Federation. Samachar. Tragedy in Dar es Salaam. Vol. 34, No. 5 April 2013 Jamaada Al Thani Federation Samachar 1

Transcription

1 Federation Samachar Vol. 34, No. 5 April 2013 Jamaada Al Thani 1434 Tragedy in Dar es Salaam Federation Samachar 1

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3 GAK Patel Building off Maktaba Street 1st Floor Dar es Salaam Tanzania PO BOX t f Federation Samachar 3

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6 Contents 5. First Word 7. Letters 11. News from Around Africa 60. Muslim World News 70. Obituaries 72. Profile - The Karims 74. In Black and White 75. Down Memory Lane 76. Profile Mustafa Jaffer Sabodo 79. Health 80. Women 82. Book Review 84. ANON 86. Talking Point 87. In Perspective 90. Reflections 92. Third Eye 94. Spirituality 95. Development Alternatives 96. Point to Ponder 97. Family Issues 99. Wayside Wisdom 100. Commentary 102. Straight Talk 104. Last Word Columnists: Family Issues Mohamed Khalfan From Down Under Dr. Asghar Moledina Reflections Hassan Jaffer Point to Ponder Habib M. Habib Straight Talk Hasnain Walji Spirituality Zakira Shyrose Jaffer Dhalla Third Eye Ghulam Sajan In Perspective Mahjabeen Daya Wayside Wisdom Munir Daya Commentary Dr. Husein Khimjee Development Alternatives Dr. Ali Mehdi Around Africa Pg. 41 Tragedy in Dar es Salaam Pg. 19 Around Africa Pg. 47 Profile Pg. 72 Profile Pg. 76 A publication of the Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaats of Africa Volume 34, No. 5 Jamaada Al-Thani, 1434 April, 2013 Chief Editor: Munir Daya Associate Editor: Mahjabeen Daya Liaison Officer: Fatima Patel Distribution & Operations: Mukhtar Damji Photographs Murtaza Jivraj Graphic Designer: Sucayna Khimji Archives: Roshan Fazal North American Edition: Ghulam Sajan Printed by Jamana Printers Limited Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Correspondence to: The Editor Federation Samachar P.O. Box 6710 Dar es Salaam. Tanzania samachar@africafederation.org Internet edition: Please note that all letters to the Editor must include a name and mailing address even if this is not intended for publication.the views expressed in the Federation Samachar are not necessarily those of the Africa Federation or the Editorial Board. Federation Samachar is a non-profit magazine and printing costs are financed through advertising. We cannot endorse or guarantee any products or services advertised in the magazine. 6 Federation Samachar

7 First word Stop Corporal Punishment in Educational Institutions The Federation Samachar is now read worldwide and we value the comments and concerns that we receive from readers. Over the past few months we have received reports of cases of corporal punishment rendered in educational institutions. We have raised this as an issue to be looked into with an intention of stopping such needless punishments. When writing this, I just read in the Times of India about an incident in India where a girl attempted suicide after she was forced to strip by a female teacher who accused her of stealing money and a mobile phone from a classmate. The student returned home after school and jumped off the balcony of her four-storey block of flats. Her relatives said she had been distraught by her public humiliation. One report relating to an institution came from a mother who only learned of her child s bruises when she was putting him to sleep. She was gently massaging him when he whined in pain. She learnt that her son had bruises after being needlessly hit in the school by a teacher. Another report came from parents who complained to the Principal of an educational institution that their son had been hit by a teacher the previous day. The Principal allegedly called the teacher who denied the child s accusation. Instead of investigating the issue, the Principal simply accepted the teacher s word and told the family that their child was lying. The child cried at the scene because he knew the teacher was lying and he wondered how teachers who lied and beat children could be role models for students. In yet another incident, a heavy boy was embarrassed by his teacher for not being able to answer a question in class. The teacher told him, the next time you fail to answer a question I will use the tip of my shoes to get the pressure out of you. The young class laughed at the teacher s comments but what the teacher did was to ridicule the child in front of others thereby causing the child psychological trauma. In most countries corporal punishment in schools is illegal. One student said to us, I wonder why teachers are still beating children in these modern times? At times there is mental harassment that can cause long term psychological suffering in children. As for our schooling system we are still living in the Dark Ages and acting as an uncivilized and backward society. Article 19 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), states that children should be protected against physical as well as psychological violence. Many countries where we have our educational institutions are a signatory to the CRC but yet we have some institutions administering corporal punishment. The problem continues because many parents, teachers and police officers do not consider it wrong for adults to beat a child. They think it is been done for the betterment of the child but in reality, verbal and physical punishment is a blow to a child s self-respect and a violation of their human rights. Students have to deal with such indignities and some teachers still argue that beatings are necessary academic tools. This is a culture of humiliation and should be discontinued so that we can produce strong and confident students. Child discipline is a healthy and necessary part of good parenting. A child needs to have appropriate boundaries and should know when his or her behaviour is considered inappropriate. However, any disciplinary action should be a teachable moment in which the child can learn from mistakes and maintain his or her self-worth. Spanking teaches victims that might is right, and that problems can be solved through the use of violence by the strong against the weak. Children should be taught and won over by reason and respect, not by insults or blows. Federation Samachar 7

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9 Letters to the Editor All letters sent by mail or will be considered for publication unless the author specifically refuses its publication. Letters must carry the name and contact information of the author even if this is not intended for publication. Letters will be subject to editing for brevity, clarity and content. Only destructive letters and those lacking objectivity or reason will not be published. Readers are requested to keep letters short and to the point. Preachers and the Samachar Letters I would like to commend you on your worthy publication for its informative and interesting content. The Federation Samachar is presently the only prominent magazine (in English) serving our global community. Perhaps you or the publisher can do a favour to the community in East Africa by providing to the Resident Alims, especially those among them who give Friday sermons, complimentary copies of the Federation Samachar. I am sure once copies are in circulation, they may be read by the preachers so that they make themselves aware of the timely thoughts and concerns raised in your esteemed magazine. It must however be pointed out that there can be a few preachers who somehow miss purchasing their copies. It would bode well if the Africa Federation Secretariat or the Editorial Board of the Federation Samachar supply copies to resident Alims in our jamaats. Let s inculcate a passion of serving I want to commend you and your team for producing an excellent magazine for the community. The Federation Samachar is a pleasure to read; it is well written, interesting and thought-provoking. It is particularly refreshing to see the broad range of topics that you manage to cover. Keep up the great work; you are certainly a credit to our milieu. I really enjoyed reading the interview with Alhaj Anwaralibhai Dharamsi in the April 2012 issue. It is most inspirational to have individuals like him and several others in the world that work tirelessly for their communities in the name of Allah (SWT). I mention Anwaralibhai Dharamsi because I firmly believe that such inspiring individuals in our communities should take a couple of youths under their wing and mentor them so that the zeal and skill for serving the community is passed on to the new generation. We need to inculcate a passion of serving the community selflessly within our youths. Sukaina Jaffer Fazal Toronto Honour deserving successful people In the last two issues of the Federation Samachar, I was delighted to read about successful people in our community in academic, political and business fields. I am sure there are a number of such successes which go unnoticed or which do not come to the community s attention. Therefore, I suggest that the Africa Federation hold an event in December 2013/January 2014 where it recognizes volunteers, those who have succeeded in their studies, young global leaders, those who have excelled in the corporate, business or sports fields along with many unsung heroes of Africa. All the jamaats in Africa should be asked to submit names in different categories. Once started, the event can be held once every three years to recognize more people. The event should be self-financed. As a matter of fact, this could generate income which should be specifically marked for economic upliftment through microfinance. A souvenir can be published where businesses, including some of those being recognized, could be asked to advertise to generate revenue. Likewise, our communities in India, Pakistan, Europe, Australasia and North America can do the same. Concerned, (Name withheld by request) Ghulam Sajan Toronto Federation Samachar 9

