“The tyrant dies and his rule ends, the martyr dies and his rule begins.”
In the history of Islam, Imam Hussain (`A) wrote one of the most brilliant chapters which has left an inedible mark on the history of mankind. He stood for faith and discipline in the face of tyranny and oppression. He was the embodiment of Qur’anic teachings that humankind is born into freedom and is to bow only to the Divine Majesty.
The entire Karbala saga which entailed a monumental conflict between truth and falsehood has become etched in the annals of history and echoes in the minds and hearts of people. Imam Hussain (`A) is still remembered as a beacon of truth and his supreme sacrifice is observed prominently around the globe.
MAHE MUHARRAM AND SAFAR IN KIGALI, RWANDA.
The Kigali (Rwanda) Jamaat is generally a migrant developed Jamaat, and members are from different countries like Pakistan, India, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Canada, USA and many more.
During the year 2001 there were approximately five Khoja families residing in Kigali who began organizing Majalis and Azadari programs at their residences. By the year 2013 as the number of people increased, a villa was rented out and Mehfil-e-Bibi Khadijat-ul-Kubra (‘A) was established during the month of Ramadhan, and programs which included Duas, Majalis, Manqabat and Azadari were routinely organized for Thursdays and all Wiladah and Shahadah occasions.
Since then, the Jamaat has hosted many Mawlanas and Manqabat/Nawha reciters from India, Pakistan, UK and East Africa during the Ashra-e-Muharram, Ramadhan, Ayyaam-e-Fatimiya and Ashra-e-Zainabiya. Arrangements would be made for the visiting Zakirs to lead the programs and recite the Majalis.
For several years, the Jamaat was blessed to be served by Mawlana Mirza Abbas Ali Khoei Saheb who was residing in Kigali and engaged in business activities but he would make himself available for all programs of the Jamaat and its members, for which the Kigali Community is grateful and pray for his prosperity in this world and the hereafter.
For the past two years now, the Jamaat has engaged a Resident Aalim from India – Syed Muhammad Nazar Zainabi Saheb who has been reciting the Majaalis, teaching in the Ja’afery Madrasah and guiding the members of the Jamaat.
During this year Muharram 1444 (A.H), all programs were arranged at the Mehfil and Mawlana Mujtaba Hassan Jivani Saheb from Karachi was invited to recite during the Ashra-e-Muharram. He gave additional lectures and engaged in discussions at Mawkib Saqqa-e-Bibi Sakina (‘A) and also conducted the Amaal for Yawme Ashura under the open sky.
At the same time, the ladies arranged their Majalis, Alam and Taabut arrangements were done and Azadaari was conducted by reciters from Kigali Jamaat. Nyaz was arranged after every program during the Ashra.
The participation during the programs at the Mehfil is very encouraging; the youths are very committed in supporting the management and volunteering. Furthermore, the members of the Jamaat generally engage with local Shia brothers and support the programs being organized at their centers/mosques and arrange blood drives together; this year the members of the Jamaat supported the blood drive by the WHO IS HUSEIN initiative and Insha’Allah have plans to engage for more similar programs in future.
This year also witnessed a new initiative – the Mawkib Saqqa-e-Bibi Sakina (“A). The Tabut/Alam was arranged and the ladies organized for daily displays and posters in the remembrance of the distinguished Shuhada of Kerbala.
Insha’Allah, the Kigali Jamaat hope to conduct Khamsa-e-Zainabiyya and also plans for Bibi Sakina (s.a) Day being organized by the Students and Teachers of Ja’afery Madrasah.
We pray the Almighty Allah (s.w.t) accepts and gives Jazaa-e-Khayr to all the members and well-wishers for their support and contributions in spreading the message of Islam and teachings of the Ahlulbayt (`a).
Let us remember the Marhumeen of Kigali Jamaat and all other Marhumeen with a Sura-e-Fateha.
Source and Photo Courtesy: KSI Kigali Jamaat
SECRETARIAT
ARCHIVES SECTION OF THE AFRICA FEDERATION
16th September 2022 / 19th Safar 1444 A.H