AFTAB Successfully Hosts the Madressah Leadership Summit in Dar es Salaam

The Africa Federation Tabligh Board (AFTAB) successfully hosted the Madrasah Leadership Summit from Friday, 24th January 2025, to Sunday, 26th January 2025, bringing together madrasah leaders, educators, and administrators for three days of insightful discussions, strategic planning, and collaborative learning.

Diverse Participation from Across Africa

Held at Seascape Hotel, Dar es Salaam, the summit welcomed 33 participants from madrasah institutions across Africa. Attendees represented various cities, including Antananarivo, Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Mauritius, Morogoro, Mombasa, Mwanza, Mtwara, Nairobi, Reunion, and Zanzibar. This diverse representation provided a rich platform for exchanging ideas, addressing key challenges in Islamic education, and fostering regional collaboration. The AFTAB team, led by its Chairman, Alhaj Mulla Sajjad Walji, was present throughout the retreat, actively engaging with participants, facilitating discussions, and ensuring the smooth flow of the event.

Esteemed Scholars and Facilitators

The summit was enriched by the presence of distinguished scholars and facilitators, including Shaykh Ali Rajani and Br. Hameed Sheriff, with co-facilitation by Fatema bai Kermalli, Zaheera bai Raza, and Zahida bai Chagani. A special highlight was the participation of Shaykh Dr. Murtadha Alidina, Head of the World Federation Islamic Education (WF IE), whose insights and guidance added immense value to the discussions. AFTAB’s team, led by its Chairman, ensured continued engagement and support to all at the summit.

Purpose and Objectives

The Madrasah Leadership Summit aimed to:

• Strengthen leadership skills within madrasah institutions.

• Develop strategic action plans to address educational challenges.

• Promote collaborative learning and best practice sharing.

• Explore innovative teaching methodologies to engage learners.

Challenges across various fields and departments of the madrasah were openly discussed by one and all, allowing for collective problem-solving and the exchange of valuable insights among participants.

Event Highlights

Over three days, participants engaged in dynamic and interactive sessions, including:

• Visionary Discussions – Identifying challenges and envisioning the future of madrasah education.

• Collaborative Challenge Mapping – Group work to develop solutions for educational hurdles.

• Leadership Development Activities – Equipping leaders with tools for effective decision-making.

• SMART Goal Setting – Formulating actionable and measurable strategies for curriculum improvement.

• Spiritual and Motivational Talks – Inspirational sessions by Shaykh Ali Rajani and other distinguished speakers.

The summit emphasized activity-based learning, encouraging the adoption of innovative teaching methodologies to foster both spiritual and academic growth in students. Challenges faced by madrasah institutions across various fields and departments were openly discussed, ensuring a holistic approach to problem-solving.

A Transformative Experience

The summit was widely hailed as a transformative experience, with participants expressing appreciation for the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and gain valuable insights. The closing ceremony was a fitting conclusion to this impactful event, graced by distinguished guests and featuring a video message from Alhaj Amine Nassor, Chairman of AFED. In his address, he emphasized the value and importance of the summit in strengthening madrasah leadership and advancing Islamic education, further reinforcing AFTAB’s commitment to this cause.

During the closing ceremony, AFTAB Chairman, Alhaj Mulla Sajjad Walji assured all madaris of AFTAB’s continued support, promising access to essential resources, training programs, and ongoing guidance to enhance Islamic education across institutions.The event reaffirmed AFTAB’s dedication to supporting madrasah leaders and educators in their mission to nurture future generations with a robust and spiritually enriching education.

Participant Feedback

Participants expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to attend the summit, highlighting its impactful discussions, eye-opening experiences, and valuable learning. Some of the reflections shared included:

“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to AFTAB, especially Sajjad Uncle and his team. We all learned a lot, and may Allah bless our beloved madrasah institutions worldwide.”

“A huge thank you to AFTAB for the generous invite, full of efforts and activities. This was a great platform for exchanging ideas and views. Alhamdulillah, I greatly benefited.”

“The experiences and ideas shared were very eye-opening and helpful. Inshallah, we will take these ideas back to our Jamaats and try to implement them in our classes. Such summits should be conducted more frequently to maintain motivation.”

“We extend our immense gratitude to AFTAB for hosting a revolutionary summit. Insha'Allah, this will pave the way for great advancements in madaris in the near future.”

Looking Ahead

The Madrasah Leadership Summit 2025 successfully achieved its objectives by fostering collaboration, inspiring innovative thinking, and strengthening leadership capabilities within madrasah institutions. Moving forward, AFTAB will continue to pursue the outcomes of the summit, ensuring the implementation of key solutions across Madaris, and further supporting educators and leaders in their mission.

AFTAB extends its deepest gratitude to all participants, facilitators, and organizers for their invaluable contributions. We look forward to future initiatives that will continue to advance Islamic education across the continent.

