Ref: AF/PR/038/2024 Date: 10th December 2024
During the Opening Night of the 88th Supreme Council Session of the Federation of KSI Jamaats of Africa held in Arusha, Tanzania on Friday, 22nd November, the Chairman of Africa Federation, Alhaj Amine Nassor, honored Alhaj Muslim Ebrahim Sheriff Dewji of Arusha for his remarkable contributions to the community.
Alhaj Muslim Ebrahim Sheriff Dewji was awarded the prestigious Abbasi Medal, recognizing his decades-long journey of service, which exemplifies the highest ideals of leadership, commitment, and compassion. His passion for fostering both educational and spiritual development reflects a legacy passed down from his late father, Alhaj Ebrahim Sheriff Dewji, former Chairman and a visionary leader of the Africa Federation who died on 9th January 1964 while in the position of Chairmanship of Africa Federation.
The Africa Federation Vice Chairman, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan gave a brief introduction and the citation was read out by Alhaj Arifali Hirji, Chairman of COEJ, giving a chronicle of his remarkable achievements, dedication, and significant contributions in the community.
An extract from the Citation of Alhaj Muslim Ebrahim Sheriff Dewji.
"Your honorary services to the community amid humbleness stand out distinctive amongst other qualities you possess. Your love and devotion for the community, in whatever position of service you may be, are attributes of a dedicated social worker that keeps this community of ours vibrant.
Your journey of community services began in 1979 when you taught Islamic History at the Yaadgare Murtazawi Madrassah in Arusha and also taught Gujarati language, Fiqh, and Qur'an recitation successfully for long until 2022. You also played a pivotal role in formalizing the curriculum of the Madrassah, and introduced extra-curricular activities.
You are vividly remembered for promoting outdoor activities such as hill climbing with the students whom you were teaching Islamic Studies at the Arusha Primary, Arusha Secondary and Arusha Meru Schools. Beyond the classroom, you have been a great promoter of the Africa Federation Annual Qur’an Competition and have been a participant yourself since 2011.
Your efforts in reciting short Gujarati Majlises inspired by the late Bwana Ali Sheriff has been instrumental in elevating the spiritual lives of members of our community in Arusha. You have been supportive to the Jamaat by leading the congregational prayers whenever the Resident Aalim was not available. Your passion for encouraging youth in recitation of duas, marthiyas, munajaat, and ziyarats has been very much noteworthy.”
As we reflect on the immense contributions of Alhaj Muslim Ebrahim Sheriff, his legacy serves as a powerful source of inspiration. His life demonstrates that with unwavering dedication, humility, and the grace of Allah (SWT), one can profoundly impact the lives of others.
This recognition not only celebrates an exceptional individual but also encourages others to follow his exemplary path of service and devotion. It reminds us all of the transformative power of service in building a vibrant, united, and resilient community.
May Allah (SWT) bless Alhaj Muslim Ebrahim Sheriff with continued good health, prosperity, and success. Ameen.
SECRETARIAT