Intra-Faith Program Organized jointly by AFED, BMMK and SUPKEM

The Holy Month of Ramadhan Intrafaith Program

Organized jointly by AFED, BMMK and SUPKEM at

Jaffery Islamic Centre (JIC), Mombasa

9th March 2025

8th Ramadhan 1446 A.H.

An Intrafaith program aimed at enhancing Muslim unity was held at the Jaffery Islamic Centre (JIC) in Mombasa on Sunday, 8th of Ramadhan 1446 AH. The program resulted from collaborative efforts between the Africa Federation (AFED), Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya (BMMK) and The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM). Teachers and students from various Sunni and Shia Madaris were invited to participate in the event which included inspirational speeches and the handover of Food Parcels and Khanzus. 

In his address, the Chairman of Bilal Kenya, Alhaj Iqbal Bhai Sunderji, aptly referred to the occasion as an 'Annual Solidarity Gathering,' perfectly capturing the essence and purpose of the event. He highlighted the importance of holding such events in the Holy month of Ramadhan, as he emphasized on Muslim Unity and Cooperation. He also thanked SUPKEM for their support in various capacities and reminded all present that we must be grateful for the freedom to practice our religion - Islam without any hinderance in Kenya. 

Iqbal bhai also introduced the dignitaries who included: 

• Alhaj Mohamed bhai Hemani – Chairman of AFED Central Bilal Board (CBB).

• Alhaj Muhammed bhai Jaffer – Chairman of Jaffery Religious Board of Mombasa.

• Mulla Sajjad Walji – Chairman of AFED Tabligh Board (AFTAB)

• Sheikh Muhudhar Khitamy – SUPKEM National Deputy Chairman.

• Sayyid Sikander Kazim – Resident Aalim and Lecturer of KSI Jamaat of Mombasa.

• Alhaj Gulamabbas bhai Khaku – Bilal Kenya Trustee

• Alhaj Fazleabbas bhai Bhanji – Trustee of KSI Jamaat of Mombasa

• Sheikh Akber – Muballigh at Bilal Kenya and Chairman of SUPKEM Coast Branch.

Alhaj Muhammed bhai Jaffer of Jaffery Religious Board of Mombasa Jamaat, spoke on bhelaf of Africa Federation and the Central Bilal Board of Africa Federation. His speech emphasized the necessity of sharing and showing concern for the welfare of our brethren and included a call to unity and the seeking of Taqwa during Holy Ramadhan as per the sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWW). 

As the morning’s program drew to an end, Mulla Sajjad Walji, Chairman of AFTAB, recited Dua e Wahda and Alhaj Gulamabbas bhai Khaku, Trustee of Bilal Kenya, ended with a vote of thanks.

On behalf of the AFED Secretariat, the Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya and SUPKEM, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of this significant event. This initiative, focused on fostering unity and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood among our Muslim community, would not have been possible without the support and team work between our Institutions.

A special vote of thanks for the KSI Jamaat of Mombasa, for their unwavering support, as always, and providing the facilities at JIC to hold the event.

As we observe this blessed month of Ramadhan, we pray to Allah (SWT) to shower His boundless mercy and blessings upon all Muslims in all parts of the world. We also remember and pray for those facing hardship and injustice around the world and beseech Almighty Allah (SWT) to hasten the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (ATJF) so that he may fill the earth with peace and justice, Ameen.

Communications Secretariat

Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya

Mombasa

18/03/2025

Africa Federation Hosts Sehri Get-Together Program in Dar es Salaam

On Sunday, 15th March 2025 (15th of Mahe Ramadhan) Africa Federation on the occasion of the birth anniversary celebration of Imam Hassan al-Mujtaba (‘A) the first grandson of the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him and his household), Africa Federation organized a Sehri Get-Together program at Delhi Darbar Restaurant in Dar es Salaam. 

The program commenced with Surah Yasin recited beautifully by Br. Husseinali NooralAin Shariff followed by a brief address from the Master of Ceremonies, Br. Alihassan Kassam, on behalf of the Chairman and Office Bearers of the Africa Federation who welcomed the Ulema, Scholars, elders of the community, Africa Federation Trustees, Africa Federation Councillors, Board Chairmen and the invited guests.

The Africa Federation Chairman, Alhaj Amine Nassor then addressed the gathering, he said it was a great privilege and a delight to be in Dar es Salaam in the holy month of Ramadhan and on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Imam Hassan al-Mujtaba (‘A). He explained the purpose of the Get-Together program which he said is primarily to meet and share the joy of the occasion, and to know each other thus building stronger bonds and bridges of relationships. He wanted everyone to enjoy the Sehri program, he was pleased to see the elders of the community, the Dar es Salaam Jamaat President, Alhaj Mohamedraza Dewji, the former President of Dar es Salaam Jamaat, who is also the former Chairman of Africa Federation and the former President of the World Federation, the Trustee of Africa Federation, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi, the respected Scholars, Africa Federation Office Bearers, Africa Federation Elected and Nominated Councillors, Africa Federation Boards Chairmen and the invited guests.

