Idd-el-Fitr is an auspicious occasion for offering thanks to the Creator for having provided us with strength and faith to complete the fasts of the Holy Month of Ramadhan. The next Eid is expected to be marked in Africa on 8th or 9th January, 2000. To co-incide with this noble day, the Africa Federation has called upon community members in Africa to enthusiastically pin the Federation Flag which will be on sale in the Mosque compound during the morning Jamaat Eid prayers.

By pinning the flag, members of the community are able to show a tacit commitment towards the Africa Federation at large and the common donning of flags also inculcates a sense of unity within the community.

The proceeds from the sale of flags helps to meet the administrative expenses of the Secretariat. However, financial benefits apart, the deeper meaning and effect of pinning the flag is that it conveys our silent prayer in unison:"May our Organisation survive and thrive even after we are long gone and let our act be a witness that we too played our part, Amen."

The Flag Day also provides an opportunity to parents to enlighten their curious children about what the Africa Federation is all about. Contributions, large or small, are symbolic yet exhibit our feelings and sincerity.

Community members are requested to ensure that the Flag Day is marked with due esteem.

Every year the Africa Federation endeavours to provide scholarship loans to our students to pursue higher education. In order to enhance future requirements of education in relation to our students, Jamaats are called upon to submit to the Secretariat of the Supreme Council, information of all our other students who from their own resources have secured admission for higher education in various institutions – local, regional and overseas.

This information will also enable the Council's Education Board to compile statistical data and records for future needs of our Community and will provide a good indication of the number of students of our Community pursuing higher studies at a given time.

In order to elevate the standards of Zakiri institutions and taking into account various resolutions passed by previous seminars and workshops, the Tabligh Sub-Committee has availed a series of lectures given by a renowned Islamic Scholar Allama Sayyid Zeeshan Haider Jawadi. These talks are on a Tafseer of Surah Al-Hamd in four video cassettes which is divided into seventeen parts.

All concerned Zakireen and Madressa teachers are requested to take full advantage of this offer. If any additional information is required, please contact the Chairman of Tabligh Sub-Committee of Dar-es-Salaam Jamaat, Br. Mehboob Somji on Tel: 115119 – Tabligh Office or email: tabligh@raha.com.

The video cassettes will be made available to those who will respond.

On the advent of the auspicious month of Rajab 1420 A.H. the Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya registered its domain on the Internet.

The Mission's personalised email address is tableegh@kenbilal.org.

After having been awarded a certificate of merit for exemplary performance during her O’ Levels by the Africa Federation, Miss Fatima Pyarali Panju pursued Business Studies by taking up the UK based ACCA qualification which is recognised around the world. She successfully completed it in a minimum time of 3 years.

It is an honour to announce that Miss Fatima Panju of Nairobi, also graduated as the top student, holding 1st place overall in Kenya, in the June 1999 examination. Congratulations.

After recouping from his by-pass operation in Mumbai, the Chairman Mohamed Dhirani made various tours covering different Jamaats worldwide. He also attend the meeting of the Executive Council of the World Federation in Birmingham and the Annual Conference of Nasimco at Detroit, USA in July 1999 and the meeting of the Regional Council, Madagascar in August 1999.

The Chairman started his tours and visits from 8th July 1999 which lasted upto 3rd December 1999 just a week before Ramadhan. In all, the Chairman was constantly on the move and away from home for a period of 56 Days.

Here we briefly outline the details of his tours.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING OF THE WORLD FEDERATION IN BIRMINGHAM

With the differences between WF and AF having been resolved, the Supreme Council attended the meeting of the Executive Council of the World Federation which was held at Zainabiya Centre, Birmingham on Saturday 10 July, 1999. The Africa Federation delegation consisted of Federation Chairman, Mohamedbhai G.M. Dhirani, President of Dar es salaam Jamaat, Asgherbhai Bharwani and Zulfikarbhai Khimji, ex Councillor from Nairobi.

In his review, the Chairman of the World Federation (WF) Mulla Asghar stated that the World Federation collected $36,000 for assisting the displaced people of Kosovo. He also said that forty two families from Somalia have settled in the UK with their re-mobilisation expenses being borne by the WF. He also stated that there was a need for funds for education and medical assistance.

The Chairman, Mr. Dhirani had to make a quick visit once again to Madagascar which spanned over three days from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th October 1999. During this visit he attended the 56th Anniversary of the Faize Asghari at Morondava.

He was whisked from Antananarivo Airport by a five seater plane as he arrived from Nairobi. It was the night of 13th Rajab, the Wiladat of our first Imam Hazrat Ali (a.s.) that this celebration was held. Many families traveled from different parts of Madagascar to attend this function. Mohamedbhai was the Chief Guest and in his address to the the congregation, he reminded them that during the same occasion last year he and his delegation of 23 men and women had been in Kera Kutch.

In the past, a delegation from Bilal Muslim Mission headed by Hujjatul Islam Sayyid Akhtar Rizvi and accompanied by Alhaj Fidahussein Hameer and Alhaj Bwana Ali. H. Sheriff of Arusha visited Nampula for the purpose of tablighi activities and as a result a madressa is functioning there. Sheikh Abdulla Seif was running it until recently when he handed over the management to other Sheikhs.

Our Community previously undertook religious activities in a small bungalow and for the past many years a need was felt for the construction of a tailor-made Mosque, Imambara and Madressa. A plot previously obtained was taken away as no progress was made. A second plot was then obtained and this time the Jamaat is serious to develop this for the same purpose.

The visiting delegation perused the plan of the structure and also found construction having already commenced. The cost of the whole project will be approximately $ 500,000 out of which $ 250,000 has been pledged or contributed by our brothers in Nampula. If there is a need, the Supreme Council has assured that efforts will be made to collect the shortfall in East Africa.

The Supreme Council delegation included Chairman, Mohamed Dhirani, Vice Chairman, Mohamed Pirbhai and Anver Manekia plus the Chairman of the Madagascar Regional Council, Moajeez Khamis. The delegation was warmly received and accommodated at the residence of Dr. Mohamed Kanani a learned man and Alim who is a medical doctor qualified in Egypt.

Similar to the educational facility at Tumaini University at K.C.M.C. Moshi, facilities in Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry are also available at the Muhimbili Medical Faculty of the Dar-es-Salaam University at a cost of around $2,500 annually, the degrees of which are internationally recognized. It is indeed gratifying that many of our students have joined this college including a girl who is pursuing Pharmaceutical studies.

In Mwanza, the delegation visited the Jamaat’s infrastructure which included the widows home, madressa and flats for the needy. The Jamaat’s income generating housing complex was also visited. In all these projects the Supreme Council has given grants as well as loans to complete the project. In Mwanza, the delegation visited two private schools in which our Community is a member of the Board of Directors. A number of our students are studying in these schools, namely Victoria and Lake Schools. The management of Lake School showed the visiting delegation plans for the establishment of a University in Mwanza.

In Bukoba, the delegation had a fruitful meeting with the Managing Committee wherein many useful points were discussed.

In all the places visited, Community members and office bearers of the Jamaats extended a very warm hospitality. It was also very impressive to note that the Chairmen and office bearers of all these Jamaats are vigorously striving to uplift the Community in its secular and religious needs. May Allah (s.w.t.) reward all of them here and in the hereafter. It is our prayer that Allah (s.w.t.) in His blessings should strengthen the Unity of our Community and grant us progress to eliminate illiteracy and poverty.

In all, it was a hectic two months of travel for the Chairman but the visits helped to create new links and consolidate old ties. The international visits also helped to portray the Africa Federation to other Jamaats worldwide.

