Circular No: JMT/033/23 Date: 7th January 2023
“The mosques of Allah are only to be maintained by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day and establish prayer and give Zakah and who do not fear except Allah, for it is expected that those will be of the [rightly] guided”.
Surah At-Tawbah [9:18]
Lamu Mosque, Imambargha and Madressah have a deep and great significance in the history of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheries of East Africa. Those who follow the history of the early settlement of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheries, particularly in the coast region of East Africa will recognize the important roles played by our community elders who had settled in places like Lamu, Zanzibar, Bagamoyo, Kilwa and other towns, needless to mention, they strived under difficult conditions. Lamu after Zanzibar had developed itself as a vibrant community (Jamaat) of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheries of East Africa in the early years of the migration.
The establishment of the KSI Jamaat in Lamu began in around 1870 and by 1890 they were a large influx of members from India and from the coast region of East Africa, unfortunately today there is no single member of our community residing in Lamu. However, the Bilal Muslim Mission and other Tabligh Institutions played pivotal roles in spreading the Madh’ab of Ahlulbayt (‘a) in many parts of Africa including Lamu.
The KSI community is well known to establish itself wherever they are based and Lamu too has infrastructure, i.e. the Mosque, Imambargha, Madressah, Imam’s House and Kabrastan, they are in dire need of renovations and refurbishments as unfortunately there has not been proper upkeep or maintenance for a number of years.
The Africa Federation has decided to take the initiative to restore these properties so that these historical and sentimental valued properties of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheries are given new lease of life and also to supplement the Tabligh work being undertaken at these places for the local Shia community are carried out in a conducive and congenial environment.
Lamu has an estimated population of about 150,000. indigenous Shia members who are active throughout the year, they are participating in the daily Namaz, Madrassah for boys and girls and other programs that are being held during the religious occasions around the year.
Alhaj Amir Merali, the Africa Federation Nominated Councillor and a dedicated member of Mombasa Jamaat has been appointed by the Chairman of Africa Federation, Alhaj Amine Nassor to head the Restoration Project of the KSI Properties in Lamu, Kenya. Amir Bhai has been working tirelessly for past several weeks with the Engineers and Architects for the renovation project which is progressing well.
The estimated cost for the complete restoration project will be known once the tenders are awarded, however a budget of US$100,000 for the restoration work is estimated, with some provision of about 25% to 30% for the furniture, equipment like PA System and other items for the Mosque, Madressah and Ghusalkhana.
Alhaj Amir Bhai Merali, head of the Lamu Restoration Project will also continue to monitor the upkeep of the Lamu properties for a foreseeable future, this will ensure that there is adequate management controls and administration in maintenance, social services and Tabligh activities in Lamu.
Below are some photographs of the current condition requiring urgent attention.
The Africa Federation Secretariat is appealing to the members of our community and especially the Diaspora from East Africa, and the Global KSI community to contribute generously towards this noble project and earn Thawab-e-Jariyah, Insha’allah to gain ample rewards for yourselves and your loved ones.
Your contribution will go a long way to restore the properties and bring back the grandeur of our community, and the beauty of our properties in Lamu.
All donations should be sent to Africa Federation (For the Lamu Restoration Project), for further information, please contact the following: –
AFED Secretariat office on Email: secretariat@africafederation.org or Alhaj Amir Merali by Email on: jahaj786@gmail.com
Secretariat