Amine bhai explained on the important roles played by the past leaders, from the time of first President of Africa Federation, Murrabbi Alhaj A. H. Nurmohamed when the Federation was formed in 1946 and how much of their wisdom, vision and perseverance has helped in developing the Federation to the status that we all see today. He said Africa Federation (the mother of all the regional federations) continues to play pivotal role, he gave an example of the vision of the past leaders, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi for initiating the AFED income generating project and Alhaj Shabir Najafi for expanding on this vision by developing several projects during his term in office which took the Federation to higher levels of success, he was confident that with the support of the community members, the Federation will continue to thrive, and in turn the member Jamaats. He commended the Dar es Salaam Jamaat for their ongoing projects and wished them success.

Amine bhai emphasised the importance of Aqedah and Marja’iyyat. On the global situation, Amine bhai expressed his sadness of the sufferings of the people due to ongoing atrocities and crimes being committed against innocent men, women and children, and prayed for the end to these atrocities and sufferings. He reminded the gathering to remember and seek Allah’s (SWT) grace and mercy in the coming Nights of Power (Laylatul Qadr) for peace to prevail in all parts of the world and an end to the sufferings of the people living under very harsh conditions.

Beautiful Qasidas were recited by Amine bhai Nassor and Mulla Sadiq Dewji in his melodious voice and enlivened the occasion of the celebration of the Wiladat of Imam Hassan al-Mujtaba (‘A). 

The closing Dua and the Dua of Imam al-Hujjah (ATFS) were recited by Maulana Seyed Arif Naqvi.

Br. Alihassan Kassam remembered Marhum Sheikh Abdillahi Nasser for his devoted services in Tabligh of the Madh’ab of Ahlulbayt (‘A) in East Africa and beyond, and for all the Marhumeen with Sura Al-Fateha for the maghferat of the departed souls.

We wish to express our sincere appreciation to all who took their time to attend the AFED Sehri Get-Together program, we value their presence and pray for their good health, long life and prosperity, Aameen. A buffet Sehri was served.

Our thanks go to the two reciters, Br. Husseinali Shariff and Mulla Sadiq Dewji for the recitation of Surah Yasin and Qasida.

We wish to express our sincere gratitude to Br. Mushtak Damji, the owner of Delhi Darbar Restaurant and his courteous waiters and staff for their wonderful services.

We pray to Allah (SWT) to grant all esteemed leaders and volunteers of our community with good health, long life, and increased tawfeeqat to continue their services to Islam under the guidance of the Ahlulbayt (‘A), Ameen.

SECRETARIAT

Date: 17th March 2025 (16th Ramadhan 1446 A.H.)

Al Mahdi Tower – The Arusha Jamaat Housing Project is on the final stages of completion

Alhamdulillah, the Al Mahdi Tower in Arusha is in its final stages of completion. On 29th January 2025, the Chairman of the Housing Board, Alhaj Akil Hirji, along with the Project Coordinator, Mohamed Moledina, and the contractor, Mr. Kanji Patel, visited Arusha to assess the progress of the project. During their visit, they attended a site meeting with all key stakeholders, including consultants, architect, structural engineer and the contractor. Also present were the Office Bearers, Managing Committee, and Trustees of Arusha Jamaat.

At the site meeting, the handover date was also discussed taking into consideration the various challenges that have been encountered, the project delivery is expected at the earliest possible date. After inspecting the building, it was observed that the planned works had been completed satisfactorily. However, several pertinent issues of the workmanship were raised, and the architect and contractor have been requested to address them.

Later that evening, after Isha prayers, a site visit was conducted with the Arusha Jamaat Office Bearers, Managing Committee, and Trustees. The officials had the opportunity to inspect the apartments and were impressed with the quality of construction, the finishing work, and the lighting system. They expressed their satisfaction and remarked that Al Mahdi Tower would serve as a landmark in Arusha, both in terms of its architectural design and interior finishing.

During a dinner meeting, the Arusha Jamaat and Housing Board Chairman connected virtually with AFED Chairman Alhaj Amine Nassor and Housing Board Advisor Alhaj Shabir Najafi. In a detailed discussion via group call, the team mapped out a strategy to complete the project by June 2025 while addressing the existing challenges to meet up to the completion date.

During the discussion, it was observed that one of the main obstacles to timely completion of the project is the financial constraints. To address this main obstacle, donations for the Residential Tower remains open, and we encourage community members to come forward and support Arusha Jamaat in this project.

The building comprises four floors designated for commercial office spaces for rental. We are pleased to inform our community members that the ground floor has already been leased to a reputable bank on a long-term lease basis. For the remaining three floors, the Jamaat invites interested community members to apply by contacting the Hon. Secretary, Alhaj MohamedArif Bhimani, or the Trustees of Arusha Jamaat. Jamaat will issue an advert shortly.

As for the residential apartments, most of these have been booked for rental by members of the Arusha Jamaat, with only four apartments still available for renting. Community members from other Jamaats are welcome to take up these apartments on rent.

The Office Bearers and Trustees of Africa Federation and Arusha Jamaat, along with the AFED Housing Board, extend their sincere appreciation to the well-wishers and supporters of this project and to the main contractor, sub-contractors, and consultants for their dedication and perseverance in overcoming various challenges to bring this project to fruition.

Inshallah, we pray for the timely completion of the project.

Secretariat

Housing Development Board

16th March 2025