In the Name of Allah (SWT), the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
"And proclaim that the people shall observe Hajj pilgrimage.
They will come to you walking or riding on various exhausted (means of transportation). They will come from the farthest locations." [22:27.8]

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam

Salaamun Alaykum,

On behalf of the Council of European Jamaats (CoEJ), from Makkah I extend my heartfelt greetings and pray to Allah (SWT) in His infinite mercy to shower His choicest blessings on you and your family on this joyous occasion of Eid al Hajj. This propitious day is celebrated around the world, with Muslim communities following in the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim (as) and offering a qurbani. The sacrifice of an animal symbolises the devotion and obedience in a demonstration of our faith and the true worship of Allah. May He accept our offerings on this very blessed day. Ameen.

The ability to sacrifice is a quality that characterises human beings and separates them from the rest of creation. It was only through the sacrifice of our beloved Prophets and the Holy Ahlulbayt (as) that we were able to attain the message of Islam in its purity. Therefore, on this auspicious occasion I humbly request for us all to sacrifice wherever we can for the cause of the Almighty, and making a donation for the needy at www.coej.org.

Of all the rites of Islam, Hajj is most particularly significant to the concept of unity, in that it brings nations and communities together from distant lands before their Creator. In line with the spirit of unity, we have been building bridges and enhancing our relationships with both Shia and non Shia organisations.

In order to further the lessons we gain from Hajj and to strengthen our community, at the recently concluded Annual Conference, we took the initial steps of embarking upon a strategic planning initiative - something that has been long overdue. This will Insha'Allah pave a way and be an avenue for a brighter future, enabling our august body to develop with clarity of goals; and in essence be led, truly from the helm. Therefore, let us unite as a community and work towards a brighter future; one which is full of hope and prosperity and illuminated with the blessings of Allah (SWT).


Once again, on this auspicious occassion of Eid al Hajj, I wish you and your loved ones Eid Mubarak and pray that Allah (SWT) accepts all of our Ibadat on the Day of Arafah, gives us the strength and tawfiq to carry on serving in His name and hasten the appearance of our awaited saviour (atfs). Ameen.
Sura al-fateha

With kind regards and dua’as

Dr Husein Jiwa
President
The Council of European Jamaats

Secretariat