From the Chairperson’s desk

The Beginning of the New Year 2021

ٱلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ‎

Jummah Mubarak

Today I am writing to you with a heavy heart at the sad loss of so many of our family members and friends over the past two weeks. In our circle, we have witnessed 14 Janazah’s from 1 January 2021 to date.

We convey our sincerest condolences to all the families that have suffered losses and May Allah grant the Marhomeen Jannatul Firduas and sabr jameelan in the hearts of the families.

We also pray for so many more suffering from COVID, who are hospitalised or at home May Allah grant them a speedy recovery Insha’Allah.

We once again appeal to each one of you to adopt a voluntary lockdown so that you protect yourselves and your families. Whilst most are adhering to the non-pharmaceutical protocols which we have termed the GOLDEN RULES others are still not compliant to these protocols fully by wearing the masks properly over the nose; social distancing at family get togethers; and washing of hands.

We are also concerned of the dropping of our guard of these protocols particularly at Janazah’s and the indiscipline of burial societies, religious leaders, and families by non-conformance of these protocols and directives.

Janazah’s, family get togethers and social events are potential super spreaders and therefore every effort should be made to cease these activities/occasions immediately for our own safety and for the safety and respect towards others.

During the 1st Wave the vulnerable and aged were at risk however with the new variant the infections are affecting all age groups and the fatalities are also impacting the younger age groups. This 2nd Wave makes as all vulnerable and therefore extra precautions and adherence to the GOLDEN RULES becomes absolutely imperative.

We have to accept that we will have to adopt the GOLDEN RULES for the rest of 2021 despite the availability of vaccinations in the near future as we don’t fully know the efficacy against the variant strain.

We did mention in our previous communique to be prepared for a possible 3rd or 4th wave. Sadly, this reality may dawn upon us sooner than expected.

As leaders of Society we have to encourage, educate, and inform our members and appeal to your conscious to heed to the advice. Difficult times lie ahead but Allah is the Greatest and we have to continually appeal to HIM for mercy and protection.
Please continue to practice the GOLDEN RULES.

Dr Nisaar Korowlay
CHAIRPERSON
Issued: 15 January 2021