Ref: AFED/PR/005/2016
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Hajj – “A Unique Opportunity to Reflect, Contemplate upon and Purify Oneself
“And proclaim the Pilgrimage among men: they will come to you (hurriedly) on foot and (mounted) on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways; – (Surah Al-Hajj 22:27).
“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”
We are blessed to once again witness the season where a large number of Muslim brethren from all over the world are preparing themselves to perform one of the Wajibats of the Religion of Islam – HAJJ. Blessed indeed are those who have been bestowed with the opportunity to perform this spiritual journey.
HAJJ – A SYMBOL OF UNITY
Hajj is the symbol of Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah (s.w.t.) from the first moment the pilgrim enters Ihraam, Pilgrims repeatedly recite the Talbiyah.
Hajj enables Muslims from all around the world, of different colors, languages, races, and ethnicities, to come together in a spirit of universal brotherhood and sisterhood to worship the Almighty Allah (s.w.t.) together.
During Hajj, Muslims witness the most excellent example of equality, submissiveness, and brotherhood. This is accomplished by removing the outer difference and donning the dress of unity Ihram. The result is that all feel oneness among the human race, brotherhood and equality.
Hajj provides a wonderful opportunity for the Muslims to change and begin a new life style of uplifting spiritual well-being and be conscious of one’s responsibilities towards Allah (s.w.t.) and towards their fellow human beings; many are in need of support, attention and care.
HAJJ – AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CHARITY
Hujjajs are required to clear all their dues and give Charity before they proceed on this unique journey. It is my humble appeal to all our community members in Africa to pay their Hukuk, Zakat and Sadaqah etc. through Africa Federation, whereby it is centrally managed.
These funds are managed in accordance with our policy, including Khums; some portions of these funds are disbursed to the needy and deserving members of our community for their essential necessities through our Member Jamaats in Africa.
And keep up prayer and pay the poor dues (Zakat) and whatever good you send before for yourselves, you shall find it with Allah; surely Allah sees what you do.
(Surah Al Baqarah 2:110)
GREETINGS AND PRAYERS
We pray for the safe trip and safety for all the pilgrims and 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 Makah and Madinah. Let us pray for the pilgrim’s safety and safe return.
You will be the ambassadors of the followers of the Ahlulbayt (a.s.) during this trip and we pray that you are successful in keeping up with their teachings and values. Ameen.
We request all the Pilgrims (Hujjajs) to remember the Mumineen in their prayers and in supplications to The Almighty and pray for progress, safety and unity of our Community all over the world.
We are presently witnessing an unprecedented crisis and turmoil in several parts of world, and particularly in the Muslim World. Sadly, innocent lives of men, women and children are lost every day; the violence is inflicting massive destruction upon the livelihood and the infrastructure. Human rights are abused, displacing millions of people resulting in to one of the worst refugees’ crisis in the recent history of mankind.
Let us all pray for peace and safety of all our Muslim brothers and sisters in all parts of the world.
Please contact the Africa Federation Secretariat in Dar es Salaam for your contributions and donations: adminsec@africafederation.org
Shabir Najafi
Chairman