Ref: PR/AF/025/21 Date: 21st July 2021
In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful
HAJJ – A FUNDAMENTAL RELIGIOUS OBLIGATION
The Month of Zilhajj this year once again fills our hearts with sadness and anxiety as for the second consecutive year the obligatory and mustahab acts of Hajj and Ziyarat could not take place due to the Covid-19 Pandemic and emergence of the new variants around the world. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Government announced that this year’s pilgrimage would be limited to only 60,000 pilgrims who reside in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
We need to reflect and take lessons from the condition we find ourselves in presently which is depriving many from performing an act of Wajibat and Mustahabat. We pray to the Almighty (s.w.t.) to strengthen our faith, give us the tawfeqaat to do Isteghfa’r and grant us relief from this pandemic and all other difficulties.
THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC:
The Pandemic continues to cause instability in our lives, more so with the coming up of new variants every few months, we are not able to comprehend what the coming days will bring us. Families have lost their loved ones; others have lost their livelihood. Similarly, families scattered in different places are unable to meet due to travel restrictions and lockdowns etc.
VACCINATION PLEA:
It is therefore incumbent upon each one of us to get the vaccine so that we protect our dear ones, ourselves and others from Covid-19 virus. It is imperative also to maintain good hygiene and to wear the face mask whenever attending gatherings or meeting with different people, be it family events, work place or at the Mosques and Imambargah.
I strongly encourage the Jamaat leadership to convince non-vaccinated members to take the vaccines as soon as possible. Some Jamaats have successfully vaccinated most of their members. The Africa Federation has extended financial and other support for vaccinations to some Jamaats and will continue with the same spirit to our other member Jamaats that needs support in this and other Covid-19 related matters.
In view of the new variants sparking the third wave of Coronavirus, we cannot stress enough on the importance of vaccination, think not only of yourselves but for the protection of your families, friends and the community with whom you are in contact with on daily basis. Help protect them, it’s the least we can all do.
GREETINGS AND PRAYERS:
On this joyous occasion of Eid al Adha, I extend to all Community members Eid Mubarak on behalf of the Africa Federation Office Bearers, Trustees, Councilors, and on my own behalf.
Let us pray to Allah (s.w.t.) to shower His bounties of Grace and Mercy unto us all, and for the safety and wellness of all Muslims and to all peace loving people throughout the world, especially during this pandemic period.
Let us pray for our Marja-e-Taqleed, Ayatullah Al Uzma Al Sayyid Ali Hussaini Al Sistani – May Allah (s.w.t.) prolong his life, grant him good health and keep him safe to continue guiding the Community.
Many of our Elders, Leaders, Volunteers of AFED and Member Jamaats who were with us during Eid al Adha last year and are no longer with us this Eid, please let us remember Alhaj Ebrahim Kassam, Seyed Hassan Naqvi, Alhaj Murtaza Kerbala, Alhaj Mohamed Dhirani, Alhaj Naushad Merali and all the Marhumeen with Sura-e-Fateha.
This month also marks 17 years since the demise of our past Chairman of Africa Federation Marhum Zulfikar bhai Khimji – A dedicated, sincere and inspiring leader.
May we all be granted once again the opportunity to perform Hajj and Ziyarat as soon as possible and to perform the Azadari (commemoration) of the martyrdom of Seyyedu Shohadah Aba Abdillahil Hussain (a.s.) and the Martyrs of Karbala during the coming months of Muharram and Safar. Aameen
Shabir Najafi
Chairman