Ref: PR/AF/21/031 Date: December 29, 2021
The Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Kigoma held a Grand Opening of its newly built Mosque on 1st November 2021 during the Milad-un Nabii celebrations to mark the occasion of the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWW).
The new Mosque replaces the old Mosque which was built in 1942 to cater for the Kigoma Jamaat during that time. The ground breaking and construction of the Mosque began in July 2018.
The event was held in Kigoma following the 83rd Supreme Council Session of Africa Federation held in Dar es Salaam from 28th to 30th October 2021. The entire program was relayed live on the AFED YouTube Channel and about 2,563 people have watched it from different parts of the world to date.
The new Mosque seen above bigger in size includes some additional facilities like the place for ablution (Wudhu), modern washrooms etc. have been provided with other amenities like power generator, fresh water bore-hole which are necessities of the Mosque for maintaining cleanliness and good hygiene. The new Mosque accommodates both male and female and has a capacity of congregation of 200 People.
The Kigoma Jamaat Chairman, Alhaj Arif Jaffer and Trustee Alhaj Mohsin Lalji were at the helm to receive the dignitaries, guests, invitees from Islamic Institutions and members from different communities including teachers and students from Bilal Muslim Mission in Kigoma.
The Program was graced by notable Mubaligheen including Sheikh Dr Murtadha Alidina, Kigoma Region Sheikh Alhaj Hassan Kiburwa – Head of BAKWATA (Association of Muslims in Tanzania), Shiekh Akmal Hussein Taheri, Sheikh Idris Ituba (Chief Qadhi – Kigoma) and Sheikh Sheikh Abdolvahid Abyat Trustee and Chief Missionary of Ahlubayt Islamic Center.
Also in attendance were Alhaj Safdar Jaffer President of the World Federation, Alhaj Shabir Najafi, Chairman of Africa Federation, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, Vice Chairman of Africa Federation Sheikh Haniphe Akberally, Vice Chairman of Africa Federation from Madagascar (CROI), Alhaj Amine Nassor, Vice Chairman of Africa Federation from Reunion (UAKSIR). Alhaj Zuhair Jaffer Hon Secretary of Africa Federation, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi, Trustee of Africa Federation and the immediate past President of the World Federation, Alhaj Sajjad Walji Chairman of Africa Federation Tabligh Board and Alhaj Akil Hirji Chairman of Africa Federation Housing Development Board.
The function was also attended by Alhaj Mohamedraza Dewji – President Dar es Salaam Jamaat, Alhaj Zaheerabbas Khimji – Chairman Nairobi Jamaat, Alhaj Hussein Walji – Chairman Tanga Jamaat and Alhaj Roshanali Sherali – Trustee Bujumbura Jamaat. Also present were Alhaj Muslim Kassam past President – Kigoma Jamaat and Alhaj Shabbir Kassamali Dhalla – Chairman Construction Committee (Kigoma Mosque).
Alhaj Aliasgher Meghji, Master of Ceremonies for the program commenced the program by inviting Sheikh Haroun for the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran which was followed with introduction from the Convener of the Program, Alhaj Imtiaz Lalji.
Br Imtiaz gave a brief history of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri community in East Africa and Kigoma going as far back as early 1900’s, when the first Khoja settlers reached Kigoma town. He said it was a matter of great pride that the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri are always at the forefront to put up a Mosque or a Centre for religious congregation in whatever area they settled and this was done in Kigoma as well. He also spoke on the focus put by the Community on growth and progress in two major areas, education and commerce which has brought about prosperity and development for the Community and the people in the area of development.
The Mubaligheen present at the function enlightened the attendees with important reminders regarding the faith and the importance of a Mosque and Unity.
Sheikh Abdolvahid Abyat in his speech appreciated the Jamaat for rebuilding the Mosque, which he said is putting into practice Verse number 157 of Surah Araf (7:157) which states ”Those who follow the Apostle-Prophet, the Ummi, whom they find written down with them in the Tavrat and the Injeel, (who) enjoins them good and forbids them evil, and makes lawful to them the good things and makes unlawful to them impure things, and removes from them their burden and the shackles which were upon them; so (as for) those who believe in him and honour him and help him, and follow the light which has been sent down with him, these it is that are the successful”. And prayed to the Almighty to grant all Tawfiq to continue in the right path.
