Ref: AF/PRESS/2014/38
After the visit to Moshi and Arusha, the Africa Federation Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi and the Hon. Secretary, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan were joined by the Chairman of the Central Bilal Board (CBB), Alhaj Mohsin Lalji for their visit to Tanga Jamaat and Bilal Muslim Mission – Tanga Branch from Tuesday, 28th to Wednesday, 29th October 2014 (3rd to 4th Muharram 1436 AH).
Sadly, Tanga Jamaat population continues to drop, the reason being lack of good education institutions and good health facilities in Tanga prompting some families to migrate to other cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha.
Total number of heads presently is about 200, this includes women and children. There are 22 girls and 18 boys studying in Madressah which operates 4 days in a week and is managed by 11 teachers, they are all volunteers.
Br. Hassan Dhirani on behalf of the Chairman of Tanga Jamaat, Alhaj Naushad Bandali welcomed the Chairman of Africa Federation and his delegation and thanked the Chairman for taking time to visit Tanga and to meet with the members of the Jamaat. After a brief introduction, he invited the AFED Chairman to address the community members.
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.
The Chairman also highlighted the need for members to pay their Hukook through the AFED centralized and harmonized system of collection and also accountability. He urged members to support AFED which in turn will enable the Institution to support the Jamaats and needy members of the community in areas such as house rent, education, medical and other household needs for the poor and needy.
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 against innocent people.
We are very thankful to the Chairman of Tanga Jamaat, Alhaj Naushad Bandali, Managing Committee members and Trustees for the good reception and warm hospitality extended to the AFED delegation.
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