CHAIRMAN Mr. Aasif Karim EID Speach
Friday, September 18, 2009
Bismillahi-Rahmanir-Rahim
Community Members
Salamun Alaikum
We have come to the climax of the Holy Month of Ramazan. I pray that all our amaals and good actions are accepted by the Almighty. Ameen.
During this holy month, the community was engaged in several activities which were both internal and external.
Some of the activities that took place are as follows:
1.We had the privilege of having Sheikh Murtaza Allidina for the first 15 days of Ramazan and Sheikh Sajjad Walji from Mombasa for the last 15 days. Both of them gave discourse on subjects that was stimulating, inspiring and most importantly thought provoking for those who had the opportunity to listen to the speakers regularly. We would have liked to have a greater participation from our youth to make an impact on the reception of these very important lectures.
On behalf of the community, I thank Sheikh Murtaza Allidina and Sheikh Sajjad Walji for accepting our invitation.
I also take this opportunity to thank the families of Mohsin Z. Khimji and Iqbal Walji for hosting our guests during their stay here in Nairobi.
May the Almighty reward them and their families here and hereafter. Amen
2.During the month we had 17 Iftars in the mosque, 3 Sahris and daily Fatehas with tea and coffee. I wish to thank the respective donors and pray for the departed members of their families. I would like to pay my gratitude to the following:
a.To the Niyaz committee for providing the roza dars with lovely meals.
b.For the various ladies who were given the opportunity to cook and for providing us with different types of delicious meals. This gave us an insight in the hidden talents which our ladies possess and it is my prayer that the ladies committee makes use of this in trying to explore and exploit other talents which may not have been discovered as yet.
c.The security team for doing a commendable job during the month ensuring that security information and updates were provided regularly, including during the week of census period.
d. The Youth Committee for running the Ar- Rahman project.
After a very long time, it was refreshing to observe the youths of our community take a lead role in the area of being involved in looking after the less fortunate.
The youth raised a colossal amount in excess of Kshs. I million towards this project.
Approximately Kshs. 800,000/- was spent towards food distribution. The youths and some seniors of our community spent two Sundays during the month where food was distributed to our fellow needy Muslim brothers and sisters in the following places- Kibera, Dandora Eastleigh, Kiambu, Sagana,Riruta, Majengo and Park road.
Due to the over whelming support of community members and in particularly the youth, we are pleased to confirm that the Ar- Rahman initiative will continue throughout the year.
In line with our food distribution initiative, we would like to send a 20 ton truck of food to the North Eastern province where the families are dying due to drought.
Our budget for this is Kshs. 750,000/- . In keeping with the spirit of Ramazan , we urge you all to continue to contribute generously.
* The youth organised an "Itikaaf program" during the month. I hope that our youths were uplifted spiritually after the Itikaaf. Programs on all the "Big nights" were held with the 23rd night programme completing after Fajr prayers.
* Amir Merali for assisting in re-modeling and updating our website, giving it a refreshing look.
e. The ladies committee organized for a "sleep over" on a weekend with healthy interaction between them and various other programs. Various other positive programs were held towards spiritual upliftment.
f. The Madrassah for all the activities for the youngsters of the community.
g. All the lecturers for their discourse on Sundays after Zohrain.
3. Quran Khani was held during the month for both the youngsters and seniors both in gents and ladies. It was well attended with over 50 in gents and over 60 in ladies.
Unfortunately , due to dates/time, we could not hold the Quran competition . We intend to have one after ramazan
We also had the honour of a "kari" from Iran who inspired the congregation . I thank the Iran Cultural Centre for their continued support.
4. The World Federation Election were held and were conducted under the auspices of Nairobi Jamat. The polling went extremely well and the results were announced immediately after the completion of this exercise by the returning officer.
5. I must applaud Habib Bank Zurich Ltd for their regular generous contribution of Kshs. 1,650,000/- which was received last week by the Jamaat.
I thank all the benevolent donors during the month of Ramadan and during the year for their contribution towards the upliftment /services at Jaffrey Islamic Centre
6. Nairobi Jaffery Academy for the use of the buses whenever required.
7. During the month, various members of the community worked, supported and volunteered their time and service. May Allah reward them and their families for a job well done . Ahsant
I must in particularly appreciate our MRC, Hassan Nasser ( Zengo) and his team for the commitment and ownership they took in this challenging, demanding but fulfilling task.
Despite challenges during this month, they did a sterling job. May Allah Subhhala Watalah reward them and their families for their services to our community.
8. With the month being incident free, we thank the Almighty Allah in keeping us safe during this period.
9. Friday prayers - Park Road
Over the years, the Mahdi community and many of our members have asked the Managing Committee to look into the possibility of having Friday prayers at Park Road.
After due consultation with the relevant authorities, the Managing Committee has decided to commence Friday prayers at Park Road with effect from 25.09.2009.
This will allow members to participate in Friday prayers at a location convenient to them.
We will now have 3 location of Friday prayers ( Lavington, Rasul al Akram and Park Road). Whilst this may reduce the numbers in each location of Friday prayers, the total number of people praying is expected to increase.
10. Marhum Aliraza Nanji has left a huge gap in this community. He served the jamaat and especially the Madrassa for over 25 years.
We must also remember him during this time and all our members who were with us last year and are no longer with us.
Please recite a sura e fateha for all the departed souls of this community. Sura e fateha.
11. All in all , I thank the Almighty Allah for giving your Managing Committee the strength and zeal to serve you.If for any reason we have disappointed you, we ask for your forgiveness.
I would also like to thank my entire Managing Committee , their sub committee members and the staff of Jaffrey Islamic centre for their committed and continued support accorded to me in keeping with the vision and objectives set by your Managing Committee.
Finally, I commend the community for being active during this month and appeal to all the members to continue to stay united where the cause of Islam be a priority.
On behalf of your Managing Committee and myself, I wish you and your family Idd Ul Fitr Mubarak.
May God bless us all.
With Salaams
Aasif Karim
Chairman