Br. Zulfikar was the past Chairman of Nairobi Jamaat and is a Councillor of the Africa Federation. He is also a successful businessman based in Nairobi. He has accepted to shoulder this heavy responsibility and is expected to discharge his services with strict confidence and complete integrity.

Following his appointment, Zulfikar bhai told the Samachar, "I thank Haji Mohamedbhai Dhirani for having trust in me for this very highly responsible task. I understand that this is not an easy task and I take full responsibility for the confidential information our brothers and sisters will relate to me.

I appeal for support from our community members world-wide and assure them that I will try to fulfil my duties to the best of my ability."

Community members who wish to avail his services in this respect are advised to contact him at the following address:

The Chairman of the Africa Federation, Mohamedbhai Dhirani has congratulated Mohamedbhai A. Khalfan, a member of Dar es Salaam Jamat and former Vice Chairman of the Supreme Council, on his appointment by the Government as a member of the Users' Committee of the newly established Commercial Court in Tanzania. The Commercial Court has been established as a division of the High Court Legal System of Tanzania.

During his visit to East Africa, Dr Ahmed Hassam, Chairman CETAB, Executive Councillor of the World Federation of K.S.I.M.C and a member of Medical Advisory Board took an opportunity to visit Zanzibar. Among the places he visited was the Zanzibar Government Hospital where he met the Director of the hospital and inspected the establishment. He subsequently recommended to the World Federation that they help the hospital with medical equipment.

Soon afterwards, the hospital was asked to send a list of their requirements and various equipment were sent to the Central Health Board (CHB) of the Africa Federation for onward submission to the hospital.

The presentations were made by the CHB when the last Supreme Council meeting was held in Zanzibar last April. The Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Africa Federation were also present during the presentation.

The Supreme Council submitted the following three questions to the Ayatullah and the replies received are outlined hereunder. The translations have been done by Hujjatul Islam Sayyid Saeed Akhtar Rizvi, Chief Missionary, Bilal Muslim Mission, Dar-es-Salaam.

Q1. What type of Music is permissable?

Answer: An (instrumental) music which has no affinity to the gatherings of sports and amusements is allowed for example military band and funeral band (a dead march) is lawful; also a classical tranquilizing music which has no affinity with gatherings of sports and amusements is lawful; otherwise it is not allowed

Q2. Is singing without music permissable?

Answer: Song, all of it is haram. It means that amusing composition which is sung with the tunes used by people of sports and amusement; rather it is haram (on precaution), even those non-amusing compositions which are sung in such tunes.

Q3. Is the playing of the game Chess allowed?

Answer: It is not allowed. And Allah (s.w.t.) knows (better).

The following questions were presented personally by a lady from Madagascar who was previously prevented to see the face of her deceased male cousin. Ayatullah’s replies are furnished for information.

Q1. When a woman dies, is it lawful for a stranger man to look at the deceased’s face and her two hand-palms (as it was lawful to him to do so in her life)?

Answer: It is lawful.

Q2. When a person dies, is it lawful for his "mahram" to look at the deceased, at what was lawful to him to look at in his lifetime?

Answer: It is lawful. And Allah knows better.

The original questions and answers in Arabic are at the AF Secretariat.

On 30th October, 1999 the Arusha Shia Centre held a majlis cum Exhibition Sale to mark the birthday of Amirul Moamineen Imam Ali A.S. The occasion was held exclusively for ladies and was well attended.

Along with food items, clothes and various household items, the Centre also had a stall to display and sale publications of the Bilal Muslim Mission. First hand comments have reported that never before have such a range of Kiswahili and English publications been on display to such a large gathering of ladies.

To encourage sales, publications were sold at subsidised prices and sales were encouraging. As a result of the encouraging sales, the Bilal Muslim Mission plans to display its publications in similar future events.

The Africa Federation has appointed Aunalibhai Salehmohamed (pictured) to oversee its projects in India.

The Council is seriosuly considering the implementation of some projects there and has asked Aunalibhai to be its representative to ensure that earmarked projects are carried out as planned and allocated funds are utilised appropriately.

Aunalibhai has a vast experience in projects undertaken in India and has also been a regular participant in meetings of the Africa and World Federation.

The Africa Federation Web page is being handled by the following members:
Munir Daya (Web Manager)
Fatema Alloo (Page designer)
Mrs. Fatema Haji (Page inputs)
Fatima Patel (Page inputs)

Jamaats, community groups or individuals who have newsworthy inputs can send in information to the Web Team by e-mail (federation@raha.com). For the dialogue section, the Web Committee is prepared to allow individuals to co-ordinate a debate on its site. Co-ordinators who wish to run a debate on the AF Site are required to submit their proposed topic to the Web Manager (e-mail: samachar@raha.com).

The beginning of Mauritius Jamaat can be traced to the 1920's. Gatherings were then held at the residence of the late Haji Mulla Kassamally Esmael, who also recited majalis for the small Ithna Asheri community existing at that time. The Muharram majlises and occasions were then frequently attended by non Shias. The family of Late Kassamally Esmael is thought to have been among the first known Ithna Ashery families in Mauritius.

In early 1960, with the help and generosity of the Supreme Council of Africa, a plot of land was acquired in the city center of Port Louis where the construction of the Ithna Asheri Mosque took place. Zakirs were then called to officiate the daily religious activities of the community. The inauguration of the Mauritius Imam barghah was performed in 1963 by the Late Mohamedali Sheriff of Moshi who was then also the Vice President of the Supreme Council of Africa.

In 1974, construction of the Musafar Khana was made possible so as to benefit momineen who traveled to Mauritius. In 1975, a building housing the resident Maulana's residence and Madressa was put up. This construction was made in the memory of the Late Hasanali Pirbhai. In the same year, a new hall occupying the top floor of the Imambarghah was built for ladies and is now commonly known as Mehfil-e-Zainabia. The Mehfil's construction was made in the memory of Late Kassamaly Esmael with a financial contribution coming in from Haiderbali Bhai Pirbhai.

The Ithna Ashery Jamaat owns a historical landmark in Mauritius called 'Kerbala' which is about a century old. This place was made in the remberance of Imam Hassan (A.S.) and Imam Husein (A.S.) by the early Inidan immigrants in Mauritius. Today the 'Kerbala' in Mauritius is widely visited by all Muslims irrespective of their sectarian differences.

An exterior view of Mehfil-e-Zainabia	The Mauritius Imambarghah

Recently the Jamaat renovated its Moosafar Khana which now has four bedrooms with attached bathrooms.

The Madressa is run by the resident Alim and the Jamaat is planning to have a library where children and elders too can increase their knowledge of Islam. The Jamaat has sought help from other Jamaats and religious organisation for books and publications which can be kept in the library.

The Mauritius Jamaat currently has 200 members. It is run by a committee of seven members elected for a three year term. This present managing committee has been elected to serve until the first half of 2001. The Jamaat does not have any
sub-committees.

Since the 1960s, Mauritius Jamaat was served by the following Presidents:
Late Haji Kassamally Esmael
Late Hassanally Fazal
Late Barkatali Gulam Husein Rajani
Amirali Asser
RazaHussein Kassamally Esmael
Haiderali Hassanally Pirbhai (current President).

The current President is Haji Haiderali Pirbhai who is the longest serving President in the history of Mauritius Jamaat. He has been in office as President for nearly two decades and his current term ends in the year 2000.

The current office-bearers are:
President: Haydarally H. Pirbhai
Vice President: Assenjee Essoufali Moosajee
Hon. Secretary: Dr. Amirali Asser
Asst. Secretary: Mohamed Iqbal Kassamally Esmael
Hon. Treasurer: Inayatali Hassanali Pirbhai
Member: Noormohamed Kassamally Esmael.

