Eid-ul Fitr – 1440 / 2019
Message from the Chairman of the Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaats of Africa, Alhaj Shabir H. Najafi
In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficient, the Most Merciful
My Dear Community Members,
As-Salaamun Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
All praise is due to Allah (s.w.t.), the most Beneficient, the most Merciful by whose grace and blessings, we bid farewell to the blessed and glorious month, its beautiful days and its fragrant nights.
May the Almighty in His abundance of grace and mercy bring us joy, happiness, peace and prosperity on this day of Eid ul Fitr. On this very auspicious day, on behalf of the Africa Federation Office Bearers, Trustees and Councilors, and on my own behalf, I wish you and your families – Eid Mubarak – ( مبارك عيد )
On such occasions, it is important for us all to contemplate on the difficult times the Muslim Ummah is facing globally in different spheres; be it Islamphobia, Extremism in the West or the Economic crisis in our Homeland. The oppression and persecution of Muslims and our Shia brothers in some Muslim countries are senseless and deplorable. Sadly, the carnage and destructions continues unabated. It is very important for the Muslims to be united and remain steadfast in upholding the religious, social, humanitarian and communal responsibilities.
We have in the recent months witnessed terrorist attacks in different places of worship around the world, this is a grave situation and we as a Community need to be alert and take precautionary safety and security measures at all our centres. On this note the Secretariat is in touch with the Jamaat officials, however sometimes we become complacent in such matters as time go by, it is always useful to remain vigilant and cautious all the time.
I once again plead with my Community members to remain united and spread love and brotherhood within us thus making us a strong Community – A role-model for others to follow. Let us reflect and take heed to the words of Imam Ali (a.s.): “You should keep connections with one another and give to one another. Avoid turning away from one another and severing mutual relations” – (Nahjul Balāgha, Document 47).
Alhamdulillah; I completed my tenure as Chairman of the Africa Federation for the term 2016 – 2019; on this note, I wish to thank the Jamaats and their members for their confidence in re-electing me for the 2nd term; 2019 – 2022. I am grateful to Mombasa Jamaat for hosting successfully the 27th Ordinary Conference of the Africa Federation where the new team of Office Bearers and Trustees were also elected.
Our main focus during the term shall be towards the spiritual upliftment of the Community, especially our children and youth, higher education, housing development through ownership and the rent-to-own scheme to our members and economic development.
Through the generous support of the World Federation, Alhaj Ahmed Daya and other donors, we were able to once again provide assistance to the needy and deserving families both in K.S.I. Community and the Bilal Community with Ramadhan Relief and Zakat-e-Fitrah; We are thankful to them all for their timely support which went a long way to bring relief and comfort to these needy families to observe the holy month of Ramadhan with ease and peace of mind.
The holy month of Ramadhan is designated as the month of worship, sacrifice, repentance and devotion to the Creator underpinning in its sublimity and blessing among mankind. We continue with the same spirit and devotion in all the months that follow the holy month of Ramadhan.
Once again, I appeal to all Community members towards the spirit of giving Charity (Zakat/Sadaqah) and pay the Hukuk (Khums) through the central system of the Africa Federation; this will enable us to support our own Jamaats and Community members who are in need, our first responsibility is towards our own Community before others.
I would like, especially on this day of Eid, to lay strong emphasis on the obligation of each and every one of us to inculcate within us the practice of benevolence – giving Charity (Zakaat/Sadaqah) regularly and in the spirit that no amount is small.
On this blessed day let us all join hands and pray to Allah (s.w.t.) for the safety, security and peace of all our brothers and sisters in all parts of the world and for the safety and sanctity of the Holy Shrines of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.), his progeny and the faithful companions of Ahlulbayt (a.s.).
We are passing through a very difficult phase in our lives; the Community will face immense pressure in areas such as in geo-political, economic, social, religious etc. Fundamentally, the Community must brace itself towards these challenges and be prepared to change, this is inevitable and change is constant.
In all my addresses, I lay strong emphasis in building strong relationships and cooperation with our fellow Muslim brothers, and particularly in the countries we live. I must commend the K.S.I. Jamaats in Mainland Africa and in the Territorial Councils of Madagascar and Reunion for organizing regularly the Interfaith programs and inviting community leaders and members from different institutions, faiths and sects to our Mosques and Centres. The recent Interfaith programs held in several Jamaats are some very good examples of leadership duties in building strong inter-communal relationships and cooperation – Please continue with this good work you are doing.
Let us take a moment and remember the desperate Muslim Ummah throughout the world with the famous Dua that we recite regularly during the holy month of Ramadhan: Allahumma Aslih Kulla Faasidin Min Umooril Muslimeen – “O Allah, set right every wrong in the affairs of the Muslims”
May I request you all to pray for the safety, good health and long life of our Marjah-e-Taqleed, Ayatullah al Uzmah al Seyed Ali al Husseini al Seestani and the Ulema-e-Deen. May Allah (s.w.t.) hasten the reappearance of the Awaited Imam, Al-Mahdi Al Hujjah (a.t.f.s.).
In closing, I request that we all remember with a Sura-e-Fateha all our Marhumeen especially those who were with us last Eid, and are no longer with us today.
Shabir Najafi
Chairman
The Federation of KSI Jamaats of Africa
1st Shawwal 1440 AH (5th June 2019)