BMM Tanzania - Muharram 1447 AH Report

MUHARRAM AND ASHURA MAJLIS

Honouring the Legacy of Imam Hussein (‘A)

From the eve of Thursday, 26^th June 2025 (1^st Muharram 1447 A.H) through to 7^th July 2025 (11^th Muharram 1447 A.H), Bilal Muslim of Tanzania hosted a 12-days Majlis honoring the tragic event of Karbala and Shahada of Imam Hussein (‘a), grandson of Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W) together with his 72 companions.

This year’s majalis brought together mu’mineen from various Bilal centres across Tanzania allowing members of the communities with different backgrounds to join in collective reflection, learning, and mourning.

In Dar es Salaam, Majalis were hosted at Masjid Bilal Udoe. In the first eight days, Majalis were narrated by Sayyid Aidarus Alawy who travelled from Lamu, Kenya with the topic titled “Soft War”. The rest of the majalis were narrated by Sheikh Muhammad Mubarak, Imam at Masjid Bilal Udoe.

PHOTOS OF MUHARRAM MAJALIS IN SOME CENTRES

ASHURA DAY COMMEMORATION

The Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram) was commemorated through peaceful walk in some centres. Mu'mineen had the opportunity to respond to the call of Imam Hussein (‘a), who asked, “Is there anyone to help us?” Nauha and Matam echoed throughout the gathering as participants expressed their grief and solidarity.

Speakers reflected on the fundamental reasons that led Imam Hussein (‘a) to stand against Yazid bin Muawiya bin Abu Sufyan and confront him on the battlefield—defending the teachings of his grandfather, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W), which were at risk of being distorted (polluted) by the oppressive rulers of the Umayyad dynasty.

These peaceful walks, along with the Majlis held to mark the Day of Ashura, provided the broader community with an opportunity to reflect on and learn about this profound event in Islamic history—especially in light of the diverse interpretations and perspectives regarding its nature and significance.

PHOTOS OF ASHURA PEACEFUL WALK IN SOME CENTRES

In addition to the peaceful walks and Majlis, BMMT, through its centres, commemorated the Day of Ashura by carrying out Community Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. These included voluntary blood drive, visiting and presenting gifts to patients, and participating in public area clean-up efforts.

BMMT MWANZA

Centres in the Mwanza Zone participated in a blood drive in collaboration with Bugando Hospital, resulting in the collection of 70 units of blood.

BMMT TABORA (TABORA & KATAVI)

A total of eight centres from the Tabora Zone (covering the Tabora and Katavi regions) participated in a voluntary blood drive. The participating centres were: Tabora Town, Usule, Mbola, Usoke, Sikonge, Kaliua, Mpanda, and Uvinza. In collaboration with Itete Regional Referral Hospital in Tabora and Mpanda Regional Referral Hospital in Katavi, they collectively donated 66 units of blood.

In addition to the blood drive, the Sikonge Centre in Tabora and the Namansi Centre in Rukwa took part in clean-up activities at health facilities in their respective regions.

Furthermore, members of the Kirando Centre in Rukwa organized a program to visit patients and present them with gifts.

BMMT BUKOBA (KAGERA)

A total of three centres from the Kagera Region participated in the blood drive. These centres were Nshamba, Karutanga, and Buyaga, which collaborated with Kaigara Health Centre and Rubya Designated District Hospital. Together, they collected 61 units of blood.

BMMT ZANZIBAR

Bilal Zanzibar conducted live radio programs aimed at educating the community about the tragedy of Karbala. Additionally, they organized visits to patients at the district hospital in the town of Chumbuni. During these visits, they provided various forms of assistance to all admitted patients. The support included drinking water, food, diapers for children, and cash donations to help cover medical expenses.

