Assalaamualaykum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

All praise be to Allah, The Exalted, The Majestic for bestowing upon us the turn of the Islamic year. As we usher in 1442 AH, we continue to earnestly seek repentance and beseech His Protection, Mercy and Forgiveness.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) migrated from Makkah to Madinah and established a community or ‘ummah’, dissolving clan rivalries and paving the way for brotherhood, equality, justice and societal stability. The Hijrah not only demonstrates patience and perseverance but clearly teaches us that for people with faith, there is hope for ease after difficulties.

In the true spirit of the Islamic New Year that signifies sacrifice and brotherhood, we must also work together through these tough economic times to relentlessly support each other, especially our brothers and sisters who remain hard hit.

As the unclear post-COVID road unfolds ahead of us without absolute certainty of what, when and how, it is my hope and prayer that we have internalized this life-changing COVID experience and imbibed the values it has imparted of humility, forbearance and tolerance. It is never too late to reconcile any rifts that may exist within our relationships and let go off our differences for we must strive to earn the pleasure of our Loving Creator.

In a less-than-ideal situation where social gatherings are still restricted, we are limited to use of online platforms for audio broadcast of the Muharram Majaalis programme. I would like to appreciate our Ulemaa, the Convener and Members of the Meelad & Qaswidah Committee and the Memon Maulid Group for imparting their knowledge, valuable time and their immense effort to recreate the essence and ambience of our annual Muharram Majaalis gatherings. Jazakum Allahu Khayran.

Under the circumstances, we must appreciate what has been made possible and it is my humble request to all members of the Jamat to tune in and reap spiritual benefit from the content broadcast for the ten nights.

Let us remember and make du’a for those who are no longer with us. May The Almighty grant them maghfirah and the highest abode in Jannah. There are also those who may be afflicted or affected and are hospitalized, at home, in isolation or quarantined. We pray that Allah (SWT) grant them relief and kaamil shifa.

I pray to The Almighty, The Most Gracious, The Most Giving to illuminate our lives, to forgive us and bless us in abundance in the years ahead, grant us relief and soon, re-unite us in person. Aameen.

Yours Sincerely-in-Service,

Osman GulamMustafa Varwani
Chairman, NMJ Mombasa