Mustafa G. R. Jaffer, affectionately known as Mustafa bhai, left an everlasting legacy when he passed away in 2020 in New York and was buried in Allentown, P.A. USA. Born in Zanzibar in 1932, Mustafa bhai lived a life that encapsulated the qualities of profound leadership with an unwavering commitment to serve humanity at large. Even in his absence, Mustafa Bhai remains a beacon of inspiration, his life and work a testament to the profound impact one-man can have globally. His name and memory are forever engraved in the histories of these organizations and in the hearts of those he served.
A Life of Service: Around the Globe
The chapters of Mustafa bhai’s life penned in Dar-es-Salaam after 1975, and later in New York post 1976, bore witness to his unyielding dedication to public service. He was the driving force behind the rejuvenation of the New York Jamaat and played a crucial role in the establishment of the Al-Husseini Madrassa Center (SIJNY) in Queens. Mustafa Bhai’s relentless efforts are a testament to his commitment to preserving the religious and cultural identity of his community.
Mustafa bhai’s belief in the power of education was relentless and evident in his sponsorship of countless students’ secular and religious education. His commitment to the youth of the community was unwavering, viewing education as a lifelong investment and a source of continued blessings.
His philanthropic efforts knew no geographical boundaries. His beloved project, the Husaynia Abul Fadhl in Qum, stands as a beacon for seminary students from the Indian Sub-Continent. Despite his advancing age and health, he visited this center with a steadfastness that underscored his deep empathy and sense of responsibility.
In addition to his illustrious contributions on a local and national scale, Mustafa Bhai was an influential figure on the global stage as well. He served as a senior and respected Councilor at the World Federation and NASIMCO. His passionate voice and his eloquent championing of the underprivileged earned him the well-deserved respect of his peers. Guided by a deeply engrained sense of social responsibility, Mustafa Bhai was steadfast in his resolve to uplift the poor and the needy. His speeches often carried a potent blend of empathy and determination, rallying support for his causes while drawing attention to those most in need.
Engagement with the Society
Mustafa Bhai’s heroism was apparent during the 1964 Zanzibar revolution, a time of societal upheaval, where he stood as a beacon of hope, risking his own life, using his personal influence to provide much-needed assistance to the victims, including helping evacuate the girls who were facing forced marriages. His courageous actions epitomized his family’s tradition of unwavering service to humanity, a legacy carried forward even today.
Ahead of his time in advocating for women’s rights, Mustafa Bhai was a trailblazer in supporting marriages and securing property rights for young women.
As impressive as his work on the global stage was, it is perhaps Mustafa Bhai’s persistent and personal commitment to aiding the underprivileged that left the deepest impression on those who knew him. Despite his age, he frequently journeyed to the less accessible regions in India to visit the poor and needy personally. His voyages to these regions were not a mere formality; they were journeys of genuine empathy, compassion, and philanthropy. He would listen attentively to the stories of the people, empathizing with their struggles and assuring them of his unwavering support. His presence provided comfort, his words gave hope, and his actions sparked change.
A Life Honored
The extraordinary life and selfless service of Mustafa G.R. Jaffer didn’t go unnoticed. His dedication to humanity earned him recognition and respect from multiple institutions. The Muslims for Peace, an organization committed to promoting peace and understanding, bestowed upon him a Lifetime Service Award, a testament to his ceaseless efforts in philanthropy and caring for the needy.
In addition to the several accolades by the World Federation on its 25th anniversary, the Mulla Asghar Memorial Resource Center, on its 10th anniversary, posthumously recognized Mustafa Bhai’s huge contributions to community building, religious education, and humanitarian efforts.
In a world too often shrouded by indifference, the luminous spirit of Mustafa Bhai Jaffer pierced through with an unmistakable radiance. His relentless empathy, his vast compassion, and his unyielding dedication to philanthropy painted a portrait of a man whose legacy transcends time and geography. Mustafa Bhai was not just a man; he was a mission, an embodiment of selfless service, ceaselessly committed to uplifting the most vulnerable, even in the twilight of his life. His strong faith and the love of Ahlul Bayt (‘a) played a pivotal role in his life towards caring and service to humanity.
The Torchbearer’s Legacy: The Jaffer Family Foundation
Mustafa bhai’s legacy, profound and far-reaching, shines on in through his sons Gulam Abbas, Mohamed Taki and Sadique, their other siblings, nephews, nieces as well as his grandchildren.
Inspired by Mustafa Bhai’s boundless philanthropy, the Jaffer Family Foundation (JFF), now helmed by his devoted sons, Mohamed Taki and Sadique, continues to break new ground in poverty alleviation, medical aid, education, housing, and the support of education at some of the finest institutions of higher learning. The JFF is not merely an organization; it is the embodiment of Mustafa Bhai’s enduring spirit, spreading its wings across continents, bringing about impactful changes. Mustafa Bhai’s memory continues to be an enduring beacon, radiating hope and inspiration. His principles and ideals continue to resonate, transforming lives and inspiring future generations.
Working jointly with the Federation of KSI Jamaats of Africa (AFED), the Jaffer Family Foundation (JFF) have recently granted 5 Scholarships for KSI girls from Tanzania to pursue a 5 years course in medicine at any reputable medical universities in Tanzania. Additionally, scholarships for 2 KSI female students from Tanzania to study in the U.S.A. for a 3 years’ course in any science subjects (STEM) has been launched by Africa Federation recently.
The Foundation have also donated one medical ambulance to a Tanzanian Security Service Company – G1, who are providing free medical and emergency services to any one needing the services in Dar es Salaam. According to the spokesman of JFF, there is a plan to donate more ambulances to G1 for same purpose to service other cities in Tanzania.
Both organizations, the JFF and AFED are looking to explore more avenues of collaboration, especially in sectors such as Vocational Training, Higher Education, Housing and Medical. Similarly, in areas such as small-scale industries, manufacturing, farming etc. in empowering our community members to be self-reliant economically so that they can live a decent life in comfort which will make overall positive impact in the development of the KSI community in Africa.
We pray to Allah (SWT) to grant Marhum Mustafa bhai, his wife Marhuma Sherbanu Bai and all the Marhumeen of G. R. Jaffer family with maghferat and place their souls amongst the blessed ones in the vicinity of Chaharada Masumeen (‘A) and who continuously receive mercy and grace of Allah (SWT), Aameen.
A Sura-e-Fatiha is being requested for the Marhumeen of G. R. Jaffer family and all the Marhumeen.
SECRETARIAT
22nd September 2023