Ref: AF/2017/27
In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful
Behold! We gave the site to Abraham of the (Sacred) House (saying): “Associate not anything (in worship) with Me; and sanctify My House for those who compass it round or stand up or bow or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer).
and proclaim the Pilgrimage for all mankind so that they come to you on foot and mounted on every kind of camel lean on account of journey from every distant point
That they may witness the benefits (provided) for them and celebrate the name of Allah through the Days appointed over the cattle which He has provided for them (for sacrifice): then eat ye thereof and feed the distressed ones (unfortunate poor) in want.
(Holy Qur’an, Sura Al Hajj, Verse 22-28)
The Hajj
A multitude of people from all over the world have travelled to Medina and Makkah to fulfil their obligation of Hajj. We pray that they are able to perform their Wajibats peacefully and the acceptance of their Hajj Aamals by the grace and mercy of Allah (SWT).
“…And when you surge downward in multitudes from Arafat, remember Allah at the holy place, and remember Him as the One who guided you after you had indeed been lost on your way.” (Holy Qur’an, Surah Al Baqarah, 2:198)
Hajj provides a wonderful opportunity to the Muslims towards the purification of the soul and upliftment of the spiritual well-being and be conscious of one’s responsibilities towards Allah (SWT) and towards fellow human beings.
Of all the rites of Islam, Hajj is most particularly significant to the concept of unity, in that it brings nations and communities together from distant lands before their Creator. Each individual stands as an equal to the other reciting Talbiya of Hajj.
“Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik. Labbaik, La Shareek Laka, Labbaik. Innal Hamdah, Wan Nematah, Laka wal Mulk, La Shareek Laka” (“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”)
Eid ul Adha is celebrated around the world, with Muslim communities following in the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) and offering a qurbani. The sacrifice of an animal symbolises the devotion and obedience in a demonstration of our faith and the true worship of Allah (SWT).
On this auspicious Day, I call upon the Community members to pay their Charity (Sadakah, Zakat) and Hukook to Africa Federation centrally; the funds will help us to support the needy and deserving members of our Community in the Jamaats under Africa Federation in several areas of their needs, i.e. Education, Tabligh, Medical, and Housing etc.
On behalf of the Africa Federation Office Bearers, Trustees and Councilors, and on my own behalf, I extend our best wishes and facilitations to all Community members on the auspicious occasion of Eid Al Adha – Eid Mubarak.
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 for their 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 and remember all our Marhumeen with a Sura-e-Fateha.
Shabir Najafi
Chairman