Obituary - Alhaj Shabbir Kermalli Mohammedali Kermalli

CIRCULAR NO: JMT/029/25                                      Date:  December 19, 2025

"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 Shabbir Kermalli Mohammedali Kermalli

The Unsung Hero of our Community Bids Farewell

The Africa Federation Secretariat received with deep sorrow the sad news of the sudden death of Alhaj Shabbir Kermalli Mohammedali Kermalli which occurred in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania on Wednesday 10^th December 2025 (19^th Jamadi-ul-Aakhar 1447 A.H.) 

Born in Dar-es-Salaam on 4^th October 1971, Shabbir bhai started community services as the Secretary of Ithna-Asheri Union Volunteer Corps. (IUVC), and was an active member of the Hussain Day Seminars, the Electoral Commission and the Ashoora Juloos Sub-Committee organized by the Dar-es-Salaam Jamaat.   He was instrumental in establishing the Senior Citizen Group of the Jamaat and served as its first Secretary before becoming its Patron.  Shabbir bhai was also part of the Jamaat’s Marriage Committee where he played an important role in solving the sensitive issues involving matrimonial matters. 

Shabbir bhai served the Africa Federation in various capacities which include being the Chairman of the Central Health Board (CHB) for the term 2010 – 2014 before which he was the Hon Secretary under the chairmanship of Alhaj Aunali bhai Khalfan. He also held the position of the Hon Secretary of the Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania and was a member of various Organizing Committees of the AFED and WF Conferences and Supreme Council Sessions held in Dar es Salaam. 

During his tenure with the Central Health Board, Shabbir bhai put in a lot of efforts on Health Insurance and launched the Community Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) in 2008, unfortunately the response towards this scheme was very poor.

Shabbir bhai was part of the AFTAB team handling their Annual Pre-University Program, the AFED Health Insurance Team and a member of the AFED Emergency Task Force Team until the time of his sudden death. To honour and in recognition of his devoted selfless services, the Africa Federation Secretariat and the Africa Federation Tabligh Board (AFTAB) have decided this year’s Quran Competition taking place in Nairobi, Kenya from 18^th to 21^st December 2025 is being named as The Shabbir Kermali AFED Quran Competition.

Shabbir bhai was known for his zeal in promoting and uplifting the indigenous Community and worked hand in hand with the likes of Late Sheikh Abdillahi Nassor and Seyed Aidarus Alawi to organize programs for the Community, especially during the holy month of Ramadhan, Muharram and Safar.  He together with a group of like-minded people worked discreetly towards assisting families that needed education and economical support. 

Shabbir bhai was a person with a positive demeanor in his approach, determined and stood up for the right, he was one Community servant who believed in simplicity and shied away from recognition and publicity; it is his work that stood out for his tireless efforts. “In any situation where Shabbir was part of a program, you did not need to worry about anything, as he would ensure every detail is taken care of and managed well.”- Seyed Aidarus in his speech at Marhum Shabbir’s funeral. 

He is remembered by a number of youths in Dar-es-Salaam on how he encouraged and influenced them to serve the Community; this is testimony of the faith he had on them. Shabbir bhai worked for the International School of Tanganyika Limited since 1993 and headed their Finance Department.  He was involved in several projects at the school in upgrading the financial and management systems, controls etc. 

Excerpt from the address delivered by the Hon. Secretary, Alihassan Kassam on behalf of the Chairman, Alhaj Amine Bhai Nassor at the funeral: 

“Marhum carried an unwavering positivity. No matter the circumstance, no matter the challenge, he was the light in every room and the reassuring voice in every team. May his work, his character, and his radiant spirit not mark the end of a chapter, but become the foundation to build the community he envisioned- a community he served with devotion, humility and unmatched positivity.” 

Condolence Message from the Immediate Past Vice Chairman of Africa Federation: 

“I can fill pages to record Marhum Shabbir Bhai’s invaluable contributions to the Community he loved so much, similarly to the indigenous Shia Community, always working in a team humbly and unassumingly. He was also my neighbour, loved and respected by each and every person living in around the building and in the neighbourhood. A kind hearted, sincere and passionate person sadly we had to bid farewell. A friend, a social worker and a leader who never wanted recognition or praise – Shabbir Kermalli, The unsung Hero of our Community.” ~ Aunali Khalfan

Condolence Message from the Chairman of the AFED Tabligh Board (AFTAB) 

“Shabbir was a unique individual who gave all his resources to our community with a broad smile and big heart. He was an integral part of the AFTAB team yet never sought recognition with sincerity being at the core of his services. His character was such that you would immediately get attached to him, it truly feels like we have been orphaned by his absence.  A rare gem who left us with tears but warm hearts remembering him at all times.” ~ Sajjad Walji

With deep sorrow we convey our heartfelt condolences to his mother, wife, daughters, brothers and all family members.

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 Shabbir bhai Kermalli and all the Marhumeen.

SECRETARIAT