The Journey of Mulla Abdulla Karim Surti from India to Madagascar Island
Mulla Abdulla Karim Surti was born in India in 1862. He was the father of the famous Mulla Yusufali Abdulla of East Africa. He was also the nephew of the famous merchant who was known as the champion of the poor, Murrabbi Sheriff Jiwa Surti. Mulla Abdulla got married in Ahmedabad.
In 1900 he travelled to Madagascar with his uncle Murrabbi Sheriff. He worked at his uncle’s branches at Diego Suarez, Nosibe and Analalava for a total period of 5 years. After the death of his wife, he went to India in 1904 for his second marriage.
In 1905, Mulla Abdulla started his own business in Majunga. After a few years, he moved his business to Moroavay. In 1918 he went to India for a short stay. He continued his business in Moroavay until his death in 1927.
Marhum was Zakire Hussein AS. He was fondly given the nickname Mulla. Three of his sons and a daughter lived in Madagascar.
Mulla Fidahussein Abdulla Karim
Mulla Fidahussein Abdulla Karim was born in Majunga in 1909. He was an embodiment of his father’s religious training.
At a young age, his father sent him to Ahmadabad in India for religious and secular education. After receiving religious education and learning Gujarati and Arabic, his father brought him back to Madagascar in 1922.
He then joined his father’s business. In 1930, he opened a shop in Antsohihy district. In 1932, he married the daughter of Dharamsi Ladha at Ambato-Boeni.
Due to poor business situation, he closed his shop and sought employment. After two years of his marriage, his wife died in 1933. In 1937, he then married daughter of Hirji Jina. He had four children with this wife, of whom one daughter and one son survived. In 1938, he again entered into business venture at Befandriana. He then moved to Antsohihy where he opened a bakery. He took a lot of interest in community service. He was also keen in organizing azadari and majalis.
Let us remember and pray for the maghferat of these dedicated past leaders of our Community and all Marhumeen with Sura Fateha.
Source: AFED Trade Directory (1960)
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26th May 2017 (29th Shab’an 1438 AH)