Request for Prayers

REQUEST FOR PRAYERS 

O God, bless Muhammad and his Household, fortify the frontiers of the Muslims through Thy might, support their defenders through Thy strength, and lavish upon them gifts through Thy wealth! 

Extract from Dua No 27 - Sahifa Sajjadiya

The Secretariat is requesting all momineen in Africa and around the globe to make special Duas during these blessed Nights of Mahe Ramadhan for the safety and peace across the globe especially in the regions where innocent lives are being lost due to the war. 

During these trying times, we seek refuge in hope, faith and prayers through the intercession of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) and Imam Ridha ('A) to extend our hands in prayers, that the line of prayer and supplication is one, which we must pursue and have no doubt of its worthiness and great influence. 

May Allah (SWT) by His grace and mercy help the afflicted and grant them support, assistance and guidance. Ameen. 

Secretariat

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DEMANDE DE PRIÈRES 

Ô Dieu, bénis Muhammad et sa famille, fortifie les frontières des musulmans par Ta puissance, soutiens leurs défenseurs par Ta force, et comble-les de bienfaits par Ta richesse! 

Extrait de la Doua n° 27 - Sahifa Sajjadiya 

Le Secrétariat demande à toutes les mères d'Afrique et du monde entier de formuler des Douas spéciales durant ces nuits bénies de Mahe Ramadan pour la sécurité et la paix dans le monde entier, en particulier dans les régions où des vies innocentes sont perdues à cause de la guerre.

En ces temps difficiles, nous cherchons refuge dans l'espoir, la foi et la prière, par l'intercession de notre bien-aimé Prophète Muhammad (SAW) et de l'Imam Ridha ('A), afin qu'ils nous guident dans la prière, que la voie de la prière et de la supplication soit une seule et même voie, dont nous ne doutons pas de la valeur et de la grande influence.

Qu'Allah (SWT), par Sa grâce et Sa miséricorde, aide les affligés et leur accorde soutien, assistance et guidance. Ameen

Secrétariat

Marhum Alhaj Bwana Ali Hussain Sheriff - Service Rooted in Legacy

The death anniversary of Marhum Alhaj Ali Hussain Sheriff, fondly known as Bwana Ali, serves as a reminder of the lasting mark he left through dedicated service, guidance and institution-building within the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri community in East Africa.

Born in Zanzibar on 12^th January 1939, he belonged to the well-known family of Sheriff Dewji Jamal. His grandfather Haji Dewji Jamal, migrated from India to Zanzibar in 1860 and was among the pioneers involved in establishing the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Community in Zanzibar in 1881. Growing up within such a legacy of leadership and responsibility, Bwana Ali carried this tradition forward with commitment and sincerity.

He completed his primary and middle school education in Zanzibar before moving to Arusha, where he pursued secretarial and cooperative studies at KNCU Cooperative College in Moshi. Eager to broaden his horizons, he travelled to India and obtained a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Aligarh Muslim University, returning to Tanzania in 1964.

His passion for learning continued throughout his life, leading him to undertake specialized courses in Italy, India and Sweden in areas such as management accounting, paper products and screen printing. This continuous pursuit of knowledge enabled him to excel across diverse business sectors.

During his professional career, he held managerial positions including at the Tanzania Bean Processing Factory and SDS Ceramic Factory. He also established several workshops and factories, contributing meaningfully to local industry and employment. In 1982, together with Alhaj Bashir Lalji, he was recognized by the Tanzanian government for developing waste oil technology, earning a national certificate and prize. This innovation later spread beyond Tanzania to countries such as Djibouti, Somalia, Zimbabwe and Malawi.

Later residing in Arusha, he became widely known for his active engagement in community affairs. Alongside his business responsibilities, he devoted significant time to public service and strengthening community institutions. He served on educational boards, participated actively in religious activities and was involved in efforts to upgrade mosques and madaris. His association with the Bilal Muslim Mission and his concern for students who struggled in conventional academic pathways reflected his practical and inclusive outlook. He was among those who advocated alternative short courses to equip such students with meaningful skills for the future.

Within the Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaats of Africa and beyond, he was known for his sound judgement, balanced approach and accessibility. In the field of Tabligh, he encouraged constructive dialogue between congregations and preachers through seminars and consultations, promoting sermons that addressed essential matters of faith and daily life.

His religious lectures were remembered for their clarity and relevance. He addressed everyday issues in simple language, ensuring that religious teachings were practical and understandable. During his visit to Lindi on 22^nd June 1994 to recite Muharram majalis, his style left a distinct impression. At a time when Kutchi majalis were commonly delivered by personalities such as Mulla Mehdi Mandazi and the sisters Sherubai Mulyani and Sughra bai Mulyani, and Urdu was widely heard, his Gujarati majalis were a new experience for many in the Jamaat. He spoke slowly and gently, explaining issues with care and precision.

That visit also led to a meaningful initiative. Observing that the Madressa building in Lindi was closed, he advised the then President, Marhum Gulam Ladhu Manji, to consider establishing a nursery school open to children of all communities. Marhuma Anna Khimji volunteered her services and worked tirelessly to establish and successfully ran the school for four years. At the conclusion of his twelve-day stay, when the Jamaat presented him with a Hadya, he respectfully returned it and requested that it be utilized towards the proposed nursery school. The school became a tangible outcome of his visit and reflected his practical approach to service.

