On Wednesday, 10th of June 2020 the Federation of KSI Jamaats of Africa (AFED) team led by the Vice Chairman Al Hajj Aunali Khalfan visited the Headquarters of Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania. This meeting was also blessed by the presence of the CBB Chairman Al Hajj Hussein Karim and CBB Hon. Secretary Hassan Bhai Dewji.
The primary purpose of the visit was to meet and speak to the staff members of Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania (BMMT) at the Headquarters and to familiarize with the different the roles and responsibilities of each of them at BMMT H.Q., in respect of their day to day duties.
Other members of the AFED delegation from the Secretariat who accompanied the Vice Chairman were; Sister Fatima Mohamed Patel, Br. Husseinali Akber Shaba’an and Br. Zaheer Abbas Hemani.
CBB Chairman, Al Hajj Hussein bhai while welcoming the AFED VC and his delegation expressed his pleasure and stressed the importance of such visits which are also a source of motivation and inspiration to the staff. Such visits also provide them with the opportunity to understand the AFED’s strategies and plans clearly when such interactions take place, he emphasized that we cannot work in seclusion, the institution (BMMT) needs good teamwork and cooperation to achieve its goals.
New staff at BMMT H.Q. and new BMMT Board members were introduced, they are;
- Shk. Msabah Shaiban – Member of Bilal Board & Senior Advisor on Tabligh and Hawza.
- Br. Hafidh Mansour – Chief of Operations of BMMT.
- Br. Saidi Bhaliyanka – Projects Manager.
- Br. Twalha Zubeir – Media and Public Relations.
Sheikh Msabah gave a brief overview of the Tabligh work, revival of Tabligh work in some centres that were not active, he said some of these centres were not visited for long time hence the conditions they noticed were appalling. He also explained on the introduction of common syllabus for all madrassahs and hawzas, inspection of all Bilal centres, regular printing of Sauti ya Bilal Magazine and other publications, Tabligh amongst Ladies and youths etc. Sheikh Msabah stressed on the importance of maintaining PR with the Sheikhs of Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania who are no longer with BMMT and also other Sheikhs and Imams from local Mosques and Institutions.
Br. Hafidh, the COO, also gave a brief overview of the administrative changes implemented in enhancing efficiency and improvements of information sharing. Introduction of Target performance for the staff. Microfinance projects initiatives which are in the planning stages with the objective of poverty eradication amongst the members of Bilal Muslim Mission. He also mentioned some challenges that the Bilal is facing like lack of communications from the centres to the H.Q. as many Heads of the centres and Sheikhs are lacking cell phones, shortage of Muballighats etc.
The COO expressed gratitude to AFED and the World Federation for their support towards the Ramadhan Relief 1441 A.H. Funds and also Zakat-e-Fitrah which were distributed fairly in good time to reach out to Bilal families including those in remote villages where logistics had always been an obstacle. He also expressed his thanks to the World Federation for their kind consideration towards the Flood Relief in those hard-hit areas and would soon be providing the data required.
AFED Vice Chairman, Al Hajj Aunali Khalfan in his opening remarks expressed deep satisfaction to witness the staff at BMMT H.Q. who were committed and enthusiastic in their different roles, he commented that he was longing to visit the BMMT H.Q. for quite a long time, and was thankful to the new team for the warm welcome. He underscored the need to work in collaboration with good understanding to achieve AFED’s key objectives in Tabligh and related activities involving the local Shia community. He underpinned two key factors, they are; accountability and timely reporting, whereby we build confidence of the donors and sponsorers.
Al Hajj Aunali bhai commended BMMT for the regular publishing of “Sauti Ya Bilal” magazine, he was given a copy of the latest issue, which he said was very impressive in its outlook and contents, covering numerous subjects and interesting articles.
BMMT requested for a digital video camera for use by the Publicity & Media department, he agreed to the request. BMMT COO also requested increase in scope of the BLESS program to include diploma and higher diploma courses for the Bilal students who wish to pursue higher education.
Sister Fatima Patel, Br. Husseinali and Br. Zaheer Abbas expressed their full support and offered to assist the staff whenever required. Sister Fatima stressed on timeously reporting of the projects, utilization of funds and accuracy of the report.
CBB Chairman Al hajj Hussein Karim thanked AFED Vice Chairman, Al Hajj Aunali Khalfan and his team for the visit, fruitful discussion and the advice given, and asked them to feel free to visit the H.Q. at any time.
AFED Vice Chairman thanked the immediate past Chairman of BMMT, Alhaj Muslim Meghji for his services and for his continuing support to BMMT, he also thanked the CBB Chairman, Alhaj Hussein Karim, the Hon. Secretary, Alhaj Hasan Dewji and all BMMT H.Q. staff for their cooperation and giving their valuable time towards advancing the Tabligh work. He expressed appreciation for a productive session and for the exchange of views openly, the Q & A and for the refreshments.
Secretariat
Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania
Dar-es-Salaam
June 13th, 2020 (20th Shawwal 1441 A.H.)