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11 Forbidding the Evil I wish to especially thank you for the excellent article by Zakira Shyrose Jaffer Dhalla entitled Forbidding the Evil in the January 2012 issue of the Federation Samachar. Masha Allah every word in this article has valuable advice for young and old alike. How important it is to remember that the tongue must be controlled and is a weapon used by our enemy shaitan to cause disunity and hatred among the believers. The message was truly superb and exactly the kind of words that we need from our Ulema and Zakireen from the mimbar. Letters Editorial on poverty requires action I refer to your First Word Let s not be indifferent to the plight of the poor in the Federation Samachar of April, The subject you have touched is very sensitive. Unfortunately some of the wealthiest people of our community do not like to ponder on this issue and do not give out their zakat and saddaqa on time to deserving members of the community. Our community members in big cities like Dar es Salaam, Nairobi and Mombasa, especially the working class people are struggling daily with inflation of prices of foodstuff in addition to paying higher rent and electricity bills. A growing number of people cannot meet their expenses from their monthly income and feel ashamed to come forward to the welfare committees in our jamaat that sometimes have members who are indifferent to the plight of the common person. Incidentally, we had the good fortune to have Zakira Shyrose in Leicester for Muharram in 2011 to recite the ashra majalises. Her lectures were well received by the community and she also spoke very eloquently at our Ashura Assembly at City Hall, a successful event which was attended by an estimated crowd of 400 according to the BBC which covered the event. The BBC article may be read at the following link: Naushadali Rajani, Vice President, Masjid Al-Husayn, Leicester, UK I strongly recommend that the welfare system of our jamaats should be upgraded to meet the challenges of the time. When our elders started a welfare scheme like Faize Husein in Mombasa, the approach was to proactively identify and address the problem of poverty. In those days, surveys were carried out in the community to identify those needing financial assistance or seeking jobs. The approach was not to wait until the poor came and asked for help and this tradition needs to be restored. The Chairman of the World Federation, Dr. Asghar Moledina and the Africa Federation Chairman, Anwarali Dharamsi have both highlighted the issues of poverty and need for housing. The community now needs to see some action. The World Federation and Africa Federation should have vision for the year 2030 that ensures that every member of our community in East Africa owns his or her place of accommodation. Munawwar Juma Ukera Mombasa Federation Samachar 11

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13 Around Africa AFED Commercial Complex takes off in Dar - landmark project to help initiate self-sufficiency for the Africa Federation Office Bearers of the Africa Federation and community members witness the AFED Commercial Complex Groundbreaking Ceremony by (from L to R): Vice President of Dar es Salaam Jamaat, Azim Dewji, Sheikh Murtadha Alidina and AFED Chairman, Br. Anwarali Dharamsi. The construction work of the Africa Federation Commercial Complex on Plot No. 11 along Vingunguti Industrial Area, Nyerere Road in Dar es Salaam is progressing well and is expected to be completed on schedule. The project involves developing 20 warehouses and a block of showroom/ offices in the front side facing the main road. The warehouses are due for completion by December, 2013 and the office block is expected to be completed by mid This project was initiated following the adoption of a resolution presented by the Africa Federation (AFED) Secretariat at the 73rd Supreme Council Session held in Arusha in April 2012, to purchase a prime property in Dar-es-Salaam for the purpose of developing a commercial project to generate income towards long-term running of the various activities of the Africa Federation. The global financial crisis and current deteriorating economic conditions are adversely affecting members of our community in Africa. This has raised the levels of assistance expected from our jamaats to meet the needs of the Jamaat. The crisis has also affected the income of the Africa Federation as a result of which most of the funds received are utilized towards the upkeep of needy members of our community and towards managing various activities of the Boards operating under the Africa Federation. At the Arusha meeting, the Managing Trustees of the Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaats of Africa were empowered by the Supreme Council to raise up to US Dollars Six Million (US$6M) in commercial loans for the sole purpose of development of this prime location property of Acres. The total investment in the project is expected to be in the range of US Dollars Nine to Ten Million, with an expected annual return of around 14% to 15%. On 6th November 2012, a short ground-breaking ceremony to commence the project was held at the site. Continued on page 13 Federation Samachar 13

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15 Around Africa Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi Re-Elected as AFED Chairman On 11 th February, 2013 the Electoral Commissioner of the Africa Federation, Mukhtar Assaria declared that Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi has been elected unopposed as Chairman of the Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaats of Africa for the term Nominations were received in January and February 2013 from Jamaats in Moshi, Mombasa, Morogoro, Bukoba, Kampala, Arusha, Lindi, Dar es Salaam and Nairobi. The fact that Anwarbhai was unopposed comes as no surprise as he has lived up to the community s expectation in his first term as Chairman. In his original manifesto he had outlined six core objectives which are: - Building trust, foster unity and inculcate a sense of belonging to attain greater harmony, productivity and prosperity in the community; - Establishing an effective and efficient management framework and operating systems in all sections of the Africa Federation in the context of transparency and accountability; - Creating skilled, forward-looking and professional manpower to enhance the performance of the Secretariat in meeting the institution s goals; - Enhancing pace on the path to financial independence with further income-generating investments to support various essential sectors of service; - Strengthening our membership with the World Federation and maintaining a better and stronger relationship and partnership with our sister organizations outside Africa; - Working collectively with member Jamaats and the Regional Council of Madagascar and striving to find solutions to existing and new local challenges. In his first term Anwarbhai has been able to achieve progress in each of these objectives and with the responsible man that he is, the community can expect only better in his second term. Continued from page 11 The ceremony was attended by the Africa Federation Office Bearers and Trustees, the Vice President of Dar es Salaam Jamaat, Azim Dewji, Resident A alim of Dar es Salaam Jamaat, Sheikh Murtadha Alidina, councillors and some well-wishers in Dar-es-Salaam. At this ceremony the Chairman of the Africa Federation, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi said, This milestone marks the beginning of a determined journey of the Africa Federation towards developing longterm sustainable investments thereby laying a foundation of self-sufficiency and growth. Our new approach is to aim at long-term innovative and sustainable developments to ensure financial stability to sustain our various activities. Reformation in our midst is necessary and we must act swiftly with good planning and prudence. The current trend of the global economy should be taken as an advent of opportunity to change our mindsets and directions. AFED Assistant Hon. Secretary, Alhaj Kumail Manji heads the committee for this project. The committee is made up of the following: Br. Kumail Manji Chairman; Br. Munawar Bharwani Member (AFED Housing Board Chairman); Br. Muntazir Fazal Member; Br. Rizwan Shivji Member. Federation Samachar 15

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17 Around Africa AFED meets Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi AFED Office Bearers (from L to R) Kumail Manji, Anwarali Dharamsi, Mohamed Hemani and Aunali Khalfan with Maulana Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi (in the centre). Earlier this year, the Resident Alim of Toronto Jamaat Maulana Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi visited Dar-es- Salaam at the invitation of Dar Es Salaam Jamaat to recite majalis for ten nights in English and Urdu during the Ashre Zainabiyya Program. Maulana Rizvi also conducted a twoday workshop on the importance of making a Will, understanding related Islamic laws and the subject of Khums. Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi is the son of late Maulana Sayyid Saeed Akhtar Rizvi, who was well known in East Africa for his Tabligh activities, especially his pioneering achievements in establishing the Bilal Muslim Mission, a project of the Supreme Council of the Africa Federation. As the Resident Alim of Toronto Jamaat, Maulana Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi has been closely involved with the Taking advantage of his presence establishment and operation of the As in Dar es Salaam, the office bearers Sadiq Islamic School in Toronto. He of the Africa Federation led by the has also been active in local interfaith Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi met Maulana Sayyid Muhammad activities, striving to develop better Rizvi on 1st January 2013 to review understanding of Islamic faith and Tabligh activities and discuss Islamic enhancing healthy relationships with education being imparted to children Muslim and non-muslim communities in Madrasahs and Schools. in Canada. During his stay in Dar es Salaam, Recognizing the need for enhancing Maulana Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi the quality of Madrasah education also visited some centres of the Bilal and keeping it at par with modern Muslim Mission and met with officials academic education systems, Maulana of the organisation. Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi recently A short biographical sketch of participated in a workshop in London Maulana Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi for the Madrasah Centre of Excellence and of his father, late Maulana Sayyid organized by the World Federation. Saeed Akhtar Rizvi is outlined on Maulana has been involved in the page 17. worldwide endeavour of improving the quality of Madrasah education. Continued on page 17 Federation Samachar 17

