Condemnation of the mistreatment of a dhakira in Mumbai
It is with deep regret that the
World Federation has learnt of the mistreatment of Dhakira Taherabai Jaffer
during her majalis in Mumbai, India, during Muharram 1426, February 2005.
The World Federation condemns the episode in the strongest possible terms. Such
treatment is unacceptable.
The President of the World Federation Dr Ahmed Hassam on Friday, 25 February
2005, has conveyed the world community's outrage to Mohib-bhai Nasser, a member
of the Managing Committee of Mumbai Jamaat. Mohib bhai has
acknowledged that such treatment was unacceptable and that he will be formally
taking up this matter with the Mumbai Jamaat Office Bearers and Committee
Members. In a further telephone discussion today, Monday, 28 February
2005, Mohib bhai has confirmed that as a protest against the Vice President of Mumbai
Jamaat the entire office bearers of Mumbai Jamaat, ie President, Treasurer,
Joint Honorary Secretaries have resigned en masse on Sunday 27th February 2005.
The role of the dhakireen is critical and important to the community. The
mission on which they embark upon the 12 days of Muharram is to help the
reformation of the ummah so as to prepare it for the arrival of the 12th Imam
Hazrat Muhammad al Mahdi AF. As the Holy Prophet (SAWW) has said:
"Whosoever enjoins (others) to do good and forbids them from evil is the
ambassador of Allah on this earth, and the ambassador of His messenger".
The reformation of the ummah through amr bil ma'ruf and nahyi anil munkar should
be the objective of every one of us mourning for our Imam during these twelve
days and these dhakireen need to be supported as they deliver this message.
The responsibility is not only on the leadership but also the mumineen all over
to ensure that these individuals are supported in discharging their activities
without cause of concern for we are all accountable for our action and also our
inaction.
The World Federation is undertaking its own investigation and advice on the
situation and once that is complete, appropriate actions will be taken.