Mulla Asgherali M. M. Jaffer
His Legacy and Our Future

During the period from the 1980’s and beyond, when Islam within the UK and elsewhere in Europe was often depicted as adversarial and threatening, he was able to present Islam to Muslims and non-Muslims alike, in a manner that brought understanding and accommodation between people of different faiths. History will judge this profound role, of spreading the message of the Ahlulbait (a.s), as a force of good at a time of major uncertainty due to the distressing displacements of our own community from Uganda. This displaced and deprived community settled in Europe and North America; an event that may prove to be of benefit in the Islamic religious awakening in the West.

The displaced Khoja Shia Ithna Asheries from Uganda arrived in the UK in 1972 carrying very little with them. They had to leave behind much of what they had owned. They were soon facing new challenges in their new environment. It was here that Marhum Mullasaheb’s presence in Europe provided the necessary guidance and direction to progress. Imambadas, masjids and madressas needed to be established at a rapid pace in order to prevent unIslamic influences to creep within and divert our vulnerable community members. Work to this end began and soon centres at Peterborough, Birmingham, Leicester and London (Hammersmith) were acquired which functioned as Imambaras. That was just the beginning. 

A great deal of effort went into establishing new multi-purpose centres as well as expanding our existing centres to cater for the varieties of the socio-religious needs of our community. The effect of these projects was to cause a remigration amongst our people, but this time out of choice, from remote places to areas where the centres had appeared. The displaced and scattered community regrouped. Community life as we knew it was rekindled.

In the rest of Europe, a similar process was taking place. In Paris, the number of our community members had increased gradually and in time two beautiful centres have been built. In Switzerland too, our members gradually settled in different areas and centres appeared there as well. Those who came to Sweden in the exodus from Uganda also set up two centres, in Trollhattan and in Marsta. When the centre in Trollhattan was burnt down in an arson attack in 1994, a new one in its place was constructed within the year – a clear recognition of Islam being the priority for the community in the West. Throughout Europe, Islamic centres were being constructed and soon properties around many centres were purchased and extensions were being built. From nothing in 1972, our community now boasts 15 major centres and numerous others throughout Europe. A clear result of his far sighted guidance.

Today, a great deal has developed around our centres. Madressas soon appeared for teaching religious studies and evolved into workshops, combining theoretical learning with practical instructions. The emergence of libraries consolidated this academic development. Nursery schools have started to crop up within our centres. Educational seminars catered for the interests of young men and women are on the increase. Senior citizens’ programmes for the elders have become a regular weekly event in many centres. The centres are vibrant with activity. But that is not all. 

Alims from many Shia communities throughout Europe are united in the Council of Ulemas who has a collective responsibility on religious matters that affect our community. And lately, dhakirs from our own community have taken a leading role in defining challenges facing Muslims in the West and developing appropriate responses, always working closely with community leaders. The work of welfare with individuals was not neglected when their rising needs became a worrying concern to them. For example, many families within the community were affected by the changes in the social security laws. Their last port of call lied with the community offices of the World Federation. Assistance was duly given. As the value of centralisation of funds begin to be appreciated, many jamaats in Europe forward the money collected in the form of Khums, Sadka and Zakat to the WF, which provides greater might to the community.

Marhum Mullasaheb’s leadership did not limit itself to the Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri community in its services. Many Shia Ithna Asheries from India, Pakistan, Lebanon, Iran and Iraq settled in the UK, found themselves faced with similar problems as our own community. Through the WF, he helped many such communities to set up centres that have become the nucleus of their own community. Many centres now exist in London, the Midlands, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Edinborough and Glasgow. 

He did not stop just at Shias. He was instrumental in advocating co-operation with all Muslims. Under his leadership, the WF has become a national member of the Muslim Council of Britain and is playing its role in dealing with problems and injustices faced by all Muslims. And, he did not draw the line at Muslims either. He became involved with Interfaith, a group that has representatives from all major faith groups in the UK. Today, because of his timely guidance, the WF is recognised as a key Muslim organisation in the UK.

Under his leadership, the WF assisted in setting up numerous Islamic centres. It is not bold to say that his leadership has gone some way in keeping our own community united and has helped us pave the way for establishing links with other Shia communities. For, the WF has become involved and has co-operated with other Muslim organisations and it has affiliated with groups that represent all types of religion to explain the message of the Ahlulbait (a.s) He became a beacon amongst many in the West for rekindling the Islamic faith from within the Muslims, consolidating and then entrenching a spiritual foundation based on the teaching and direction given to us by the Holy prophet (s.a.w). As a result, one observes the presence of an Islamic identity having the soul of Islam within it. This was his legacy to the Muslim community in the West.

The history of our own community in Europe is very new. We were new to the land, its people and their culture, facing unprecedented challenges that needed to be met head on to ensure firstly, the survival and then the continuity of our people as an Islamic community. During this time, Marhum Mullasaheb’s leadership provided steadiness and stability and we acquired durable strength, meaningful purpose and direction. And upon this, we began to build an Islamic way of life. 

For us, this remains a continuous process as we constantly try to grapple with new and menacing threats that engulf us today. In an attempt to control these disintegrating forces that are at work in our community, we must resume the search for unity; and to this end, we must explore fully the deeper knowledge of our past and the present, in order to refashion ourselves to the enduring values of Islam and thus progress further to reach a higher peak in our development - as an individual and as a community. As the processes of unity take their form within the mind, we may expect to see a similar process of integration taking place in our institutions. But this change is not an automatic one. All of us must be eager to share our highest goods with the whole community – indeed, with all humanity – only then will we be able to transform our community and ourselves. There in lies our hope.

Dr Sibtain Panjwani
Secretary General