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19 Around Africa Continued from page 15 Allamah Sayyid Saeed Akhtar Rizvi and the Establishment of Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania Allamah Sayyid Saeed Akhtar Rizvi s name is synonymous with Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania. Allamah was appointed as one of the five founder members of Bilal Muslim Mission when a decision was made by the Supreme Council of the Africa Federation in 1964 to create the Bilal Muslim Mission for the purpose of external Tableegh. Allamah s valuable support in the establishment of Bilal Muslim Mission is well acknowledged. Late Allamah initiated the propagation of the Shia faith to the indigenous African Community which today has spread in many regions of Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and has gradually extended to other African countries operating under different institutions. Allamah served as a Chief Missionary of Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania and was a scholar, preacher, historian and writer. As a prolifi c writer he has over 140 titles to his credit, some translated into twenty two languages, that are still being widely read. Sadly, Allamah passed away in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, 20th June 2002 (8th Rabi-ul-Akhar 1423). Late Allamah Sayyid Saeed Akhtar Rizvi was also the Tableegh Advisor of the past Chairmen of the Africa Federation including the late Mohamedali Meghji, the late Mulla Asghar M.M. Jaffer, the late Habib Mulji and Alhaj Mohamed Dhirani. Hujjatul Islam Wal Muslimeen, Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi, Resident Alim of Toronto Jamaat. Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi was born in 1957 in the family of Ullamah in Bihar, India. He comes from a region that has produced well-known Shiite scholars in the Indian sub-continent. He migrated with his parents to Tanzania in 1959 and attended elementary school. In 1972, at the age of fifteen, he went to the Hawza-e Ilmiya-e Qum, Iran. During his ten years stay in Qum, he studied with various teachers and moved from the level of muqaddimãt to sutûh (equal to graduate level in secular universities). He also attended the dars-e kharij (ijtihad lectures equal to post-graduate studies) of Ayatullah al-uzma Shaikh Wahid Khurãsãni. At the request of Canadian Shia he migrated to Vancouver with his family in While in Vancouver, he was able to complete his Master of Arts degree in History in 1991 from Simon Fraser University. The same year in July, Sayyid along with his family, moved to Ontario and till 1996 worked as the Director of Islamic Education and Information Centre providing a variety of religious services to Shi as in North America. During this time, he was also involved in the founding of the As-Sadiq Islamic School, a full time Islamic school from KG to Grade 8 levels. Since July, 1996 he serves as the Imam-e Jum a and Resident Aalim of the Islamic Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat (ISIJ) of Toronto, Canada. Sayyid serves as a crucial figure in the building of bridges with other faiths and surrounding communities. These accomplishments have been due to, firstly, his numerous written works promoting peace and understanding, and, secondly, his continued active participation in inter-faith and inter-community dialogues. Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi has followed the footsteps of his late father, Allamah Sayyid Saeed Akhtar Rizvi Saheb. Federation Samachar 19

20 Around Africa Africa Federation meets the Dar es Salaam Jamaat Multipurpose Hall and the Swimming Pool at the Boarding House, United Nations Road. The Africa Federation (AFED) Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi and AFED Office Bearers and Trustees met with the Office Bearers, Managing Committee Members and Trustees of KSI Jamaat of Dar es Salaam on 2nd August The President of KSI Jamaat of Dar es Salaam, Alhaj Shiraz P. Walji, with the Office Bearers, Managing Committee Members and Trustees of the Dar es Salaam Jamaat attended the joint meeting organized by the Africa Federation. The meeting covered a wide spectrum of topics, including community affairs, the current political crisis in the Muslim World and the hardships of thousands of Muslims worldwide because of adverse economic conditions. The need for strategic planning and setting priorities for the future development of our community were discussed. Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi congratulated Alhaj Shiraz P. Walji on being reelected for the second two-year term ( ) at the Biennial General Meeting of Dar-es-Salaam Jamaat held in July, He also congratulated the Vice President, Alhaj Azim Dewji, the Office Bearers, the Managing Committee Members and the Trustees. Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi expressed pleasure to see the Dar es Salaam Jamaat undertaking several projects for the benefit of youth and children of our community. He said the Hayat Fitness Centre in the Imambargha Complex is a remarkable achievement. He emphasized the importance of improving further the standard of education in our community so that our youth and children are well equipped to face the competitive and challenging environment in the world. He also underscored the crucial role of the Madressah in the upbringing of our children with Islamic values. Alhaj Shiraz Walji gave a brief account of the activities and projects of the Dar es Salaam Jamaat. He pointed out that the priority for his second term is to focus more towards the housing and health needs of our community in Dar es Salaam. Shiraz bhai described Dar es Salaam Jamaat s capital projects such as the KSIJ/Sabodo Car Park Block consisting of the ground plus 10 storey building along India Street, the The main subjects discussed at the meeting included: Higher Education Loans and Repayments. Tableegh and Madressah. Housing Schemes. Hospital Project, with regard to the Capital Project Paper requirement by the World Federation. The Tripartite Economic Empowerment Scheme*. Stagnation of inflow of funds. Sharing of news, events and success stories through Federation Samachar. Training and Capacity Building Programs (LDP) in developing organizational and human resources capabilities within the community. Collaboration and sharing of experiences between the Boards of the Jamaat and AFED. *The Tripartite Economic Empowerment Scheme involves the World Federation, Africa Federation and Dar es Salaam Jamaat who proportionately will inject the capital sum as a loan. This scheme has taken off successfully. The Economic Empowerment Committee (EEC) of Dar es Salaam Jamaat has a clear goal to achieve in lessening poverty through empowering members with education, business capital, management training and inculcating confidence. A complete road map is being developed to remove families from monthly subsidy dependency on the Jamaat. 20 Federation Samachar

21 Around Africa Tragedy in Dar es Salaam as Building Collapses A privately owned 16-storey building collapsed onto the compound of the Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri mosque in Dar es Salaam and onto Indira Gandhi Street, with tragic consequences to life and property. A privately owned 16-storey building under construction, situated close to the Ithna Asheri Mosque along Indira Gandhi Street (formerly the shop of Purshottam Soni) in Dar es Salaam collapsed at around 8.15 A.M. on Friday 29th March, The building crashed heavily within seconds, with waves of concrete, rubble, mangled iron and steel, as well as wooden beams and powdered concrete falling and covering a large and high area of space that filled the mosque compound, crushing the walls, and blocking the street. Grief, shock, confusion and pandemonium ensued. It was no lesser than the aftermath of an earthquake. The building had crushed and buried workers who had just started work on the site. Over a dozen children in the Ithna Asheri mosque who had been playing football in the mosque compound were missing. Pedestrians and parked cars on the street were also crushed. Some children who escaped with non-life threatening injuries said in hospital that they owed their lives to a watchman at the mosque who had pushed at least six or seven children to safety. Out of the 54 people who were trapped beneath the rubble, 18 survivors were pulled out in the immediate aftermath. Out of 12 injured victims who were taken to hospitals, four were admitted and the rest were discharged. The final death toll was 36, and included four boys from the Dar es Salaam Jamaat including Zahid Mohamed Kanji (12), Yusuf Shafiqali Khaki (12), Suhailali Mohamed Karim (13) and Salman Salim Damji (8) and a Shia watchman in the collapsed building, Abdulrahman Othman Mwiru. Mwiru and most workers who were killed were the sole breadwinners for their families The death toll would have been much higher had the building collapsed during a normal working day or if it had fallen when a program was taking place at the mosque. The Police and Field Force Unit from the Government cordoned off the disaster site and on the same day the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Federation Samachar 21

