Eid-ul Fitr – 1446 A.H. / 2025
Message from the Chairman of the Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaats of Africa, Alhaj Amine Nassor Goulamaly
In the name of Allah (SWT), the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
President/Chairman of each of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaats,
Elders of our Community,
Brothers, Sisters and the Youth of our Community.
As-Salaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
On this year’s happy occasion of Eid ul Fitr we express our profound gratitude to Allah (SWT) for His boundless mercy in granting us the strength to fulfill the obligatory fasting in this year also.
"As for those who strive in Our cause, We will surely guide them to Our paths. For indeed, Allah is with those who do good" – Surah Al-'Ankabut, Ayah 69.
Reflection: Allah (SWT) assures us through this Verse His Guidance and Proximity. Allah (SWT) does not abandon those who strive for His Cause; rather, He opens doors which could never be imagined.
May this joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr also be a beacon of hope, renewal, and divine blessings for all. I, on behalf of the Africa Federation Office Bearers and Trustees, join you in praying that Allah (SWT) grants every household; joy, peace, good health, prosperity, and unwavering strength in Imaan. May He accept all the supplications and good deeds performed during the blessed month of Ramadhan.
On this Eid, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect upon the current vital needs of our community, which if adequately implemented can further empower our community towards betterment and proximity to Allah (SWT):
Promoting the Holy Qur’an: This includes frequent recitation, improvising on Tajweed, and reflection with understanding on the verses of the Holy Qur’an with Tafsir. Memorization (Hifdh) is considered a highly esteemed practice in Islam, and I would urge parents to take it up as a priority to motivate their children and themselves into Hifdh of the Holy Qur’an in which ever capacity possible.
Preserving Use of our Mother Tongue: Gujarati language is the cultural origin and identity of our Khoja Community and is the common language that is keeping the community across East Africa, Europe, and North America connected. It is my advice to all our Jamaats to add in the determination of preserving the use of the mother-tongue in the community at large.
Promoting Unity within the Community: Prioritizing unity involves finding common ground and working collaboratively towards shared goals. This approach fosters an environment where everyone feels valued and heard, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious and cohesive community or society. There is a sincere and conscious need for Peace and Harmony, not only within the community, but also within our Intra-faith and Inter-faith circles in the countries we live. And this can be achieved by promoting values such as mutual respect, justice, collaboration, tolerance, and compassion.
Continued Development Progress: The focus of the Africa Federation since its establishment in 1946 has been to support continuous progress of spiritual, economic and social growth of our community through our Jamaats across Africa, Madagascar, Reunion, and soon Mauritius. Our boards are conscientious in this regard and making determined efforts in their areas of responsibilities. Alhamdullilah the responses from the community have been encouraging.
As we take steps to prioritize the needs of our community, tragic plight of our Muslim Ummah in Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon and Pakistan continues to remain a major concern for peace loving people in the world. It is our basic duty to express our concerns over these ongoing violence and human rights violations, and also to contribute for humanitarian support with whatever we can within our capacity towards the affected people and regions. May Allah (SWT) grant relief to those in distress and guide us all towards actions that promote harmony and understanding within our communities and beyond.
Further, I humbly appeal to the members of the community to utilize the Centralized System of the Africa Federation for remitting religious dues, including Khums, Zakat, Sadaqah, and Donations. Your continued support and generosity are the key to taking us a long way into making a meaningful impact to our community for its needs.
With that, I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of my office bearers to express our heartfelt gratitude to the AFED Councilors, Trustees and Member Jamaats for their collective efforts in working towards the betterment of our community. I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to all our donors and well-wishers for their steadfast support throughout the year.
Let me conclude my message today with a very important quote below which our lives should evolve around; for our success here and in the hereafter:
Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) has said:
Verily, I am leaving among you the Thaqalayn (two weighty and precious things) - the Book of God (the Qur’an) and my progeny (ʿItrah), the members of my household (Ahlul Bayt [AS]). If you hold on to both of them, then you will never go astray. These two will never separate from each other until they meet me at the Pool of al-Kawthar on the Day of Judgement.
May Allah (SWT) grant good health and long life to our Marjah-e-Taqleed, Ayatullah Al-Sayyid Ali Al-Husseini Al-Sistani, and to all the Ulema-e-Deen.
Let us also pray for the protection and sanctity of the Holy Shrines of the Holy Prophet (SAWW), his progeny, and the faithful companions who sacrificed their lives for Islam and humanity.
I kindly request for a Sura-e-Fatiha for our past leaders, volunteers, and all the Marhumeen.
On this day of Eid my thoughts are with all the community members and I extend to each and every one – Eid Mubarak.
Wa Salaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh.
Amine Nassor Goulamaly
Chairman
The Federation of KSI Jamaats of Africa
1st Shawwal1446 A.H.
(March 2025)