Issued by:

Media & Relations

BMMT – HQ, Dar es Salaam

16^th July 2025

Download:  Bilal Bulletin - BMM Tanzania - Muharram 1447 AH Report (PDF, 816KB)

Download:  Bilal Bulletin - BMM Tanzania - Muharram 1447 AH Report - Kiswahili (PDF, 784KB)

Download:  Bilal Bulletin - BMM Tanzania - Muharram 1447 AH Report - French (PDF, 812KB)

Mombasa Jamaat Successfully Hosts the 29th Ordinary Conference and 89th Supreme Council Session

Our Ref:  AFED/PR/001/2025                                              Date:  15^th July 2025

The 29^th Ordinary Conference and the 89^th Supreme Council Session of the Federation of KSI Jamaats of Africa (AFED) were successfully hosted at Jaffery Islamic Centre (JIC) by the KSI Jamaat of Mombasa from Friday, 13^th to Sunday, 15^th June 2025.

The KSI Jamaat of Mombasa once again exhibited its consistent hospitality in hosting the Conference and providing well-coordinated logistics, accommodation, meals, meeting hall set up and other required arrangements for Conference. 

The attendance at the Conference was remarkable; over 150 participants, including delegates, councillors, dignitaries, invitees, and observers from various regions including Burundi; Canada, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Reunion, Rwanda, Tanzania, U.K., U.S.A. and Uganda. 

Opening Session Highlights:

The formal Opening Session commenced on Friday morning, beginning with the recitation of verse from the Holy Qur’an and selected passages from Dua Tawassul. Br. Aliraza Sumar, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of Mombasa Jamaat, extended a warm welcome to all participants. 

• A brief on housekeeping guidelines on the decorum of the Conference was presented by Sr. Mumtaz Ladak and Sr. Neelam Jiwa from the AFED Capacity Building Group (CBG).

• Delegates, dignitaries, invitees and representatives from various AFED Boards introduced themselves to the assembly.

Induction, Election & Appointments

Alhaj Gulamabbas Khaku, the AFED Electoral Commissioner, formally announced and inducted Alhaj Amine bhai Nassor as the Chairman of the AFED for the term 2025-2028. This was followed by the elections and appointments of the Office Bearers, Trustees and Electoral Commissioner. 

Vice Chairman:              Alhaj Murtaza Somji

Hon. Treasurer:              Alhaj Muntazir Walji

Hon. Secretary:              Br. Alihassan Kassam

Hon Asst Secretary:       Alhaj Murtaza Kara

Trustees:                        Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi - Tanzania

                                    Alhaj Mehboob Versi - Tanzania

                                    Alhaj Sajjad Rashid - Kenya                                       

Alhaj Mohamed Bandali - Kenya                                       

Alhaj Shabir Najafi - Uganda                                       

Alhaj Navazaly Molou - Madagascar                                       

Alhaj Mohamed Premjee - Reunion          

Electoral Commissioner: Alhaj Jameel Kassam 

Key Highlights from the Incoming Africa Federation Chairman’s Keynote Address: 

• Appreciation to the Community members for re-electing him as the Chairman for the term 2025 – 2028.

• Spiritual Steadfast and Communal Unity as a foundation for Community strength.

• Acknowledgment of Leadership and Volunteerism.

• Acknowledged the contributions of various philanthropists and well-wishers for their support and assistance to the Federation.

• Housing as a Critical Socioeconomic Priority.

• Madressahs as foundation pillars of the future enrichment of the Community. 

• Applauded his team of Office Bearers, Trustees, Board Chairmen and their teams for diligence making great strides aligned with the Vision of the preceding term.

Amine bhai’s keynote address can be watched here. 

Official Book Launch of the Book - Dhows to Diaspora: The Khoja Journey and the Legacy of the Africa Federation 

The Archives Section of Africa Federation proudly launched its history book Dhows to Diaspora: The Khoja Journey and the Legacy of the Africa Federation. Dr. Abbasaley Abbas, Sectional Secretary of Archives Section, led the event and highlighted the book's significance in preserving the community's heritage. He credited the initiative to the Archives Section, with key support from author Dr. Hasnain Walji and with guidance from Alhaj Aunali bhai Khalfan, Vice Chairman of Africa Federation. The book was ceremonially unveiled by Alhaj Amine bhai Nassor and Aunali bhai. AFED is thankful to the Jaffer Family Foundation, New York, for their support and contributions towards the printing of the book.

