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Federation Samachar 1

5. First Word

7. Letters

10. News from Around Africa

47. Muslim World News

51. Profile: Husseinali (Chacha) Paryani

52. Obituaries

55. Down Memory Lane

57. Interview with Shabir Najafi, Chairman, Africa Federation

61. Talking Point

62. Guest Column

63. Guest Column

65. In Perspective

68. ANON

69. Spirituality

71. Family Issues

72. Wayside Wisdom

ContentsA publication of the Federation of Khoja Shia

Ithna Asheri Jamaats of Africa

Vol. 38, No. 1

Shab’an 1439 A.H., April 2018

Chief Editor:Munir Daya

Associate Editor:Mahjabeen Daya

Copy Editor:Sakeena Mushtaq Habib

AFED Liaison Officer:Fatima Patel

Advertising:Husseinali Shaban

Distribution & Operations:TBA

North American Edition:Mehboob Siwjee

Printed byJamana Printers Limited

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

+255 22 2861400

[email protected]

Correspondence to:The Editor

Federation Samachar

P.O. Box 6710 Dar es Salaam. Tanzania

Email: [email protected]

Internet edition: www.africafederation.org

Please note that all letters to the Editor must include a name and mailing address even if this is not intended for publication.The views expressed in the Federation Samachar are not necessarily those of the Africa Federation or the Editorial Board. Federation Samachar is a non-profit magazine and printing costs are financed through advertising. We cannot endorse or guarantee any products or services advertised in the magazine.

Columnists:Family IssuesMohamed Khalfan

SpiritualityZakira Shyrose Jaffer Dhalla

In PerspectiveMahjabeen Daya

Wayside WisdomMunir Daya

Guest ColumnistsShameem Yusufali

Mohamed Takim

Cover inset: Africa Federation Vice Chairman Aunali Khalfan and Alihassan Kassam, AFED Hon. Asst. Secretary with Team Nairobi, Winners of the Furaha Sports Festival, Football Competition.


Solidarity Day Charity Walk held in Dar es Salaam.

Jaffer Foundation Supports AFED Higher Education.

Uhuru Street Housing Project launched in Dar es Salaam.

Federation Samachar Editor Interviews Africa Federation Chairman.

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42

5 7

Let’s Consider having a Think Tank

Leaders and preachers assure us that they are open to hear from people about sensitive issues that may call for reformation but these issues remain unattended because nobody wants to “bell the cat.”

In response, some people say that they do not feel comfortable raising sensitive questions to community leaders, teachers or religious scholars because their concerns are not appropriately acknowledged or responded to.

In human society we assume that telling is more valued than asking. Telling people what we know is almost automatic, because this is habitual. A group of management students was once asked what it meant to them to be promoted to the position of managers. They said, “it means we can now tell others what to do.”

In any leadership level within our community it is most important to encourage dialogue and to allow community members of different age groups to have access to the leadership in order to have questions answered.

One pragmatic way of doing so is to have a Think Tank Committee. This previously existed within the Africa Federation but was discontinued. If headed by the right manpower the Think Tank Committee can reach out to the youths and elders of the community and speak on their behalf at conferences or even at jamaat levels.

The Think Tank committee, as a mediator between members of a jamaat, federation or other religious organization within the community, would be able to develop trust and

confidence in jamaat members who have valid questions. It is to be expected that many non-relevant questions may come to this Board which the Board should be in a position to respond to directly without taking the issue up further.

Some of the functions of the Think Tank would be to:

- Serve as an informed and independent voice in raising policy issues;

- Evaluate current policy or religious issues;

- Transform ideas and emerging problems into policy issues;

- Interpret issues, events and p o l i c i e s f o r f a c i l i t a t i n g understanding of community issues;

- Provide a constructive forum for the exchange of ideas and information;

- Question the conventional wisdom of our practices and operations.

- Create networks and exchanges via workshops, seminars, and briefings.

For many years the community has had different groups that discuss issues for the betterment of the community. Discussions are healthy, mean well for the community but sometimes involve well-intended actions that are not implemented because some are hesitant to “bell the cat” or simply because there is a feeling of desolation that the motives will be misconstrued as being too reformative.

Perhaps the revival of a Think Tank Committee facilitated by the Africa Federation would be a positive way forward to enable intellectual growth of our community.


Munir DayaEditor

First Word


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Equal before the Law

During the first week of the month of March 2018, the Muslim community celebrated Bibi Fatima Zahra’s birth anniversary. Co-incidentally, the world celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8 in different ways - reminding the world of the role women have played and continue to play in social, cultural, economic development of their societies.

In a recent online discussion forum, Atiya Sumar drew attention to the fact that “gender discrimination and bias are institutionalised, and no visible steps are being taken to reverse this. These communities do not allow women to sit on their executive boards or take part in any major decision making. They do not allow women to vote for their community leaders and yet the same women are affected by the decisions of the leaders. These communities and institutions can get away with such bigoted actions and policies because they are not monitored by or answerable to any impartial higher authority.” These comments seem applicable both in our Khoja Shia Ithnaasheri (KSI) communities as well as the larger Muslim community.

At our KSI community level, I know that the World Federation (WF) has in the past few years been championing the cause for more rights for women, and in 2014 The World Federation Conference passed the following Resolution: “The Conference recommends that all its Members ensure that Constituent Members consider the membership for female members of the community. In addition, the Conference recommends that the ladies management committee is elected by the ladies of that community.”

I am advised by a senior WF leader that “A number of constituent members of The World Federation members have embraced this and have been making changes in their constitutions to ensure greater participation of women in their jamaats by opening up membership to

them, extending voting rights TO THEM and appointing a minimum number of them on their Executive Council.”

The Organization of North American Shia Ithna-asheri Muslim Communities (NASIMCO) took this opportunity to announce to the world that “We’re honoured to launch our Women in Islam campaign on the birth anniversary of Lady Fatima (A.S.), which coincides with International Women’s Day 2018. This new campaign showcases and celebrates the achievements of Muslim women and their exceptional contributions to our communities, and more broadly, to our society.

“We’d love to hear the stories of the Muslim women in your lives, stories that show resilience, perseverance and most importantly, how Islam empowers women to reach greater heights. Help us tell these inspirational stories to the world!”

A similar campaign from the WF by the t i t le “Fat ima inspires” has been circulated, in which community members are asked to nominate a woman they are inspired by.

The Africa Federation also formed a Women’s Board a few years ago. Some two years ago, the Africa Federation passed a Resolution that all constituent Jamaats should consider membership of female members of their Jamaats. However, little, if anything, has been done and this is a reflection of the reluctance of the individual Jamaat leadership. Some have kept quiet on this topic, deciding on behalf of the community members who have elected them and whom they purport to serve.

Francis Fukuyama, in his book ‘The Origins of Political Order’ about the organisation from pre-human times to the French Revolution states, “This propensity of human beings to endow rules with intrinsic value helps to explain the enormous conservatism of societies. Rules may evolve as useful adaptions to a particular set of environmental conditions, but societies cling to them long after

those conditions have changed and the rules have become irrelevant or even dysfunctional” p.440.

On the same note do jamaats show much awareness and concern about some of our outmoded practices? In his book, ‘The Endangered Species’ the Late Hassan M.M. Jaffer points out on p.298 that, “Some of the practices which cannot be explained away rationally or philosophically often alienate new converts and also raise questions for the young generation. The silent majority is often loath to question the relevance of many traditions and practices for fear of being branded by as being too questioning, while the religious pundits opt to remain silent for fear of courting mass unpopularity.”

It’s time that this and other issues be discussed seriously - that the councillors elected at general meetings of our individual jamaats to serve on regional bodies like, for example, Africa Federation, study and follow-up on issues decided at their Council meetings and Conferences and ensure their implementation. If action does not seem to have been taken, or if councillors of the Regional Federations and WF do not feel sufficiently empowered to pursue decisions taken at their annual meetings and conferences, what are the councillors for? If such councillors, representatives of the grassroots of the community, do actively pursue issues, and if community members are not aware of them, but raise questions in these columns, then perhaps there is some bottleneck in the communication channels in our community?

Mohamed TakimDar es Salaam.


LET TERS

By the Grace of the Almighty, in January, 2018 I visited the Rohingya Refugee camps under the host and auspices of the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases, Bangladesh, Dhaka (ICDDR,B). Along with visiting the camps and providing service, we were also able to train 36 health workers in the management of diarrhoeal diseases.

There are numerous reports and photographs in the media about the situation and the plight of the Rohingya refugees. While these reports are of grave concern and do not need reiteration I aim to highlight some of the major challenges noted during my trip, and hope this serves as a plea to potential donors and well-wishers to be of assistance.

1. Relocation: There is need to have a systematic way of relocating the refugees so that they live in dignity and can restore normality in their lives. Whether it is by going back to Arkan (Rakhine) ancestral lands in Burma, or in the camps in the borders this needs to be pursued by the authorities concerned.

2. Support: There is need to strongly support the Bangladesh government to continue sustaining the huge influx of about one

million refugees over a very short period. This influx of refugees is a long-standing issue; since 1970s. However, the latest episode and massacre in Burma is the largest, and most intense in the shortest time.

3. Consolidating NGOs: There is need to consolidate all the various Non-Government Organizations (NGOs). The NGOs are doing a great job, but are all disjointed, working separately. The NGOs I visited during my trip have been working hard and serving to the best of their capability. Some are already dealing with maternal and newborn care and are much better maintained than several other similar centres I have visited globally in stable states.

4. Medical Facilities: There is need to establish permanent or semi-permanent hospitals and health centres in and around the areas of Teknaf, Ledha, Kutupallong, Ballukhali and Shamlapur. These centres will be very much needed even after the relocation of the refugees, because the areas in Teknaf and Ukhia are very prone to mudslides, floods and the aftermaths of cholera and diarrhoeal diseases.

5. Medical Support: From a medical

perspective the most reliable way (per my observation) is to invest in training and re- training. Establishment of diarrhoea treatment and training centres is a long-term and more cost-effective move.

6. Need for more Resources: The ICDDR,B in Bangladesh has several centres along the highway at Teknaf, Ledha and Shamlapur. These centres need resources for further accommodating the influx of many patients with diarrhoea.

7. Planning Ahead: There is a great need for schools, psychological counseling, social services, and economic upliftment. The future of these almost 500,000 children is bleak. There is need to do something urgently.

I appreciate the support extended to me by ICDDR,B to serve, as well as learn from my visit.

Professor Karim Manji,

Paediatrician - Muhimbili

University of Health and Allied

Sciences, Tanzania.

My Visit to Rohingya


LET TERS

Letters to the Editor

All letters sent by mail or email will be considered for publication unless the author specifically refuses its publication.

Letters must carry the name and contact information of the author even if this is not intended for publication.

Letters will be subject to editing for brevity, clarity and content.

Only destructive letters and those lacking objectivity or reason will not be published.

Readers are requested to keep letters short and to the point. Letters can be sent to: [email protected]

Rohingya Refugee Camp, Bangladesh, Oct. 2017.

On 2nd and 3rd November, 2017 the Africa Federation (AFED) Hon. Secretary, Hussein Karim, AFED Trustee Ebrahim Jaffer, AFED Housing Board Chairman, Akil Hirji and the Hon. Secretary of SAAJ, Mukhtar Assaria visited the construction site of the Nairobi Jamaat Housing Project that was re-launched on 7th July 2017 during the 79th Africa Federation (AFED) Supreme Council Session held in Nairobi. This is a joint project between the Africa Federation (AFED) and Shia Asna Asheri Jamaat of Nairobi (SAAJ). This project will provide houses to first-time home owners in our community at a reasonable cost. In the month of May 2011, SAAJ acquired this prime plot for this project with assistance of a bridging loan by the Africa Federation. The plot is conveniently located close to the Jaffery Islamic Centre (JIC) on El-Molo Drive, off James Gichuru Road, Nairobi.

The project comprises of 48 three-bedroom apartments of which SAAJ will promote 28 units on sale to first time buyers and AFED through its Housing Board will do the same for the 20 units. Each flat has two parking spaces.

The flats will be sold to community members as follows:

SAAJ will sell its allocated number of flats to first time buyers of our community membership in Nairobi at US$110,000.AFED will sell the flats allocated to first time buyers (if there are more flats after the SAAJ quota is exhausted) and the remaining will be sold to our community members from any part of the World at US$150,000.

The Africa Federation Housing Board is assisting in this project, whereby a site supervisor has been hired to maintain close co-ordination in the project.

The following are the construction supervisory team members from AFED and SAAJ, who are in charge of the project construction until its completion:

Akil Hirji, Housing Board Chairman, AFEDEbrahim Jaffer, Housing Board Member, AFEDShakir Merali, Chairman, SAAJMukhtar Assaria , Hon Secretary, SAAJMohamed Kermali, Chairman Housing Project Committee, SAAJZakiya Riyaz Ali Khamisa, Legal Consultant

AFED Chairman, Shabir Najafi encourages members of the community around the

world to support deserving families in Nairobi by providing them soft loans and grants, so as to enable them to purchase and own their home.

For further information on the apartments please contact:

20 AFED Apartments

Ebrahim Jaffer +254722513080Shakera Kassim Dhanani +255787092110Zakiya Riyaz Ali Khamisa +255755030032Azim Mawji +255786101010 Email: [email protected]

28 SAAJ Apartments

Mohamed Kermali +254 722 925 999Abdulrazak Khalfan +254 711 899 539Mukhtar Assaria + 254 734 968 068Email: [email protected]

Africa Federation (AFED) and Nairobi Jamaat (SAAJ) Relaunch Housing Project


Continued on page 27

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Federation Samachar | P.O. Box 6710, Dar es Salaam. | Email: [email protected]

Vol. 36, No. 5 | April 2016 | Rajab 1437 A.H

Ground Breaking Ceremony of AFED’s Umoja Complex Phase II

An Artist’s impression of the Umoja Complex Phase II

World Federation team visits India

2000 Attend Autism Awareness Walk

The Evolution of Mindset

Columns from writers around the world

Ground Breaking Ceremony of AFED’s Umoja Complex Phase II

AROUND AFRICA


From Left to Right: Mohamed Hemani (AFED Hon. Treasurer), Aliabbas Nasser (AFED Hon. Asst. Treasurer), Akil Hirji (AFED Economic and Housing

Development Board Chairman), Amine Nassor (AFED Vice Chairman – Reunion), Shabir Najafi (AFED Chairman), Muhammad Canani (Invitee –

Nampula), Aunali Khalfan (AFED Vice Chairman), Anwarali Dharamsi (World Federation President), Alihassan Kassam (AFED Hon. Asst Secretary),

Seyed Hassan Naqvi (AFED Tabligh Board Chairman), Mohsin Lalji (AFED CBB Chairman), Hussein Karim ((AFED Hon. Secretary), Houssenaly

Azadali (Chairman -Saint Dennis Jamaat -Reunion) and Shakir Merali (Nairobi Jamaat Chairman).

Shabir Najafi, Chairman, AFED, addressing the

79th Africa Federation Supreme Council Session.

Continued on Page 12

The Shia Asna Asheri Jamaat (SAAJ) of Nairobi successfully hosted the 79th Africa Federation (AFED) Supreme Council Session from 7th to 9th July, 2017, at the Orchid Azure Hotel in Nairobi. The session was attended by about 100 participants and invitees from Australia, Democratic Republic of Congo (Congo), Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar, Mozambique and Reunion.

The formal session of the Supreme Council commenced on Friday 7th July, at 4.00 p.m. and concluded on Sunday 9th July, 2017 at 3.00 p.m.

Those who addressed the gathering during the Session included Anwarali Dharamsi, President, World Federation (WF), Shabir Najafi, Chairman, AFED, Shakir Merali, Chairman, SAAJ and Abbas Aly, Member, Australia Jamaat.

The Chairman of Conseil Régional Des Khojas Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamates De L’Ocean Indien (CROI), Sheikh Haniphe Akbaraly and the Chairman of the Union Des Associations Khodjas Shia Isnashri De La Reunion (UAKSIR), Amine Nassor also delivered reports of the activities carried out by their respective territorial councils in Madagascar and Reunion Islands.

The vision and plans for the coming year were presented by each Board of the Africa Federation along with the detailed reports of past accomplishments. This was followed with a ‘Question & Answer’ session,

faci l i tating feedback from the councillors and invited guests.

Presentations were made as follows: - Minutes of the 78th Supreme Council

Session: Aunali Khalfan - Secretariat Report: Hussein Karim - Madagascar Territorial Council

Report: Sheikh Haniphe Akbaraly - Reunion Territorial Council Report:

Amine Nassor - Capacity Building Group (CBG):

Mumtaz Ladak - Archives Section: Alihassan Kassam - Audited Accounts, Budgets and

Trust Board Report: Mohamed Hemani

- Tabligh Board (AFTAB): Fazleabbas Chandoo

- Africa Youth Network (AYN): Sajjad Karamsi

- Women’s Board: Zaheeda Alishan - Editor ia l Board: Munir and

Mahjabeen Daya - Education Board: Tehsin Takim - Sports Council: Mohamedhussein

Somji - Central Health Board (CHB): Aunali

Khalfan

Nairobi Hosts 79th Africa Federation Supreme Council Session

AROUND AFRICA


From Left at the Women’s Board Table: Nilam Amersi Mombasa Jamaat Chairlady, Zaheeda Alishan

(AFED Women’s Board Chairperson), Tahera Shivji (Nairobi Jamaat Chairlady) and Neelam Jiwa

(AFED CBG Facilitator - Mombasa).

Mrs.Shaheen Najafi presenting the Fatemi Medal to Mrs. Raziya Merali.

From Page 11


- Central Bilal Board (CBB)/Other Bilal Muslim Missions Mohsin A. Lalji /Murtaza

- Bagamoyo Hawza: Murtaza Jaffer/Aliabbas Nasser

- E c o n o m i c a n d H o u s i n g Development: Akil Hirji

- Project North Star (PNS)/ Media Team: Alihassan Kassam

The Following Jamaat Chairmen/Representatives presented the aspirations and challenges of their Jamaats during the Session:

Arusha- Amir SomjiB u k o b a - S h a b b i r h u s s e i n Khalfan Dar-es-Salaam- Azim DewjiKampala- Mustafa KanjiKinshasha- Saeed VazirNampula- Mohammed Ali CananiNairobi- Shakir MeraliSaint-Denis , Reunion- Azad HoussenalyZanzibar Kuwwat- Akbar Hassanali

Presentation of Awards:

The Chairman, Shabir Najafi bestowed the ‘Husseini Medal’ to Pyarali Shivji of Dar es Salaam and the ‘Fatemi Medal’ to Mrs. Raziya Merali of Mombasa in recognition of their dedicated and

honorary services to the community. Citations for each of the recipients were read out giving a brief chronicle of their outstanding achievements, dedication and significant contributions.

Pyarali Shivji was unable to attend the above ceremony and Imtiaz Lalji from the Managing Committee of Dar es Salaam Jamaat, received the citation and medal on his behalf.

The AFED Chairman, Shabir Najafi also

presented Appreciation Awards to the following jamaats and individuals for their services and contributions to the Africa Federation:

Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat, Nairobi for hosting the 79th Africa Federation Supreme Council Session.Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat, Kampala for their cash donation t o w a r d s t h e A F E D H i g h e r Education Scheme.Mustafa Khimji of Nairobi, for his selfless services to the community in the medical field in Kenya, and for his services as a volunteer in the rescue mission of the Yemeni community members in 2015 that was headed by Sajjad Rashid of Mombasa, Kenya.

The ‘Sportsperson of the Year 2016’ Awards were presented by the Sports Council to Sajjad Abbas Sajan of Arusha (received by the Arusha Jamaat Chairman) and Abida Hassanali of Dar-es-Salaam (received by Dar es Salam Jamaat President).

Towards the end of the presentation of awards, the AFED Chairman, Shabir Najafi was honoured by the World Federation immediate past President, Dr. Asgar Moledina with a plaque for his

AROUND AFRICA


Handing over of Memorandum of Understanding:Front: Imtiaz Lalji (Chairman – Central Board of Education – Dar es Salaam Jamaat), Tehsin Takim

(AFED Education Board Chairman), Murtaza Somji (Chairman - Nairobi Jaffery Education Board)

Back: Shakil Dharamsi (Vice Chairman – Central Board of Education) Azim Dewji (President – Dar-

es-Salaam Jamaat), Shakir Merali (Chairman – Nairobi Jamaat ), Farhan Yusuf (Hon. Secretary –

Education Board - Hussein Datoo (Hon. Secretary - Nairobi Jaffery Education Board).

Mohamedhussein Somji (AFED Sports Council Chairman), Qamber Somji (AFED AYN Vice Chairman

and Sports Council Member) and Mohamedjaffer Meghji (AFED Sports Council Hon Secretary).

Dr. Asgar Moledina honouring AFED Chairman Shabir Najafi.

From Page 12

dedicated services to the community.

Education Institutions Interaction Meeting:

During the Session the Central Education Board of KSI Jamaat Dar-es-Salaam and the Nairobi Jaffery Education Board signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a Teachers’ exchange program between the two community education institutions.

A follow-up meeting between the Education Board of AFED with Education Board members and representatives of both Jamaats was held again on Sunday 9th July 2017.

Re-Launch of the AFSAAJ Housing Project in Nairobi

During a break from the official Session on 7th July 2017 the official launching of the AFSAAJ housing project was held at the Jaffery Islamic Centre (JIC) Nairobi. The AFSAAJ housing project is a joint housing venture between SAAJ and the Africa Federation.

The proposed complex will consist of about 48 apartments in the Lavington area of Nairobi, which is a short distance from the Jaffery Islamic Centre of the Nairobi Jamaat.

