The Female Committee of the Strand Muslim Council (SMC) hosted a very successful Islamic New Year lunch on Sunday 31 July (or 1 Muharram of the Islamic calendar) at Musjidul Ummah in Hassan Khan Avenue, Strand.
More than 200 senior Strand community members enjoyed an afternoon celebration and socialisation at this first post-pandemic luncheon.
Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, for the Strand Muslim community is also traditionally associated with acts of care and celebration, marked by events such as this one.
According to the chairperson of the SMC Female Committee, Hadjie Juzaida Rhoda, members were happy to once again have a contact celebration, which was not possible during the pandemic. “One could see people were eager and delighted to see and greet one another in person again.”
Muharram is also distinguished by its sacredness as a month of remembrance. Spiritual leaders Mualima Ayesha Railoun, Moulana Faeez Harris and Sheikh Abubakr West set the tone accordingly for the event. Harris emphasised remembering ancestors and the importance of respect for elders.
Equally, Strand historian Hadjie Ebrahim Rhoda contributed to this theme of remembrance.
Meneer Rhoda, as he is fondly and respectfully called, took guests down memory lane with a presentation consisting of a wide selection of photos depicting life and experiences in the “old” Strand.
Many of the guests could relate to these visuals and some could be seen wiping a tear or two away.
Guests included several former SMC committee members, such as the previous chairperson, Hadjie Zuleigha Karaan, Hadjie Gafsa Daniels and Hadjie Yasmine Arnold.
The 92-year-old Hadjie Gafsa, who was an active SMC committee member for many years, was also the eldest person present.
The organisers felt especially honoured to have the former chairperson, Hadjie Zuleigha, present at the function. Under her leadership, projects such as the Strand Muslim Crèche and the Iqra Learning Centre were established. Her great concern was always the welfare of the elderly and the vulnerable.
Traditional dishes such as breyani and curry were served for lunch, followed by scrumptious desserts, and cake and tea. The guests were also entertained by some spontaneous and impromptu singing.
This afternoon joyously spent in the company of the elderly was fittingly ended with a prayer. And, of course, there was a barakat (a take-home gift) for each of the guests.
V A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this event, especially the SMC Female Committee.
