13th Jamadiul Awwal: Remembering the Tragedy at Taziya Khana - Zanzibar

Some dates remain etched in the history of a community, carrying memories that time cannot erase. For the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri community of Zanzibar, the 13th of Jamadiul Awwal (Saturday, 19th September 1964) is one such date which is a solemn reminder of the tragic shooting at the Husseini Taziya Khana in 1964, when five innocent lives were lost during a gathering for the remembrance of Bibi Fatema (SA).

The Husseini Taziya Khana, situated in the heart of Stone Town, Zanzibar, was more than a place of religious gathering. It was a sanctuary of Azadari, where generations came together to remember the sacrifices of the Ahlul Bayt (AS) through majalis, nawha, marsiya and the recitation of masaeb.

Its history dates back to 1912, when Alhaj Kassamali Dharsee, affectionately known as Bha Kassamali, acquired a block of buildings in Stone Town. He dedicated the upper floor to Mehfile Abbas (AS), while the ground floor eventually became the Husseini Taziya Khana.

Following his demise, his nephew Hussein Mohammed Valli Dharsee, fondly known as Hussein Tazia, continued the legacy. For over five decades, he faithfully maintained the Taziya Khana, opening its doors daily and ensuring that majalis continued, even when attendance was small. His dedication reflected the deep-rooted connection between Azadari and the identity of Zanzibar's Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri community.

On the night of 13th Jamadiul Awwal 1384 AH, the congregation gathered to commemorate the wafaat of Bibi Fatema (SA). As the majlis progressed and the mourners listened to the masaeb, the gathering was suddenly disrupted by violence.

Mohammed Abdulla, alias Kajijore, a member of Zanzibar's Revolutionary Council, entered the hall with armed men, and gunfire shattered the solemnity of the occasion. Five members of the community lost their lives:

• Sayyed Abdulmuttalib Sayyed Hashim

• Sayyed Aliasghar Sayyed Hussein

• Haji Abdulhusein Remtullah

• Gulamabbas Kassamali

• Haji Mohamad Asar.

Hussein Tazia himself was shot in the leg and forehead but survived the attack. The tragedy left an indelible mark on the community. The Taziya Khana was sealed in the aftermath, bringing a painful interruption to a place that had served as a spiritual home for generations. Although gatherings subsequently continued on a smaller scale, the events of that night remained an enduring part of the community's collective memory.

The history of the Taziya Khana is not defined by tragedy alone. It is also a story of devotion, resilience and the enduring strength of a community. Despite the upheaval of the Zanzibar Revolution and the subsequent dispersal of many community members, the traditions nurtured within its walls continued across generations and geographical boundaries.

As members of the Zanzibar community established themselves in different parts of the world, they carried with them the values and traditions of Azadari. The legacy of those who gathered at the Taziya Khana thus became part of a wider community history, connecting generations across Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam and the global Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri diaspora.

In April 2025, the restoration and reopening of the Husseini Taziya Khana, with the support of the Jaffer Family Foundation, marked an important milestone in preserving this heritage. The renewed space offers future generations an opportunity to reconnect with their roots and learn about the people and events that shaped their history.

As we remember the tragedy of the 13th of Jamadiul Awwal, we honour the memory of the five who lost their lives, the dedication of Hussein Tazia, and all those who kept the spirit of Azadari alive through the generations.

We pray to the Almighty to grant maghfirah to all the deceased and elevate their status in the hereafter. May their lives, devotion and contributions to our community's heritage continue to be remembered and cherished by generations to come. Ameen.

SECRETARIAT

ARCHIVES SECTION OF THE AFRICA FEDERATION