Details of this housing project and the scheme were explained by the AFED Chairman, Shabir Najafi and the Chairman of Nairobi Jamaat, Shakir Merali. This session attracted great interest and deliberation from the floor.

The Session ended with a Vote of Thanks from Dr. Jaffer Dharsee of Dar es Salaam with due acknowledgement being made to the Organizing Committee and volunteers of Nairobi Jamaat for ensuring a successful Session.

AROUND AFRICA


Comoros Delegation visits AFED Secretariat in Dar es Salaam

A delegation from Mehfil-e Zahra (S.A.) in Moroni, Comoros paid a courtesy visit to the Africa Federation

(AFED) Secretariat Office in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, 7th September, 2017. They were received by the AFED

Left to Right: Ali Assir Sundarjee (Mehfile Zahra (S.A.) Hon. Secretary), Sheikh Nasir Devjyani (Mehfile Zahra (S.A.) Advisor), Zahir Mamod Nassir Houssen (Mehfile Zahra (S.A.) Chairman), Hussein Karim, (AFED Hon. Secretary) Mamod Devjyani (Mehfile Zahra (S.A.) Hon. Treasurer), Abbas Ali (Mehfile Zahra (S.A.) Committee Member).

Hon. Secretary, Hussein Karim and Hon. Assistant Secretary, Alihassan Kassam.

The delegation consisted of Mehfil-e-Zahra Chairman, Zahir Mamod Nassir Houssen, Hon. Secretary, Ali Assir Sundarjee, Hon. Treasurer, Mamod Devjani, Advisor, Sheikh Nasir Devjani and Committee Member, Abbas Ali.

During the discussions that were held during the visit, the delegation spoke about the vast economic potential available in Comoros in the field of agriculture, small scale industries, tourism (hotels and restaurants), education and in basic health care services. The cost of land is reasonably cheap in Moroni.

The delegation encouraged community members to invest and settle in Moroni, assuring them guidance and support for potential investing.

The Al-Asghary Housing Residency in Dar es Salaam is expected to be completed by mid-2018 when new house owners should be able to move into their flats.

The Africa Federation (AFED) Economic and Housing Development Board said that the construction work of the nine-floor Al Asghary Housing Project in Dar-es-Salaam is progressing as per schedule.

This project in Dar-es-Salaam is on Plot no. 1701/208 on Band Street (corner of Libya Street). It consists of 18 apartments and two shops on the ground floor. Each floor consists of a three and two-bedroom apartment.

The flats on the first floor were completed since last year as a showcase for the applicants.

On Sunday 16th July 2017, the World Federation (WF) President Anwarali Dharamsi, AFED Office Bearers and the Dar-es-Salaam Jamaat Office Bearers and Trustees visited the site to see the progress of the project. On Sunday 12th August 2017, some of the owners who were allocated flats were invited to visit the building and see the flats.

Al-Asghary Housing Residency in Dar es Salaam nears completion

AROUND AFRICA


Africa Federation officials comprising of Vice Chairman Aunali Khalfan and the Hon. Secretary, Hussein Karim visited Kigali, Republic of Rwanda on Saturday, 23rd September, 2017. They were warmly received by the Chairman and Managing Committee members of KSI Jamaat of Kigali.

The KSIR Community in Kigali is made up of about 27 male members - approximately 60 heads. The Jamaat is affiliated with the locally registered Shia association known as Maj’maa-El-Itrati Organisation Twahira Au Rwanda (A.M.I.T) in Rwanda. The Jamaat has a rented Centre in the city where majlises and programs are held on Thursdays. The Ja’afery Madrasah is held once a week and managed by the ladies of the Jamaat.

Rwanda, (popularly referred to as the Land of a Thousand Hills), is located at the South of the Equator in Central and East Africa and

is considered as being one of the smallest countries on the African mainland. Bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is in the African Great Lakes region and its geography is dominated by mountains in the west and savanna to the east, with numerous lakes throughout the country. There are some great opportunities for manufacturing, mining and other long term investments, as the government policy is to encourage investors and industrialists.

A joint meeting between the Africa Federation delegation and the Jamaat Managing Committee was held, where issues of mutual interest were discussed. The meeting also looked into future plans of the development of our community.

The purpose of the visit was to meet members of the community residing in Kigali and join them in the

commemoration of the Aza-e-Hussein during the Ashra-e-Muharram. A good attendance attended Majlis on the 3rd night of Muharram at the Centre. The majlis was recited by Maulana Agha Musa Raza from Karachi, Pakistan.

The Vice Chairman of Africa Federation, Aunali Khalfan addressed the members present with brief information of the activities carried out by Africa Federation. He also answered questions from the floor.

The delegation also had an opportunity to visit the local Shia Centers in the outskirts of Kigali city. According to Sheikh Mukhtar and Sheikh Jehad, there are four Centers in Kigali and the total heads of the local Shia community in Rwanda is about 3,800.

The local Shia organizations are doing good tabligh work – conducting madrasah classes, organizing daily prayers, lectures on shahadat/wafaat

days, khushali celebrations and spreading the Madh’ab of Ahlulbayt (A.S.) to the indigenous community in Rwanda.

The local Shia Centres regularly screen various programs and lectures broadcast by al-Itrah Broadcasting Network (IBN) from Tanzania that relays lectures in Kiswahili by Sheikh Idarus, Sheikh Abdallahi Nassir, Sheikh Hemed Jalala and others Alims. This attracts huge interest amongst the followers of Ahlulbayt (A.S.) AFED has promised to send copies of the Holy Qur’an with translation in Kiswahili and other religious books in Kiswahili to Kigali for the Shia Centres.

The President of Kigali Jamaat, Alhaj Ali M. R. Manji and his Managing Committee members have established good rapport and have close collaboration with the Imams and Sheikhs of these Centres.

First Visit of Africa Federation to Kigali Jamaat

From Left: Ali Manji, (Chairman of Kigali Jamaat), Afzalali Bhimani (Hon. Treasurer of Kigali Jamaat),

Amjad Ali Merchant (Vice Chairman of Kigali Jamaat), Hussein Karim (AFED Hon. Secretary), Aunali

Khalfan (AFED Vice Chairman), Maulana Agha Musa Raza (Visiting Alim for Muharam 1439) with some

visiting guests from Iran.

AROUND AFRICA


The Africa Federation (AFED) officials comprising of Vice Chairman, Aunali Khalfan and Honorary Secretary, Hussein Karim visited Bujumbura from Sunday 24th to Tuesday 26th September, 2017. They were joined by Salim Somji, the AFED Nominated Councillor based in Bujumbura.

In Bujumbura, the AFED delegation met Jamaat officials and joined community members in commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) during a majlis recited by Syed Azher Abedi from India on the 4th night of Muharram.

During the meeting between the AFED delegation and the Managing Committee of KSI Jamaat of Bujumbura issues of mutual interest were discussed including economic development, tabligh and the madressah.

The Vice Chairman, Aunali Khalfan addressed members of the Jamaat after the majlis program in the Imambargah. He outlined the activities of AFED emphasizing on unity and requested members to pay their hukook centrally to AFED. He said that the Jamaat intends to extend the madressah where hukook contributions can be used. There are presently 28 children studying in the madressah.

The Vice Chairman was pleased to see several youth involved in services to the community, particularly in supporting secular education and external tabligh. He emphasized on the importance of training and developing our youth to take up more responsibilities of the Jamaat.

On 25th September the visiting delegation met the Jaffery Welfare Association (JWA), which is actively involved in medical, general welfare and education. The Association assists the local community and operates centres in Kinama, Katumba, Minango

and Buterere.

The Jaffery Welfare Association (JWA) membership consists of Zuher Jetha (President), Hur Fazal (Secretary), Azad Fazal (Hon. Treasurer) , Mohamedabbas Habib (Member) and Gulam Raza (Member).

The AFED delegation visited three Shia Centers and a Hawza which is currently undergoing extension. They were pleased to see the activities carried by our indigenous brothers in Bujumbura in harmony with all Muslims under the Muslim Association in Burundi (CISIABU).

The AFED delegation also visited the Imam Zainul Abideen (AS) Mosque in Buyenzi. This mosque was recently renovated and extended under the direct supervision of Salim Somji, the AFED Nominated Councilor from Bujumbura.

There is an open plot belonging to our Shia brothers in Kinamba area, where in future a nursery school and madressah can be built. Prior to leaving the AFED officials visited the graveyard and also met Sheikh Hamisi, the head of the Baraza of Sheikhs in Bujumbura.

Africa Federation (AFED) Delegation visits Bujumbura

AFED Vice Chairman Aunali Khalfan addressing members of the Bujumbura Jamaat.

From L to R: Mohamedabbas Jaffer (Jamaat Asst. Secretary and Asst. Treasurer), Sadiq Kermaly

(Jamaat Hon. Treasurer) Hussein Karim (AFED Hon Secretary) Salim Somji (AFED Nominated

Councillor), Aunali Khalfan (AFED Vice Chairman), Mohamedraza Jaffer Habib (Jamaat President),

Azad Fazel (Jamaat Hon. Secretary) and Nassir Jetha (Jamaat Trustee).

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A team from the Africa Federation (AFED) consisting of Chairman, Shabir Najafi, Vice Chairman Aunali Khalfan and Honorary Secretary, Hussein Karim visited Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from Tuesday 26th to Thursday 28th September, 2017. They were joined by the AFED Nominated Councillor in Kinshasa, Saeed Ali Vazir. This was the second visit of AFED officials to Kinshasa.

The Kinshasa Jamaat population consists of about 520 heads as per the census that was carried out last year and the community is growing. The new Management Committee works closely with AFED.

During the meeting between the AFED delegation and the Jamaat Managing Committee the working system and procedures of AFED were highlighted. The Jamaat officials requested for special training sessions for madrassah teachers and for a Leadership Development Program (LDP) to enhance leadership skills. The Africa Federation Tabligh Board (AFTAB) and Capacity Building Group (CBG) will arrange to travel to Kinshasa to carry out these programs.

During the visit, the AFED delegation saw the development of land that the Jamaat acquired for the expansion of the graveyard. The delegation was accompanied by the Jamaat Trustee

Africa Federation (AFED) Delegation visits Kinshasa

AFED Chairman, Shabir Najafi addressing members of the Kinshasa Jamaat.

Sitting - From L to R: Hussein Karim (AFED Hon. Secretary), Saeed Vazir (AFED Nominated Councillor

& Jamaat Trustee), Safdar Chatoo (Kinshasa Jamaat Trustee) Shabir Najafi (AFED Chairman), Aunn

Alibhai (Jamaat Chairman) Murtaza Kanani (Jamaat Trustee), Rizwan Haji (Jamaat Trustee), Aunali

Khalfan (AFED Vice Chairman).

Standing - From L to R: Yousuf Raza Dalwala (Jamaat Managing Committee Member), Danish Raza

Sarani (Jamaat Hon. Secretary), Hassan Abbas Rajshi (Jamaat Managing Committee Member), Sohail

Virani (Jamaat Managing Committee Member), Mohamed Chatoo (Jamaat Managing Committee

Member), Sohal Rahemtulla (Jamaat Hon. Treasurer), Sabir Poonawala (Jamaat Managing Committee

Member).

and AFED Nominated Councillor, Saeed Ali Vazir. The graveyard has now been officially opened and it has good parking facilities with a security fence.

On 5th November, 2017 a short ceremony was held by the Jamaat to mark the official takeover of this property by the Jamaat. This was done in the presence of Maulana Muhammad Irfan Behlool (the Alim invited by Kinshasha Jamaat for

Ashra e Zainabia), Sheikh Zahid Hussein of Madressah Al Qaim, Maulana Sheikh Munir of the Lebanese Community, Maulana Syed Zulfiqar Ali of Al-Mustafa University and Jamaat members.

The AFED Chairman, Shabir Najafi addressed members of the Jamaat on the eve of the 6th night of Muharram. He explained the various programs and projects of AFED being undertaken in different jamaats including external tabligh, education and the activities of the Madressah Centre of Excellence (MCE). After the majlis the visiting delegation interacted with community members.

The AFED Vice Chairman, Aunali Khalfan extended an invitation to the Kinshasa Jamaat Office Bearers to visit Dar es Salaam to interact with the AFED Secretariat staff and the Education and Tabligh Boards to plan future programs jointly.

During their visit the AFED delegation also visited few community members in Kinshasa to exchange ideas.


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The Africa Federation (AFED) Chairman, Shabir Najafi, the Vice Chairman Aunali Khalfan and the Hon. Treasurer, Mohamed Hemani, paid a three day visit to Mombasa, Kenya from 18th to 20th January, 2018. They were joined by the two Nominated Councillors from Mombasa, Amir Merali and Gulamabbas Khaku. The Chairman of the AFED Sports Council, Mohamedhussein Somji and AFED’s Africa Youth Network (AYN) Vice Chairman, Qamber Somji were also present with the AFED delegation.

The purpose of this visit was to meet and have discussions with officials of the Mombasa Jamaat, Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya (BMMK), and the AFED Trustee and Councillors who are

based in Mombasa, Kenya.

On Thursday, 18th January the Chairman of Mombasa Jamaat, Mohamed Jaffer and Chairman of AFED, Shabir Najafi addressed members of the community at the Jaffery Imambargah.

AFED Chairman Shabir Najafi stressed on the importance of unity and building bridges of cooperation with other faiths and sects. He requested community members to support the Jamaats and local projects in Africa, stressing that hukook funds should be channeled through the Jamaats and AFED centrally.

A delegation from Birmingham Jamaat from U.K., led by Gulamraza Datoo,

Africa Federation (AFED) Delegation visits MombasaPresident of Birmingham Jamaat was also in Mombasa that week. The Birmingham delegation included Murtaza Fazel Master and Sheikh Nuru Mohamed, Resident Aalim of Birmingham Jamaat. Sheikh Nuru recited majlis on Thursday night in the Imambargah and gave an inspiring Jumaah Khutba on Friday, 19th January.

Marhum Hassan A. M. Jaffer who passed away on 23rd February, 2018, gave a brief synopsis of late Marhum Molu Remtulla, a man with a golden heart whose bequest of a building in 1928 left an indelible legacy in the community in Mombasa. Marhum Remtulla passed away in Mombasa in 1929 and today the Jamaat is benefitting from the seed that was sown by him many years ago.

On Friday, 19th January, 2018, AFED Office Bearers had a meeting with the Managing Committee and Trustees of Mombasa Jamaat. Discussions covered current issues, projects and future strategic economic plans towards the development of community institutions in Africa. The AFED team visited the BMMK head office in Mombasa on 20th January 2018, where they were informed through a PowerPoint presentation in the media room about the various activities undertaken by BMMK and fifteen Bilal centres in surrounding villages. BMMK is actively involved in tabligh, education, social services and economic development for the local Shia community in these areas. The two nominated Councillors from Mombasa, Amir Merali and Gulamabbas Khaku were also present during the BMMK visit.

At Mtongwe, a new full-fledged BMMK Centre is under construction with the support of a philanthropist. A visit will be made to this new Centre during the next visit.

Standing: Rear from left: Mohamed Hemani (AFED Hon. Treasurer), Sajjad Rashid (Mombasa

Jamaat Immediate Past Chairman), Aunali Khalfan (AFED Vice Chairman), Mohamed Hussein Jaffer

(Chairman – Mombasa Jamaat), Shabir Najafi (AFED Chairman), Hasnain Meghji (Mombasa Jamaat

Committee Member) and Riyaz Fazel (Mombasa Jamaat Committee Member).

Front: Left - Amir Merali (AFED Nominated Councillor and Mombasa Jamaat Trustee), Fazleabbas

Bhanji, Hasnain Alidina (Mombasa Jamaat Committee Member), Yusuf Jiwa (Mombasa Jamaat Hon.

Secretary) and Mohamed Sajjad Rashid (Mombasa Jamaat Vice Chairman).


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The Africa Federation (AFED) Hon. Secretary, Hussein Karim visited the Jaffery Muslim Association (JMA) in Lilongwe, Republic of Malawi. Being the first ever visit by an AFED official to this Centre, the purpose of the visit was to meet members of the JMA and get familiarized with their activities. Since they are in an expanding phase and in the process to acquire their own Centre, they are presently using a rented place.

Malawi is located at the south of Tanzania and west of Mozambique. It is long and narrow, north-south distance of 850 km and east-west of only 250km at the widest; hence it is divided as north, central and southern. There are three major cities, Mzuzu in the north, Lilongwe in the central and Blantyre in the South.

Lilongwe is the current administrative capital, while Blantyre is the former capital but also the commercial capital (quite like Dodoma and Dar es Salam respectively).

Malawi consists of three Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaats. Lilongwe has 42 registered members comprising a total of 140 heads including female and children. Blantyre has about 12 families (35-40 people) and Mzuzu has 4 families (10 people). Lilongwe Jamaat is the only formally registered jamaat (under the name of JMA) and has rented premises for majlis and namaz. Other jamaats hold majlises at individual residences.

The growth of the Shia Ithna-Asheri Community in Lilongwe has increased in the last ten years. It is estimated that if the current economic situation continues, population is likely to grow further. This is based on the fact that there are 2500 to

3000 other Asians from the subcontinent who already have big mosques and facilities such as a sports club.

There is a Shia Lebanese Community of about 15 families (50-60 people). There are some local African Shia Centres being run in addition to an Iranian-run Shia Centre. Also, there is a Shia Kabrastan (cemetery) for use by all Shia Communities in Malawi. Our community members are mostly importers and a few are professionals such as accountants.

JMA was formally registered with the Ministry in 2011, after much effort. The current facility is a rented house, and cannot accommodate all members for Friday prayers and other large gatherings. The Resident Aalim is also staying in the same house and ladies have been allocated space for majalis. During the joint meeting between the AFED Hon. Secretary and the Managing Committee of JMA, a discussion was held on acquiring the property next to the present rented one by mid-January 2018. The plan is to renovate the property by building a hall, extending it on the side, building four madressah classrooms on the ground floor in the backyard, and building two small flats on the upper floor for the Resident Alim.

JMA has shown great interest to become a member of AFED. The AFED Hon. Secretary, Hussein Karim explained the officials of JMA on the requirements and the process for membership application in the Africa Federation. He also had an opportunity to interact and address the members on Thursday, 8th December 2017, where he gave a brief outline on the activities of the Africa Federation and its various Boards.

Africa Federation (AFED) Honorary Secretary visits Lilongwe, Malawi

Left to Right: Fayyaz Haider Nathani (Committee Member), Syed Wahaj Zaidi (Committee Member), Kazim Raza Devjiani (Chairman), Murtuza Ali Devjiani

(First Chairman of Lilongwe Jamaat), Sadiq Ali Somani (Vice Chairman), Hussein Karim (AFED Hon. Secretary), Muhammad Taqi Somani (Treasurer),

Muhammad Abbas Nayani (Secretary General), Saleem Raza Dodiah (Ex-Chairman and Ex Vice Chairman of Jamaat).


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The 13th AFED Qur’an Competition was successfully hosted by the Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat, Arusha from 28th to 30th July 2017. The competition sought to further enhance capabilities of the participants. There were three overall categories: Open Qur’an Recitation, Qur’an Memorization (Hifdh) and Sources of Ma’rifah of Allah (s.w.t).

The Africa Federation Tabligh Board (AFTAB) has been holding the annual Qur’an Competitions for the past 13 years to inspire and motivate students, children and individuals from our member Jamaats to connect and develop their understanding of the Holy Qur’an.

Constituent Jamaats were invited to participate by selecting two males and two females in each category, from their internal competition to take part in age bands: 8 to 10 years, 10+ to 12 years, 12+ to 15 years, 15+ to 18 years and 18+ years.

The Ma’rifah competition was catered for the higher two age-bands only.

A total of 213 participants from 10 Jamaats took part: 46 from Dar es Salaam, 37 from Nairobi, 33 from Arusha, 31 from Mombasa, 18 from Zanzibar, 17 from Mwanza, 13 from Moshi, 9 from Tanga, 6 from Bukoba and 3 from Kampala. There were 6% more female participants than male.

The Opening ceremony took place on Thursday, 27th July, 2017 at the KSIJ Arusha Imambargha and the competition commenced on 28th July, 2017

Youth Forum:As the Annual Qur’an competition attracts youth from different Jamaats, AFTAB took the opportunity to invite those aged 13 – 35 to engage in discussions on challenges faced by them and identify a way forward. This well-attended forum was facilitated

by Seyed Hassan Naqvi, Chairman of AFTAB and attended by Sheikh Nuru Mohammed, Sheikh Murtadha Alidina, Sheikh Mulabba Saleh and members of AFTAB, Africa Youth Network (AYN) Boards and the Arusha Youth body.

Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremony was held at the Imambargha on Sunday 30th of July, 2017, and was well attended. T h e M a s t e r o f C e r e m o n y B r. Mohamedhussein Sheriff, on behalf of the Organizing Committee thanked all the participants and appreciated the presence of all the Board Members and Representatives of AFED. He reiterated that the ultimate aim is the learning derived from participating in the competition.

The President of Arusha Jamaat Alhaj Shabbir Bhai Virjee acknowledged the

The Annual AFED Quran Competition


213 participants from 10 Jamaats took part in the Annual AFED Quran Competition in Arusha, Tanzania.

Federation Samachar 26Continued on Page 27

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efforts of the parents, teachers and mentors who motivated children to participate in the competition. He thanked the Organizing Team in Arusha

led by Sr. Azra Sheriff and ardently supported by Sr. Fehmida Kermalli, Sr. Izzat Virjee, Br. Hussein Sajan and Br. Mahmood Sheriff.

On behalf of the AFED Chairman Shabir Najafi, the AFED Honorary Assistant Secretary Alihassan Kassam, expressed appreciation to Arusha Jamaat for hosting the 13th Qur’an Competition. He thanked all who made the event successful. He said that participation in 2018 should increase to at least 15 participating Jamaats.

