Ref: AF/PRESS/2014/44
Recently, the Africa Federation Hon. Secretary, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan visited Lindi Jamaat, it was an extension of the visit to Kilwa. Aunali Bhai was accompanied by the Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania (BMMT) Head of Tabligh, Seyed Arif Naqvi and the BMMT CEO, Alhaj Amir Ahmed. There were also several community members from Dar es Salaam who had travelled to Kilwa made a day trip to Lindi. The road to Kilwa has greatly improved.
Once a thriving and vibrant Jamaat, Lindi is very much an abandoned Jamaat as most of our community members left Lindi about 40 years ago, many moved to Dar es Salaam for better prospects, for children’s education and healthcare.
Lindi Jamaat was established in 1924, the first President was Alhaj Hamzaali Noormohamed and Abdulhussein Sachedina was the Jamaat’s Secretary. According to the information obtained, in 1906 the Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri community’s population in Lindi was 200, and gradually the Jamaat grew to about 800 in mid 70s when it reached its peak.
The present population of Lindi Jamaat is about 35 heads, this includes women and children. There is a big drop in the population of the Jamaat due to some members still relocating to Dar es Salaam, and some venturing to other cities like Arusha.
The Jamaat properties are in need of urgent attention, including the Musafirkhana, Imambargha, Madressah and the trust buildings. The Jamaat has recently replaced the entire roof of the Mosque, and work remaining for the Mosque is to replace the ceiling and fix tiles, painting etc.
There are three plots belonging to the Jamaat behind the Imambargha on Karume Street. These plots should not be kept un-utilized/un-developed for longer time. There are good business opportunities emerging in Lindi (Southern Region), and our community should look into investing there.
We are very thankful to the Chairman of Lindi Jamaat, Alhaj Abdulhussein Khimji and the Managing Committee members for the warm reception extended to the AFED delegation.
We pray to Allah (SWT) to grant the leaders, volunteers and members of our community more inspiration and strength to continue with the noble work they do for the pleasure of Allah (SWT). Let us remember the past leaders of the Jamaat and all Marhumeens with Sura-e-Fateha.
SECRETARIAT