KSIJ Dar es Salaam Marks 100 Years with a Historic“Journey Through Time” Heritage Evening

KSIJ Dar es Salaam marked a historic milestone on 2^nd February 2026 with a grand community gathering commemorating 100 years of service, unity, and institution-building. The evening formed a central part of the Jamaat’s centenary launch, bringing together elders, families, youth, volunteers, and distinguished guests in a programme that blended spirituality, heritage, and community celebration.The journey toward this memorable evening began weeks earlier, with the centenary programme formally initiated on 19^th December, after which conveners, office bearers, volunteers, and support teams worked tirelessly to bring the vision to life. The event itself welcomed over 1,500 community members, reflecting the deep attachment the Jamaat holds to its roots and the strength of its unity across generations.

A Programme Rooted in Faith, Heritage, and Community Energy

The evening commenced with a warm welcome and special arrangements for seniors and VIP guests, including reserved seating and thoughtful hospitality. The programme opened with Qur’an and Tafsir, followed by Hadith-e-Kisaa, and a Pratham Ali recitation by Madrassah boys, anchoring the night in spirituality before transitioning into heritage and community segments.The gathering was honoured by the presence and addresses of senior leadership, including the Chairman of Africa Federation, Alhaj Amine Nassor, and the President of World Federation, Alhaj Safder Jaffer, reflecting the wider communal significance of this centenary year. The programme, hosted by Mushtaq bhai Damji, maintained a steady flow and engagement throughout the evening.

Honouring Leadership and Remembering Those Who Served

A key highlight of the night was the Former Presidents Segment, recognising continuity of leadership and service across decades. This was further strengthened by the presence of four past presidents who are with us today, each of whom delivered remarks, offering reflections from their terms and reinforcing the spirit of service that has sustained the Jamaat across generations.This theme echoed strongly in the Dar es Salaam Jamaat President’s address, which reminded the Jamaat that a community does not thrive for a century by chance. It thrives when people continuously step forward to lead, give, serve, guide, and participate.In his address, the President, Alhaj Mohamedraza Dewji, framed the strength of a Jamaat around five pillars: leaders, donors, volunteers, scholars (Aalims), and community members, emphasising that each pillar is essential, and that a long-lasting Jamaat is built when all five remain strong together. He highlighted that leadership is an amanah that requires sacrifice and careful decision-making, volunteerism is the engine of community life, and donors build institutions that outlive them through sustained generosity. He also stressed the spiritual foundation of the Jamaat, and how the Ahlulbayt (a.s.) is what truly united the community beyond ethnicity and migration history, turning “families who arrived” into a Jamaat with one identity and one direction.

A “Journey Through Time”, Bringing Heritage to Life

The programme included heritage presentations and creative storytelling that brought the community’s history to life, including an AI film on Haji Satchu Peera, and an AI film tribute segment on Haji Abdullah Khimji, the first President of KSIJ Dar es Salaam. These segments served as reminders that the Jamaat’s institutions were not simply built. They were gifted into existence through vision, sacrifice, and community courage. The thoughtful use of AI to create two heritage films, allowing historical storytelling to be presented in a powerful, accessible, and visually compelling way for all generations. These films will be made available on YouTube so that the wider community, and future generations, can continue to benefit from them.The night also acknowledged the legacy of the ladies’ institutions, including recognition of the first caretaker who went on to become Chairlady (Raziabai Janmohammed), and the foundational role women have played in strengthening education, welfare, and community development over the decades.The evening continued with a special address, a drama performance, and the Naseeb Draw, creating a multi-layered experience that kept the community engaged while honouring the centenary theme. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, centenary cake cutting with former presidents, and a flag raising ceremony in the mosque compound, symbolising unity and the start of a year-long centenary journey.

A Centenary Year, Not Just a Centenary Night

Importantly, this launch evening was not positioned as a one-off celebration. It marks the beginning of a year-long centenary programme, structured through committees and sub-committees, with a calendar of additional heritage, community, youth, education, and service-focused initiatives planned through the rest of the year. The objective is to ensure the centenary becomes a living project, one that strengthens identity, increases participation, documents history, honours elders and pioneers, and inspires the next generation to serve with sincerity.The President closed with a forward-looking reminder that our institutions, whether Jamaat, Federations, or the World Federation, must be built with the intention of serving Allah (SWT) and preparing for the reappearance of Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.). He urged that this intention should shape how we lead, volunteer, and donate, so that our Jamaat continues to grow with dignity, unity, and faith.

Gratitude and Recognition

The success of the evening reflected the collective effort of office bearers, conveners, volunteers, media teams, donors, stage and operations teams, and every community member who attended and participated. As KSIJ Dar steps into its next century, this gathering stands as a symbol of gratitude to the past, commitment in the present, and hope for the future. May Allah (SWT) continue to bless KSIJ Dar es Salaam and its members with unity, barakah, and tawfeeq. Ameen.

Photo Album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/GfydedbUBALQgDQr9

Watch The Event Below