AFTAB Chairman, Seyed Hassan Naqvi highlighted the pivotal role of Jamaats, Madaris and especially parents in the success of the competition and called upon for their continued support. He recorded appreciation to Arusha Jamaat, Organizing Team, the AFTAB Qur’an Competitions Organizing Committee, participants and the dedicated team of Judges.

He said that the Ma’rifah competition experienced good participation this year and everyone, from the participants, Judges to the audience had a fascinating

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Arusha Jamaat: Hifdh, 8; Open Quran, 5 and Ma’rifah, 4.Dar es Salaam Jamaat: Hifdh, 12; Open Quran, 6 and Ma’rifah, 2.Moshi Jamaat: Hifdh, 1; Open Quran, 0 and Ma’rifah, 2.Mwanza Jamaat: Hifdh, 6; Open Quran, 11 and Ma’rifah, 0.Mombasa Jamaat: Hifdh, 1; Open Quran, 4 and Ma’rifah, 2.Nairobi Jamaat: Hifdh, 1; Open Quran, 2 and Ma’rifah, 2.Tanga Jamaat: Hifdh, 0; Open Quran, 1 and Ma’rifah, 0.Zanzibar Jamaat: Hifdh, 1; Open Quran, 1 and Ma’rifah, 0.

Ma’rifah (15-18 years boys)1st position: Alireza Akbar, Dar es Salam2nd position: Mukarram Rashid, Arusha3rd position: Shehzadali Virjee, Arusha

Ma’rifah (15-18 years girls)1st position: Muhaimina Janmohamed, Mombasa2nd position: Sayyeda Jaffer, Mombasa3rd position: Sarah Khaki, Moshi

Ma’rifah (18+ years boys)1st position: Habib Mazaher, Nairobi2nd position: Shakir Merali, Nairobi3rd position: Ejaz Bhalloo, Dar es Salaam

Ma’rifah (18+ years girls)1st position: Farhat Zainab Ladak, Moshi2nd position: Nida Fatema Mukhtar, Arusha3rd position: Sabiha Rahim, Arusha

Quran Hifdh (8-10 years boys)1st position: Husseinali Shariff, Dar es Salaam2nd position: Mohamedhussein Raza, Arusha3rd position: Aasim Rashid, Arusha

Quran Hifdh (8-10 years girls)1st position: Fatema Zahra Karim, Dar es Salaam2nd position: Hadiyah Manji, Mwanza3rd position: Mehleqa Abbas Answar, Dar es Salaam

Quran Hifdh (10-12 years boys)

1st position: Sajjadali Juma, Dar es Salaam2nd position: Hassan Datoo, Arusha3rd position: Ali Sajjad, Zanzibar

Quran Hifdh (10-12 years girls)1st position: Sakina Raza, Dar es Salaam2nd position: Mariyam Chagpar, Nairobi3rd position: Fatema Musharraf, Mwanza

Quran Hifdh (12-15 years boys)1st position: Haider Mawji, Mwanza2nd position: Abbas Ali Gulamhussein, Arusha3rd position: Muhammad Jawad Dhalla, Dar es Salam

Quran Hifdh (12-15 years girls)1st position: Sabah Panjwani, Mwanza2nd position: Syeda Narjis Zahra Baqri, Arusha3rd position: Fatema Zahra Ladak, Moshi

Quran Hifdh (15-18 years boys)1st position: Mohamed Minhal Muraj, Mombasa2nd position: Ali Murad Mohsin, Dar es

Summary of Winners per Jamaat

Judges Sheikh Dr. Murtadha Alidina, Sheikh Nuru Mohammed and AFTAB Chairman, Seyed Hassan

Naqvi.


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learning experience.

Sheikh Dr. Murtadha Alidina on behalf of the Ma’rifah Judges relayed the amazing experience they had where the participants came from various professional backgrounds and none left the room without having gained something. He emphasised that what is important is not the competition, rather it is the preparation put into learning, the reasons of participating in the Ma’rifah competition and the learning carried forward from this event.

Sheikh Nuru Mohammed commended the Board for organizing the Youth Forum. He said that youth is the most sensitive transient period of one’s life that cannot be missed out upon by the Youth themselves and the leadership of Community. He talked on the need to have such session regularly as this helps to bridge the gap between old and new generations.

Sheikh Saleh Omar on behalf of the Judges commended the community for organizing this competition annually. He said that as Judges they have noted that the level of aptitude and understanding of the Holy

Qur’an is increasing each year.

The Closing Ceremony concluded with the announcement of the Winners of the Competition.

Salaam3rd position: Mohamed Fazal Datoo, Arusha

Quran Hifdh (15-18 years girls)1st position: Fatema Lalji, Arusha2nd position: Nayaab Parmar, Dar es Salaam3rd position: Fatema Moledina, Mwanza

Quran Hifdh (+18 years boys)1st position: Hasan Mawji, Arusha2nd position: Abbasaley Mazaher Abbas, Dar es Salaam3rd position: Ejaz Bhalloo, Dar es Salaam

Quran Hifdh (18+ years girls)1st position: Zahra Nagri, Dar es Salaam2nd position: Zameena Jivraj, Dar es Salaam3rd position: Nelly Mistry, Mwanza

Open Quran Recitation (8-10 years boys)1st position: Ahmed Hussein, Mombasa2nd pos i t ion : Mohammadhasan Panjwani, Mwanza3rd position: Mohammad Talib, Mombasa

Open Quran Recitation (8-10 years girls)1st position: Alisha Pyarali, Mwanza

2nd position: Kulsum Abbas Shamji, Mwanza3rd position: Zeenat Musa Muraj, Dar es Salaam

Open Quran Recitation (10-12 years boys)1st position: Husaynali Merali, Nairobi2nd position: Faizan Rashid, Arusha3rd position: Aliakber Rajabali, Mwanza

Open Quran Recitation (10-12 years girls)1st position: Sarah Okera, Dar es Salaam2nd position: Fatema Musharraf, Mwanza3rd position: Fatema Somji, Mwanza

Open Quran Recitation (12-15 years boys)

1st position: Mudathir Somji, Mwanza2nd position: Ali Khakoo, Tanga3rd position: Miqdad Merali, Mombasa

Open Quran Recitation (12-15 years girls)1st position: Sadiyah Panjwani, Mwanza2nd position: Tahera Hassan, Dar es Salaam

3rd position: Sakina Manji, Mwanza

Open Quran Recitation (15-18 years boys)1st position: Mukarram Rashid, Arusha2nd position: Irfan Nanji, Nairobi3rd position: Baqir Hassan Virani, Dar es Salaam

Open Quran Recitation (15-18 years girls)1st position: Fatema Lalji, Arusha2nd position: Sayyeda Mistry, Mwanza3rd position: Farhat Lalji, Dar es Salaam

Open Quran Recitation (18+ years boys)1st position: Mohamed Abbas Suleman, Mombasa2nd position: Ali Hasnain Dharamsi, Zanzibar3rd position: Muslim Ebrahim Sheriff, Arusha

Open Quran Recitation (18+ years girls)1st position: Fatima Zahra Vakil, Dar es Salaam2nd position: Nelly Mistry, Mwanza3rd position: Nazneen Rahim, Arusha

Participants awaiting their turn in the AFED Quran Competition.


established in Dar es Salaam. It offers short-term loans to members of the Khoja Shia

Some Recent Cases of Support:

1. An elderly lady

Please note that JIDA does not address Welfare Cases.


AROUND AFRICAAROUND AFRICA

For the third consecutive year, the Ithnasheri Union (IU) under the auspices of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat (KSIJ) OF Dar es Salaam organized a ‘Charity Walk’ to celebrate the Africa Federation (AFED) Solidarity Day 2017. This event is held every year to celebrate the birth anniversary of our 12th Imam Al Hujjah (ATFS), to raise funds for the underprivileged who are supported by AFED.

Among the participants, were the President of the Dar es Salaam Jamaat, Azim Dewji, the Resident Aalim, Sayyid Adeel Raza, AFED Vice Chairman, Aunali Khalfan, AFED Hon. Secretary, Hussein Karim, AFED Assistant Hon. Secretary, Alihassan Kassam, AFED Assistant Hon. Treasurer, Aliabbas Nasser and Managing Committee Members of the Dar es Salaam Jamaat. The ‘Start Off’ ceremony commenced

with the recitation of verses of the Holy Quran followed by an inspirational talk by the Resident Aalim, Sayyid Adeel Raza. Thereafter, the dignitaries lit the ‘Solidarity Torch’ and performed the ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the start of the walk. The walk attracted about 300 participants, both young and old.

Unfortunately, during the walk, a staunch supporter of AFED, Marhum Akber Mohamedali Habib passed away. Marhum always took part in the Solidarity Walk since its inception. He was unwell during the walk.

The closing ceremony was held in the Imambargah after Maghribain salah where all the participants were gathered. A beautiful recitation of the verses of the Holy Quran was followed by addresses from the President of the

Dar es Salaam Jamaat, Azim Dewji and AFED Vice Chairman, Aunali Khalfan, acknowledging their appreciation and gratitude to the participants and the Ithnaasheri Union (IU) for organizing yet another successful Solidarity Day Charity Walk.

At the end of the event, dinner was served and sponsors of the event were acknowledged and presented with a token of appreciation. Awards were presented to the oldest and youngest participants to acknowledge and motivate other participants.

The Solidarity Day appeal for collections was initiated by Marhum Zulfikar Khimji who passed away of 18th July, 2004. Marhum served as the Chairman of AFED for the term 2001-2003 and was re-elected for the term 2003-2007, the tenure in which he passed away.

Solidarity Day Charity Walk held in Dar es Salaam

Dar es salaam Jamaat Resident Aalim, Sayyid Adeel Raza, Dar es Salaam Jamaat President, Azim Dewji, and Africa Federation Vice Chairman Aunali Khalfan conduct the opening Ceremony at the Solidarity Day Charity Walk held in Dar es Salaam. This is an annual event of the Africa Federation to raise funds for the underprivileged.


Zainabiya Orphanage Opened in Antananarivo, Madagascar

Africa Federation (AFED) Capacity Building Group (CBG) holds a Master Class for Dar es Salaam Leadership Development Programme (LDP) Alumni.

Fatima Inspires -Top 5 Nominations 2018

The Africa Federation (AFED) Capacity Building Group (CBG) Facilitators Shabbirhussein Khalfan and Shama Dewji conducted a Master Class on ‘Lessons Learnt from Karbala’ for the Leadership Development Program (LDP) Alumni of Dar es Salaam, on 18th October, 2017 (27th Muharram 1439 A.H.).

Zahra Bandali Jacksi is the AFED-CBG Co-ordinator in Dar es Salaam as well as a Developmental Facilitator who organizes the logistics for the Programme.

CBG Facilitators Shabbirhussein Khalfan and Shama Dewji play a vital role in imparting their valuable knowledge by allowing interactive discussions to take place for the purpose of continuous development of LDP Alumni.

Ten alumni participated in the program that was held at the AFED Office at Zahra Towers from 8.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m. The discussions, group activities and presentations were about the life lessons and values that stemmed from the event of Karbala.

The LDP is based on implementing values. The Session included the exercise of evaluation and participants filled out a Personal Development Plan from the values expounded upon.

The Africa Federation (AFED) Hon. Secretary, Hussein Karim travelled to Antananarivo, Madagascar on 9th September, 2017 and joined momineen there for the Eid -e-Ghadeer celebrations. On Sunday, 10th September 2017, he attended the opening ceremony of the Zainabiya Orphanage and the Foundation Laying Ceremony for the Housing project.

On the occasion of Eid e Ghadeer, he delivered a short message to community members from the AFED Chairman, Shabir Najafi. The message was based on the importance of higher education for the community’s male and female children. He also spoke about the importance of owning housing and the need to donate and collect funds internally to assist in local projects.

The Zainabiya Orphanage has been constructed and will be run by Institue Islamique De Madagascar (INISMA). The organization has the capacity of accommodating upto 70 children. Presently about 49 orphans are sheltered there.

Foundation Laying Ceremony – Housing Project, AntananarivoThe Hon. Secretary, Hussein Karim held a joint meeting with the Managing Committee of the Conseil Regional Des Khojas Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamates De L’Ocean Indien (CROI) on Sunday, 10th September, 2017. Important issues such as the Housing Project, representation of CROI to the AFED Boards, Leadership Development Programme (LDP), the Madrasah Centre of Excellence (MCE) and the implementation of AFED Resolutions were discussed.

The Chairman of CROI, Sheikh Haniphe Akbaraly and his team, the Chairman of INISMA, Mohamedraza Khamis and his team had amicable discussions with the visiting Hon. Secretary, Hussein Karim of AFED.

The World Federation (WF) has announced the top five nominations of the World Federation annual Fatima Inspires initiative which ran from 20th February to 9th March, 2018. The five nominations were made by a team of panellists appointed by the WF out of over sixty nominations received of inspiring women from our global community.

The nominations are based on the numerous merits and accomplishments women have made in and out of the community.

The top five nominees are:

Zohra Abdulhussein of DubaiSukaina Dada of TorontoMasuma Jaffer of LondonMehtab Jeraj, UKSwaleha Mohammedali of Arusha

The appointed panellists were, Madiha Raza, Humanitarian Aid Worker (The Council of European Jamaats - CoEJ), Masuma Alloo, Head of Volunteering (CoEJ), Massuma Kara, a French teacher (Organization of North America Shia Ithna-asheri Muslim Communities - NASIMCO), Ummulbaneen Merali, CEO, Q Fatima (CoEJ) and Zaheeda Alishan, Educationist (Africa Federation).

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World Federation Donates a Plot to AFED for Housing Project in Dar es Salaam

Kampala Jamaat gifts US$138,000 to AFED Higher Education Loan Scheme

In December 2017 a plot measuring 800 sq. metres on Mfaume Road in Upanga area of Dar Es Salaam was donated to the Africa Federation (AFED) by the World Federation (WF).

The plot has been donated for a housing project to be designed by experienced

architects and designers. The project will be for construction of apartments to be offered to our community members.

The Dar Es Salaam Jamaat comprises of the largest population of the Khoja community in Africa. It has a much bigger and dire need for housing, especially

The Managing Committee of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri (KSI) Jamaat of Kampala, Uganda, pledged financial support to boost the Africa Federation (AFED) Higher Education Loan Scheme, which has been supporting students for the past forty years.

The amount of Ugandan Shs. 500,000 (US$138,000) will support qualifying students from AFED jamaats who wish to pursue higher education within and outside the country of their domicile.

The AFED Secretariat encourages youth to pursue higher education but for the past three years, AFED has been experiencing a deficit of US$150,000 to US$200,000 per annum because of an increase of almost 50% in the number of applicants. This deficit is expected to grow to US$250K this year.

The Chairman of AFED, Shabir Najafi thanked Kampala Jamaat for the support and called on other Jamaats with financial resources to do the same. An Appreciation Award was presented to Kampala Jamaat at the 79th Supreme Council held in Nairobi, Kenya from 7th to 9th July, 2017.

Handing Over of the Title Deed of the Plot on Mfaume Road, Dar es Salaam.L to R: Mohamed Hemani (Africa Federation (AFED) Hon. Treasurer), Shabir Najafi (AFED Chairman), Ahmed Daya (World Federation (WF) Executive Councillor), Anwarali Dharamsi (WF President) and Aunali Khalfan (AFED Vice Chairman) at brief handover ceremony in London.

At the 79th Supreme Council Session held 7th to 9 July, 2017 AFED Vice Chairman Sheikh Haniphe Akbaraly (and Chairman of Conseil Regional of Madagascar) presented an Appreciation Award to Kampala Jamaat (accepted by Hon. Secretary Sibtain Merchant) in recognition of Kampala Jamaat’s donation towards the AFED Higher Education Loan Scheme.

considering the present environment where prices for new apartments are not affordable to many. Incomes of many members have adversely declined in recent years.

AFED Chairman, Shabir Najafi said that the Chairman of the Economic and Housing Development Board, Akil Hirji with his team members consisting of Vice Chairperson, Mrs. Shakera Dhanani and Board Members Mrs. Zakiya Khamisa and Azim Mawji, are committed to this project.

Mrs. Zakiya Khamisa, who is a lawyer by profession assists with the legal matters and documentation. The administrative processes to obtain the necessary permits from the government and local authorities are ongoing and the project is expected to start soon.

The AFED Secretariat expressed their gratitude to the World Federation (WF) office bearers and WF Executive Councillor, Ahmed Daya, who assisted AFED by working tirelessly in sourcing funds in close collaboration with the WF.


The 34th General Assembly of Conseil Regional Des Khojas Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamates De L’Ocean Indien (CROI) was held from 26th to 27th January 2018, hosted by the KSI Jamaat of Antananarivo. It was chaired by Sheikh Haniphe Akbaraly, CROI Chairman and Vice Chairman of Africa Federation (AFED).

The President of the World Federation (WF), Anwarali Dharamsi attended the session. Also in attendance were the Chairman of the Africa Federation (AFED), Shabir Najafi, AFED Vice Chairmen Aunali Khalfan and Amine Nassor (also Chairman of Union Des Associations Khodjas Shia Isnashri De La Reunion - UAKSIR) with AFED Nominated Councillor, Navazaly Molou, Fatim Somji and Member of the Capacity Building Group, Taherabai Shivji.

Heads of eleven Jamaats of Madagascar and Councillors from Tananarive, Tulear, Majunga, Maevatanana, Antsirabe, Morondava, Antsohihy, Tamatave, Ambovombe, Fianar, Fort-Dauphin

and Mauritius Jamaat attended the Assembly. Jamaat leaders from Paris, past leaders and invitees also attended.

A Welcome Address was eloquently d e l i v e re d b y t h e P re s i d e n t o f Antananarivo Jamaat, Mounise-Reza Nourah, who spoke on various initiatives of the Jamaat in the field of Madressah, Education, Social Services and Spiritual upliftment done through religious programs by Ulemas, Zakirs and Zakireen. It was sad that Mounise-Reza Nourah died just three days later. He was known to be a dedicated, diligent and compassionate social worker with a pleasant personality.

CROI Chairman, Sheikh Haniphe Akbaraly, Secretary General, Rizvan Hassim and heads of various Boards presented reports of activities for the past one year. On Friday, Resolutions to amend some clauses of the constitution were deliberated upon and presented at the General Assembly by the Joint Secretary, Sheikh Zahir Aly. The Financial Report and Accounts were presented by

the Hon. Treasurer, Anil Alimamod, who provided various clarifications sought by councillors.

Chairmen of the Jamaats from different regions of Madagascar shared their views on the CROI Annual Report. They also provided brief reports of their own Jamaats and explained the challenges they face due to shortage of resources.

The President of the World Federation of KSI Muslim Communities, Anwarali Dharamsi, stressed the importance of unity and public relations with other communities, faiths and sects. He cautioned leaders to ensure that our lecturers and preachers avoid controversial remarks that can hurt relationships with our Muslim brothers and other communities.

The AFED Chairman, Shabir Najafi echoed the sentiments of the President of the World Federation on the importance of unity. He also stressed that the Jamaats, CROI and UAKSIR should direct more focus on youth development,

From left: Mounise-Reza Nourah (Late President of KSI Jamaat of Antananarivo), Feride Ismail (Vice Chairman of CROI), Rizvan Hassim (Secretary General

of CROI), Sheikh Haniphe Akbaraly (Chairman of CROI and Vice Chairman of AFED), Anwarali Dharamsi (President of the World Federation), Shabir Najafi

(Chairman of the Africa Federation), Aunali Khalfan (Vice Chairman of the Africa Federation), and Amine Nassor (Vice Chairman of the Africa Federation from

Reunion and President of UAKSIR) during the CROI General Assembly at the KSIJ Imambargha, Antananarivo.

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Conseil Regional of Madagascar (CROI) holds 34th General Assembly in Antananarivo



In the centre is Sheikh Haniphe Akbaraly, Chairman of the Conseil Regional Des Khojas Shia Ithna-Asheri

Jamates De L’ocean Indien (CROI); on his right is Rizvan Hassim, Secretary General of CROI, and on his

left is Anwarali Dharamsi, President of the World Federation.

religious education, secular education and economic development to make our community self-sufficient in Madagascar and Reunion. He reiterated the need for centralization of Hukuk collections for the development of our infrastructure.

For better security he encouraged leaders to work closely with other communities. This, he said, is a top priority for the community in Madagascar who settled there over fifteen decades ago. He expressed AFED’s profound appreciation to leaders of CROI and Constituent Jamaats of Madagascar for their support and cooperation.

The AFED Vice Chairman and the Chairman of UAKSIR, Amine Nassor appreciated the good cooperation amongst the Jamaats and stressed the importance of exchanging visits and sharing of best practices. He said sports is one area where youth of our community can be influenced towards building stronger bonds while also developing their physical fitness.

The AFED Vice Chairman from the Secretariat, Aunali Khalfan spoke of the importance of healthcare, health awareness and health insurance for the community. He also requested CROI to encourage Jamaats to participate in the AFED’s annual programs like the Qur’an Competition, Youth Camps and Ladies Sports Festival. He commended CROI for sending a large contingent of sportsmen from Madagascar to Nairobi for the AFED Furaha Sports Festival held in December 2017. The contingent was led by Aminbhai Deenmohamed.

Aunalibhai thanked the former Central Health Board (CHB) Representative, Riyazhousein Soujatali for his services to CHB and to the community in Madagascar. He welcomed Zohair Bhai Vally and Fazle-Aly Bhai Molou, representatives from CROI, who were recently appointed to serve CHB. He congratulated the team for the successful five-day Medical Camp they organized jointly with Shably Hospital of Ahmedabad, India and

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From Page 32

Antananarivo Jamaat. This was for community members and the indigenous community. The Madagascar CHB team also guides members on health issues and seeks appointments for medical treatment in India, Reunion, Mauritius and other places.

