Below, is the speech by the Chairman of the Mombasa Jamaat Sajjad M. Rashid at the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the JAFFERY COMPLEX which was held yesterday, Friday, 28th September, 2012 corresponding to 11th Mahe Zilqaad 1433 A.H.- The day of the Wiladat of our 8th Imam Ali Musa Ridha (a.s.)
Bismillahi Rahmanir Rahim
Maulana Sahiban,
The President of the World Federation Alhaj Dr. Asghar Moledina,
The President & Office bearers of Africa Federation Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi, Shabbir Najafi, Aunali Khalfan and Mohamed Hemani,
Distinguished Guests,
Respected Elders of the community, and
Ladies and Gentlemen
Salamun Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh
On this momentous occasion of the Ground Breaking Ceremony of ‘Jaffery Complex’, which coincides with the auspicious day of the Birth anniversary of our 8th Imam Ali Musa Ridha (a.s.), I have immense pleasure in extending hearty felicitations and a warm welcome to you all.
Today I stand before you bowing my head in gratitude to Almighty Allah (s.w.t.) for according me an opportunity to move towards the path of progress. It was on Sunday, 11th of September, 2011, that I agreed to become the Chairman of Mombasa Jamaat to fulfill my long cherished dream of providing affordable housing to members of Mombasa Jamaat who had been looking forward for this to happen so that they have the comfort of having a roof of their own. Alhamdulillah we are blessed with the opportunity to take the first step in the realization of our long standing dream. May Allah (s.w.t.) guide us towards the successful completion of the project- Ilahi Ameen.
Mombasa Jamaat has therefore the pleasure in floating the Jaffery Complex Project which would consist of:
Masjid or Musalla (as applicable per guidance from the Marja) Imambara together with Madressah & Multipupose hall Aalim Quarter and Ghusalkhana Housing scheme New premises for the Club, and Commercial building to generate income to make the Jamaat self- sufficient.
In short, within one complex, we shall have all the necessary facilities to cater for the religious- educational- shelter- socio welfare and physical fitness requirements of our community.
We have formed a Development Committee to undertake this task which is under the able leadership of Alhaj Mohamed Hussein Jaffer who will provide details about this project. He has been my ardent supporter in floating this project and has worked tirelessly in preparing the plans. With great enthusiasm he has accepted the challenge of completing this project purely for the sake of seeking the pleasure of Almighty God.
Before I request him to come forward and make a presentation, I must say that I am extremely touched and humbled with the following:
Your esteemed presence on this momentous occasion- especially the presence of those who have travelled all the way from various parts of the world to show their support and solidarity- may Allah keep this sort of spirit of cooperation alive in this community. The unflinching moral and financial support of individuals and organizations from all over the globe who have boosted our morale with their generous contributions in the form of donations, bridge loans and participation in this project- special acknowledgement of generous contributions by Amersi Foundation, Bande Khuda, Sister Zareen Naushad Merali in memory of her late mother Sugrabai and Br. Mohamed Hussein Jaffer would be appropriate on this occasion- may Almighty Allah amply reward them and their families in this world and the hereafter Sound advice and guidance from the elders of our community who are a blessing for us- may Allah grant them long lives with good health. The unanimous support of the Trustees, Managing Committee and young and old members of the Mombasa Jamaat both in the gents and ladies sections- may Allah keep their spirits alive and may the Jamaat remain vibrant at all times.- ILAHI AMEEN
Side by side with this project, we intend to develop the Lamuwala Trust Building adjacent to the Haidery Masjid in the old town.
The World Federation and the Africa Federation have promised to support and we look forward to receiving their pledge to commence this project.
Furthermore, I wish to assure the community that the Trustees are fully aware of their duties and responsibilities and would not attempt to do anything which contravenes the Shariat- they are very much alive to the fact that at the end of the day they are answerable to God.
Once again I thank you all for gracing this occasion and honoring us with your esteemed presence.
And again, I bow my head to Almighty God in sincere thanks to Him for His Grace and Bounties and for giving me an opportunity to serve the community- may He accept our humble offerings- Ilahi Ameen
Now I will call upon Br. Mohamed Jaffer to give us more details of this Project.
Wassalamun Alaykum wa Rahmatullah.