92 – 786

"To go to Eid Gah for Eid Prayers

is a much – emphasized tradition of

the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon Him) and

it shows the glory of Islam as well."

Souvenir Magazine

28^th April 1985 – 6^th Sha’ban 1405

1. The importance of Eid Gah

2. A preacher in action

3. Message from His Eminence Maulana Muhammad Ibrahim Khushtar 

4. Message from Hon. A. Jugnauth, Prime Minister of Mauritius 

5. Message from the Prime Minister of Mauritius to the Durban Branch of the Sunni 

    Razvi Society 

6. Message de l’Hon. Paul Bérenger, Leader de l’Opposiion 

7. Letter of Hon H. Boodhoo, Govt Chief Whip 

8. Food for thought

9. The president and members of the Sunni Razvi Society International wish a 

    Happy Eid Mubarak to all the Muslims in and outside Mauritius

10. Congratulations from Religious personalities & social organizations of Mauritius

11. Editorial by G. M. Issac 

12. Comments on Eid Gäh 

13. Press Conference of His Eminence, Maulana Muhammad Ibrahim Khushtar  

14. Program on the occasion of the Foundation Stone Ceremony 

15. The Laying of the Foundation Stone of the First Mauritius Sunni Razvi Eid Gäh 

16. Address His Eminence Maulana Muhammad Ibrahim Khushtar on the occasion of the

      Foundation Stone Ceremony 

17. Speech of the Prime Minister of Mauritius on the occasion of the Foundation Stone

      Ceremony 

18. Eid Gäh’s Anthem by His Eminence Maulana Muhammad Ibrahim Khushtar

      (With explanation in English) 

19. A brief history of the Sunni Razvi Society International 

1. On Eid morning, Allah sends angels to every city and these angels stand at each extremity of the road and call the Muslims towards the Eid Gah.

2. To go to Eid Gah for Eid-Ul-Fitr and Eid-Ul-Adha prayers is Sunnah (tradition of the Holy Prophet).

3. It is preferable to read Eid-Ul-Fitr and Eid-Ul-Adha prayers in the Eid Gah.

4. It is Sunnah to perform Eid-Ul-Fitr and Eid-Ul-Adha prayers in the Eid Gah.

5. It is Sunnah to go Eid Gäh for prayers even though there are places available in the mosque.

6. There is neither the least doubt nor any difference of opinion that to read Eid-Ul-Fitr and Eid-Ul-Adha prayers in Eid Gäh is commendable, preferable, desirable and is a much-emphasized tradition.

7. The person who has the means of performing Qurbani but does not do so should not even come near my Eid Gah (Place of Eid prayers). [Hadith]

8. When corruption spreads among my followers, the person who firmly holds on to my tradition shall have the reward of hundred martyrs. [Hadith]

A preacher in action

His Eminence, Maulana Muhammad Ibrahim Khushtar has taken the bold steps to build the First Mauritius Eid Gah. The Muslim Community of Mauritius will ever be grateful to him for establishing another much-emphasized Sunnah of the Holy Prophet of Islam (Peace be upon Him).

Through the indefatigable efforts of this Founder-Patron of the Sunni Razvi Society International, FOUR HISTORIC EVENTS have been written in golden letters:

1. First Sunni Razvi Society International – Mauritius – 1965.

2. First Sunni Razvi Academy – Port Louis – 1967

3. First Khanqah Qadiria Razvia – Mesnil, Phenix – 1983.

4. First Mauritius Sunni Razvi Eid Gäh – Vallée Pitot, Port Louis – 1985

Message from

His Eminence Maulana Muhammad Ibrahim

Khushtar Siddiqui Qadiri Razvi

Thanks to Almighty Allah, the foundation stone of the first Mauritius Eid Gäh has been laid on the 28^th April 1985 at Vallee Pitot, Port Louis. A ray of hope has just appeared on the horizon of Mauritius. It will be the fulfillment of one my cherished dreams which is to fill a gap that has existed for so long.

The Eid Gäh being the spiritual product of Islam, Hazrat Muhammad Mustapha (Peace be upon Him). Muslims have therefore, made a must to erect such a common Eid prayer place in so many countries of the Muslim World. We, in Mauritius, could not remain arms folded at the lacking of this respect. After years of endeavors, we have been able to secure a portion of land for the purpose of building the much-awaited Eid Gah.

Our heart is full of joy today in considering the fact that the Muslim Community of Mauritius has had a beautiful site where all its members can benefit from the spiritual fruits, which such a place will yield. This Eid Gah will be spiritual, educational and socio-cultural center as well. It will serve as a platform where members of other faiths also can come to share our joy on festive days. It will also be a lighthouse that will show the way to one and all.

