Ref: PR/AF/011/23 Date: April 15, 2023
A delegation of the Federation of KSI Jamaats of Africa (AFED) led by Chairman Alhaj Amine Goulamaly Nassor visited Najaf-e-Ashraf and met our Marja-e-Taqleed, Grand Ayatollah al Uzma al Seyyid Ali Husayni al Sistani on Sunday, 12th March 2023.
The AFED’s Chairman’s delegation comprised of Alhaj Shaykh Haniphe Akbaraly, the immediate past Chairman of Association Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri de Madagascar (AKSIAM), the newly elected Chairman of AKSIAM, Alhaj Feride Ismael from Madagascar and Reunion Association (UAKSIR) Chairman, Alhaj Raza Aly Asgharaly from Reunion
This visit was organized by the Secretariat of Africa Federation through the immediate past Chairman of AKSIAM, Shaykh Haniphe Akabaraly, the purpose of this visit was to introduce to His Eminence, Ayatullah Al-Sayyid Al-Sistani the two newly elected Chairmen of AKISIAM and UAKSIR as has been the tradition with Africa Federation.
Alhaj Feride Ismael was elected recently as Chairman of AKISIAM (Madagascar Territorial Council) so was Alhaj Raza Aly Asgharaly as Chairman of UAKSIR (Reunion Territorial Council) for a three-year term, 2023-2026.
Normally, when there is a change of leadership in the Territorial Councils of Madagascar or Reunion, the Africa Federation Chairman presents a request for an Ijaza to be granted to the newly elected Chairman. Ijaza is issued to the person by virtue of his position he is holding in the institution. Upon recommendation by the Chairman of Africa Federation, both Alhaj Feride Ismael and Alhaj Raza Aly Asgharaly were granted with the Ijazas for their term to collect Hukook (Khums) in Madagascar and in Reunion respectively.
In 2019, UAKSIR under the Chairman of Alhaj Amine Nassor was granted the first Ijaza from Najaf to collect Hukuk from members of Reunion Jamaats. This was upon the recommendation from Africa Federation whose delegation was led by the then AFED Chairman, Alhaj Shabir Najafi accompanied by AFED Vice Chairman, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, Chairman of UAKSIR, Alhaj Amine Nassor, Chairman of CROI, Alhaj Shaykh Haniphe Akbaraly, AFED Trustee, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi and AFED Nominated Councilor, Alhaj Navazaly Molou.
Alhaj Amine Nassor is currently the holder of Ijaza granted to him last year by Ayatullah Al-Sistani in his official capacity of the Chairman of Africa Federation.
At the meeting with Al-Sayyid Al-Sistani who began by invoking and praising Allah (SWT). He was pleased to meet the delegation from Africa Federation. In this brief meeting, he underpinned the importance for everyone to perform their duties with great care, responsibly and diligently to safeguard the sanctity of Islam and the Madh’ab of Ahlulbayt (‘A), he said; “Allah (SWT) will help and guide those who are aware, and who follow the right path”.
Through Shaykh Ansari, a close person to Agha’s office, he was asked by His Eminence to relay the following message to the Africa Federation Chairman and his delegation;
- Maintain unwavering love and affection towards Ahlulbayt (‘A), this has a very high station, it is with their love that will bring us closer to Allah (SWT), and take us through the right path.
- Teach children good manners (Akhlaq) and good behaviors (Tarbiyah), it is through decent upbringing of children especially on the Wajiba’t (obligatory requirements) and the devoted love towards Ahlulbayt (‘A).
- Where we live in different parts of the World; especially in Europe, we must maintain good relationships with other faiths and communities to maintain good reflection of our religion and faith. We must keep good relationships with other Muslims in Islamic countries and in other countries to maintain harmony and unity amongst the people of the Nations.
Agha conveyed his salaams to all members of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Community, he remembers us all in his prayers.
May Allah (SWT) grant Agha with good health, longevity of life and protect him from all calamities, Ameen.
The AFED Secretariat wishes to record special thanks to Shaykh Haniphe Akbaraly for organizing and coordinating the visit and the meeting with Agha’s office.
We are approaching the end of the holy month of Ramadhan, let us all pray to the Almighty for all our community members wherever they are for their good health, long life, safety and prosperity. Let us all pray to Allah (SWT) to give us all the Tawfeeqat to help and support each other in our community and build strong bonds of relationship and unity, Ameen.
Secretariat