The address of the Jamaat is:
Shia Ithna Ashery Jamaat,
58, Sir Edgar Laurent Street
Port Louis
Mauritius.
Tel: (230) 241 0110
Fax: (230) 454 3619
Email: htl@intnet.mu

Many of the Jamaat members are computer literate with at least 12 having internet addresses.

The first Cultural Counsellor of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Dares salaam, Hojjatul Islam Sheikh Mohamed Jawad Taskhiri was recently given a farewell party by the Bilal Muslim Mission at the Al-Ghadeer Mosque in Temeke, Dares Salaam. This was attended by office-bearers of the Mission, teachers and students as well as the Iranian community in Dar es Salaam including the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Dar es Salaam, Seyid Ali Saqaiyan.

After recitation of the Holy Qur'an and qasida, the Chairman of the Mission, Pyaralibhai Shivji elucidated on the keen interest that maulana held in religious matters and in assisting the deprived. He also thanked him for his interest in the activities of the Mission.

Pyaralibhai then read a citation to Hojjatul Taskhiri which was presented by the Founder member of the Mission, Haji Fidahusein Hameer amid recitation of salawat. Sheikh Taskhiri thanked the Mission for honouring him and prayed for its future success.

At the same venue, the Mission also bode farewell to Hujjatul Islam Sayyid Muhammad Taqi Tabataba'i on 29 October, 1999. Sayyid Tabataba'i was recruited two years ago from the Organisation of Hawzahs and Madrasas outside Iran, to look after the Mission's Hawzah at Temeke. He started the Sazman-i-Madaris' syllabus, a 3 year duration course. He also revived the Boarding House, where 47 students are housed and provided three meals a day plus a monthly pocket allowance.

At the farewell function, verses from the holy Qur'an were first recited following which a student read a Risala in Arabic testifying their appreciation to the Sayyid.This was followed by a poem in his praise and speeches in Arabic and Kiswahili thanking him for services rendered. Arabic speeches were translated into Kiswahili by Sheikh Shabaan.

Prior to refreshments being served, lady teachers of the Mission's Primary School presented a gift to the Sayyid. The function was also attended by the Iranian Ambassador in Tanzania, Iranian brothers and teachers and students of the Hawzah.

The Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania has opened the Babul Ilm Library at the Sikukuu Street in Dar es Salaam to encourage our Muslim brothers, especially youths, to develop a reading culture. Reading religious and constructive literature has been greatly prescribed by Islam and the very first ayat of the Holy Qur'an commands "Read in the name of Your Lord, who created you" (30:97).

The Mission had for a long time been on a look out for a suitable predominantly Muslim area to have the library. It ultimately found a place just opposite the Jamaa Mosque Dispensary at a distance of only two minutes from the Manyema mosque.

The library is named after Babe Madinatul ‘Ilm, Amiral Moamineen Imam Ali A.S., and opened on the birthday of the Imam, without any social gathering due to the passing away of the former Tanzania President, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. The Mission has the services of a Shia Sheikh, as a librarian, who is well versed in the Holy Quran, Hadith and Sihah and is able to discuss historical Islamic episodes with visitors.

The opening hours of the library are from 8.00 am to 12.00 noon and from 2.00pm to 6.00pm. The library is open on weekends but is closed on Mondays to allow the librarian to rest.

The Bilal Muslim Mission once again participated at the Book Fair which was organised by the Publishers Association of Tanzania (PATA). About 45 local, national and international publishers took part in the Fair.

The theme of this year's Fair, which was the eighth to be organised, was "Books for all." The Mission displayed more than 105 titles of Publications and about 1000 people visited the Mission's pavilion daily. Titles which particularly impressed visitors include: Kitabu cha Sala, Nyama ya Nguruwe, Ndoa Katika Islamu, Your Questions Answered (all volumes), Why Pray in Arabic, What a Muslim should know and believe and In defence of Islamic laws.

At the pavilion, Islamic religious courses undertaken by the Mission were publicised. 37 people enrolled for the courses in Kiswahili, 12 enrolled for the English courses and 50 forms were collected by visitors to apply later.

In his closing speech, the Chairman of this year's Fair, Thomas Kamugisha urged the Government to establish libraries in urban and rural areas. The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Emanuel Mwambulukutu closed the Fair on 4th October, 1999. When he visited the Bilal Mission's pavilion, a parcel of religious books was presented to him.

Founded on 14th April 1996, the Ahle Bait (A.S) Propagation Organisation of Mauritius opened its Centre at Epidariste Trime street in the Capital City of Port Louis on 14th September 1999. The Managing Committee gathered on that night under the Chairmanship of its President Al Haj Raza Husain Kassamally Esmael to mark the occasion. The session started with the recitation of Hadise Kissa by Al Haj Husain Haji Ismail Maklai. The Secretary, Shabbir Husein Rajani then announced that the new Centre, besides being the Organisation’s headquarters, will also house a Madrassa under the name of Jaffery Madrassa. The Madrassa, he added, will be operated under the aegis of the Organisation.

The Secretary also pointed out that the response for admission in the Madrassa was beyond expectation. Besides Shia students, application forms have also been obtained for non-Shia students. Madrassa classes started on 2nd October 1999.

The Organisation has meanwhile chalked out a programme whereby Islamic education will be imparted to mo’mineens of all ages. Gujrati classes are also being organised and are conducted by Husainbhai Haji Ismail Maklai for gents and by Mrs Tahera Kassamally for ladies. The latter is also conducting masael classes for ladies every Friday afternoon. Madrassa classes are being conducted by Mrs Tahera Kassam ally, Mrs Hamida S Rajani, Mrs Shamim Gulam Husen, Mrs Sabira Gulam Husen and Miss Razia Bayjoo. Deeniyat classes for Gents are being conducted by Mr Shabbir Husein Rajani every Wednesday night.

The new Centre also has a library which will be of great help to Madrassa students and to Mo’mineen attending courses in the Centre.

An external view of the Centre	Mrs. Tahera Kassamally conducting a course for students over 10 years

On 8th August, 1999 the GCG Sports Day was held at the Mwanza Orphanage and Clinic premises in Bwiru area, which is about a 10 minutes drive from Mwanza Town. The Sports Day was a great success with the children having a great day out.

The occasion started at about 9:45 a.m. with speeches by the Director and Sports Convenors. The sports events began at about 10:15 am. In all, 17 events were contested by 69 participants. The games were stopped at 12:45 p.m. for congregational prayers following which lunch was served. At about 2:15 p.m. the games resumed.

Mohamed Karim takes a leap during the Sports Day	Chief Guest, Akberbhai Sunderji (right) with Mwanza Jamaat  Chairman, Habibbhai Rai

At the end of the day, token gifts were awarded to the various winners during the closing ceremony.

To boost circulation to individual subscribers in North America, the Federation Samachar Editorial Board has appointed Shabir Master Baker (pictured) of New York to solicit sales in American Jamaats.

He has already obtained a fair number of new subscribers at a special promotional rate of US $ 18 for four issues. This is comparitively cheaper than subscribing through the Africa Federation Web page because copies are sent under special parcel post rates by courier to Shabir in the week following distribution in African Jamaats.

Shabir can be contacted at:
Shabir Master Baker
655 Evelyn Avenue, East Meadow
New York 11554.

His contact numbers are:
Cell: (516) 606-7060
Fax: (516) 409-0728
Email: SamacharUS@AOL.COM

Meanwhile the North American issue of the Samachar continues to be printed in Toronto. This is printed for general distribution to all North American Jamaats by NASIMCO.

At the Insurance Day held on 2nd September 1999, Inayat Manji (pictured) was declared "Insurance Man of the year" and presented with an appreciation award by the Insurance Institute of Tanzania.

