Honoring the Life and Service of Alhaj Hussein Habib Peera

In every community, there are individuals whose dedication and quiet service leave a lasting impact. Their contributions may not always be carried out in the spotlight but the strength of a community often rests on the shoulders of such sincere and principled volunteers. It is important to remember and honour these individuals for the values they model and the legacy they leave behind.

One such individual was Alhaj Hussein Habib Peera Khatau famously known as Kiboi, who returned to his Lord on Wednesday, 10th December 2025 in Dar es Salaam. His departure leaves behind a profound void for all who knew him as a man of integrity, discipline and unwavering commitment to community service.

Born on 15th November 1947 in Zanzibar, Alhaj Hussein Peera hailed from a respected family deeply rooted in service. He was the son of Late Habib and Late Leila Peera Khatau and one of the five sons and four daughters of Habibbhai Peera - a family well recognized for its long-standing contribution to the community. He grew up among his siblings Yusuf, Bashir, Jaffer, Baby, Amina, Farida and Naushad. His late brother Marhum Bashir Peera also served honourably at the Africa Federation office in Moshi from 1964 under the leadership of Marhum Haji Ebrahim Hussein Sheriff Dewji. Both brothers dedicated their lives to the progress and upliftment of the community upholding the legacy of their family.

Hussein bhai completed his early education at Sir Euan Smith Primary School in Zanzibar and later pursued further studies in India completing his Bachelor of Commerce (B. Com) at Wadia College in Pune. His youth was marked by active involvement in sports. He excelled in badminton (particularly in doubles), played cricket for Union Veterans and was an avid swimmer at the Tanganyika Club.

After returning from India, he began his professional journey at British American Tobacco in Tax Audit before serving as Chief Accountant at Business Machines and later as Financial Administrator at Noremco. He retired in 2007 but continued offering part-time administrative consultancy for foreign companies.

From a young age, Hussein bhai immersed himself in serving the community demonstrating leadership anchored in discipline, humility and sincerity. His service spanned decades and touched various aspects of communal life.

He served as the Chairman of the Ithna-Asheri Union, where he played a pivotal role in shaping youth engagement. A defining milestone of his leadership was the First Africa Federation Sports Festival held in Dar es Salaam in December 1984. Organised under the auspices of the Ithna-Asheri Union led by Hussein bhai, this landmark event brought together youth from across the region, strengthened unity and created cherished memories that remain part of AFED’s history.

Beyond youth leadership, his dedication extended to several administrative and advisory roles. He served as a Member of the Jamaat Managing Committee for the term 2014 – 2016 and was a long-serving member of the Higher Education Committee where his experience, thoughtful insight and principled decision-making were deeply valued. He also served as Chairman of the Golden Crescent Group for charitable causes and as an active Councillor at the Africa Federation since the late 1980s.

Alhaj Hussein bhai was married to Shamimbai Peera and together they had two children - Br. Shakil and Sr. Zohrein Abdulhussein and are blessed with five grandchildren.

In addition to formal roles, Hussein bhai devoted significant time to supporting Higher Education initiatives mentoring youth and helping families navigate educational opportunities - a commitment that further defined his legacy of service.

Alhaj Hussein bhai will be remembered for the values he embodied of commitment, integrity and a sincere desire to serve his Jamaat and community at large.

May Allah (SWT) reward Marhum Hussein bhai amply for his devoted and selfless services in the community and grant him an elevated station in the proximity of Ahlulbayt (‘A) where he is enveloped in Allah (SWT)'s bountiful mercy and grace, Ameen.

We request all mu'minin to remember Marhum Hussein Peera and all Marhumeen with Sura-e-Fateha.

Article Source: Sr. Shehnaz Salim Akber

SECRETARIAT

ARCHIVES SECTION OF THE AFRICA FEDERATION

13^th December 2025 / 22^nd Jamadiul Aakhar 1447 AH