A delegation led by the Africa Federation Vice Chairman Alhaj Aunali bhai Khalfan accompanied by the Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania Chairman Alhaj Hussein bhai Karim travelled to Mombasa from 1st to 4th August 2023, they were joined in Mombasa by the Central Bilal Board Chairman Alhaj Mohamed bhai Hemani. The delegation along with committee members of Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya had also the opportunity to meet with the Mombasa Jamaat President, Alhaj Dr. Mohamed Jaffer, Jamaat managing committee members and trustees at the dinner hosted by the President of Mombasa Jamaat at his residence on Thursday, 3rd August 2023.
Meeting with BMMK:
A Biannual Meeting over dinner was held on 1st August with the Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya (BMMK) committee members and trustees recently elected/appointed. The Chairman Alhaj Iqbal Sunderji, extended a warm welcome to the delegation.
Amongst several issues discussed were the renovation of the new BMMK Head Office, cost management ideas, optimization of the available resources and other key issues relevant to external tabligh activities being undertaken currently by BMMK and steps towards the restructuring of BMMK in the light of the current needs and challenges.
A visit was also made to inspect the new BMMK Head Office which is located in Kizingo area of Mombasa. BMMK was requested to share the floor plans of the building which is presently undergoing major renovation. Once the renovation work is completed, BMMK offices will shift from old town to this new location, it will provide better facilities and other amenities for the Head Office. The building was given to BMMK by Alhaj Mohamedraza Panju of Mombasa, the family is also generously supporting the renovation expenses. May Allah (SWT) grant Alhaj Mohamedraza Panju and his family good health with long life and prosperity, Aameen.
Visit to Lamu:
The AFED delegation accompanied by BMMK Hon Secretary Akber bhai Kassamali and BMMK CEO Murtaza bhai Jaffer visited Lamu Island on 2nd and 3rd August 2023. Lamu Kiswani is where one of the earliest Khoja Mosque on the East Coast of Africa is situated. This mosque was built in 1896. The Khoja community in Lamu was once a very vibrant community when Lamu was a major trading port off the coast of Kenya along with Kismayu, Bagamoyo, Zanzibar, Kilwa and Mikindani. Lamu Island is 40 min away from Mombasa by air, and 330 km road distance. Lamu is the oldest and best-preserved example of Swahili settlement in East Africa, and a tourist destination.
Bilal Lamu Interim Committee:
As from August 2023, Bilal Lamu became a Centre under Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya (BMMK), Alhaj Ali Bunu is the current interim Chairman of Bilal Lamu Centre. This Centre will be like any other Centre operating under the auspices of BMMK in Kenya. Africa Federation Chairman, Alhaj Amine Nassor, the office bearers, the Chairman of Central Bilal Board, Alhaj Mohamed Hemani and the Chairman of BMMK, Alhaj Iqbal Sunderji extends their heartiest felicitations to Alhaj Ali Bunu and his team members, pictured below;
Lamu Mosque, Imambargha and Madressah Renovations:
Renovation work of the mosque, Imambargha, and Madressah Classrooms started two months ago, and progressing well.
This is a historic and landmark Mosque of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Community in East Africa built in 1899, among the first Mosque built after Zanzibar and Bagamoyo Mosques. The Lamu Kabrastan plot was acquired in 1897.
The condition of the Lamu Mosque, Imambargha and the Madressah classrooms are not in good condition. Some temporary repairs, painting etc. were made in the past, however Africa Federation with the help of Mombasa Jamaat, Central Bilal Board, Alhaj Sajjad Bhai Rashid, Amir Bhai Merali and Alhaj Yusuf Bhai Jiwa spent valuable time and efforts to initiate a major renovation drive for the Lamu Mosque etc. in order to restore, maintain the facilities and the good image of our Community in Lamu.
Renovations Funds & Going Forward:
A Committee was appointed by AFED which is headed by Alhaj Amir Bhai Merali to oversee the renovations through to its completion. Amir Bhai has kindly agreed to do the fund-raising for the renovations which is estimated at US$125K, it includes some furniture, carpets, PA system and CCTV, in the first phase. The 2nd phase will include the Resident Muallim’s and Care-Taker’s apartments, in the nearby plot to be acquired. Cost estimate for the 2nd work is yet to be worked out.
AFED and some of our community members have kindly contributed towards the renovations, we look forward to more contributions and the ex Lamu KSI Community will assist in this Thawab-e-Ja’ariya Project. There is a shortfall of about US$50K for the phase one renovations.
Bilal Lamu Centre Activities:
The Interim Committee have already appointed Ladies Committee to focus on the Tabligh and Education for the ladies and children of Lamu Shia Ithna-Asheri Community. The activities at the Centre includes, daily prayers led by a local Sheikh who also helps in the Madressah for young boys and girls. Among other programs, are the daily lectures in the holy month of Ramadhan, Iftar, majlises during the month of Muharram and Safar. Also, other occasions and programs like the Ashura Juloos, Miladun Nabii (S.A.W.W.) The Interim Committee is maintaining good relationships, and also collaborating with our Sunni Community brothers in Lamu who are in majority.
The Shia Community in Lamu County is estimated at 750 families and 2,400 heads, includes male, female and children.
Once the renovation work of the Mosque, Imambargha, Class Rooms and other amenities are completed, the Madressah will be operating effectively, and more religious teachers, both males and females will be required.
Arbaeen Ziyarat Trip for two Lamu Community Members:
Two Lamu Community members were provided with a full package of the Arbaeen Ziyarat trip this year by AFED, the two members who were selected by the Lamu Interim Committee were, Sister Asia Ali Salim and Brother Adwah Hassan Adwah, for both this was their lifetime experience. They joined Alhaj Mohamedjaffer (Hajj Caravan) group.
Below are some photographs of the upper floor of the Imambargha/Madressah block which is need of major renovations.
The Delegation had a fruitful meeting with the recently elected Bilal Lamu Committee members who now fall under the ambit of Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya.
The Africa Federation Secretariat is once again appealing to the members of our community and especially the Diaspora from East Africa, and the Global KSI community to contribute generously towards the Restoration project of our properties in Lamu and earn Thawab-e-Jariyah. Your contribution will go a long way to bring back the properties in good condition.
The Secretariat wishes to record its appreciation to Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya for all the arrangements done for this visit to Mombasa and Lamu. Our appreciation goes to Alhaj Alhaj Akberali Kassamali and Alhaj Murtaza Jaffer for accompanying AFED’s delegation to Lamu. Thanks go also to Alhaj Mohamed Hemani, Alhaj Hussein Karim, Sheikh Ali Bunu and Alhaj Feisal Mohamed for their support and cooperation.
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