Let the Eid Gäh be there a symbol of unity, faith and discipline and let it be a garden whose fragrance reaches everyone in Mauritius.

Since it is the Islamic tradition to exchange greetings on Eid Days, I look forward to the day when we shall embrace each other in the Eid Gäh just to manifest our bond of friendship and fraternity in a true spirit of humanism.

Long live Mauritius!

Message from

Hon. A. Jugnauth Q.C.

Prime minister of Mauritius

on the occasion of the laying of

the foundation stone ceremony

of the first Mauritius Eid Gah

It gives me great pleasure to send you this message to the Sunni Razvi Society International on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone of Eid-Gäh in Vallee Pitot on Sunday, the 28^th of April.

I have had the proud privilege of personally knowing His Eminence Maulana Hafiz Muhammad Ibrahim Khushtar Siddiqui Qadiri Razvi, the Founder-Patron and Spiritual Guide of the Sunni Razvi Society.

Since its advent in Mauritius some 20 years ago, the Society has endeavored to promote the great message of peace, brotherhood and love preached by Islam. The Sunni Razvi Society International is renowned throughout the World for its laudable initiative in promoting the great traditions of Islam for prayers and sacrifice in the spiritual development of man, and in a manner shown to the world by no other than the Holy Prophet Muhammad Himself (S.A.W.), when He first went out to pray in the Eid-Gäh at Madina.

Centuries have rolled by since that great and Holy occasion. We are fortunate in Mauritius that this great tradition of prayers in the Eid-Gäh, initiated by the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.), is about to become a palpable reality for our Muslim Brothers and Sisters, through the vision and perseverance of the Sunni Razvi Society International, and under the able and spiritual guidance of its founder, His Eminence Maulana Hafiz Muhammad Ibrahim Khushtar Siddiqui Qadiri Razvi.

Under the inspired spiritual guidance of the leading figures in the Sunni Razvi Society International, I am confident that the efforts of our countrymen in all spheres of human endeavors will meet, sooner than expected, with their cherished goals of peace, happiness and prosperity.

I hope that the great teachings and traditions of Islam continue to bless this land of ours and lead its people on the enlightened path of truth, brotherhood and love.

I wish the Sunni Razvi Society International all the success its certainly deserves in all its endeavors.

25^th April 1985

Prime Minister

Message from

Hon. A. Jugnauth Q.C.

Prime Minister of Mauritius

to the Durban branch of the

Sunni Razvi Society International

It gives me the greatest pleasure on behalf of the Government and people of Mauritius and in my own name to send this message to the Durban Branch of the Sunni Razvi Society International on the auspicious occasion of the laying of the foundation stone by His Eminence, Hazrat Maulana Hafiz Muhammad Ibrahim Khushtar of an educational, social and religious center in Durban.

The contribution of the Sunni Razvi Society International to peace and the brotherhood o man will for ever be written in golden letters in the history of those illustrious associations and organizations which have throughout the years left no stone unturned so that mankind may enjoy greater progress in all fields.

A debt of gratitude is owed to His Eminence Maulana Khustar for his personal and untiring efforts in the field of education for a better world.

His Eminence, Maulana Khushtar launched the Sunni Razvi movement in Mauritius in 1965 and this society has developed to become the Headquarters of an internationally recognized organization.

On behalf of the Government and people of Mauritius and in my own name, I convey my best wishes of success to the educational, social and cultural center. I also wish, the center long life.

31^st January 1985

Prime Minister

Message de

l’hon. paul raymond berenger,

Leader de l’opposition

C’est avec respect que j’ai tenu à être présent,le 28 avril dernier, à Vallée Pitot, pour la pose de la prémière pierre d’un Eid Gah sous l’égide de la Sunni Razvi Society.

A cette occasion, il nous aura été une fois de plus permis de prendre la mesure du bon travail accompli jusqu’ici par la Sunni Razvi Society, guidée en cela par le Maulana Hafiz Muhammad Ibrahim Khustar Siddiqui Qadri Razvi.

A cette occasion aussi, le message de la fraternité et de la justice de l’Islam nous aura tous une fois de plus aide dans l’immense tâche qui consiste à créer toujours plus d’unité nationale dans le respect de la diversité religieuse et culturelle qui est notre richesse.

