Murabbi Alhaj Aunali Kassamali Khalfan honoured with the Prestigious Haydary Medal

The 29th Ordinary Conference of the Federation of KSI Jamaats of Africa, held in Mombasa on 13th June 2025, marked a momentous occasion as Murabbi Alhaj Aunali Kassamali Khalfan was honoured with the prestigious Haydary Medal - the highest accolade awarded by the Africa Federation in recognition of long-standing honorary services to the community.

During a special session of the Conference, the Chairman of the Africa Federation, Alhaj Amine Nassor, had the profound honour of bestowing the Haydary Medal upon Murabbi Alhaj Aunali Kassamali Khalfan, recognizing over six decades of honorary, dedicated and transformative service to the community.

The Citation was eloquently read out by Br. Kumail Mohamed Manji, summarizing Alhaj Aunali Khalfan’s remarkable journey of leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to the community’s progress.

Alhaj Aunali Khalfan’s journey of voluntary service commenced in 1965 in Zanzibar and continued with increasing responsibilities and impact in Dar es Salaam, where he contributed actively within various committees of the Jamaat. He went on to serve in numerous leadership roles across key institutions. Notably, Ithna-Asheri Union, Dar es Salaam Jamaat and Africa Federation; whereby initially with the Central Health Board (CHB) for a total of twelve years and was later appointed as the Hon. Secretary of Africa Federation from 2010 to 2016. He was then elected as Vice Chairman in 2016 and again in 2019, serving under three successive Chairmen. His tenure was marked by pioneering administrative reforms and strategic initiatives that strengthened the Secretariat and enhanced service delivery, the legacy of the vision that he leaves behind shall be an inspiring example to emulate. 

Throughout his years of service, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan has remained a pillar of wisdom, administrative clarity, and visionary foresight. His role in reviving the observance of Solidarity Day helped reignite awareness around the Awaited Imam (ATFS) and became a vital initiative for mobilizing support for the less fortunate within the community. His commitment to nurturing youth, fostering community unity, and cultivating leadership potential was repeatedly recognized during the ceremony.

Brief Extract from the Citation of Alhaj Murabbi Aunali Khalfan

You actively engaged in the deliberations at the various conferences and meetings that you attended both in Africa and around the globe, contributing meaningfully to discussions on communal progress, unity, and strategic development. Your presence at these forums reflected your deep commitment to fostering collaboration, sharing insights, and strengthening ties within the wider Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Community at large.

Your exceptional organizational and administrative skills brought about structure, innovation, efficiency, and clarity in every project that was undertaken. Your ability to manage and coordinate complex tasks while maintaining a calm and solution-focused mindset under pressure is truly admirable. Your attention to detail, foresight, and sense of viability not only ensured smooth execution but also inspired confidence and trust in everyone around you.

In his address, Alhaj Amine Nassor commended Aunali Bhai as a man of solutions, stating; “There was never an instance where he was asked a question and he did not have an answer. His energy, wisdom, and administrative clarity are unmatched.”

The former Hon. Treasurer of Africa Federation Alhaj Zainul Chandoo, who has worked closely with Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, highlighted his unparalleled ability to identify and nurture talent, stating, “Many of the youth leaders we see today in the Federation and some in the Jamaats as well owe their journey to his mentorship.”

The event concluded with a ceremonial presentation, where dignitaries joined in honouring Murabbi Alhaj Aunali Khalfan with the Haydary Medal and a Citation celebrating his outstanding contributions. The gathering stood in collective appreciation of a legacy that has shaped the direction, ethos, and spirit of the Africa Federation.

As we reflect on the immense contributions of Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, his legacy reflects what can be achieved through conviction, clarity of vision, and unwavering dedication to community service. This recognition not only honours an exceptional individual but also inspires others to walk the path of purposeful leadership and impact.

In his brief address; Alhaj Aunali bhai appreciated the confidence and cooperation of the past and present Africa Federation Chairmen; Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi, Alhaj Shabir Najafi and Alhaj Amine Nassor, that were helpful in attaining the level we have reached to this day. He dedicated the recognition he received to his wife; and his sons Hasnain, Khalil and Mohsin for their sacrifices and the support given to him passionately during the years of service to the institutions and community at large. 

We pray to Allah (SWT) to bless Murabbi Alhaj Aunali Khalfan with continued good health, a long life filled with barakah, prosperity, and endless rewards for his tireless service to the community, Ameen.

SECRETARIAT

ARCHIVES SECTION OF THE AFRICA FEDERATION

Date: 26th June 2025 / 29th Dhulhijjah 1446 AH