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New Complex for Nakuru
The Nakuru Jamat has embarked on a new project to construct a Mosque, Imambara, Alim's residence, Musafarkhana and two flats on one acre of land at a proposed cost of KShs. 17,100,000/- (appx. US$ 300,000). Work for the first phase which also includes the mosque has commenced and the Jamaat is seeking donations to enable building work to carry on uninterrupted.
Awards galore at Mombasa Jaffery Election night
The Annual General Meeting of Mombasa Jaffery Sports Club was held on 4 April, 1997 with a good attendance. On the same night, there was also a presentation of annual awards and a few awards not presented during the Club's 75th Anniversary celebrations.
Committee Members: Salim Khaku, Mohsin Khaku, Zahid Datoo, Ebrahim Jaffer, Munir Jagani, Abbas Nazerali and Aunal Kanji (IMM Past Chairman)
Trustees for the year 1997/99: Moh’d Jaffer Khaku, Amir Kassamali,
Haider M T Kanji and Naushad Jiwa.
Governor Khaku...
The Golden Crescent Group (GCG) Mombasa District inducted Cr. Abbas G. Khaku as the new Governor on 12 April, 1997. He took over from past Governor Cr. Mohamedhusein Somji.
In his inaugural address, Cr. Abbas said he would vie to revive dormant districts of the Group and to consolidate philanthropic activities. Others on the committee are: Ahmed R. Karim (Deputy Governor), Mustafa M. Haji (Secretary), Zakir Pirbhai (Treasurer), Abdulraza Molu, Mustafa Tharoo, Rizwan Khimji and Mohamedabbas Somji (Members).
On the same day a treasure hunt was organised and a Senior Citizen project was launched for male members over 55 years. The first outing took place on 13 April, 1997 with 40 participants.
Blood donated in Dar
On 17 May, 1997 which was Ashura Day, 123 community blood donors from the Dar es Salaam Jamaat donated blood at the Ebrahim Haji Charitable Hospital to commemorate the Martyrdom of Imam Husain (a.s.).
Of these 111 were male and 12 female, for whom a separate room monitored by the Union ladies Section was arranged. Six donors, three male and three female, were rejected because of being either underweight, under age, too old or due to low blood pressure.
The exercise which was organised by the Ithna-Asheri Union Volunteer Corps under their Convenor, Nazeem Jaffer and with the supervision of Dr. Karim Premji and some seven technical staff from the Muhimbil Medical Centre, saw 117 half pint blood bottles being collected. This was donated to the Muhimbili Medical Centre Blood Bank.
Kinshasa Foundation consolidates activities
The early Islamic tableegh activities for the local population in Kinshasa started with the inauguration of the first Shia Mosque and the arrival of (late) Maulana Mohammad Ishaq Najfi as the first resident Aalim for the KSI Jamaat there in 1985.
After the departure of Maulana Mohammad Ishaq Najfi, due to his ill health in 1987, activities remained idle until the arrival of another resident Aalim, Maulana Syed Raza Haider Rizvi in 1990. Unfortunately when he was about to establish a permanent Madressa for the local people, riots in Kinshasa compelled Maulana to leave for Pakistan. He is now resident Aalim for the Idara-e-Jaafariya in London.
Thereafter activities suffered due to the long absence of a permanent resident Aalim in wake of the uncertain political situation. In 1993, another resident Aalim, Maulana Sheikh Zahid Hussain for the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri restarted tableegh activities. He was resident Aalim for the Jamaat until June, 1996 but from August, 1996, he became involved full time in propagating the teachings of Islamic theology in Kinshasa through the Al-Qaim Islamic Foundation. To date some 700 people have converted to Jaafariya Faith and are now studying at different Madressas in Kinshasa.
Activities include religious education teaching, social training like electrician and tailoring courses to enable students to independently earn a livelihood, conducting of daily Zohrain prayers and weekly Jumaa prayers and the establishment of a polyclinic called Clinic Zainabia Centre to cater for the medical needs of students and their families.
Every Sunday, students from different Madressas gather at the main AL-QAIM CENTER where they recite the Holy Qur'an, duas and Zohrain prayers. This enables students to exchange views and know each other better. Recently karate training was also introduced and plans are also underway to establish an Academic Education Centre.
