mulla_saheb
“Live amongst people in such a manner that if you die they weep over you and if you are alive they crave for your company” Imam Ali (A.S)
On 21 March 2000 (14 Dhul Hijah 1420) the Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri Community world wide mourned the passing away Marhum Mulla Asgarali M M Jaffer. Thirteen years on, the Community remembers him on almost everyday basis.
Mulla Asgher as he was fondly known through out the community, was born and educated in Mombasa and was fluent in at least seven languages, English, Arabic, Farsi, Urdu, Kuchi, Kiswahili and Gujarati. He was a formidably learned scholar and respected by the Marjae for his in depth Islamic knowledge.
Plain spoken, courageous and sincere Marhum Mulla was a visionary and an iconic leader who continuously and fearlessly sought to take the community out of slumber and comfort zone, into a economically vibrant and spiritually strong community. He used his powerful oratory to convey the pristine messages of Ahlul Bayt a.s. in the many different languages he spoke. His Tableeghi activities had no bounds. Even today his recorded lectures and sermons are aired on many TV stations.
Mullah has left a legacy of service to humanity that is exemplary, and an inspiring example of resolute will to fight poverty, disease and ignorance. During his lifetime, he demonstrated that given the Khulus and zeal any target could be achieved. From huts to housing, from playing in sewers to classrooms, from slums to primary health care, from westernized young minds to God fearing practicing youths, and much much more, is his legacy of transformation.
In Mulla’s words “miracles cannot be achieved but with dedication, foresight and support of Community members’ world-wide, many of our Shia brothers and sisters can be rescued from their pathetic living conditions.”
He has left a legacy of enormous magnitude that scores are benefitting and many aspire to emulate.
Marhum Mulla Asgher was a driving force in setting up of The World Federation of KSIMC in London and from there he launched many initiatives for the benefit of the poor. One of this was the Zainabiya Child Sponsorship Scheme, better known as ZCSS. This scheme supports a range of students from primary to higher education and in its more than 30 years of operative, no fewer than 25,000 students have benefitted in countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania and more recently in Haiti. The ethos of ZCSS is to create a generation of skilled individuals who will work together to lift their communities out of poverty.
He still continues to remain as an example to us at The World Federation. His frequent advice to all who worked with him remains true even today, perhaps more so because we must continue to safeguard the position of the faith entrusted by the community to ensure protection of our legacy as an Islamic community for generation to come.
He once said:
“I don’t pray for His acceptance of my amals as much as I pray for the opportunity to serve. And the day He grants me an opportunity to serve, I believe the previous ones have been accepted. And I hope till my last breath the opportunities are there and when the Almighty call me back, I will be able to tell my Lord, Thank You for giving me life, Thank You for giving me life.”
And to Allah swt we say, “Thank You for allowing him to live amongst us.”
We request all Mumineen to remember him on his death anniversary today and everyday in their prayers.
Mulla Asgher uplifting series of lectures can be found at WF Shop