SECRETARIAT

TABLIGH BOARD OF AFRICA FEDERATION (AFTAB)

28th February 2025

The Holy Month of Ramadhan 1446 AH - Message from the Chairman of Africa Federation

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the most Merciful.

“If people understood what good there was in the month of Ramadhan, they would have liked that it last for a year.”

 Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (SAWW)

The holy month of Ramadhan is here with us, this is the season of compassion, togetherness, and rekindling bonds with the loved ones and with the community members in general, a time of forgiveness and mercy. The most revered, blessed, and spiritually enlightening month of the Islamic year is the holy month of Ramadhan, which draws us nearer to Allah (SWT) and the Ahlulbayt (‘A). This holy month gives us the chance to purify our souls and ask for and earn Allah’s (SWT) blessings, grace, and mercy. 

In light of the suffering of the oppressed, poor, hungry, and ill; God-consciousness, self-control, devotion, and introspection are crucial during this month. It is the duty of every Muslim, across the globe, to aid fellow citizens, the underprivileged, and the impoverished through charity and other forms of support. 

Fasting, which is the highlight of this holy month, has a profound spiritual component that involves self-sacrifice, compassion, awareness, and reflection. Insha'Allah, you will be astonished by the kindness and mercy of Allah (SWT) throughout this sacred month. Be vigilant and opportunistic to take advantage of this occasion. May Allah (SWT) hear our prayers and forgive all our transgressions. 

It is also extremely important to make ourselves aware and introspect on the tragic plight of the sufferings of the Muslim Ummah in several parts of the world as the violent conflict continues to cause deaths, destruction and suffering of innocent people including young children. 

Let's pray to Allah (SWT) for global peace, security, and tranquility in all parts of the world, and our special prayers to bring about justice to all those innocent souls who endured, and are enduring atrocities and sufferings. 

We are aware of the needs of the less fortunate amidst us, with their numbers on the rise and their needs increasing. We have been able to provide our Jamaats and External Tabligh Institutions with Ramadhan Relief Funds through the kind support of the World Federation and other generous donors, however, the need is huge, and we appeal to members to contribute towards this noble cause. 

Your support will be very instrumental in fulfilling our obligations for the holy month of Ramadhan, which include developing the compassion and spirit to help the poor even more so that they can fast and engage in other spiritual activities during this time with less difficulty. 

“Ramadhan is like rain; it nourishes the seeds of good deeds”.

Let us remember all our past Leaders, Volunteers and all the Marhumeen with Sura-e-Fateha.

In this Holy month of Ramadhan, may you be blessed with good health, prosperity and may Allah’s Blessings always shine upon you all, Ameen.  Ramadhan Mubarak

Amine N. Goulamaly

Chairman

29th Shab’an1446 A.H. (28th February 2025)

Building Awareness: Mental Wellbeing Session Held in Kampala - 8th February 2025

By the grace and blessings of the Almighty Allah (s.w.t), the Capacity Building Board (CBG), in collaboration with KSI Kampala Jamaat and Fikrafya, conducted an insightful and interactive session on mental wellbeing in Kampala on Saturday, 8th February 2025. The session was facilitated by Br. Shabbirhussein Khalfan, who guided participants through meaningful discussions and practical strategies to enhance mental resilience.

This engaging session explored the intricate connection between mental, emotional, and physical health, encouraging attendees to adopt a holistic approach to wellbeing. Through expert-led discussions and engaging activities, participants gained valuable insights into recognizing early signs of mental strain and implementing sustainable habits for a balanced life.

The discussions emphasized the ongoing need to prioritize mental health, not just as an individual pursuit but as a collective responsibility within the community. Participants were equipped with practical techniques to foster a healthier and more productive lifestyle while being encouraged to raise awareness about the importance of mental wellbeing for all. The interactive format allowed for deep reflection, shared experiences, and dynamic engagement, making the session both impactful and thought-provoking.

CBG extends its sincere appreciation to all those who attended and actively contributed to the session. We hope that the knowledge and skills gained will empower participants to become advocates for mental wellbeing within their communities.

A sincere thank you to KSI Kampala Jamaat for their unwavering support and collaboration in making this initiative a success. We look forward to more opportunities to nurture conversations that promote holistic wellbeing for all.

PARTICIPANTS’ FEEDBACK

• The program addressed important yet less-discussed issues on mental well being, creating a space for open conversations.

• It highlighted the seriousness of mental health and its impact on our well-being.

• The session provided valuable insights into the importance of mental wellness in an engaging and approachable manner.

• Overall, it was a warm and informative session.

• More such sessions would help foster stronger bonds and a sense of brotherhood among members.

• This is a great initiative to spread awareness. The session was well-structured, informative, and engaging.

CBG Secretariat

28th February 2025