Ref: AFED/PR/040/25 Date: February 12, 2025
The 88th Supreme Council Session of the Federation of KSI Jamaats of Africa was successfully hosted by KSI Jamaat of Arusha from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th November 2024. Over the years, Arusha Jamaat has played pivotal role in the Africa Federation activities, including hosting of AFED Conferences and Supreme Council Sessions. It was a great pleasure to welcome our councillors and invited guests to one of our growing Jamaats in Africa, the Jamaat provided distinctive elements of arrangements for the visitors, including logistics, accommodation, meals etc., these factors helped in the overall success of the Supreme Council Session.
The Supreme Council Session was attended by over 140 councilors, dignitaries, invitees and observers from Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Canada, U.A.E., U.K., U.S.A. and Zambia.
The formal Opening Session commenced on Friday night with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by Br. Azhar Lalji followed by a short Qasida by AFED Nominated councillor from Madagascar Alhaj Achikhoussen Nassor. Br. Mohamedali Saleh, Chairman of the Organizing Committee welcomed all the participants during the first assembly of the Session on Friday morning marking the beginning of an engaging session. This was followed welcome address by the President of Arusha Jamaat, Alhaj Fayyaz Dhirani. The President of the World Federation Alhaj Safdar Jaffer then addressed the august body.
In his keynote speech, the Africa Federation Chairman, Alhaj Amine Nassor emphasized the importance of unity of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri community in Africa, and the historical background of the foundation of the Federation with a reflection of the progress it has thrived, now in its 88th Session from 1946 to 2024. He acknowledged all the Jamaats present and those who had sent their apologies, he further stressed the importance of working in collaboration, and open communication between the Secretariat and Jamaats for the collective development.
Reflecting on the Africa Federation’s Vision—to be the beacon of spirituality, unity, and vibrancy—he highlighted the need for proactive efforts to foster faith, service to humanity, and a brighter future for all our community members.
Amine Bhai outlined key areas of focus, including the significance of all the Jamaats regardless of size of population of the members, the importance of maintaining our Aqidah and guidance from the Marjae, and the need for collaboration between the Jamaats in addressing internal and external challenges. He urged Jamaats to actively support and participate in AFED Board programs. He stressed, we can manage our own affairs and with good cooperation, we build even stronger Federation of the Jamaats in Africa.
In alignment with the Mission of Unity, Collaboration and Supporting, he commended the various AFED Boards for their initiatives in bringing new skills, training and information sharing etc. he acknowledged his ongoing team’s support for the AFED Boards programs to enhance spiritual growth, education, leadership and social well-being.
Providing updates on key infrastructure projects, he shared progress on Madina Residency, Al Mahdi Housing (Arusha), Secondary School (Kampala), Songea Jamaat Commercial Project, Zanzibar School Faiz, Lamu Mosque and Imambargha rehabilitation and Morogoro Mosque Complex renovation, among others. He highlighted plans for a housing project in Dar-es-Salaam to address the growing demand for affordable homes through a rent-to-own scheme, a concept initially embarked upon by Shabir Bhai Najafi. Chairman Amine Bhai emphasized the need for more income-generating projects to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Federation and its institutions, urging Jamaats to take a proactive approach where feasible in establishing such initiatives that enhance the welfare and spiritual well-being of the community. He called for the Jamaats to take good care of the sacred trusts from our forefathers.
He also stressed the importance of life insurance schemes and called on Jamaats to promote them for financial security. He expressed gratitude to the generous donors, acknowledging their crucial role in sustaining the Federation’s efforts—drawing a parallel example to the support of Bibi Khadija (SAWW) in the early days of Islam.
Concluding his address, he prayed for global peace and requested recitation of Sura-e-Fateha for all past leaders, volunteers and the Marhumeen.
DELIBERATIONS:
The Supreme Council Agenda included the presentation and adoption of the Accounts & Budget, Minutes and the Board Reports for the duration September 2023 – October 2024.
The Secretariat and the Boards Reports were presented by the following:
Secretariat Report - Zuhair Jaffer
Report of the WF Exco & EO Conf - Zuhair Jaffer
Archive Section - Abbasaley Abbas
Tabligh Board - Sajjad Walji
Central Health Board - Aliraza Bandali
Madagascar Territorial Council Report - Navazaly Molou / Yassin Pandjou
Media and Editorial Board - Salilabbas Sadak
Women’s Board - Abida Virjee
Economic Development Board - Murtaza Somji
Central Bilal Board - Mohamed Hemani
Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania - Hussein Karim
Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya - Murtaza Jaffer
Bilal Muslim Mission of Uganda - Afzalali Bhimani
Bilal Muslim Mission of Rwanda - Ali Manji
Bilal Muslim Mission of Malawi - Habib Ali
Education Board - MohamedKazim Sheriff
Africa Youth Network (AYN) - Ali Khalfan
Capacity Building Board - Shabbirhussein Khalfan
Sports Council - Fazle Kassam
Accounts and Trust Board Report - Zainul Chandoo
Budget - Muntazir Walji
The Housing Development Board due to time constraints could not present their report during this session and it was deferred to the next Council Session. The Chairman, Br. Akil Hirji stated that the report is available for any member to visit the booth, and was also shared with all the Councillors prior to the Supreme Council Session.
