Arusha Jamaat - The Al Mahdi Tower - Appeal for Support

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Dear Respected Donors and Supporters, 

Asalamun Alaykum Warahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh 

On the Auspicious Event of the Milaad of The Noble Sadiqayn (a.s), we extend most sincere Khushali Mubarak to all Mumineen and Muminaat. 

With utmost humility and hope, we reach out to you with an earnest plea to support the funding of a vital initiative – The Al-Mahdi Tower a project rooted in service, compassion, and the upliftment of our Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Arusha Jamaat, Tanzania

The Al-Mahdi Tower Project boasts as a vibrant, tall and outstanding structure of its kind within the Arusha Central Business District, next to KSIJ center in the heart of the city center. 

It is built Ground plus thirteen stories high with:

• Ground floor - commercial space

• 01st to 04th floor - office blocks

• 05th to 11th – two units of spacious 3bhk apartments with modern amenities

• 12th - an entire floor pent house with city and green views

• 13th story - a full-fledged Gymnasium center specially for community ladies, generously equipped by the JFF of New York

The Vision

The Al-Mahdi Tower is not just a building – it is a beacon of hope for countless lives. It serves as a multi-functional community hub, providing: 

~  Support for Tabligh and Islamic Education

A center which will finance the spreading the teachings of Islam, by providing Hadiya of our A’alims, Madressah Teachers, and promote youth development programs rooted in faith and moral values. 

~  Medical Aid for the Underprivileged

Access to basic healthcare and medical support for families who cannot afford treatment. 

~  Financial Assistance for Needy Community Members

A welfare system designed to assist individuals and families during difficult times helping with essentials like food, rent, and education. 

~  Support for Widows and Orphans

Programs that ensure widows and orphans are not left behind by offering them dignity, security, and a sense of belonging within our community.

The Need

Alhamdulillah, with His grace and blessings and the support of the Housing Board of AFED, this project has been completed and was inaugurated in the presence of various community auspices, visionary leaders and community members on Saturday 18^th May,2025, an event to be forever remembered by our community. 

The Jamaat has been successful in getting tenants for all the apartments, the third floor (office block) and ground floor (commercial block), is occupied by a reputable banking corporation.  Efforts are ongoing to fill in the remaining three floors (office blocks). 

While significant progress has been made to raise funds and pay the contractors, critical funds are urgently needed to pay the remaining balance to the contractors, the outstanding amount is approx US$ 450,000 (USD Four Hundred Fifty Thousand). Your support will directly contribute to pay these dues and enable the community to see a sustainable and vibrant future.

This is a Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity) opportunity – a chance to invest in a project that will serve generations to come, with blessings that continue long after we return to our Creator. 

How You Can Help

We humbly ask for your generous donations, Sahme Imam (a.s) can be utilized towards this cause as per the I’jazza of our Marja’e Taqlid The Grand Ayotollah Syed Ali al-Hussayn al-Sistani (May his shadow prevail – a’meen). No amount is too small in the sight of Allah (swt) and every contribution brings us closer to achieving these goals. 

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains...”(Surah Al-Baqarah: 261)

May Allah (SWT) reward your kindness manifold and make this project a source of barakah for our community and its members

To contribute or learn more, please contact us via:

The Federation of KSIJ Jamaats of Africa (AFED)

1^st Floor - AFED Tower, Jamhuri/Mwisho Street

Dar-Es-Salaam

The Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Arusha Jamaat

Sokoine Road, Arusha CBD

Arusha

With sincere gratitude and du’as

Alhaj Fayyaz Dhirani,

Chairman KSIJ Arusha

10^th September 2025 (17^th Rabi ul Awwal 1447)

AFED Vice Chairman Meets SAAJ Nairobi Jamaat Leadership

On Sunday, 7^th September 2025, the Vice Chairman of the Africa Federation (AFED), Alhaj Murtaza bhai Somji, held a meeting with the leadership of The Shia Asna Asheri Jamaat (SAAJ) of Nairobi. The meeting was attended by the members of the Managing Committee, Ladies Managing Committee, and Councilors of SAAJ Nairobi.  He was accompanied by the AFED Media Board Chairperson, Alhaj Salilabbas Sadak.

