AFTAB Holds Scholars and Tabligh Officials Retreat

The Africa Federation Tabligh Board (AFTAB) successfully hosted the AFTAB Scholars and Tabligh Officials Retreat from Friday, 17th January 2025, to Sunday, 19th January 2025, at Seascape Hotel & Conference Centre in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This gathering brought together scholars and Tabligh representatives from across Africa for a dynamic and insightful exchange of ideas, strategies, and best practices in Tabligh.

A total of 23 participants representing 11 Jamaats across Africa attended the retreat, including participants from Arusha, Bujumbura, Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Madagascar, Mombasa, Morogoro, Mwanza, Nairobi, Réunion, and Zanzibar. In addition, we were honored by the presence of three distinguished scholars from the AFTAB Guidance Council:

• Shaykh Muhammad Khalfan

• Shaykh Ali Rajani

• Shaykh Yassir Rajabali Alidina

Alongside them, we were also privileged to have Shaykh Dr. Murtadha Alidina in our midst, a highly learned and esteemed scholar who currently serves as the Head of the World Federation Islamic Education (WF IE).Bringing the total number of participants to 27, the retreat was primarily facilitated by Shaykh Ali Rajani and Shaykh Yassir Rajabali Alidina, with additional insightful presentations delivered by esteemed scholars, including members of the Guidance Council.

Purpose and Objectives

The retreat aimed to strengthen the Tabligh network within Africa by fostering collaboration, enhancing knowledge-sharing, and addressing the contemporary challenges in religious outreach. This initiative provided a platform for scholars and officials to engage in discussions, develop strategies, and enhance the effectiveness of Tabligh activities in their respective regions. The primary objectives of the retreat included:

• Strengthening the bonds between scholars and Tabligh officials across Africa.

• Facilitating the exchange of ideas and experiences to enhance religious outreach.

• Developing practical strategies to address contemporary challenges in Tabligh.

• Empowering participants with effective tools for community engagement and religious propagation.

• Identifying key challenges faced in Tabligh and collaboratively formulating practical solutions. This exercise was carried out by the participants themselves, ensuring that the proposed strategies were directly relevant to their on-the-ground experiences.

Event Overview

Over the course of three days, the retreat featured interactive workshops, engaging discussions, and thought-provoking presentations designed to enhance the effectiveness of Tabligh efforts. The sessions focused on critical topics such as:

• Leadership in Tabligh and its evolving role.

• Modern approaches to Islamic propagation.

• The responsibilities of scholars in nurturing spiritual growth. 

To gain a more accurate understanding of the challenges faced, sessions were conducted in parallel for scholars and Tabligh officials separately. This structure allowed each group to engage in discussions specific to their roles, fostering a more targeted and insightful exchange of ideas.In addition to the structured sessions, the retreat provided an invaluable platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration on future Tabligh initiatives, reinforcing a unified commitment to the advancement of religious outreach efforts across the continent.

A Successful and Impactful Gathering

The retreat was widely recognized as a remarkable success, with participants expressing deep appreciation for the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and gain insights from esteemed scholars and colleagues. The spirit of collaboration and shared vision ensured a rewarding and impactful experience for all attendees.

The retreat culminated in a closing ceremony graced by esteemed dignitaries, reaffirming the significance of this initiative in strengthening Tabligh efforts:

• Alhaj Amine Nassor – Chairman, Africa Federation (AFED)

• Alhaj Safdar Jaffer – President, The World Federation

• Alhaj Aunali Khalfan – Vice Chairman, Africa Federation (AFED)

• Alhaji Zuhair Jaffer – Secretary, Africa Federation (AFED)

• Alhaj Habib Meghjee – Vice President, The World Federation (WF)

• Alhaj Dr. Kazim Dhalla – Tabligh Board Chair, KSIJ DSM Jamaat

• Alhaj Arifali Hirji – COEJ President

Addressing the gathering, AFED Chairman Alhaj Amine Nassor expressed gratitude for the dedication of scholars and Tabligh officials in guiding the community. He emphasized the responsibility of delivering messages from the mimbar with care, ensuring alignment with the Qur’an and Ahlulbayt, and safeguarding against misleading ideologies. He commended AFTAB for organizing this retreat, recognizing its value in fostering meaningful discussions and strengthening connections between scholars and Tabligh representatives. Reaffirming AFED’s full support, he concluded with a call for unity and responsibility, expressing hope for the continued success of such initiatives.

In his vote of thanks, AFTAB Chairman Alhaj Mulla Sajjad Walji expressed heartfelt gratitude to all dignitaries, scholars, and Tabligh officials for their unwavering commitment. He acknowledged AFED’s leadership, OBs, and the Guidance Council for their continuous support, emphasizing the need for such retreats annually to assess progress and tackle emerging challenges. He extended special thanks to facilitators Shaykh Ali Rajani and Shaykh Yassir Rajabali for their tireless efforts, as well as the dedicated AFTAB team and volunteers. He also appreciated the sacrifices made by scholars, Tabligh officials, and their Jamaats to attend and contribute to the retreat’s success. Lastly, he thanked Seascape Hotel, particularly manager Ragesh, for their exceptional hospitality. The ceremony concluded with a collective recitation of Dua Hujjah, seeking divine blessings and remembering the Imam of our time (ATFS).