To enhance media coverage, two representatives from CROI will join the Editorial team of the Federation Samachar. They are Zulfikarbhai Vasram and Sister Roukhsaar Nisarali. The two will assist the Chief Editor and the Associate Editor in gathering news and articles for the Federation Samachar.

On 26th January, 2018 a visit was organized to the KSI Jamaat Husseini Madressah in Antananarivo. CROI office bearers, Mounise-Reza Nourah, Mohamedraza Khamis, Sheikh Mounir, Sheikh Shoaib, Sheikh Younus and other Madressah officials were present along with the World Federation (WF) President, Anwarali Dharamsi, AFED Chairman, Shabir Najafi and AFED Vice Chairmen, Aunali Khalfan and Amine Nassor. Former World Federation President, Dr. Asgarali Moledina, as well as Azad Hedaraly and Arif Hiridjee from Paris Jamaat, Gulamali Virjee from Dubai, Gulamraza Datoo and Sheikh Nuru Mohamed from Birmingham

Jamaat were also present during this visit.

The delegation was shown exhibits by students including their work and knowledge in science and other subjects. Temporary classes for secular education were recently established by the efforts of Marhum Mounise-Raza bhai with a plan to move the same to a better location in the near future. The WF President offered financial support for these temporary classes.

On Sunday, 28th January, a delegation from the WF, AFED and other officials from CROI and Jamaats visited the facility provided by the former CROI Chairman, Mohamedrafiq Ramji for a community school at Al Mourtouza Complex near Gamo. The ground-breaking was done and some pledges by WF, AFED and CROI were made to Antananarivo Jamaat for the development of a good secular school from primary to secondary school levels.During the meeting between the AFED delegation and the CROI managing committee constructive ideas were exchanged. Members also discussed future plans for a community housing development project in Antananarivo and about the establishment of a primary health clinic for the community and general public.


Facilitators, organizers and participating Madaris Representatives from nine jamaats at the Madrasah Retreat.

The first ever Madrasah Retreat was held in Dar es Salaam by the Africa Federation Tabligh Board (AFTAB) in which 27 Representatives/Heads from the Madaris of nine constituent Jamaats converged from Arusha, Dar es Salaam (boys and girls sections), Lubumbashi (also representing Kinshasa, Moshi, Mwanza, Mombasa, Nairobi, Tanga and Zanzibar.

The objectives of the Retreat were as follows:• To s y n c h r o n i z e M a d r a s a h

institutions for further spiritual development of our children;

• To create a network and platform for the sharing of best practices amongst our Madaris;

• To overcome common challenges and contemporary issues that our youth face today whilst working on solution models that can then be implemented collectively in our respective Madrasahs.

The programme commenced on Friday, 18th August at 7:30 PM with an opening speech by AFTAB Chairman, Seyed Hassan Naqvi who said, “My hope for this retreat is that we can lay a foundation for collective and collaborative success,

and that we find common ground with all the Madrasahs for fulfilment of our vision.”

This was followed by an introduction session and a discussion on ‘Qualities of a Leader’ from the teachings of Imam Ali (A.S). The session was facilitated by Shaida Abdulrasul. On Saturday 19th August, the programme started at 9:00 AM at Mehfil e Abbas with a presentation by each Madrasah on their history, structure and strengths.

This was followed by interactive group discussions on the challenges pertaining to four main criteria, namely Academics, Administration, Discipline and Extra-Curricular/ Student Empowerment. Each group then presented the challenges identified.

In the afternoon, Dr. Zohraida Karim, a Ph.D. holder in Early Childhood Education gave a presentation on ‘Childhood Development’.

Dr. Imran Hassam gave a presentation on ‘The Adolescent Mind ’ and explained the best ways to understand teenage behaviour to improve mutual

interaction. In the evening, a session facilitated by Fazleabbas Chandoo was held on the progress of Madrasah Centre of Excellence (MCE). The Head of the MCE Curriculum Development, Sheikh Safdar Jaffer joined the session on Skype.

The group converged once again on Sunday, 20th August, at 9:00 AM with further discussions and clarifications on the MCE. This session included the AFTAB Chairman, Seyed Hassan Naqvi.

Later on, the participants worked in four groups to discuss and share their best practices.

Participants come up with common guidelines for future implementation. In the afternoon session common guidelines were set for the Madaris to follow and implement within a specific timeline.

The retreat ended with a sumptuous dinner on Sunday night where participants had a further opportunity of bonding together.

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Africa Federation Tabligh Board holds Madrasah Retreat for Heads of Madaris


During a visit to the Archives of the Africa Federation (AFED) on 12th July 2017 by Hassan Ali M. Jaffer from Mombasa, Kenya (who passed away on 23rd February, 2018) he was requested by AFED to compile a book on the history of AFED since its inception in the year 1946. Following the death of Hassanbhai, the task has been assumed by Dr. Hasnain Walji, Chairman of the World Federation Khoja Heritage Project.

During Hassanbhai’s visit to the Archives he met the Archives Sectional Secretary, Murtaza Jivraj and the Archives Administrative Secretary, Arifa Somji. The AFED Office Bearers, Aunali Khalfan, Mohamed Hemani and Hussein Karim also attended the meeting. The meeting was held over lunch at the Archives office.

The discussions stressed on the importance of maintaining historical records and preserving them for future generations. It was stressed that the main objective of the Archives is to be a dependable source of reference. To facilitate this, modern equipment is required including a good quality colour scanner, a digital camera, a video recorder and a computer with a bigger capacity to store data and back-up records. Murtaza Jivraj said that the equipment required would cost approximately US$10,000.

The Archives Section was formed by AFED in 2007. Rare documents, photographs, books and records are maintained with proper index references. These records were sourced through appeals made by AFED for historical records and it is planned to digitize these.

Marhum Hassan Ali M. Jaffer (centre) with AFED Office bearers, from Left: Aunali Khalfan, AFED Vice Chairman, Murtaza Jivraj, AFD Archives Sectional Secretary, Hussein Karim, AFED Hon. Secretary and Mohamed Hemani, AFED Hon. Treasurer.

Book on the History of AFED Commissioned

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The 10th Leadership Development Programme (LDP) conducted by the Africa Federation (AFED) Capacity Building Group (CBG) was held in Antananarivo, Madagascar from 24th to 27th August, 2017.

The workshop was conducted at the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Antananarivo Imambargah. It was facilitated by Mumtaz Ladak, Shabirhussein Khalfan, Maria Pattinson and Shama Dewji and supported by Developmental Facilitators, Sofia Bharwani, Inayat Abbas Firdousi and Tahera Shivji from the CBG of AFED.

Thirty participants from the Antananarivo Jamaat attended the intensive and interactive workshop in Gujarati and French languages held from 8.30 am to 9:00 pm every day. The programme is based on Islamic values such as:

• Understanding Self and Self-Reflection• Lifelong Learning• Integrity• Authenticity• Tolerance and Respect• Supporting Others’ Growth• Valuing Differences• Collaborative Working• Unlocking Self and System Potential• Sakhawah/Service• Faith in Action• Succession Planning

The LDP Program also covers various modules such as:

• Building Leadership Capacity• Political Awareness and Integrity• The Power of Visioning and of Purpose• Presenting with Presence,• Power and Politics,• Personal Development Planning

The closing ceremony took place on Sunday, 27th August, 2017. Certificates were awarded to participants in a ceremony graced by the Chairman of the Regional Council of Madagascar and AFED Vice Chairman Sheikh Haniphe Akbaraly. The Chairman of Antananarivo Jamaat, Mounisse Raza Fidahoussen and AFED Councillor, Navazaly Moloo were also present along with other elders of the community.

LPD Leadership Program, Madagascar

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The Africa Federation Furaha Sports Festival 2017 was hosted by the Shia Asna Ashri Jamaat (SAAJ) of Nairobi, Kenya from 22nd to the 30th of December 2017. A total of 437 participants (players and officials) from 15 different cities across four continents converged to take part in the games of Cricket, Football, Volleyball, Golf, Badminton and Table Tennis.

The objective of sports festivals is to foster brotherhood, build bridges of friendship and to develop sporting skills amongst our youth and sports enthusiasts of different age groups.

The Organizing Committee of the Festival comprised of the following:Mukhtar Assaria – ConvenorMohamedHussein Somji – Chairman Sports CouncilHasnain Jagani – Representative – Sports CouncilKazimali MoledinaEbrahim JafferInayat FirdousAmirali NanjiMuntazir MeghjiTahera ShivjiImran JafferKaunain AssariaShamil Hameer.

437 Sportsmen attend the AFED Furaha Sports Festival in Nairobi

Badminton

Winner Main: Dar-es-Salaam ARunners Up: Dar-es-Salaam B

Winner Plate: TorontoRunners Up: Mombasa

SinglesWinner: Irfan Mawji – TorontoRunner Up: Ayyad Padhani – Dar-es-Salaam

Cricket

Winner: AhmedabadRunners up: MEM Dubai

Player of the Tournament: Al iasgher Dosani – Ahmedabad

Football

Winner Main: Nairobi StarsRunners Up: Kilimeru A - ArushaWinner Plate: LindiRunners Up: Union Blue – Dar-es-Salaam

Player of the Tournament: Shabazali ShahGoalkeeper of the Tournament: Altaf Iqbal KarimTop Scorer of the Tournament:

Imran Jaffer / Hasnain (Zanzibar)Upcoming Player: Suhail Hudda (Toronto)

Table Tennis

Winner Main: Karachi PirhaiRunners up: Nairobi Stars

Winner Plate: NairobiRunners up: Dubai Jaffery Youth

Winner Individual: Mehdi Azharali - Karachi PirhaiRunner Up Individual: Mohsin Raza – Karachi Pirhai

Winners were as follows:



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VolleyballWinner Main: SongeaRunners Up: Morogoro

Winner Plate: ArushaRunners Up: Nairobi

Player of the Tournament: Al i Abdulrazak - MorogoroUpcoming Player: Ali Rashid - Dubai Jaffery Youth

GOLFGolf Daily Winner Division 2 Day 1 - Shaneabbas YusufaliDay 2 - Aqib AssariaDay 3 - Miqdad WaljiDay 4 - Aqeel Hemraj

Golf Daily Winner Division - 1 Day 1 - Adnan MeraliDay 2 - Inayat FirdousiDay 3 - Zayaan MoledinaDay 4 - Ali Mohsin Khimji

Golf Junior Participation Trophy: Mohammedhussein KarimGolf Junior Participation Trophy: Daniyal JaganiGolf Junior Participation Trophy Hussein Firdousi

Golf Daily Nearest to the PIN Day 1 - Naushad KermaliDay 2 - Tanvir Alam KhanDay 3 - Qamber SomjiDay 4 - Shabbir Walji

Golf Daily Longest Drive

Day 1 - Mohammed KermaliDay 2 - Qamber SomjiDay 3 - Shakir MeraliDay 4 - Mohammedshoeb Dhalla

Over All Winners:

Division 2Winner: Zamin NasserRunner Up: Kazim MoledinaThird: AliHussein Jagani

Division 1Winner: Mohammedshoeb DhallaRunner Up: Imran JafferThird: Mohammedraza Merali

A grand Opening Ceremony was held on Friday 22nd December 2018 and was attended by the Africa Federation Chairman Alhaj Shabir Najafi and Hon. Asst. Secretary, Alihassan Kassam. The Chief Guest was Alhaj Naushad Merali, who was the main sponsor of the Furaha Sports Festival.

The Closing Ceremony was held on Friday 29th December 2017 and the AFED Vice Chairman Alhaj Aunali Khalfan was the Chief Guest, and also in attendance was Alihassan Kassam, AFED Asst. Hon. Secretary.

The participating teams were from Ahmedabad, Arusha, Dar-es-Salaam, Dubai, Karachi, Kinshasa, Lindi, Madagascar Mombasa, Morogoro, Mumbai, Nairobi, Songea, Toronto, and Zanzibar.

From Page 38


Elections and AppointmentsThe Kinshasa Jamaat New Managing

Committee

The Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat held an Extraordinary General Meeting on 28th July 2017 where elections for the Managing Committee for the period 2017 – 2019 were held.

The following were elected for the new term:

Auny M. Alibhai, Hon. PresidentDanish Raza Sarani, Hon. SecretarySohail Rahemtullah, Hon. TreasurerHasan Abbas Rajshi , Managing Committee MemberMohamed Imran Chatoo, Managing Committee MemberSabir Poonawala, Managing Committee MemberSohail Virani, Managing Committee MemberYousuf Raza Dalwala, Managing Committee Member

The Africa Federation Capacity

Building Group (CBG)

The following is the new Capacity Building Group (CBG) section of the Africa Federation (AFED) for the term 2016-2019:

Shabbir Khalfan: CBG Lead, Head of Facilitators and Liaison with Secretariat- AFED Shama Dewji : Youth Development LeadNeelam Jiwa: Mentor Development LeadInayat Firdousi: Marital Mediation LeadMumtaz Ladak: Facilitator Academy Lead and Treasurer of CBG

The Facilitator Team that includes Developmental Facilitators are:

Shabbir KhalfanShama DewjiInayat FirdausiNeelam JiwaMumtaz Ladak

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Tahera ShivjiSophie BharwaniZahra Jacksi

Coordinators:

Murtaza Kara, Dar-es-SalaamZahra Jacksi , Dar-es-SalaamShabnam Yavarhoussen, Madagascar Zahedy Taky, MadagascarMubina Merali, MombasaHasnain Karim, MombasaZainab Jagani, Nairobi

Appointment of Africa Federation

(AFED) Marketing Team

In November, 2017 the Africa Federation (AFED) Secretariat appointed a Marketing Team.

The team is under the AFED Secretariat and will assume the key role of promoting the activities of the AFED Secretariat and its Boards through several communication mediums including most of the social media platforms. In addition, the role of the team shall include fundraising for AFED through various events, programs and other activities from time to time.

The team is made up of the following:

Sakina Hassanali, Marketing Lead. Safia Teja and Abbasaley M. Abbas, Secretaries. Fatema Zahra Merali, Haadiya Sheriff and Ramzanali Rajani, Designers.Fahima Hameer & Taha Dharamsi, Video.

Appointment of Africa Federation (AFED) Economic Development Team

In November, 2017 The Africa Federation (AFED) Secretariat appointed the following members for the AFED Economic Development Team:

Ali Jaffer,Farhan Yusuf,Maisam Dossa,Maryam Chandoo,Minhaal Meghji,Murtaza Manekia,Shirin Jeraj.

This team will focus on the Economic Development section of the AFED Economic and Housing Development Board which is presently heavily involved in housing project development activities.

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The Ground Breaking Ceremony of the Uhuru Street Housing Project in Dar-es-Salaam was held on Tuesday, 23rd January 2018 (5th Jamadi ul Awwal 1439), during the auspicious celebration of the birth anniversary of Sayedah Zainab Bint Ali (A.S.)

This project is another Joint Venture Project involving the Federation of KSI Jamaats of Africa, the World Federation of KSIMC and the KSI Jamaat of Dar es Salaam.

The Ground-Breaking Ceremony was attended by the World Federation (WF) President, Anwarali Dharamsi, Africa Federation (AFED) Chairman, Shabir Najafi, Dar es Salaam Jamaat President, Azim Dewji, President of Birmingham Jamaat, Gulamraza Datoo, Resident Aalim of Dar es Salaam Jamaat, Seyed Adeel Reza, Birmingham Jamaat Resident Aalim, Sheikh Nuru Mohamed, Gulamali Virjee from Dubai, Africa Federation Office Bearers and Trustees, Dar es Salaam Jamaat Office

Bearers and Trustees, AFED Economic and Housing Board Chairman, Akil Hirji and past leaders of AFED and members of the community from Dar es Salaam.

The program commenced with recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by Ejaz Bhalloo and Hadees e Kisaa by Ali Murad Mohsin, followed by nasheed by Br. Hozaiph Bhalloo. The Hon. Secretary of Dar es Salaam Jamaat, Br. Aliasgher Somji welcomed all invitees and provided information about the project which will facilitate much needed housing for community members at a reasonable cost. The anticipated duration of the project is 36 months, and construction work will begin around June 2018, after permits and licenses are in place.

The site is made up of two plots. The first plot belonged to Alhaj Ali Juma Jessa in 1936. In 1939, the plot was transferred to Alhaj Alibhai Ibrahim and he later transferred it to his wife,

Jennabai Jaffer Hasham in 1948. Jennabai passed away in 1958. She donated the plot to KSI Jamaat Dar Es Salaam, which was transferred to the Registered Trustees of KSI Jamaat Dar es Salaam. Marhuma Jennabai also donated various properties including the Bewakhana above Ebrahim Haji Charitable Hospital on Asia Street. The second plot was acquired by the KSI Jamaat of Dar Es Salaam in 2013.

The President of Dar es Salaam Jamaat, Azim Dewji presented an overview of the project and the vision to uplift the community of Dar es Salaam. He also reached out to community members to cultivate the spirit of giving like our forefathers did.

AFED Chairman, Shabir Najafi, briefly spoke about the project, explaining that these flats will primarily be for first time home owners, mostly middle income earning community members from Dar es Salaam. He appealed to donors and sponsors to come forward and show their support in the project and mentioned that AFED in its long term vision wants to ensure that members of jamaats in Africa should eventually own their own homes.

The President of World Federation, Anwarali Dharamsi congratulated AFED and Dar es Salaam Jamaat for embarking on this significant project. He said that the World Federation will render its full support in housing projects undertaken by AFED and local Jamaats.

Architectural and engineering drawings are being managed by the AFED Housing Development Board led by Alhaj Akil Hirji and his dedicated team of Board Members. The Board shall be in regular contact with Trustees of KSI Jamaat of Dar Es Salaam for updates and consultations.

Uhuru Street Housing Project launched in Dar es Salaam

AFED Chairman Shabir Najafi, World Federation Chairman Anwarali Dharamsi, and Dar es Salaam

Jamaat President, Azim Dewji at the Uhuru Street Housing Project Ground Breaking Ceremony.


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The Mohsin & Fauzia Jaffer Foundation Inc. has pledged to provide financial support to the Africa Federation (AFED) to cover loan applications for ten students per year for Higher Education Degree Courses for four years, amounting to US$320,000. The loan, when repaid by students after completing their studies, will be ploughed back into the Higher Education Loan fund so that more students can benefit.

The Africa Federation (AFED) along with its Education Board has, over the years, continuously encouraged boys and girls in our community to pursue higher education.

For a number of years, the Mohsin & Fauzia Jaffer Foundation Inc. has supported several health and education initiatives undertaken by the Bilal Muslim Missions and the Africa Federation in several parts of Africa.

Dr. Mohsin Jaffer, MD is a family physician based in Weston, Florida and has been in practice for 39 years. He is originally from Mombasa, Kenya. Dr. Jaffer and his wife, Mrs. Fauzia Jaffer founded Mohsin & Fauzia Jaffer Foundation Inc. a private non-profit foundation in 2005. Dr. Jaffer has specialized in the medical care of seniors in South Florida for nearly 30 years and is a dynamic speaker on senior health. He believes that he and his patients are partners in achieving optimal health and that most people have the capacity to live long healthy lives with vitality and vigour.

Mrs. Fauzia Jaffer is an Entrepreneur and a Developer of Real Estate. She is deeply involved in the various projects their Foundation has sponsored.

During his visit to Dar es Salaam in May 2017 to attend the World Federation Triennial Conference, Dr. Jaffer held

a meeting with the AFED Chairman, Shabir Najafi, the Office Bearers of Africa Federation and the Chairman of the Education Board, Tehsin Takim to discuss on areas where help was required by AFED, especially in the field of education and health.

During the meeting, Dr. Jaffer emphasized on the need for increased awareness on education for sociocultural and economic development and the need to build the future of youths with modern skills, knowledge and training. He said the world has become very competitive and only those who possess the required standard of education and skills are able to stand up to challenges.

The Chairman of the Education Board, Tehsin Takim stressed the need for enhancement of intellectual skills among children and reverberated Dr. Jaffer’s sentiments.

Jaffer Foundation Supports AFED Higher Education

Trio in centre: Dr. Mohsin Jaffer of the Mohsin & Fauzia Jaffer Foundation Inc. shaking hands with Africa Federation Education Board Chairman Tehsin Takim, and Shabir Najafi, Chairman of the Africa Federation.Standing on the left are Aliabbas Nasser (AFED Hon. Asst. Treasurer), Mohamed Hemani (AFED Hon. Treasurer), Aunali Khalfan (AFED Vice Chairman), Salim Badouraly (Khoja TV Director), and at the far right are Hussein Karim, (AFED Hon. Secretary), Amine Nassor (UAKSIR CHairman and Vice Chairman of AFED) and Alihassan Kassam (AFED Hon. Asst. Secretary).


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Over 2000 participate in World Autism Day Walk held in Dar es Salaam

The Al Muntazir Special Education Needs (AMSEN) School together with other Al Muntazir Schools organized the 3rd Autism Awareness Walk on Sunday 25th March, 2018. The event was held to mark World Autism Day that is marked globally on 2nd April to help raise further awareness about autism.

The Walk drew many participants with the Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Tanzania, Dr. Tulia Akson Mwansasu and the Deputy Minister of Health, Gender and Social Welfare, Dr. Faustin Ndungulile being the main guests.

Several Members of Parliament participated in the event along with dignitaries from several government departments and embassies. Officials of the KSI Jamaat of Dar Es Salaam, the Central Board of Education (CBE), the Al Muntazir Schools, the World Federation (WF) and the Africa Federation (AFED) also participated.

