Ref: AK/PR/2011/43
The Chairman of Africa Federation, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi accompanied by the Hon. Secretary, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan along with the Chairman of Tabligh Board – AFTAB, Sayyid Hassan Naqvi and the Chairman of the Housing Development Board, Alhaj Munawer Bharwani joined Arusha and Moshi Jamaats members in the Aza’a of Ashra-e-Muharram from 5th to 7th Muharram 1433 (1st to 3rd December 2011).
Alhaj Anwarali in his address on the 6th & 7th nights of Muharram in Arusha and Moshi Imambargha respectively stressed the importance of Aza’a-e-Sayeedu Shohada’a, Imam Husayn (AS). He pointed out that the congregation (majalises) during the 12 days of Muharram in particular whereby old and young – men, women and children gather together to listen to the scholars and preachers are an institution of learning and unique opportunity of revival and understanding of Islamic principles and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWW). He asked the congregation to reflect on Imam Husayn (AS) call on the day of Ashura, Imam turned in four directions and repeated four times – “Halmeen Nasireen Yansurunah, Halmeen Mughiseen Yughisunah” (Meaning – Is there anyone who will come to assist us?, Is there anyone who will respond to our call for aid?). This call of Imam as he stood alone in the battle field of Karbala at the peak of the time when his 72 faithful companions were already martyred was not only for those who were present then on the day of Ashura on the 10th of Muharram 61 AH but it is for all of us and the call will remain alive until the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiy?mah).
Imam Husayn (AS) was calling out to every Muslim of every age and time to combat Yazeedism, its ugly face to oppress justice, truth and morality – It is therefore our religious and moral duty to respond to Imam – with one voice and loudly respond to Imam, “Labayk Ya Husayn, Labayk Ya Husayn, Labayk Ya Husayn.
In all earnest he said, we need to understand and rekindle a commitment to Islam, its values and principles as preached by Ahlul Baiyt (AS) for which Imam Husayn (AS) laid down his life and those of his near and dear ones. Every year we need to remind ourselves and others on the spiritual and moral lessons from the tragedy of Karbala through Majalises evolving it into an institution for Amr bil Ma’ruf wa Nahya anil Munkar, i.e. inviting towards the good and advising against evil as well as reminder of the tragic event to create a spiritual awakening and give solemn pledge to our living Imam, Al Hujjah Al Mahdi (ATFS) in fulfilling our obligations towards spreading the message of Imam Husayn (AS) far and wide and reach out with the message of Imam to the indigenous population in our countries of domicile.
Alhaj Anwarali bhai thanked the two visiting Zakir-e-Imam Husayn (AS), Maulana Sayyid Miraj Zaidi and Mulla Shams Kanani who recited majlises in Arusha and Moshi Jamaats respectively. We pray to Allah (SWT) grant them good health, Tawfeeqat and increase in their knowledge to continue serving for His pleasure, Ameen.
Arusha Jamaat (6th Night of Muharram 1433 – 1st Dec 2011)
Moshi Jamaat (7th Night of Muharram 1433 – 2nd Dec 2011)
In his address to the members of Arusha Jamaat, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi informed that AFED will be embarking on the Housing Project for the low income and less fortunate deserving members of the Jamaat. He expressed his deep appreciate to Alhaj Zuher Fazal of Arusha for his financial pledge in support of this project. The AFED Chairman also thanked a member who was previously resident of Arusha Jamaat for his financial contribution for the same project. The old late Kamarbai Visram Trust building has been acquired by AFED for the development of the AFED Housing Project.
On the Tenant Purchase Housing Scheme of Arusha Jamaat, the AFED Chairman stated that the Arusha Jamaat request for a Bridging Loan of US$1M was received, AFED has considered the request positively and will arrange for US$0.5M with certain criteria to be met by the Jamaat. Arusha Jamaat is keen to embark on this project to assist its members to own a flat for themselves as the housing conditions in Arusha and elsewhere in the country is becoming a big challenge to the members of our community, especially those who occupy rented flats. The membership of Arusha Jamaat is gradually growing, currently there are 950 Heads in the Jamaat.
In a Joint Meeting with the Chairman of the Jamaat, Alhaj Shabir Virjee and Managing Committee of Arusha Jamaat, the AFED Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi, the Hon. Secretary, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, the Tabligh Board – AFTAB Chairman, Sayyid Hassan Naqvi and the Housing Development Board Chairman, Alhaj Munawer Bharwani discussed various matters of common interest including the Housing Schemes, Madressah, KSI Jamaat Dispensary and Hospital current status.
A visit was also made to the KSI Jamaat Dispensary which is presently undergoing major renovations. A Sub-Committee of four members headed by Chairman Alhaj Rizwan Sajan, Vice Chairman Alhaj Tahsil Sheriff Secretary Alhaj Mustafa Virjee and Comm Member Alhaj Amir Somj are responsible for overseeing the effective management of the Dispensary and Hospital; it was pleasing to see the improvements taking place at the Dispensary.
The Chairman commended the Arusha Jamaat and the present leadership for its vision, determination and efforts they put in the housing and medical facilities developments.
In Moshi, the Chairman and the delegation met with the Chairman of the Jamaat, Alhaj Ahmed Daya and members the Managing Committee to discuss issues of common interest. It was heartening to witness the good progress of the Jaffery Dispensary of the Moshi Jamaat. It is considered as one of the few reputable dispensaries in Moshi area for its management and reliability of medical services.
Moshi Jamaat is facing acute shortage of manpower resources, inspite of their offer to members of our community to relocate and settle down in Moshi, whereby the Jamaat will provide guidance and support to enable families to settle down conveniently. The total number of heads in Moshi Jamaat stands at 130.
In this sorrowful and mourning month of Muharram, we send our salutations to Imam Husayn (AS) and his 72 faithful followers; we express our heartfelt grief and condolences to our Imam, Al Hujjah Al Mahdi (ATFS)
We express our appreciation and thanks to both, Arusha and Moshi Jamaats for their warm hospitality, support and cooperation.
Secretariat