Mombasa Jaffery Academy introduces computers to pre-school children
Computers being part of everyday life, the earlier the advantage the child has in getting familiar to this tool, the better. With this aim in mind, the KSI Education Board has now introduced pre-school age children to computers at their Jaffery Nursery School. A total of three computers have been donated to the school by Hon. Sajjad M. Rashid, Assistant Minister of Science and Technology.
Rashid handed over the computers to Mohammed Iqbal Sunderji, Chairman of the KSI Education Board, who in turn forwarded them to Mrs. K. Hatim, the headmistress of the school. Sunderji thanked Sajjadbhai Rashid for his generous donation and expressed hope that the computers would help improve children’s concentration span and problem solving techniques besides giving them a lot of fun.
The computers are placed in a specially designed Activity room of the Nursery School. This is a unique room fully furnished with all sorts of Nursery School play things and apparatus recommended for use by Montessori Training Institutions.
Iran condoled
The Supreme Council Chairman, Mohamed Dhirani conveyed a message of condolence to Iran on behalf of the Community in Africa when a major earthquake devastated the Khorasan Province there on 10 May, 1997. The following is the text of the letter written to the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Tanzania, As-Sayyed Abdulkadir Neemat Ghaderi.
"We are very much distressed to have learnt of the devastating earthquake which took place in Biryand Khorasan Province during the weekend. We also very much regret to have noted the devastating effect of the earthquake which has left thousands dead and homeless.
On this occasion of the calamity we express our deep sorrow and request you to convey our expression of sympathies to the Rahbar of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatullah Al-Ozma As-Sayyid Ali Khamanei, the President Ayatullah Alhaj Ali Akber Hashemi Rafsanjani and the peoples of Iran.
We join you all in our prayers to Allah (S.W.T.) that He grants patience and courage to the victims and success to the Government in its attempt to help the victims and the bereaved families."
Dar to host 8th Supreme Council Sports Festival
At this stage Jamaats have only been asked to confirm on their interest to participate following which further details will be sent out to them.
New Kiswahili book counters accusations against Shiasm
Over the last two decades there has been a lot of negative propaganda against Shiasm. Some Kiswahili booklets have been written by the Shi’a writers to rebut such false accusations but there was no book in Kiswahili to review the whole structure of Wahhabism to expose their weakness and retort against baseless accusations.
A 408 page book, Uchunguzi juu ya Uwahhabbi now fills this gap adequately. It is the Swahili translation of the Arabic book, Al-Wahhabiyah fil Mizan (by the well-known scholar of Qum, al-Ustadh Shaykh Ja’far Subhani). The translation has been done by Shaykh Musabbah Shaabani Mapinda and the book is published by the Ahlul Bayt (A.S.) Assembly of Tanzania (P.O. Box 75215, Dar Es Salaam). It has been thoroughly checked by Allamah Sayyid Saeed Akhtar Rizvi, Chairman of ABATA.
The Swahili-speaking Muslims have never seen such a comprehensive and convincing book on this subject. The book has twenty chapters in addition to three Forwards and an Epilogue. It explains the following topics which are the source of dissent between the Wahhabis on one hand and the Shi’as and other Muslims on the other.
The book is a must for all Shias especially the new coverts as it provides them with sufficient knowledge to combat the every day accusations against Shia beliefs and traditions. This book is also a caution to those wrongly accusing Shiasm and provides them an opportunity to make amends and if need be, to seek dialogue for enlightenment on issues that they do not agree with. The Tabligh Sub-Committee of Dar es Salaam Jamaat has launched a ‘Sponsorship Scheme’ by way of which our brethren can pledge for the cost of one or more copies for the sawab of their beloved Marhumeen. To date 500 copies have been sponsored and those wishing to pledge for further copies can do so by contacting:
CHB seeks information on death
The Central Health Board of the Supreme Council (CHB) is in the process of establishing a data base to enable it identify the common causes of death in our community in Africa. The statistics are expected to engender apt health care and preventive programmes focused on the more frequent causes of death with an objective of preventing early deaths.
Pertinent forms have been sent to all Jamaats with a request the data be updated and sent on a quarterly basis and to ensure confidentiality, the Jamaats have been given a discretion of providing data without the names of the deceased. The first report is due in from all Jamaats by 30 June, 1997.