The program commenced at the Al

Muntazir Boys Primary School with recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an followed by the Tanzanian National Anthem. The CEO of the Al Muntazir Schools, Mahmood Ladak welcomed participants and officially opened the event.

The Walk started from Al Muntazir Boys Primary School on Barack Obama Road to Al Muntazir Girls Primary School, UN Road. The closing program started with recitation of a poem (ngonjera) performed by students of Al Muntazir Schools, including children from AMSEN.

During the closing ceremony, the CBE Chairman, Imtiaz Lalji talked about the achievements of AMSEN in the last five years since it was initiated in 2013. He referred to the participation of AMSEN students in the Special Olympics (SO) held in Zanzibar and the Global Forum (GF) in Australia. He urged all to keep supporting the AMSEN School.

The Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Tanzania, Dr. Tulia Akson Mwansasu and the Deputy Minister of Health, Gender and Social Welfare, Dr. Faustin Ndungulile emphasized the importance of protecting, caring and loving children with special needs. Both speakers congratulated the KSI Jamaat, CBE and Al Muntazir Schools for organizing the Walk and pledged their support.

The Master of Ceremony, Mushtaq Damji helped raise a good amount by auctioning items made by AMSEN students.

The President of the Dar es Salaam Jamaat, Azim Dewji gave the vote of thanks and appreciated the presence of all the dignitaries and thanked the 15 sponsors for supporting the event.

AMSEN has also trained, educated and supported employment for many of its Special Needs students who have physical or mental developmental delays and disabilities.


AFED Councillors attend WF Executive Council meeting in Stanmore

Tanzania’s Upcoming Golfer, Aliraza Hussein Kermalli

Aliraza Hussein Kermalli won the Zulfikar Cup

2015 Junior Trophy at KiliGolf, Arusha.

Eight Councillors of the Africa Federation (AFED) attended the World Federation (WF) Second Executive Council Meeting for the term 2017–2020 that was hosted in Stanmore by the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Muslim Jamaat of London on 23rd and 24th February 2018. The AFED Councillors who attended were Shabir Najafi, Amine Nassor, Mohamed Hemani, Hussein Karim, Mohamed Jaffer, Saeed Ali Vazir, Amir Merali and Alihassan Kassam.

In the meeting the WF Office Bearers and Sections laid out their vision for the

current term. This included an inward investment policy where funds are raised and allocated to projects undertaken by member Federations. Other issues discussed included, the strategic plan on Islamic Education, Madrasah Centre of Excellence (MCE) curriculum, Zaynabia child sponsorship, WF-AID emergency aid worldwide, the Khoja Heritage Project, update on the Project North Star (PNS) project, the code of practice for leadership in the community, WF investments and presentation of the WF Financial report.

An Open Forum was held on Friday 23rd February 2018, where the general

public directly raised questions and issues of concern to the World Federation Secretariat and to Regional Federations. This session was enlightening as it addressed issues such as policy on inward investment, Khoja database and Khoja heritage and the lack of female representation in positions of leadership.

The WF Khoja Heritage Department received praise for the Khoja Heritage Tour of India and they were requested to do such programs more frequently. Also noteworthy is the WF support to Regional Federations in their housing and other projects including education and economic empowerment.

Aliraza Hussein Kermali of Arusha, Tanzania is a remarkable 16-year old sportsman who plays golf at a 9 handicap. He was one of several exceptional young players who represented Tanzania at the All Africa Junior Golf Challenge held in Rabat, Morocco from 6th to 8th March, 2018. The Tanzanian National

Junior Golf Team finished seventh out of 13 countries that contested. Aliraza is a recipient of the International School Moshi (ISM) Scholarship Programme that gives talented local students full scholarships to complete their International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. He is a hardworking student and also makes time to play golf, football and table tennis. He is an active volunteer in the Arusha Jamaat. Speaking of the opportunity to play golf in Kenya and in Morocco he told Federation Samachar correspondent Bashir Tejani that, “the best part about the trip to Rabat for the All Africa Junior Golf Challenge was the interaction it facilitated between players from a wide range of countries, including South Africa, Namibia, Egypt and Mauritius! It was a truly learning experience to play with Africa’s best players and to get acquainted with junior golfers from different cultural backgrounds.”

Aliraza regularly participates in golf competitions in Arusha and has participated in major tournaments. He was the top youth player in the Rhino

Automobile Golf Competition held in Arusha Gymkhana Club in 2015, a competition that attracted over 50 players, among them four juniors and three female golfers. Aliraza also won the Zulfikar Cup 2015 Junior Trophy at KiliGolf, Arusha. He said that he draws inspiration from his father, Hussein, and his younger brother AliAbbas who are also avid golfers.

AROUND AFRICA


The Bilal Comprehensive School (BCS) in Temeke, Dar Es Salaam, celebrated its 16th Grade Seven Graduation on 19th September, 2017. A total of 47 students graduated.

The Guest of Honour for the programme was Ms. R. Bhaloo, Deputy Headmistress of Shaban Robert Secondary School, Dar es Salaam. Also in attendance were AFED Vice Chairman, Aunali Khalfan, Mohamedhussein Rajani (Haji Saheb), Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania (BMMT) CEO, Amir Ahmed and representatives from 15 primary schools in and around Temeke.

There was a moving speech by the Head Girl and Head Boy of the school, who shared memories of their time in the school and their ambitions. There were then words of advice from the Head Teacher of the School, Mr. Suleiman as well as the School Administrator, Mrs. Sidika Karim. The Guest of Honour, Ms. Bhaloo shared some words of wisdom, and praised the school for their good standard of education and the discipline inculcated in the students.

This was followed by the announcement of awards to the best students and presentation of certificates. AFED Vice Chairman, Aunali Khalfan on behalf of Africa Federation announced three full scholarships for secondary education in a school of their choice to the top three ranking students, Shawwal Omary, Abdulaziz Ulenge and Tamal Ngwame. Last

year AFED awarded two scholarships.

The World Islamic Propagation and Humanitarian Services (WIPAHS) promised a 95% scholarship for secondary education at Wali ul Asr (Kibaha) for all the students who scored an A grade in the final examinations, and a 75% scholarship to those who scored a B grade. Teachers were also awarded and recognized for their efforts on this occasion by the BCS Administration.

Bilal Comprehensive School (BCS), Dar es Salaam Graduation

AFED Chairman, Aunali Khalfan and WIPAHS Chairman Mohamedhussein Rajani (Haji Saheb) of the World Islamic Propagation and Humanitarian Services (WIPAHS) presenting awards to outstanding students.

The three students, Shawwal Omary, Abdulaziz Ulenge and Tamal Ngwame who were awarded scholarships for a full Secondary School Course of four years by the Federation of KSI Jamaats of Africa. Above are the students with their parents and the Vice Chairman of the Africa Federation, Aunali Khalfan.

AROUND AFRICA


The Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania (BMMT) in collaboration with BETA Charitable Trust of Essex, U.K., and other well-wishers held free eye and health camps in Kigoma, Pangani, Dar es Salaam, Tabora and Bukoba. In Ilagala, Kigoma, from 14th to 17th Apil, 2017, 3,500 patients registered and cataract surgeries were conducted.

In Pangani, Tanga Region, from 7th July to 9th July, 2017 over 3,175 individuals from Pangani were screened at the Pangani Primary School and 134 eye surgeries were carried out at the Pangani General

Hospital. The Hon. Member of Parliament (MP) of Pangani, Hon. Dr. Jumaa Hamidu Aweso was present during the eye camp.

Each eye camp also included a children’s medical wellness camp where children are treated for different ailments, and boys can undergo circumcision by qualified doctors including Professor Karim Manji from Tanzania’s Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS)In Dar es Salaam, the Eye Camp was hosted for over two months in collaboration with the Dar es Salaam Jamaat, at a local hospital during October and November, 2017.

At the West Lands Primary School, Tabora from 23rd to 26th December, 2017 over 6,000 people attended and 302 cataract surgeries were performed at the allocated hospital. The official opening of the Eye Camp was attended by Sheikh Ayub Rashid of UK., Central Bilal Board Chairman Alhaj Mohsin Lalji, Regional CCM Chairman Hassan Wakasubi, and Sheikh Shaaban Salum, former BAKWATA Regional Sheikh.

In Bukoba, from 31st March to 2nd April, 2018, 3,100 people attended the free camp, and 171 cataract surgeries were performed.

The Africa Federation (AFED) and Central Bilal Board (CBB) visited the Bilal Muslim Mission (BMM) Branch in Tanga, with visitors from the office of Ayatollah Al Seyed Ali Husseini Al Sistani in Najaf, Iraq on the 7th of April, 2018. The delegation included Sheikh Amjad Abbas, Sheikh Nazar Salman, AFED Vice Chairman Aunali Khalfan, the World Federation (WF) Executive Councillor Ahmed Daya and the Central Bilal Board (CBB) Chairman, Mohsin Lalji. The delegation had a meeting with the Bilal Tanga Branch BMM Tanga Chairman, Hasnain Hassanali where the

Board Members present included the Mudir, Sheikh Amir Kipingo, Assistant Mudir, Seyed Mansoor, and Sheikh Hamza Omari. The main founding members of BMM Tanga were Marhum Jaffer Dalal, and Naushad Hassanali, and today BMM Tanga has 37 Centres and three Hawzas in Tanga and Pangani. BMM Tanga has six nursery schools at its Centres headed by a qualified teacher, Mrs. Shaheen Dhirani. The Centre also emphasizes on secular educat ion inc luding Vocat ional Education and Training Authority (VETA) course for boys and girls.

Hasnain bhai explained the present constraints of space particularly for girls’ Hawza where currently there are 60 students. BMM Tanga has acquired a plot close to the present Hawza for development. The visit also witnessed the ‘Stone-Laying Ceremony’ of the extension of the Girls Hawza. This building will have eight storeys with the ground floor for administration purposes. BMM Tanga, through the CBB and AFED welcomes donations for this noble project in Tanga. The construction of this Project will be undertaken by the Economic and Housing Development Board of Africa Federation. CBB Chairman Mohsin Lalji gave brief information about the Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania and the various projects being undertaken and the future plans for development by the BMM in Tanzania. He stressed on the need to develop our own Muballighs and requested the visitors for assistance. AFED Vice Chairman, Aunali Khalfan expressed his appreciation to BMM Tanga for their efforts and progress, especially on focussing on the development of the Hawzas in training students to be independent.

Over 15,000 Attend Free Eye Camps held by the Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania (BMMT)

The Africa Federation and Central Bilal Board delegation visits Bilal Muslim Mission in Tanga, Tanzania

Members of the Delegation and the Bilal Muslim Mission Tanga Branch Board Members at the Stone-

Laying Ceremony of the Girls Hawza.

AROUND AFRICA


MUSLIM WORLD NEWS

The Rohingya Muslims, with a population of about 1.3 million, are described by the United Nations as the most persecuted people in the world. Though they have lived in Myanmar for centuries, the Myanmar government refuses to recognise them as citizens and as a result, they have faced years of violence

and oppression.

The violence against the Rohinya people is horrific with some villages being burnt down and hundreds of people killed.

The exodus, described by the UN as the “World’s fastest-growing refugee crisis”,

Rohingya Muslims need SupportBackground Information:In October 2015, researchers from the International State Crime Initiative at Queen Mary University of London released a report drawing on leaked government documents that revealed an increasing “ghettoisation, sporadic massacres, and restrictions on movement” on Rohingya people in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). The researchers suggest that the Myanmar government was in the final stages of an organized process of genocide against the Rohingya and called upon the international community to redress the situation as such.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates

that 25,000 people were taken to boats from January to March in 2015 by migrant smugglers. There are claims that, while on their journey, around 100 people died in Indonesia, 200 in Malaysia and 10 in Thailand after the traffickers abandoned them at sea.

The 2015 Rohingya refugee crisis refers to the mass migration of thousands of Rohingya people from Myanmar in 2015, collectively dubbed “boat people” by international media. Nearly all who fled travelled to Southeast Asian countries including Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand by rickety boats via the waters of the Strait of Malacca and the Andaman Sea.

saw more than 600,000 Rohingya people escape into neighbouring Bangladesh, whilst some 120,000 sought refuge in makeshift camps outside the Rakhine State capital, Sittwe. Many of the fleeing families were made up of mainly women and children, who arrived in already overcrowded camps in Sittwe with nothing but their clothes and without food or water.

WF-Aid is now working with partners who are on the borders of Bangladesh and Myanmar, and are receiving many Rohingya refugees each day.

The number of Rohingya people in need of emergency and basic healthcare continues to grow, with supplies running critically low. WF is accepting donations on line at www.wfaid.org/

your-rohingya-donations/. Refugees are provided with food packs and hygiene kits, tarpaulins and mosquito nets.

Essay Competition Winners AnnouncedThe Imam Hasan Centre of the Sydney, Australia Jamaat organised an Essay Competition, ‘‘Fatima Zahra AS - Best of all Women’’. The competition was open to all Jamaats across the world, and based on the importance and values of Bibi Fatema Zahra (A.S).

Evoking the hadith of our Holy Prophet (SAWW), who said, “Fatima is the leader of the women of this nation”, participants were asked to research and write an essay of 500-2,000 words (with proper references) about the daughter of the Holy Prophet (SAWW).

The deadline for the submission of the essay was 9th March, 2018 and the following were declared winners on 1st April, 2018: 1st Place (Prize, Australian $1,000 - Joint submission of Siddika Alidina (Dar es Salaam) and Zamena Manek (Bujumbura). 2nd Place (Prize, Australian $500 - Abdirassoul Hassine (Tananarive, Madagascar). 3rd Place (Prize, Australian $250 – Tied result between Rukaiya M.T. Nazerali (Mombasa) and Fatima Suhail Manji (Dar es Salaam).


MUSLIM WORLD NEWS

From 14th to 30th January, 2018, 65 Khoja Shias from 11 jamaats from the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and East Africa gathered in Mumbai, India for a tour to trace the roots of our forefathers who, individually and collectively bravely pioneered great change in our cultural and religious practices. The tour visitors were officially welcomed to India by Hon. MLA Shri Ameet Satam and Hon. Corporator Shri Rohan Rathod (BJP elected representatives to Assembly & Corporation) as well as Javed Shroff, Secretary General of The Mumbai Region Congress Party Committee and World Federation Executive Councillor.

T h e t o u r, w i t h t h e m i s s i o n o f understanding the heritage of the Khoja community, included a visit to Mumbai, Bhuj, Mundra, Kera, Mandvi, Nagalpur, Jamnagar, Lalpur, Amreli, Mahuva, Dhordo, Bhavnagar and Ahmedabad. It was organized by Dr. Hasnain Walji, Chair of the Khoja Heritage Project, and led by Kumail Rajani, Deputy Chair of the

Khoja Heritage Project. The Managing Committee consisting of Kumail Rajani, Asad Virani, Zahra Merchant, Shabnam Merchant and Mustafa Bhurani was further assisted by the Tour Planning Team consisting of Dr. Hasnain Walji, Kumail Rajani, Asad Virani and Fauzia Kara, and Regional Team Leads, Dr. Mohsin Dhalla, Jamila Devji, Ashakhusen M o h a m e d a l i R a s h i d , S h e r b a n u Ashiqhusein Rashid, Mohammed Nathoo, Sakina Mohamed Nathoo. Dr. Mohsin Dhalla and Zinat Datoo assisted as the group’s Medical Team.

Prior to the trip, organizers held two seminars in Toronto and Birmingham which briefed participants (some of who joined the seminars online) about the tour, including health and safety issues. Participants were issued a useful handbook and watched “A Journey of Faith”, a noteworthy short online documentary especially prepared for the Khoja Heritage Tour by Dr. Hasnain Walji.Dr. Hasnain Walji, producer of the 2011

video documentary called The Khojas: A

Journey in Faith, said that the first ever Khoja Heritage Tour that came as a result of this documentary, was in itself, ‘history in the making’. The aim of the sixteen day, 12-city tour was to give the group a glimpse of the genesis of the Khoja Community, which dates to the late 14th Century in the desert of Sind, and our conversion by a missionary named Pir Sadruddin, who arrived to live among them. During the visit to the Kalo Dungar in Kutch, participants were able to get a distant view of this vast expanse of land from where our ancestors originated,

Dr. Hasnain Walji explained the Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri religious and cultural background. “To fit into the neatly organised Gujarati Society based on trade or vocations, our ancestors needed to have a new identity. They could no longer be called Thakkars. Pir Sadruddin obliged and gave them the title of Khwaja, which morphed into the term Khoja. Over a period, several Pirs came after

World Federation’s Khoja Heritage Tour

65 Khoja Shias from 11 jamaats from the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom and East Africa participated in the World Federation’s Khoja Heritage Tour to India from 14th to 30th January, 2018.



MUSLIM WORLD NEWS

The World Federation (WF) has prioritised suitable and affordable housing for our community members globally. It has initiated housing schemes in Africa (in partnership with the Africa Federation and their member Jamaats) and in India for many years and has pledged £100,000 to CoEJ for the Hujjat Housing Scheme.

Most recently the UK has seen rocketing house prices and years without substantial salary growth thereby compelling a growing number of younger people to give up the idea of owning their own home. The current trend suggests lower levels of ownership may become “the new normal”.

Hujjat Jamaat, a member of CoEJ has brought an opportunity to the UK to allow newlyweds and other families in the UK to get a foothold on the property ladder. Many young couples and families are able to sustain monthly mortgage payments, but they struggle to raise the necessary deposit to secure a mortgage. Identifying this problem within the community led to the conception of the Hujjat Housing Scheme. The Hujjat Housing Scheme is in the process of raising £500,000 for this scheme. The contribution of £100,000 by WF towards this scheme to CoEJ will be re-used back into the Scheme, making it always available to new applicants.

The World Federation is also working with the Africa Federation (AFED) to create more housing opportunities for community members.

The WF Executive Councillor, Ahmed Bhai Daya has constantly pushed towards such housing projects. For the Al Asghary Housing Project in Dar-es-Salaam he has spearheaded this project on behalf of WF and has pioneered an ideal scheme called “Rent-to-Own”. This scheme will enable low to middle-income families in Africa to live in affordable and decent houses. Beneficiaries will be expected to pay a deposit of about 25% of the cost of the apartment and rent is to be paid monthly as a rental over a period of 12 years. Once fully paid, the tenant will become the owner of the apartment. The plot of land in Dar es Salaam was very generously donated by Gulam Bhai Dewji (GD), Chairman of Mohamed Enterprises Tanzania Limited (METL). The World Federation contributed approximately $700,000 USD towards this project. A good donation $200,000 was also given by Murtaza Merali via The Sanitas Foundation. The Al Asghary Housing Project in Dar-es-Salaam is progressing on schedule for construction of three shops and 18 apartments spread over nine floors. All 18 flats have been allocated by the Joint Allocation Committee of Dar es Salaam Jamaat and AFED. The completed flats are expected to be handed over to the new homeowners before commencement of the Holy Month of Mahe-Ramadhan 1439.

The opening ceremony will be held in Dar-es-Salaam Insha’allah during the 80th Supreme Council Session of the Africa Federation to be held from 27th to 29th April 2018.

World Federation Supports Global Housing

Sadruddin such as Pir Gulamali Shah and Pir Dadu, whose shrines are in Kera and Bhuj.

“Gradually, the beliefs of the pluralistic Satpanthi faith crystallised into Ismaili, Ithna Asheri and Sunni strands. There are three historic buildings representing the three Khoja strands in the Palagali area of Mumbai and its immediate vicinity. In the wake of the turmoil of the late 19th century as the Khoja Community tried to define its beliefs, and individuals such as Nur Muhammad Meghji, Hasham Dosa and Dewji Jamal visited Ayatullah Zayn al-Abedeen Mazandarani in Karbala through the guidance of an Indian student in Karbala by the name of Mulla Qadar Husayn. He soon joined Dewji Jamal in India to promulgate the teachings of Ithna Asheri faith amongst the Khojas of Mumbai. Thus, began this journey of the nascent Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri Community, as it contained its faith in the environment of Khoja culture.”

The Khoja Heritage Tour participants were able to sit in the very first madrasa called the Madrasa of Mulla Qadar Husayn in Mumbai. The Khoja Heritage tour also highlighted the contribution of many key people who helped shape our community. They paid tribute to Lalji Sajan and Hirji Alarakhia, two innocent souls who gave their lives in Mumbai for their beliefs. The tour entourage also visited Bhavnagar to pay homage to the most revered religious scholar of the community in early 20th century, Allama Haji Naji, and paid their respects to Edalji Dhanji Kaba of Amreli, a prolific author of Khoja History.

The next Khoja Heritage Tour is in the planning stages. Commenting on this, Dr. Hasnain Walji, said, “History serves as a model of who we are and what we are to be, as well as to know what to strive for and what to avoid. The Khoja Heritage Project team passionately believes that a concerted effort to preserve our heritage is a critical link to our faith and cultural legacy.” Khoja Heritage Tour Deputy Chair, Sheikh Kumail Rajani, who provided many insightful commentaries on the tour added, “It must never be forgotten that the community is what it is today, largely because of the combination of Khoja heritage and Islamic faith as per the teachings of Ahlulbayt (as) that has helped shape our community.”

From Page 48


MUSLIM WORLD NEWS

The World Federation’s Second Executive Council Meeting of the term 2017-2020 was held on 23rd to 25th February, 2018 starting with a reflection on verses from the Qur’an by Shaykh Mohammed Ali Ismail, the Director of Strategy of the Islamic Education department. He spoke about how Allah (swt) told Prophet Musa (as) to deal with his challenges proactively, for Godly reasons and not for personal reasons. This is something we should do when we face challenges.

