In the 50 years history of the Africa Federation, this was the first delegation ever to tour across almost the entire India from west to south and then to east, north and back to Bombay in the west in the year 1995. This was the first time ever for a regional Federation to undertake such an extensive tour over a tight period of four weeks visiting Jamaats and inspecting projects in various cities in the spirit of brotherhood in faith. The delegation also preached unity, cooperation and brotherhood.
The five-man AFed delegation was led by the Chairman, Alhaj Habib Mulji and also comprised of Alhaj Mohamed Khalfan of Dar es Salaam (AFed Trustee), Alhaj Mohamed Hassam of Dar es Salaam (AFed Hon. Treasurer), Alhaj Ramzanali Nanji of Nairobi (AFed Trustee) and Alhaj Ali Sheriff of Arusha (AFed Councilor).
The delegation left Nairobi after the culmination of the Supreme Council Sports Festival on 29th December, 1994 and commenced the tour in Bombay from where they visited Hyderabad, Bangalore, Patna, Lucknow, Delhi, Agra and a number of villages and small centres in the proximity of the cities before arriving in Gujarat.
In Gujarat, the Jamaats visited were Ahmedabad, Mahuva, Khutawda, Kikirya, Rajula, Palitana, Una, Kodinar, Talaja, Vijpadi, Bhavnagar, Shihor, Vartej. In Kutch the delegation visited Bhuj, Mundra, Nangalpur, Kera, Mandvi and other small centres.
In response to official invitations over recent years, on different occasions, the tour of India had been on the agenda since 1993 but owing to a busy calendar for the Chairman and the difficulty of fixing a common convenient timing for a month-long tour in apt weather, the tour was repeatedly delayed.
During the visit the delegation inspected projects, discussed the structure and activities of organizations and exchanged views with local leaders with an objective of fostering unity, brotherhood and co-operation. Discussions towards promoting religious and higher education and on the welfare of Community brothers, and the sadaat families, were also held.
Host Institutions and their respective Jamaats held several programmes for the visiting delegation and in some of such occasions the Chairman, Alhaj Habibbhai Mulji addressed the well-attended gatherings in Gujarati. The largest congregations, wherein a great number of Jamaat members attended, were in Mahuva, Bhavnagar, Bhuj and at other Jamaats in Gujarat. In Bombay, two functions were arranged one of which was by the Bombay Jamaat and the other by the K. S. I. Jame Masjid, Madressa and Imambara Trust.
At both occasions, the Chairman addressed the gatherings, advising the large local Jamaat to join the membership of the World Federation, saying that such a big Jamaat could not afford to remain isolated from the global stream of unity. He also answered questions to dispel any apprehension or misunderstanding which subsisted on constitutional aspects and rights of membership with the World Federation.
The theme in all discussions was to call for unity under one umbrella amongst the Khoja Communities world-wide and the need for education; two aspects which are a prerequisite for the survival of our Community as a tiny minority in the ethnic, sectarian and racial multitude of masses.
Some Institutions which were visited were hitherto unknown but were seen to be struggling to keep up with their part in the vast field of services to the needy.
In the course of the tour, the welfare, educational, housing and entreprenual needs of the deserving Sadaats was always looked into. Noteworthy was the pitiable ‘existence’ in Hyderabad, Bangalore, Bihar, Lucknow and in Govandi, Bombay.
Options and facilities available for male and female students from Africa to acquire higher and professional education in a relatively secured environment and also religious education in a more homely and conducive environment were also scrutinised. To this effect, Bwana Ali Sheriff who is also a member of the Education Board of Africa Federation and an advisor on Hawza matters, prepared informative reports.
The delegation was pleased to reminisce the great affection towards the Africa Federation far and wide across India. In Calcutta for instance, the delegation was only in transit but yet, a Trustee (who was also a Sayed) of a local institution came to meet them. At all places the delegation was hosted with warmth and kindness and departures were always a sad occasion.
The success experienced on the visit underlines the fact that periodical tours overseas, especially of India are instructive, morally compelling and spiritually satisfying. Such visits also give first-hand insight of the realities thereby enabling obligations to be handled with prudence whereby projects requiring priority can be given due precedence.
When they visited the Aligarh Muslim University in India, time was taken to visit Madinatul Uloom on Sahibul Asr Manzil, Zohrabad, Aligarh managed by Maulana Dr. Kalbe Sadiq. The Modern Hawza meant to impart religious education is an English medium Hawza established and recognized by Aligarh University. The subjects taught were English, Arabic, Fiqh, Islamic Theology, Comparative Religion, Social Science and Computer Operation. The teachers were senior lecturers or retired Professors of Aligarh University.
The three-year basic course being offered is meant to train students to become scholars and leaders with vision. The Hawza was initiated on 21 March, 1994 with a batch of 12 students who were selected from 160 applicants. The minimum requirement was Form IV and passing of some IQ tests at the Hawza. The Hawza is unique because it is located on the famous University Campus of Aligarh. Selection is done on strict criteria and students are accommodated in a reasonably good hostel. The beautiful Abdul Kalam Azad Library of Aligarh University is open to Hawza students for reference.
Memorable Photographs of the Tour
Some members of the delegation and others who were present during the visits have passed away from this transient world for permanent abode, please remember them all with Sura-e-Fateha for the maghferat of the departed souls – Al Fateha.
Article Source: Federation Samachar Vol 28, No. 4 Zilkad 1415 AH / April 1995
Photographs & Captions: Mohamed Hassam & Murtaza Jivraj (Kerbala) of DSM
SECRETARIAT
AFRICA FEDERATION ARCHIVES SECTION
27th November 2020 (11th Rabi ul Aakhar 1442 AH)