AFED Chairman and Councillors Join Arbaeen of Imam Hussain (‘A) Commemorations in Zanzibar

Our Ref:  AFED/PR/004/2025                                         Date:  26^th August 2025

Zanzibar has long been a beacon of devotion when it comes to the commemoration of Arbaeen of Aba Abdillah al-Hussain (‘A), with the community maintaining deep historical traditions of Azadari over generations. The Arbaeen in Zanzibar stand out for its solemnity, symbolizing a “mini Karbala” where the love of Imam Hussain (‘A) and the remembrance of his and his dearest kin and companions’ sacrifices resonate profoundly. 

On Thursday, 14^th August 2025, the Chairman of the Africa Federation, Alhaj Amine Nassor, accompanied by AFED Immediate Past Vice Chairman and Nominated Councillor Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, arrived in Zanzibar to partake in the Chehlum Azadari program organized by the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Kuwwatul Islam Jamaat (KSIKJ). They were warmly welcomed by the Hon. Secretary of KSIKJ Alhaj Akbar Hassanali and Alhaj Sadique Jaffer of the Jaffer Family Foundation, New York. 

The Chehlum Azadari program included Majlises, Juloos, Matam, Mawkib and various forms of Azadari reflecting the essence of Arbaeen as practiced in Karbala itself. With community members joining from near and far, the commemorations stood as a collective tribute to the great sacrifice of Imam Hussain (‘A) and his loyal companions.

In his address, Alhaj Amine Nassor expressed his deep gratitude at being able to attend the Arbaeen gathering in Zanzibar, noting the unique blessing of commemorating Arbaeen there. He emphasized the central role of Azadari in the identity of the Khoja community, remarking that Azadari, Marjaiyyah, and Aqeedah are among the profound values that define who we are. 

He commended the Jamaat Managing Committee and the volunteers for their devotion in preserving these sacred traditions, commending especially the mawkib, sabeel, juloos and the traditional saff matam as the living symbols of Azadari that must continue for generations to come. 

He also extended his heartfelt appreciation to the Jaffer Family Foundation of New York for their support in the restoration of the Hussaini Taziakhana, underscoring the importance of maintaining such heritage sites which stand at the heart of communal Azadari. The Foundation also restored the famous School Faize of Zanzibar where many students from this religious institution became renowned Scholars, Muallims, Mullas and Professionals who have and are serving the community in many parts of the world. 

Finally, Alhaj Amine Nassor urged the continuity of Azadari on greater scales across Africa, affirming that the Chehlum program in Zanzibar and the way it is commemorated is indeed a source of inspiration for the wider community.

Dr. Hasnain Walji, who was present in Zanzibar for Ashrae Zainabiyyah as one of the visiting scholars who recited majlises in English, conveyed his gratitude on behalf of the visiting Azadars to the organizers. He lauded their tireless efforts in ensuring that the gatherings were spiritually enriching and filled with brotherhood and sisterhood. Reflecting on the power of such commemorations, Dr. Walji remarked that the tears shed for Aba Abdillah (‘A) differ from worldly grief as they are tears that never dry and carry eternal blessings.

He further highlighted Zanzibar’s historical significance as home to the first Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri mosque (Juni Misid) worldwide built in 1881. In his words he conveyed, “This is the very first mosque of the Khoja Shia Ithna’asheri, and we must honour its history and origin.”

As part of the annual event, the 5th DSM Shia Boys Troop Scouts and Cubs displayed the Karbala Project, a humble initiative that continues to support the message of Karbala. The Arbaeen commemoration in Zanzibar also featured a moving stage play presented by the Shaame Ghariba Juloos Committee, depicting the heart-rending journey of the Ahlulbayt (‘A) after Karbala highlighting the events in the prison of Sham and their eventual return to Madinah as experienced by Imam Zainul Abideen (‘A), Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (‘A) and the noble ladies of the Holy Prophet’s household. 

Below are some photographs of Arbaeen in Zanzibar:

From one community to another, the message of Arbaeen in Zanzibar continues to shine in remembrance, service, and tabligh carried forward in the spirit of Labayk Ya Hussain.

The attendance of Arbaeen in Zanzibar this year was a record high, community members from within Africa, Europe, Canada, USA and other countries spent several days to commemorate the tragedy of Karbala, may Allah (SWT) grant them tawfeeqat, with good health, long life to continue in the same spirit, Aameen.

The Africa Federation extends its gratitude to Zanzibar Jamaat leadership, volunteers, well-wishers and the Jaffer Family Foundation of New York for their dedication in organizing and supporting the Arbaeen commemorations with such devotion.

May Allah (SWT) accept the tears, service, and sacrifices of all Azadars and grant tawfeeq for this noble tradition of Azadari to flourish in all Jamaats across Africa, Ameen.

Let us recite Sura-e-Fateha for the past leaders, volunteers of the Africa Federation, Zanzibar Jamaat, and all the Marhumeen - Al-Fateha.

SECRETARIAT