Leader de l’Opposition

786-92

On the happy occasion of

Eid-Ul-Fitr and on the

auspicious occasion of the

historic establishment of the

First Mauritius Eid Gah,

His Eminence Maulana

Muhammad Ibrahim Khustar

Siddiqui Qadiri Razvi

Founder-Patron of the Sunni

Razvi Society International,

extends to you and your

family his warmest greetings

and best wishes.

Letter of

Hon. Harish Boodhoo

Government chief whip

Dear Mr. President,

Thank you for inviting me to the Foundation Laying Ceremony of the First Mauritius Eid Gah. I congratulate His Eminence, Hazrat Maulana Hafiz Muhammad Ibrahim Khushtar Siddiqui Qadiri Razvi and all the members for the good work you are doing to create a better and more just society.

It will be privilege for me to receive the blessings of my elders and spiritual leaders of mankind on that sacred day.

Warm Personal Regards,

For Eid prayers it is better to go out with the big gathering to pray in the plain (Eid Gäh) than to pray in the locality’s mosque or even in a Jummah Mosque.

al Aqsa mosque

This eventful day, marking a historic advent in the days of the society, fulfils a cherished dream of its founder-patron, His Eminence Maulana Muhammad Ibrahim Khushtar Siddiqui Quadri Razvi, under whose guidance, hope, impulse and urge, the Society has achieved remarkable success. Vallée Pitot Eid Gäh glorifies and testifies.

Happy Eid Mubarak

Maulana Syed A. Jilani Ashrafi (Khateeb)

Assenjee Sobdar (president)

Shan-e-Rasool mosque

Sayed Roshan Ameermeea (president)

World Islamic Mission (Mauritius branch)

Mawlana Ahmad Bashir Keenoo

President

National Muslim council & national Urdu institute

Abdullah Ahmed C.B.E. (Hon. President, National Urdu Institute – President, National Muslim Council)

Message from the president of the Mauritius supreme council for Islamic affairs

Rashad Dawreeawoo (bar-at-law – president)

Editorial

"By deeds, not by words", runs the saying. It is therefore the capability of a preacher to translate his words into action that makes him niche in the temple of fame. His Eminence deserves therefore, our full appreciation and admiration for his gigantic strides in the field of religion.

Made of such a special spiritual stuff, this luminary is bound to succeed wherever he goes. In a world where people place their egoistic interests above altruistic ones, someone who discards his own material welfare for the sake of religion elevates himself above ordinary mortals. Thus his impact on the minds of people has made of him a most sought-after globetrotting preacher. His in dozens of countries has been so fruitful in creating societies, academies, spiritual and socio-cultural centers that he will forever be remembered as a true son of Islam.

In such a short period of twenty years marked by frequent and long absences, Maulana Khushtar has worked wonders in Mauritius. Founding the Sunni Razvi Society International with branches in every nook and corner of the island, he created Sunni Razvi Academy and the Khanqah Qadria Razvia for the moral and intellectual welfare of Mauritius. While creating he makes it his bounden duty to see what remains to be done. The building of an Eid Gäh has been his leitmotiv ever since his arrival in Mauritius.

Thus after constant effort, thanks to Almighty Allah, the Eid Gäh’s foundation stone ceremony has been performed. It is now in turn of one and all to give a helping-hand so that such an edifice be the pride of the country as a whole and of the Muslim Community in particular.

Goolam Mohamed Issac

Editor and Vice-President

Sunni Razvi Society International

Source: Pakistan Pictorial July – August 1983, à chaque fois qu’elle est possible, fut

Vol VII No 4, page 35. recommandée par le prophète Mohammad

Il quittait toujours la mosquée de

Nabawi ou les prières qui y sont accomplies ont pourtant 50,000 fois plus de valeur que celles qui ont lieu ailleurs, et s’en allait accomplir la prière d’Eid dans un endroit hors de l’agglomération.

Source: Le Journal de l’Ile de la Réunion

Lundi 2 Juillet

Some juristic provisions for Eid prayer

(i) To go to Eid Gäh Early (ii) To go to Eid Gäh on foot (iii) To come back from the other way (iv) To go to Eid Gäh with dignity and full satisfaction and lowering eyes.

Source: Islamic Prayer (Salat) Published by World Islamic Mission Pakistan, page 73: no.3:The doing of these things are desirable on Idd Day.

Press conference of his Eminence, 

Maulana Muhammad Ibrahim Khushtar Siddiqui Qadiri Razvi

Distinguished members of the press,

I have the honor and the pleasure to welcome you this morning to this Press Conference which we are holding in connection with the creation of the First Mauritius Eid Gäh, the foundation stone of which will be laid on the 28^th April next at 2.30 p.m.

