Lebanon Under Attack - Prayers and Appeal for Humanitarian Support

CIRCULAR NO: JMT/153/24                                       Date: September 25, 2024

“Consider not that Allah is unaware of that which the oppressors (wrongdoers) do, He only gives them respite up to a Day when the eyes will stare in horror”.

 (Holy Qur’an, Surah Ibrahim Ayat 42 [14:42])

The world is witnessing horrific times in Lebanon exposed to brutal Israeli aggression where hundreds of innocent people have been killed so far and a huge number of people have been injured with no sign of respite from the ongoing attacks on Lebanon. 

The office of our Marja Sayyid al-Sistani (may Allah [SWT] protect him) in its statement on this conflict issued on 23rd September 2024 called for every possible effort to stop this ongoing barbaric aggression and protect the Lebanese people from its devastating effects, and for all believers to contribute in any way to alleviate their suffering and secure their humanitarian needs. May God protect Lebanon and its dear people from all harm and misfortune. 

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

Prayers:

The Secretariat appeals to all Momineen to earnestly pray for peace to prevail in Lebanon and all around the globe especially in the regions where there is war ongoing and for the safety of the innocent citizens.  

We request member Jamaats to hold regular Dua Sessions after the congregational prayers for the relief of our fellow brethren from difficulties and oppression. 

Relief Support:

The Africa Federation Secretariat appeals to our community members for contributions, no matter how small, to provide essential aid to the affected families in Lebanon, collections will be channeled through the World Federation. 

Contributions can be made through the following channels:  

• The Africa Federation Secretariat office in Dar-es-Salaam.

• The Constituent Jamaat’s (Member Jamaat’s) offices.

• Mobile: +255 652 552 447 - Tigopesa or,

• Mobile: +255 699 476 010 - Airtel Money.

• Bank Transfers (please contact AFED office for bank details)

May Allah (SWT) by His grace and mercy help the affected and afflicted people of Lebanon, and all those who are suffering, may peace prevail on all parts of the world, Aameen.

Zuhair Jaffer

Hon Secretary

Moon Forecast - Rabi ul Aakhar 1446 A.H.

CIRCULAR NO: JMT/152/24              September 23, 2024/Rabi ul Awwal 19, 1446

The forecast for the Crescent of 1st Rabi ul Aakhar 1446 A.H. is as follows:- The birth of the Astronomical New Moon is at 9.51 p.m. on Wednesday 2nd October 2024 i.e. 28th Rabi ul Awwal 1446 A.H. 

On Thursday 3rd October 2024, the age of the New Moon after the Sun has set is:

SIGHTING IS NOT POSSIBLE

EXPECT 1ST DAY OF RABI UL AAKHAR 1446 AH ON SATURDAY 5TH OCTOBER 2024 FOR THE WHOLE REGION.

Secretariat

Press Release - Professor Karim Manji of Dar-Es-Salaam Bestowed Prestigious Award by Harvard University

Ref:  AF/PR/2024/30                                                  Date: September 21, 2024

The Africa Federation Secretariat extends its heartfelt felicitations to Professor Karim Manji of Dar-es-Salaam on being bestowed the prestigious Alumni Award of Merit from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.  

This Award is given to the Alumni of the Institution who have demonstrated a strong commitment towards improving public health. Professor Karim is the first Tanzanian to receive this award.  He will be presented with this Award on Friday 27th September 2024 in Boston, USA. 

Professor Manji is a leading researcher in pediatric diseases and has dedicated himself to supporting this field throughout his career.  

He is a Professor in Pediatrics and Child Health at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences with research disciplines in Infectious Diseases, Medical Ethics, Nutrition & Dietetics, and Pediatrics. 

He has been able to achieve and maintain the level of the highest research scientists to mentor and nurture scientific academia. He has been involved in clinical duties in the neonatal unit, has published a situation analysis of newborns, and has championed activities related to the reduction of neonatal deaths in Tanzania. 

Prof. Karim has published 260 papers that have greatly benefited the community and people of various ages. He has presented several Professional Inaugural lectures and currently involved in large research projects. 

Professor Karim has received the following Awards in his medical career which is truly inspiring:

• Award of Grant for Professorial Inaugural Lecture – Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) 2011.

• Fellowship Award of the Tanzania Academy of Sciences 2012.

• Best Employee among Academic Staff for the year 2013/2014 at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS).

• Best Health Research Scientist in Tanzania, 2016 - NIMR Award – October 2016.

• Fellowship to the Royal College of Physicians (RCP)-London 2017.

• Fellowship to the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health (London).

• International Award in Excellence in Patient Care: Royal College of Physicians (RCP) -London, April 2019.

• Award for outstanding contribution on “Rare Diseases in Tanzania” 28th February 2021.

• Profiled as the Architect of New Born Care in Tanzania by The Lancet in 2021.

• Recognition of Professor Emeritus by The Council of Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) in May 2024.

Professor Karim, Congratulations on your well-deserved achievement! Your journey has been truly remarkable; and you continue to inspire the Community.

On behalf of Chairman Alhaj Amine Nassor, the office bearers of the Africa Federation, and members of the community in Africa, we extend our heartiest congratulations to Professor Karim Manji on being conferred with this prestigious Award - a well-deserved and hard-earned success. We also convey heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Sidika bai Karim, their children and the rest of the family members on this happy occasion, as the day also marks the auspicious birth anniversaries of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) and Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (AS).

This significant achievement is a testimony of Prof Karim’s Manji’s dedication, determination and contribution to the Society at large; such an achievement for a member of our community in Africa is a matter of great pride, we at Africa Federation consider ourselves blessed to have a member of such a high caliber amongst us.

Professor Karim was recognized and bestowed the prestigious Abbasi Medal by the then Chairman of Africa Federation, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi during the Africa Federation Ordinary Conference held in Dar es Salaam in April 2013 for his long, honorary and exemplary services to the society and humanity at large.

We pray to the Almighty Allah (SWT) to grant Prof. Karim with good health, long and prosperous life, and continued success in achieving new milestones that benefits all citizens, the community and humanity at large, Aameen.

SECRETARIAT