Ref: AF/PRESS/2015/52
The Africa Federation (AFED) delegation led by the Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi who was accompanied by the Vice Chairman, Alhaj Shabir Najafi, the Hon. Secretary, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan and Chairman of AFED Tabligh Board (AFTAB) Seyed Hassan Naqvi visited Lubumbashi Jamaat from 3rd to 4th March, 2015, after visiting Kinshasa.
Prior to this official visit, the AFED Chairman had visited Lubumbashi Jamaat twice; in the year 2012 and 2014 and met with the office bearers of the Jamaat and the community members there.
Lubumbashi Jamaat has been in existence for the past 22 years and is a well established Jamaat. It has a Mosque and Imambargha, which is also used as a Madressah for boys and girls within the same complex. The population of the Jamaat stands at 250 heads – gents, ladies and children – all included. Currently there are only 60 registered members. The Jamaat is intending to entice more members to register. Census of the members was carried out in the holy month of Ramadhan, in 2012.
Like Kinshasa, there is a gradual increase of community members each year; mainly they are youngsters who come to Lubumbashi to seek employment and businesses. Opportunities for business growth are much more in this part of DRC compared to other cities. The ratio presently is about 70% to 75% employed and 25% to 30% self employed (businessmen).
The Madressah has about 43 children, 23 boys and 20 girls. There are 8 teachers, mainly ladies volunteers.
The official program started after Isha prayers with Sura-e-Yasin for Ithale-Thawab of all Marhumeens and majlis which was recited by Maulan Sayed Khadeem Abbas. This was followed by a welcome address from the Hon. General Secretary of Lubumbashi Jamaat, Alhaj Sarfaraz Hussein Rahmatullah. The AFED Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi then addressed the community members.
On Wednesday, 4th March 2015 a meeting was held in the afternoon with the Managing Committee and the Trustees of Lubumbashi Jamaat. AFTAB Chairman also met the head and teachers of Madressah.
Various issues and topics concerning the Jamaat, and future developments were discussed:
- AFED emphasized for Secular and Religious studies and higher education should be undertaken by the children from our community. The higher education loan system known as ZAKMEF and its criteria was explained.
- A development project of the Jamaat, i.e. expansion of the Imambargha is required to accommodate the growing number of members in the Jamaat, a Madressah and apartments. Jamaat is presently in negotiation to acquire a ¼ acre plot behind the Mosque complex.
- AFED Chairman explained on the subject of Hukook funds and the need for its centralization so that Jamaat can receive assistance for capital projects that falls within the ambit of the Ijaza.
- Good foundation of Islam, spiritual well-being and higher religious studies for children was stressed, AFTAB Chairman explained about the initiatives of the WF Federation in collaboration with the Regional Federations in developing a holistic program – The Madressa Centre of Excellence (MCE), which encompasses most of the needs of Madressahs in all Jamaats.
- Jamaat with the support of the Trustees should look into long term safe, reliable and sustainable commercial projects for the Jamaat that will bring in steady income to fulfill its needs and make the Jamaat self-sufficient.
- Good and reliable medical facilities is a big challenge in Lubumbashi, those who require major treatment have to fly out to India, South Africa, Nairobi and other countries where good medical facilities are available. AFED emphasizes Health Insurance for Jamaat members, as medical cost is ever rising.
- The need for effective two-way communications and sharing of information was pointed out as an important element. Also, Jamaat’s full participation in events and programs being organized by AFED was stressed, this would be an opportunity also to build stronger bonds/networking.
EXTERNAL TABLIGH:
The external Tabligh is carried by Maulana Ali Jafferi and assisted by Sheikh Saeed Makula. There is a team of Administrators and Teachers who run the Institute at Kisanga known by the name of Al Muntazir Centre. This property has a Nursery School and Mosque; The Nursery School is also used for Madressah and Qurán classes in the afternoon. There are about 60 local Shia students and 145 families associated with the Centre.
There are 315 Nursery School students (boys and girls) from all faiths. The School Principal is Mr. Mustafa Ndhale and supported by 7 teachers. There is a Government School Levy of DRC Francs 6,000 per child per term (3 months per term)
The other Centre is Congolese Shia Centre at Kakoleza, this was not visited.
The Chairman and members of Africa Federation delegation wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Lubumbashi Jamaat and its members for their kind hospitality and for the warm welcome.
We also wish to thank the Hon. Secretary General, Alhaj Sarfaraz Hussein Rahmatullah who accompanied the delegation on a visit to Kisanga and for organizing the logistics on the ground.
At the time of the visit, the President of the Jamaat, Murrabi Alhaj Mohamed Rafiq Rahmatullah was in South Africa for medical treatment, we pray to Allah (swt) by His grace and mercy to grant him full recovery, good health, long and healthy life – Ameen.
We pray to Allah (swt) to shower His choices blessings for continuous peace, tranquility and prosperity in the country and for the well being of all the people and prosperity – Ameen.
We pray to Allah (swt) to give the Jamaat officials and volunteers all the strength and tawfeeqat to continue with the noble work they do for the community and grant them greater success in their future plans of development, Insha’allah.
SECRETARIAT