Ref: AF/2017/31
In the name of Allah, The Beneficent, The Most Merciful
And reckon not those who are killed in Allah’s way as dead; nay, they are alive (and) are provided sustenance from their Lord.
(Holy Qur’an Surah, Ale Imran 3:169)
A’adhamallahu ujurana wa ujurakum bi musaabina bil Hussain Alayhis Salaam
May Allah make great our reward and your reward, for our grief on Hussain Aalayhis Salaam
As the month of Muharram (The first Islamic Month) dawns, the Shia Community are involved with preparations to commemorate the event of the great martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) that took place in Karbala in 61 A.H. Community volunteers are busy preparing the Centres to hold programs, organize peaceful processions (Juloos), scholars are travelling far and wide to go and deliver sermons and the lucky ones are preparing for their travel to Karbala to be in the land where this event took place. In many parts of the world, including Africa the first night of Muharram will fall on Thursday 21st September 2017.
Imam Hussain (AS) mission was to reform the Muslim Ummah and save Islam as manifested clearly in his Will before he left Makkah for Iraq – “Imam Hussain explains the mission of his sacrifice in his own words: “I have taken this stand not out of arrogance or pride, neither out of mischief or injustice. I have risen to seek reform in the community of my grandfather. I would like to bid good, forbid evil, and follow the tradition of my grandfather and my father ‘Ali bin Abi Talib.”
Self-Reformation and Propagation
The two months that we commemorate this great sacrifice is an opportunity to remind ourselves of the movement and the divine mission of Imam Hussain (AS) and his faithful Companions, and take lessons from it.
The message of Imam Husain (AS) is universal. It is not limited to any age or place. His message to mankind is that human dignity cannot co-exist with life under tyranny and oppression. It’s important to reach out to people of different faiths and beliefs to talk about the tragic event of Karbala, the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) who stood steadfast to save Islam and guide fellow Muslims and Humankind to the right path.
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru (First Prime Minister of India) said:
“Imam Husain’s (A.S.) sacrifice is for all groups and communities, an example of the path of righteousness.”
We should all make concerted efforts to use this unique opportunity of Muharram to build bridges of tolerance, cooperation and friendship with other sects of Muslim communities and other faiths in the country we live in.
Appeal
I take this opportunity to appeal to the members of our community to contribute and support generously towards the various programs and events organized during the months of Muharram and Safar in our Constituent Jamaats and in our Tabligh Institution – The Bilal Muslim Missions at their various Centres located in several parts of the countries and in the villages. Please send your contributions and religious dues to the Africa Federation Secretariat office in Dar es Salaam.
Prayers
Let us pray to Allah (SWT) for the sanctity and protection of the Holy Shrines in Iraq, Syria and Saudi Arabia. Let us remember in our prayers during these important days the oppressed people of the world wherever they are for the freedom from oppression and tyranny, and pray for their safety, peace and wellbeing.
May Allah (SWT) grant us all an opportunity to perform Hajj pilgrimage and to perform the Ziyarat of the Holy Prophet of Islam (SAWW), the Holy Imams (AS), the Martyrs of Karbala and the faithful companions of the Holy Prophet of Islam (SAWW) and the Holy Imams (AS) in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran and Syria – Ameen.
Let us also remember all the past leaders of the World Federation, Africa Federation, Member Jamaats and all Marhumeen and recite sura-e-fateha for the maghferat of their souls.
With Duas,
Shabir Najafi
Chairman