During the discussions, Murtaza bhai addressed several key points, including:

·        Strengthening cooperation between AFED and SAAJ Nairobi

·        Community sensitization on AFED’s role and initiatives

·        Active participation of Councilors in AFED agendas

·        Support from Jamaats in Higher Education Loan recoveries

·        Encouraging Khums collection initiatives

·        Promoting awareness and engagement for Solidarity Day

This marks the Vice Chairman’s first official Jamaat meeting, with plans to visit and engage other Jamaats across East Africa in the coming months, InshaAllah.

The AFED Secretariat conveys its sincere appreciation to the leadership of SAAJ Nairobi for hosting Murtaza bhai with full honor and for making all the necessary arrangements during the meeting.

Secretariat

9^th September 2025

Spouse Selection Workshop held in Mombasa

The Africa Federation Tabligh Board (AFTAB) in collaboration with the Mombasa Jamaat embarked on a two-day Spouse Selection Workshop on 9^th and 10^th August 2025 in Mombasa. The workshop was facilitated by Shaykh Ali Rajani and aimed at educating and empowering youth on one of life’s most significant decisions, choosing a righteous life partner. 

With an encouraging turnout of over 50 participants aged 18 and above, the workshop was designed to provide both spiritual and practical guidance on the journey towards marriage. The sessions were highly interactive, incorporating Q&A discussions, case studies, and the use of anonymous platforms like Slido, which encouraged even the more reserved participants to engage comfortably.

To enable more open conversations, separate sessions were arranged for boys and girls. These allowed deeper dialogue and one-on-one guidance with Shaykh Ali Rajani for the boys and Sr. Mehjabeen Khaki for the girls. The workshop focused on: 

• Understanding how to choose the right spouse

• Exploring the key qualities and characteristics of a potential partner

• Emphasizing the purpose of marriage from moral, emotional, and religious perspectives

• Offering practical guidance on navigating the process of marriage responsibly and Islamically

Impact and Feedback

The workshop was widely appreciated by participants for its relevance, clarity, and engaging presentation style. Many described it as a 10/10 experience, highlighting the balance of Islamic teachings with relatable, real-life scenarios. The anonymous participation tool (Slido) was particularly praised for allowing open expression without hesitation. 

One participant reflected:

“It helped me understand more about fixing myself as an individual rather than just looking for the ideal spouse. The presentation style was amazing, and the Slido feature made it so easy to share thoughts anonymously.” 

From the sisters, valuable feedback included the need for more ladies-only sessions to foster greater openness and comfort, as well as requests for deeper exploration of sensitive but relevant topics such as modern dating, approaching relationships Islamically, and tackling challenges faced by today’s youth. 

Another participant shared:

“The workshop offered valuable insights into marriage, combining Islamic guidance with practical advice. It was engaging, clear, and interactive. More workshops like this should be organized to build stronger understanding.”

Key Outcomes 

• High Engagement: The majority of participants rated the delivery as excellent and the content highly relevant.

• Appropriate Structure: Around 80% felt the time allocated was just right, though some suggested additional hours for extended discussion.

• Positive Impact: Participants left with clearer perspectives on marriage, inspired to apply Islamic principles in their decision-making.

Conclusion

The Spouse Selection Workshop in Mombasa proved to be an impactful initiative, offering youth a safe, insightful, and practical platform to prepare for one of the most important milestones in their lives. The overwhelming feedback emphasized both its success and the strong demand for similar workshops in the future.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the facilitators, the Mombasa Jamaat, and all who contributed to making this program possible. May Allah (SWT) grant continued tawfiq in guiding and supporting our youth so that they may build a future rooted in strong faith and make the right choices to lead a successful, Islamic-oriented life.

SECRETARIAT

TABLIGH BOARD OF AFRICA FEDERATION (AFTAB)

September 2, 2025