BMM Tanzania - Ramadhan Relief Program 1446 AH (2025)

As part of our continued commitment to serve underprivileged communities across Tanzania, Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania (BMMT) proudly conducted its annual Ramadhan Relief Program during the holy month of Ramadhan 1446H (2025). 

This year's outreach was our most expansive yet — reaching 253 centers nationwide, including 235 of our own centers with a total of 15,567 households and 15 independent community centers spread across the country with a total of 666 households.

Throughout this spiritually significant month, we distributed essential food items to thousands of fasting individuals, offering both physical nourishment and spiritual solidarity. In a month where market prices tend to rise sharply, our efforts helped ease the financial strain on many families, ensuring that the sanctity and peace of Ramadhan remained intact.

In consultation with our zonal (regional) teams, food packages were carefully curated based on local dietary preferences. Each package included a selection of staple items, such as: rice, maize flour, wheat flour, sugar, cooking oil, beans, spaghetti, tea leaves, salt, dates.

Additionally, over 25 centers hosted communal iftar gatherings at mosques on various days of Ramadhan, especially on spiritually significant nights such as the shahadat of Imam Ali (a.s) and Laylatul Qadr. These gatherings offered not just a meal, but a space of togetherness, fostering interfaith harmony and mutual respect, welcoming people from all walks of life, regardless of sect or background.

The Ramadhan Relief Program is more than just charity — it’s a reflection of our Islamic duty to uphold dignity, unity, and compassion in society. For many beneficiaries, these iftar distributions meant the difference between going hungry or being able to fast with peace of mind. For communities, the shared meals helped strengthen bonds and cultivate a spirit of belonging and solidarity.

Such a comprehensive program would not be possible without the support of our cherished partners. We extend our heartfelt thanks to: Africa Federation, The Mainstay Foundation – UK, The World Federation – UK, Masters Foundation – UK, Imam Hasan Foundation – Australia, Jan Mohammed Family, as well as many individual donors whose generosity and trust continue to drive this noble cause forward.

We are equally grateful to the dedicated BMMT staff and volunteers, from our headquarters to every zonal (regional) office and centre, whose tireless efforts ensured that all logistics were handled smoothly, respectfully, and timely. May Allah (SWT) accept their A'mal and bless them for their service.

While Ramadhan Relief is among our flagship programs, BMMT’s mission goes far beyond seasonal outreach. We are actively involved in year-round activities aimed at empowering communities holistically, including:

• Tabligh and Islamic Propagation: Spreading the true message of Islam through teachings of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W) and Ahlul-Bayt (A.S).

• Education Development: Operating schools and Hawzat as well as Madaris

• Healthcare Initiatives: Providing access to basic medical care through our Free Eye Camps campaign and Blood drive.

• Social-Economic Empowerment: Through vocational training, micro-financing and water projects such as well drilling etc.

With over 5 decades of experience, we understand the needs of the people we serve. But to scale and sustain our impact, we invite you to become a part of this journey.

Whether you're an organization, foundation or individual with a heart for positive change, your support can make a lasting difference. Together we can uplift lives — spiritually, intellectually, socially and economically.

For partnership inquiries, volunteering or donations:

📧 info@bilal.or.tz

🌐 www.bilal.or.tz 

As we reflect on a successful Ramadhan Relief Program 1446H, we pray that Allah (S.W.T) continues to guide our work and bless all those who contributed with sincerity and goodwill. May this spirit of giving and unity continue to shine in our work, throughout the year and beyond.

Head of Department: Media & Relations

Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania, HQ – Dar es Salaam

Download:  Bilal Bulletin - BMM Tanzania - Ramadhan Relief Program 1446 AH (2025) (PDF, 896KB)

Download:  Bilal Bulletin - BMM Tanzania - Ramadhan Relief Program 1446 AH (2025) - Kiswahili (PDF, 992KB)

Download:  Bilal Bulletin - BMM Tanzania - Ramadhan Relief Program 1446 AH (2025) - French (PDF, 864KB)

BMM Kenya - Mahe Ramadhan 1446 Report

HUMANITARIAN OUTREACH PROGRAMS

RAMADHAN 2025/1446 AH

Holy Ramadhan 2025 was marked by a renewed commitment to both humanitarian service and spiritual growth, all possible through our network of supported centers across Kenya. Food Aid reached thousands of individuals, and a full calendar of spiritual programs enriched comm-unities throughout the holy month. At Eid, we shared joy and extended care to ensure that the spirit of generosity and inclusion carried through to the end of Holy Ramadhan and beyond.

Food Parcels

Food Parcels were received by over 6,000 families in various diverse Kenyan regions. Distribution was carried out at 16 Bilal Kenya Centres and 35 Independent Centres. The Care and Compassion of our global community was felt by our brethren in Mombasa, Kwale, Taita Taveta and Makueni counties and additionally in Lamu and Malindi.

