Marhum Alhaj Bwana Ali Hussain Sheriff - Service Rooted in Legacy

The death anniversary of Marhum Alhaj Ali Hussain Sheriff, fondly known as Bwana Ali, serves as a reminder of the lasting mark he left through dedicated service, guidance and institution-building within the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri community in East Africa.

Born in Zanzibar on 12^th January 1939, he belonged to the well-known family of Sheriff Dewji Jamal. His grandfather Haji Dewji Jamal, migrated from India to Zanzibar in 1860 and was among the pioneers involved in establishing the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Community in Zanzibar in 1881. Growing up within such a legacy of leadership and responsibility, Bwana Ali carried this tradition forward with commitment and sincerity.

He completed his primary and middle school education in Zanzibar before moving to Arusha, where he pursued secretarial and cooperative studies at KNCU Cooperative College in Moshi. Eager to broaden his horizons, he travelled to India and obtained a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Aligarh Muslim University, returning to Tanzania in 1964.

His passion for learning continued throughout his life, leading him to undertake specialized courses in Italy, India and Sweden in areas such as management accounting, paper products and screen printing. This continuous pursuit of knowledge enabled him to excel across diverse business sectors.

During his professional career, he held managerial positions including at the Tanzania Bean Processing Factory and SDS Ceramic Factory. He also established several workshops and factories, contributing meaningfully to local industry and employment. In 1982, together with Alhaj Bashir Lalji, he was recognized by the Tanzanian government for developing waste oil technology, earning a national certificate and prize. This innovation later spread beyond Tanzania to countries such as Djibouti, Somalia, Zimbabwe and Malawi.

Later residing in Arusha, he became widely known for his active engagement in community affairs. Alongside his business responsibilities, he devoted significant time to public service and strengthening community institutions. He served on educational boards, participated actively in religious activities and was involved in efforts to upgrade mosques and madaris. His association with the Bilal Muslim Mission and his concern for students who struggled in conventional academic pathways reflected his practical and inclusive outlook. He was among those who advocated alternative short courses to equip such students with meaningful skills for the future.

Within the Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaats of Africa and beyond, he was known for his sound judgement, balanced approach and accessibility. In the field of Tabligh, he encouraged constructive dialogue between congregations and preachers through seminars and consultations, promoting sermons that addressed essential matters of faith and daily life.

His religious lectures were remembered for their clarity and relevance. He addressed everyday issues in simple language, ensuring that religious teachings were practical and understandable. During his visit to Lindi on 22^nd June 1994 to recite Muharram majalis, his style left a distinct impression. At a time when Kutchi majalis were commonly delivered by personalities such as Mulla Mehdi Mandazi and the sisters Sherubai Mulyani and Sughra bai Mulyani, and Urdu was widely heard, his Gujarati majalis were a new experience for many in the Jamaat. He spoke slowly and gently, explaining issues with care and precision.

That visit also led to a meaningful initiative. Observing that the Madressa building in Lindi was closed, he advised the then President, Marhum Gulam Ladhu Manji, to consider establishing a nursery school open to children of all communities. Marhuma Anna Khimji volunteered her services and worked tirelessly to establish and successfully ran the school for four years. At the conclusion of his twelve-day stay, when the Jamaat presented him with a Hadya, he respectfully returned it and requested that it be utilized towards the proposed nursery school. The school became a tangible outcome of his visit and reflected his practical approach to service.

In 1996, The Africa Federation bestowed Bwana Ali the Husseini Medal for his honorable and dedicated services to the community.

Marhum Bwana Ali passed away on 23^rd February 2000. His demise was received with deep sorrow across the Shia Ithna-Asheri community in Africa and beyond. A devoted family man blessed with eight children, he is remembered as a humble and committed supporter of the community whose efforts strengthened institutions and whose guidance continues to be recalled with respect.

As we mark his death anniversary, we pray that Allah (swt) grants him maghfirah and amply rewards him for his noble services to the community, Ameen.

We request readers to remember Marhum Alhaj Bwana Ali Hussain Sheriff and all Marhumeen with Surah al-Fateha.

SECRETARIAT

ARCHIVES SECTION OF THE AFRICA FEDERATION

27^th February 2026 / 9^th Mahe Ramadhan 1447 AH