In 1996, The Africa Federation bestowed Bwana Ali the Husseini Medal for his honorable and dedicated services to the community.

Marhum Bwana Ali passed away on 23^rd February 2000. His demise was received with deep sorrow across the Shia Ithna-Asheri community in Africa and beyond. A devoted family man blessed with eight children, he is remembered as a humble and committed supporter of the community whose efforts strengthened institutions and whose guidance continues to be recalled with respect.

As we mark his death anniversary, we pray that Allah (swt) grants him maghfirah and amply rewards him for his noble services to the community, Ameen.

We request readers to remember Marhum Alhaj Bwana Ali Hussain Sheriff and all Marhumeen with Surah al-Fateha.

SECRETARIAT

ARCHIVES SECTION OF THE AFRICA FEDERATION

27^th February 2026 / 9^th Mahe Ramadhan 1447 AH

Madina Residency – Project Progress Update

Alhamdulillah, the Madina Residency project is progressing steadily and has successfully reached the 12th Floor Slab Level.

The structural works are now approximately 70% complete. Finishing activities, including block work and plastering, are progressing well and have reached around 35% completion. Plumbing and electrical installations are advancing in line with the approved project schedule.Regular monthly site meetings have played a key role in maintaining steady progress, while additional technical meetings have been conducted to promptly resolve design and implementation challenges.

Overseas Technical & Procurement Visits – November 2025

In November 2025, the AFED Housing Board delegation comprising the following undertook a technical and procurement visit to Morbi, Mumbai, and Dubai.

• Chairman - Alhaj Akil Hirji

• Projects Coordinator – Eng. Mohamed Moledina

• Architect – Elmon Mafwenga

Visit to Morbi

Morbi is internationally recognized for its ceramic and tile industry, with over 400 manufacturing units. The team visited several tile manufacturing factories, selected sanitaryware producers, and a tile adhesive manufacturing plant. This enabled direct quality assessment and cost evaluation for bulk procurement.

Visit to Mumbai

In Mumbai, the delegation visited door manufacturing facilities and met with a main distributor of electrical materials, including panels and associated equipment, to ensure compliance with project specifications and quality standards. The Board is looking into smart electrical system solution which will enable our building to reduce cables and we are reaching to a solution soon. This system is mere used in Tanzania.

Visit to Dubai

In Dubai, the team visited specialized factories, including:

• A roofing and steel structure manufacturer for Madina roofing and future steel structure projects

• One of the region’s leading Aluminum window and glass manufacturers

Alhamdulillah, the trip was highly productive, with several key materials and specifications successfully finalized.

During the visit to Dubai, the team attended the Big 5 Global exhibition to explore the latest products in the market and identify ways to provide improved facilities within the project. The exhibition provided valuable insights into new technologies, materials, and innovative construction solutions.

We have also been able to connect with additional suppliers for the project, enabling us to compare both quality and pricing to ensure the best value and standards are achieved moving forward.

Visit by UAKSIR and AKSIAM Delegation

On 28^th January 2026, the AFED Chairman Alhaj Amine bhai Nassor along with UAKSIR delegation consisting of UAKSIR Chairman, Alhaj Mounir Hassam Alibay, Saint Denis Jamaat Chairman Alhaj Zamir Jaffar Bandjee, Alhaj Azim Goulamaly, Alhaj Amine Abasse Asgaraly and Br. Hasnain Kassamaly visited the project site to review the ongoing works and the progress achieved thus far. The delegation expressed their satisfaction with the steady development and commended the team for their dedicated efforts towards the successful execution of the project.

Subsequently, on 2^nd February 2026, the AKSIAM Chairman, Alhaj Feride Ismael together with the AFED Trustee from Madagascar, Alhaj Navazaly Molou visited the site to observe the advancements made. They appreciated the quality and pace of construction and offered their best wishes for the smooth and timely completion of the project.

Technical Coordination

• In December, a technical meeting was held with the lift supplier to finalize lift design and technical specifications.

• A recent coordination meeting was conducted with the air-cooling system subcontractor to finalize positioning and commence works immediately.

Materials Procurement

We have started receiving containers of finishing materials from China and India. Delivered items include: Doors, Sanitaryware and Tiles.

This timely procurement will support uninterrupted progress in the finishing phase.

Financial Update & Buyer Commitments

While physical progress on site remains strong, we are facing challenges in the collection of deposits from certain buyers who have not fulfilled their agreed payment schedules.

To ensure the smooth and timely execution of both current and upcoming housing projects, the AFED Housing Board will be introducing a structure of financial cost system for delayed payments.

This measure is necessary to safeguard project cash flow, uphold financial commitments, and ensure that contractual obligations are honoured without disruption. Timely payments are critical to maintaining contractor schedules, supplier agreements, and overall project delivery standards.

We trust that all members will understand the importance of this step and extend their full cooperation in maintaining financial discipline for the collective success of our housing initiatives.

We pray for the timely completion of Madina Residency so that it may soon serve the housing needs of our community with dignity and excellence.

Secretariat

AFED Housing Board

26^th February 2026