Obituary - Alhaj Muslim Ebrahim Sheriff Dewji
CIRCULAR NO: JMT/074/26 Date: October 20, 2026
"Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajeeun"
“To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return”
(Holy Qur’an, Surah Al Baqarah 2:156)
Alhaj Muslim Ebrahim Sheriff Dewji
The Africa Federation Secretariat received with deep sorrow the sad news of the demise of Alhaj Muslim Ebrahim Sheriff Dewji of Arusha which occurred in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania on Sunday 18th October 2026 (6th Jamadi-ul-Awwal 1448 A.H.)
Born in Arusha on 7th October 1950, Muslim bhai began his community services in 1970 as a teacher at the Yaadgare Murtazawi Madrassah in Arusha where he taught Islamic History, Gujarati language, Fiqh, and Qur'an recitation successfully until 2022.
He also taught Islamic Studies at the Arusha Primary, Arusha Secondary and Arusha Meru Schools and is remembered for including outdoor activities such as hill climbing with the students which strengthen the bond between the students and teacher.
His services to the Jamaat also included leading congregational prayers whenever the Resident Aalim was not available, reciting short enlightening Gujarati Majlises and encouraged youth in recitation of duas, marthiyas, munajaat, and Ziyarats.
Marhum Muslim bhai was a great promoter of the Africa Federation Annual Qur’an Competition and participated in all the Quran Competition since its inception in 2011 including the last one held in Nairobi in December 2025.
He was an active sportsman playing cricket and tennis which make him maintain a sportsman spirit as well as physical well-being.
Marhum Muslim bhai Sheriff was bestowed the Abbasi Medal by the Africa Federation Chairman Alhaj Amine Nassor at the 88th AFED Supreme Council held in Arusha in November 2024 in recognition and appreciation of his long and dedicated Services to the Community.
With deep sorrow we convey our heartfelt condolences to his wife Sherbanu bai, son Talib bhai, daughters Sakina bai, Ateka bai and Sadiqa bai, siblings and all family members.
You can view his interview with the Archives Section in their series - Wadilo Na Vishesh Vichaar on the below link
We pray to Allah (SWT) to grant Marhum maghferat and place his soul amongst the blessed ones in the vicinity of Chaharada Masumeen (A.S.) and who continuously receive mercy and grace of Allah (SWT).Sura-Al-Fateha is requested for Marhum Muslim bhai Sheriff and all the Marhumeen.
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