To emphasise the importance of having returns from all Jamaats, the CHB has given a point of reference to the United States where the introduction of a special programme some 10 years ago has led to a successful reduction in the rate of deaths caused by heart attacks by 45%.
It has also recommended Jamaats which do not maintain death registration books to do so immediately.
Zakireen Seminar looks into ways to keep people from staying away from majlises
A Zakireen seminar was organised by the Tabligh sub-committee of the Dar es salaam Jamaat at the ladies Imambara on 4 May, 1997. The theme of the seminar, "Preparing For 21st. Century Audience" focused on two areas; "Responsibility of Zakireen" (Molvis, Mullas, Mulyani), a paper eloquently presented by a Zakirah, Mrs. Fatim Dewji and "Our Needs and the Traditional Majalis", a paper presented by a resplendent speaker and Zakir, Muslim Bhanji.
In his opening address, the Chairman of the seminar, Habibbhai Mulji (the past Africa Federation Chairman) asked participants to consider the problems facing our community on this issue with the intention of coming up with pragmatic solutions. He added that many "samieen" (the audience, literally the listeners) come to Majalis only for thawab. He said that community members need to motivated to attend Majalis by other reasons as well, like to learn Islam, its principles, morality, history etc. He invited all to give their frank and sincere opinions on this issue.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Dar es Salaam Jamaat, Asgher Bharwani paid tribute to the Zakireen for their contribution towards raising religious knowledge and moral values in the community. He pledged full support of the Jamaat towards the activities of the Zakireen and praised the Tabligh Sub Committee for effectively initiating and coordinating action plans.
Mrs. Dewji’s paper emphasised on the personal responsibility of Zakireen to make our Majalis less traditional and more effective. In this context, she also emphasised on the need for Zakir/Zakirah to uplift their personal conduct so as to reflect and portray Islamic principles and ideals that they preached from the pulpit.
Muslim Bhanji bemoaned on the lack of adequate local and professional Zakireen who are dedicated to full-time tabligh work in the community. Besides tabligh through Majalis, he proposed other educational media be used like the hosting of regular seminars on specific topics including child up-bringing, drug abuse, successful marriage and the like. He also suggested on publishing books and making our secular academic institutions religious-oriented.
In the group discussions that were held after the speeches, the main recommendations included:
In his closing statement, the Chairman of the Tabligh sub-committee of Dar es Salaam Jamaat, Dr. Shiraz Datoo expressed hope that the recommendations from the deliberations that ensued from the session would be implemented soon. A video copy of the proceedings is available from the Tabligh Sub Committee.
The Community learnt with profound shock and deep regret the untimely and sad demise of Dr. Hassan Pyarali Ahmad Sikiladha in a fatal road accident which occured between Dar es Salaam and Tanga while he was travelling in a bus on 7 June, 1997, 1 Safar 1418. Marhum was the son of Pyarali Ahmad Sikiladha of Tanga, the brother of Hussain Pyarali of Dubai, U.A.E., and the brother of Murtaza Pyarali and Mohammad Ja’far Pyarali, both of Dar es Salaam,Tanzania. Marhum was buried on Sunday, 8 June l997 in Tanga.
His death is a big loss to not only his family but the whole community. He was a kind and dedicated person and his exemplary services to the Tanga Jamaat and the Jaffery Charitable Dispensary there will be remembered for a long time. He has left behind a vacuum which will not be easy to fill.
The late Dr. Hassan was the Central Health Board (CHB) Zonal representative for Tanga region and was amongst those who successfully and enthusiastically participated in the first Medical Convention held in Dar es Salaam in March, 1997.
May Allah (s.w.t.) behakke Chaharda Masoomen (a.s.) rest his soul amongst His chosen ones and may He grant the family solace to sustain this loss. Amen. Let us remember Marhum with Sura-e-Fateha.
Mombasa Youth Camp and Seminar a success
A two day Youth Camp and Seminar was organised in Mombasa at the Kanamai Conference centre on 26 and 27 April, 1997 by the Education and Debate section of the Ithnaasheri Young Mens Union (IYMU) under its dynamic head Muntazir Dhanji. The Camp attracted 68 youths of whom 11 boys came from Tanga. the youths were aged between 16 and 35 years.
