In 1988, the then Chairman of the Federation, Alhaj Mohamed Dhirani and other office-bearers of the Federation paid a visit to Morogoro and Dodoma Jamaats. These were the only Jamaats which had not been visited by the Chairman during his term in office.
The official delegation comprising of all four office-bearers of the Federation namely the Chairman – Alhaj Mohamed Dhirani, the Vice-Chairman – Alhaj Habib Mulji, The Hon. Secretary – Alhaj Mohamed Somji and the Hon. Treasurer – Alhaj Mohamed Hassam, drove to Morogoro on 12 February 1988. They were accorded a warm welcome by the interim Chairman of Morogoro Jamaat, Alhaj Ebrahim Manji Haji. On arrival in Morogoro the first activity was to inspect various sites which the Morogoro Jamaat were proposing to construct a Mosque/Imambargaah complex to cater for the religious and social needs of the growing Shia Ithna’asheri Community in Morogoro.
The site inspection tour was followed by visits to shops and businesses belonging to our Ithna’asheri brothers. Business activities in Morogoro have been growing ever since the construction of the Tanzam highway and our brothers who ventured to Morogoro following this development are now firmly established and doing well. New residents have also managed to secure premises for business undertakings without much problem and their shops were found well stocked with sundry and consumable goods which have a ready market.
Among the new residents are some who encountered difficulties in obtaining business premises in Dar es Salaam and decided to move to Morogoro. This decision proved successful and is now working to their advantage. However, due to the shortage of modern residential flats/houses in the town, they are facing a problem of suitable residential accommodation.
Apart from the normal Dukawala type of trading, Morogoro also boasts of a fairly advanced industrial base. After visiting shops of some of our brothers the entourage also toured some industrial projects in which investment could bring substantial returns. Industrial projects such as milling factory, processing of agricultural products, etc., have good potential and could therefore be pondered into. There is also no problem in Morogoro with education since all facilities from Kindergarten to secondary school are available without much difficulty. An added advantage of the town is its short distance from Dar es Salaam. It takes only two hours from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro by car.
Brother Ebrahim, the interim Chairman of Morogoro Jamaat, has allocated two rooms in his house which are used for majlises. After Magribayn prayers, almost all the members of Morogoro Jamaat assembled here to meet the supreme council delegation. In his address to the gathering, the Chairman of the Federation, Alhaj Mohamed Dhirani stressed on the urgent need of having a Mosque and Imambargaah plus other communal facilities in view of the growing membership of the Jamaat. He assured them of Supreme Council’s full support in all their endeavors, particularly in the field of housing and business loans. With regard to building a mosque, he informed them that there are prospective donors in Dar es Salaam who are willing to meet the entire cost of construction of a Mosque/ Imambargaah complex. He therefore urged them to seriously consider the matter and make the best use of this golden opportunity. He also advised them to put their efforts to establish an organized and properly managed Jamaat in Morogoro.
In reply to the Chairman’s address, Brother Ebrahim Manji Haji, on behalf of the entire membership of Morogoro Jamaat, thanked the Federation leader for his guidance. He pledged that no stone will be left unturned to see that they obtain a suitable plot for the Mosque/ Imambargaah complex. He announced the names of the caretaker committee which will take care of Jamaat affairs until such time that the constitution of the Jamaat is formally approved and registered with the appropriate authorities. The Chairman and his delegation then proceeded to Dodoma on Saturday, 13 February 1988, where our brothers anxiously awaited their arrival. The youthful Chairman of Dodoma Jamaat, Alhaj Seyed Hassan Naqvi received them warmly. The first item on the programme was to visit the shops of our brothers in the town. The situation was almost similar to Morogoro and our brothers in Dodoma appear to be doing well in business.
Development in Dodoma is taking a fast pace in view of accelerated activities to build the new capital. Transformation of the town is quite evident both in terms of building works and business operations. Some families have moved to Dodoma from Tanga and Mwanza and are already well established in their undertakings. The economic growth of Dodoma is quite encouraging and business community is generally doing well.
Dodoma has an International School run by expatriate teachers and this is an added advantage for the families with school going children. Cost of living is comparatively lower than Dar es Salaam or Arusha for that matter. The climate is quite pleasant and most suitable for many of us who prefer a dry and cool weather. Accordingly, it is more ideal for these looking for a place to settle down.
The delegation visited various places requiring assistance and these included Kabrastan wall, renovation of the mosque and flooring of the mosque compound. At this stage, the contribution by two deceased brothers, namely Marhum Salim Panjwani and Marhum Shaukat H. Alarakhia in the acquisition of the Kabrastan plot, was noted. May Allah (swt) bless their souls. The Jamaat leadership was advised proper costing and relevant particulars for necessary action by the Council.
At a gathering held at the residence of the Dodoma Jamaat Chairman, Alhaj Seyed Hassan Naqvi, after Maghribayn prayers, Hassan bhai gave a detailed account of their activities, the constraints they had and the sort of assistance and guidance they need from the Council. The Chairman of the Supreme Council in his reply pledged the Council’s full support to the Jamaat. He advised members of the Jamaat to live together in unity, which is the cornerstone of our growth and success.
Then followed a question and answer session during which the Chairman of the Supreme Council clarified and fully explained the role played by the Council in maintaining links with our brothers in Africa and elsewhere. He satisfactorily answered all questions put to him and all present were then treated to a sumptuous and delicious dinner.
Conclusion
The visits to both Morogoro and Dodoma gave the Council delegation an opportunity to make an on the spot assessment of the economic prospects of these regions. Many of our brothers in big towns and cities who are fighting a losing battle to earn their living can find worthwhile alternatives in the commercial, agriculture or industrial field and live comfortably in places like Morogoro and Dodoma. It is high time such people give serious consideration to this matter and make a decision while the going is good.
Efforts by the Council delegation to go to Singida proved futile as the roads were impassable with a saloon car due to heavy rains.
Let us remember the past Africa Federation Chairmen, Alhaj Habib bhai
Mulji, Alhaj Mohamed bhai Dhirani, Alhaj Zulfikar bhai Khimji, Alhaj Ebrahim
bhai Manji Haji and all the other past leaders of Africa Federation, officials
and volunteers who have served the institutions in various capacities by
sacrificing their valuable time with great dedication and devotion – May Allah
(SWT) grant them all maghferat and place them in the proximity of Ahlulbayt
(AS) where they continuously receive Allah’s (SWT) grace and mercy – Al Fateha.
Source: Federation Samachar, Vol. 23/ No. 4 – August
1988, Muharram 1409 A.H
Article Prepared by: Murtaza Jivraj (Kerbala)
SECRETARIAT
AFRICA FEDERATION ARCHIVES SECTION
5th
February 2021 (22nd Jamadil Akhar 1442 AH)