Inayat is the Managing Director of Business Efficiency, a leading firm of insurance brokers.

A group of 20 community members (9 ladies and 11 gents) set out to climb Africa's highest mountain, the Kilimanjaro from 9th October 1999 to 15th October 1999.

The expedition was organised by the Nairobi District Golden Crescent Group under Zulfikar Khimji, the past President of Nairobi Jamat. Participants of the expedition came from Kuwait, Dubai, United Kingdom, Mwanza, Arusha, Mombasa and Nairobi.

15 out of the 20 climbers successfully reached the summit with 10 getting up to the Uhuru peak (19,340 feet, 5,895 metres) and 5 to the Gilmans peak.(18,640 feet, 5680 metres).The other five climbed up to H.Meyer Cave which stands at 16,995 feet (5,151 metres). The 15 successful participants were awarded gold medals by the respective Jamaats while the other five climbers were awarded silver medals.

Commenting on the climb,the expedition leader, Zulfikar Khimji said, "Marangu is the least difficult summit-bound path and the one that has the best facilities. It is also the most popular route.The climb is very gradual and presents no great difficulty.

From the entrance to the National park to the Mandara hut (2,700 m), there is a 4 to 5-hour walk. If you are in a good physical shape, keep going until you get to the Maundi Crater for the view over the valley, Lake Jipe and the Pare and the Usambara mountain chain. You should reckon a 5 to 7-hour hike to make the distance from Mandara to Horombo (3,720 m). If possible you would do well to stop over in Horombo for a day to get used to the altitude. It could be spent on a hike to Mawenzi (4,800 m), to be taken slowly, or on walks in the direction of Saddle.

From Horombo to Kibo hut (4,703 m), you can follow either the high path west of Mawenzi, or the low path that goes through Saddle. On the high path you get a view of the Zebra Rock after a hour ‘s walking. On the low path, at around 4,300m, you absolutely must re-fill your gourd at the last watering place. You should allow between 5 and 7 hours for this path because it is slightly longer.

Everybody is entitled to his or her own small victory and to reach the summit is a dream come true. Congratulations to all the climbers and we hope many more will join the expedition next year.

The Mombasa Jaffery Academy held its annual graduation cum prize giving day on 22nd September 1999 in colourful exuberance.

The Headmistress of the school, Mrs. E. Gomes, welcomed the guest of honour of the occasion, Ebrahimbhai Jagani and highlighted the achievements of the school during the year, both in the educational and extra curricular fields.

She was pleased to present the excellent academic report of the school – the school achieved outstanding results in the ‘O’ and ‘A’ level GCE examinations of May 1999. In this respect, she conveyed her hearty congratulations to the students and their parents. She also thanked the secondary school teachers for their hard work and dedication to achieve this performance and the Headmistresses of Jaffery Primary and Nursery schools, Miss Chhaniyara and Mrs. Hatim and their staff who were instrumental in providing a good foundation to the students.

In the extra curricular field, the school won the inter-school cricket competition for the second consecutive year and notched the third position in the Coast National Age Group swimming competition organised by CASA among other achievements.

The Federation Samachar Editor, Munir Daya met the Editor of Isna-asheri Masik, Rafikbhai Lakhani in Mumbai in August, 1999. The two Editors had mutual discussions and agreed to allow news extractions. Pictured (in the middle) are Rafikbhai and Munir Daya with members of the Isna-asheri Masik .

In a recent election of the Golden Crescent Group of Nairobi District, the following were elected as office bearers:-

DIRECTOR - Zulfikar Haiderali Khimji
DEPUTY DIRECTOR - Murtaza Hussein Dhalla
SECRETARY - Zulfikar Pyarali Nanji
TREASURER - Mohamedraza Ramzan Nanji
COMMITTEE MEMBERS -
Shabbir Gulamabbas Khimji
Mohamedali Mustafa M Khimji
Abbas Hassan Nasser
Zeeshan Sajjad Sajan

The first Graduation Day Programme for Seventh Graders of the Arusha Jaffery Academy was held on Saturday, 27th November, 1999 at 2.00 p.m. The Guest of Honour was Mohamed bhai Dhirani, the Chairman of the Africa Federation of the Khoja Shia Ithnasheri Community. He was accompanied by various dignitaries from the Ithnasheri community from both Nairobi and Dar-es-salaam. In all about 350 other guests and parents graced this historic occasion.

The programme began with prayers, a recitation from the Holy Qur'an as well as the National Anthem. Everyone present was asked to observe a minutes silence in memory of the late Mwalimu Nyerere following which children from the primary section presented various items such as speeches of thanks, a kiswahili poem an English Poem and a short play by the Prep Class.

When driving back from a business meeting in Nairobi in the first week of October, 1999 I stopped by Arusha for a day. During my brief stay I had an opportunity to visit the Jaffery Academy twice.

The first impression one gets on entering the Academy is one which tells you that the place is well managed. The front garden lacked unkempt stretches and the invigorating breeze that normally prevails in Arusha at all times of the year made the plants look even more attractive as these swayed to and fro.

After signing the visitors' book, the headmaster Yakub T. Dalal explained to me the general activities of the school in the presence of treasurer Anver Panjwani. I was then shown the school's annual magazines, the first of which was printed in 1995, three years after its inauguration. The inaugural issue of the magazine had a befitting tribute to the first Chairman Mohamedali Chagani who passed away on 15 March, 1995. The 1997 edition of the school magazine carried a tribute to the second Chairman, Bashir Lalji who passed away while in office on 3 July, 1997 (27 Safar, 1418 AH).

After perusing the school magazines, I was taken around to some of the classes. Many of the teachers had left as it was past closing time but the black-boards and notice-boards showed how active the classes had been that morning. In the computer training room it was impressive to see over a dozen computers for children to use and learn from. The lady in charge advised me that in addition to teaching students the general usage of computers, upper class students are taught basic programming.

My second visit to the Academy was at about 10.30 p.m. in the presence of Chairman, Amirbhai Somji and other committee members including Anver Panjwani and Abbas Sheriff. Also present during this visit was the Arusha Jamaat President, Habibbhai Yusufali and Bwana Ali Sheriff. It was a bright night and we had a good look at the swimming pool under construction at the back of the school yard.

The pool that I saw was a rectangle dug out of the ground but it was easy to envisage what the pool would look like after installation of special pool tiles and lights. The pool is earmarked to be a professional one and should provide a good opportunity to students to exercise and to girls to swim in privacy. Adjacent to the swimming pool is the school's mini football ground and Amirbhai Somji advised me on proposed plans to expand this area further backwards if negotiations with some of our community members, who have adjacent plots, are successful.

The school is a pride of the community and during my stay I took the opportunity of asking Board Chairman, Amirbhai Somji a few questions. These follow:

Daya: For how long have you been associated with the school? Please also tell us briefly about your past involvement in communal and non-communal social activities.

Somji: Exactly two years in October, 1999. At community level, I was the Chairman of Arusha Jamaat from 1974 to 1976. I am also a Past Chairman of Kili Meru Gymkhana and am a member of the Jamaat's Medical commit

tee. At non communal level, have been a Board member of the Arusha Meru Secondary School for the past 5 years. I am also the present Chairman of the Arusha Region Cricket Association. I am also a Past Chairman of the Tanzania Golf Union and a Past District Governor of Rotary International District 9210.

Daya: The Jaffery Academy stands out among the best schools in Arusha region. Please enlighten us about its historical background.