22 Around Africa Hundreds of people including the Tanzanian Police Force, The Tanzania Defense Force, Dar es Salaam Fire and Rescue Department, heavy equipment operators from Tanzania Road Haulage, Ultimate Security Services Ltd., ambulance services, medical personnel, the Dar es Salaam Jamaat Task Force and volunteers helped in the search and rescue operations, also keeping spectators at bay. Dar es Salaam Jamaat President, Alhaj Shiraz Walji and volunteers joined forces with numerous organisations to help rescue efforts. Kikwete and his wife Mama Salma visited the site along with the Dar es salaam Regional Commissioner, Mr. Saidi Meck Sadiki and Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander, Suleiman Koya. President Kikwete said on Twitter, My prayers to my fellow Tanzanians who have been affected by this tragedy of the collapse of the building in the central area of Dar es Salaam this morning. President Kikwete visited the scene of the disaster again, on Saturday, and so did the Vice President of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Gharib Bilal, the Prime Minister, H. E. Mizengo Pinda and numerous government offi cials and community leaders including the Home Affairs Minister, Honourable Emanuel Nchimbi. by a team from the Tanzania Defence Forces who deployed their skills in the search and rescue operation with equipment provided by the Tanzanian Army. Some people, in desperation, used bare hands to pull away fallen masonry to get access to the centre of the building where they hoped to find victims alive. A few trapped victims were accessible by cellphone for a short while. Volunteers were joined by medical assistants from other communities and worked non-stop on the rescue operations. The mosque was a hub of activity of people from Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Ismaili, Bohora, African, Chinese and other communities, all trying to help in rescuing those beneath the rubble, some bringing food and refreshments and others helping to get survivors to hospital. Many people donated blood. The Ebrahim Haji Ithna-Asheri Charitable Health Centre had set up a makeshift Local and foreign construction companies mobilized teams of workers, operators and drivers with heavy duty equipment including earth movers, bulldozers, excavators, trucks, cranes, mobile flood-lights, etc. Their arrival at the scene of the accident was invaluable in the operations, as every minute was precious. The companies were joined Many volunteers who helped rescue efforts included (L to R) Sajjad Walji, Sadiq Datoo (Deputy Secretary General, World Federation), Akil Hirji and AFED Chairman, Anwarali Dharamsi. 22 Federation Samachar

23 Around Africa post in the Mosque Compound with medical staff dispensing medications for emergencies. They were joined by doctors from outside including Chinese doctors. The Africa Federation (AFED) Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi and Dar es Salaam Jamaat President, Alhaj Shiraz Walji worked for many hours along with Jamaat officials, and some members and volunteers of the Dar es Salaam Jamaat. The Dar es Salaam Jamaat, the Africa Federation and the World Federation sent out regular newswire updates to members by SMS, and on their website. News about the tragic event was carried by all major news media around the world. Professor Karim Manji provided extraordinary help in liaising and facilitating co-operation with the Muhimbili Hospital. Due to the tragedy, the Africa Federation cancelled the AFED Sports Council Tuwasiliane Football and Volleyball Festival. The Festival which was to take place in Tanga during the Easter Holidays involved 150 players and officials from Kenya, Tanzania and the United Arab Emirates. The magnitude of the collapsed building disaster was beyond anyone s imagination. The outpour of sympathy and support from the communities who came forward to assist was incredibly overwhelming. This kind gesture helped tremendously to support people at the site of the accident who worked around the clock non-stop for three days and nights. The site was cleared by midday on Monday, 1st April It was an unprecedented feat that such a massive work of digging into the rubble, clearing the debris and ensuring the safety and security of the site was completed within three days. The involvement of volunteers from various communities of Dar es Salaam, the KSI Jamaat Task Force, IUVC volunteers, Boy Scouts, our leaders and members of our community played a significant role in the entire operation. Br. Anwarali sent messages of condolences and sympathies on behalf of the Africa Federation to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this incident. Part of the message read, Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to all the families for the loss of the loved ones in this tragic accident; and let us pray to Allah (SWT) with the Wasilah of our 14 Masumeen (AS) to grant the families the patience, strength and courage to bear these losses. Our hearts are filled with grief and sorrow as we stand by you at these difficult times in your lives. A global fund has been set up to help families who are victims of the tragedy. The funds raised through local jamaats and federations will also be used to help with the rebuilding exercise of the Dar es Salaam Jamaat Mosque Complex that was partially damaged as a result of the collapse of the building. Community members are still in shock and anger about the incident. With deaths of young children and many workers, the question arises whether the community should take this building collapse as an unfortunate incident or raise an issue with the government to question the quality and integrity of responsible manpower. While no blame can be put on anyone at this stage, it is apparent that engineers and surveyors working within the local municipality allegedly made a lot of compromises in compliance issues during the construction of the building. At the time of writing this report the Dar es Salaam Jamaat faces yet another challenge. A 15-storey building located opposite the mosque belonging to the same developer of the disaster-struck building which collapsed has been condemned by the Government with a directive that it be demolished. This is a risky matter and will affect all residences, businesses, and mosque activities in the vicinity. Federation Samachar 23

24 24 Federation Samachar Achieve your Goals Building Wealth ~ Since 86 Through Managed Investments in Land Sabi Ahsan@gmail.com Cell:

25 Around Africa Al Qa eem Building Project in Arusha progresses well The Africa Federation (AFED) appeals to members of the community in Africa and worldwide to support this project financially. Hukuk funds can also be utilized for this project. The Worsening Housing Situation in Tanzania: Housing is a major predicament to many families in Tanzania, especially because of the National Housing Corporation policy of redeveloping old buildings in major cities and towns of Tanzania. The re-developments are mainly in partnership with private developers and this has also resulted in a drastic increase of house rents. The situation is likely to get worse as houses continue to be demolished in the city centres and in the suburbs of townships. After the Ground-Breaking Ceremony for the Al Qa eem Building Housing Project in Arusha was held on 4th March, 2012 construction of the project began in August, 2012 after the Government and City Council formalities of seeking approvals and permits were completed. This housing project for members of our community involves building of eight floors that will have 24 flats. Each floor will have two two-bedroom flats, and one three-bedroom flat. Delivery of Flats is expected by March, 2014 and construction has reached the sixth floor. The construction work is undertaken by a well known and experienced construction company from Dar es Salaam, M/s. Super Construction Company Ltd. The total cost of the project, inclusive of the cost of the plot is US$2.8M. The current status indicates a shortfall as outlined hereunder: Funds/donations received: US$: 1,429,205 Funds/donations pledged: US$: 310,500 Shortfall: US$: 1,060,795 AFED has appealed to Jamaats whose members are affected to look into appropriate housing schemes that are feasible for development. Whilst the average income per family has either remained the same or probably decreased as a result of the current economic crisis, the cost of living has by far increased with house rent being a dominant part of the equation. The Al Qa eem Building Housing Project Committee is headed by Munawer Bharwani, who is also the Chairman of the AFED Housing Development Board. Others in the Committee include; Sajjad Versi, Shabbir Virjee and Rizwan Sajan based in Arusha. Overseas members who wish to donate funds for the above project can do so through the Regional Federations or the World Federation or through the Africa Federation website: www. africafederation.org. Federation Samachar 25

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27 Around Africa Fatema Thawer-Esmail Receives L Oreal UNESCO Regional Fellowship Award In July, 2012 University of Capetown doctoral student Fatema Thawer- Esmail was one of 10 African women whose work in the scientific field was acknowledged with a major international fellowship and a cash reward. The L Oréal-UNESCO Regional Fellowships for Women in Science (FWIS) in Sub-Saharan Africa is given to women scientists up to age 40 who are working towards a Ph.D. The international fellowship seeks to remove one of the major obstacles to women pursuing a career in science - access to money. Thawer-Esmail is from Dar es Salaam and in 2004 she qualified as a medical doctor in Tanzania before her studies in dermatology at the University of Capetown. She is a full-time research student, facilitates undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in the Division of Dermatology, and is in the process of completing a clinical-education course. My passion for dermatology lies in using the skin as a window to medicine, as many systemic illnesses manifest in the skin. I am particularly fascinated with the sophisticated make-up of the skin, it makes me realise how magnanimous is the design of the creator, she explained. This award means a lot to me being a non-south African studying in South Africa, she says. It will enable me to complete my Ph.D. by the end of 2013 by assisting me to cover my research costs. Furthermore it motivates me to encourage other female scientists both in Tanzania as well as South Africa, and serve as a role model to them. Saajid Muhsin Sheriff and Sabiha Shahnawaz Sumar win Brilliant Student Awards for 2012 Sabiha Shahnawaz Sumar of Mombasa Jamaat and Saajid Muhsin Sheriff of Nairobi Jamaat are the Brilliant Student Award winners of The Education Board Secretariat (EBS) of the Africa Federation received nominations from Dar es Salaam, Mombasa, Nairobi and Mwanza and announced the winners on 20th December, Saajid Muhsin Sheriff of Nairobi Jamaat The Brilliant Student Award is an annual Scholarship program introduced by the Africa Federation since the year 2009, offering a onetime award of US $5,000 each towards Higher Education to two students (one boy and one girl) who have achieved a consistent record of academic excellence. Sabiha Shahnawaz Sumar of Mombasa Jamaat Federation Samachar 27

