CIRCULAR NO: JMT/122/24 Date: March 20, 2024
“Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajeeun”
“To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return”
(Holy Qur’an, Surah Al Baqarah 2:156)
Alhaj Pyarali Mohamedali Shivji
Bidding farewell to a Humble and Selfless Leader who served the Community in Silence and Dedication
The Africa Federation (AFED) Secretariat received with deep sorrow and sadness the news of the death of Alhaj Pyarali Mohamedali Shivji (known by many as Pyarali Anuzu) which occurred in Dar-es-Salaam on Tuesday 19th March 2024 (8th Ramadhan 1445 A.H.), and was buried at night on the same day.
Alhaj Pyarali bhai was born in Maevatanana, Madagascar in 1940 and moved with his mother and sisters to Newala in Lindi in 1947 after the passing away of his father. He pursued his primary and secondary education in Lindi after which he returned to Newala and joined in business with his maternal uncle Mohammedalibhai Gulamhussein Murji and this began his community services where he served as the Hon. Secretary of the Jamaat.
In 1965 Pyarali bhai married Masumabai Pyarali Virani and were blessed with two sons and one daughter.
Pyarali bhai made a breakthrough and shifted to Dar es Salaam from Lindi in 1970 and started his own business called Anuzu Gunny Bags Supplies Ltd. His business flourished because at that time all the grains produce was packed and transported in gunny bags (jute bags). In 1988, he ventured in hotel business and built Safari Inn Hotel along Libya Street in Dar es Salaam.
His community services in Dar-es-Salaam began in 1995 where he was appointed as the Hon. Secretary of the Marriage Reconciliation Board of Dar es Salaam Jamaat and later as the Hon. Joint Secretary of the Jamaat. In 2001- 2003 he served as the President of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Dar es Salaam. He was later appointed as the Chairman of the Arbitration Committee of the Dar-es-Salaam Jamaat from the year 2003 to 2009 and continued up to the year 2014 and was also a patron of the Senior Citizen Group.
During his tenure as the President of the Jamaat, the first website of the Jamaat was launched, the senior citizen group was formed and a housing development project for the needy was initiated whereby 15 flats were built with funds from a generous donor in the year 2003.
Pyarali bhai’s also made remarkable contributions in Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania (BMMT). He was one of its senior members and served the Mission in various positions over a period of twenty-five years. He held the position of the Trustee (2011 to 2015), Chairman (1995 to 2000 and 2003-2007) and Hon Secretary (1990-1995). He also held the position of the Chairman of Central Bilal Board (CBB) of the Africa Federation for the period 2008 – 2010.
During his tenure as Chairman of BMMT, Pyarali bhai was instrumental in obtaining official registration of the Bilal Comprehensive School (BCS) in April 2001. Also, he was keen to see that BCS maintained its high standard of education through regular visits, inspections etc. Marhum was a good supporter of BCS until his last days.
At the 79th Supreme Council Session of Africa Federation held in Nairobi in July 2019, the then Chairman of Africa Federation, Alhaj Shabir Najafi bestowed the prestigious Husseini Medal upon Alhaj Pyarali Shivji for his long honorary and dedicated services to the community including his illustrious services to Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania. Due to his inability to travel to Nairobi, the Medal was handed over to Dar-es-Salaam Jamaat and was later presented to Pyarali bhai at a Khushali Function in Dar-es-Salaam.
A message from Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, Vice Chairman of Africa Federation.
“I had the opportunity to work with Marhum Pyarali bhai Shivji during his tenure as President of Dar es Salaam Jamaat and also while he was in Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania for several years. Pyarali bhai had deep empathy for our community, especially for the widows, orphans and the underprivileged. He inspired many, including myself for his humble and gentle approach to problem solving during tense situations. Notably, his success was embedded by his humbleness, courage and sincerity. He was passionate about his work and was always looking for ways to make a positive difference for the betterment of our community, that he loved so much. Sadly, we have lost one of the great and inspiring leaders of our community, May Allah (SWT) by His grace and mercy grant him maghferat, Aameen”
We convey our heartfelt condolences to his two sons Shabbir and Rizwan and daughter Sukaina, his grandchildren and all the family members.
We pray to Allah (SWT) to grant Marhum maghferat and place his soul amongst the blessed ones in the vicinity of the Chahardah Ma’sumeen (‘A) where he is continuously blessed with the mercy and grace of Allah (SWT), Ameen.
Sura-Al-Fateha is requested for Marhum Pyarali bhai and all the Marhumeen.
SECRETARIAT