Eid-ul Fitr – 1444 A.H. / 2023
Message from the Chairman of the Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaats of Africa, Alhaj Amine Nassor Goulamaly
In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
Respected President/Chairman of the Jamaat, Elders of the Community, Brothers, Sisters and the Youth of our Community.
As-Salaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
Alhamdullilah, it is a moment of great satisfaction and accomplishment as the new moon is sighted signaling the upcoming of Eid-ul Fitr. In this heightened state of spirituality, let us glorify, praise and thank Allah (s.w.t) for His abundant and countless bounties and exalt His Greatness as we mark the end of the month of fasting, the month of significant values, virtues and benefits.
On this blessed occasion of Eid, on behalf of the Africa Federation Office Bearers and Trustees, I extend our warm wishes and heartiest felicitations to all members of the community and wish you all joy, peace, good health and prosperity with strength in Ima’an.
Islam has provided us with unique opportunity to bring us closer to Allah (s.w.t.) through fulfilling our obligations, for example that of fasting during the holy month of Ramadhan and to pay Zakat-e-Fitrah at the completion of fasting, and to be always compassionate and helpful to one’s family and relatives, and similarly to the needy in the community as our established way of life.
Charity is mentioned in several interspersed verses of the Holy Qur’an, like in Surah Al Baqarah Verse 277 (2:277); – “Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular prayers and pay the poor-rate, will have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve”.
My appeal to all our members is to use the centralized system of Africa Federation that we have in place for collection and disbursements of religious dues, for example; Zakat, Sadaqat, Khums, Donations etc. so that we can help our community members who are needing and deserving for assistance in a systematic and efficient manner through our constituent Jamaats.
Also, let us be mindful that several of our Jamaats are initiating projects in their constituencies, and some have already initiated projects needing funds, and therefore my humble request is that we must first support funding of our own projects and meet regular local needs, as the saying goes – “Charity Begins at Home”.
I was fortunate to have an opportunity to visit the Marja-e-Taqleed, Ayatullah Al Sayyid Ali Al Husseini Al Seestani in Najaf-e-Ashraf twice since taking the office. I have been granted the Ijaza to collect Hukuk funds from Momineen in Africa, this has been the tradition for decades when a new Chairman takes over the office.
During this holy month of Ramadhan, by the blessings of Allah (s.w.t.) we were able to provide Ramadhan Relief Fund for food parcels, Iftars and other basic essentials to various Jamaats and to our Institutions ahead of time reaching out to the needy and underprivileged families thus making the holy month of Ramadhan somewhat comfortable for them too. Zakat-e-Fitrah was also distributed to our institutions like we do every year. We are thankful to the World Federation of KSIMC and the Mainstay Foundation of U.K. for their collaboration in supporting these Relief efforts. We observe that the needs for the Ramadhan Relief are much greater, and keep increasing each year.
We are also grateful to our other donors and well-wishers for their support in our efforts to carry out several of our activities and programs throughout the year.
I am pleased to have got an opportunity of serving the Jamaats of Africa in Mainland and the Territorial Councils of Madagascar and Reunion as Chairman of the Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaats of Africa (AFED), following the election in May 2022. I am grateful to my predecessor Alhaj Shabir Najafi for his guidance and smooth handover of the office.
I also wish to thank all our constituent Jamaats and community members for their support and for the confidence they have placed in me. Insha’Allah I shall do my utmost to fulfill my duties to the best of my abilities. I also wish to thank the Secretariat staff at the AFED office for their dedication and hard work in ensuring a seamless transition.
As we embark on our journey, I would like to reiterate the necessity for the leadership of all our Jamaats across Africa and the community at large to build good relationships with other faiths and other communities in the countries we live. The importance of interfaith relationships, cooperation and organizing congregations during the important occasions; for example, during the holy month of Ramadhan, Miladun Nabii (s.a.w.w.), Imam Hussain (‘a) Day and other social programs cannot be over emphasized.
Please let us all join hands and pray to Allah (s.w.t.) for the safety, peace and security of our brothers and sisters in all parts of the world and for and the protection of the sanctity of the Holy Shrines of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.), his progeny and the faithful companions.
May the pious and noble ideals associated with Eid-ul Fitr enrich our lives with peace and harmony. May this holy occasion bring Momineen closer to one another, binding them in brotherhood and mutual respect, Aameen.
Let us also pray for the safety, good health and long life of our Marjah-e-Taqleed, Ayatullah Sayyid Ali al Husseini al Seestani and Ulema-e-Deen.
In concluding the message, I request a Dua of Mercy with Sura-e-Fatiha for our past leaders, volunteers and all the Marhumeen including those who were around with us last Eid-ul Fitr.
Wa Salaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
Amine Nassor Goulamaly
Chairman
The Federation of KSI Jamaats of Africa
1st Shawwal 1444 A.H. (22nd April 2023)