Ref: AF/PRESS/2014/36
The Africa Federation office bearers visit different Jamaats every year during the Ashra-e-Muharram to join with the members of the constituent Jamaats of the Africa Federation in the Azadari of Seyyedus Shohadah Aba Abdillahil Hussain (AS) and the 72 Martyrs of Karbala. As has the practice for many years, during this mourning period of Muharram, mostly in all Jamaats Scholars and Preachers are invited from outside for the first Ashra (1st to 12th Muharram) and the second Ashra (10th to 20th Safar) to deliver lectures and sermons every night, followed by Matam, Ziyarat and Tabarukat with a maximum attendance of ladies and gents members including youths and children.
It is important for peace loving community to expose the unjust and tyrannical rule of the Umayyad Dynasty which led to the tragic event on the day of Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram in 61 A.H. On this sad day the beloved grandson of the Holy Prophet of Islam, Imam Hussain (AS), along with members of his family and the faithful companions were killed mercilessly by the brutal forces of Yazid Ibn Muawiyah in the desert plains of Karbala, Iraq. The Karbala massacre is known as one of the darkest and saddest days in Islamic history.
The Chairman of Africa Federation, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi who was accompanied by the Hon. Secretary, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan visited Moshi Jamaat on Sunday, 26th October, 2014 (1st Muharram, 1436 A.H.).
The 12 days of Muharram are important days for reflection and reformation, therefore it is imperative to remind ourselves of our fundamental duties to Allah (SWT), Islam and mankind.
Alhaj Ahmed Daya, Chairman of Moshi Jamaat welcomed the AFED office bearers and gave an overview of Moshi Jamaat and its current status.
It is a concern to note the dwindling number of membership. Currently there are only 124 male and female members in the Jamaat, this includes 12 students from other Jamaats who are studying medicine at the KCMC Medical College in Kilimanjaro District.
Moshi Jamaat is operating Jaffery Charitable Dispensary, which is serving our community members and the general public. A well known Dispensary is equipped with some latest medical equipment for diagnostics, a Laboratory, Dental Unit and Pharmacy.
In his address, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi explained to the community members on the various activities of the Africa Federation, and the ongoing capital project initiated by the Federation in 2012 in Dar es Salaam. He also pointed out the challenges faced; he gave example of the current financial constraints, stating that whilst the demands from the Jamaats are on the increase, the inflow of funds is dropping by each passing year.
Alhaj Anwarali emphasized in building stronger financial based Jamaats, and redevelopments of the old buildings and structures to improve income to the Jamaats.
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 on important occasions to invite other community leaders, Sheikhs and Imams from different faiths to our functions.
We are very thankful to the Chairman of Moshi Jamaat, Alhaj Ahmed Daya and the Managing Committee members for the warm reception and wonderful hospitality extended to the AFED Office Bearers.
Our appreciation also goes to the Office Bearers and Trustees of the Jamaat for their wisdom and in sharing their valuable experiences with the AFED Office Bearers, and for a fruitful meeting.
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