First and Foremost, let me tell you that this is not an idea of mine as many centuries back when the Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) migrated to Madina he saw the people enjoying themselves for two days in National Celebrations.

Seeing these people indulging in games and gaieties, the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) asked them about the origin of this way of amusement. They answered that the sources of this game were from the Pre-Islamic days. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) replied that Allah has fixed two festive days, the Eid-Ul-Fitr and Eid-Ul-Doha, which they could celebrate with their games and gaieties. These are the two days of rejoicings when we should put on nice dress and have a nice meal without however, transgressing the Shariah (Islamic Laws). The Prophet (P.B.U.H) used to put on a good dress and a nice coverlet on these days.

As there are special prayers on the occasion of Eid-Ul-Fitr and Eid-Ud Doha, a special place is also recommended for these prayers, which we call Eid-Gäh in Urdu and Musallal Eid in Arabic.

The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) himself left his very special Mosque called Masjeed-E-Nabawi to go and perform Eid Prayers in the Eid Gäh. Every Muslim knows that praying in the Holy Prophet’s Mosque (Masjeed-E-Nabawi) gives in return 50,000 times more rewards than praying in another Mosque but on Eid Day the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) himself left the Masjeed Nabawi to go and pray in the Eid Gäh .

For this purpose, from the time of the Prophet (P.B.U.H), each time and in every country people are used to read Eid Prayes in the Eid Gäh.

When I came here for the first time in 1965 as a religious and Spiritual Servant of Islam, I went round the island and found out that such an Eid Gäh did not exist here for the performing of Eid Prayers. So I expressed my feelings to some sincere friends about the Eid Gäh abd started my endeavors in this connection.

Time went on and I did not succeed in my search for a piece of land for that effect and this search continued up to 1978.

In 1979 twice again I tried to obtain that portion of land for Eid Gäh and thanks to Almighty Allah the Government of Mauritius has accepted to offer us this portion of land in 1983.

I am happy to inform all of you that I have got confirmation in April 1985 in respect of the portion of land offered to us.

I avail myself of this opportunity to congratulate the Muslim community on the fact that this island also, which was not so far observing s much-emphasized tradition of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) will now be able to do so at the bottom of the mountain at Vallée Pitot. The foundation stone ceremony will take place on a big and beautiful site on the 28^th April next. A procession will leave the Sunni Razvi Academy at 1.30 p.m. to proceed to Vallée Pitot.

For this purpose there cannot be any doubt or difference of option about the Verdict (MAS’A’L’A’) that Eid-Ul-Fitr and Eid-Ul-Adha prayers should preferably be performed in the Eid Gäg.

So, to go to Eid Gäh early with dignity and self satisfaction and to go there on foot, to come back in another direction an to greet each other are desirable on this day.

I can now say with confidence that apart from Eid Prayers, depending on facilities available other religious, spiritual, educational and social activities will be organized in the Eid Gäh.

We are also in need of space for a car park, a garden and a hall to celebrate Eid Milan Party.

In concluding I warmly thank the Government of Mauritius and other friends who have helped me in one way or other and I pray for them.

Laying of the foundation stone

of the first Mauritius Sunni Razvi Eid Gh

Sunday 28^th April 1985

-------program ---------

9. Religious Ceremony of the laying of the Foundation Stone  by Muhammad Ibrahim

    Khushtar and  Maulana Ayoob Razvi, Managing-Director of the Sunni Razvi Academy &

    members of the Committee.

10. Tree Planting by The Prime Minister

11. Eid Gaah’s Anthem.

Never in the history of societies in Mauritius has a ceremony been so much the talk of the day. It is no doubt because the country has been endowed for the first time with such a historic institution as the First Mauritius Eid Gäh. It is destined to become the pride of the country with the magnificent view it offers from its site at the bottom of the mountain at Vallée Pitot, overlooking both a great part of the city of Port Louis as well as the blue ocean far away. It is a God-given gift as the fresh air, the cool breeze, the large valley, the green meadows, all contribute to make it an ideal place for prayer, meditation and other spiritual exercises.

That preacher, His Eminence, Maulana Muhammad Ibrahim Khushtar Siddiqui Qadiri Razvi who had so far been leading various religious exercises in huts as well as in mansions will now have before him a large site with all its panoramic view to lead people in Eid prayers as well as other forms of soul-lifting exercises.

Everybody, therefore, had been looking to that date – the 28^th April 1985 with great hope for the Community. The people residing nearby, particularly, thinking of the benefits they, their children and future generations will gather from the Eid Gäh, have been joining the team of valiant helpers from the Sunni Razvi Society to clean and weed, to pitch the tents, to carry and install chairs, to decorate the place with flags and buntings, to even clean the street and alleys leading to the place where the Foundation Stone Ceremony was to take place.