Sheikh Murtadha Alidina touched on Verse numbers 107 and 108 of Surah Taubah and spoke on the importance of mosque and presented the six points following on this:
• For Worshipping Allah and to remember Him
• A mosque built on Taqwa for Taqwa and not for misguidance
• Not only for Salah but for guidance and community gathering
• For Salatul Jamaat, congregation (togetherness)
• To do Jihad and fight spiritually to gain nearness to Allah
• Allah loves the self-purifying, mosque is a means.
Sheikh Hassan Kiburwa expressed gratitude to be present at the function during the festival month of the birth of the Holy Prophet (SAWW), reminding us that the Prophet (SAWW) loves us dearly, as demonstrated through the hadith where the companions of the Prophet (SAWW), whilst having a meal together with him asked him – O Prophet of Allah, are there any companions or followers better than us, he replied, Yes, those that will believe in me without having seen me, those are the best of people. He also stressed in the unity of the Muslim brethren and thanked the Khoja Community for their cooperation and support.
The Official Ribbon cutting and unveiling of the plaque was then held amidst recitation of heart-warming Qasidas by Br Aliasgher Meghji, the Bilal Team and Alhaj Amine Nassor from UAKSIR – Reunion Territorial Council of Africa Federation.
This was followed by a brief address by the hosts and dignitaries present.
Alhaj Mohsin Lalji – Trustee KSIJ Kigoma and Head of Bilal Kigoma Branch in his speech, touched on the rich history of Khojas in Africa and their contributions before moving on to remember Marhum Salum Kegeta who was instrumental in the construction of this Mosque. He also spoke on the importance of both secular and religious education which is the foundation for progress and development. He said it is very important for us to work towards women empowerment and the need to educate them and involving them in our activities as they are the backbone of our society. He emphasized on maintaining unity amongst the Muslims in Tanzania and Africa at large.
Alhaj Shabir Najafi – Chairman, Africa Federation highlighted the blessings brought about to the area in which a mosque is situated, with the presence of the great number of Muslims who will use the facilities, both Bilal and Khoja. He spoke on the great work being done by Bilal Muslim Mission Kigoma Branch led by Alhaj Mohsin Lalji, in the areas of Tabligh, Education, Fresh Water Supply, Health and Social Welfare. On behalf of AFED he pledged Tanzanian Shillings Ten Million (T.Shs:10,000,000) towards the BAKWATA Headquarters Office being built in Kigoma. He called upon the Kigoma Diaspora to reinvigorate the Kigoma Jamaat not through presence only but through investments and creating Jobs that will support the community at large.
Sheikh Safder Jaffer – President, World Federation reiterated on the importance of Tabligh and propagation in the local area of residence by giving a parable of those who visited Marhum Ayatullah Syed Mohsin Al Hakeem, who urged his followers to do Tabligh in their area of domicile. He added having seen the great interfaith relations he hoped that this would continue and that Muslims unity is what is needed. He also pointed out that some people have been asking on why the need for a mosque in an area where there is less Khoja members, we say that this Mosque is for all Muslims and not just Khojas. He pledged his support towards the causes and works ongoing in Africa through Africa Federation.
The program was then followed by an awards ceremony to appreciate and recognize the various stakeholders, donors and supporters of the Mosque construction to its completion.
The function ended with a vote of thanks by Alhaj Fazal Kassam who on behalf of Kigoma Jamaat thanked all the participants for joining the Kigoma members on this occasion, he made special mention of the people who travelled from various places to attend the historical occasion in Kigoma. The program ended with a Dua led by Sheikh Hassan Kiburwa
The Program can be viewed on the link of the AFED Youtube Channel by clicking here.
The Secretariat is thankful to Alhaj Mohsin Lalji for facilitating the travel of the AFED delegation to Kigoma and hosting them at the Hill Top Hotel. Our special thanks also to Mrs. Mohsin Lalji for ensuring that accommodation and meals were all well prepared and served to the guests, Jazakallah.
We are also thankful to all the various Jamaat leadership and members who joined us in celebrating this wonderful occasion of Kigoma Jamaat.
SECRETARIAT