KSI Jamaat of Mauritius membership to the Africa Federation

The Mauritius Jamaat attained full membership to AFED following the ratification of their membership application at the Conference, in pursuant with the recommendation of the 86^th Supreme Council Session held in Kampala in September 2023. Certificate of Membership was handed over to the President of the Jamaat, Alhaj Yusuf Ali Gulamhusen.

Global Khoja Philanthropists Launch the SHINE Endowment to Revolutionize Faith-Based Giving

On the night of Eid-e-Ghadeer, a global coalition of philanthropists and community leaders launched the SHINE Endowment Fund — a shariah-compliant joint venture between the Africa Federation and the Global Ambassador Endowment Fund (GAEF), the fund brings together US $1 million contributions from each of five global regions. The income of which will benefit AFED in its various activities.

Deliberations of the 29^th Ordinary Conference and 89^th Supreme Council Session: 

The Ordinary Conference Agenda included the presentation and adoption of the Accounts, Minutes, and the Board Reports for the duration July 2022 – April 2025 which were presented, comments, questions and clarifications were provided by each Board as follows: 

• Secretariat Report - Zuhair Jaffer

• Alternate Dispute Resolution Committee - Asif Karim

• Archive Section - Dr. Abbasaley Abbas

• Tabligh Board - Sajjad Walji

• Central Health Board - Aliraza Bandali

• Media and Editorial Board - Salilabbas Sadak

• Women’s Board - Raihana Mustafa Kanji

• Central Bilal Board - Mohamed Hemani

• Capacity Building Group - Inayat Firdousi

• Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania - Hussein Karim

• Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya - Iqbal Sunderji

• Bilal Muslim Mission of Uganda - Afzalali Bhimani

• Bilal Muslim Mission of Burundi - Gulamabbas Habib

• Bilal Muslim Mission of Malawi - Habib Ali

• Education Board - Mohammed Kazim Sheriff

• Accounts and Trust Board Report - Zainul Chandoo

• Budget - Murtaza Kara (on behalf of Muntazir Walji)

The AFED Secretariat extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Mombasa Jamaat Chairman Alhaj Mohamedraza Rashid and his Managing Committee, the Convenor of the Organizing Committee Br. Aliraza Sumar and his team of dedicated volunteers for their exceptional efforts and curtesy.  Their collective efforts ensured a memorable and successful event.

We were honored by the presence of esteemed past leaders of AFED whose wisdom continues to inspire our path forward. The Conference also acknowledged and appreciated the presence of distinguished guests, including: 

• Alhaj Habib Meghjee - Vice President of the World Federation

• Alhaj Mukhtar Karim - Trustee of Lady Fatima Trust (UK)

• Alhaj Mohamedtaki Jaffer and Alhaj Sadique Jaffer - Trustees of the Jaffer Family Foundation (USA)

• Seyed Hassan Al-Hakeem - Executive Trustee of the Mainstay Foundation (UK)

• Sayed Muhammad Naqvi - Director of Spirit of Hussain

• Alhaj Sajjad Shroff - Secretary of Mumbai KSI Jamaat

• Alhaj Sajjad Dinani – New York

The presence of our respected elders, ladies, and youth added immense value to the gathering. We extend our gratitude to all for taking time from their busy schedules to attend and contribute meaningfully to the success of the session.

We also wish to acknowledge the AFED Board Chairs, Board Members and the Archive Sectional Secretary, for their insightful and well-delivered presentations during the interactive sessions.

Our sincere appreciation goes to the delegates and councillors from constituent Jamaats and invited guests for their active engagement and valuable contributions during the deliberations.

Our special appreciation to the Jaffer Foundation, headed by Dr. Mohamed Jaffer for their selfless generosity towards completely funding the accommodation for all the participants of the conference. We also, wholeheartedly, thank Rehana bai Jaffer and Dr. Mohamed Jaffer for arranging delicious meals throughout the conference and for arranging the grand dinner, at their residence, for all delegates, councillors, dignitaries, and invitees of the conference.

