Bilal Tanzania 250th Centre – Kilindoni, Mafia
Mafia Island, 394 km2, lies off the east coast of Tanzania opposite the delta of the Rufiji River. Mafia Island or Chole Shamba (Kisiwa cha Mafia, in Swahili) is an island of The Mafia Archipelago located in Mafia District in the southern Pwani region of Tanzania across the Mafia Channel. The island is the third largest in Tanzanian ocean territory, after Unguja and Pemba Islands. It’s 125 kilometres from Dar es Salaam Airport as the crow flies to the Mafia airport at Kilindoni. There are several daily flights to Kilindoni.
The name “Mafia” derives from the Arabic “morfiyeh”, meaning “group” or “archipelago”, or from the Swahili “mahali pa afya”, meaning “a healthy dwelling-place”.
It’s a beautiful tropical Island, with pristine beaches and became Tanzania’s first Marine Park, which was established in 1995.
The total population of Mafia Island is about 63,400 (2023 est), which is predominantly Muslim and a small minority of other faith.
Kilindoni is the main town on Mafia Island and administrative capital of Mafia District with almost a third of the Mafia population, followed by Utende with a population of 5000. Most of the tourist hotels are located in these two towns while few are scattered up to the northern tip of the island.
The Mafia Archipelago consist of 9 Islands. The largest island in the archipelago is Mafia Island also known as Chole Shamba locally. The other eight islands are; Juani Island, Chole Island, Jibondo Island, Bwejuu Island, Shungumbili Island (Thanda), Barakuni Island, Miewi Island, and Nyororo Island. (Thanda Island host one of the top Luxury resort https://thanda.com/thanda-island/ )
Bilal Muslim Mission visited the Island for handover of the wells project, where earlier Bilal with assistance of Mrs. Khairunbanu Anver Alibhai (Mama Keki) had built several wells in villages, schools as well as district health centre in the north. Assessing the poverty level as well as the low standard of both secular and religious education, it was decided to establish a Bilal centre, which opened its doors in October of 2023. The Bilal centre is just 5 minutes walking distance from the airport.
Alhamdullilah, currently there are 96 students in the Madressah and 19 women attend classes with many more attending the Dua and Majalis sessions.
Alhamdulillah the current premises was purchased from funds donated by a well-wisher.
We wish to appeal to other donors to assist in the ongoing renovation and extension of the facilities as sometimes functions are carried outside.
BMMT would like to express its gratitude to all the donors and well wishes and in particular to Mama Keki and Murabbi Anver for the support.
Issued by:
Media & Relations Department
6th February 2024