In 1926, a group of forward-thinking leaders from the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri community in Zanzibar laid the foundation of an institution that would become an icon for education and welfare. These pioneers, including Haji Hussein Sheriff Dewji, Mulla Esmail Gulamhussein, Haji Abdulhussein Rashid Nathani, Haji Abdulrasul Nasser Bhalloo, Haji Abdulrasul Alidina Saleh, Haji Mohamedtaki Gulamhussein Versi, Haji M.D. Kermalli, and Haji Hussein A. Rahim, recognized the pressing need to provide structured religious education and social support for widows, orphans, and the underprivileged. It was with that vision they established the Zanzibar Faize Ithna-Asheri, an institution that would leave an indelible mark on generations to come.
The Early Years: Building a Foundation
Located adjacent to the KSI Kuwwatul Islam Jamaat Mosque in Kiponda area, popularly known as ‘School Faize’ operated there until 1960. This school has been the alma mater for many accomplished Zanzibaris now spread around the globe. The school quickly became an essential hub for the community. Beyond providing traditional religious education, it instilled values of service, discipline, and intellectual pursuit. Boys from diverse backgrounds gathered within its walls, learning not only about their faith but also about the broader responsibilities they held within society.
During its early years, resources were scarce, yet the community’s commitment ensured that the institution survived. Teachers, many of whom were volunteers, dedicated their time knowledge and skills to nurture young minds. Parents, despite financial hardships, prioritized their children's education, reflecting the deep-rooted emphasis on learning within the Khoja tradition. Many of Zanzibar’s most distinguished Khoja professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders passed through these halls, carrying the values instilled within them to various corners of the world.
In 1958, the Dharamsi Gangji family funded the construction of a new building on Kiponda Street. In 1960, the School Faize religious classes moved into this new facility, known as the Dharamsi Gangji Ithnaasheri School. However, following the revolution in 1964, the government took over the institution, ending its tenure under private administration.
Challenges and Resilience
Like many institutions with a long history, the Zanzibar Faize Ithna-Asheri faced its share of challenges. Political and economic shifts in Zanzibar affected the community, leading to waves of migration. Many Khojas left Zanzibar for East Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and North America, seeking better opportunities. Despite these upheavals, the school’s legacy endured, remembered fondly by those who had once sat in its classrooms. Alumni and well-wishers, spread across the globe, continued to hold deep-seated memories of their time at School Faiz as it was fondly referred to. They carried its teachings into their lives, whether through professional achievements, community service, or personal endeavours. Over time, as circumstances changed, the original building fell into disrepair. However, the spirit of the institution never waned.
A Timely Restoration: By The Jaffer Family Foundation of New York
This year, nearly a century after its establishment, the Zanzibar Faize Ithna-Asheri has witnessed a revival. The Jaffer Family Foundation of New York, deeply moved by the school’s historical significance, has spearheaded a comprehensive restoration project. Facilitated by the Africa Federation in conjunction with the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Kuwwatul Islam Jamaat, this eendeavour has been undertaken in memory of Marhum Mustafa G.R. Jaffer, a proud alumnus whose life and work exemplified the values imparted by the school.
The restoration is not just about refurbishing an old structure; it is about preserving a Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri heritage. The rejuvenated building will stand as a living testament to the community’s resilience, a bridge connecting the past with the future. To ensure its sustainability, the renovated building has three shops for rental, which will fund its maintenance. Additionally, it will offer a computer training facility, further enriching the educational opportunities available to the community in Zanzibar.
In the words of Dr Hasnain Walji – Head of the WF Khoja Heritage Project “In terms of Khoja history, School Faiz is no less impactful than, the famous Madrassa of Mulla Qader in Mumbai. Both institutions provided much-needed religious guidance to the nascent Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri community, shaping generations of scholars and leaders. Their contributions to the preservation and transmission of religious education remain invaluable.”
The Significance of Preservation
Why does the restoration of an old school matter? Because heritage is more than just bricks and mortar—it is the soul of a community. The Zanzibar Faize Ithna-Asheri represents the sacrifices, aspirations, and unity of generations of Khojas who have strived to uphold their faith and values despite the difficulties. Visitors, researchers, and community members can now witness firsthand the legacy of service that began in 1926. The site serves as an inspiration, especially for younger generations, urging them to appreciate and contribute to the ongoing narrative of their people.
Keeping the Legacy Alive
Alhaj MohamedTaki Jaffer, Chairman of the Jaffer Family Foundation, a passionate Zanzibarian, said “We are blessed to have the opportunity to save this legacy structure. However, its legacy does not end with the restoration of its building. The challenge now lies in ensuring that the values it stood for—education, service, and above all unity—continue to thrive.”
This responsibility rests on the shoulders of the Khoja diaspora. Whether through scholarship programs, community engagement, or storytelling, each individual has a role to play in sustaining this rich heritage. The lessons imparted at School Faize should not be confined to history books; they should be enlivened and carried forward into the future.
The full restoration will Inshallah be completed in the next few months. Stay tuned for the reopening ceremony of the school.
Below are some pictures of before and after restoration:
Photograph from AFED Archives Section - The Legendary School Faize of Zanzibar – Reminds us of the selfless and dedicated School Faize Muallims and Volunteers who instilled values and knowledge which continues to reverberate in the minds of the students who benefitted from these great Muallims of Zanzibar. Please remember the Muallims and Volunteers who are no longer with us, Alhaj Mustafa G. R. Jaffer and all the Marhumeen with Sura -e- Fateha.
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7th March 2025 (6th Mahe Ramadhan 1446)
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