Conclusion

The AFTAB Scholars and Tabligh Officials Retreat successfully achieved its objectives, reinforcing the need for strategic planning, collaboration, and continuous development in Tabligh work. Moving forward, AFTAB remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting scholars and officials, ensuring the sustained growth and effectiveness of Tabligh initiatives across Africa. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants, facilitators, organizers, and esteemed guests for their invaluable contributions. We look forward to future initiatives that will further strengthen our collective mission in Islamic propagation.

SECRETARIAT

TABLIGH BOARD OF AFRICA FEDERATION (AFTAB)

27th February 2025

Shaping Tomorrow: Youth Development Program held in Kampala

The Capacity Building Board (CBG) of Africa Federation, in collaboration with the KSI Jamaat of Kampala, successfully conducted a Youth Development Program (YDP) on the 8th and 9th of February 2025. The weekend training brought together 22 enthusiastic young participants, embarking on a transformative journey of self-discovery, leadership, and service to the community.

Facilitated by Br. Shabbirhussein Khalfan, Chairman of CBG, alongside Br. Mohamedabbas Karim and Sr. Ummehani Panju, the program was carefully crafted to encourage participants to explore their potential, unlock their inherent talents, and challenge their comfort zones. Through engaging discussions, interactive activities, and reflective exercises, the sessions provided a platform for self-reflection, skill-building, and personal growth.

This event served as a beacon of learning and transformation, fostering an environment where young voices resonated, ideas flourished, and confidence was nurtured. Throughout the weekend, participants delved into practical exercises, group collaborations, and insightful presentations, enabling them to share real-life experiences, pose critical questions, and actively contribute. The immersive approach ensured that learning was not just theoretical but deeply rooted in practical application and real-world relevance.

Beyond acquiring essential life skills and leadership qualities, the program empowered the youth with the confidence to articulate their thoughts, take initiative, and embrace responsibility. The energy and enthusiasm they brought to each session underscored their readiness to make a meaningful impact within their communities and beyond.

On behalf of the Capacity Building Group of AFED, we express our heartfelt gratitude to KSI Jamaat of Kampala for their unwavering support in hosting and facilitating this enriching program. We are also grateful to the Jamaat for providing the venue, amenities, and handling the logistics in collaboration with CBG for the training session.

We thank the Chairman, Office Bearers, Trustees, Managing Committee members of Kampala Jamaat, and all invitees who honored the youths with their presence at the certification and closing ceremony, demonstrating their commitment to nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.

We also extend our appreciation to the Africa Federation Office Bearers and Secretariat for their continued encouragement and steadfast commitment to the initiatives of the Capacity Building Board.

Finally, we commend the young participants for their dedication, passion, and willingness to engage in this learning journey. This weekend was not just an event but a stepping stone towards lifelong growth and community service. As they move forward, we hope they will continue to apply their learnings, inspire their peers, and contribute towards a thriving and empowered future.

PARTICIPANTS’ FEEDBACK 

• The session was truly eye-opening, helping us reflect on ourselves—a crucial step in personal growth, whether as leaders or entrepreneurs. I appreciate the facilitators’ dedication, positive energy, and ability to keep us engaged for long hours.

• The program was highly impactful. The facilitators were kind and encouraging, and I look forward to more such events. The lessons learned today will stay with me—thank you! 

• Everything was excellent. I was able to build my confidence because there was no fear of being right or wrong—just a space to express our thoughts. This shift has helped me move from the fear zone to the learning zone. 

• The program was both engaging and thought-provoking. It helped me process emotions and thoughts that were holding me back. I wish YDP continued success in empowering individuals worldwide.

CBG Secretariat 

Alternate Dispute Resolution Committee - Progress Report

Further to my bulletin to the African Federation constituent Jamaats on 16th December 2024, I have the following progress report on the ADRC. 

ADRC – COMMITTEE

I have been discussing with potential members for the Committee. However, to progress; an “INTERIM COMMITTEE” has been appointed by myself to support the objective of ADRC with the following members; 

Aasif Karim FCI Arb  - Nairobi, Kenya

Ali Manji                  - Kigali, Rwanda

Aliraza Bandali         - Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania 

MEDIATION/ARBITRATION PANELLIST

I have received 2 potential applications from the Community as Panellists for dispute to be conducted under Mediation. 

There have been no applications from the Community as Panellist for disputes to be conducted under Arbitration. 

However, the applications for both Mediation and Arbitration are OPEN for submissions and can be submitted to the ADRC Chairman. 

AFED CONSTITUENT JAMAATS

Over the last one month, I have engaged with almost ALL CHAIRMEN AND OR TRUSTEES of the Constituent Jamaat of AFED on understanding the local system/procedures on Dispute Resolution of their respective Jamaats. 

I would like to thank ALL the CHAIRMEN AND OR TRUSTEES of the AFED Constituent Jamaats that I have spoken to so far with their cooperation by sharing information on their Dispute Resolution system in their respective jamaats. This includes willingness to work and support on various initiatives ADRC wishes to take with each respective Jamaat during the next few months. 

ADRC - TERMS OF REFERENCE 

The “Terms of Reference” for the committee is attached for better understanding to all the Constituent Jamaats and its Members. This is a “working document” that will be periodically reviewed.  Click here to download the Terms of Reference. 

Any suggestions and comments are always welcome from all the Members of Constituent Jamaats via the email address; 

adrc@africafederation.org

In the meantime, I appreciate the continuous support accorded from the AFED Secretariat Offices towards the development and growth of this new initiative formed for DISPUTE RESOLUTION in the community, if any.

With Salaams

Aasif Karim FCI Arb

Chairman – Alternate Dispute Resolution Committee

26th February 2025