Mulla Asgharali M.M. Jaffer: A Legacy of Faith, Leadership, and Service – Part 2

Mulla Asgharali M.M. Jaffer’s contributions were pivotal in shaping the community’s progress. His leadership stemmed from a deep sense of responsibility and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others. 

Mulla Asghar’s journey of leadership began with his role in the Africa Federation, where he served as the Honorary Secretary from 1965 - 1968 and as Vice Chairman from 1971 to 1974 during the tenure of Alhaj Mohamedali Meghji. In 1974, he ascended to the role of the Chairman of the Africa Federation, a position he held until 1980. Based in Mombasa, Kenya, Mulla Asghar’s leadership during this period was instrumental in laying the foundation for many of the global initiatives he would later pioneer. Under his guidance, the Africa Federation became a robust organization, capable of responding to the needs of the community with agility and compassion.

One of his most notable contributions was his role in addressing the aftermath of the Zanzibar Revolution in 1964 where Mulla Asghar played a pivotal role in launching the Zanzibar Relief Fund, providing aid to those affected by the upheaval. His hands-on approach and ability to mobilize resources swiftly showcased his exceptional leadership. This experience became a foundation for his future humanitarian efforts, including relief operations in Zaire, Rwanda, Burundi, and Madagascar, where he extended aid to displaced communities.

Beyond humanitarian work, Mulla Asghar was also instrumental in strengthening unity within the community. He played a vital role in unifying the two Mombasa Jamaats, which had been operating separately despite their adjoining mosques, Imambaras, and graveyards. Recognizing the need for a single, unified management of all Trusts and Waqf properties, he worked tirelessly alongside key community members to build consensus for this historic move. Their efforts culminated in the official unification on 27th October 1966, coinciding with the auspicious birth anniversary of Imam Ali (‘A).

On this joyous occasion, Mulla Asghar, dressed in traditional festive attire, ascended the minbar to recite the maulud, marking a significant milestone in the history of Mombasa Jamaat.

Whether as Honorary Secretary, Vice President, or President of the Africa Federation, known as the Mother of All Federations, Mulla Asghar remained at the helm, guiding the community through challenges with unwavering dedication and compassion.

In 1976, Mulla Asghar’s vision extended beyond Africa with the establishment of The World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Muslim Communities (WF) in the UK. As its first president, he played a crucial role in providing stability for the community, particularly in supporting the families displaced by the mass exodus of Asians from Uganda in 1972. Many of these families arrived in the UK with limited resources and faced significant challenges. Recognizing the need to preserve Islamic teachings and values, Mulla Asghar played a vital role in establishing Imambaras, mosques, and madrasahs across Europe. These institutions became vital centers for religious education and community cohesion, helping young people stay connected to their faith while adapting to a new environment.

He also worked to unite Shia Muslims from diverse backgrounds by establishing Islamic centres in the UK that served as hubs for religious, educational, and social activities. These centres catered not only to the Khoja community but also to Shia Muslims from India, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, fostering unity and a sense of belonging in the diaspora. Under his leadership, the World Federation became a respected member of the Muslim Council of Britain, advocating for the rights and integration of Muslims in the UK. Mulla Asghar also supported interfaith dialogue, fostering understanding and cooperation among diverse faith communities.

His dedication to education extended beyond institutional development. After enduring four months of imprisonment by the brutal dictator Saddam Hussein in Baghdad, he focused on training a new generation of religious educators who were also well-versed in secular knowledge. A gifted orator and writer, he delivered sermons in English, Urdu, and Gujarati, making religious teachings accessible to diverse audiences. He also led refresher courses for madrasah teachers, ensuring that Islamic education remained relevant and engaging. Through his vision and leadership, these institutions became the nucleus of the community, fostering unity and safeguarding Islamic identity for future generations.

His humanitarian work extended beyond the Khoja community, as he was deeply involved in charitable projects across Africa, focusing on education, health, and housing. His efforts led to the establishment of medical clinics in Bombay and educational schemes that benefited countless individuals. His commitment to uplifting the less fortunate reflected his unwavering faith and dedication to serving humanity. 

His legacy of service, unity, and faith remains a guiding light for the community, inspiring generations to serve with humility and purpose.

On 21st March 2000, Mulla Asghar was in the WF office at Stanmore, conversing with Maulana Kalbe Abbas, the resident Aalim of London Jamaat, when he suffered a massive heart attack.

His final farewell was a testament to the love and respect he commanded. The first Salatul Mayyit was led by Syed Bahrul Uloom at Stanmore Centre, and due to the overwhelming number of mourners, a second Salatul Mayyit was conducted by Syed Kalbe Abbas at Carpenders Park Cemetery where he is buried. 

Thank You for giving me life!

Mulla Asghar’s life was guided by a profound sense of purpose and humility. Among his many enlightening quotes, one stands out as a reflection of his vision and dedication:  

“I don’t pray for His acceptance of my amaals as much as I pray for the opportunity to serve. And the day He grants me an opportunity to serve, I believe the previous ones have been accepted. And I hope till my last breath the opportunities are there and when the Almighty calls me back, I will be able to tell my Lord, Thank You for giving me life, Thank You for giving me life.”   

(Mulla Asgharali M.M. Jaffer)

Let us remember Marhum Al-Haj Mulla Asgharali M.M. Jaffer and all the Marhumeen with Sura-e-Fateha.

SECRETARIAT

ARCHIVES SECTION OF THE AFRICA FEDERATION

21st March 2025 / 20th Ramadhan 1446 AH