Ref: AK/PR/2012/55
The Chairman of the Federation of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaats of Africa, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi paid a three days official visit to Mombasa, Kenya from 29th June to 1st July 2012. He was accompanied by the Hon. Secretary, Aunali Khalfan, and later on were joined by the Chairman of AFED Tableegh Board (AFTAB), Seyed Hassan Naqvi and the Chairman of Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania, Alhaj Shabir Mohamed-Rafiq Somji. This was the 2nd official visit to Mombasa, the last visit was in December 2011.
Upon arrival at Mombasa Airport, the delegation was received by the Vice President of Mombasa Jamaat, Alhaj Sibtain Sadak, the Asst. Hon. Secretary, Alhaj Yusuf Jiwa and the AFED Trustee in Kenya, Alhaj Sultan Molu.
The purpose of this visit was to meet and to discuss with the officials of Mombasa Jamaat, Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya, the AFED Trustee and Councillors who are based in Mombasa, Kenya on several issues of common interest and on the future developmental plans. The meeting also discussed on the current global financial and economic crisis, which unfortunately is also affected us in Africa.
On Friday, 29th June, the Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi and the Hon. Secretary, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan were guests of Mombasa Walking Group at the Club. Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi holds the senior members and elders of our community at high esteem, and finds great pleasure in associating and meeting with them during his visits, and similarly, the Group and the elders too take pleasure in his company. In addition to the delicious food being served to the members and visitors, the Group are also involved in some physical activities at the Club.
On Friday after maghribain prayers, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi addressed members of the community at Haidery Imambargha, a large number of community members, both gents and ladies were present to listen to the Chairman.
The Chairman in the company of the Hon. Secretary and the Trustee of AFED visited several community members, in particular the elders of our community who have and still play important roles in religious and social services. The community is indebted to these outstanding personalities for their contributions and devoted services to our institutions and to the community at large.
A meeting with the Mombasa Jamaat Managing Committee was held at the Club House on Saturday evening, several issues of common interest and the future development and housing plans of the Jamaat were discussed.
On Saturday night, a dinner meeting was organized by Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya which was hosted by Alhaj Hussein Khaki at his residence. Important matters regarding the future plans of BMMK were discussed. Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi also briefed the Executive Committee and Trustees of BMMK on the Lamu Mosque, Imambargha and Madressah renovations which are currently being undertaken by AFED, through our office in Mombasa, and being coordinated by our Trustee, Alhaj Sultan Molu.
On Sunday, 1st July 2012, the Chairman of AFED, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi was the Chief Guest at the Opening of the Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya Imam Al Baqir Centre at Mwasafu located in the rural area of Taveta District in the Coast Province which is about 180 kilometers from Mombasa town. The Centre comprises of a Mosque, four class rooms for Pre Primary School/ Madressah and a three bed room flat for the Maalim (Religious Teacher) in charge of the Centre.
We are thankful to the Vice President of KSI Jamaat of Mombasa and the Managing Committee Members for the warm welcome in Mombasa and for the wonderful hospitality during the three days’ stay.
We also wish to thank the Chairman of Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya, the Executive Board Members and Trustees of BMMK for the invitation to the Opening Ceremony of Imam Baqir Centre and for all the efforts put into making this occasion a great success.
We wish to record our deep appreciation and gratitude by Alhaj Sultan Molu, AFED Trustee in Kenya and Alhaj Gulamabbas Khaku, AFED nominated Councillor, BMMK Vice Chairman, and Alhaj Husseinali Khaki for giving their valuable time to accompany the AFED delegation and for all the help provided to us during the visit.
Our thanks also to the Mombasa Walking Group of the Jaffery Sports Club for the invitation to participate in the evening retreat at the Club.
Secretariat