Message from the Africa Federation Chairman,
Alhaj Shabir Najafi, welcoming the Holy Month of Ramadhan
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may learn self-restraint and become righteous (attain taqwa)”
(Holy Qur’an, Surah Al Baqarah 2:183)
It is heartening to convey this message to the Community members of our Jamaats in Africa as I begin this momentous journey to carry out my responsibilities at the helm of this visionary Institution – The Africa Federation.
We are blessed with the opportunity to once again witness the coming of the holy month of Ramadhan – the glorious month of mercy, blessings and forgiveness. The month of Ramadhan is the most adored, blessed and spiritually beneficial month of the Islamic year, and for improvement of our moral and spiritual character to bring us closer to Allah (SWT).
During this month, God-consciousness, self-control, spiritual purification and transformation with reflection through the reading of the Holy Qur’an and through the teachings of Ahlulbayt (AS) in seeking to attain nearest to Allah (SWT) is of paramount importance.
In following the tradition of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) and his Purified Progeny we must take cognizance of the hardships of the poor, hungry, the sick and the oppressed; the responsibility of each and every Muslim in the world to help fellow human beings, the less fortunate and the poor through benevolence of charity and other means of assistance to improve their living conditions.
We are aware of the needs of the poor amidst us and their numbers keep growing and their needs increasing. Our obligations for the Holy Month of Ramadhan include cultivating the spirit and compassion of helping the needy even more so that they too on their part can perform fasting and other devotional deeds with lesser difficulties in this month.
I request you all to give more in Charity (Zakat, Sadka etc.) in this month as this significantly has greater and multiple rewards from Allah (SWT) than in ordinary days. In the Holy Qur’an, Surah Al Baqarah, Verse: 2:277, Allah (SWT) reveals;
“Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakat (charity) will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve”.
Let us pray to Allah (SWT) to bestow peace, security and tranquility in all parts of the world and an end to the persecutions and sufferings of innocent people from the horrible atrocities.
In this holy month of Ramadhan, may you be blessed with good health, prosperity and may Allah’s Blessings always shine upon you all, may He accept our supplications and forgive all our shortcomings and misdeeds through the blessings of this holy month.
Please contact Africa Federation Secretariat office in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania by email: adminsec@africafederation.org or visit our website: www.africafederation.org should you require more details to remit your contributions and donations. Your support is very much appreciated.
In conclusion, may I request you all to remember the past leaders and the volunteers of our Community who have served selflessly with devotion and compassion and who are no longer with us today, let us also remember all the Marhumeens for the Maghferat of their souls with Sura-e-Fateha.
With Salaams and Duas,
Shabir Najafi
Chairman
4th June 2016 (28th Shaban 1437 AH)