Somji: Our community felt the need for a good school for a long time but formerly the Government did not allow private primary schools and such we could only think of a Nursery school. In 1989 the Arusha Jamaat took a bold step and acquired a plot in the suburb of Arusha Township and soon the Hemani family offered to build the nursery school which is well known as the Hemani Nursery School.

Daya: What syllabus does the school accommodate? Are lessons on 'Islamic teachings' provided as an optional subject or is 'Islam' part of the main syllabus? Does the school provide religious teachings for other Faiths?

Somji: The school is a secular English Medium school that follows the National curriculum. We have two prayer rooms for boys and girls and every Thursday there are religious classes for all religions.

Daya: Please tell us about the extra-curricular activities at the Academy including the sporting activities that students are involved in.

Somji: Along with normal classes there are interesting extra curricular activities such as cricket, netball, football, scouts and girl guides, remedial reading, indoor games, cookery, embroidery, knitting and first aid.

Students are sometimes also taken for day trips. Recently some students went to the Tarangire National Park while others went for a Mount Meru climbing expedition at the end of
October.

Daya: During my visit I noted that the Nursery School is situated far away from the Primary and Secondary School. Are there any plans to have the Nursery School moved to the new Complex?

Somji: Yes there are. What we would really like to see is that the Nursery School moves nearer to the complex if not in the same compound and this is where we need to convince the owners of the plot next door to make this plot available to us.

Daya: How many students does the school have?

Daya: Are there plans in the future to provide Advanced level studies at the Academy?

The early morning showers had left the streets sodden and an overcast sky gave a rather gloomy and sleepy look. Passing through the narrow lanes remarkable for their unevenness, depressive stone houses, shabby graffiti and Indo-Arab multiculturalism we found ourselves amid moulds of the dilapidated Datoo Hemani Girls School that once had been under the trusteeship of Nai Misid. My sister sighed for the school in which she had studied. It was difficult to believe that once this very place was our own Jangbar.

Further down through the gully of Dr. Menezes’ clinic (of the colonial days) and via the once bustling Golarana Dello the Nai Misid minara in all its loneliness glared longingly at us, and also evident was the forlorn ladies imambara evoking sadness. Its memory lingered on.

On the eve of seventh night of Muharram the ladies imambara would be a hive of activities with the organizers busy threading jasmine and rose petals, preparing mehndi, arranging thals and lighting candles. Then little girls carrying green flags, candles and mehndi plates over the sides of which hanged jasmine sehras would walk to and fro while the ladies with thals of fruits, dry fruits, siro and coconut pieces along with boiled grams and sugar lumps moved around encircling the girls, and chanting ‘Mehndi bane Kassimki, Jo lati hai Sakina’. It used to be so ceremonial and moving, and done in grand style. Ah for those days of Nai Misid in Zanzibar!

Initially the Zanzibar Khoja Ithnaashries numbered only a few hundreds, and considering their new national and religious status having emigrated from India and also proclaimed the new faith, they ought to have had strong bond and unity among themselves. It was therefore ironic that they splitted within eight years.

A vast plot was obtained in one corner of Sokomohogo/Mkunazini over which the Nai mosque structure found its place and its foundation stone laid in 1890 by none other than Molvi Ghulamhussain. Attached to the mosque were two huge imambaras, for both ladies and gents respectively. One of the highest donors was Saleh Lakha Kanji who is believed to have spent his entire wealth on financing Nai Misid. Also its kabrastan plot was procured around Mwembeladu.

Initially there was nothing like president but trustees or mutwallis, and a mukhi, who were powerful and held in very high esteem. It was only later on the formulation of constitution that the post of president and other office bearers came into being. Some of Nai’s presidents included Abdulrasool Khalfan, Abdulla Khalfan, Ahmed Lakha, Ahmed Datoo, Ramzan Khamis Damji, Anwer Hassan Virjee, Hussain Hassam Nasser, Yusuf Hassam Nasser, Mussa Gulamhussain Lakha, Yusuf Salehmohamed, M.A.Rasool, Hussain Remtulla, Pyarali Giga, Akbar Nasser Thawer, Yusuf Karim Allarakhia, Jaffer Karim Jetha and Abbas Mohamed Sheriff.

Such was the intensity of misunderstanings between the Nai and Junni members initially that they not only boycotted each others mosques but even avoided to enter into wedlocks. There was even dispute over certain property. After the Second World War things improved and when Nai’s president Abdulrasul Khalfan died in 1944 while still in office both Nai and Junni in rare unity closed business on the funeral day.

The Nai folk with his sobriety exuded lot of discipline. Some Nai progeny rose to great prominence. Ahmed Abdulrasul Lakha and Anwer Hassan Virjee became members of the Zanzibar Legislative Council, Ahmed Abdulrasul Datoo was made the Commissioner of Customs and Abdulrasul Dewji Dhanji the Secretary at the Secretariat.

Nai Misid assumed this air of nobility, a la Shahi Darbar, which some mistook for snobbery. There was an event, which produced a strong feeling of dissatisfaction among a few members over a sensitive issue, and this even resulted in a few prominent families joining the Kuwwat Jamaat.

However nobody could deny Nai Misid’s discipline which lent quality to it. Its best example was the office downstairs. Its head clerk was Rajabali Nathoo (Rajju). Nai Misid’s religious activities and immense properties demanded lot of administrative and accounting work. All credit therefore to the indefatigable Rajju whose almost 40 years of devotion and dedication inspired real admiration and respect for him. The board downstairs would be promptly chalked with notifications of the events and also listings of various expenses. It was just remarkable. Even today some of the records are still there. Interestingly Rajabali Nathoo was a Cutchi, and so were a few of the Nai Misid office bearers (Mutwalli/Mukhi/ Kamrio/President) like Khamis Damji, Ramazanali Khamis Damji, Hassanali Khamis Damji and Yusuf Salehmohamed Karachiwala, and the man who gave Nai Misid its fabulous minara, Mohamed Rhemtulla Merali (Mammu Hariri), too. They all had linkages with the Jamnagris.

The long flight of wooden steps ascending to the corridor and imambara generated awe inspiring feeling. The corridor gallery from the top viewed the ample sahan beneath it. The immensely oblong imambara with its row of windows provided Nawabi spectacle resembling those of Luknow and Hyderabad. The imambara would be whitewashed regularly and its spacious floor laid with brand new Persian and Kashmiri carpets of varied colours and designs, and also with straw mats. Its ceiling displayed its row of fans, elaborate lights and gorgeous chandeliers with the captivating range of engravings and tinkling glass pendants. The front corner occupied probably the largest replica of the Karbala mausoleum with zarihs of Imam Husain and other Shohadas donated by Ismail Subzali Thawer.

Muharram would always be emotionally charged. The imambara emanated air that was filled with the fragrance of attar, udi, asmini and roses. Noticeable from the second night were the white alams of varying size fixed to the two embroidered horizontal black velvet banners in such a way as to project a semi circular shape, and placed on either side of the mimber. On the fifth night appeared bigger alams with varieties of panjas, like those seen in Hydrabad imambaras and probably brought over from there, and wrapped in colorful satin and velvet with silver and golden threading that gave them a glittering look. . The audition, the color, the pattern, the effects and the fragrance provided splendors to the fully packed imambara, and its audience spellbound, listening to the majlis. What glory! Seventh night onwards the laash, alam and julo shabihs took shape, and awaited with fervency. The gam and the wailing thereby heartrending.

