In honour of the birth of the final Messenger of the Almighty, Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), the streets of Laudium came alive on Tuesday (Aug 25 – 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal) with colour, devotion and celebration.
The 27th annual Juloos (procession), organised by Darul Uloom Pretoria, with the support of various Islamic organisations, drew large crowds of participants and onlookers alike.
The tradition of Juloos has been observed worldwide for centuries, where Muslims mark the occasion with great love and reverence. In Laudium, preparations began 12 nights before the event, seeing local Masaajid illuminated with decorative lights to honour the auspicious month.
The procession began at Jumma Masjid, Jewel Street, led by esteemed Ulama-e-Kiraam, including Hazrat Allaama Mufti Mohammed Akbar Hazarvi, Maulana Ismail Hazarvi, Maulana Sarfaraz Rehmatullah, Mufti Muhammad Usman Solehri Ziaee, Mufti Abdul Hafeez Ziaee, Maulana Anwar Raza (Imaam of Jumma Masjid Jewel Street PMT), Sheikh Ali Hashim (Principal of Marifa Institute), Maulana Afzal Allimia, Qari Abdul Manan, Qari Sher Zaman, Maulana Shakir Ali, Moulana Moosa Raza (Madressah Imam Ahmad Raza), Mufti Zaheer (Dawat-e-Islami), Moulana Shoyab Vali (Imam of Masjid Ghousia PMT), Sheikh Ramadan, Sheikh Sayed, Sheikh Ahmed, Maulana Ismail Zafar,Maulana Raees Ismail (Imam of Masjid Husnain, Valhalla), Moulana Hafs Mwachande (Imaam – Sayyedina Ali Masjid – Raslouw) and Sheikh Arshad along with many other local and visiting scholars.
Allama Mohammad Ismail Hazarvi highlighted the significance and virtues of the Juloos, emphasizing its religious importance. He advised the participants to observe proper respect and manners and to follow the instructions with discipline and sincerity.
The programme began with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Maulana Anwar Raza, followed by a heartfelt duaa led by Mufti Mohammed Akbar Hazarvi, who prayed for peace, love and safety for all communities.
Mufti Muhammad Usman Solehri addressed the gathering, reminding participants to respect traffic regulations during the procession while continuing to recite salutations (Durood) upon the Prophet (PBUH). Maulana Hafas spoke passionately about the love and devotion Muslims should have for the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The procession continued through the selected streets of Laudium, while students of Darul Uloom Pretoria and participants recited praises in honour of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Qari Junaid Ziaee and Naveed Qadri captivated the procession with their melodious recitals. Green flags were waved with joy, and residents came out of their homes to witness this grand display of love and unity. The march concluded at Masjid Sayyedina Ghause Azam, located at the Darul Uloom Pretoria Complex on Taj Street, where attendees performed Maghrib Salaah and partook of the niaz supper which was served.
A brief discourse on the love of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was delivered by Mufti Mohammed Akbar Hazarvi, followed by the final supplication in the Court of the Almighty, led by Mufti-e-Azam South Africa, Hazrat Mufti Mohammed Akbar Hazarvi.
