Ref: AF/PRESS/2014/37
The 12 days of Muharram are important days for reflection, contemplation and reformation, therefore it is imperative to remind ourselves of our fundamental duties to Allah (SWT), the religion of Islam and to mankind.
Imam Hussain (AS) mission was to reform the Muslim Ummah as manifested clearly in his Will before he left Makah for Iraq and to save Islam which was being trampled by Yazid bin Muawiyah the tyrannical self-imposed ruler of the Muslim world at the time –
“Imam Hussain (A.S.) explains the mission of his sacrifice in his own words: “I have taken this stand not out of arrogance or pride, neither out of mischief or injustice. I have risen to seek reform in the community of my grandfather. I would like to bid good, forbid evil, and follow the tradition of my grandfather and my father ‘Ali bin Abi Talib.”
After visiting Moshi the Africa Federation Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi and the Hon. Secretary, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan accompanied by the Chairman of Moshi Jamaat, Alhaj Ahmed Daya travelled to Arusha on Monday, 27th October (2nd Muharram 1436 AH)
Alhaj Ghullamhussein Mukhtar, President of Arusha Jamaat in his welcome address also gave an overview of the current developments in Arusha Jamaat, and the ongoing Al Mahdi Commercial & Housing project, which is centrally located and very close to our Mosque. He appealed to the Arusha community members to come forward and take up the offer floated by the Jamaat several months ago to purchase the flats which are being built for the community members at reasonable price, giving first priority to Arusha community members, and then to other members of our community from other Jamaats in Africa and overseas. The project is in advance stage.
The population of Arusha Jamaat is steadily growing and several new attractive opportunities are emerging in Arusha, especially for the younger generation who are looking for greener pasture who should seriously consider migrating to Arusha.
In his address, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi explained to the community members on the various activities being undertaken by Africa Federation and its various Boards. He spoke on the ongoing capital project initiated by the Federation in 2012 in Dar es Salaam, he informed members that the 20 Warehouses will be ready for renting out by January, 2015, and AFED will embark on the 2nd phase for the development of the Show Room and Office block on the same site in the front area of the plot.
AFED Chairman also pointed out the challenges being faced by the Federation; he gave example of the current financial constraints, stating that whilst the demands from the Jamaats are on the increase, the inflow of funds from the community members and Jamaats is dropping by each passing year.
Alhaj Anwar Bhai also emphasized in building stronger financial based Jamaats. One of the areas he referred to was on redevelopments of the old buildings and structures in order to improve income to the Jamaats so that they become financially independent, and improve the asset base of the Jamaat. He stressed on the role of a Jamaat in the economic development of its members, so that they too become independent. He also stressed on the importance of education of the children, and higher education.
On the subject of unity, the AFED Chairman underscored the importance of interfaith and intra-faith relationships with other faiths and communities. He stressed the need to engage, to reach out, exchange regular visits and from time to time to invite other community leaders, Sheikhs and Imams from different faiths to our functions, and also for our community to participate in their functions.
He invited the present and past leaders, members of the community to attend the 76th Supreme Council Session which is being hosted by Mombasa Jamaat from 1st to 3rd May, 2015.
The Chairman briefly touched on the current global situation and the critical conditions in some of the Muslim countries, he sighted the unprecedented carnage taking place in Iraq, Syria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan where innocent people, women and children are being killed and many more are injured in the attacks. He appealed to the community members to pray for unity, peace and harmony throughout the world and an end to the horrific atrocities being committed towards innocent people.
We are very thankful to the President of Arusha Jamaat, Alhaj Ghullamhussein Mukhtar, Managing Committee members and Trustees for the warm reception and wonderful hospitality extended to the AFED Office Bearers.
We also wish to thank the AFED Nominated Councillors from Arusha, Alhaj Amir Somji, Alhaj Rizwan Peera, Alhaj Shabir Virjee and the AFED Sports Council Chairman, Alhaj Mahmood Somji for their support and cooperation during the visit to Arusha.
We pray to Allah (SWT) to grant the community leaders, volunteers and members of our community further inspiration and more strength to continue with the noble work they do for the pleasure of Allah (SWT) and to ascend to greater heights of success in their endeavors – Ameen.
SECRETARIAT