Ref: AK/PR/2016/76
The Africa Federation Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi, accompanied by his Vice Chairman and Chairman elect, Alhaj Shabir Najafi and the Hon Secretary, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, paid a visit to Nairobi, Kenya on 10th March, 2016. This visit was also intended for the Africa Federation outgoing Chairman to bid farewell to the community members and officials of (SAAJ) – Nairobi Jamaat after having led the Africa Federation for two terms – six years (2010 -2016).
A joint meeting was held with the Managing Committee Members of Shia Asna Asheri Jamaat (SAAJ) of Nairobi in the afternoon on Thursday, 10th March. In attendance was also the Kenya AFED Trustee, Alhaj Ebrahim Jaffer. SAAJ Chairman, Alhaj Shakir Mehrali had travelled to Europe on a business trip instead he was represented by his Vice Chairman, Alhaj Mohamedraza Nanji.
Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi congratulated the newly elected Chairman of SAAJ and his team and wished them successful term. He also thanked Alhaj Murtaza Kanani, the immediate past Chairman of SAAJ and his team and expressed his gratitude for their support and cooperation to AFED during their two years term in office.
The Vice Chairman, Alhaj Mohamedraza Nanji and the Hon. Secretary of SAAJ, Alhaj Mukhtar Assaria updated AFED officials on various developments and the current status of the Jamaat, including the Housing Development Project at Lavington which took off in Sept 2013. There was also in depth discussion on the Park Road properties and the future plans for its development.
On the development of the Madressah Centre of Excellence (MCE) project which is jointly undertaken by the World Federation and the Regional Federations, AFED Chairman explained on the strategy of a common syllabus for all Madressahs, the project involves training sessions for the Madrassah teachers and a number of such sessions have been held in Jamaats in Africa, including Nairobi. This is a long term project to achieve the ultimate objective and the mission statement of the Madrassah Centre of Excellence which is: – “Enabling a learning environment that instills the value of Qur’an and Ahlul Bayt (AS)”.
In the academic field, Anwarali bhai commended SAAJ on the successful development and management of the renowned Jaffery Academy Schools and College, and also the Haidery Madressah which is under SAAJ management. He said AFED is appreciative of the various initiatives being undertaken by the Madressah leadership, he said AFED is pleased with the keen interest and passion by the Madressah students towards studying and understanding the Holy Qur’an which was witnessed in the recent Qur’an Competition (QC11) held in Mwanza.
Alhaj Mohamedraza pointed out on the positive impact brought about by the present Resident Aalim, Sheikh Nuru Mohamed to the community since his arrival in Nairobi and thanked Africa Federation Tabligh Board (AFTAB) for their guidance and support. He also explained on the future plans to develop internal Tabligh sector to include women of the Jamaat in enhancing the level of understanding of religion of Islam and the Madh’ab of Ahlulbayt (AS).
Address by the Chairman of Africa Federation:
We are thankful to SAAJ for organizing the visit which included address by Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi to the members of Nairobi Jamaat in Imambargha on Thursday night; this program coincided with Ayam-e-Fatimiyah commemoration majlis that followed with nyaz.
In his welcome address, the Hon. Secretary of SAAJ, Alhaj Mukhtar Assaria thanked the outgoing Chairman of Africa Federation, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi for the support provided to SAAJ, especially for providing the Bridging Loan for the Jamaat Housing Project in Lavington. He wished him good health and continuous success in his endeavours. Mukhtar Bhai also welcomed the newly elected Chairman of AFED, Alhaj Shabir Najafi and assured of SAAJ’s full support and cooperation.
Anwarali bhai in his farewell message thanked the immediate past Chairman of Africa Federation, Alhaj Ramzan Nanji and the past leaders of the SAAJ over the period of 6 years with whom he enjoyed working, they are Alhaj Aasif Karim and Alhaj Murtaza Kanani. He congratulated the recently elected Chairman of the Jamaat, Alhaj Shakir Mehrali and his team and wished them good accomplishment and successful term. Anwarali bhai thanked all for their support, cooperation and guidance; he was pleased with the good relationships built over the years with SAAJ and other member Jamaats in Africa which makes Africa Federation what it is now. He also thanked AFED Councillors, Trustees and the Community members for their unflinching support during his two terms tenure, of six years at the helm of the Africa Federation. He appealed the Jamaat leaders and the Community members to extend the same level of support and cooperation to Alhaj Shabir Najafi who is taking over from him during the 26th AFED Triennial Conference, and invited all to attend the Conference and Council Session from 29th April to 1st May 2016 in Dar es Salaam.
Alhaj Anwarali in his address gave a brief report of the various activities of AFED and the achievements sustained in the last 6 years, similarly highlighted the current challenges the Community is facing in Africa and elsewhere. He emphasized on unity and building bridgers of good relationships with other communities and faiths. He stated that there is still a lot to accomplish which needed the support of all the Jamaats. To this end, he wished Shabir bhai Najafi every success to continue with the various projects and programs which makes AFED a model Federation that strives for the development of its members and the community at large.
Once again, Anwarali bhai stressed to SAAJ and members of the community on the matter of Hukook and appealed to the members to channel Hukook through the Jamaat and AFED.
AFED Secretariat wishes to express its sincere appreciation for the warm welcome and wonderful reception accorded to AFED delegation by Nairobi Jamaat. We also wish to thank the Vice Chairman of SAAJ – Nairobi Jamaat for hosting the lunch on Thursday where the delegation were joined by the AFED Kenya Trustee, Ebrahim Jaffer AFED Youth Network (AYN) Chairman, Muntazir Meghjee and Hon. Secretary, Aliraza Sumar.
We pray to Allah (SWT) by His infinite grace and mercy to grant the Jamaat leadership and all those who have assisted towards the success of this visit with good health, long life and success in their endeavors. We pray to Allah (SWT) to shower His choicest blessings and give more inspiration to them to continue with the noble work they do for His pleasure – Ameen.
SECRETARIAT