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Eid-ul-Fitr 2008
Celebrations in the
Worldwide
Jama‘at
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
.......... The HOPE Bulletin ………..
Health, Ongoing Projects, Education
www.aaiil.org
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INTRODUCTION
Akbar Abdullah, Editor
On behalf of The HOPE Bulletin team, I extend our sincere gratitude to Brigadier Mohammad Saeed, Dr.
Mujahid Ahmad Saeed, Rizwan ud Dean, Shabir Buksh, Jannifar Khanoum, Zakir Sahu-Khan, and the many
other brothers and sisters of the worldwide Jama‘at who provided their valuable information and memorable
photographs for the preparation of this Eid Celebrations in the Worldwide Jama‘at supplement.
DEDICATION
We dedicate this Eid supplement to the memory of the late Jama'at members, Dr. Ayesha Rahman Baig
(USA), Begum Hazara Enayat Mohammad (Trinidad), Mian Farooq Ahmad Sheikh (Pakistan), Haji Hassan
Mahomed (Netherlands), Begum Fakhruddin Ahmad (Pakistan), Mirza Maqbool Baig (Pakistan), Begum
Abdul Karim (Pakistan), Begum Hadja Sardar-Ghafoerkhan (Netherlands), Br Rashid Ahmad (Pakistan),
Chaudhary Abdul Hameed Dada (Pakistan), DSP Bashir Ahmad (Pakistan), Dr. Muhammad Yusuf
(Pakistan), Mian Mubarik Ahmad (Pakistan), Begum Tahira Fazl-i-Ahmad (Pakistan), Chaudhary Saeed
Ahmad (Pakistan), Br Jabir Muhammad (USA), and the Honourable Imam Warith Deen Mohammad (USA),
who all peacefully returned to Allah since last year's Eid-ul-Fitr. May Allah have mercy on their souls and
grant them an abode in the highest pedestal in Heaven, Jannate-Firdous. Aameen.
HAZRAT AMEER’S EID-UL-FITR MESSAGE
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“Jesus, son of Mary, said: O Allah, our Lord, send down to us food from heaven which should be to us an
ever recurring happiness to the first of us and to the last of us, and a sign from Thee, and give us sustenance
and Thou art the Best of the sustainers” (5:114).
Dear sisters and brothers,
Assalaam-o-Alaikum Wa Rakhmatullahi Wa Barakaato Hoo.
We bow our heads in gratitude to the Almighty Allah that He has granted us another opportunity to fast in
the Holy month of Ramadan. In doing so we have benefited from and got nearer to Him by abstaining from
all our desires and using the faculties that He has granted us in the way He has ordained that we should.
Ramadan is not just abstinence from food and drink as is usually believed by those not familiar with the
Islamic institution of fasting. It is indeed abstinence from all the evils that may result from the misuse of the
faculties Allah has blessed us with.
In this month we have endeavoured, to the best of our ability, to seek His pleasure. We have tried to speak
truthfully, recited the Holy Quran and followed it and exhorted others to do the same; we have abstained
from falsehood, backbiting, spreading rumours, telling lies, gossiping and vile talk. We have abstained from
seeing the things that lead us to temptations and ways of sin and kept our gaze lowered as is exhorted in the
Holy Quran. Similarly we have used our minds, hearts, limbs and other body parts to please Allah and get
closer to His mercy and forgiveness.
Dear sisters and brothers! In the above cited verse the word Eid occurs with reference to Jesus, may peace be
upon him, who asked Allah to send down food from heaven as a sign and a source of ever recurring
happiness, and for sustenance. There is no denying that as a result of this prayer he got food for his disciples
but the actual sustenance he asked for and got was the spiritual bliss and happiness for those who believed in
Allah and the message he brought to them from Him.
Ramadan has come to an end and today and we celebrate this occasion as Eid ul Fitr, a day of happiness for
the Muslims all over the world. Eid in Arabic signifies an ever-recurring happiness; it is a feeling in which
there is a continuous and lasting relationship between the Creator and His creatures. We have had a good
opportunity to create such a bond and today we face a real challenge; the challenge of asking ourselves
whether this relationship will be everlasting or end once we have celebrated the physical aspects and
festivities of Eid.
I pray to Allah that the bond that we have created with Him during Ramadan is an everlasting one and we
can say with conviction that this year Ramadan has laid for us the foundation to an ever-recurring
happiness.
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Dear sisters and brothers! As we celebrate we cannot ignore the troubles, sorrows and trials that the world is
facing today at the hands of a few, who want to disrupt peace and disallow the majority to live in harmony,
love and understanding with all humans irrespective of their colour, caste, creed or religion. As we
strengthen the bond that we have created with our Maker let us also pray that we create a bond between all
God’s Creatures and achieve peace which is the meaning and essence of our religion, Islam.
