A COMMUNITY APPEAL

 

O you who believe, seek help through steadfastness and salah, for Allah with the steadfast.” [Noble Qur’an 2:153]

 

The ongoing genocide in Palestine, marked by the persistent suffering of our brothers and sisters, demands a constant, consistent and collective response. Given our deep sense of responsibility to the Blessed Lands of Sham, the United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA) invites you to participate in the annual Al-Aqsa Week which is scheduled to take place on the 24th to the 31st January 2025.

 

Aqsa Week is a global initiative which officially began in 2017 to promote the love of Masjid Al-Aqsa. It is a week for people around the world to organise events, create conversation and raise awareness on the first qiblah of this Ummah. The week includes workshops, talks, activities and shareable content for adults and children, all under the banner of #LoveAqsa.

 

Aqsa Week is an opportune period to deepen understanding of the great heritage and immense importance of Masjid Al-Aqsa. Learning and knowing more about Al-Aqsa increases our love for it and engenders a greater sense of commitment to its cause.

 

This year’s Aqsa Week occurs amidst the ongoing genocide in Gaza, and the steadfast defence of Al-Aqsa undertaken by its people through the battle of the Al-Aqsa Flood. We are also cognizant of creeping annexation in the West Bank, heightened Occupation crimes at Al-Aqsa itself, and the significant power shifts occurring before our eyes in the broader Bilad-ush-Sham.

 

We must remember that silence in the face of injustice is complicity. The reality of what is happening in Bayt al-Maqdis is not something we can afford to ignore. Al Aqsa Week is a chance for us all to stand firm, and to reaffirm our commitment to supporting our Palestinian brethren and taking responsibility for our Masjid.

 

UUCSA calls upon all community leaders, educators, and members of the Ummah to diarise Al-Aqsa Week and to actively participate in, and promote its initiatives. Proactive leadership is pivotal in ensuring that our efforts make an impact. We encourage you to:

 

• Highlight the importance and virtues of Al-Aqsa and provide updates on current developments in your lectures, classes, and community discussions.

 

• Create events and activities that bring people together and foster awareness about the situation in Bayt al-Maqdis.

 

• Organise and hold programmes tailored to young people, inspiring them to become ambassadors for the causes of the Ummah and defenders of Al-Aqsa.

 

• Seek Divine assistance through du‘ā and encouraging Sunnah fasting.

 

• Prepare and spread beneficial content on Masjid al-Aqsa on media platforms.

 

• Work together with other sectors of society to amplify our message, and strengthen the global movement for justice in Palestine, and

 

• Prepare material for Jumu‘ah lectures and other Aqsa Week resources will be circulated closer to Al-Aqsa Week.

 

May Allah SWT grant us success in our efforts, strengthen the bonds of unity within our Ummah, and bring peace and relief to the people of Bayt al-Maqdis. Āmīn.

 

Released by:

Yusuf Patel (Moulana)
UUCSA Secretary General

13 Rajab 1446 / 13 January 2025