THE annual cultural programme to mark the commencement of the Islamic New Year is billed for Saturday at the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC), at Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara.The grand programme, which is now a premiere activity on the Muslim calendar of events here, will be held at the Latifan Khan Civic Center for Peace & Goodwill.
Special invitees this year are Ustad Zaid Hosein and Imam Inshan Hoosenay, two renowned Muslim personalities from Trinidad and Tobago.
Hosein has been singing Qaseedas, Ghazals, Naats, etc. for the past 15 years at various programmes in Trinidad and Tobago.
In his repertoire, he has mastered local and classical songs, authentic Indian classical songs, film songs, Gazals, Qawaalis and Islamic songs. He was awarded the “Best Qaseeda Album” at the 2004 Hall of Fame and Awards Ceremony in Trinidad and Tobago.
Over the years, he has concentrated only on Islamic songs, and is much sought after by the Muslim community for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, etc.
He was trained in Trinidad by Bansraj Ramkissoon and Pardeep Shankar of India. Hosein will be accompanied for his first live performance here by his team of professional musicians.
Hoosaney, meanwhile, is the Imam of the Masjid Ullaah, Knowles Street Masjid located in Curepe, Trinidad and Tobago which has about 300 members.
He is well known for his simplicity, humility and his wisdom. He is one of the most respected Muslim clerics in the twin-island republic, and has been singing Qaseedas at all major occasions of the Islamic calendar.
This dynamic Imam will also be delivering the Khutbat (Friday Sermon) at the Queenstown Jama Masjid this Friday.
The visit of Hosein and Hoosaney at this event was arranged by Shazard Ali, Director of Islamic Programming of WIN TV/Radio in Trinidad and Tobago and Public Relations Officer of the Anjuman Sunnatul Jamaat Association (ASJA Inc.), Trinidad and Tobago’s oldest and largest Islamic organisation.
Shazard will himself be hosting this grand concert which will be held at the recently commissioned Latifin Khan Civic Center for Peace & Goodwill, ACIC.
Religious and civic leaders as well as members of mosques throughout Guyana have been invited to attend this programme.
The lunar Islamic calendar began its calculation after the migration of Prophet Muhammad to Medina. The first month of the calendar is Muharram, in which the 10th day (called Ashura) is significant not only to Muslims, but humanity.
It is reported that the entire universe was created on this day, the first drop of rain fell on this day, the first human, Prophet Adam was created on this day, Prophet Jesus ascended to the heavens on this day, Prophet Ayube (Jacob) regained his eyesight on this day, Prophet Moses saved the Children of Israel from Pharaoh’s army by the opening of the Red Sea on this day and Prophet Muhammad’s grandsons, Imam Hussain and Hassan, were martyred.
The 10th day of Muharram (Ashura) therefore is very auspicious to Muslims and is observed with fasting, prayers and special programmes at the various mosques.