Let us strive for closeness to Allah and pray that we succeed. Aameen.
Dr. Abdul Karim Saeed
Ameer and President
The Worldwide Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement
AUSTRALIA
Zakir Sahu-Khan
Assalamu 'ailaikum wa rahmatu-llahi wa barakatuh.
Dear Brother Akbar Sahib
Here some of the photos that was taken at the Eid Prayers 2008 and short report on the day.
Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated on the Wednesday 01/10/2008 at the Wentworthville Community Centre. Prayers
were led and Khutba was delivered by Brother Mohammad Ameen Sahu-Khan. The topic was appropriately
chosen by Brother Ameen as it obviously related to the significance of fasting but more importantly what we
should have achieved in this very special month of Ramadhan. He directed his speech towards self discipline
and correctness of one’s behavior. The speech echoed our Hazrat Ameer's Eid message in regards to “ever-
recurring happiness” through achieving spiritual bliss.
The celebrations continued with the tradition of members visiting each other’s house for "samai" and
wishing each other "Eid Mubarak" throughout the day.
In regards to the photos, the last shot is of Brother Mohammad Zafrullah (Treasurer), Brother Mohammad
Ameen Sahu-Khan, Brother Mohammad Usman (Vice President), my younger brother Heyat Sahu-Khan
(Board Member), my elder son, Suhayl Yusuaf Ali Sahu-Khan, and myself.
Thank you.
Khuda Hafiz.
Mr Zakir Sahu-Khan
Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-i-Islam (Lahore) Sydney. Australia
General Secretary
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Ameen Sahu-Khan, Sydney
We thank Br Ameen Sahu Khan for sending us an electronic card, in which he conveyed his Eid greetings to
the worldwide Jama‘at.
CANADA
Report from Usman Gani Bux, former Board Member, AAIIL, Canada
In a report given via telephone by Usman Gani Bux of Vancouver, B.C., we learn that Eid-ul-Fitr was
celebrated on Wednesday, October 1st in Vancouver. This year, the function took place at the meeting hall of
a 30-storey residential building located at 2355 Madison Avenue, Burnaby, a suburban town of Vancouver
where more than forty Jama‘at members assembled for Eid prayer.
The Eid prayer was led by Br. Yaseen Sahu Khan, Pesh Imam of Vancouver’s Lahore Ahmadiyya
community. Prior to the Eid prayer, fitrana was collected and the proceeds will go to the needy in the Fiji
Islands. Sumptuous refreshments consisting of Indo-Fijian delicacies were then served to the members and
their guests.
In keeping with the tradition of Muslims of the Fiji Islands, the Ahmadi settlers in Vancouver made visits to
other families in the area for a treat of sweet sawine (vermicelli).
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Weekend Eid parties given by various families go on for a month after Eid-ul-Fitr. The traditional custom of
exchanging gifts, clothing and cash prevails amongst all families. According to Br. Gani Bux, the members
are quite cognizant of their duty of giving charity, which they follow religiously.
FIJI
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GERMANY
Muhammad Ali, Assistant Imam, Berlin Mosque
Assalamo Alikeum.
I wish you and your family Eid Mubarik.
Please remember me in your prayers.
Wasalam.
Muhammad Ali
Manfred Yahya, Berlin
My very dear brothers and sisters in our worldwide Jmaat, Salam Alejkum
I wish all of you and your families a very happy and spiritually fulfilling Eid-ul-Fitr. May Allah, with His
infinite mercy, bless you all and keep you in safe-keeping at all times.
With love and Wasalam,
Your br. Manfred Yahya
GUYANA
Mansoor Baksh
Assalaamu Alaikum.
Eid Mubarak to you and your family.
Mansoor and family
HOLLAND
A.S. Abdul Santoe, AAIIL European Representative
My dear brothers and sisters in faith,
Assalaam Alaikum WRWB.
The holy month of Ramadhan has come to its end once again. In bidding a farewell to this dearly and
inspiring period, my prayers are to strengthen the bond of brotherhood and peace within our Movement as
well as to peace , prosperity and harmony for the whole of mankind. Let us also pray for those who have
passed away; Allah's forgiveness and blessings be upon their souls.
Blessings and barkaats be upon you and all your loved ones, Ameen.
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Eid Mubarak!
AAII(L)N, The Hague
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Assalaam-o-Alaikum w.r.w.b.
The committee of the A.A.I.I.(L).N. and her members wishes U and your members a very happy Eid-ul-
Fitre.
We pray to Allah Subhaan wa Ta’la to reward you for the efforts of this month, today and in the future. May
the blessings of Allah accrue to you all.
Eid Mubarak!
INDIA
Shagufta Tareen
Wish you all a very Happy Eid in advance. May Allah the Almighty bless you all with His choicest of
blessings all through your life. Amen! (Please remember me in your prayers always).