The Vision of the Secretariat for the Term 2017-2020:

A large part of the morning session was spent looking at the vision of the Secretariat for the term 2017-2020. This featured action plans from all the various departments of The World Federation. The Education department spoke about their plan to improve the quality of the reports given to donors, including more details about student progression. The team also plan to reinvest loan repayments back into the education fund, allowing them to be able to help a larger number of students.

Shaykh Ismail, the Director of Strategy of the Islamic Education department presented a strategic plan, which highlighted some key areas of work including digital services, coordinators, a research centre, a publishing house and a training centre. He has been working on creating this plan since his appointment in June last year. The plan addresses internal and external tableegh and inculcates structural changes.

Shan E Abbas Hassam spoke about the importance of compliance and meeting the requirements of the Charity Commision. To elaborate on

this, Murtaza Jessa, Head of Charities from the external auditors spoke about Expenditure Abroad and the need to follow regulations in accordance to law. A discussion regarding reporting and compliance followed.

The Marketing and Communications operation of the organisation has undergone some changes in recent months and there are plans to continue focusing on strengthening the department and increasing awareness to the community and public about the work of the organisation.

The WF-AID department presented their action plan and spoke about building capabilities and growing the network of relationships. They are establishing a MEAL (monitoring, evaluation and learning system) and a clear strategy for WF-AID including what thematic and geographic areas WF Aid will and will not work in. Madiha Raza, the Head of WF-AID provided a brief update having recently arrived from Syria.

Shabbar Dhalla summarised the Zainabiyya Child Sponsorship Scheme action plan. He spoke about the need to consolidate reporting from agencies and timely reporting to donors and on the increased focus required on higher education to get families out of poverty.

Shaykh Kumail Rajani, Deputy Head of the Khoja Heritage Project talked about the first ever Khoja Heritage Tour in India held in January, 2018. He said that there are many plans in place for more Khoja Heritage projects in the next few months, including a Khoja calendar, work on the WF archives, and translation of historical Khoja texts.

The Madrasah Centre of Excellence (MCE) has continued to make progress

with regard to the new MCE curriculum rollout and the training of teachers and facilitators. The MCE team has travelled to Australia, North America, Africa and around Europe for these sessions.

Discussions were also held on how The World Federation and its regional members can work together and strengthen the existing relationships. This is a key objective of the team, which WF President, Anwarali Dharamsi highlighted in his inaugural speech.

At the end of the first day, Dr. Mahmood Mawjee spoke about ambition and action regarding personal fitness. He conducted a short session, showing breathing exercises.

Project North Star:

Shuayb Ismail presented the Project North Star report and updated delegates on the progress of Project North Star. Shuayb highlighted the importance of making sure we are progressive, forward looking and united in every aspect of our lives. He said that as a community we are fragmented all over the world, and we need to work hard to ensure that we don’t lose our unity. Following the establishment of a Transformation Team, the next step is to develop the principles into a tangible solution.

Papers:

Dr. Murtadha Alidina presented the paper on the code of practice for leadership in the community. He discussed recommendations for leaders, based on guidance from the Quran and traditions of the Ahl al-Bayt (a.). The presentation was followed by reflections from the delegation.

The World Federation’s Second Executive Council Meeting of the term 2017-2020

Toronto’s Husseinali Chacha Paryani (fondly referred to as “Chacha”) is a remarkable man who has undertaken devoted and dedicated volunteer services for over 23 years, all while having maintained a low profile in his philanthropic and spiritual endeavours. Chacha has served many organizations including the Lindi, Songea, and Toronto Jamaats, as well as the North American Shia Ithna-asheri Muslim Communities (NASIMCO), the World Federation, and Sajjadiyya Trust – all in leadership roles.

Born in Kutch, Mundra in the State of Gujarat in India on January 31st, 1931, Chacha’s family moved to Yemen when he was quite young and then to Lindi and Songea (Tanzania), in the 1950s. He is now a Canadian citizen, living in Toronto.

Salesmanship was Chacha’s forte. His first job was as a salesman with Abdulrasul Haji Juma. He then joined the Tanzanian branch of an international Dutch wholesale company called T.O.M and within three years was appointed as Branch Manager. The company was nationalized in 1967 and became the State Trading Corporation.

From the years 1950 to 1959, Chacha taught the Holy Quran to community children in Lindi. He was President of the Songea Jamaat for three years from 1969 to 1971. In 1971, he moved to Dar es Salaam and began his own business until 1974 when he migrated to Toronto, Canada.

His love for the community and an intense desire to be of service was a passion for him, and so, soon after moving to Toronto, Chacha became involved with the Khoja Shia Ithnaashiri Jamaat of Toronto and was elected as a member of its Executive Committee. He also served on the Executive Committee of the Organisation of North America Shia Ithna-asheri Muslim Communities (NASIMCO) during the Presidency of Marhum Abbas Alloo. In 1983, Chacha was elected as the President of the ISIJ of Toronto and was re-elected in 1985 for a second term.

The mosque once owned by the Toronto Jamaat located on 7340 Bayview Avenue in Thornhill was originally built in 1979 by the Mohammadi Islamic Centre, a charitable organization which included as its trustees Murtaza Gokal, Sajjad Ebrahim, Moh Kassam and Sheni Haji. Chacha, having a good and trusting relationship with Murtaza Gokal, negotiated with him an amicable transfer of this mosque to the Toronto Jamaat. The transfer occurred when Chacha was Toronto Jamaat President, circa 1983.

Chacha has also served in the World Federation (WF). He was elected Vice President of the WF in 1985, a position he held until 1990. In this capacity, he initiated many good ideas with its Executive Council.

In the year 1993, when Murtaza Gokal founded Sajjadiyya Trust (one of Canada’s top registered charities who spend over Canadian $1M outside Canada), he asked Chacha, his trusted colleague, to be its Chair. After five years, Chacha became its Executive Director. For years, sometimes even at the risk of his personal health, Chacha served passionately until he decided, after his twenty-three years of dedicated service, to retire effective 31st July, 2016 owing to his advancing age.

To this day, Chacha remains accessible to assist and guide individuals and groups wishing to reach out to the less fortunate.

Husseinali Chacha Paryani A Life of Service, Leadership and Dedication


PROFILE


Mounisse Raza Fidahoussen Nourah passed away at the age of 51, on Tuesday, 30th January 2018, (12th Jamadil Awwal 1439 A.H.), in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Mounisse Raza Fidahoussen Nourah, was the President of KSI Jamaat of Antananarivo, which is the largest Jamaat among the 16 Jamaats under the Territorial Council of Madagascar (CROI). Mounisse had a long history of social services in the community, and outside the community.

Born in 1966 in Morondava to Fidahoussen Nourah Saleh and Rukiya Bai Jaffer Jiwa, Mounisse Raza moved to Majunga in 1969 with his parents, where he lived until 2000. Even at the young age of 12, he was a keen volunteer.

Mounisse Raza served in Majunga Jamaat in various capacities. Initially he served the madressah, the decoration committee and the mosque cleaning committee. He later served as a Jamaat committee member and then as a delegate and councilor representing the Jamaat in the Territorial Council of Madagascar.

He served as Secretary General during the term of Azizbhai Asgharali Janmamod, and three months as the

acting President of Majunga Jamaat. He was declared as the President of Majunga Jamaat in 1994, for a transitional period of 24 months. During this period he started the first ever housing project for the needy and a school. In a record of nine months from its conception, the school was opened.

From Majunga, Marhum moved to Tulear where he served as President of the Jamaat. Here, he re-developed an unused niyaz hall of the mosque premises into seven shops creating good income for the Jamaat. He also was instrumental in transferring about thirteen trust lands and properties in Tulear into the Jamaat’s name.

Having served as the Secretary General of Conseil Régional Des Khojas Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamates De L’ océan Indien (CROI) from year 2010 to 2013, he aspired for the post of President of KSI Jamaat of Antananarivo. He was elected to the post for the term 2016 – 2018. Mounisse Raza had a great vision for the Jamaat, especially in education for the children, both secular and religious.

He was a strong believer in reformation and transformation in the midst of the basic needs of the community. He was not only an eloquent speaker who would inspire youths towards volunteering, social services and sports but was also a good reciter of Marsias, Nauhas and Qasidahs. He is survived by his wife, Masuma Bai and three children, Ayaz, Djinane and Ateka. In his condolence message the Africa Federation (AFED) Chairman Shabir Najafi said:

“I am deeply grieved at the sudden

death of Mounisse Raza Nourah, with whom I had close relations since the time Marhum was the Secretary General of CROI in the year 2010. Marhum worked tirelessly with the office bearers of (CROI) and played a crucial role in reviving good working relationships between CROI and AFED during the Chairmanship of Goulamaly Sabirhoussen and Anwarali Dharamsi. Sadly, the community has lost a good and a visionary social worker who always cared for the wellbeing of the community. We pray for the Maghferat of the departed soul and we pray to Allah (SWT) to grant the Marhum’s family sabr to bear this irreparable loss.”

AFED Chairman, Shabir Najafi along with World Federation President Anwarali Dharamsi, as well as AFED officials Aunali Khalfan, Amine Nassor and Navazaly Molou met Marhum Mounisse Raza Nourah in Antananarivo when he was the host Jamaat President, during the 34th Regional Council General Assembly held on 26th – 27th January, 2018.

Marhum Mounisse Raza Nourah was keen about the establishment of a proper school for children. He worked very hard to ensure the stone-laying ceremony was held on Sunday, 28th January, 2018 at the Al Mourtouza complex near Gamo. This project will remain as a landmark in remembrance of Marhum.

Marhum Mounisse Raza was a committed person who devoted his valuable time and resources in the cause of spreading the religion of Islam and the Madha’b of Ahlulbayt (A.S.). He was a dedicated and farsighted leader. His demise is a big loss not only to his family but to the entire community. May Allah (SWT) rest his soul in eternal peace. Ameen.

Marhum Mounisse Raza Fidahoussen Nourah (1966-2018)

OBITUARY


Alhaj Hassan Ali M. Jaffer passed away at the age of 86 on Friday, 23rd February 2018 (7th Jamadil Aakhar 1439 A.H.), in Mombasa, Kenya.

Generally, people are known by the community they belong to. And then there are those inspiring individuals through whom a community is recognized. Hassan Bhai Ali Mohamed Jaffer Shariff Devji Jamal was that quintessential Khoja personality who personified the KSI Community. Through his words and deeds, he reminded us all of who we were and should be. His thoughts and words, always inspiring, were direct and to the point, as he did not pull any punches reminding us all of some bitter truths. His passion for the betterment of the Khoja Community matched his candour, to make us self-reflect on our follies and foibles as a people. Above all, his thought leadership has had a major impact on shaping our community. As a thinker, writer, historian, scholar, he straddled several generations, both in his span of community service as well as his unique ability to engage young and old alike. In the sea of service, he stood shoulder to shoulder with towering figures of the community. As a historian, his own history is quite remarkable. Having the erstwhile

ancestor like Alhaj Devji Jamal, Hassan Bhai himself was part of our history. Hassan Bhai was born in Zanzibar in 1932 and spent his life in Mombasa from an early age.

After completing his secondary school education in Mombasa, he undertook a practical course in agriculture at the Indian school of Agriculture in Morogoro, Tanzania. His journey of community service commenced in 1953 when he was elected Hon. General Secretary of the Jaffery Sports Club, Mombasa. Ever since then his services remained unabated. He was the Secretary and Chairman of the Debate and Education Section of the Ithna-Asheri Young Men’s Union, Honorary Secretary and later the Chairman of the Ithna-Asheri Education Board of the Alibhai Panju Jaffery Primary school. He was also the Vice Chairman of the Mombasa Jamaat. In the Supreme Council, he served as Executive Councilor from 1965 and was its Hon. Treasurer during 1965/67, under the chairmanship of late Alhaj Mohamedali Meghji and served with Mulla Asgharali M. M. Jaffer who was then the Hon. Secretary of the Africa Federation.

His active involvement in the wake of the of the Zanzibar Revolution, the Uganda Exodus or the Somalia evacuation was critical to the success of each of these missions and demonstrated his dexterity at handling community crisis. His services to the wider community are also noteworthy. He served as a member of the Mombasa Municipal Council in 1963 and in 1959/60 he was an elected member of the managing committee of the Mombasa Muslim Association and Secretary of Eid Fete standing committee. In his professional capacity, he served as a member of the Mombasa Port Advisory and Productivity Council and as the Vice Chairman of the

Mombasa Ships Agents’ Association. It is remarkable that Hassan Bhai could contribute so much despite managing a very busy and thriving enterprise under the name of Murtaza Shipping Agency Limited in Mombasa, Kenya. A key figure in the conceptualization of the Word Federation (WF), he was elected as a member of the very first Executive Council of the World Federation of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Muslim Communities upon its establishment in October 1976. He was known to be a close confidant of the founding President Mulla Asgharali M. M. Jaffer and all the successive World Federation Presidents till today.

With the wealth of experience at his command, Hassan Bhai enchanted and enlightened the audiences during the Africa Federation and World Federation conferences and council debates, by the lucidity with which he expressed himself. His interviews and speeches on social media continue to be followed with great enthusiasm.

In 2013, Africa Federation bestowed upon Alhaj Hassan Ali Mohamed Jaffer the Haydari Medal – highest Award in Africa Federation for his exemplary and selfless services to the Community. I n h i s g o l d e n y e a r s , a s a n elder statesman his advice and counsel was sought by many generations of leaders and social workers. He was also on the advisory board of the Khoja Heritage Project of the World Federation. His contribution in painstakingly compiling the history of the Khoja Community is unparalleled. His efforts revived the global interest in the heritage of a community, reconnecting us with our past. His feat of writing The Endangered Species - a tome on Khoja History was the first, after almost a century, when individuals such as Sachedina Nanjiani and Adelji Dhanji Kaba put pen to paper.

Marhum Hassan Ali M. Jaffer (1932-2018)

OBITUARY



Comment ing on the book , Hasnain Walji, Chairman of the WF Khoja Heritage Project said, “His seminal work The

Endangered Species, is not just a

mere narration of Khoja History

but paints insightful visage of the

Khoja Community as it was then,

and as it is now. The epilogue of

the book is worth revisiting. It is

a bitter-sweet reflection of who

we have become as a people and

where should we go.”

An unwavering champion for the well-being and respect for the Khoja Community Marhum was always at the forefront and steadfast in defending the interests of our community worldwide. He will be dearly missed by us all. The indelible mark of his thought leadership will forever remain etched in the institutional memory of the community for generations to come and a source of sawabe jaariya for him. Alhaj Hassan Bhai very graciously accepted a mammoth task to prepare a booklet of the history of the Africa Federation from its inception in 1946. He was to do this work jointly with Dr. Hasnain Walji. Hassan Bhai prepared the framework and had put his thoughts into what would be the contents of the booklet. Insha’allah, Dr. Walji will continue to work on the booklet, which will be dedicated to Marhum Alhaj Hassan Bhai Jaffer.

M a y A l l a h ( S W T ) b y H i s infinite grace and mercy grant Marhum maghferat and a lofty place in the proximity of the Masumeen (AS) - Ameen. Interviews of Marhum Hassan Jaffer by Khoja TV of Reunion can be viewed on the internet.

OBITUARY

Marhum Mohamed Panju Jessa(1939-2018)

Marhum Mohammed Panju Jessa died in Dar es Salaam on 28th February, 2018. He was the eldest son in the family of four brothers and six sisters of the Panju Jessa family.

Marhum Mohammed Bhai was a dedicated social worker who served the community in different ways whilst always maintaining a low profile. He was a pleasant and passionate person always willing to listen and to offer his wisdom on a wide range of topics and situations.

Marhum Mohammed Bhai was in charge of the Ghusl section in Dar es Salaam Jamaat for about 20 years. He also served the Jamaat as a Treasurer and Trustee. He was the Chairman of the Jamaat’s Matrimonial Sub-Committee at the time of his death. Marhum also served as one of the Board of Directors for Shaban Robert School and was an active member of Rotary International, a volunteer organization that provides humanitarian services.

He was well-known for his Hajj services. He was the first Administrator for the World Federation (WF) Hajj

Medical Mission, and later, he and his peers established the Haj Assistance Committee (HAC). For over 40 years he and his team led groups for pilgrimage and helped thousands of Hujjaj in Makkah, Madinah and Arafat. He performed over 40 Hajj and no less than 80 Umra.

He was also a keen administrator of Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania (BMMT) Eye Camps, which are regularly held in Tanzania to restore eyesight of poor villagers. These Camps are sponsored by various organizations locally and from the U.K., and present a challenge to organizers and volunteers due to a lack of modern amenities in small villages and remote areas.

Marhum’s demise is a great loss not only to his family but to the community at large. He is survived by his wife Marziya, and his children Shiraz, Safiya, and Abbas, and eight grandchildren. May Allah (SWT) grant Marhum maghferat and place his soul amongst the blessed ones who continuously receive mercy of Allah (SWT) - Ameen.

From Page 53


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INTERVIEW

Q1) Shabir bhai, congratulations,

you have been elected Chairman of

the Africa Federation for the term

2016-2019 since April, 2016. It has

been an effective transition from

your predecessor, Anwarali Dharamsi

with whom you worked closely for

two terms as the Vice President of

AFED. Can you comment on that

mentorship and how this continuity

has benefitted your involvement

during the current term?

S. Najafi: Bismillahi-r-Rahmanee-r-

Raheem – Salaamun Alaikum.

Having worked for six years as the Vice Chairman of AFED with the talented mentorship of Alhaj Anwar Bhai was a blessing to me from the Almighty. I am

now even more confident to take the Africa Federation to the next level of success.

Q2) It has been the tradition that the

Office Bearers visit all constituent

Jamaats of the Africa Federation

(AFED). How many (and which)

Jamaats have you been able to

visit so far, and what extraordinary

strides have been made?

S. Najafi: I and my office bearers have visited several Jamaats in Africa, including Madagascar and Reunion in the Indian Ocean Islands. We have also visited Kinshasa in DRC, Bujumbura in Burundi, Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, Mombasa, Bukoba, Mwanza, Kampala and Zanzibar.

There are still some Jamaats remaining and I shall strive to visit them during my tenure. These visits provide us with first-hand information and also help us to build good working relationships with the leaders of the Jamaats. The visits also provide an opportunity to meet community members to discuss and understand their challenges.

Q3) Are all Jamaats proactive or do you consider that they can do more to boost the community cause?S. Najafi: Some Jamaats are more active than others; invariably, this has been a common phenomenon for some decades. I believe that there is room for improvements and scope for self-development. Some Jamaats need to take more proactive roles to manage and develop their Jamaats for the benefit of members and upcoming generations. Q4) What is the current relationship of AF with the World Federation (WF) and other regional federations such as the Conseil Régional Des Khojas Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamates De L.Océan Indien (CROI) and the Union Des Associations Khodjas Shia Isnashri De La Reunion (UAKSIR. What special efforts are being made to liaise and strengthen ties with these, and other regional federations in Europe, India, and North America? S. Najafi: The relationship with the World Federation is very good continuing improving through regular visits, communications and joint programs. In the last 8 years, we have built a very strong foundation of mutual relationships and partnership with the World Federation. There are a number of projects we do in partnership with WF, for example the Dar Es Salaam Housing Project, Madressah

Interview with Shabir Najafi, Chairman of the Africa Federation

The Editor of the Federation Samachar, Munir Daya had an opportunity to have an impromptu discussion with Chairman of the Africa Federation, Shabir Najafi at the Orchid Azure Hotel in Nairobi during a recess of the AFED 79th Supreme Council Session held in Nairobi from 7th to 9th July, 2017. In April, 2018 the information in this interview was updated by the Chairman before Federation Samachar went to press.



INTERVIEW

Centre of Excellence (MCE), Higher Education Loans etc. The two Territorial Councils, CROI and UAKSIR are our members and we work very closely with them. With other Regional Federations like the Organization of North American Shia Ithna-asheri Muslim Communities (NASIMCO), Council of European Jamaats (CoEJ), India Federation, Pakistan Federation, and Australasian Federation - we are in contact from time to time but there are no direct working relationships with them presently.

Q5) Are there any extraordinary challenges that you have faced during the past two years with any of the issues on your mandate that pertain to East African Khojas? In your opinion, what is the current level of membership confidence in the Africa Federation and its various Boards, Councillors and Jamaats? S. Najafi: Challenges are always there especially when the Institution is pro-actively involved in the developments of its member Jamaats. The challenges we see more are those of local nature where some small Jamaats do not hold elections or submit annual audited accounts to its members as required. Invariably this defeats the purpose and objective of having the Jamaat constitution. An AFED resolution was passed in Mombasa in 2015 whereby Jamaats are required to call for timely elections and the term of the President of the Jamaat is restricted to six years. Sadly this is not always being implemented. Councillors should now come up with a more pragmatic action plan to ensure our member Jamaats abide to the constitution.

Q6) AFED recently visited Kigali Jamaat for the first time. Do you expect this Jamaat to become a member of the Africa Federation soon?S. Najafi: Two AFED office bearers visited Kigali upon their invitation and were well received. They met with the office bearers of the Jamaat and had detailed discussions with them. The Jamaat is small and slowly growing with an intension to join AFED in the

near future. The AFED Secretariat has provided them with the guidance and the required procedures to follow to apply for membership.The Hon Secretary also visited Lilongwe, Malawi at their invitation and had a fruitful meeting with the Jamaat officials there, they too have requested to join AFED and necessary guidance and required procedures have been sent to them.

Q7) How many Jamaats in how many countries currently make up the Africa Federation?S. Najafi: There are 43 Jamaats in eight countries presently.

