1. Article from Rehbar Magazine

2. Pictures - Muharam

The Editor,

"REHBAR"

 

Sir,

 

I crave the hospitality of your esteemed columns to eulogize the conduct of our Mombasa Jamat during the first fortnight of the holy month of Muharram.

 

Overlooking the trivial flaws that are a concomitant, inevitably such as ours, I think the community put up an exemplary manifestation of self-less services, co-operation and self- respect. Added to all  this the "Majlis" by our eminent Maulana, delivered with great eloquence and erudition, brought to the vision life-like images of the grim tragedy of Karbala, outlining the philosophies of life inherent in it.

 

As an observer, I have a few things to speak well of in particular. I wish to make it clear, however, that these are my personal observations that are not binding upon anyone.

 

(i)        "Majlis – Sinazani”: Unlike some of the previous years, it is well-worth noting that these started in good time and ended so as well. This, to me, seems not only desirable, but extremely important. These are days when well over 75% of our youths, engaged in clerical services, find the fatigue from the routine drudgery of office far too much to keep them awake till late at night. And here, I am particularly mindful of children, too, who should get their right quota of sleeping undisturbed, no matter what the occasion particularly in view of the dual-session school in Mombasa. Unlike the previous years, it was good to see most of the children well under the parents’ eye; children should be made to sit with their parents and to listen to the voice of wisdom in our "Majlis". Better late than never; the sooner we become cognizant of our responsibilities as parents, the better for the community and its reputation.

 

(ii)      The Ithnasheri Young Men’s Union: This most essential institution of our community, although divided in the many sections and sub - sections to facilitate work, appeared to be working as vigorous whole. I have nothing but praise for the excellent team-work done by the Union. I however feel constrained to mention two of the services in particular which need more encouragement.

 

(a)       Volunteer Corp: This essential organ of the Union calls for much enthusiasm, constancy of purpose, self -less hard work and tact and patience, the latter two qualities being incumbent upon the particularly uniformed volunteer to deal with the many odd circumstances that arise pertaining to discipline. Youth is generally an aggressive age owing to the element of adolescence and immaturity present in it. It was heartening to see the volunteers employing persuasive measures quite tactfully to get co-operation. Well done, volunteers for the excellent work being done by you all. Keep it up!

 

(b)      Ashura Procession - "Julus": I overheard this time quite a few of our young people saying it was high time we stopped coming out in the open. Now I deplore this profoundly; our procession is a magnificent tradition that must go on conveying to the world the voice of wisdom, truth and discipline. The voice must go on speaking no matter what fun the few odd fools make of it. Even if the Prophet Mohamad (S.A.W) were to appear personally to speak to the Muslim world of today, there would still be a few people saying what the Prophet says doesn't interest them since they have heard it all time and again. The voice of wisdom must not be allowed to drown in this wave of idiocy these days .So friends, let us have the "Julus". What is expected of us is, of course, our own collective discipline, individual self-discipline and expression of grief on the following Ashura Day over the grim tragedy of "Karbala". Suggestions to improve upon the present "Julus" would be of far greater help than irresponsible talk about stopping it altogether.

 

The "Julus" committee's work is to be praised for the excellence of its organization. I am most impressed by the way our children behave on such occasions. This procession, in itself, is a great lesson for them in discipline and its importance in public.

 

In the end, I must say, we are most fortunate to be members of a community that prays together for the good of one and all. Inshallah, our community that is pivoted on tenets of truth and devotion will always find itself in exuberance of peace and prosperity and living in dignity.

 

MOHAMEDRAZA   A. JAGANI.

 

Mombasa - 3-7-61

 

From the Rehbar Magazine – July/August 1961