Our Ref: AF/PR/038/22 Date: July 08, 2022
On Saturday 11th June 2022, Africa Federation had the honour to host the Astan Quds Razavi delegation led by the Honorable Sheikh Mahdavi Mehr accompanied by Ustad Agha, Agha Mehdavi and Agha Ali Zade from Iran. They were accompanied by Agha Ali Taghavi, Head of Al Mustafa University DSM and Seyid Arif Ali Naqvi also from Al Mustafa University DSM. Africa Federation was represented by Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, AFED Vice Chairman along with AFTAB Board Chairman, Alhaj Sajjad Walji, Bilal Tanzania Chairman Alhaj Hussein Karim and CBG Chairman Alhaj Shabbirhussein Khalfan. AFED Hon. Secretary, Alhaj Zuhair Jaffer joined the meeting via Zoom.
Aunali bhai introduced the AFED officials to the visitors and welcomed them warmly. He explained about Africa Federation and its brief history, membership in Africa and its various social, religious, education, economic & housing development and various other activities in Africa mainland and in the Indian Ocean Islands of Madagascar, Reunion and Mauritius. Zuhair bhai Jaffer then briefed the Astan Quds Razavi delegation on the objectives of Africa Federation and its importance to the community. The AFED Board Chairmen also had opportunity to talk about their boards and activities, and how they impact overall the membership in our Jamaats in Africa.
Sheikh Mahdavi Mehr explained some of the work done by Astan Quds Razavi which include printing of books i.e. Nahjul Balagha, Holy Qur’an, Mafatihul Jinan and several others. Some of these books are being used in the Harams in Iran and also being distributed worldwide.
Sheikh stated that they are aware of the Africa Federation and the activities they do in Africa, especially in external Tabligh. He further commented, “I have known Africa Federation for the past 27 years. The growth of the Shia community worldwide is partly due to Africa Federation that laid a strong foundation and the impetus from where other Federations sprung up. We pray to Allah (SWT) through the wasila of Imam Ali al-Ridha (‘a) and his family (‘a) to grant more blessings for all the work you do.”
He commended Africa Federation for the good work and requested Africa Federation for an opportunity to work together in printing of books, or providing support for example the paper for printing the Holy Qur’an. They also invited Africa Federation members to visit Mashhad and avail them the opportunity to host them.
The delegation gifted Africa Federation with a Holy Qur’an that has been printed by them and kept in the Haram of Imam Ali al-Ridha (‘a) for a few days. All those present in the meeting were gifted with a ring that was made from the marble from the Haram of Imam al-Ridha (‘a).
On behalf of Africa Federation Chairman, Alhaj Shabir Najafi, the Vice Chairman, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan gave a special message to the delegation since he was in the U.K. and was not possible to be present at this occasion of the visit. He was grateful that the Astan Quds Razavi delegation had taken time to visit Africa Federation and had the opportunity also to see our new office in AFED Tower. The Vice Chairman, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, on behalf of Africa Federation presented each member of the delegation with a copy of the latest issue of Federation Samachar and memento as remembrance of the visit to Africa Federation.
We pray to Allah (SWT) to reward amply all those involved in the noble work of spreading the religion of Islam and the Madh’ab of Ahlulbayt (‘a), we pray for their long life with good health and success in their endeavors, Ameen.
SECRETARIAT