CIRCULAR NO: JMT/117/24 DATE: 6th February 2024
25th Rajab 1445
The AFED Housing Development Board Chairman, Alhaj Akil Hirji visited Lindi Jamaat on 3rd February 2024. The visit was organized in response to a request from Lindi Jamaat Hon. Secretary and Trustee Mahmood bhai Dhalla. According to him, the Lindi Jamaat Masjid requires immediate attention, especially the roof, walls, ceiling, electrical etc. which are in bad condition.
Akil Bhai Hirji was accompanied by the Housing Board Project Coordinator, Br. Mohamed Moledina drove to Lindi, they were joined in Lindi by Mahmood Bhai Dhalla.
It was noticed that after the recent heavy rainfall, the masjid has further deteriorated thus requiring immediate attention so that Mahe Ramadhan programs can be held in a reasonably good clean environment. During the visit by the AFED Housing Development Board, several issues pertaining to the Lindi Jamaat properties (Assets) were also discussed.
The renovation will involve repairing the cracks in the walls and plastering, a special material to be used for internal and external walls with good quality paint, roof repairs/replacing rotten roofing sheets, ablution (wudhu) area plumbing works, tiling for open area outside masjid, new gypsum ceiling, electrical and PA system and also, new carpet to be installed. The renovation will include plaster repair and painting of the front boundary wall which is currently in bad condition, and also refurbishing of washrooms for ladies and gents.
In addition, to the renovation, Lindi Jamaat has requested to redesign the interior of the Masjid so that it should include partition to facilitate ladies’ prayer area, including entrance and wudhu area. This will help improve the usage of masjid with ladies’ participation, and will entice families to attend the Masjid on daily basis.
We have also decided to construct a Minaret to give a better outlook and enhance the image of the Masjid.
From our Archives Section: The Masjid and Imambargha were built in 1901. The Masjid was demolished and rebuilt in 1964 by contractor Gulamhussein Moledina Manji (Babu Kishoto) during the presidency of Alhaj Mohamedali Rajpar.
As the holy month of Ramadhan is approaching fast, we are applying for the work permit from the local authorities, once the permit is received, we shall start the renovation work immediately.
To donate towards a Masjid is “Thawabe Ja’ariyah”, we appeal to our community members and especially the Lindi Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Diaspora who have migrated to other cities, towns and countries to donate generously towards this noble cause.
The estimated cost of renovations and associated work is US $ 32,000.
We quote below the Ayat from Surah Al-Hadid, which gives us enlightenment on charity and its benefits.
“Indeed, the men who practice charity and the women who practice charity and [they who] have loaned Allāh a goodly loan – it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward”.
[Holy Qur’an – Surah Al-Hadid, 57:18]
Going Forward:
AFED in consultation and agreement with the Hon. Secretary of Lindi Jamaat, have come up with a plan to have a team of ex Lindi members of our community who are currently living in Tanzania to assist Lindi Jamaat in the upkeep of the properties, statutory requirements of the Jamaat’s Assets. The team can also assist the Jamaat in other areas where the Jamaat may require assistance. We are grateful to Alhaj Mohamedabbas Rawji who has agreed to assist the Team and we request volunteers to come forward to join hands in this noble cause, please register your names with Alhaj Mohamedabbas Rawji’s on his contact number +255 782 729 549.
From the Africa Federation Secretariat, Alhaj Mohamedamir Hamza, the Asst. Hon. Secretary will be the coordinator between the Team and AFED, Alhaj Mohamedamir Hamza’s contact number is: + 255 753 782 184.
We are hopeful that the above initiative will benefit Lindi Jamaat to ensure good management of the Assets, which is a source of income generating that benefits the Jamaat to maintain the Assets in good condition and to carry out other religious and social activities of the Jamaat more effectively.
Our prayers are for the success of the renovation of the Lindi Masjid, and for good governance of the Jamaat’s Assets for a brighter future of our member Jamaat.
SECRETARIAT