In short, everyone joined in the organization, which took the form of a true National Festival. Even a decorative Arch was erected by a bus driver who did so out of his own resources. Banners crying victory with religious inscriptions bearing the name of Allah, the Almighty, His beloved Prophet, Hazrat Muhammad Mustapha (Peace Be Upon Him) and other sons of Islam as well as those welcoming His Eminence and the public in general were place in different conspicuous parts of the Eid Gäh.

People turned up in thousands and they marveled at such a site that had been turned into a fairyland for the occasion. Our youngsters even passed many nights there just to keep a close watch on the preparatory work. Even a committee was held there at night on the eve of the fête.

Thus the much-awaited 28^th April came. People coming from every nook and corner of Mauritius turned up at the Sunni Razvi Academy to join in the vehicular procession. After the namaz Zohr the procession left the Sunni Razvi Academy to go to the Eid Gäh. Busses, lorries, cars, motorcycles, vans etc, decorated for the occasion passed through the following streets to reach the Eid Gäh: Royal Road, Louis Pasteur St., Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam St., Khadafi Square, Magon St., Boulevard Pitot and Inkerman St. Zikr and other religious songs were broadcast through a loudspeaker placed on a vehicle and the procession joined in the choir.

Arriving at the Eid Gäh, His Eminence Maulana Muhammad Ibrahim Khushtar who had led the processions in a jeep, flanked by Maulana Ayoob Razvi, Hajee Ibrahim Ramtoolah, the President of the Sunni Razvi Society International and other members, alighted and walked along some distance in the company of the procession. With the name of Ghaus Paak and Zikr on their lips, they followed the alley leading to the marquees.

Most of the guests had made it a must to attend, including the Prime Minister, the Government Chief Whip, Ministers, the Leader of the Opposition, the Deputy-Speaker and members of the Legislative Assembly, members of the diplomatic Corps, journalists, news reporters etc.

The Ceremony was opened by the reading by Maulana Muhammad Ayub Razvi of verses from the Holy Quran. It was followed by the recitation of Naat Shareef by Syed Insaf Hussein of the Sunni Razvi Academy. The the Vice-President of the Society, Mr G.M. Issac delivered his speech, followed by the addresses of His Eminence, Maulana Muhammad Ibrahim Khushtar and that of the Prime Minister, Hon A. Jugnauth. The speeches of the Founder-Patron of the Society and that of the Prime Minister are published in other pages of this magazine.

Afterwards, Hon D. Bundhun, Minister of Social Security proceeded to a symbolic distribution of five of the two hundred blankets his Ministry donated to the Society for distribution to old and needy people.

After this distribution, four medals were awarded to members of the Society who among others, have worked with heart and soul by putting their shoulders to the wheel of progress. The recipients of such medals were: Hajee Ibrahim Ramtoola, President of the Sunni Razvi Society International, Mr Ismael Dilmohammad Qadri Razvi [ Secretary], Farhad Hussein Janmohammad Qadri Razvi and Abdul Qadir Saleh Qadri Razvi, [members]. Mention should be made that two other medals have been reserved for those who are actively helping the Society in South Africa. Then His Eminence and other religious personalities, the Prime Minister of Mauritius and other guests proceeded to the place where the laying of the Foundation Stone Ceremony was to be performed. The Prime Minister was asked to perform the ceremonial ribbon cutting, opening the way to the Foundation Stone, which was cemented by His Eminence and other guests.

It is again rare to find that at such a function, an anthem had even been composed to highlight the fête. Thus His Eminence had penned such exquisite Urdu verses of the Anthem that everyone seemed to be moved by the marching note accompanying it as well as the exhortation for Islamic work and propagation permeating it.

The success of the fête has been due, to a great extent, to the massive participation of women in the organizing-machinery, in the vehicular procession and in the multitude of those watching the laying of the Foundation Stone Ceremony. Tribute should be paid here to the indefatigable effort of Begum ‘Ayoob Razvi’ who led the female organization in this respect. It has also been a pleasure to one and all to note that Begum and Maulana Muhammad Ibrahim Khushtar and family, being in Mauritius, have been able to attend for the first time such a historic function.

