CIRCULAR NO: JMT/180/25 Date: February 10, 2025
In the name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful
Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un
“To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return”
(Holy Qur’an, Surah Al Baqarah 2:156)
Marhum Mohamedraza Hussein Haji Bhai Muraj
The Africa Federation Secretariat received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of Alhaj Mohamedraza Bhai Hussain Muraj, who left this transient world for prominent abode on 1st February 2025 in Toronto, Canada.
Marhum Mohamedraza Bhai was a dedicated community leader, a man with farsighted vision who devoted his life in the service of Islam and the Ahlul Bayt (‘A). He was a respected leader of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Community of Mogadishu.
Hailing from a lineage devoted to community service, Marhum’s grandfather, Marhum Haji Bhai Muraj, was among the pioneers of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri community in Mogadishu and Merca. Following the demise of his father, Marhum Hussain Haji Bhai Muraj in 1979, this legacy of dedication and leadership was carried forward by Marhum Mohamedraza Bhai, as he took over the presidency of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Mogadishu. He remained steadfast in his mission to strengthen the community and uphold its values.
For nearly eleven years, he served the Jamaat with humility and a commitment to uplifting the community economically and socially. Under his leadership, the Jamaat made significant strides in the field of education, including the establishment of the first purpose-built school for the community. This initiative was realized in collaboration with the Embassy of Pakistan, which facilitated the use of the Pakistan Exam Board.
Unfortunately, the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri community were forced to evacuate in 1991 due to the outbreak of civil war in Somalia. With the help of Africa Federation and the determined courage and bravery of Murrabi Alhaj Sajjad Rashid and his devoted team from Mombasa rescued over one thousand community members - males, females and children from the dangerous war zone in Somalia.
Marhum Mohamedraza Bhai also played a vital role in providing essential services to the community. Just before the onset of the civil unrest, he facilitated the drilling of a water well within the premises of the community mosque. This well proved to be a lifeline during the crisis, supplying water to community members who sought refuge in the mosque, and, it continues to serve the local neighborhood to this day.
During the Somalia crisis, he remained in Mogadishu throughout the period of evacuation process, which lasted four to five weeks, ensuring that every community member was safely evacuated before he himself left. After leaving Somalia, he resided in Nairobi, Kenya, for several years before eventually migrating to Canada. Even there, his commitment to community service never wavered. He was an active and cherished member of the Jaffari Community Centre in Toronto, where he was affectionately known as "Chacha Muraj." His wisdom, piety, and warm presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Marhum leaves behind his wife, Raziya Bai Mohsin, his daughter, Marzia Bai Suleiman, and his three sons, Mehboob, Murtaza, and Muslim.
We pray to Allah (SWT) to grant him maghferah, and a chosen place in the proximity of Ahlulbayt (‘A) and bestow Sabr-e-Jameel upon his family over this huge loss in the family.
We request Momineen to remember Alhaj Mohamedraza Bhai Muraj and all the Marhumeen with a Sura e Fateha for their maghferat.
SECRETARIAT
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