The climax was Ashura day when amid cries of ‘Ya Husain’ Imam Husain’s laash shabih with two pigeons placed on it and Zuljanah wrapped in blood spotted white piece adorned with arrows, armour shield and a heavy pure gold sword would be brought in to the imambara. Thereafter the alams would be removed and brought into the middle while the circum saf moved around briskly. Later the alams gradually one by one would be taken away and lowered through the imambara window onto the sahan below where they were declothed, their panjas detached, and wrapped in a white cloth like kafan over which attar got sprinkled (alam thanda). It was so emotional and moving. Also the dim lit Shame Gariba saddened the proceedings which culminated in a processional rite of ‘Wa Askara’ yells by the small girl with her hairs loosened and a kuza in her hands while the other ones holding candles walked behind her. The older boys carrying flags followed and the audience chanted ‘Ay Shiaun imshab, shame garibanast’ in unison. The joint recital ‘ Bade katle shah garduse atithi sada, shamia bastando bazu Zainabo Kulsum’ by Husain Datoo and Yusuf Karim Alarakhia marked the end.

Another eventful month was Ramadhan. On entering Nai Misid there is another smaller staircase on the right leading to the mosque, which is on the lower level compared to the imambara. After dipping the legs into the water the larger marbled hoz (fountain) containing an attractive black fish and reflecting light blue water is reached, and from where we step onto the sahan that leads to the beautiful mosque which always reminded of Ramadhan when it would be humming with excitement and buzzing with activities. As usual after darsa duas would be recited. Thursday nights feasted off dakhus consisting of pilao or bhunni khichri and dahi (curd) right there in the sahan unlike the amaal nights when the nyaz were held at the imambara. On the amaal nights the packed mosque and sahan echoed with the chants ‘Astagfirullaha rabbi wa atubu ilayh’ and leading among those who chanted the loudest were Habib Karani, Ramazan Khamis Damji and Musa Datoo. It had a vibrating effect. Even today when an old timer visits the mosque it ought to remind him of those nights, and the echo felt. On the 23rd night 100 rakat namaaz was as good as a must and during its half session fresh orange juice and tea served. The shabe kadr amaal stretched up to 27th Ramazan when Ismail Subzali Thawer traditionally volunteered dakhu as well as iftar for both Nai as well as Junni members.

The minara, built in the 1940s and raised on the corner of the sahan is Zanzibar’s landmark and in fact one of its highest structures. It commanded spectacular view. The staunch Habib Karani climbed up to its top twice daily, noon and dusk, to deliver the call for prayers (azan). The minara would become the center of attraction on the eve of eid when many climbed it to view the new moon. Even then the dakhu spree did not end. The final one came on the eid night itself from Hassanali Dossa who treated the gathering after the eid amaal with pilao na halua. On eid morning after the eid namaaz the humble Agha Muravvij would mildly start his khutba in Gujarati with the delivery "Aje eidno divas che, aje khushino divas che". The khutba was followed by ziyarate Varisa by the lovely voiced Hassanali Dhalla. Then began the usual eid greetings in the mosque and the sahan with mostly the kissing of hands among each others rather than the mere shake hands.

Another event celebrated with great festivity in the earlier days was eide Zahra or the ninth Rabiulawwal khushali. A grand feast used to be held at Saunbaag on Hollis Road which was under the trusteeship of Nai Misid. Saunbaag was a recreational spot where many community members gathered on khushalis and holidays, recited maulud and held feasts.

One of the properties under Nai Misid’s joint trusteeship was the magnificent Nasser Noormohamed Dispensary. Its functioning and administration was testimony to its discipline. Mohamedali Merali and the bespectacled pipe smoking Alimohamed would attentively peer through the thick register and pick the patient’s card from the pile of cards, and also deliver the respective number tag which had to be strictly adhered to. There was no favoritism. The smiling doctor checked with caring intention. He hardly injected and there was no commercial motivation. The dispensary was charitable and the charges minimal. X-rays, blood-test or for that matter the complicated illnesses of today were not heard of, and in fact life expectancy two fold higher than today. The common prescription was puri (powder) and the colored medicine. The compounders Husain (Madawa) and Fida Mamu Molu would then carefully grind the tablets into puri, prepare the colored mixtures into medicine and label the doses on the bottle. The fever vanished within no time. The most arduous job was Hasani’s, the ever efficient male nurse whose small room was at one end of the dispensary. He would apply colorful medicine on a cut or a boil, and then bandaged it up with his unique way of tightening the knot. He would even hand over a small pack of malam (ointment) if prescribed. Also the bandage had to be changed on regular bases when he would vigorously clean the wound. The cut or boil heeled in few days time. The dispensary was meant for all the Khojas.

For that matter the members of the other sect also frequented Mehfile Muhibbane Husain at Mtendeni, which thus came to acquire the name Mehfile Private. It was also run by a member of the other sect, Abdulrasul Pira, who converted himself only later on joining Nai Misid, and hence the mehfil came to be associated with Nai Misid. Eventually it was managed by the residents of Alladinjo Maro who held majlises there in the late afternoons of Muharram.

A group of Bahrainis ascending  the long flight of wooden  stairs on their way to Nai Imambara.

Another mehfil to be served with the members of Nai Misid was Mehfile Panjatan located on the outskirts. Initially it was Ali Kermali and later the brothers Mohamedali and Abdulrasul Karim Jetha. Its evening majlises in Moharram recited by Mulla Suleman(Mulla Karo) were well attended and its speciality was vara chatni nyaaz, but the favorite of all was its muthia, which drew bigger crowd. Its striking feature was Mohamedhusain Kermali Dharamsi (Babu Dharamsi) standing beside the water filled drum and graciously offering water in the metallic cups. From there many packed themselves inside Mohamed Pira’s matwana to be dropped at Junni Chungani for majlis and chai na Marie biscuit.

The Nai members always exalted at the majlises of the three generations of Seyyed Aqas, Ghulamhusain, Nisarhusain and Raza. I vividly recall Seyyed Aqa Raza’s visits sometime in the late 1950s and later in the early 1960s when his highly emotional rendition had the Nai imambara vibrating, and the congregation spellbound. It was extraordinarily out of this world. Strangely Seyyed Nisarhusain was succeeded as peshimam by the majestic Agha Sayyed Najafi Marashi who got associated with Nai Misid when he happened to be the son in law of Agha Seyyed Abdulhusain Marashi.

Eventually came the humble Agha Muravvij who unlike all the other Aghas of Zanzibar had no inherent connection whatsoever with Seyyed Abdulhusain Marashi or Sayyed Husain Shustari.

The majlis reciters besides Sayaed Aqas through Nai Misid’s long history included Abdulrasul Lakha, Abdulrasul Datoo, Dewji Dhanji, Hassanali Dori, Abdulrasul Dewji, Ahmed Lakha, Ahmed Datoo, Mohamed Sheriff (Master Sheriff), Raza Karim and Sheni Lakha. In Muharram the services of Mustafa Bhallu and Abdulrasul Bhallu (Datchu) of Junni were sought to fervently lead the saf matam.

The veteran Karim Allarakhia excelled at the recitation of jiski majlises held at the deceased’s residence on the night of the burial and attended by almost everyone. The death announcement would be heralded by the powerfully voiced Dharamsi’s frightful and loud cry of "Makamte halo bhai" which sent shudders down our spines. Downstairs at the residence white cloth would be covered on the wall or furniture and fatehakhani held for three days attended by the community members who paid their respect reciting the qoran juzu. There was nothing like mayyat committee at Nai Misid. Individuals merely volunteered to give ghusle mayyat and notable among them were Husein Mhegji and Ladhu Gariali. The ghusal would normally be given at the residence and also the janaza cortege proceeded from the house rather than the mosque. The lonely widows with no kith and kin or no means of support would be made to live in bewakhana located in one corner of Kiponda/Malindi and built in 1932 by a prominent Nai member Mohamed Allarakhia Shivji (Mammu Chiku).

