The past year (2020) in review and the future (2021)
ٱلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ
Jummah Mubarak
As we bid 2020 farewell South Africa has recorded the highest daily number of infections of 17,700 two days ago. We will never forget 2020 that has taught us crucial life lessons such as: patience, empathy, surviving severe challenges and adoption to minimalism.
We have witnessed a year of destruction losing lives and livelihoods yet we as mere mortals refuse to take heed of this devastating virus COVID 19. After 10 months of misery some people are still in denial, others remain irresponsible and undisciplined refusing to adhere to the health protocols that have been publicised continuously.
As we enter 2021 we see no light at the end of the tunnel because this virus will continue to mutate and bring further hardships, vaccines will be limited in the near future and 2021 will be equally dire as 2020 unless we take responsibility individually; collectively guide our communities; and leaders of society rise to the occasion as true leaders to encourage one and all to adhere to the health protocols to save lives and minimise hardship.
Previous pandemics have lasted at least 3years. This pandemic is no exception. We are currently in the 2nd wave which is worse than the 1st wave due to the virus variant which is highly infectious with a high viral load and affecting younger individuals more severely. Be prepared for a possible 3rd or 4th wave.
On this platform we have continuously urged our membership to adopt the
Golden Rules of wearing a mask over the nose, wash hands regularly and showing respect to one another by maintaining physical distance, avoiding confined spaces with poor ventilation and crowded spaces (Social functions; funerals; etc.).
We have to learn from the lessons of 2020 to prepare for 2021. We have to adapt to a new norm and accept that we will not return to pre COVID behavioural situations.
As JHESS we have moved all our programs onto virtual platforms successfully, and this will continue for the foreseeable future.
The JHESS COVID 19 Humanitarian Fund will have to be topped up so that we may continue to support the infirm and needy as we have done over the past 10 months with the grace of Allah. Let me sincerely thank our donors and benefactors who have not hesitated to support our Humanitarian Aid Fund. May your reward deservedly be from Allah in this world and the hereafter.
We also take this opportunity to thank every single health worker for their unstinting efforts in caring for us in the hour of need. May Allah grant them the best rewards and bless their families.
Finally we continue to beseech divine help to protect us all, grant those ill with a speedy recovery and sadly those that have departed the highest abode in Jannah.
I would like to make special mention to the Ulday and Girie families at the recent loss of your loved ones – May Allah grant them Jannatul Firduas. Ameen
Each one of us have a responsibility to protect one another and in particular the vulnerable and aged.
We need to subjugate to Allah every moment to save us from this virus by making dua and remain in His remembrance.
“Hasbunallahu wa ni`mal Wakil’: حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ
Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).”
I wish everyone a happy, healthy, fulfilling and mindful 2021.
Dr Nisaar Korowlay
CHAIRPERSON
Issued: 1 January 2021