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29 Around Africa Outstanding scientists Narjis Khatoon Thawer and Sumaiyya Thawer Award Winners (L) Narjis Khatoon and Sumaiyya Thawer with their father, Gulamraza Thawer and then South African Minister of Science and Technology, Ms. Naledi Pandor. The sisters also received cash awards of South Africa Rand 20,000 each. Following in the footsteps of their sister Fatema Thawer- Esmail, siblings Narjis Khatoon Thawer and Sumaiyya Thawer, previously from Al Muntazir School of Dar es Salaam are two of six outstanding scientists from the University of Capetown (UCT) who recently received highly esteemed awards and fellowships as part of the 2012 South African Women in Science Awards. The awards, from the South Africa s Department of Science and Technology (DST) were personally presented to the sisters by the then Minister of Science and Technology, Ms. Naledi Pandor. Narjis Khatoon Thawer is pursuing her Master of Science degree in the Division of Medical Virology training in Health Sciences. She obtained her BSc degree at UCT and graduated Africa Youth Network Conference in Dar es Salaam The Africa Youth Network (AYN) is once again holding a Youth Conference concurrently with the Africa Federation 25th Triennial Conference and 74th Supreme Council Session in Dar es Salaam from 26th - 28th April, This event provides our youth a platform to deliberate, share ideas and make suggestions on pertinent issues affecting the community in general, and the youths in particular. with distinction in genetics, physiology and microbiology in Narjis Khatoon was the best student in her molecular microbial genetics course and in 2011 completed a BSc (Med) Honours degree in Immunology and Infectious Disease at UCT Medical School. Sumaiyya Thawer graduated from UCT with a BSc degree in 2010 with distinction in microbiology, genetics and physiology. She was the top student in microbial biotechnology in her graduating class and completed a BSc(Med) Honours degree with distinction in infectious diseases and immunology in She is currently pursuing a Master s degree at UCT in immunology. The areas of discussions will range from Education to Economic Development, from Health and Welfare to Tableegh and Sports. The Youth Conference will also review the progress made by the various Boards on adopting and implementing recommendations of the Nairobi Youth Conference held in Federation Samachar 29

30 There s never just one If they get in, get us in 30 Federation Samachar Rentokil Initial Tanzania Ltd. P O Box 3076, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Tel / / Cell: rentokiltz@gmail.com

31 Around Africa AFED Chairman Attends Graduation At the invitation of the Chairman and Management of the Central Board of Education (CBE) of Dar es Salaam Jamaat and the Principal of Al Muntazir Islamic Seminary, the Africa Federation Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi and Hon. Secretary, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan attended the Graduation Ceremony honouring Form 6 graduates who passed the 2012 National Examination Council of Tanzania (NECTA) Examinations. The ceremony was held at the Tanzanite Banquet Hall in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, 23rd March, 2013 and was well attended by several dignitaries from the Ministry of Education, Jamaat officials, teachers, parents, CBE Board members and invitees. Anwarali Bhai conferred certificates on the graduates and also posed for a photograph with them. The Africa Federation gifted laptop computers to Sabreena Abdallah and Ally Albay, the top female and male students who were announced as the top graduates of the school for AFED meets Councillors and BMMK in Mombasa The Chairman of the Africa Federation (AFED), Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi accompanied by the Vice Chairman, Shabir Najafi, the Hon. Secretary, Aunali Khalfan and the Hon. Treasurer, Mohamed Hemani met with the Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya (BMMK) Chairman, Alhaj Abbas Nasser and the Managing Committee and Trustees of BMMK on Saturday 29th September in Mombasa during their visit from 28th to 29th September, The participants discussed various issues pertinent to the Mission s activities and future plans. They also discussed the management of Lamu Mosque, Imambargha and Madressah and the tableegh activities there. AFED supports these initiatives financially. Th e AFED Chairman encouraged BMMK to look into long-term plans of viable investments in income generating ventures so that BMMK can be self-sufficient financially. He said AFED would support these initiatives. The Chairman commended BMMK for the excellent work they do in the field of tableegh, training and in actively pursuing the economic empowerment of the local Shia community in Mombasa. The Chairman of BMMK pointed out that human resources is a big challenge and that they are looking for a suitable candidate to take up the post of Chief Muballigh for BMMK. This is to strengthen tableegh activities and to improve the management of Centres and Madressahs. Meeting with AFED Councillors based in Mombasa: A meeting was also held with AFED Councillors who are based in Mombasa to discuss issues such as education loan repayments, adverse economic conditions, projects etc. The Councillors also assist in activities like organising the Eid Flag Day collections, Solidarity Day collections, Ramadhan Relief Funds, Housing Projects and other programs. The Councillors have always provided valuable guidance on challenges facing the community and the Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi commended them for their support. Federation Samachar 31

32 Around Africa AFED Team visits Mombasa the community at large. A meeting with the Mombasa Jamaat Managing Committee was held at the Club House on Saturday evening. Several issues of common interest, including the future development and housing plans of the Jamaat were discussed. AFED Chairman, Anwarali Dharamsi addresses the Mombasa Walking Group of the Jaffery Sports Club The Chairman of the Federation of the Africa Federation (AFED), Anwarali Dharamsi visited Mombasa, Kenya from 29th June to 1st July He was accompanied by the Hon. Secretary, Aunali Khalfan. They were joined by the Chairman of AFED Tableegh Board (AFTAB), Seyed Hassan Naqvi and the Chairman of Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania, Shabir Mohamed-Rafiq Somji. The purpose of this visit was to meet officials of Mombasa Jamaat, Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya and the AFED Trustees and Councillors in Mombasa to discuss issues of common interest and on future development plans. On Friday, 29th June, the Chairman, Anwarali Dharamsi and Hon. Secretary, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan were invited by the Mombasa Walking Group at their Club. Br. Anwarali said that he holds senior members and elders of our community in high esteem and finds great pleasure in associating and meeting with them during his visits. On the same day after maghribain prayers, Br. Anwarali Dharamsi addressed members of the community at Haidery Imambargha. Both gents and ladies were present in large numbers. During the visit the Chairman, the Hon. Secretary and the Trustees visited several community elders of our community who have and who still play important roles in religious and social services. The community is indebted to these outstanding personalities for their devoted services to our institutions and to On Saturday night, a dinner meeting was organized by Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya (BMMK) which was hosted by Alhaj Hussein Khaki at his residence. Important matters regarding the future plans of BMMK were discussed. Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi briefed the Executive Committee and Trustees of BMMK on the Lamu Mosque, Imambargha and Madressah renovations which are currently being undertaken by AFED, through its office in Mombasa in coordination with AFED Trustee, Alhaj Sultan Molu. On Sunday, 1st July 2012, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi was the Chief Guest at the Opening of the Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya Imam Al Baqir Centre at Mwasafu located in the rural area of Taveta District in the Coast Province which is about 180 kilometers from Mombasa town. The Centre comprises of a Mosque, four class rooms for pre-primary school, Madressah and a three bed room flat for the Maalim (religion teacher) in charge of the Centre. 32 Federation Samachar