Q8) One of Africa Federation’s key objectives is the subject and goal of alleviating community poverty in Africa. What measures have been taken to this effect and how successful have you been so far? Are there any innovative measures besides developing commercial and housing projects? S. Najafi: The Economic and Housing Development Board of AFED have some good plans which were circulated to all the Jamaats. They are pursuing the Jamaats to find their interest in commercial development. For example, if a Jamaat has an old building in a prime location, it is often advisable to demolish and rebuild it to a modern multi-storey building and rent out space to yield higher income. Sometimes, Jamaats can arrange for loans with the bank at a low interest rate or enter into partnership with some community members whereby the Jamaat contributes the plot and the investors provide funds on a 50/50 basis. Housing projects, especially in Dar Es Salaam, will be an advantage to members to own homes as presently house rents can take up to fifty percent of family’s earnings.

Q9) AFED has repeatedly reminded community members about the need to centralize Khums collections. Have your efforts been successful?S. Najafi: We continue doing this. The situation has not improved so far and unfortunately our community members

are still very much naïve on the issue of Khums when it comes to Agha’s instructions to use our own Institution, AFED in this case for collection and usage of Khums.

Q10) What is the latest status of AFED support to Khojas of East African origin in the field of education? How do you rate the progress of education within the AF (scholarships etc.)? S. Najafi: We have our main HELP – Higher Education Loan Program which provides eligible students with US$8,000 per annum for four years with a grace period of one year before the student starts paying back the loan. There are few scholarships being published by the Education Board and some students from Africa have been provided with the scholarships. Similarly, the Education Board does provide loans for Post Graduate studies to eligible students who have successfully completed their undergraduate degree courses and are keenly repaying the HELP loan on time.

Q 11) How do you rate the progress of the Bilal Muslim Mission (BMM) within the Africa Federation?S. Najafi: Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda are under the umbrella of the Central Bilal Board (CBB) of AFED. CBB is introducing new modern ways for effective Tabligh and reforms. Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania and Kenya are doing well in the field of Tabligh, Uganda needs more help and strengthening. CBB will soon visit Uganda to address this, however all Bilal Chapters need to pay more attention to the Hawzas and Teachers’ Training for Muballighs. The CBB is working hard to obtain some instructors from abroad to enhance the teaching and development of the Muballighs.

Q12) Please enlighten us on the effectiveness of the AF Tabligh Board (AFTAB)?S. Najafi: AFTAB’s main activities have been to focus on our Madressahs, Resident Aalims, Minbar Guidelines as well as the Madrasah Centre of Excellence (MCE) training which started several


From Page 57

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INTERVIEW

years ago. More efforts are needed to upgrade our Madressahs and provide training and better facilities. Spiritual guidelines and workshops for the youth is one of the activities conducted by AFTAB. It organises workshops and seminars regularly to enlighten on Islamic teachings and the Madh’ab of Ahlulbayt.

Q13) How do you rate the progress of health awareness in the community by the AFED? Are there any advances in enhancing medical support to members of the Africa Federation? S. Najafi: Health is always and remains a priority; we support our Jamaats to provide preventative health care like Health Check-ups, Medical Camps, and Literature. Health Insurance is one area which we emphasize strongly, though not many Jamaats have bought into the Health Insurance Schemes. The Central Health Board (CHB) office has established good contacts with some hospitals in India for the past several years and many of our community members use CHB for appointments, references and treatment.

Q14) How important do you think is the role of the media in the community? Besides communicating with the community via circulars, news releases and Federation Samachar, are there other efforts to use social media effectively and responsibly? S. Najafi: The media facilitates an important element of information flow between AFED, the Jamaats and grassroot levels. There are some areas which need more focus, like for example, the Federation Samachar frequency has to increase to about three issues per annum. Federation Samachar is the mouthpiece of AFED and the magazine has gained enormous popularity which we must maintain at any cost through ensuring regular issues. Normal news bulletins and circulars are regularly released by the Secretariat and Archives for our members. Social media is the order of the day and must be used responsibly and positively. We are soon

to engage with Jamaats on this. AFED does have an active page on Facebook.

Q15) A Women’s Board was established during your predecessor’s term. What is the mission statement of this Board, and is it living up to its mandate? S. Najafi: The Mission Statement of the Board is: “To unite the women of the community in Africa under one banner for the realization of greater and effective women participation and involvement in spiritual, communal, family-life, and secular spheres of life

within the confines of Islamic Shari’a.” Some programs are held and visit to Jamaats shall be stepped up by the Women’s Board.

Q16) Has AFED been successful in enabling women to vote in individual Jamaats?S. Najafi: AFED has resolved on this matter and Jamaats need to add this in their constitution for implementation. Most Jamaats are supportive of this timely and rightful introduction; some Jamaats have started inclusion of our sisters in their executive committee. It is


From Page 58


INTERVIEW

pleasing to see that the Territorial Council Jamaats have women membership in place.

Q17) AFED recently established a

Marketing Team and an Economic

Development Team. What role do you

envision for these teams?

S. Najafi: The team’s key role is to promote the activities of the AFED Secretariat and its Boards through several communications medium including the social media. The additional role of the team shall include raising funds for AFED through various events, programs etc. from time to time in liaison with AFED Secretariat.

Q18) Do sports cestivals continue to

draw sportsmen and sportswomen? If

not, what is being done to revive and

enhance the current level of sports

activities and tournaments hosted

by the Sports Council of the AFED?

S. Najafi: Sports is one important section of AFED involving mainly the youth and

children. I cannot over emphasize the need for the Sports Section to build up the momentum and encourage sports in our community. I mean not only during the Holy Month of Ramadhan but throughout the year. In this regard, sports bodies of Jamaats must take initiative on their part to encourage the youth towards sports and physical activities. Jamaats must also provide sporting facilities like sports grounds, indoor games facilities, etc., to its members as a priority to draw members, especially youth and children, to partake in sports. This will enable them to spend their valuable time positively to enhance their physical and intellectual growth.

19) A periodic enumeration of

population, often including the

collection of related demographic

information is important for any

community. Has AFED considered

having a census for all the jamaats

in Africa? Are any efforts being made

in this regard?

S. Najafi: About five years ago, AFED had asked Jamaats to carry out a census of membership with a simple format of information reporting. Very few Jamaats have done it. We had plans to start the census exercise as having the current population status is very important for planning and implementing purposes. The World Federation launched a global census programme at the WF Executive Council meeting held in London, England in February, 2018.

20) Congratulations, you have

successfully completed two years

of your term in April, 2018. What

would you consider to be your main

objectives in the 365 days ahead?

S. Najafi: We shall continue on our Vision for the term 2016-2019. These are:Housing – More investments and projects to increase home owners in the community, providing reasonable and cost effective housing schemes.Education – Increased focus on academic development, higher education and Career Guidance.Tabligh – Further development of the Madressahs, Enhance Teacher’s Training and Curriculum Development (MCE Program) and Youth Spiritual and Social Academic Development.Health – More focus on preventative health care and health education. Encourage Jamaats to seriously consider Health Insurance Schemes for its members.Youth – Increased opportunities for capacity building, Empowerment, Inclusion, Skills training, community involvement and Leadership training.Women – Inclusion of their voice and involvement in the future of the community and for development of family values.Sports – Encourage the youth and children towards sports and physical activities. Empower the youth so as to build their confidence and bring them closer to the community.

21) Will you be seeking a second term

as Chairman of the Africa Federation

S. Najafi: Insha’Allah God willing I intend to continue for the second term.

From Page 59


TALKING POINT

It is a matter of great satisfaction for a well constituted Jamaat to provide to its members the space for a free and fair exercise of democracy, which, of course is not an end unto itself. Democracy serves only as a tool for raising and installing an ideal leadership for the members of a Jamaat.

A Jamaat is considered well esteemed and cultured, whatever its size, when it promotes and sustains its culture and tradition of always electing a successive ideal leadership for itself. All eligible voters come out to cast their individual votes as a duty in Islam.

The recognition of an ideal leadership is established after election through proven identification of vision and delivery of services consistent with the promises made during the election campaign. Changes in a Jamaat are the permanent feature of an ideal leadership.

However, ideal leadership is relative in perspective. It can be viewed differently to different leaders. The most ideal one is the one that ensures that the students in the madrassa and the community at large associated with the Jamaat including the women are taught, preached, lectured and guided with the Holy Quran taken as the sole divine and primary source for guidance.

Such leadership also encourages the Holy Quran to be read, studied, understood and reflected upon and guidance sought from it like what Allah swt directs in the Quran. This leadership ensures that

tadabbur el Quran is carried out with various regular sessions organized by the Jamaat.

With the aforesaid in mind, remembrance of Allah (swt)(Zikrullah), love for Allah (swt)(Hubb el Allah) and righteousness for nearness to Allah (swt) (Taqwa) are given the value and prominence due in programmes and proceedings held in the mosque and imambara in the Jamaat’s calendar. This is Islam.

The community is thus raised quite committed to fulfilling the obligation of enjoining one another truth (Haq) and of bidding what is right and forbidding what is wrong. Allah (swt) praises such a community.

The leadership must deny any platform to anyone, of whatever ranks, who instead of creating the spirit of Islamic brotherhood among the Muslims of all sects, emotionalizes sectarian differences leading to hostilities. Unity is the key to the successes (falaah) for the Muslim Ummah in this world and the next. Every leader, in whatever position, individually forming part of an ideal leadership should not be lacking in patience, compassion and humbleness. The leadership should also wrong no one when dealing with the concerns of any member or family or group. People with such a lofty disposition are known and make good leadership candidates worthy of success and trust though not all come forth to serve.

Ideal Leadership of a Jamaat

By Mohamed Khalfan, Dar es Salaam


I recently came across a quote from legendary golfer, Bobby Jones (1902-1971) who said, “Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots – but you have to play the ball where it lies.” What an interesting observation, I thought to myself. What was is sport that is so addictive? A sport that completely engulfed my husband and my father-in-law. How could one possibly play this sport seven times a week, on the same course and not get bored of it? So I decided, after several years of convincing from my husband, that I would try out this sport. Six months ago, I made it a point to go to the driving range at least a couple of times a week and start playing golf. I had a goal: my husband was planning his Easter golfing holiday and I wanted to join him. Just this time, on the golf course! I had six months to prove to myself and to him that I would be able to play in the tournament that he was attending. It didn’t take long for the addiction to creep in and before I knew it, it was me who was convincing my husband that we must go to the range, not the other way around.

Having familiarized myself with the rules and competed in a handful of local tournaments, I was ready to travel to Dubai to attend the Unity Cup 2017 Golf Tournament, one that attracts Khoja golfers from across the globe. It was my first experience of playing on a foreign golf course, without my caddy and with no local knowledge of the golf course. How would I fare against some of the best Khoja golfers I wondered? Only time would tell.

I was blessed to have my family all competing in the tournament with me; my husband Muzaffar and my sons, Shaneabbas Yusufali and Aqeel Hemraj. Their tips prior to the start of the round and their well wishes did me very good. My 33 points on Day 1 at the Al Zorah Golf Course in Ajman was a great start, the best round of my life! I was thrilled to get off to such a good start and my confidence was soaring, going into the next day. T h e To w e r L i n k s G o l f C o u r s e in Ras Al Khaimah assigned on Day 2 had a challenging course for even the best golfers. Somehow I survived. The highlight of my round was a chip in from 20 yards on a Par 3 to save my par. Things were just going my way. Playing our last hole in darkness didn’t really help but somehow I scrambled for a bogey on the last hole. I realized, after driving back to the clubhouse that I had scored 36 points. I had played to my handicap but even better than that, 36 points was the overall winning score for that day and that was me. I was absolutely elated with my achievement. On the third day at Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah I scored 32 points. A very respectable score but as the format stated that the best two out of the three scores would count, I would drop that score and go into the final round with 69 points. Standing atop the leaderboard with a 7 point lead in the Ladies Tournament, I set a target for myself on the last day: 30 points. I knew this would be enough to close out a win.

A Woman’s Golfing Achievements

GUEST COLUMN

By: Shameem Yusufali,Arusha

The final day at Al Zorah was tough!

With windy conditions and the pin positions in absolutely impossible placements, I knew it would be a challenge. However, I stuck to my plan and executed it pretty well. I ended the round with 28 points, two short of my initial target but enough for victory in the Ladies Tournament. With a total score of 97 points, I was extremely proud of my achievements. When my son Shaneabbas called out my name during the awards ceremony, I went forward to collect my prize and I could see my husband glowing with pride. He had somehow managed to get me addicted to the sport and at that moment I knew that Insha’Allah, in our old age we will retire playing golf together. I would like to congratulate the organizers of the Unity Cup 2017 for hosting such a fantastic and well organized tournament and would like to thank them for including a Ladies Tournament within the main tournament. I do hope more women from our community take up this sport because it teaches you so much including discipline, punctuality and it helps you build so much mental strength. I would like to see more effort being put in from around our communities globally to encourage this sport amongst women. Inshallah soon, we can have our own Ladies Festival for Golf. One day, Insha’Allah.



When we wish to make a judgement on any issue and stop in order to make an objective analysis of a situation facing us, that is the moment when critical thinking begins. In critical thinking one needs to be rational, unbiased, reasoned, unprejudiced, open-minded and open to ideas to make a pragmatic evaluation of a situation.

For critical thinking one needs to skillfully (without bias) evaluate s i tuat ions before making an independent judgement or decision after considering different sources of information. One needs to be creative and reflective, look for meanings and significance of what one hears or reads and build skills. This does not mean that one is just critical of other people’s views (we do a lot of it in our general meetings). Rather there are issues in life which need careful

consideration before one can make one’s own conclusion. For example, we may have to deconstruct a situation, explore biases and any manipulations in arguments presented, explore other points of views and other perspectives prior to making an informed decision.

Critical thinking is most needed when in a discussion. A point to note is not to discard any argument just because it is presented by someone you do not like or who does not present arguments in a clear way. Perhaps the person does not have a wide enough vocabulary in the language for self-expression but could have points very relevant to the final decision to be made, even if not expressed articulately. Abu Hanifa, founder of one of the Sunnite schools of thought, once said “I believe that my opinion is right, but possibly wrong, and your opinion is wrong, but possibly right.”

Notice also when issuing a fatwa, a marja’ normally ends with “allah a’lam” (Allah is the most knowing), not claiming that the view expressed necessarily reflects the ultimate truth. As Khaled M. Abou El Fadl refers in his book “Conference of the Books, The Search for Beauty in Islam” to his teachers and Shaykhs who taught him the beauty of knowledge: “Yield to God with humility, and never claim to know the will of God with absolute certainty; Exert yourself in the jihad for knowledge and remember Abu Hanifa’s saying.”

Is there sufficient critical thinking in the community? If so, how can we enhance such thinking? If not, how can we initiate, cultivate, encourage, stimulate, promote and advocate it? And in which direction?

Can we engage in critical thinking in every issue? In our daily lives?

Does our community encourage Critical Thinking?

GUEST COLUMN



In our domestic, office, social and also religious spheres? Can we take everything we hear from our Zakireen and other scholars sitting on the Mimbar as the absolute truth? Does the world-wide community provide opportunities for discussion of topical issues of KSI concern? Perhaps in some general meetings or regional or world conferences, but largely restricted to routine issues of which committee did what and what it could not do due to whatever constraints. Many times the right kind of questions asked can stimulate a more critical discussion. In his book “What went wrong?”, Bernard Lewis, a Professor of Near Eastern Studies, Emeritus at Princeton University, and an authority on Middle Eastern history, suggests that when things go wrong in a society which cannot be concealed, a question asked, especially in Continental Europe in the past and currently in the Middle East is “Who did this to us?” The answer is to place the blame on an external or domestic source - enemies abroad or perhaps minorities within.

The Ottomans, when faced with a major crisis in their history, asked a different question: “What did we do wrong?” Later in history, with the slow decline of the mighty Ottoman empire and the rise of the Christian west, the questions asked included, “What are they doing right?” and the more important question, “How do we catch up with them, and resume our rightful primacy?”

Do we become judgemental, rushing to make judgement on persons expressing views without giving due consideration to points raised in a discussion or argument in person or online? To hazard an answer, it seems yes. It is for this reason that some members of online discussion

community forums are reluctant to express openly and frankly their opinions and views on matters of great significance to the community for fear of being negatively branded. One member, giving his views in such a forum had to end his remarks with “I hope no one will shout me down for pointing out our KSI reality in good faith.” What does this reflect of our community? Just to remind ourselves of one pertinent saying attributed to Imam Ali (a.s):”Do not think of anyone’s statement as evil if you can find it capable of bearing good.”

H o w d o e s t h e H o l y Q u r ’ a n encourage cr i t ica l th inking? Many ayats encourage mankind to ponder over life, after-life and gazing at the universe up into the endless skies. “In this are signs

for those who reflect” is a well-known ayat. Also references are made to people of understanding. Not to get deeper into Qur’anic injunctions, one ayat goes as follows on the blind following of ancestral beliefs and behaviours:

And when it is said to them: “Follow

what Allah has revealed they say:

We will follow what we found our

forefathers following.’’ Even though

their forefathers understood nothing,

nor were they guided? (Holy Quran 2:170).”

In another glaring example, the Holy Qur’an refers to those in the after-life who will try to exonerate themselves by placing the blame on others: “We obeyed our chiefs and elders, and they led us astray,” asking Allah (SWT) to give such persons double the chastisement.

Why did they end up in this situation? No critical thinking, no independent thinking during their earthly life by the use of the faculty of rationality - the ‘aql’ which Allah (s.w.t) bestowed

GUEST COLUMN

By Mohamed Takim, Dar es Salaam.

on humanity.

Classical Muslim scholars in the earlier period divided the world into two - the abode of Islam (dar al-islam) and abode of war (dar al-harb). Those were the times when the world, in the eyes of Muslims, consisted of Muslims and non-Muslims. With more critical attention to this dichotomy, the more recent scholars have placed another abode into the world - the world of non-belligerence, a territory that is not Islamic, but has a peaceful relationship with Muslim countries.

More than that, the abode of Islam is anywhere, not necessarily Muslim, but where justice exists (dar al-adl). “Muslims may freely and openly practice their religion. Therefore it is possible for a territory that is ruled by non-Muslims and where Musims are a minority to be considered part of the abode of true Islam.” (Islam in Transition p.461). Would you say this ideology has arisen as a result of some critical thinking on how a non-Muslim territory can be considered as an abode of Islam when the Muslims therein live in peace and justice prevails?

To come back to our original question, do we engage in or encourage critical thinking in our community affairs?


Eid Namaz at Jami Masjid.


Recently the Khoja Heritage Project of the World Federation organized a 16-day Heritage Tour to India in January 2018, spanning over 12 cities. The tour had 65 participants from jamaats in North America, Europe and Africa (see report in Muslim World News in this issue).

The interest in our past is not new, and continues to grow.

Over the past century and a half, whenever they have had time and money to spare, people of the Khoja Shia IthnaAsheri diaspora have often been motivated and interested in visiting the lands of their forefathers in Gujarat to know more about their history. In recent decades, for our community of 140,000 people it has become more difficult to trace our genealogical roots, however people still go to India to consult the elderly, search jamaat records, and offer prayers at the side of family members’ tombstones in the cemeteries of Gujarat to see if they can find any history that they can call their own.

In his book “The Endangered Species”, historian Marhum Hassan Ali M. Jaffer explains that from the 1850s, Khoja and other Gujarati Indians started moving out from India to explore settlement prospects in East Africa and in Madagascar. He states that “the majority of such migrants were from Cutch, Bhuj, Ahmedabad, Hariyana and Porebunder who started exploring settlement prospects in Africa.” (p. 215).

In my article, “The First Generation of Khojas in East Africa” (Federation Samachar, April 2016) I quoted historian Gijsbert Oonk’s suggestion that there are three “generations” of South Asian African business families: the pioneers (born between 1880 and 1920), the Asia East Africans (born between 1920 and 1960), and the “internationalists” (born between 1960 and 1985).

And from the Africa Federation’s Trade Directory (1960) as part of my article I

presented our readers with some valuable records that gave us a glimpse into the lives of the first generation of Khoja immigrants who first arrived by dhows.

Even in the first generations of settlers, the very first settlers in Africa had the means, in many instances, to allocate time and money to travel back to India to visit their loved ones. Many flourished and were able to go for Hajj and Ziyarat.

So who are the people that our ancestors probably originate from?

According to Wikipedia’s page on the Genetic Studies on Gujarati people, “Gujarati people chiefly live(d) in Gujarat state of India. They are an Indo-Aryan ethnolinguistic group that traditionally speaks Gujarati, an Indo-Iranian language. They had spread in other major cities of India like Mumbai and neighbouring states for business, trade and employment. They are one of the largest diaspora communities of India spread across the world.”

While this article is not about genetics, I would like to explore, primarily via a few architectural sites, some of the history of Gujarat that would have been part of the lives of our ancestors.

Prior to the 1850s, our ancestors would have lived in the short-lived independent sultanate of Gujarat and spoken Gujarati, a 14th Century language. In circa 16th

Century they would have lived in Mughal-ruled India (The sultanate fell to the Mughal Empire in 1593, a century after Portuguese traders, seizing the advantage of the new-found route around Cape Horn, took over much of the trade upon which Ahmedabad’s economy had depended), and perhaps, because of their travels, some residents of Gujarat would also have had the opportunity to learn to speak Urdu, introduced by the Mughals. In the mid-1950s the Gujaratis of the 20th Century would have lived under British rule that ended in the year 1947. Many Gujarat born Indians, such as “Haji Naji” and Mohandas Gandhi, would have spoken Gujarati and English and received higher education.

As mentioned above, Ahmedabad, Gujarat was an independent sultanate ruled by Emperor Sultan Ahmed Shah from 1410 to 1443 A.D. The city was founded by Ahmed Shah in 1411, and it’s growth was significant. Even today, there are ancient mosques, palaces, tomb complexes and forts that have survived since the 15th century; they have architectural plans and designs that reflect and incorporate the cultural dialogue and interaction of Muslim and Hindu communities.