In order to make sure that effective time management was maintained proactive steps were taken to prevent overrunning schedules. One key factor that helped to achieved this was by maximizing the use of designated booths, where discussions on various issues, clarifications of inquiries and concerns were attended to effectively. By addressing these matters beforehand, number of questions raised during the Board’s presentations were minimized, thus saving time and allowing for a more focused and productive discussions.
Additionally, we strongly emphasized the involvement of our youth, as their participation and feedback are essential in shaping the future of our community. We provided them with platforms to engage meaningfully so as not only empower them but also ensure that our initiatives remain progressive and inclusive.
AFED Hon. Secretary Zuhair bhai Jaffer highlighted the Jaffer Family Foundation of New York (JFF)’s AI and Data Science project in Karachi, emphasizing the importance of staying ahead in this evolving environment. The groundbreaking ceremony of this project took place in December 2023, attended by AFED Chairman Amine bhai Nassor. JFF Chairman Mohamedtaki bhai Jaffer provided an update on the state-of-the-art centre, expected to be completed in 15 months, aimed at empowering Pakistan’s brightest minds and serving the global Khoja community. AFED plans to collaborate with JFF through its Education and Economic Boards to ensure community members benefit from this initiative. Sadique bhai Jaffer detailed the academic programs to be offered, with JFF pledging support for students from Africa.
Below are some pictures of the sessions:
Recognizing the dedication of volunteers at the 88th Supreme Council in Arusha, the Jaffer Family Foundation of New York, Lady Fatema Trust, Alhaj Dr. Mohamed Jaffer and Alhaj Shabir Najafi collectively pledged ten Ziyarat tickets for the volunteers. Additionally, JFF committed a $5,000 education grant for a boy or a girl from Arusha Jamaat, to be nominated by the Jamaat, in furthering the community’s educational aspirations.
The Jaffer Family Foundation of New York also made several significant contributions to the KSI Kuwwatul Islam Jamaat of Zanzibar. They pledged to cover the full cost of restoring School Faize, ensuring its renovation and sustainability. Additionally, they committed to matching the monthly welfare assistance that AFED provides to community members as well as sponsor Nyaz for one year. As a symbolic gesture of honor and unity, during the session, they presented the Jamaat with a flag from the Shrine of Imam Hussain (‘A) in Karbala, Iraq.
During the Opening Night of the 88th Supreme Council Session of the Federation of KSI Jamaats of Africa, held in Arusha, Tanzania, on 22nd November, Chairman Alhaj Amine Nassor honored Alhaj Muslim Ebrahim Sheriff Dewji of Arusha with a Citation and the prestigious Abbasi Medal for his outstanding honorary services to the community. This award recognizes his decades of dedicated services, embodying leadership, commitment, and compassion. His efforts in educational and spiritual development continue a legacy of service inspired by his late father, Alhaj Ebrahim Sheriff Dewji, a former Chairman of the Africa Federation who passed away on 9th January 1964 while in office.
The Africa Federation Chairman also presented an Appreciation Award to the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat Arusha for hosting the 88th Supreme Council Session.
The AFED Secretariat extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Arusha Jamaat Managing Committee; Alhaj Fayyaz Dhirani (Chairman), Alhaj Mustafa Virjee (Vice Chairman), Alhaj Mohamedarif Bhimani (Hon. Secretary), Alhaj Hussein Sajan (Hon. Treasurer), Alhaj Mazharabbas Fazal (Deputy Hon. Treasurer), Br. Aliasgher Kanani (Committee Member), Br. Muhammadjawaad Versi (Committee Member), Alhaj Gulamhussein Mukhtar (Trustee), Alhaj Jabir Manji (Trustee), Alhaj Mohamedjabir Bhimani (Trustee), Alhaj Musadiq Gulamhussein (Trustee) and Alhaj Shabbir Virjee (Trustee) together with the Organizing Committee Chairman Br. Mohamedali Saleh, the Organizing Committee members and their team of dedicated volunteers for their exceptional efforts in organizing and providing outstanding services throughout the sessions.
The Supreme Council was privileged to host past leaders of the Africa Federation, Alhaj Ramzan Nanji, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi and Alhaj Shabir Najafi. The Supreme Council also recognized the presence of the World Federation President, Alhaj Safder Jaffer, Council of European Jamaats (COEJ) President, Alhaj Arif Ali Hirji, the Trustee of Lady Fatima Trust of the U.K., Alhaj Mukhtar Karim, the President of Hujjat Jamaat of the U.K., Alhaj Murtaza Gulamhussein, the Trustees of Jaffer Family Foundation of New York, Alhaj Mohamedtaki Jaffer and Alhaj Sadique Jaffer from U.S.A., Seyed Muhammad Ansar Hussein Naqvi from the U.K. and Alhaj Gulam Punjani from Punjani Family Foundation of Toronto, Canada.
The Chairman also thanked and appreciated the presence of the respected elders of our community, ladies and the youth. Africa Federation extends its sincere gratitude to them for taking time from their busy schedules to attend and to contribute to the success of the session.
The Secretariat wishes to express its gratitude to the AFED Board Chairmen and Board members, as well as the Archive Sectional Secretary for their proficient and fruitful presentations; and during the interactive and participative sessions that ensued. We are equally grateful to the elected councillors from the constituent Jamaats, nominated councillors and invited guests for their valuable presence and participation in the deliberations.
We pray to Allah (SWT) with His infinite Grace and Blessings to reward all those who in one way or the other have contributed to the success of the 88th Supreme Council Session and pray for their good health, long life and every success in their endeavors – Ameen.
Secretariat
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