In the name of Allah, the Most Kind, the Most Merciful
Salaamun Alaikum
Welcome to this week's newswire from the World Federation
News and events
Message of condolence from the President of The World Federation
My heartfelt condolences to Imam-e-Zamana (AFT) (May Allah hasten his
reappearance) on the departure of his selfless devotee Marhum Zulfikarali
Haiderali Khimji.
With profound sadness I offer condolences on behalf of the Executive Council and
our world-wide community to the family of the marhum and to the Office Bearers
of the Africa Federation and the entire community of Africa.
As I send this message out to you all, I am filled with a deep sense of sorrow
and grief. Never did I imagine that I would be eulogizing our dear departed
brother Zulfikarali, a valuable colleague and a prolific leader.
Yet again, we are filled with sadness as we loose another son of the Khoja Shia
Ithna-Asheri whilst actively serving in the Community.
More
Message of Condolence from the Office of Ayatullah Seestani, Qum
We were grieved and pained to receive the sad news of the demise of the late
Haji Zulfikar Khimji (Chairman of the Africa Federation).
On this sad ocassion, we would like to extend condolences to all Mumineen and to
members of the community. We pray to the Almighty to encompass His mercy on the
soul of the Marhum and to grant him an elevated place in Paradise.
More
Update on Iraq Relief
Over the last 25 years, many Iraqis have had to flee Iraq in fear of their
lives. Unfortunately a very large number have been stuck for years in camps in
neighbouring countries. Many of these refugees now aspire to go back to their
homes.
More
Imran Janmohamed and Minhal Master appointed to WF Communications team
With the increasing demand of the World Federation newswire, there has been a
need to recruit more volunteers to the communications team. WF is pleased to
announce the appointment of Imran Janmohamed and Minhal Master to the team.
More
Canada Wins 4th Haider Cup Matches
The 4th Haider Cup Matches held in Vancouver from 1st to 4th July 2004 brought
forth some of the most formidable KSI golf firepower from its home team,
providing a daunting challenge to defending champions USA.
More
Impressions of a Monk's visit to Qum, Iran
Abbot Timothy Wright and Br Wulstan Peterburs were the first Benedictine monks
to visit the Imam Khomeini Institute in Iran, where they spoke about the Roman
Catholic Church and about the Rule of St Benedict, which immediately established
a shared starting point.
More
This year's summer camps
Jamiat al Zahra (AS) Iran Camp in progress
The Jamiat al Zahra (AS) camp has started, and consists of thirty-four
participants. We have received messages from the participants there.
More
CoEJ Iran trip now underway
Visit the dedicated website to see what the campers in Iran are doing and follow
their progress on this four week religious and cultural boys camp by logging on
to http://www.camp.coej.org
More
Madressah Group Iran camp in progress
Visit the Madrassah group website to follow the progress of the students on
their three week cultural and educational trip to Iran by logging on to http://www.madressa.net
More
CoEJ Sweden Camp in Progress
Visit the dedicated website to see what the campers in Sweden are doing and
follow their progress on this 6th residential summer camp for boys by logging on
to http://www.camp.coej.org
More
Thought of the week
When we study the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family),
we see that all historians have divided his life into two distinct time periods.
The first period was that in Makkah. This was the stage of preparing, motivating
and energizing the community. The second period was that in Madinah. It is here
that what was formulated and learnt in Makkah was put into practical
application.
His entire time in Makkah was dedicated to teaching and nurturing the people and
bringing them a new "mental culture" - the correct set of beliefs and practices.
This was done to ensure a complete spiritual cleaning of the minds which, up
until that point, had been polluted with corrupt beliefs and practices. In this
thirteen year period, the Muslims were continuously showered with programs
rooted in the noble cultural and religious values which, unknown to them at that
time, would later be carried on to their new home in Madinah.
It is interesting to note that during this period, one of the most important
acts which was initiated by Allah was the daily prayers. This was the first part
of the program of the Prophet to ensure punctuality and promptness in the
affairs of the Muslims - and that too on a regular basis. This is one point
which Muslims of today can draw a parallel from in their day to day business and
personal life.
A directive was specifically given to these new Muslims to rise up at night in
worship, as we are told: "Surely your Lord knows that you pass in prayer nearly
two-thirds of the night, and (sometimes) half of it, and (sometimes) a third of
it, and (also) a party of those with you; and Allah measures the night and the
day..." (Suratul Muzammil (73), Verse 20)
Why did Allah choose the night for this training - why not the afternoon or just
before bed? It has been mentioned that this period (of the late night/early
morning) which is within the 24 hour cycle was chosen since the Muslims would be
far removed from the eyes of the polytheists - the enemies who sought to harm
them. Thus, what better way to organize your affairs and get your "own house in
order" than in the dark of the night, away from the eyes of your adversaries?
Should this same thought not carry over into the management and administration
of Muslim organizations and think tanks today?
Had it not been for the careful planning and management of the Prophet in this
thirteen year period, it is impossible to think that he would have had the
success and achievements that he did. In addition, Islam would not have spread
as rapidly as it did in the polytheistic city of Makkah of 1,400 years ago.
To be continued.
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22 July 2004
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