SAAJ Nairobi Honours Zarin Bai Naushad Merali

On the eve of 15^th Ramadhan - the auspicious celebration of Imam Hasan’s (AS) Khushali, SAAJ Nairobi had the honour of recognizing Zarin bai Merali with The Lady Kadija Award in appreciation of her unwavering dedication and service to the community. 

The citation on the award reads:“In recognition of your consistent support - financial and otherwise - towards the progress of the SAAJ community. You are truly an asset to our community. May Allah (SWT) bless you abundantly. Your reward lies with the Almighty.”

In addition, the newly revamped and renovated Kabrastan was acknowledged as a generous donation by Zarin bai, dedicated as Isaale Thawaab for her late husband, Marhum Dr. Naushad Merali, and other departed family members. 

Below are some photos of the renovated Kabrastan:

As we express our heartfelt appreciation for her continuous contributions, we pray to Allah (SWT) to grant her abundant barakah in her rizq and endless rewards for her generosity. May her example inspire us all to serve the community with sincerity and to contribute towards causes that earn the pleasure of our Imam of the time. Ameen.

Secretariat – SAAJ Nairobi

Africa Federation Archives - Part 2 - Defining Moments of the Supreme Council

As the Africa Federation grew, so too did the role of the Supreme Council. 

What began as a platform for unity gradually evolved into a space for structured dialogue, collective thinking and decisive action. The Council was no longer only reflecting on the community’s needs rather it was actively shaping its direction.

Over the years, the Supreme Council sessions have been hosted by different Jamaats across the region, each contributing to the spirit and success of these gatherings. From Mombasa to Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Kampala, Arusha, Nairobi, Moshi and Tanga these sessions reflect not just institutional continuity but the collective ownership of the Federation by its member Jamaats.

This sense of shared ownership naturally influenced not only where the Council met but also how it functioned. As the Federation matured, the format and character of the Supreme Council sessions began to evolve in response to this growing spirit of participation and engagement.

A clear example of this can be seen in the 75th Supreme Council Session held in 2014 where the format itself reflected this evolution. The session was not limited to formal reporting rather it comprised with a Forum designed to encourage thought, discussion and participation.

Three key papers were presented, each addressing areas central to the community’s future:

• Vision to the Future - Creating Sustainable Development

• Preparing for our future generation - Volunteerism, Diversity and Inclusion

• The Current Global Challenges & Religious Tensions

What made this approach significant was not just the themes, but the process that followed.

Participants were divided into groups, tasked with identifying key challenges and developing practical recommendations. These were then brought forward to the Supreme Council for deliberation ensuring that ideas moved beyond discussion into structured consideration and action.

This reflected an important shift: The Supreme Council had become not just a decision-making body but a platform that engaged minds, encouraged participation and built consensus.

The session also highlighted the growing interconnectedness of the community. Matters discussed were not confined to a single region; some were escalated to the World Federation for broader collaboration reflecting the increasingly global nature of the community’s outlook.

Alongside deliberations, the Council continued to uphold another important tradition which was the recognition of service. Individuals who had contributed selflessly to the development of the Federation were acknowledged and honoured reinforcing a culture where service and dedication remain at the heart of progress.

At its core, the Supreme Council session also retained its essential responsibilities of reviewing reports, discussing resolutions and evaluating progress across various boards.

But what stands out is how these responsibilities were carried out; not as routine processes but as part of a broader effort to ensure that the Federation remained responsive, forward-looking and aligned with the needs of its people.

From early conversations about unity to structured forums addressing global challenges, the journey of the Supreme Council reflects a continuous effort to adapt while remaining grounded in its purpose.

As the Africa Federation approaches 80 years of its establishment, these moments serve as reminders that progress has never been accidental. It has always been guided by collective thought, shared responsibility and a commitment to move forward together.

SECRETARIAT

ARCHIVES SECTION OF THE AFRICA FEDERATION

24^th April 2026 / 6^th Zilqaad 1447 AH

Al Ghadeer Centre – Bilal, Tanga - Project Progress Update

Alhamdulillah, the construction of Al Ghadeer Centre – Bilal Tanga officially commenced on 15^th January 2026. Since inception, the project has maintained steady progress in line with the planned schedule, supported by coordinated efforts between the AFED/Bilal, consultants, and site team.

To date, substructure works have been fully completed, including site clearance, excavation, foundation casting, and ground floor slab works. The structure has now transitioned into the superstructure phase, with works currently progressing toward the first-floor slab level. Reinforcement, formwork, and concrete activities are ongoing, with strict adherence to structural drawings and engineering specifications. 

The project involves the development of an 8-storey multi-functional building, designed to serve both educational and residential purposes. The facility will include: 

• Dedicated Hawza classrooms to support religious education

• Administrative offices to manage institutional operations

• A boys’ hostel to accommodate students in a structured environment

• Teachers’ residential apartments to ensure proximity and convenience for staff

This integrated design aims to create a self-sustaining academic environment that supports both learning and living within a single development.

On 14^th April 2026, the second site meeting was successfully conducted, bringing together key stakeholders to review progress and address technical and operational matters. The meeting covered important aspects including: 

• Review of completed works and current site progress

• Detailed discussion of structural and technical specifications

• Alignment on the master project schedule and upcoming milestones

• Identification of potential risks and mitigation measures

• Coordination of procurement and resource allocation

The meeting was productive and resulted in clear action points to ensure continued smooth execution of the project. 

From a quality and safety perspective, construction activities are being carried out in agreement with permitted standards and best practices. Consistent supervision, material checks, and workmanship checks are being conducted to maintain quality control. Safety measures have also been reinforced on-site to ensure a secure working environment for all personnel. 

Overall, the project is progressing satisfactorily, with works progressing as strategic and no major interruptions encountered at this stage. Continued focus will be placed on maintaining momentum, ensuring timely delivery of materials, and achieving upcoming structural milestones.

Photos showing the progress

The Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania is calling upon the generous donors to contribute towards this Project.  Funds can be sent through the following channels: 

• The Africa Federation Secretariat office in Dar-es-Salaam (Email secretariat@africafederation.org)

• The Bilal Muslim Mission Office in Dar-es-Salaam (Email: chairman@bilal.or.tz)

We are grateful to all the donors for their continued support towards Tabligh projects. We pray that the project progresses well and completes on time.

Secretariat

Housing Development Board

22^nd April 2026