AFED Housing Board Chairman Visits Dodoma Jamaat

On Friday, 2nd May 2025, The Housing Board Chairman Alhaj Akil Hirji, accompanied by Project Coordinator Br. Mohamed Moledina and KSI Jamaat Dodoma Chairman Alhaj Mohamedabbas Ebrahim, made an official visit to Dodoma. 

During the visit, Akil bhai toured the Jamaat’s facilities, including the Masjid, Imambargha, and surrounding infrastructure to assess its condition and potential future development. He also visited the Kabrastan plot.

After Zohrain Namaaz, Akil bhai Hirji held a meeting with Mohamedabbas bhai Ebrahim at the Jamaat office. The discussion focused on the current state of Jamaat facilities and their potential development. It was observed that the facilities require only minimal improvements. Mohamedabbas bhai assured that the improvements will be managed by the Jamaat itself. He, however, highlighted the need for economic guidance and strategic support to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of the planned improvements. 

Mohamedabbas bhai provided a historical overview of Dodoma Jamaat which was established in the early 1950s.   He recalls that when he moved to Dodoma in 1985, the Jamaat was led by Marhum Seyed Hassan Ansar Hussein Naqvi and comprised of approximately 12 families. Between 1986 and 1992, the Africa Federation extended an economic upliftment loan of TZS 1 million to about 20 families to encourage settlement in Dodoma.

During this time, Marhum Muzzafar Hussein Gulamali and his wife, Marhuma Kanizbai, along with his sister, Raziya Bai, played a significant role in rendering invaluable support to the families. Additionally, his brother, Marhum Shaukat Hussein Gulamali, and Marhum Salim Panjwani were instrumental in safeguarding the Kabrastan plot from being taken over by the land authorities.  Over time, many families migrated to Dar es Salaam and other regions in pursuit of better educational and medical facilities.  

At present, the Jamaat generates income from five shops adjacent to the mosque compound. These were constructed in 2016 through generous donations from various members under the leadership of Alhaj Mohamedabbas bhai and Marhum Alhaj Mazaher Hussein Lalji. Additionally, a rentable property near the Kabrastan contributes to the Jamaat’s monthly operational costs and the organization of Muharram programs facilitated by the Dodoma Jamaat. 

Despite the relatively small size of the community, there are promising opportunities in Dodoma. The Jamaat is now requesting support from the Africa Federation in the form of an economic development loan to construct a one-storey building. The proposed structure would include commercial shops on the ground floor and one-bedroom studio apartments on the upper floor. These units would serve visitors, students attending the University of Dodoma (UDOM), and individuals interested in exploring business and industrial prospects in Dodoma. 

Mohamedabbas bhai emphasized the need to increase Jamaat membership by developing residential and commercial facilities near the mosque. He reiterated that the centre is located in a prime area of Dodoma capital. With proper development, the Jamaat could accommodate a full-time resident Aalim and offer improved services to the community. 

Akil bhai Hirji commended the dedication and long-standing efforts of the Dodoma Jamaat leadership. He praised the Jamaat’s commitment to maintaining its facilities and working towards self-sustainability. Akil bhai also noted that the ongoing infrastructure developments and improved connectivity via the SGR Railway presents renewed advantages for community growth in Dodoma. 

The proposal to construct a one-storey building with commercial and residential units was well received. The Housing Board will present the plan to the Africa Federation Office Bearers and Trustees to determine the next steps towards implementing the project. 

Visit to Mosque compound

Visit to Kabrastan and adjacent rented area

During the visit to Dodoma, Akil bhai Hirji also visited the Dar ul Muslimeen Centre, which is managed by Alhaj Sheikh Muslim Bhanji. A brief meeting was held with him, during which he provided an overview of the Centre’s ongoing activities and services. 

Sheikh Muslim Bhanji explained that the centre currently operates a nursery, primary, and secondary school, serving over 800 students. He highlighted their policy to ensure that at least 10% of the student population is sponsored, a goal that is achieved through the generous support of donors. He further noted the recent addition of a clinic at the campus, which is open to the public and enhances the centre's outreach in the area. 

In addition to the educational and healthcare services, Sheikh Muslim bhai also runs a Hawza with approximately 80 students. Akil bhai was highly impressed with the progress and the comprehensive approach to community service. He commended Sheikh Muslim bhai for his dedication and encouraged him to continue his commendable work for the betterment of the community at large. 

Sheikh Muslim Bhai Bhanji commendable work in areas of Tabligh, Education and now Healthcare is recognized by the Africa Federation, we pray that Sheikh Muslim Bhai continues with the efforts to promote the religion of Islam and the Madha’ab of Ahlulbayt (‘A) in the capital city of Tanzania. 

A visit to Dar ul Muslimeen in Dodoma

Alhaj Akil Hirji expresses his heartfelt gratitude to the Dodoma Jamaat for their warm hospitality and the excellent arrangements made on short notice visit.

Let us please recite Sura-e-Fateha for the past leaders, pioneers and volunteers of Dodoma Jamaat, the Marhumeen of Dodoma Jamaat, and all the Marhumeen, Al Fateha.

Secretariat

Housing Development Board

7th May 2025