33 Around Africa 175 Participate in AFED s Third Seminar on Marriage Following the resounding success of the second workshop on Spouse Selection, Marriage and In-laws held in Dar es Salaam in November, 2011 the Tabligh Board of the Africa Federation (AFTAB) and the Youth Network of Africa Federation (AYN) in collaboration with the Dar es Salaam Jamaat Marriage Support Group organized their third workshop from 8th to 10th February, 2013 in Dar es Salaam. The workshop was sponsored by the Africa Federation and hosted by the Dar es Salaam Jamaat. For the first time a unique workshop for parents of teenagers was also incorporated. The parents module was held in response to requests from parents in the wake of challenges facing them because of the impact of technology and social media such as Facebook, Twitter, etc. Attendees at one of the Workshop Sessions. Merali, and Ashiq Damani (from the U.K.) and Fatim Shabbir Somji (from Zanzibar) were highly commended for conducting the sessions well. Excellent feedback was given by the participants The workshops were in four sessions as follows: Parents of Teens Workshop: How to bring the best out of our teenagers using a 7-Step approach. (Workshop Facilitator - Abbas Merali.) In-Laws Workshop: How to build a long lasting bond with our children and their spouses. (Workshop Facilitators - Fatim Shabbir Somji and Abbas Merali.) A record of over 175 participants attended the workshop. Discussions were very interactive, educative and thought provoking with participants discovering their own answers and solutions to their problems. The workshop and seminar was held at the Mehfil-e-Abbas and Imambargha in Dar es Salaam. Facilitators Abbas Finding Your Life Partner Workshop: A 5-Step process to help you find the right spouse. (Workshop Facilitator - Abbas Merali.) Couple Marriage Workshop: How to ride the highs and lows of married life as a super effective team. (Workshop Facilitators - Ashiq Damani and Fatim Shabbir Somji). Federation Samachar 33

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35 Around Africa Dr. Karim Premji Manji Awarded Fellowship 2003 he completed his Masters degree in Public Health from the Harvard School of Public Health in the U.S.A. He has been the Dean at the School of Medicine, Muhimbili Hospital since An active member in the medical field in Tanzania, Prof. Manji also volunteers his time in eye camps and Hajj and Ziyarat trips. He was extremely helpful during the recent building collapse tragedy in Dar es Salaam. Prof. Matthew L. Luhanga and Prof. Esther Mwaikambo (previous and current Presidents respectively, of the Tanzania Academy of Sciences) with Prof. Karim Premji Manji, Dean of the School of Medicine, Muhimbili Hospital University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) and (in background), Prof. Dr. Zul Premji, Head of MUHAS. Professor Karim Premji Manji, MBBS, MMED, MPH who is an Associate Professor in Paediatrics and Child Health at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences has been awarded a Fellowship of the Tanzania Academy of Sciences (TAAS). The Fellowship is conferred by the organization s Governing Council on persons who have made outstanding contributions in the field of science and technology. The Fellowship is a mark of scientific distinction and integrity. Fellows are elected at an Annual General Meeting after nomination by the Council and based on a detailed statement on the prospective fellow s scholastic merits. Launched in 2005, TAAS is a society of distinguished scholars and scientists. It is a non-political, non-sectarian, nonprofit making national body of learned men and women in physical, natural and social sciences and technologies. Membership includes persons distinguished in their own rights and interested in the promotion, advancement and application of Science and Technology for human development. Membership is reserved for Fellows, Honorary Fellows, Ordinary members, Associate Members and Affiliate Members who are selected by the Governing Council of the organization. Prof. Karim received his education in Tanzania, India, England and in Prof. Manji has been published in over 95 publications and has authored three books, including, Management of Pediatric HIV Infection, a publication subsidized by the World Federation. His current projects include research on autism, postpartum depression, Vitamin D deficiency. He is currently writing a manual for medical students on the subject of newborn care and childhood malignancies. Prof. Manji and his wife, Siddika have four children. Their older daughter, Zainab will be graduating with a degree in Nursing this year. Their son, Hussein is a second year student, pursuing an MBBS degree. Br. Shiraz P. Walji, President of the Dar es Salaam Jamaat congratulated Prof. Manji in a letter, saying that the honour bestowed on him is a testimony of his fine qualities of leadership as an outstanding doctor and scientist. Federation Samachar 35

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37 Around Africa Mini-Census organised in Dar es Salaam The Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat of Dar es Salaam held a successful Mini Census of the community population on 25th November 2012 (Ashura Day). Results were announced the same day. said the Jamaat intends to carry out a full Census in 2013 in Ramadhan, 1434 when members will required to fill out a census form with 10 to 12 basic questions. The exercise was a simple headcount with information compiled into four age bands. The census was conducted simultaneously in the gents and ladies sections. Alhaj Shiraz Walji, President of Dar es Salaam Jamaat The Africa Federation Secretariat encourages all the Jamaats in Africa to carry out a census. Census data allows jamaats to plan properly for future developments and future needs of the community. Age Male Female Total %Total Under 18 Years of Age Years of Age % 56% Years of Age Above 65 Years of Age Total Total Women Total Men Note: The under 18 age group female count includes an unknown number of male young children that were accounted for in the Ladies Section. BMMK hosts Youth Forum The Al Mahdi Centre, Samburu in collaboration with the Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya (BMMK) organized a Youth Forum on 31st March 2013 to deliberate on issues affecting youth. A play was organized from an Islamic perspective on the importance of education, marriage and on awareness of HIV and AIDS. Day of Judgment. He mentioned that one s relationship with one s Creator here on earth will determine one s success or failure in the hereafter. The Forum ended with an inter-active session of questions and answers. Youths posed various questions that were responded to by Ustadh Ramadhan Mlala and Ustadh Muhammad Hirbae. Ustadh Muhammad Hirbae, spoke on drug abuse and intoxication, appealing to the youth to keep away from these vices. Ustadh Ramadhan Mlala, spoke about the status of existence. He outlined the different stages through which human beings pass from conception to resurrection on the The Master of Ceremony, Br. Muhsin Lewa, a youth from Al Hujjah Centre Chengoni, said in his closing remarks, No doubt the world has made great strides in areas of science and technology but the soul is thirsty spiritually. The BMMK plans to hold more of these Forums in other regions. Federation Samachar 37

38 Bagging of free flowing grain and fertiliser at destination. Lightening or transference of cargo from large bulk carriers and tankers to smaller vessels, within the territorial waters of the receiving country. Providing turnkey operations from vessel hold to ultimate destinations including inland transportation to destinations in land locked countries. 38 Federation Samachar

39 Around Africa Mombasa Hosts Annual AFED Qur an Competition The 8th Africa Federation (AFED) Annual Qur an competition under the Africa Federation Tableegh Board (AFTAB) was hosted by the KSI Jamaat of Mombasa on 22nd and 23rd September The competition was fully sponsored by the Federation of KSI Jamaats of Africa (AFED). The aim of the Qur an competition is to encourage and promote the recitation, awareness and understanding of the Holy Qur an and to promulgate its message amongst the young and older generations in our community. All Jamaats were given the opportunity to select two male and two female candidates for participation in the following age groups: Group 1: Years Group 2: Years Group 3: Years Group 4: 18+ Years Seven Jamaats were represented by 109 participants from all over East Africa. There were 56 female participants and 53 male participants as outlined below: Participating Jamaat Female Participants Male Participants Arusha 12 8 Dar-Es-Salaam Mombasa Moshi None 4 Mwanza 7 7 Nairobi 9 5 Tanga None 1 Totals The competition was adjudicated by a panel of experts, all of whom hailed from different jamaats. The criteria for judging participants encompassed critical areas of recitation rules, delivery and general ability of the participants. Each winner received a cash gift of either K.Shs. 10,000, or K.Shs. 7,500 or K.Shs. 5,000 with a trophy, a token of participation and a certificate. The Grand Closing Ceremony was held in the Hyderi Imambargha on Sunday, 23rd September at 7:50 p.m. followed by dinner. It was attended by Mombasa Jamaat officials, Mombasa AFED Councillors, AFED Trustees, participants, parents, religious scholars, judges, maalims, dignitaries, AFTAB and community members. At the Closing Ceremony, the Chairman of Mombasa Jamaat, Alhaj Sajjad Rashid said that the Mombasa Jamaat was proud to host the Qur an competition, and stressed the importance of organizing such events that aim to encourage the recitation and hifz of the Holy Qur an. He appealed that more be done to promote the recitation and study of the Holy Book by our jamaats. Congratulating the participants, Seyed Hassan Naqvi, Chairman of the Africa Federation Tableegh Board (AFTAB) stressed the need for all jamaats under AFED to encourage and make special efforts for children and youth of our community to learn the Holy Qur an and its tafsir. He emphasized that our Madressahs have an important role to play in this regard. He thanked the Mombasa Jamaat for hosting the competition and paid tribute to the selfless services of the Organizing Committee and the volunteers. He also stressed that the success of the competition is very much dependent on the efforts by the jamaats and parents. He said he was saddened by the absence of participation from some jamaats and expressed hope that they will endeavour to participate in future events. The Convenor of the host Organizing Committee, Br. Mehboob Nasser, thanked all the donors, volunteers, and participants, parents, and various community organizations who helped in the organization, logistics, and management of the competition. Federation Samachar 39