Here are some notable architectural sites, for those interested in discovering our heritage:

Jami Masjid (Built in 1424): The Jami Masjid was built in 1424 out

A Glimpse of Greatness in Ahmedabad, Gujarat

IN PERSPECTIVE


Eid Namaz at Sarkhej Roza.

Sidi Saiyyed Mosque.


From Page 65

of yellow sandstone, and inaugurated on January 4, 1424 by Sultan Ahmad Shah I. On my visit, I found that the mosque was accessible only by walking for about twenty minutes in the crowded streets after arriving at the ancient Teen Darwaza. The Teen Darwaza is an ancient triple gateway (there were originally 14) that marks the entrance to the once completely walled ancient city, and it has a fascinating maze of streets and busy bazaars. The mosque is still used for juma prayers. It has 260 columns supporting the roof, with its 15 domes. In 1819, many of the mosque’s minarets were toppled by an earthquake. It is said that Emperor Sultan Ahmed Shah and his son Qutb al-Din Ahmad Shah had built water reservoirs under the mosque and around the city (including a one-mile manmade lake called Kankaria that exists today as a pleasure garden) to provide water and respite to residents. It is possible that the mosque was originally intended only for private use of the sultans. To the west of the mosque are the tombs of Ahmed Shah I, his son and his grandson, Ahmed Shah’s Tomb. Also nearby are the Rani-ka-Hazira, or Tombs of the Queens.

Sarkhej Roza (Built circa 1445-1451)

Six miles from the city is the tomb of a 15th century Sufi Muslim saint, located in a place called Sarkhej. Sarkhej was a favourite spot for royals who built palaces and tombs in this area. There is a two-storey Queen’s Palace here from that era.

When Ahmedabad city was built during the reign of Ahmed Shah (1410-1443 A.D.), Sarkhej was a village with a population consisting of weavers and indigo-dyers who were predominantly Hindu. It became associated with the name of Shaikh Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh, a Sufi saint

and a friend/advisor to Sultan Ahmed Shah, who in his later years retired to the quiet environment of Sarkhej, away from the city. An anecdote about the learned Sufi scholar goes as follows. ‘His

generous nature and hospitality won him the appellation of Ganj Baksh, or One who Bestowed Treasure, and yet he said: “How can this dervish give anything to anybody? The real giver is Allah.” Having embraced poverty, Shaykh Ahmad Khattu

always looked upon himself as a dervish or fakir. He addressed his devotees in Hindi, Gujarati, and Persian, and wrote and recited verses in Persian and Gujarati. He passed away in1446 at the age of 108.

Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, Ahmedabad:

Popularly known as Sidi Saiyyed Ni Jaali, the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque was built by Sidi Saiyyed in the year 1573 and is one of the most popular and beautiful mosques located in Ahmedabad. This attraction has gained much admiration and reputation over the years, because of its architectural grandeur and in particular, the ornate latticework, known as “jaali”. This monument was built under the Gujarat Sultanate and was completed in the last year of their reign before the Mughals invaded Gujarat and defeated them. Sidi Saiyyed was a pious and generous Abyssinian or Yemeni nobleman who had come to Gujarat from Yemen and served Sultan Nasir-Ud-Din Madmud III. Under the British rule, the mosque was used as a government office.

Sabarmat Ashram Home of Mahatma Gandhi: Sabarmati Ashram (also known as Gandhi Ashram, Harijan Ashram, or Satyagraha Ashram) is located in the Sabarmati suburb of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, adjoining the Ashram Road, on the banks of the River Sabarmati, four miles from the town hall. This was one of the residences of Mahatma Gandhi who lived there for about twelve years along with his wife

IN PERSPECTIVE


Haji Naji’s Grave.

From Page 66

Kasturba Gandhi.It was from his base here that Gandhi led the Salt March on 12 March 1930. In recognition of the significant influence that this march had on the Indian independence movement the Indian government has established the ashram as a national monument.

Haji Naji’s Grave, Bhavnagar: Ghulam Ali Haji Ismail, (“Haji Naji) is a

legendary Bombay-born, Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri who lived from 1864 to 1943. He was the son of a merchant who converted to Shiaism. Haji Naji was an influential figure and one of the first Khoja Shias in Bombay. He translated some works from Arabic to Gujarati; including the Holy Qur’an, Mi’raj al-sa’ada, and some duas, but much of his activities focused on the publications of journals and magazines for the Khoja Shia community.

In 1876 when he was just 12 years old, Haji Naji attended the lectures of Mulla Qadir Husayn. Within three years, he had a lot of Qur’anic information and learned Farsi and Urdu.

In 1901 Ghulam ‘Ali held regular majalis at his house. In his pilgrimage to Karbala, he wrote down the answers to 200 problems in fiqh by Shaykh Zayn al-

Abidin al-Mazandarani, and took them to Bombay. When the magazine “The path of salvation” (Rah-i nijat) was published in 1891, Ghulam ‘Ali preferred to be called “Naji”, and he came to be known by Shiites as Haji Naji.

Haji Naji visited many villages in Gujarat to spread the word about Shiaism. He purchased a printing house in Ahmedabad which was called the Ithna’Ashri Printing

House. He regularly printed a monthly magazine called Rah-i-nijat (The Path of Salvation) and several other magazines that regularly arrived in Africa. Haji Naji led prayers at a mosque and built a school in Mahora. In 1916 when he travelled to Karachi he helped open a mosque there, and in 1922 he was able to go visit the Holy Shrine of Imam al-Rida (AS) In Mashhad, Iran.

Haji Naji died in 1943. After that, Rah-I Nijat was published by his son, Khadim ‘Ali Kawthari. When India was divided, Haji Naji’s family immigrated to Karachi, Pakistan.

Here are some of the writings of Haji Naji: A translation and an exegesis of the Qur’an in Gujarati, published in 1321/1903A translation of many prayers from

by Mahjabeen DayaDar es Salaam, Tanzania.

B.A. (Hons.), M.A., Ph.D. Candidate

IN PERSPECTIVE

Arabic to GujaratiAnwar al-bayan fi tafsir al-Qur’an (an exegesis of the Qur›an)A translation of Mi’raj al-sa’adaNur - i h idaya t (The l i gh t o f Guidance)—an essay about daily prayersMafatih al-janan (about Islamic laws)Chishma-yi gham (the spring of sadness, poems in the praise and elegy of Ahl al-Bayt (A.S).

The heads of publication houses in Pakistan believe that Haji Naji had written much more, but some of his unpublished works were burned when his house caught fire in 1932 (possibly by arsonists who objected to the Holy Quran being translated into Gujarati).The Library of Haji Naji collected and published the series of Rah-i nijat (the path of salvation) magazine at the 100th anniversary of the publication of this magazine.

Marhum Hassan Jaffer writes about Haji Naji, that “he stands out at a beacon of light for his relentless endeavours to educate and enlighten the Gujarati speaking people about the true teachings of the Shia Ithna-Asheri faith. The writings of Haji Naji and his numerous publications were instrumental in winning over many Ismaili Khoja families towards the Shia Ithna-Asheri faith” (Jaffer, page 123).


Without the full knowledge of Tauhid well grasped associated with the right belief in and practice of Tauhid in life, death is in a state of gross ignorance and the soul is warned of damnation. The sin of beliefs and practices in transgression of Tauhid is not forgiven. Tauhid must be fully grasped and seriously followed; anything short will not lead to the salvation of the soul. In this there is no middle ranking or leeway.

Not all of us have the full and solid grasp of what Tauhid is and how and why some of our beliefs and practices “can be” wrong.

Death must be in a state of absolute surrender to Allah (SWT) in belief, deeds and practices. And that is one important aspect of Tauhid in essence and spirit. No one shares any of His attributes or His divinity.

A death cannot be deemed to be in the state of a Muslim if our knowledge of Tauhid is minimal or ends dismally with the shallow belief that “God” is the one common god and none else (Ref. Holy

Quran Sura Al-E-Imran 3:102). Such a belief, deficient as it is, is no different from the one professed broadly by others of other different religions, who include mostly polytheists. What differentiates Allah (SWT) from the “common god” is His attributes.

The Holy Quran is resplendent with the mention of Allah’s attributes. And yet we can name more international currencies in one breadth but fewer among the 99 holy names of Allah (SWT).

Our belief in Allah (SWT) may be akin to He being imagined like a king who “cannot be reached” without intermediaries making it happen and that He cannot become aware of our Hajaat or representation without these being conveyed to Him, as if He is human and limited to space and time, while He is nearer to His servant (ab’d) than the servant is to his own-self (Ref. Holy Quran Sura Qaf 50:16). This

is also referred to in Sermon 49 of the Nahjul Balagha.

Allah (SWT) is with every one of us every moment wherever we are (Ref. Holy

Quran Sura Qaf 50:16, Holy Quran

Sura Al-Hadid 57:04). He knows the promptings of our heart (our intentions) - (Ref. Holy Quran Sura Qaf 50:16,

Ref. Holy Quran Sura Al-Hadid 57:06). No leaf ever falls but that He knows about it (Holy Quran Sura Al-Anaam

Ref.Q.06:59). Not a word is uttered that is not recorded (or unheard) - (Ref. Holy

Quran Sura Qaf 50:18). Nothing, small or large, on the earth and in the heavens and between them escapes Him (His attention). He is All Hearing, All Seeing (Sameeum Baseer). No mortal, dead or alive, is or has ever been like Him – All Hearing, All Seeing.

Allah’s power, authority and His will encompass everything created, seen and unseen (Ghaib). He is aware of His servants, Seeing. (“Bi ibadihi Khabiran

Baseeran”). It is He who willed our birth and saw our body taking shape in our mother’s womb when we were not even aware of ourselves.

Yes, surely, the verses referenced above - all of them - are in the Holy Quran to be understood with many more similar verses explaining Allah’s attributes if only there is a sudden awakening for reading it and reflecting over it fully even once in life, late as it already is, before there is a sudden cut off from it by death and the fate that follows for the soul is then sealed for eternity, such grievous is a transgression of Tauhid.

Tauhid and the Fate After Death

ANON


Perhaps one of the most heart-breaking feelings to experience when one is hopelessly in love with someone is to be ignored and neglected by the beloved. To make them our priority, our everything and then to be forced to watch them act like everything in their lives is more important, more significant, more meaningful than being with us.

Sometimes all we need is one glance. One affirmation of an “I love you too”. One quick embrace, one assurance that “I miss you too.” One word of apology for ignoring us. Just one word of recognition for how utterly precious our love is. One word of gratitude and appreciation for how much we do for them.

It’s a terrible place to be in. To give so much. To have so much overflowing within us. To wait impatiently to shower all that love on the object of our affection. To gift-wrap that love and to hold it out in front us, ready to offer it like a beautiful,

priceless gift of sparkling diamonds and glowing rubies. To nurture that love day and night and await that joyful moment when one can finally express it to the beloved.

Only to have that person time and again mercilessly ignore us. Not a word of apology. Not even an effort to make amends. In fact, more often than not, just one more request or demand to do some work for us. It can absolutely crush the soul and shatter the heart into a million pieces.

This crushing reaction to unrequited, unreciprocated, uncherished love has been the fodder of countless mournful love songs, poems, movies and tearful laments since the beginning of time. And continues to be the feeling that most jilted lovers complain about.

Nothing hurts more than to love someone with your heart and soul, to think of

them night and day, to put oneself on hold just to do their work, to obsess over their pleasure before any action, to wait and wait for them-- only to be treated so heartlessly and to only be taken for granted once again.

Waiting can be such an excruciating, frustrating exercise when the one we wait for is the most precious thing to us in the entire world. For the one who waits, waiting can mean making oneself completely vulnerable and open to being rejected, hurt and disappointed

Why does God allow people to hurt us like this? Why does He (SWT) let sincere people like us, who love so deeply, so passionately, so selflessly be taken for granted so mercilessly? Because perhaps He (SWT) wants us to understand what not to ever do to the one who sincerely loves us.

He (SWT) wants us to understand how

Reciprocating Love

SPIRITUALITY



cruel it is when we hurt the one who sincerely loves us. He (SWT) wants us to experience these feelings of being rejected, hurt, neglected and taken for granted and how terrible we look when we do that to someone and still expect them to keep giving and giving and forgiving us.

He (SWT) wants us to see first-hand how sincere, deep, overflowing love, when it is ignored and scorned enough, can turn into utter, overpowering hatred and rage at that same person that we just recently wanted to give our everything for. He (SWT) wants us to understand how loving, grateful and appreciative a true, sincere lover should really be.

And He (SWT) wants us to understand how much we too behave like this with the One who Loves us more than any human being. The One who loves us 72 times more than even our own mother can love us.

“O Lord! You call out to me but I turn it down,

You become familiar with me but I do not care for You,

and You show affection to me but I do not correspond to You,

as if You are overreaching me or are being too familiar with me!”

(Dua Iftitah)

Oh Allah, forgive us for loving anyone more than we should have loved you. Forgive us for making you wait for us and for hurting you each time. Please take us back into your Loving Mercy.Accept us like you always do.

And never let us forget how much You do for us, sincerely Love us,

patiently Wait for us, lovingly prepare for us.

And never ever let us look away from you for even one moment.

Forever grace us with your Merciful Glance and never stop

Loving us, Ya Al Wadud.... Ameen.By: Shyrose Jaffer Dhalla (Aug 2014)

Ever lied to someone and STILL find them believing in what you say the next time?’

Ever been caught “borrowing” someone’s possession and STILL found them leaving their purse unattended in your absence? Ever blatantly flirted with someone in your spouse’s presence and they STILL have not confronted you about it? Ever broken promises and your l o v e d o n e s S T I L L b e l i e v e y o u when you make a new promise? Ever disobeyed your parents and they STILL give you back your confiscated cell phone and your going out privileges? Ever said sorry a million times and people STILL believe you when you “sincerely” apologize for the million and one time?What is wrong with all these people? Are they fools? Are they pushovers? Do they not care? Are they blind?Then why do they give us a second chance? a third chance? a 100th chance? Are they weak?

ANSWER: They are not WEAK. They love us STRONGLY. Their love for us is so strong that they overlook their own hurt, their own disappointment, their own bitterness, their own loss of faith in us, their rage and anger at us to give us an opportunity to MAKE IT RIGHT.’

This is why they allow us to be alone with the very thing that they fear the most. Because they want to be able to trust us again.

Don’t confuse someone’s love for you as their weakness. Don’t abuse it. Don’t take it for granted. Don’t think that because they don’t yell at you, confront you, sulk or stop talking to you--or that because they treat you with respect that it means you are worthy of respect. It means they are great enough to allow you respect even though you yourself have not left anything worth respecting. Don’t make a mockery of someone’s deep, strong love for you by pushing them

SPIRITUALITY

By Zakira Shyrose Jaffer-Dhalla B.A (Hons.), M.Ed.

to the limit. For everyone has a breaking point.

Everyone reaches a point where they decide, “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH”.

Let us never push our loved ones to treat us the way we deserve to be treated.

Allah (swt) repeatedly forgives us in the same way. He too gives us respite from His own WRATH. He gives us the Mercy we do not deserve.Let us not take His Mercy as His inability to punish us.

It is His great Love for His creations that allows Him to overlook our evil deeds.

Let us not take this Love as our right. Let us earn this privilege.

With our loved ones as well as with our Lord (swt)

Next time someone trusts you again, give them every reason to believe in you again. Only those who love us deeply can forgive us like this.

And without those people in our lives, there will be no one left who will be willing to give us a second chance.

From Page 69


We are used to managing fairly well the grief during a death in the family but not the grief compounded by shock and “a sense of guilt” in the event of a sudden death. “My father died suddenly. He was not even ill. He was not very old either. Frankly, there was nothing wrong with him” a son lamented. Now what adds more to the grief and the length of mourning is this false feeling that there has to be something wrong in the reality of this mortal life when it comes to losing a member of one’s own family in the manner the son lost his father through death. His criterion for justification for a death was distorted. When there is a sudden death, there is first a shock and a haunting sense of disbelief. There is however, eventually a drift to an acknowledgment of helplessness and surrender to the will of Allah (SWT). All these phases in succession are but human and often seen as a natural acceptance of death so as to control the infliction on emotions.

However, the phases of grief and mourning vary in duration from family to family. In some cases there is a prolong grief with some element of un-acceptance. In other cases there is a phase of grief up to a certain point with a philosophical acceptance that death is a reality of this mortal life. In certain rural cultures, people have a tradition of small groups of women who upon hearing of a death in a family visit and join the bereaved family in wailing and weeping which appears more genuine than theatrical. I can see in this, some psychological relief to the bereaved family. They too can cry and wail loud to the full of their hearts without any embarrassment or inhibition because the wailing of the visitors is conveniently even louder.

First Tears in PrivacyWe do not have this tradition of the

instant appearance of seasoned and timely visitors. It is therefore this sense of inhibition which dictates that it should only be the closest relatives who should rush to the grief-stricken family during the first hour or two to let the members wash out their shock with tears in the convenience of privacy so that they later have time to regain composure when others begin to join in the visitation for consoling. In the event of a sudden death, what is then left, apart from the normal mourning, is the sense of guilt. It is normal that the deceased like any other member in the family may have wanted something important done by others in the family where either speed was not practical or an undue delay had intervened. Such guilt for non-accomplishment is natural especially where there was some medical or visible indication of an approaching death.

The guilt is more where a son or a daughter assumed that their parents would always be around to make up to them, before any of them died, for any cool or indifferent behaviour meted out towards them or if important promises made to the deceased remained unfulfilled for no valid reasons.

Every Death is TimelyWhat is strange is that there often is a mention of an “untimely death” in the obituary advertisement or in the exchange of the message of condolence even where the deceased was an old person. Whatever the cause of a death, no soul leaves its abode of flesh except with the permission of Allah (SWT) and this is referred to in Sura Al-E-Imran of the Holy Qur’an (Verse 3:145). A death is always timely when ‘permitted’ by the One who controls the exit of souls. There is always a lesson, never to be heeded though, from a sudden death. It is often found that the deceased had left a number of important personal affairs unattended through negligence or some of his and family’s important papers and documents are not traceable. The mourning then becomes two-fold.

Sudden Death in a Family

FAMILY ISSUES

As for longevity, if there were to be no tomorrows, no one would want to live today and keep aging to no end. “And whomsoever We cause to live long, We reduce (him) to an abject state in constitution; do they not then understand?” (Qur’an 36:38). Each tomorrow has newer and newer prospects. Death is one of them. Sometimes it is sooner and sudden.

What is a matter of great concern however in the event of a sudden death in a family is the need to protect young children from trauma. It is not appropriate to leave children on their own in a state of shock and confusion while adult members are occupied themselves in their own emotional fulfillment, oblivious to the fragile emotions of children and their need for emotional support.

Whatever is the cause, death is an exit from this temporary world. Every exit is an entrance somewhere else! This entrance can be much better for many, if not for all.

Finally, each of us needs to derive a lesson from every occasion of death in a local community and engage in a thought of critique, more trusting the Quran than others. In this reflection one needs to accept that the next death to occur could be his or hers and thereby be surrendered in total servitude to the Master, Allah (SWT) only with no deities set or imagined as the beloved associates of Allah (SWT) in divinity. (Ref Q. 2:132; 3:102; 12:101).

By Mohamed Khalfan, Dar es Salaam


WAYSIDE WISDOM

The new generation is improving to tolerate other sects and humanity at large but still a lot of sectarian divisions within the Muslim ummah is experienced in our daily lives because of political or religious motives. The Holy Quran is very clear in its guidance to Muslims that it is wrong to divide into sects and fight one another. Islam uplifts the status of humanity irrespective of caste, colour, ethnicity or social status and says all human beings are equal before Allah (SWT).

Islam strictly forbids the use of derogatory comments against other sects. It teaches tolerance, patience and forgiveness to its followers and discourages them from irrational and negative thinking. It has promoted peace, unification, harmony, enlightenment and progress among all sections of society and emphasized on its message of universal brotherhood.

Allah (SWT) clearly discourages divisions among the Muslims in the Holy Quran, stating: “strongly hold fast

on to the rope of Allah, and be not ye

divided among sects.” Has the Muslim ummah forgotten all about the real spirit of Islam? Here are five more excerpts that discourage sectarianism.

“As for those who divide their religion

and break up into sects, you have no

part of them in the least. Their affair is

with Allah; He will in the end tell them

the truth of all that they did.” (6:159)

“Surely, this brotherhood of yours is a

single brotherhood, and I am your Lord

and Cherisher. Therefore serve me and

no other. But they broke their religion

into sects among them; yet they will all

return to Us.” (21:92-93)

“And surely this brotherhood of your is a

Islam Discourages Sectarianism

by Munir DayaDar es Salaam, Tanzania

single brotherhood, and I am your Lord

and Cherisher. Therefore fear Me and

no other. But people have broken their

religion into sects, each group rejoicing

in that which is with them. But leave

them in their confused ignorance for a

time.” (23:52-54)

“Turn back in repentance to Him, and

fear Him. Establish regular prayers,

and be not among those who ascribe

partners to God -- those who split up

their religion, and become mere sects,

each party rejoicing in that which is

with itself!” (30:31-32)

“The believers are but a single

Brotherhood. So make peace and

reconciliation between your two

contending brothers, and observe

your duty to God, that you may receive

mercy.”(49:10-11).

The Quran is clear in its condemnation of sectar ian v io lence, and also speaks against terrorism and the harming of innocent people. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also warned his followers to avoid breaking away into groups and fighting one another.

Where the guidance of the Holy Quran is not heeded to, sectarianism has often led to extremism which continues to cause many deaths of innocent civilians.

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