The Seminar was opened by the Chairman of IYMU, Mehboob Virjee and chaired by Mustafa Tharoo, a Practicing lawyer in Mombasa. The Seminar Co-ordinator was Dr. Murtaza Rashid. Two papers, one on Role of Majlis in present day times by Mulla Mohamed Kassamali from Nairobi and another on Rites of Azadari: Practice and impact by Fazleabbas A. Datoo of Mombasa were presented.
The Youth Camp was also spirited with sports activities which included surprise games like arm-wrestling whilst in the morning there was a diathlon (swimming and running). Discipline was well maintained at the camp even after participants called it a day in the cottages on the beach. Jamat prayers were conducted by Mulla Mehdi and Br. Fazel.
The Camp and Seminar were a great success and participants expressed hope that similar programmes would be held in future. The organisers hope to make the next such Camp more international with participants coming from more Jamaats.
It's Stanford for Murtaza
Dar es Salaam based Murtaza Akber Alimohamed graduated in 1994 with a First Division National 'O' Level Examinations pass at the Mzizima Secondary School and then undertook a two-year scholarship course at the International School of Tanganyika (IST) for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Course where he won top awards in some academic subjects and excelled in extra-curricular activities.
He captained the IST Quiz team to two consecutive victories in the annual Inter-school Brainbuster Quiz Championships for which he was awarded return air tickets to London each time.
He has now been awarded a scholarship by Stanford University to attend a four year course in medicine. Stanford is one of the best Universities in the United States. Of the 1700 international students who applied for scholarship, only 35 have been offered admission and Murtaza is one of them. Murtaza had earlier also received scholarship offers from four other universities. It is believed that he will be the first Tanzanian student to attend Stanford University.
He attributes his success to hard work and faith in Allah (SWT) and has expressed willingness to help other students wishing to have more information on further education. We wish him good luck in his career.
Education Board calls for maximum Jamaat co-operation to enhance communal education
During the Career Training Programme (CTP) held in Mombasa from 28 July, 1996 to 3 August, 1996 (see full report in the Samachar November, 1996 issue) the Education Board of the Supreme Council had called upon Jamaats to undertake a census of all students in their jurisdiction and to interview students in Forms 4, 5 and 6 to verify their career plans and financial needs, if any. Jamaats were also asked to compile a list of students who achieve outstanding qualifications and to organise seminars and workshops for parents and students. Jamaats were further asked to compile and send summarised data of courses offered by colleges, institutes and universities in their region along with names and details of scholarship philanthropists in their area. Only four Jamaats have so far responded, namely Mombasa, Arusha, Nakuru and Tanga and the Education Board has reiterated that unless there is a response from a Jamaat, students from that Jamaat cannot benefit from its services.
As Tanga Jamaat was unable to attend the CTP, Ahmed Daya, Mzee M.M.D. Kermalli, Habib Yusufali and Bwana Ali Sheriff travelled on behalf of the EB to Tanga to provide students career guidance and enlighten them on the Career libraries set up in Mombasa, Dar es salaam and Arusha. Another follow-up was undertaken in February, 1997 by Bwana Ali Sheriff who visited Dar es salaam, Mombasa and Arusha Jamaats and noted that Career libraries had been set up with latest books and were run under able teachers. Similar Centres are also expected in Nairobi and Tanga.
The Education Board was also ably represented by Bw. Ali Sheriff during the Nakuru (Boys) and Nairobi (Girls) Camps held between 21 December, 1996 and 3 January, 1997. He spent a week at each Camp to guide some 240 students on suitable careers using new techniques as agreed during the Mombasa CTP session. He also briefed 20 Instructors on the need and usefulness of individual Career Guidance Sessions with students. The latest Career materials were used including the KUDOS computer programme which is available at the Mombasa, Dar es Salaam and Arusha Career Libraries.
The EB Chairman, Hussein Rashid and Honorary Secretary, Shabbir Alidina visited the Nakuru Camp on 28 December, 1996 and the Nairobi Camp on 3 January, 1997. They met instructors and students and informed them of the activities of the EB and finally answered questions from students. The Chairman also addressed the closing session held on 4 January, 1997 in Nairobi.