We were entirely lost in the past and right there before us stood the desolate Nai Misid. It was haunting and provided fundamental pathos. Our eyes were filled with tears. The cruel time had brought the end to the glory in Nai Misid. Its great decors may still be there but the old touch is missing, in fact they are now falling into decay. Its tiny jamaat, which is reduced to almost nonentity, still abides by its legacy and traditions. It is run by Abbas Mohamed Sheriff and patronized by Zulfiqar Habib Karani who from Dar es Salaam tends to finance nyaaz every now and then. The small attendance comprises mainly Bahrainis but that liveliness of the past when there were almost 1000 members remains no more.

In one corner there stood the sheltered spot where namaze janaza used to be performed. On Thursdays hadise kisah and marshia would be recited there and chai na samosa served when the neighboring African children collected themselves to fetch their share. By its side was the well from where the caretaker Mze Husaini would draw water into the buckets to be poured over the graves. Around there were trees and their leaves fluttered, and the birds twittered. All of that remained no more and the entire site transformed. In its place is laid a newly built mosque by the nearby African residents. All the graves had disappeared except one or two broken ones with their bricks scattered here and there, and that was where we recited fateha and yasin.

As we sailed off from Zanzibar its picturesque scenery was apparent and even affording us the view of the Nai Misid minara in the far distance that seemed bidding us adieu. Interestingly today the majority Zanzibar Ithnaasries, wherever they may be, are in complete ignorance of their ancestry. What an irony that the Zanzibar influence after three generations succeeded in obliterating the supposed ancestral feud but failed even after the lapse of six generations to resolve the Nai-Junni differences. We are about to see the millennium end and seemingly the concerned authority also intent on Nai’s merger. Whatever that be, it is a humble plea from the old timers to whosoever to preserve its sanctity and guard its memorabilia.

What a remarkable history! Just like its Junni counterpart Nai also has its paradoxes and surprises. Its contents have been based on insights and reminiscences. My special thanks to brother Sajjad Musa Lakha for some of the recollections. And of course to my old mother who from her bed keeps visualizing Nai Misid with nostalgic recounting of its glory. May God bless them.

The Education Board of the Africa Federation has suggested three local Universities where students in East Africa can consider pursuing further education. The Universities which have been mentioned in the Board’s November,1999 newsletter are the University of Dar es Salaam, the Tumaini University in Kilimanjaro region and the Zanzibar University.

For the University of Dar es Salaam, the deadline for submission of application forms is 31 December, 1999. The telephone numbers for the University are 410500/1-9.

The Tumaini University (Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College) offers Diploma, Certificate, Post Graduate and Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree programmes. For the MD programme applications are invited from October to December each year. Further enquiries can be made through:

The Director,
P.O. Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania.
Tel: (255-55) 54377/83
Fax: (255-51) 54381
Email: jhunter@maf.org

Students interested to go to Moshi can contact the Education Board for more details on issues like accomodation etc. The Education Board’s telephone numbers are: (255-51) 150897 or 150964. Its Email contact is: federation@raha.com.

The Zanzibar University is a private institution which offers the following degree courses:
*The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA Marketing)
* The BBA (Accounting and Finance)
* Bachelor of Law and Sharia.

This University, in co-operation with the Netherland’s based Euro-African Management Research Centre (EAMARC) has established a centre for small business development, which is called the Zanzibar University Centre for African Business Research and Development.

Further enquiries can be chanelled to:
The Zanzibar University
P.O. Box 2440, Zanzibar.
Tel: 054-232642; Fax: 0811-338174
Email: zanuni@twiga.com

On 7th August 1999, the Ahle Bait (A.S) Propagation Organisation of Mauritius organised a Prize Giving Ceremony at the Yusuf Ali Hall, Khadafi Square, Port Louis, to reward winners and participants of a Written Quiz Competition. The Competition was open to all children of the Community and sixteen entries were received.

The Ceremony was attended by all participants accompanied by their parents. The Programme was chaired by Brother Hassan Abbas Adamjee and started at 3.30 p.m with recitation of the verses of the Holy Qur’an by Miss Farheen Fatemah Rajani who is five years old. Soon after, Mr Adamjee welcomed all to the ceremony and expressed appreciation of the Managing Committee to the good response by the participants in the competition. Adamjee attributed praise to the parents, especially mothers who spared time to enable their children to participate. Adamjee also stressed on the importance of secular and Islamic education saying that the community should never sacrfice children’s Islamic education because of Secular education or vice versa.

Husain Bhai Maklai then recited a Qaseeda in praise of our Holy Prophet Hazrat Mohammad Mustapha (S.A.W). Tahera Kassamally Esmael then addressed the gathering. She too talked about the importance of Education for our children. She announced that with the collaboration of the Managing Committee of the Organisation, she would start a Madrassa where Islamic education would be imparted to children. She invited all mothers present to get their children enrolled.

Masoomally Vallimohmed of Madagascar then recited Qaseeda and he was followed by Hisham Abbasse Kassamally who recited a Qaseeda in Praise of Imam Husain (A.S) in French. Miss Narjis Fatema Kassamally Esmael and Sadaf Fatma Gulam Husen also recited a Qaseeda in Praise of Imam Husain (A.S).

Shabbir Husein Rajani, the Secretary of the Organisation then address the gathering. He stressed on parents to encourage and teach their children the recitation of the Holy Qur’an and Namaz as from a very young age saying that it is esentially the responsibily of parents to start the education of their children at home. Brother Shabbir then invited Brother Hassan Abbas Adamjee to announce the results of the competition.

Thirteen participants obtained prizes from Husain Bhai Maklai, Masoomally Vallimohmed and Goolam Husein Kassamally Esmael, the Assistant Secretary of the Organisation. Two Runner Ups were also awarded and they are Miss Fatema Abdoola Cassim and Miss Sadaf Fatma Gulam Husen. They were offered their prizes by Brother Hassan Abbas Adamjee, the Chairman of the Ceremony. Finally Shabbir Husein Rajani awarded the winner of the competition who was Miss Narjis Fatema Kassamally Esmael.

A special Appreciation Award was also presented to Mrs Tahera Kassamally Esmael for her devotion in organising the programme and her initiative for establishing the Madrassa. Finally Masoomally Vallimohmed of Madagascar closed the programme with Salaams and Doas. Refreshments were then served.

The Ahle Bait (A.S) Propagation Organisation of Mauritius has in the past organised several essay competitions on occasions like the Birth Anniversary of the Holy Prophet (SAW), the Birth Anniversary of Hazrat Ali (A.S.) and the Martyrdom of Imam Husain (A.S.).

Nairobi's Aasif Karim (36) announced his retirement from competitive sports in August, 1999 upon return from England where he captained the Kenya National team for the Cricket World Cup.

The news of his retirement after two and a half decades of an illustrious sports career was given prominent footage by the Kenyan press and media.

For the two decades he played cricket Aasif was an automatic choice for the Kenya national team. He made his debut in 1980 during a tour of Zimbabwe and subsequently played in all the ICC Trophy tournaments in 1986 (England), 1990 (the Netherlands), 1994 (Nairobi) and 1997 (Malaysia).

He first captained Kenya in 1993 against Zimbabwe in a match which the Kenyans won. In the next few years he played for the national team but not as captain. He retained his captainship in 1997 when Kenya was granted a One Day International (ODI) status.

He remained captain when Kenya hosted Zimbabwe and Bangladesh in a tri-nation tournament and when they toured India in 1998 for another tourney featuring the hosts and Bangla- desh. Kenya then registered a milestone victory over India in the preliminaries but lost to them in the final.

