Africa Federation Hosts the Visiting Scholar, Sheikh Anwer Jaffer for a Sehri Program

Ref: PR/AF/043/2025                                                        Date: 15th March 2025

On Wednesday, 12th March 2025, the Africa Federation (AFED) hosted the renowned Sheikh Anwer Jaffer from the U.K. - the visiting scholar invited by the KSI Jamaat of Dar es Salaam to deliver lectures in Dar es Salaam Imambargha for the first 15 days of the holy month of Ramadhan 1446 A.H.

Sheikh Anwer was accompanied by the Vice Chairman of Dar Jamaat Tabligh Board Alhaj Mohammed Walji and the CEO of Dar Tabligh Board Alhaj Zishan Somji. Also present were the Chairman of Dar Jamaat, Alhaj Mohamedraza bhai Dewji, the former President of the World Federation, former Chairman of the Africa Federation, who is also the former President of Dar Jamaat and the Trustee of Africa Federation Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi, the Vice Chairman of Africa Federation Alhaj Aunali Khalfan and the Chairman of Dar Jamaat Tabligh Board, Alhaj Dr. Kazim Dhalla.

The program was also attended by the Africa Federation office bearers including Asst. Hon. Secretary Br. Mohamedamir Hamza and Asst. Hon. Treasurer Alhaj Muntazir Walji along with Board Chairs: Alhaj Hussein Karim (Bilal Muslim Mission – Tanzania), Alhaj Shabbirhussein Khalfan (Capacity Building Board), Alhaj Akil Hirji (Housing Development Board), Alhaj Fazal Ali Kassam (Sports Council), Dr. Abbasaley Abbas (Sectional Secretary of Archives Section) and Br. Mohammed Kazim Sheriff (Chief Operating Officer of Africa Federation).

The program commenced with the recitation from the Holy Qur’an by Alhaj Hussein Karim, followed with a brief introduction by Alhaj Aunali Khalfan. Thereafter, Hussein bhai provided insights into the ongoing initiatives and impactful projects of the Bilal Muslim Mission – the external tabligh wing of the Africa Federation, particularly within Tanzania with key focus on tabligh, education and economic empowerment. Dr. Abbasaley Abbas then highlighted AFED’s dedicated efforts in reviving and preserving the rich heritage and history of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri community through its Archives Section, emphasizing the importance of historical awareness and lessons from the past. Sheikh Anwer was shown around the Archives Gallery where they are a number of artifacts, photographs and books of past records and of historical importance.

Chairmen from the Capacity Building Board, Housing Development Board and Sports Council also briefed Sheikh Anwer on the scope of their work, outlining the activities, progress and aspirations of their respective sectors. Sheikh Anwer commended AFED’s extensive efforts and diverse initiatives, recognizing its role as a model for other regional institutions. He stated that AFED is highly regarded by other Regional Federations and encouraged the continuation of its valuable work. Alhaj Aunali Khalfan expressed heartfelt appreciation for Sheikh Anwer’s invaluable contributions during the Holy Month emphasizing the profound impact of his lectures which deeply resonated with community members particularly the youth. He also thanked Alhaj Mohamedraza Dewji and Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi for their presence. Aunali Bhai also thanked the Dar Jamaat Tabligh Board for facilitating the visit to the head office of Africa Federation at AFED Tower.

In appreciation of his presence and valuable service, Sheikh Anwer Jaffer was presented with a memento by Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi and Alhaj Mohamedraza Dewji on behalf of Africa Federation.

Sheikh Anwer was given a tour of the AFED Archives Gallery by Dr. Abbasaley Abbas, showcasing the Federation’s commitment to preserving the legacy of the Khoja community.

Large number of books of historical importance to our community going back to over eight decades have been digitalized and are preserved. These will be available for our community members to access once the exercise is completed. This includes photographs and shall be available online once the ongoing project of digitalization is completed.

The event concluded with a note of appreciation for all those involved. Alhaj Aunali Khalfan expressed his gratitude to the Dar es Salaam Tabligh Board for their continued cooperation and thanked Sheikh Anwer Jaffer for taking time from his busy schedule to grace the Sehri Program with AFED officials and invitees.

We pray to Allah (SWT) to grant Sheikh Anwer Jaffer and all esteemed leaders good health, long life, and increased knowledge to continue their service to Islam under the guidance of the Ahlulbayt (A), Ameen.

SECRETARIAT