better place for everyone to live together in peace and social harmony – Ameen.
Let us remember all our past leaders of the World Federation, Regional Federations, Constituent Jamaats and all Marhumeens with Sura-e-Fateha.
With Salaams and Duas,
Anwarali R. Dharamsi
CHAIRMAN