With lots of love from Shagufta Tareen
NEW ZEALAND
Shabir Buksh, Secretary AAIIL, NZ
Assalamu Alaikum Br Akbar.
Please convey Eid Greetings from me, my family & the NZ Jamaat to all members of our Global Jamaat.
Eid Mubarak.
Wassaalam.
Br Shabir Buksh
Secretary AAIIL NZ
Dear Br Akbar,
Assalamu Alaikum.
We celebrated Eid-ul Fitr on 1/10/2008 at the residence of Br Adil Hussein.
Our president Br Abid Raza welcomed everyone and read Hazrat Ameer's Eid-ul Fitr message. I then led the
prayers and then spoke on Eid (the significance of Eid and how, we, as Muslims to lead our lives according
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to the Holy Quran). I also spoke on Ramadhan and the importance of it. The programme ended with a dua
by Br Irshaad Zullah.
Please see attached some photos taken...
Wassaalam.
Br Shabir Buksh
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PAKISTAN
Amir Aziz, General Secretary, AAII Lahore
Dear brothers and Sisters
Assalamu ALikum.
Eid Mubarak to you all.
May this day bring all favours, bounties and blessing of Allah for every one of you.
We pray that this Eid be full of happiness, joy and pleasure for you, for your family and for the whole
Ummah.
Pray for the progress and prosperity of Muslims and beseech your Lord for the peace.
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Your brother, Amir Aziz
General Secretary
AAIIL
Mudassar Aziz, PA to Hazrat Ameer Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Eid Mubarak to all of you.
Mudassar Aziz
Eid service in Central Anjuman
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SURINAME
Riaz Ahmadali & family
Peace be upon you!
Wishing all of you a joyful Eid.
May all the good intentions and lessons of this Ramadan be part of our lives during the next 11 months (and
beyond).
Those interested may download our Eid ul-Fitr songs at www.ivisep.org/islamsongs/eidsongs.htm
Riaz Ahmadali & family
Mary and Dr. Khaliel Ghafoerkhan
We thank Sister Mary and Dr. Khaliel Ghafoerkhan for sending us an electronic Eid card. Unfortunately, we
did not save their thoughtful greetings (within the stipulated 30-day period).
THAILAND
Shaukat A. Ali, Coordinator, Asia & Pacific Region
Bismillahi-r-Rahman ir Rahim. (In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.)
Dear brothers and sisters, Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahe wa Barakatuh.
Alhamdulillah, we have once again been granted the opportunity and Allah swt has facilitated the
completion of fasting for the month of Ramadan. I pray and am confident that it has been a very fruitful and
valuable spiritual experience, better than in the past because of our greater exposure, knowledge and
experiences in the intervening period. The important thing now is to ensure that we try and keep the spiritual
aspects of Ramadan Kareem in our mind all the time and implement them as practicable throughout the
coming year and beyond.
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In accordance with the Conditions of the Pledge (Bai’at) as established by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad
Sahib, Mujaddid of the Fourteenth Century Hijrah, Promised Messiah and Mehdi, those who couldn’t pray
five times a day in the past may have commenced praying regularly; those who could not rise for Tahajjud
Prayers regularly may have commenced regular Tahajjud Prayers, and those who could not say the Dzuha
Prayers regularly may have joined us (retirees) and have commenced regular Dzuha. We may have also
achieved greater sabr and solace and contributed generously to the poor and needy as well as to the
Anjuman. All these actions of ours have, no doubt, brought us closer to our Creator and Sustainer. We have
all read verse 2:186 of the Holy Quran as it comes among the verses pertaining to fasting. There are other
verses relating to nearness to our Lord; such as:
“O you who believe, keep your duty to Allah, and seek means of nearness to Him, and strive hard in
His way that you may be successful” (5:35).
“And know that Allah comes in between a man and his heart, and that to Him you will be gathered”
(8:24).
“And certainly We created man, and We know what his mind suggests to him – and We are nearer to
him than his life-vein” (50:16).
I have decided to quote a number of verses of the Holy Quran this year instead of presenting my personal
views and hope that these will assist us in our daily lives. The verses which I would like to share with you
relate to patience and doing good (to others) so that there is added incentive to continue with what we
achieved during the month of Ramadan.
Patience “And seek assistance through patience and prayer, and this is hard except for the humble ones” (2:45).
“And We shall certainly try you with something of fear and hunger and loss of property and lives and fruits.
And give good news to the patient” (2:155).
“What is with you passes away and what is with Allah is enduring. And We shall certainly give to those who
are patient their reward for the best of what they did” (16:96).
“So bear patiently what they say, and celebrate the praise of your Lord before the rising of the sun and
before its setting, and glorify (Him) during the hours of the night and parts of the day, that you may be well
pleased” (20:130).