After expressions of thankfulness were pronounced to the Prime Minister, the Government Chief Whip, Ministers, the Acting Lord-Mayor of Port Louis, Hon. K. Ramoly, various Ministers, the Municipality of Port Louis, members of the Legislative Assembly, other persons and institutions, including the Manager of the Belle Vue Harrel Sugar Estate, Mr Théo Maigrot whose free services for bulldozing the ground have been written in golden letters in the Society’s history, everybody stoop up to listen and participate in Saalat-o-Salaam and Doah asking by His Eminence.

Refreshments were then served and every one returned home, happy of the Eid gah’s establishment, a gift bestowed by Almighty Allah upon all of us.

The magnificent vehicle procession, about to leave the Sunni Razvi Academy for Vallée Pitot, Port Louis.

Address of his Eminence

On the occasion of the First Mauritius Eid Gah Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony

It is indeed a pleasure and an honor for me as Founder-Patron of the Sunni Razvi Society International to welcome you here today, on the occasion of the laying of the Foundation Stone Ceremony of the First Mauritius Eid Gah.

It has always been my duty, wherever I have been preaching in different corners of the world, to see what can be done for the moral, intellectual and religious welfare of the Muslim Community. Yet my mission has never ended there as I have worked with equal zeal for a real entente among the various communities of a multi-racial society. In this context, the construction an Eid’ Gaah will, apart from its religious implications, fulfill my dream of creating a great social, educational and religious and spiritual center that will benefit one and all in the island.

This Eid Gaah, therefore, will become the pride of the whole nation of Mauritius, as everything will be done to make of it a National Center as well. May I humbly recall that the doors of our Society and of our Academy are also open to other communities? In this connection, I always look back with great satisfaction at the fact that our historic Eid Milan Party organized, last year, for the first time in Mauritius, convened Mauritians of different faiths at the Sunni Razvi Academy where our Prime Minister, Hon. Jugnauth, our Governor-General, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam and other friends of the Society came to exchange greetings with us. With this spirit of friendship that always illumines my mind and my heart, I never cease to look forward to other projects that will foster in all of us, fear of God and service to our fellow-beings.

Islam preaches Universal brotherhood and the Messenger of God, Hazrat Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) is the Universal and Last Holy Prophet. Islam means peace and submission to the will of God. It is incumbent, therefore, upon every Muslims to always preach such noble injunctions and peace and how to achieve it. Hence, we shall work along these lines in Mauritius and beyond its shores as well, so that we shall contribute to the best of our own ability, to the cementing of fraternal, cultural and spiritual ties between our countrymen and those abroad where we shall be preaching.

Thanks to Almighty Allah we are to day in a position to launch our ambitious project, depending on available facilities. We know that apart from our Eid Prayers that will be performed here this religious center will provide educational, social and spiritual training to those who are interested. The Eid Prayers themselves will serve as annual conferences where all the Muslims of this country can come and exchange their greetings. Almighty Allah has bestowed upon us His Blessings so that we may be able to put into practice a much-emphasized Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon Him). This Eid Gaah will no doubt add beauty to such beautiful scenery surrounding us.

I record here also my expressions of gratitude to the Prime Minister, the Government of Mauritius and all those who have helped us in one way or another in the realization of such an important aspect of my mission.

Your presence here to-day, marks no doubt, the trust and confidence you have always put in me to go ahead with my various projects of working for the uplift of the Mauritian Society as a whole. I can assure you on my side, that I shall leave no stone unturned to instill among the people the spirit of patriotism that we so much need for the progress of the country.

It is fact that in every of our actions, whether for our own benefit or for that of our religion or society, we must have been guided by or have drawn our source of inspiration from certain established principles. So far as, we, Muslims, are concerned, we have the best and complete example in the Last and Holy Prophet (Peace be upon Him). He has left his imprints in both our mind and heart, and our guidance and salvation should come from his own way of life. Hence we have our daily assemblies in the mosque, we have a weekly special assembly on Friday and to crown it all, we have an annual general assembly in our Eid Gaah.

I therefore pray for peaceful co-existence among all of us, for mutual co-operation and love between each other.

We are now aware that the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon Him) himself left the Masjid Nabawi to perform Eid Prayers in the Eid Gaah. So far as I am concerned I am overjoyed at the fact that my wish formulated since my arrival here in 1965 has at last materialized.

I do hope also that all our activities here will succeed in quenching the people’s thirst for knowledge and make them good and pious citizens.

Has not the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon Him) said: "All men are equal by birth; a man’s excellence does not lie in race, color or wealth but in virtue."

In concluding, I again thank all of you and wish you health and prosperity and I hope that I shall see you again in this beautiful place.

We are also confident that, since we have plans for the building of a social hall, a garden, and a car park etc, our request for further developments will again be accepted.

