Ref: AF/2019/1440 Date: 9th August 2019
In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful
Hajj: The Symbol of Unity
O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). – Holy Qur’an Surah Al-Hujurrat, 49:13.
Importance of Hajj (Pilgrimage)
In it are clear signs and the standing-place of Abraham. Whoever enters it should be safe. Pilgrimage to this House is an obligation by Allah upon whoever is able among the people. And whoever disbelieves, then surely Allah is Self-sufficient, above any need of the worlds. – Holy Qur’an Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:97.
We are amidst the blessed month of Dhul Hijjah – the month where a multitude of Muslims from all over the World gather in Makkah and Madinah to perform the act of Hajj.
Performing Hajj involves series of rituals and acts of worship which provides lessons that relates to lots of problems faced by mankind, we are witnessing too many acts of hatred, discrimination, oppression, disputes, lack of patience in the times we are living in.
Hajj is a platform where each person regardless of their might, color or race, male and female dons in standard white clothing known as “Ihram” and have to follow the same rulings and rituals for the performance of Hajj. This leads to a person shedding of his pride, ego, and materialism thus giving up worldly pleasures and focussing on the inner self over outward appearance.
Hajj ushers inner feeling of humbleness, promotes unity and patience and strengthens the faith of a true believer in Allah (SWT), in His mercy, blessings and grace.
The blessed day of Arafat provides us an opportunity to purify our intentions and souls to transform our actions into worship making confession of our sins, defects, ignorance, mistakes and seek for mercy and forgiveness from Allah (SWT).
We send our salutations on this day to the beloved daughter of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) Hazrat Fatimah az Zahra (SA) and the Imams of the household of the Holy Prophet (SAWW), Imam al Hassan ibn Ali (AS), Imam Ali Ibn Hussein (AS), Imam Muhammad al Baqir (AS), Imam Jaff’ar al Sadiq (AS), Hazrat Fatimah Bint Asad (SA), the mother of Imam Ali (AS) and to all Prophet’s close family members and companions who are buried in Jannatul Baqi in Maddinah al Munawwara. Sadly, the mausoleums and tombs in Jannatul Baqi were demolished on 21st April 1925 (8th Shawwal 1345 A.H.) by King Ibn Sud of Saudi Arabia, this was the darkest day in the history of Islam witnessing an unprecedented dimension of destruction of one of the Islam’s holiest places – Jannatul Baqi. Let us all pray to Allah (SWT) that the holy shrines and tombs are rebuild as soon as possible.
For more information; view this video: https://youtu.be/DBxURlaX_kY?t=37
Importance of Charity in the month of Dhul Hijjah:
I call upon our community members to give obligatory and voluntary Charity (Zakat, Sadaqah and Hukook) centrally through the Africa Federation Secretariat; these contributions will help the Federation to support the needy and deserving members of our community in the Jamaats under the Africa Federation in several areas of their needs.
Prayers and Greetings:
Let us pray for the pilgrims’ successful completion of the Hajj rituals and the Ziyarat of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWW), his household and the faithful followers of Ahlulbayt (AS) in Makkah al-Mukarramah and Madinah al-Munawarah.
We pray for the safe return of all pilgrims to their destinations in different parts of the World – Ameen.
On behalf of the Africa Federation Office Bearers, Trustees and Councilors, and on my own behalf, I wish all our community members a blessed Eid al-Adha – “Eid Mubarak”.
May I request you all to pray for peace, safety and wellbeing of Muslim Ummah in all parts of the World who are suffering from persecutions and oppression. Let us remember all our Marhumeen with a Sura-e-Fateha.
With my best wishes and duas,
Shabir Najafi
Chairman