Intra-faith Program

The annual intra-faith program organized jointly by AFED, Bilal Kenya and The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), was held on the morning of the 8th of Holy Ramadhan at the Jaffery Islamic Centre (JIC) in Mombasa. The event brought together teachers and students from various Shia and Sunni Madaris for a morning of reflection, unity and mutual respect.

The program featured uplifting speeches and the distribution of food parcels, khanzus and abayas to attendees. It served as a timely reminder of the importance of unity within the Muslim Ummah, especially during Ramadhan and highlighted the commitment of the organizing bodies to maintaining strong inter-community relations.

Iftar

Providing iftar at community centres, schools and prisons remained a central component of our outreach. Key commodities such as dates, rice, sugar, beans, tea leaves, cooking oil, yeast and wheat flour were provided at all locations. This enabled the preparation of simple and nourishing meals, aligned with local customs and needs.

Online Lectures

To encourage meaningful reflection and spiritual growth during Holy Ramadhan, a structured series of short online lectures was conducted from Monday to Thursday each week. The sessions featured tafsir of the Holy Quran, with a focused study of Surah Luqman. In addition to the Quranic discourse, special sessions were held to commemorate the Shahadat of Bibi Khadija (AS) and the anniversary of the Battle of Badr—both significant events in Islamic history. As the month came to a close, a dedicated lecture on the rulings of Zakat al-Fitr provided timely guidance.

Additionally, our Tabligh department held a total of 16 zoom sessions for ladies. These classes were interactive classes discussing various areas in history, Akhlaq and Fiqh.

Laylatul Qadr

As the nights of Holy Ramadhan unfolded, our centres became increasingly vibrant spaces with enhanced attendance observed during Laylatul Qadr. To extend the experience to the wider online community, the program of the 19th night held at the Jaffery Centre in Mackinnon and that of the 21st night, held at our Ar-Ridha Centre in Mtongwe, were livestreamed.

Quran Competition

Our Annual Quran Competition was held across all Bilal Kenya centres, uniting teachers, students and community members in a spirited display of knowledge and skill. After local qualifying rounds, the top contestants from each centre advanced to a virtual final hosted on Zoom. Cash prizes were awarded to the winners in each category, in recognition of their achievements.

Eid-ul-Fitr

On Eid, we brought smiles to vulnerable members of our community - orphans and individuals with disabilities received new clothes and footwear, while Fitrah Funds supported widows.

Cash tokens were given to students of the Zahra Madrassa in Mombasa and to our staff, in recognition of their service.  Across all our centres, congregations came together for Eid prayers and festive lunches, making the day a joyous and memorable one.

As we reflect on this year’s Holy Ramadhan programs, we are wholeheartedly grateful to Allah (SWT) for the successes we have collectively achieved. Every initiative—from food parcel distributions, communal iftars and online Quran sessions to support for orphans, widows and people with disabilities—was realized through His blessings and our shared resolve.

We are deeply grateful to our donors, whose generous contributions made these outcomes possible and directly uplifted thousands of families. Equally, we honour the unwavering commitment of our staff and volunteers, whose passion and teamwork ensured seamless delivery across all locations.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Africa Federation (AFED) and also to The World Federation of KSIJ for their continued support which has been instrumental in the success of our Ramadhan programs and wider activities.

The fasting month brought a global community together and we pray that it has become a motivator for ongoing involvement and practical support for our work throughout the coming year.

Communications Secretariat

Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya

8th May 2025

Download:  Bilal Bulletin - BMM Kenya - Mahe Ramadhan 1446 Report (PDF, 932KB)

Download:  Bilal Bulletin - BMM Kenya - Mahe Ramadhan 1446 Report - French (PDF, 936KB)

Grand Opening Ceremony of the Bilal Secondary School in Kampala, Uganda

Our Ref:  AF/PR/044/25                                                      Date:  8th May 2025

Saturday April 12, 2025, marked a significant occasion in the history of the Khoja Shia Ithnasheri Jamaat of Kampala, Uganda, with the grand opening of the Bilal Secondary School. 

The opening ceremony was graced by His Excellency Republic of Iran Ambassador Dr. Majid Saffar, the Mayor of Kampala Mr. Salim Uhuru, Representative of the Ministry of Education and Sports Mr. Muteekanga George, Africa Federation Chairman Alhaj Amine Nassor, AFED Vice Chairman Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, AFED Trustee Alhaj Shabir Najafi, AFED Housing Board Chairman Alhaj Akil Hirji and CBB Chairman Alhaj Mohamed Hemani.    

The Punjani Charitable Trust of Toronto, Canada generously donated the full cost of the construction of the school building, including the furniture had travelled all the way from Canada to bless the opening ceremony. The highlight of the occasion was the humble presence of Alhaj Murabbi Mohammed Hussain bhai Punjani, the 94-year-old founder of the Punjani Charitable Trust, who expressed his excitement and joy at being in Kampala to witness his home Jamaat make such an amazing progress. 