Long live Mauritius!

Speech of Hon. A. Jugnauth,

Prime minister of Mauritius,

at the foundation stone laying ceremony

of the first Mauritius Eid Gah Vallee Pitot

on Sunday 28^th April, at 2.30 p.m.

Your Eminence, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Distinguished Guests, Ladies & Gentlemen.

It gives me the greatest pleasure to be among this afternoon on the happy, historic and auspicious occasion of the laying of the Foundation Stone Ceremony of the First Mauritius Eid Gah by His Eminence Maulana Hafiz Muhammad Ibrahim Khushtar Siddiqui Qadiri Razvi, the founder-patron and the spiritual guide of the Sunni Razvi Society International.

Today is really s historic day. Today’s function, besides coincide with the 20^th Anniversary of the foundation of the Sunni Razvi Society International in Mauritius, gives additional luster to the solid achievements of an institution deeply engaged in promoting the teachings and traditions of Islam in the context of the pluralistic society of our country. The activities of the society are commendable indeed.

The establishment of the First Sunni Razvi Society International, some 20 years ago, was a no less historic occasion, as you are no doubt aware. The Sunni Razvi Academy and the Sunni Razvi Khanqah Qadria Razvia of Mesnil followed it. Today, we are all witnesses to the creation of the First Eid Gah in Mauritius. All these milestones of achievements, in the short period of twenty years, speak highly of the seriousness of purpose, the faith and the purity of heart with which the members of Sunni Razvi Society International have dedicated themselves to the attainment of their cherished ideals, under the inspired guidance of their revered patron.

I congratulate them most warmly on the deep understanding, consideration and respect they have shown for their Mauritian brothers and sisters of other faiths, within this multi-religious society off ours, in the pursuance of their objectives. Our country may be linked to that garden, where each religion is a beautiful flower, which each one of us needs to care for, if we are to continue to offer to the world that sweet fragrance of the bouquet of our multi-religious and multicultural Mauritianism.

The great religious currents that our forebears have brought with them to this land, have had this unique feature in Common: given the challenges of the times, they have all tended ultimately to unite to survive in peace and harmony, rather than to divide and die in chaos and oblivion. Today, we proudly proclaim we are one nation and one people, whose beauty lies in the colorful unity that has sprung from the very diversity of our faith and culture.

I feel proud to say that Islam, in Mauritius, has been noted for its emphasis on prayers and sacrifice for the attainment of purity and unity among all men. It has placed very high indeed, the ideals of the universal brotherhood of man and his dedication to the service of his country, on the strength of his faith in the eternal good and away from satanic evil.

But to keep going on the path of good, humanity has needed men of great vision and of unshakable faith in their convictions, and above all, trust in God.

Humanity at large has always paid tribute to such men who have inspired their fellowmen whenever they have tended to move in the wrong direction.

Definitely, one such Godsend was the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him), and the world today is a more blessed place because of His advent. The Sunni Razvi Society International provides us today, by its works and presence in Mauritius, the happy link with the great teachings and traditions of Islam, that the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon Him) first proclaimed in the name of Almighty Allah.

With the men of vision and goodwill, such as those presently at its helm, little wonder that the Sunni Razvi Society International has embarked on such a gigantic project as the construction of the first Eid-Gah in Mauritius. They deserve indeed our sincerest congratulations and all the encouragement that we possibly cab give. This new edifice, the Eid-Gah or Musalla-Eid, will be the high place of worship to which all our brothers of Muslim faith will congregate for their prayers on the occasions of Eid-Ul-Fitr and Eid-Ud-Doha.

The Sunni Razvi Society International thus meets a long-felt need, for sure, but it marks also the dawn of a new era as it heralds the new dynamic role that our brothers of Muslim faith have to play in molding a brighter future for our country.

The Eid-Gah will also definitely bring all our Muslim brothers and sisters closer to one another and to their fellow-countrymen of other faiths, and lead them on, with an added impetus, in their dedications to the service of our country, in particular, and to humanity at large.

Being nationals of a small island State, we too have our share of responsibility to shoulder in the well being of humanity at large. It is in such Holy places like the Eid-Gah that we shall come, as often as need be, for both the strength and the will needed to stand up to our responsibilities as a member however small, of the larger family of humanity.

It is said that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) himself left his "Masjeed-E-Nabawi" and prayed in the Eid-Gah.