We pray to Allah (SWT), with His infinite Grace and Blessings, to reward all those who, in one way or another, contributed to the success of the Conference. May He grant them good health, long life, and continued success in their endeavors - Ameen.

Secretariat

Download:  Press Release - Mombasa Jamaat Successfully Hosts the 29th Ordinary Conference and 89th Supreme Council Session (PDF, 2.75MB)

Download:  Press Release - Mombasa Jamaat Successfully Hosts the 29th Ordinary Conference and 89th Supreme Council Session - French (PDF, 2.73MB)

AFTAB Hosts Tarbiyah Qur’an Curriculum Champions Training in Dar es Salaam

The Africa Federation Tabligh Board (AFTAB), in collaboration with The World Federation’s Madrasah Centre of Excellence (WF MCE), successfully conducted the Tarbiyah Qur’an Curriculum (TQC) Champions Training on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June 2025 at the AFED Training Centre in Dar es Salaam. 

This significant training brought together 25 carefully selected participants from madaris across Africa. These included cities such as Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Dubai, Mauritius, Mombasa, Nairobi, and Zanzibar. All participants had undergone an interview process by the MCE Team prior to the training, ensuring a high standard of readiness and commitment to the programme. 

What is the Tarbiyah Qur’an Curriculum (TQC)? 

The Tarbiyah Qur’an Curriculum (TQC) is a comprehensive recitation programme that guides students from learning the Arabic alphabet to achieving fluency in Qur’anic recitation with Tajweed, using the Uthman Taha script. The curriculum includes a structured progression, beginning with the fundamentals of reading Arabic, advancing through concepts such as sukoon and stopping rules, and concluding with a detailed focus on Tajweed. A specialized manual has also been developed for learners transitioning from the Indo-Pak script to the Uthman Taha script. 

Following a successful pilot in three UK madaris during the 2023/24 academic year, the curriculum has been reviewed by global experts and educators. The enhanced version is now being prepared for rollout later this year or in the new year, depending on each madrasah’s academic year, Insha’Allah. 

About the Training 

The training was expertly facilitated by MCE Team from The WF namely; Sr. Sajeeda Virani and Sr. Fatima Virani from Birmingham, UK, with the assistance of Sr. Fatimah Nassore from Reunion Island. Over the course of two days, participants were equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and methodology to become trainers themselves within their respective madaris. With their successful completion of the training, these Champions are now recognized under AFTAB to lead the implementation of the Qur’an curriculum and support teacher development in their madaris.

Participant Feedback

Participants shared insightful reflections on the training experience:

• “Every moment was filled with benefit and barakah.”

• “The facilitators taught with such clarity, patience, and warmth.”

• “We are grateful for the precious time and wisdom shared with us.”

• “It was inspiring to learn from other madaris and exchange ideas.”

• “The training was well-organised and spiritually uplifting.”

• “May Allah reward the facilitators and grant them continued tawfeeq. Ameen”

  
  

Next Steps

Participants have now been encouraged to meet with their respective madrasah management teams to present the curriculum and explore how it can be adopted. They will play a key role in planning for internal teacher training, particularly in helping teachers transition to the Uthman Taha script. Access to updated curriculum materials will be facilitated through AFTAB's collaboration with MCE to support implementation and feedback.

Conclusion

This initiative marks a major step forward in strengthening Qur’anic recitation across our madaris. Through this collaborative effort, AFTAB and MCE are working to ensure that our students, teachers, and communities are connected to the Holy Qur’an in a meaningful and consistent way. We pray for the continued success of all those involved in this blessed initiative and look forward to seeing the Tarbiyah Qur’an Curriculum enrich madrasah classrooms across Africa, Insha’Allah.

SECRETARIAT

TABLIGH BOARD OF AFRICA FEDERATION (AFTAB)

July 15, 2025