The Punjani Charitable Trust members Alhaj Salim bhai Punjani, Alhaj Shafiq bhai Punjani, Alhaj Gulam bhai Punjani, Mrs. Fatima Shafiq Punjani and Chairperson Dr Riyaz Hassanali were also present to witness the grand ceremony. 

The Opening Ceremony was also witnessed by various leaders from other communities such as Aga Khan Ismaili Chairperson, Mukhi and the Aga Khan Custodian Board Chairman for East Africa Mr. Mohammed Dewji, Dawoodi Bohora Chairman, Indian Association leaders, Pakistan Association Trustees and Office Bearers and Indian Business Forum Chairman.  

Also present were the members of Kampala Jamaat Board of Trustees, Executive Committee and the members of the Jamaat. The Bilal Board of Directors had specially invited the parents, teachers and students to witness the milestone in the history of the Education sector of the Jamaat.

The function started with the recitation of The Holy Quran by Br. Aga Mohammed Lofti followed by the National Anthem of Uganda by the school children, tree plantation by the dignitaries, ribbon cutting by Alhaj Murabbi Mohammed Hussain bhai Punjani and tour of the newly constructed classes by the dignitaries and guests.

The program was followed by speeches from the Chairman of the Jamaat and Director of Bilal School, Alhaj Shabbar Virani who appreciated the whole team involved to make the historic and a dream turned into reality for the Bilal School.  He elaborated on its current structure of students, introduction of google class and expansion in the IT Lab. 

Mr. Muteekanga George who represented the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Mama Janet Museveni congratulated everyone for this beautiful standing structure and appreciated the Punjani Charitable Trust for the development of the school in Uganda.  The Mayor of Kampala, Mr. Salim Uhuru in his speech once again extended support to the community for any development, progress and assistance required. He commended the Khoja Shia Ithnasheri Community for the development of the educational infrastructure which will benefit in educating the children for their future careers.

In his speech, Alhaj Amine Nassor, Chairman of the Africa Federation, congratulated the Kampala Jamaat on the inauguration of the Secondary School and emphasized the transformative power of education in uplifting communities. He expressed deep appreciation to Alhaj Murabbi Mohammed Hussain Punjani for the generous support extended by the Punjani Charitable Trust in funding the entire construction of the Bilal Secondary School. He further expressed his hope for continued collaboration with the Punjani Charitable Trust and urged the community to take full advantage of the scholarships being offered by the Trust for AI and Cyber Security courses. 

Alhaj Mustafa bhai Kanji gave vote of thanks to all the guests and appreciated the hard work and dedication by the Headteacher, teachers, Bilal Directors Alhaj Mohamed Raza Manji, Alhaj Shabbar Virani, Alhaj Sibtain Merchant and Br. Riyaz Mithani. Two members who were particularly recognized for their dedication during the construction period were Alhaj Shamir Hussain Manji and Alhaj Shabbir Kassamali.  The Women Board and Ladies Committee Chairlady Sis. Raihana bai Kanji together with her team were appreciated for their organization and set up of the whole event. 

A Token of Appreciation were awarded to Indicon Ltd who was the main contractor for an excellent construction and finishing of the Secondary school. Mr. Hakim Kakaire of ECCI was awarded for architecture and designs of the building and Mr. Godfrey for his mason works around the site.  

Kampala Jamaat bestowed their highest recognition of Imam Ali (‘A) award to Alhaj Murabbi Mohammed Hussain bhai Punjani for having dedicated his entire life in community work especially during the repossession of the Jamaat properties in Uganda. He was also appreciated for his generous contribution towards the Punjani Charitable Trust Building - Bilal School Secondary Section. The citation was read out by Africa Federation Trustee Alhaj Shabir Najafi elaborating the enormous career of Alhaj Murabbi Mohammed Hussain bhai Punjani and the noble works being carried on by his children and board members. 

The grand ceremony ended with a cake cutting by Alhaj Murabbi Mohammed Hussain bhai Punjani and Alhaj Shabbar bhai Virani which marked the opening of the ground plus two storey Punjani Charitable Trust Building for the Secondary School.

The Bilal Primary and Nursery Schools, and now the Secondary School have been committed to providing high-quality comprehensive education to our community and non-community students across Kampala city. Primary-going students are aligned to the Uganda National Curriculum. Students in Secondary Grades 1 to 4 follow the Uganda Secondary Education curriculum, which leads to the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE). This is administered by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).

On behalf of the Africa Federation Chairman, Alhaj Amine bhai Nassor, the Office Bearers and Trustees, we extend our best wishes and prayers for prosperity to the Kampala Jamaat for achieving this historic milestone in the field of education.

We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to Alhaj Murabbi Mohamed Hussain Bhai Punjani, his family members and the Punjani Charitable Trust for their great contribution to the Kampala Jamaat, we pray that these relationships and collaboration continues for many decades to come, Insha’allah.

SECRETARIAT