This Eid-Gah, I understand, will house a Madrassa, lecture halls, Guest House, Spiritual Centre and other relevant facilities which will make of it a bee-hive of social, cultural and religious activities conductive to the building of a progressive, prosperous and happy Mauritian nation. I am happy at this peaceful and comprehensive approach of the Sunni Razvi Society International. I am happier still to see that the Government has been made to be closely associated with this project through the donation of the land on which the Eid-gah will stand. This does, and will, continue to augur good for the entire Mauritian community.

Someone has rightly uttered these soul-lifting words about the Holy Qur’an:

On this history occasion marking the birth of the first Eid-Gah in Mauritius, when so many people of goodwill are gathered here with a clean mind and heart, I wish to convey my best wishes for the success of this venture. My warmest congratulations once again to the President and members of the Sunni Razvi Society International, especially His Eminence, the soul, the inspiration and the guiding spirit of a new dawn, not only for our Muslim brothers and sisters but for all the other members of the Mauritian family.

Thank you.

Eid-Gaah’s Anthem

(An explanation of the patriotic, beautiful and inspiring Urdu verses written by His Eminence)

We are Muslims and soldiers of Islam

Our feet are our guides, our eyes, our leader

We bear in our hands the flag of LA-ILAAH

We march on everywhere wih much dignity and respect

Long live the Eid Gaah, long live!

Mosque, Madrassa, Maktab, Khanqah

These are our action, faith and way (to Allah)

We and you move on, chanting ALLAH-ILAAH

Religion has endowed us with heart and foresight

Long live the Eid’ Gaah, long live!

My Prophet is one, Allah is one

Ka’ba is one, my Way (religion) is one

My life and death are for Allah

My heart vibrates the remembrance of the Prophet, my lips, the name of Allah

Long live the Eid’ Gaah, long live!

The Government and the people

We salute them in each pace of ours

We pray for their fame in this world

So that they accomplish their soldier’s duty

Long live the Eid’ Gaah, long live!

Our Mauritius resembles the sapphire

The whole world bows its beauty

She can’t keep aloof from me, nor can I from her

I am her moonlight; she is a moon to me

Long live the Eid’ Gaah, long live!

These trees, these rocks, these mountains’ valleys

These green meadows everywhere

The sweet breeze, this garden, the Spring

We are building the Eid Gaah on such a land

Long live the Eid’ Gaah, long live!

A brief history of the 

Sunni Razvi Society international

In a world torn by hatred, vengeance, animosity, fratricide, race and color supremacy, ostracism, cold war, nuclear and other kinds of armament, human exploitation, political and economic bondage, irreligiousness, vices, drug-addiction and what not, only divine light can save us from our inevitable doom.

From time immemorial, prophets and men of religion have stood to warn people of their bad direction they might have taken. They have created societies to bring peoples to light. In every age missionaries have taken up the challenge to redeem and redress where the shoe pinches.

In Mauritius, before 1965, a void was left in the field of religion. The aims and objects of the People of tradition and the congregation (Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat) so admirably propagated by the revered Maulana Abdul Aleem Siddiqui (RA) and other learned theologians seemed to suffer lack of reanimation. The need for another missionary of divine stuff made itself felt.

The call of the Muslims was heard and a preacher landed here on the 2^nd January 1965.

Humble and unassuming, no one knew that such a luminary was to revolutionize our mode of thinking in the path of religion and inspire us with true guidance as to where divine light was found. He worked day and night to accomplish his noble mission.

He created the Sunni Razvi Society with the aim of combating irreligiousness and replacing false notions of religion by the true preaching of Islam. He made it his duty to expound and ventilate the views of the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat, which propagates the teachings of Islam as practiced by both prophets and saints.

The Sunni Razvi Society made its way triumphantly through the hearts of the Muslims. The need, however, for a center for various activities, apart from regular prayers, was the call of the time. On the 28^th April 1967, this center took the form of the Sunni Razvi Academy, which was destined to translate into action the objects, and views of the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat. Activities that had been launched by his Eminence as Khateeb and Imam within and outside the precincts of the Jummah Mosque were continued with the creation of the Academy. Religious celebrations such as Yaum-Un-Nabi,Gyaraween Shareef, ten bountiful nights of Muharram, Urs Shareef anniversaries) of Holy Saints and other celebrations, courses in (hifz) (learning of the Holy Quran by Heart), training Muslims to become Imams (priests), publishing books, booklets, pamphlets and other literary manuals have been the regular features of the Academy. For a certain time, even courses destined to students taking S.C and G.C.E. examinations were held. The 872^nd Weekly Monday Halqae Zikr was performed on the 3^rd May 1985 at the Sunni Razvi Academy. Other religious exercises are being performed elsewhere also.

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