“Whose hearts tremble when Allah is mentioned, and who are patient in their afflictions, and who keep up
prayer, and spend of what We have given them” (22:35).
“So be patient; surely the promise of Allah is true; and ask protection for your sin and celebrate the praise
of your Lord in the evening and the morning” (40:55).
“Then he is of those who believe and exhort one another to patience, and exhort one another to mercy”
(90:17).
Doing good “Nay, whoever submits himself entirely to Allah and he is the doer of good (to others), he has his reward
from his Lord, and there is no fear for such nor shall they grieve” (2:112).
“Those who believe and do good deeds and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate—their reward is with their
Lord; and they have no fear, nor shall they grieve” (2:277).
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“Surely Allah wrongs not the weight of an atom; and if it is a good deed, He multiplies it and gives from
Himself a great reward” (4:40).
“And whoever does good deeds, whether male or female, and he (or she) is a believer – these will enter the
Garden, and they will not be dealt with a whit unjustly” (4:124).
“Whoever brings a good deed will have tenfold like it, and whoever brings an evil deed, will be
recompensed only with the like of it, and they shall not be wronged” (6:160).
“Except those who are patient and do good. For them are forgiveness and a great reward” (11:11).
“Whoever does good, whether male or female, and is a believer, We shall certainly make him live a good
life, and We shall certainly give them their reward for the best of what they did” (16:97).
“And your Lord has decreed that you serve none but Him, and do good to parents. If either or both of them
reach old age with you, say not "Fie" to them, nor chide them, and speak to them a generous word” (17:23).
“And Allah increases in guidance those who go aright. And deeds that endure, the good deeds, are, with thy
Lord, better in recompense and yield better return” (19:76).
“And those who believe and do good, We shall certainly do away with their afflictions and reward them for
the best of what they did” (29:7).
“And it is not your wealth, nor your children, that bring you near to Us in rank; but whoever believes and
does good, for such is a double reward for what they do, and they are secure in the highest places” (34:37).
“Those who believe and do good, for them is surely a reward never to be cut off” (41:8).
“Whoever does good, it is for his own soul; and whoever does evil, it is against it. And your Lord is not in
the least unjust to the servants” (41:46).
“Except those who believe and do good -- for them is a reward that shall never be cut off” (84:25).
“Except those who believe and do good, and exhort one another to Truth, and exhort one another to
patience” (103:3).
Let us pray that Compassionate and Merciful Allah guides and protects us:
“Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter” (2:201).
“Our Lord, impose not on us (afflictions) which we have not the strength to bear. And pardon us!
And grant us protection! And have mercy on us!” (2:286).
Aameen.
Eid Mubarak.
Salaams and dua to all of you as well as to your loved ones. Wassalam,
Shaukat A. Ali,
Regional Coordinator, Asia and Pacific,
Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat Islam (Lahore), Phuket
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TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
Ashraf & Nafiesa Ali
We thank Almighty Allah for our presence in Ramadan and our ability to observe the month appropriately.
We pray that the blessings of this holy month will remain with us until the next coming of Ramadan, Insha
Allah.
Eid Mubarak.
Ashraf and Nafiesa Ali
AMLT of Trinidad & Tobago
Nadara Khan
Assalamu Alaikum.
On behalf of the Chairman and members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Literary Trust, Trinidad and Tobago, I
extend to you warmest Eid greetings.
Nadara
UNITED KINGDOM
Shahid Aziz, Secretary, AAIIL
Eid Mubarak to all our brothers and sisters all over the world. May Allah keep all of you safe. …
Shahid Aziz
Secretary
AAIIL(UK)
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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Jannifar Khanoum, Oakland Mosque, California
Dear Brothers & Sisters in our Worldwide Jama'ats:
Assalam-O-Alaikum W.R.W.B.
Eid-ul-Fitr will be on Wednesday October 1 2008 at Oakland Masjid. Eid namaz will start at 9:30 AM.
After namaz there will be speeches, gifts given to kids, it will end with a dua from Muhammed Mustapha,
then Eid sweets.
Jannifar Khanoum
Daughter of Mohammed Mustapha
Service at Oakland Mosque
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Greetings from Br. Zainal A. Sahu-Khan
Eid Mubarak to one and all. May Allah (SWT) bless you and keep you under his care always. A special
thanks to you Brother Akbar for your tireless efforts in keeping the message of Islam coming to us regularly.
Zainal A. Sahu-Khan, MBA, MA, BS
Chief Master Sergeant, United States Air Force
CONTACT INFORMATION
Akbar Abdullah Editor, The HOPE Bulletin
Mailing Address: P.O. Box A2127
211 South Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60690, U.S.A.
E-mail Address: [email protected]
Telephone Number: (773) 539-6892
Facsimile Number: (773) 539-9975