The same year Kenya under Karim went to the Commonwealth Games in Malaysia. There they lost to New Zealand and Pakistan but beat Scotland. Karim remained captain during the tour of Kenya by MCC last January which Kenya won 4-0. His captaincy continued during a tri-nation tournament last February in Bangladesh which Zimbabwe won. Here Kenya beat Bangladesh in their home ground for the first time.

His elder brother, Aarif, was stronger in tennis and Aasif had to wait until he went to the USA for him to win the Coast Open, a title he held a firm grip on until moving to Nairobi in 1991. Aarif was the Coast champion in 1978 and 1979 before heading to the US on a tennis scholarship.

When in action, the Karim brothers were a delight to watch and their 1985 Coast Open doubles victory is particularly memorable. The Karim youngsters continued where their father, Yusuf Karim, left. Their father dominated the Mombasa Residents Tennis Cup for 25 years from 1951 and 1976.

Yusuf Karim during his hey days

In tennis, Yusuf Karim played for Kenya against Egypt in 1975 and was also a member of the cricket team of Kenya Asians which played their South African counterparts in 1958.

He won the Mombasa Tennis Singles Championship 17 times, doubles 12 times and Mixed Doubles 10 times. His record in the Kenya Coast Open Championship was equally outstanding. He won 13 Singles titles, 8 Mens Doubles titles and 4 Mixed Doubles titles. In 1964, he won the Singles, Doubles and Mixed Double titles in the Tanzania Open Championship.

Yusuf was a self-made tennis champion and his 17 successive Singles Titles in the Mombasa Championships is perhaps a world record. He was once nominated Tennis Player of the Year and was awarded the "Dunlop Vase" by the Kenya Lawn Tennis Association.

In cricket he captained Jaffery Club's First Eleven side for some years and in volleyball he was an outstanding player in the centre with a regular place in the Club's First Eleven.

Driving a Nissan Silvia 200SX, Hussein Yusuf (Jettex) and navigator Akhtar Nayani won the First Mobitel Millenium Rally which was contested by 23 cars from Kenya and Tanzania. The three day rally covered a distance of 1500 kms. of which 750 km. covered competitive stretches including the notorious Usambara Mountains.

Akhtar Nayani (43), son of Shaukatali and Fatma Nayani is married with three sons and a daughter. He said the rally was tough and tricky and it wasn't easy competing against experienced Kenyan drivers with better vehicles.

Akhtar began his rallying career in 1987 and has participated in over 26 rallies. His record as a Navigator is:

With Hussein Yusuf (Jettex):
2nd. ---Nat. Rally Championship 1993
1st. --- Nat. Rally Championship 1994
1st. ---GT Mount Meru Rally 1994
1st. --- TOTAL Morogoro 500 1994
1st. --- 7UP Usambara Rally 1994
2nd --- Coca Cola Safari Rally 1996
2nd. Overall --- 1996 Championship 1st. --- 3rd. Vimto Rally DSM. 1997
2nd.-- Arusha Motor Sports Club 1997
1st.-- Arusha 500 Motor Rally 1998
1st. -- Morogoro 500 Rally 1998
2nd. --- Sunvic 500 Rally Arusha 1999

With other drivers (in brackets):
5th.-- Bobby Soap Safari Rally in 1987 (M.T. Virani)
2nd.--Fahari Bottlers Ltd. (TMSC) in 1988 (M.T. Virani)
2nd. -- Heart Foundation Motor Rally in 1988 (M.T. Virani)
1st. -- Baisakhi Motor Rally in 1989 (M.T. Virani)
Finisher -- Tanzania 1000 in 1990 (M.T. Virani)
3rd. -- Baisakhi Motor Rally (TMSC) in 1991 (M.T. Virani)
4th. -- Finisher 7th. Safari Rally AAT in 1993 (M.T. Virani)
4th. -- Finisher Bobby Safari Rally in 1993 (M.T. Virani)
6th. -- Agip 500 Motor Rally in 1998 (M.Zaki Fazal)
3rd. -- Mohamed Virani Memorial Rally in 1998 (Kirit Pandya)

National Standings (AAT):
1st. -- National Rally Champions 1994
2nd. -- National Rally Champions 1996
1st. -- National Rally Navigator 1998

The National Rally Championship is contested through a points system.

Winners Akhtar Nayani (right) and Hussein Yusuf

In 1987, Akhtar also took part in the world famous Kenya Safari Rally with Taki Virani. When asked how expensive rallying is, he said that rallying in East Africa is not lucrative particularly if sponsors are lacking. He said cars use jet fuel which barely give 2.5 km. per litre and along with that each car requires at least two service vehicles and about a dozen servicemen.

Akhtar said rallying is quite popular among community members in Tanzania. He recalled prominent drivers including Late Mohamedali Virani, Mohamed Taki Virani, Mohamed Zaki Fazal, Mustafa Haji, Rauf Dawood, Murtaza Moloo and Late Shabbir Ebrahim. He also mentioned about two navigators, Salim Kassam and Mrs. Minaz Arif Zaman.

Akhtar also plays squash and previously played cricket for Union Sports Club.

Hasnain joined Union Sports Club in 1995 having been encouraged by cricket stalwarts like Mohamed Nathoo, Bashir Tejani, Abdulrasul Bhalloo (Uncle Datchu) and Mahmood Rahim. He also recalls recent support and encouragement from senior cricket players like Jimy Peera, Ibarahim Jacksi and Shakir Sherali.

At national level, Hasnain made his debut with the Tanzanian National under 19 Cricket Squad at a tournament in Nairobi in February 1997. The squad played against Denmark, Kenya and Uganda. Tanzania lost all three matches but Hasnain cherishes the first experience he gained on the International Cricket scene.

In October, 1999 Hasnain represented the Tanzanian National Cricket Team in the Quadrangular Cricket Tournament held in Dar Es Salaam. Tanzania won the prestigious trophy and Hasnain was presented the " Man of the Match Award" for his superb innings against the Malawians.

Hasnain currently captains the Union "A" team in Dar Es Salaam. When asked about his Cricket Career, Hasnain admits he loves cricket but gives priority to his studies. He is presently studying for his "A" levels at the West London Learning Centre in Dar Es Salaam and thereafter aims to pursue "Post Graduate" studies in computer and information science.

The Re-Union Jamaat which consists of about 1500 members hosted a historic football tournament from 20 July, 1999 to 30 July, 1999 wherein three teams took part, namely Union Sports Club from Dar es Salaam, Madagascar and Re-Union. Re-Union is an Island in the Indian Ocean near Mauritius and some distance from Madagascar.

A farewell ceremony was organised for the Union team on 19th July, 1999 during which the Vice-Chairman of the Africa Federation, Mohamedbhai Pirbhai called on the team to uphold sportsmanship and to be good ambassadors. This ceremony was also attended by the Chairman of the Ithna-ashery Union, Mohamed Nathoo, Union Sports Club Chairman, Naushad Ladha and various officials of the Dar es Salaam Jamaat. All traveling players and officials attended this ceremony.

Matches were played on a league basis with a rule that penalties would decide a drawn game. In the first game Union played Madagascar. The score after 90 minutes was 2-2 and after the penalty shoot-out Union won 4-2.

The next day Union played against Re-Union and won 3-2 to emerge champions. Madagascar were runners-up after they beat Re-Union.

On the day after the final, the Union team was taken on a tour of Re-Union Island by the President of the jamaat, Raza Ally Asgaraly. At night the presentation ceremony was held at the Imam Barghaa wherein the winners were awarded and appreciation gifts were shared.

As Re-Union and Madagascar are islands off the African continent, they conveniently referred to the Union team as "Africa".

The Union team returned to Dar es Salaam after spending two nights in Mauritius and one night in Nairobi.