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41 Around Africa AFED Delegation attends Conferences in Madagascar The Africa Federation (AFED) Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi accompanied by the Vice Chairman, Alhaj Shabir Najafi, the Hon. Secretary, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, the Hon. Treasurer, Alhaj Mohamed Hemani, the Assistant Hon. Secretary, Alhaj Kumail Manji, the AFED Trustee, Alhaj Mushtak Fazal, the Central Health Board Chairman, Alhaj Shabbir Kermalli and Central Health Board Member, Dr. Mohamed Ramzan Sachedina visited Antananarivo, Madagascar from Thursday 8th to Tuesday 13th November, The Cardiac Camp was conducted by Dr. S. Rajan, Senior Consultant and Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon and Dr. K. Latchumanadhas, Senior Consultant Cardiologist from the Institute of Cardio-Vascular Diseases, Madras Medical Mission from Chennai, India. The delegation attended the 31st Session of the Conseil Régional Des Khojas Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamates De L océan Indien held in Antananarivo from 8th to 9th November, 2012 and also attended the 4th World Federation Executive Council Meeting from 9th to 11th November, 2012 at the same venue. Alhaj Mojize Raza Mahomed Hassan Khamis (then Vice Chairman of the Conseil Regional Des Khojas Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamates De L Ocean Indien) addressing the assembly. The AFED delegation met Office Bearers of the Regional Council of Madagascar, Antananarivo Jamaat and INSIMA officials, and they also visited the KSI Jamaat Madressah in the Antananarivo mosque complex in Antananarivo. The Central Health Board (CHB) organized a Cardiac Camp and Health Screening Program for all members of the Jamaats of Madagascar. The Program was held in Antananarivo from 8th to 12th November in collaboration with Conseil Regional of Madagascar. AFED Chairman, Anwarali Dharamsi addressing the Conseil Regional Des Khojas meeting in Madagascar. The meeting was attended by all AFED Office Bearers. The World Federation President, Dr. Asghar Moledina (seen on panel) also addressed the session. Federation Samachar 41

42 42 Federation Samachar

43 Around Africa Jaffery Complex Project Launched in Mombasa Model of the proposed Jaffery Complex At the invitation of the KSI Jamaat of Mombasa, the Africa Federation (AFED) Chairman Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi, accompanied by Vice Chairman, Alhaj Shabir Najafi, the Hon. Secretary, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, the Hon. Treasurer, Alhaj Mohamed Hemani, AFED Kenyan Trustee, Alhaj Sultan Molu, AFED Nominated Councillors from Kenya, Alhaj Amir Merali, Alhaj Gulamabbas Khaku and Alhaj Nishathusein Karim attended the historical Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Jaffery Complex Project in Mombasa. The event was held on 29th September 2012 (11th Zilqaad 1433 A.H.) on the auspicious occasion of the wiladat of our 8th Imam Ali Musa Ridha (A.S.) Also in attendance was the World Federation President, Dr. Asghar Moledina, leaders from various jamaats in Africa, dignitaries and guests from Africa, overseas and many members of Mombasa Jamaat. The program was superbly organized by Br. Asgher Molu heading the Organizing Committee and the volunteers. In his welcome address, the Chairman of Mombasa Jamaat, Alhaj Sajjad Rashid gave details of this mega project of Mombasa Jamaat which is earmarked for development at the Jaffery Complex. This will consist of a masjid, imambargha, madressah, multipurpose hall, Aalim Quarter, ghusalkhana, a housing scheme, new premises for the club and a commercial building to generate income to make the Jamaat self- sufficient. A Development Committee has been formed under the leadership of Alhaj Mohamed Hussein Jaffer who provided detailed information and plans of the project to the audience. Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi commended the vision and the long-term plan of Mombasa Jamaat and wished the project every success. He gave a brief history of the Jaffery Complex and paid tribute to elders and past leaders Federation Samachar 43

44 Around Africa Unveiling of the plaque of the Jaffery Complex. (From L to R): Sajjad Rashid, President of Mombasa Jamaat, Anwarali Dharamsi, AFED Chairman, Dr. Asghar Moledina, World Federation President, Amir Amarsi and Naushad Merali. of the Jamaat for their foresight. On such occasions, we should always remember the great personalities of our community in Mombasa. Thanks to their far-sighted visions, devotions and sacrifices, Mombasa Jamaat has reached where it is today. From our early settlement on the Kenya coastal belt in Lamu and Mombasa dating back to 1840 s and 1880 s, the community in Mombasa has produced towering personalities who have played significant roles in the evolution of our community as well as the development of the country. Today we reap the benefits of their epic contributions and their wisdom, vision and sacrifices. In the formation of this Club, back in 1920 s, we must recall and pay tribute to the founding members and the driving forces of the young men of those days, namely: Mulla Hassanali G. Khaki, Alhaj Habib Abdulla Janmohamed, Alhaj Hussein Karim Hirjee and Alhaj Abdullah Alimohamed Khalfan. Anwarali bhai said this project undertaken by Mombasa Jamaat is to meet the present and future housing needs of the community with 108 flats that will also provide shelter to needy and deserving members of the community. On behalf of the Africa Federation he reiterated AFED s earlier pledge to Mombasa Jamaat of a sum of US Dollars One Hundred and Fifty Thousand (US$150,000) towards the building cost of the housing for needy and deserving families. The AFED Chairman also thanked Dr. Moledina, the President of the World Federation of KSI Muslim Communities for the financial pledge by the World Federation. He also expressed gratitude to other project donors and well-wishers. A meeting was also held at the residence of the Alhaj Sajjad Rashid. Several important issues concerning our community in Africa and worldwide were discussed, in particular the current challenges encountered by Shias globally. The meeting also discussed the housing needs of some jamaats under the Africa Federation. The President of the World Federation, Dr. Asghar Moledina explained details about the project of recording history of the Khoja community. He appealed for support to make this a successful project. The Chairman of the Africa Federation and the President of the World Federation both paid a glowing tribute to Alhaj Hassan Ali M. Jaffer for his superb book, titled The Endangered Species - An account of the Journey of Faith by the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Community. Alhaj Anwarali said he felt that every family should obtain and read this book. The meeting was attended by the leaders of the World Federation, Africa Federation, KSI Jamaat of Mombasa and prominent members of the community from overseas and from Africa. 44 Federation Samachar

