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The Holy Month of Ramadhan Intra-Faith Program
Organized jointly by AFED, BMMK and SUPKEM at
Jaffery Islamic Centre (JIC), Mombasa
23rd March 2024 / 12th Ramadhan 1445 AH
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An intra-faith program aimed at enhancing Muslim unity was held at the Jaffery Islamic Centre (JIC) in Mombasa on Saturday the 12th of Ramadhan 1445 AH. The program was organized in collaboration with The Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaats of Africa (AFED), Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya (BMMK) and The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM). As in previous years, Sheikhs and Islamic Scholars from both Shia and Sunni communities were invited to the program.
The program commenced at 10.00 a.m. with beautiful recitation of verses from the holy Qur’an by Sheikh Ali Athman.
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Alhaj Mohamed Hemani, Chairman of the Africa Federation Central Bilal Board then introduced the dignitaries present who included:
- Alhaj Khamis Murguso – SUPKEM Coast Regional Co-Ordinator
- Alhaj Iqbal Sunderji –Bilal Kenya Chairman
- Alhaj Amir Merali – AFED Nominated Councillor
- Alhaj Gulamabbas Khaku – AFED Councillor
- Sheikh Muhudhar Khitamy – SUPKEM National Deputy Chairman
- Sheikh Ayyub Rashid – Visiting Islamic Scholar & Lecturer from the UK
- Sayyid Sikander Kazim – Resident Aalim and Lecturer of KSIJ of Mombasa
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Sayyid Sikander Kazim, Resident Aalim of Mombasa Jamaat addressed attendees in English. He began with verse 190 of Surah, Aale Imraan
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‘Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the day and night there are signs for people of reason.’
Sayyid expounded on the variety in Allah’s creation including within mankind. He stressed that different cultures, races, languages and tribes were from the great signs of Allah (SWT) and should not be a reason for division amongst the Muslim Ummah. He reminded that they all shared the same qibla, the same holy book and followed the same beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAWW).
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Sheikh Ayub Rashid, who is based in the UK addressed the gathering mainly in Kiswahili. After welcoming Sheikh Khitamy, the Imams hailing from Mombasa city, Likoni, Chamgamwe and Kisauni and the other attendees, he proceeded to elaborate on his theme ‘What unites us is more than what divides us’.
He elaborated his statement with key traditions and verses of the Holy Qur’an and also mentioned Imam Ali’s (‘A) advice to the then Governor of Egypt, Malik al-Ashtar emphasizing that we are all either brothers in Faith or brothers in Humanity. He stressed that we should be wary of plots to disunite the Muslim Ummah and also spoke about the grave situation in Palestine. He ended with a note of thanks and dua.
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Sheikh Muhudhar Khitamy, National Deputy Chairman SUPKEM appreciated AFED councillors Alhaj Amir Merali, Alhaj Gulamabbas Khaku and Alhaj Mohamed Hemani for their instrumental role in initiating this program about 10 years ago and their efforts in ensuring its successful run this year. He also spoke on the importance of Ramadhan, stressing its weightiness, the revelation of the Holy Qur’an in it and mentioned important personalities in Islam’s history including Lady Khadija (‘A) and Hadhrat Abutalib (‘A). He thanked JIC management represented by Secretary General Alhaj Yusuf Jiwa for the wonderful cooperation and support.
AFED councilor Alhaj Gulamabbas Khaku gave a final note of thanks, mentioning all those who had supported, participated and contributed towards the program. He also made special mention of AFED Vice Chairman, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan for the initiatives and recognized the presence of AFED Central Bilal Board Chairman, Alhaj Mohamed Hemani, AFED Nominated Councillor, Alhaj Amir Merali, Bilal Kenya CEO Alhaj Murtaza Jaffer, Chairman Alhaj Iqbal Sunderji and Vice Chairman Alhaj Shamsheer Mawji. He also acknowledged the presence of Alhaj Mohamed Jaffer of the Jaffery Islamic Religious Board and SUPKEM Coast Regional Coordinator, Alhaj Khamis Murguso.
Alhaj Gulamabbas Khaku made a special mention of Alhaj Yusuf Jiwa for his and the KSI Jamaat of Mombasa’s support and for availing the facilities for the program.
The occasion also marked with gifting of food parcels and Khanzu (Traditional Robe) to the invited Sheikhs and Scholars. The program ended before the Dhuhr prayers on a jubilant positive note.
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On behalf of the Africa Federation Secretariat, the Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya and Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims, we extend our sincere gratitude to one and all who have assisted in the organization of this important program which is aimed in building strong bonds of relationships amongst the Muslims brethren. Our special thanks go to the KSI Jamaat of Mombasa for their support and cooperation, always. May Allah (SWT) with the blessings of this Holy Month of Ramadhan shower His infinite mercy and grace unto all the community members and those who are suffering from atrocities in all parts of the world, we pray for their safety, Aameen.
SECRETARIAT
Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya
Mombasa
Date: 9th April 2024