Ref: PR/AF/46
The Chairman of Africa Federation, Alhaj Shabir Najafi accompanied by the President of World Federation, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi, the two AFED Vice Chairmen, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan and Alhaj Amine Nassor, who is also the Chairman of Union Des Associations Khodjas Shia Isnashri De La Reunion (UAKSIR), AFED Nominated Councillors, Alhaj Navazaly Molou, Fatim bai Somji and Member of Capacity Building Group, Tahera bai Shivji attended the 34th General Assembly of Conseil Regional Des Khojas Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamates De L’Ocean Indien (CROI) on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th January 2018, hosted by KSI Jamaat of Antananarivo, it was held in the Imambargha.
Heads of 11 Jamaats of Madagascar and Councillors from Tananarive, Tulear, Majunga, Maevatanana, Antsirabe, Morondava, Antsohihy, Tamatave, Ambovombe, Fianar, Fort-Dauphin and Mauritius Jamaat attended the Assembly. Jamaat leaders from Paris, past leaders and invitees were also present throughout the two days Session.
A Welcome address was eloquently delivered by the President of Antananarivo Jamaat, Alhaj Mounise-Reza Nourah, who spoke on the various initiatives of the Jamaat in the field of Madressah, Education, Social Services and the Spiritual upliftment which is done through various religious programs by the Ulemas, Zakir and Zakireen. It was very sad for the Africa Federation, CROI and UAKSIR to receive shocking news of the sudden death of Alhaj Mounise-Reza Nourah just three days later. AFED issued an Obituary in memory of late Mounise-Reza Bhai who was a dedicated, diligent and compassionate social worker with pleasant personality.
Conseil Regional Secretary General, Rizvan Hassim, Chairman, Sheikh Haniphe, his office bearers, heads of various Boards presented reports of activities for the past one year. Resolutions to amend some clauses of the constitution which were deliberated on Friday, 26th January were presented at the General Assembly. Financial report and accounts was tabled and various clarifications were sought by the councillors.
The discussions were constructive and fruitful covering varied subjects, and updates were provided on various activities undertaken by CROI in the Jamaats of Madagascar. Chairmen of the Jamaats from several regions of Madagascar shared their views on the CROI annual report, whilst they also provided brief reports of their own Jamaats and the challenges they face in several sectors, one being shortage of funds.
Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi, President of the World Federation of KSI Muslim Communities expressed his appreciation for the invitation from CROI through AFED. He underscored the importance of unity and public relations with other communities, faiths and sects stating that the community must rise to the challenges faced by the Muslims and Shias in many parts of the world. He cautioned the leaders to be extra vigilant and to ensure that our Lecturers and Preachers speak on the importance of unity and avoid any kind of controversial remarks that can hurt the relationships with our Muslim brothers and other communities.
The AFED Chairman, Alhaj Shabir Najafi in his address echoed the sentiments of the President of the World Federation and importance of unity. He further stressed that the Jamaats and the two Territorial Councils of Madagascar and Reunion should give more focus on youth development, religious education, secular education and economic development to make our community self-sufficient. He also emphasized the need for centralization of Hukuk collections so that this helps first our own community in need for the development of our infrastructure etc.
He also stressed the necessity of building bridges of cooperation and relationships with other communities and faiths, especially under the current environment and the rapid changes taking place globally. On the matter of security, he encouraged leaders to work closely with other communities for necessary measures. This, he said was top priority for the community in Madagascar who have settled there and made their homes over ten decades ago. Shabir bhai expressed AFED’s profound appreciation to leaders of CROI and the constituent Jamaats for their good support and cooperation.
The AFED Vice Chairman and the Chairman of UAKSIR, Alhaj Amine Nassor in his address spoke about the good cooperation that exists amongst the Jamaats and underpinned the importance of exchanging visits and sharing of best practices. He said sports is one area whereby our youth can be inspired and influenced towards building stronger bonds of friendships and relationships thereby spending their time constructively, and also improve physical fitness and wellness.
The AFED Vice Chairman from the Secretariat, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan spoke on the importance of healthcare, health awareness, and health insurance for the community. In the matter of participations by Madagascar in AFED’s programs, he requested CROI to encourage Jamaats to participate in the AFED’s annual programs like the Qur’an Competition, Youth Camps, Ladies Sports Festival etc. He said it was his distinct pleasure to see a large contingent of sportsmen from Madagascar in Nairobi, Kenya for the AFED Furaha Sports Festival which was held in December 2017, the contingent was led by Amin bhai Deenmohamed.
Aunali Bhai thanked the former CHB Representative, Alhaj Riyazhousein Soujatali for his past services to CHB and to the community in Madagascar. He welcomed Zohair Bhai Vally and Fazle-Aly Bhai Molou, the two young and energetic members to CHB recently appointed; they are the representatives from CROI. He congratulated the team for successful Medical Camp they organized jointly with Shably Hospital of Ahmedabad, India and Antananarivo Jamaat for its members including indigenous community which was held for a full day. The CHB team in Madagascar is helping members of the community in providing guidance and appointments of medical treatment in India, Reunion, Mauritius and other places.
Two representatives from CROI will join in the Editorial team of the Federation Samachar to enhance synergies; they are Zulfikar bhai Vasram and Sister Roukhsaar Nisarali. The two representatives will assist the Chief Editor and his Assistant in gathering news, articles of the events, history etc. for Federation Samachar.
A visit to KSI Jamaat Husseini Madressah in Antananarivo was made on Friday, 26th January in the company of CROI office bearers, Alhaj Mounise-Reza Nourah, Mohamedraza Khamis, Shk. Mounir, Shk. Shoaib, Shk. Younous and other Madressah officials. The World Federation President, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi, AFED Chairman, Alhaj Shabir Najafi, AFED Vice Chairmen, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan and Alhaj Amine Nassor, the former World Federation President, Dr. Asgher Moledina, Alhaj Azad Hedaraly and Alhaj Arif Hiridjee from Paris Jamaat, Alhaj Gulamali Virjee from Dubai, Alhaj Gulamraza Datoo and Sheikh Nuru Mohamed from Birmingham were among those present.
The delegation was shown some classes where students exhibited their work and knowledge in science etc. they responded ably to questions from visitors. A temporary class for secular education was recently established by the efforts of late Mounise-Raza bhai with a plan to move the same to a better location in the near future. The WF President offered financial support for these temporary classes.
On Sunday, 28th January, the delegation from the World Federation, Africa Federation and other officials from CROI and Jamaats visited the facility provided by the former CROI Chairman, Alhaj Mohamedrafiq Ramji for a community school Al Mourtouza complex near Gamo. The ground-breaking was done and a pledge by the World Federation, Africa Federation and CROI was made to Antananarivo Jamaat for the development of a good secular school where our children and other children can receive good standard of education from primary to secondary school levels.
During the Joint meeting between AFED delegation and CROI managing committee held on Sunday night, several pertinent issues were discussed and ideas were exchanged. Members also discussed on the future plans which include housing development project for the members in Antananarivo and also the primary health clinic for the community and general public.
On behalf of the Chairman and the office bearers of AFED, we are grateful for the invitation to attend the CROI 34th General Assembly in Antananarivo, and for organizing the visits during the three days, it was a good learning for all, especially the two ladies from Nairobi and Dar Es Salaam.
We are thankful for a warm hospitality and reception by Conseil Regional of Madagascar, Chairman and managing committee members of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Antananarivo (The host Jamaat) and the Husseini Madressah officials.
Secretariat