Ref: PR/AF/034/2014
And proclaim the Hajj among mankind. They will come to thee on foot and (mounted) on every camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways. [Holy Quran, Al Hajj 22:27]
To this very day millions upon millions of Muslims continue to answer the call of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.). Insha’allah next year you shall be amongst those who answer the call.
Hajj – “A Unique Opportunity to Reflect, contemplate upon and purify Oneself
O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honourable of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you (who has At-Taqwa). And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). Holy Qurán, Al Hujurat, Chapter 49 Verse 13.
Hajj – A Spiritual Journey and A Foundation of Unity
“Allah has created His servants and instructed them how to obey Him through the performance of religious duties. He has made (Hajj) a gathering in which people from the East and the West participate and become acquainted with one another. Every’ single one of them benefits from the experiences of others who come from different places. Memories of the last Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.W.), and his life will never be forgotten.” – 6th Imam (A.S.)
Hajj is a great spiritual congregation, sublime acts of worship and an ideal demonstration of faith and social integration in which diverse groups of every race, class, and nationality join together at a given time and in a specific place. They repeatedly recite a single call, and proclaim the same slogan – “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik. Labbaik, La Shareek Laka, Labbaik. Innal Hamdah, Wan Nematah, Laka wal Mulk, La Shareek Laka”
During Hajj, one witnesses the most excellent example of spiritual transformation, humility, equality, submissiveness and forgiveness. This is accomplished by removing the outer difference and donning the dress of unity – “Ehram” which results in all feeling a sense of oneness among the human race, brotherhood and empathy.
Charity (Sadakah, Zakat) and Hukook remittance will help us to support the needy and deserving members of our community in several areas of their needs, i.e. Education, Tabligh, Medical, and Housing etc. Let me remind this important part of our religious and social obligation with a verse from the Holy Qurán Surah Al Baqarah, Chapter 2 Verse 277:
“Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give charity will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve”.
Greetings and Prayers:
On behalf of the Africa Federation Office Bearers, Trustees and Councilors, and on my own behalf, I extend our best wishes to you and your families “Eid Mubarak” on the occasion of Eid Al Adha (Festival of Sacrifice).
Let us pray for the pilgrims’ successful completion of the Hajj rituals and the Ziyarat of the Holy Prophet of Islam, his progeny and the faithful followers of Ahlulbayt (AS) in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah and their safety and safe return.
May I request each and every member of the community to pray for peace and safety of all our Muslim brothers and sisters in all parts of the world.
Anwarali Dharamsi
Chairman