On 19th May 2021 (6th Shawwal 1442 AH), the official inauguration of Az-Zahra Bilal Centre was held in Tanga. The ceremony was graced by the Chairman Alhaj Shabir Najafi, Vice Chairman Alhaj Aunali Khalfan and Hon Secretary Alhaj Zuhair Jaffer. Other guests included, Housing Board Chairman Alhaj Akil Hirji, Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania’s Chairman Alhaj Hussein Karim, BMM Tanzania Vice Chairman Alhaj Abdulwahid Zakaria, BMM Tanzania Hon. Secretary Br. Mohamedraza Bharwani, Bilal Muslim Mission of Kigoma Branch Chairman Alhaj Mohsin Abdallah, AFTAB Chairman Alhaj Sajjad Walji, Main Contractor Mohamedi Builders and the Sub Contractors, Engineers and Consultants as well. The ceremony was hosted by Chairman of Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanga Alhaj Hasnain Hassanali (represented by Bilal Tanga Hon. Treasurer Alhaj Husseinali Hassanali). Also present were Chairman of Tanga Jamaat Alhaj Hussein Walji, Past Chairman of Tanga Jamaat Alhaj Mazaher Bandali, AFED Chief Operating Officer Alhaj Hasnain Sherally, AFED Management Accountant, Alhaj Husseinali Shaban, AFED Project Coordinator Br. Mohamed Moledina and invited guests from Tanga Jamaat.
The work had commenced in September 2018 on Plot No 7-8, Block 19, Makoko Street No. 4 on the plot sized 375sqm. Africa Federation’s Housing Board Chairman, Alhaj Akil Hirji, held multiple site visits from the period of commencing construction to completion and handover on 25th June 2020 with the Contractors, Mohamedi Builders and their teams.
The master of ceremony, Sheikh Mubarak of Bilal Tanga, presided over the proceedings and called upon the Mudir of the Hawza to start with few verses from the Holy Quran and bless the ceremony followed by Hadith Al Kisa to remember the Holy Lady of Light Bibi Fatema Zahra (‘a), after whom the building has been named.
The AFED team travelled to Tanga specially for the opening ceremony, as commented by the Vice Chairman of Africa Federation, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, it was a milestone achievement and as always, determination, commitment, perseverance and sincerity produces good results.
Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanga’s Chairman, Alhaj Hasnain Hassanali, who could not be there personally, was represented by Bilal Tanga Branch Hon. Treasurer, Alhaj Husseinali Hassanali. Br. Husseinali spoke about Tabligh in Tanga which began in the 1990’s with a small library to educate the masses on the madhab of Ahlul Bayt (‘A). Today it has grown to 52 centres and still growing. As the Tabligh work increases so does the requirement of the Mubaligheen, both male and female to cater to the needs of the area.
From 2007 to 2015, various hawza setups have been established to produce Muballigheen for various regions across Tanzania. It has been tedious to manage numerous centres and accommodation centres and there was a need to centralize. Africa Federation through its Housing Development Board has fulfilled this requirement by erecting this 8 storey building that comprises of both male and female Hawza.
Female wing includes the Ground floor with a modern library and dining hall, 1st Floor is a Mussala for Ladies Jamaat namaaz, 2nd floor consists of 6 classrooms and Principals office, 3rd and 4th floor consists of 10 rooms each accommodating 4 per room and 1 matron per floor (capacity for 80 girls).
Male wing consists of the 5th and 6th floor having 10 rooms each increasing the boys hawza capacity from 40 to 80. 7th floor has 4 well built homes to accommodate the teachers with their families. The 8th floor is a huge Multi purpose hall that is used by 70 teachers on a monthly basis for the collective teachers meeting among other activities.
Br. Husseinali thanked the Africa Federation Office Bearers, Housing Development Board of Africa Federation, and the Contractors for having delivered high quality of construction and ensuring that it was completed before the scheduled time.
The Chairman of Africa Federation, Alhaj Shabir bhai Najafi, commended the great work carried out by the Housing Development Board and Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanga. He specifically appreciated the contractors, Mohamedi Builders for their tireless efforts and high quality deliverables, lastly stressing the importance of quality infrastructure for Tabligh work.
The Chairman of Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania, Alhaj Hussein bhai Karim, presented the vote of thanks, appreciating the work of Alhaj Hasnain Hassanali and his team for running a great setup in Tanga for Tabligh and Housing Development Board team of Africa Federation for the efficiency in their deliverables. He appreciated the Contractors, Mohamedi Builders, Quantity Surveyors, Architects and all the stakeholders who have been a part ensuring the structure is where it is today, he stressed on the importance of Tabligh and the reward compounding for all involved.
The Managing Director of Mohamedi Builders Alhaj Taher bhai Jafferji, present at the ceremony reiterated that since Mohamedi Builders started working with Africa Federation on the various charitable and community-based projects, they have not only seen the rewards in their business but also in their homes and souls which are filled with peace and tranquility.
He commended the Housing Development Board Chairman Akil bhai Hirji and his Board for their tireless voluntary efforts and their diligence in ensuring the best for their community. He appreciated the opportunities presented to him and also pledged to give back to the Community. Taher bhai has very kindly pledged TZS 3,000,000 towards educating the Hawza students, TZS 5,553,000 towards eye camp to be organized in Tanga by Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania and 23 beds plus 30 mattresses for the Az-Zahra Hawza Building.
A short Awards Giving Ceremony followed where various Awards were presented to the contractors, sub-contractors and individuals who have played a role in ensuring the successful completion of the Hawza.
The building was officially inaugurated by Africa Federation Vice Chairman Alhaj Aunali Khalfan. Alhaj Aunali bhai thanked all those present who took the time to be part of this milestone. He echoed the sentiments of Alhaj Shabir bhai Najafi and his fellow colleagues and praised the work done at Bilal Tanga to ensure the continuity of the Madhab of Ahlul Bayt (‘A). He also appreciated the presence of all those who took the time to be a part of the ceremonies and thanked Tanga Jamaat Chairman Alhaj Hussein Walji and Tanga Bilal team who organized the program.
SECRETARIAT
AFED HOUSING DEVELOPMENT BOARD
9th June 2021