Ref: AK/PR/2016/75
Africa Federation Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi and the Hon Secretary, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, made a visit to Kampala, Uganda from 8th to 9th March, 2016; they were joined by the Vice Chairman and Chairman elect, Alhaj Shabir Najafi who is a resident of Kampala, Uganda.
It was yet another opportunity for the Chairman, the Vice Chairman and the Hon. Secretary of Africa Federation to meet with members of Kampala Jamaat and hold discussions with the officials of the Jamaat, Bilal Muslim Mission of Uganda and Trustees of AFED.
A meeting was held with Bilal Muslim Mission of Uganda (BMM U) at residence of Alhaj Asim Morvi, Chairman of BMM U over a dinner on 8th March. Also present were officials of BMM U, AFED Trustees of Uganda, Alhaj Ebrahim Kassam and Alhaj Mohamed Manji, Jamaat officials and the AFED delegation led by Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi. Various subjects regarding Tabligh activities, future developments and the current challenges were discussed.
In the last 6 years, BMM U have made great strides in external Tabligh and have expanded their activities beyond the city of Kampala. Alhaj Anwarali commended the leadership of BMM U and asked Alhaj Asim to also focus on the infrastructure of BMM U which is necessary to bring about positive changes in the minds of the followers of Ahlulbayt (AS) and look into ways of assisting the children to acquire basic secular and religious education which will benefit the families in long run.
The Chairman elect, Alhaj Shabir Najafi pointed out on the duplication of external Tabligh activities in some areas and stressed on the importance of coordination between the Jamaat and BMM U to utilize the resources prudently.
Meeting with Kampala Jamaat
On Wednesday, 9th March 2016 a joint meeting was held after Isha prayers with the Managing Committee of Kampala Jamaat, AFED Trustees, Jamaat Trustees and Members of the Jamaat. AFED Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi gave a brief report about AFED activities in different sections, delivery of the aims and objectives since 2010 and the current issues. Anwarbhai explained on the current trends and how they are affecting our Community, also what steps are being taken by AFED to overcome some of the challenges we face, i.e., healthcare, welfare, housing etc. He pointed out that the slowdown of the economy has also affected AFED in that the inflow of funds has dropped.
He reminded the Jamaat to entice community members towards payment of their Hukook through Jamaat and AFED so that we can support the activities of Jamaats and AFED in areas where Hukook is permissible under the Ijaza granted to the Chairman of AFED.
Property portfolio was one of the subjects of discussion, with a view of increasing income generation on the investments. It was observed that the mushrooming of modern commercial and high rise buildings etc are attracting more clients generating better income compared to the old ones.
Anwarali bhai stressed the need for the Jamaat to encourage their members to take up Healthcare Insurance as the cost of medical is escalating rapidly.
The Hon. Secretary requested KSI Jamaat to send news and events of the Jamaat to the Editor of Federation Samachar in that the Community members around the world become aware of the activities of the Jamaats in Africa. He also emphasized upon the youth of the Jamaat to take active part in the AFED Solidarity Day events and fund raising which is primarily to support the Jamaats all year around for their needy members in education, healthcare, housing etc.
The Chairman of KSI Jamaat, Alhaj Hassan Alibhai pointed out on the dwindling membership of Kampala Jamaat and stressed the importance of enhancing good cooperation and unity amongst members of the Jamaat.
KSI Jamaat Hon. Secretary, Professor Syed Abidi and Vice Chairman, Alhaj Aarif Karim emphasized on improving the education standards and review of the Resident Aalim contract and terms of reference. It was observed also that the constitution of the Jamaats needs review and updating due to the time elapsed and some of the clauses have become irrelevant with present time and new emerging new challenges.
Alhaj Anwar bhai congratulated AFED Chairman elect, Alhaj Shabir Najafi, a prominent and long experienced member of Kampala Jamaat, he stressed that the Jamaat can always seek his advice on matters requiring AFED’s involvement.
Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi in his farewell message thanked the past and present Jamaat leaders for their support, cooperation and guidance; he underscored the good relationships built over the years which have made Africa Federation what it is now. He also thanked AFED Councillors, Trustees and Community members for their unflinching support during his two terms tenure, of six years at the helm of the Africa Federation. He appealed the Jamaat leaders and members to extend the same level of support and cooperation to Alhaj Shabir Najafi who is taking over from him during the 26th AFED Triennial Conference in Dar es Salaam, and invited all to attend the Conference and Council Session from 29th April to 1st May 2016.
In closing, the Chairman of Kampala Jamaat expressed his appreciation to Africa Federation Chairman and for the good cooperation that existed between the Jamaat and AFED.
AFED Secretariat wishes to express its sincere appreciation for the warm welcome and for the wonderful reception of AFED delegation by Kampala Jamaat. We also wish to thank the Chairman of Bilal Muslim Mission of Uganda for organizing the dinner meeting at his residence.
We pray to Allah (SWT) by His infinite grace and mercy to grant the Jamaat leadership and all those who have assisted towards the success of this visit with good health, long life and success in their endeavors. We pray to Allah (SWT) to shower His choicest blessings and give more inspiration to them to continue with the noble work they do for His pleasure – Ameen.
Note: AGM and Election of the Jamaat recently took place in Kampala and the newly elected team has come to the office, more details of the new team will be carried in the forthcoming Federation Samachar.
SECRETARIAT