45 Around Africa FACT FILE : The Jaffery Complex Mombasa, Kenya The project is divided into four sections: 1) Religious Section: consisting of mosque, imambara, madresssah, aalim quarters and ghusalkhana 2) Housing Section: consisting of 100 x 3 bedrooms and 20 x 4 bedrooms apartments. 3) Commercial Project to generate income for the Jamaat s recurrent expenses. 4) Club House. Within three and a half months the following works have been done: Upon finalisation of the specifications, Bill of Quantities would be worked out and tender documents will be drawn. Construction will commence after tenders are awarded. Development by phases: Development of the Religious and Housing Sections are intended to be given priority. Developments of the Commercial Project and the Club will be undertaken once all the funding is available. 1. The Building Plans and the Master Plan have been drawn and formal approval for the same have been obtained from the City Council. 2. The following reputed consultants have been appointed: (1) Architect: Norbort Consultants (2) Structural Engineers: Manor Consultants (3) Mechanical & Electrical Engineers: ALDIS Consultants (4) Quantity Surveyors: Mandhry Associates (5) NEMA Advisors: Kurrent Technologies (6) Geo Technical Investigation: Crout & Shortcrete Since the Housing Complex consists of the tallest buildings in Mombasa, extensive geotechnical investigations were undertaken by drilling at five different locations at the plot the field work has been completed - initial results have been received comprehensive lab reports are awaited; The details of Plumbing, Drainage and Fire Hydrant systems, Electrical systems, Emergency backup power provisions, Power and lighting and A/C points, generators, Bio digester provisions, water systems, elevators etc., for the whole complex are in the final stages of completion; Specifications for interior works containing details of windows, door schedules, joinery works, kitchen cabinets, etc are finalized; Staircase details are in the final stages of completion to accommodate concrete bracing walls; Structural/civil engineering works are in progress. Both the natural and mechanical cooling systems for the premises in the religious section are being finalised in consultation with local and overseas suppliers Agreement for the Housing Project: This agreement is being drawn by two leading advocate firms in Mombasa, Atkinson Cleasby & Satchu and A. B. Patel & Patel. Rapport with the Public: The Office Bearers of the Jamaat and Development Committee convened a meeting of participants in the project and other interested parties on Sunday, 27th January, 2013 at Mulla Asgher Hall. They availed the floor plans, details of the front and rear elevations, specifications of the facilities to be provided in the apartments and answered all queries and concerns related to the project. Masjid or Musalla: Since the place of worship is to be constructed on a leasehold land, a Sigha of Waqf for Masjid cannot be pronounced as of now. Fervent efforts are however under way to get the allocation of FREEHOLD on a piece of land to be utilised as the place of worship. A Musalla (Bayt us Salaat) will be established. Donors will continue to get the benefit of Sawab-e-Jariah (perpetual benefit) for as long as the place is utilized as a Musalla (Bayt us Salaat) for the purposes of performing Salaat. When the FREEHOLD allocation is received, a Sigha of Waqf for the Masjid will be pronounced. The shape of a Masjid will be given to the Musalla for which necessary permission has been received from the Marja-e-Taqleed. Federation Samachar 45

46 Around Africa The 73rd Africa Federation Supreme Council Session Looking Ahead Africa Federation (AFED) Office Bearers with other attendees at the AFED 73rd Supreme Council Session in Arusha, Tanzania. The 73rd Supreme Council Session of the Federation of KSI Jamaats of Africa was held at the Naura Springs Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania from Friday, 27th to Saturday, 28th of April The Session had a motto, lookingahead, with a forward-looking plan that was introduced by the Hon. Secretary, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan during the presentation of the Secretariat report for the period April 2011 to March Minutes, reports and resolutions were circulated to the Councillors well in advance. The presentations of the boards were concise and forwardlooking, including highlights from the past year, with a focus on the challenges and plans for the future. On Thursday 26th April, 2012 Arusha Jamaat hosted a dinner after majlis at the Imambargah for all the Councillors and visitors. A welcome speech was made by the Arusha Jamaat President, Alhaj Gulamhusein Mukhtar and Hon. Secretary Alhaj Abbas Lalji. The Organizing Committee included Rizwan Peera (Chairman), Tahseel Sheriff (Secretary), Arif Bhimani (Treasurer), Jabbir Walli (Transport), Mubinabbas Lalji (Catering Dept), Mustafa Virjee, Abbas Karim, Aliasgher Mukhtar, Mohamed Kazim Alwani and Mohammed A Mawji. On Friday, 27th April 2012, the first assembly began after lunch with recitation of verses from the Holy Qur an. During this session, the Minutes of the 72nd Supreme Council Session were discussed and confirmed. The Hon. Secretary, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan presented the Secretariat Annual Report which was followed by a presentation by the Asst. Hon. Secretary, Alhaj Kumail Manji regarding the Africa Federation (AFED) income generating property investment. The Opening Ceremony took place on Friday night. The program commenced with recitation of verses from the Holy Qur an and Duae-Wahdah. The Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Alhaj Rizwan Peera and the President of the Host Jamaat, Alhaj Gulamhusein Mukhtar delivered their welcome addresses to a packed meeting hall. The Session was one of the most well attended in recent years, with representation from almost all AFED constituent jamaats and Councillors from the Regional Council of Madagascar led by their then President, Sabirhoussen Goulamaly (the then Vice President of the Africa Federation). The AFED Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi addressed the gathering in Gujarati. In his keynote address he covered issues currently affecting our community in Africa. He pointed out the challences we face with regard to the alleviation of poverty, affordable housing for low income earners, improving standard of living through economic empowerment and increasing funding for The Africa Federation. He also stressed the importance of Islamic family values and advised leaders to focus on Madressahs so that these generate high values of morality and spirituality from the grassroots level. The Chairman covered key areas of AFED activities since April, 2011 and pointed out the challenges regarding funding of various projects and activities such as higher education, tableegh, housing, medical and welfare. He repeated his plea for Hukuk Funds to be channeled through AFED. 46 Federation Samachar

47 Around Africa The AFED Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi addressing the session with delegates in attendance. The World Federation, President Alhaj Dr. Asghar Moledina also addressed Councilors, invitees and guests. He reiterated the World Federation s commitment to work together with the Africa Federation on a programme to eradicate poverty within the community over 10 years. He stressed that co-operation of constituent jamaats is crucial for this to succeed. Regarding housing schemes, Dr. Moledina said the World Federation will fully support the initiatives of the Africa Federation for its jamaats. He spoke about the Madressah Centre of Excellence that the World Federation is working on jointly with Regional Federations and invited all participants to attend the World Federation s 3rd Executive Council Meeting for the term 2011 to 2014 to be held in Dar es Salaam on 18th and 19th May, In his address, Alhaj Sabirhoussen Goulamaly emphasized unity and co-operation. He spoke about the current situation in Madagascar and various activities of the Regional Council in various jamaats with regard to tableegh, health, education and welfare. He said that one of the objectives of the Regional Council is to strengthen relationships with the jamaats of Reunion, Mauritius and Comoros Islands. He also requested AFED to provide teacher s training in Dar es Salaam for ten girls from Madagascar. All the Boards under the Africa Federation presented their reports and the following resolutions were presented: 1. AFED s Financial-Sustainability Project: the resolution was for approval to acquire a loan for the AFED income-generating realestate investment on Pugu Road in Dar es Salaam. This resolution was adopted. 2. The dissolution of the Mulla Asghar Memorial Academic Scheme (MAMAS) Board and the Settlement and Welfare Board (SETWEL). This was unanimously adopted. 3. Mombasa Jamaat put forward the resolution that a N.O.C (No Objection Certificate) for members who wish to get married outside their jamaat should be a standard requirement for all jamaats. Friendly amendments were made to the resolution before this was adopted. 4. The AFED Secretariat put forth a resolution that a Marriage Contract should be implemented by all jamaats and a Specimen was presented. This resolution was postponed to the next Supreme Council meeting. Sportsman and Sportswoman Winners The decision of the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year was a difficult one as there were a number of suitable candidates. Nominations for the Sportsman of the Year included Aliasgher Mukhtar (Arusha), Abidali Mamdani (Dar es Salaam), Irfan Ali Karim (Nairobi), Nazir Khatau (Mombasa) and Mohamedali Siwji (Zanzibar). Nominations for the Sportswoman of the Year included Fatema Somji (Arusha), Saeeda Jaffer (Dar es Salaam), and Anjum Khalfan (Mombasa). The Winners were Abidali Mamdani from Dar es Salaaam (Sportsman of the Year 2011) and Anjum Khalfan of Mombasa (Sportswoman of the Year 2011). In conclusion, the deliberations and presentations at this Session were forward-looking and forwardplanning. Many participants were encouraged by the improved manner in which the meeting was conducted, especially with regard to time management. The two days of deliberation were fruitful and constructive and the hospitality by Arusha Jamaat was excellent. Federation Samachar 47

48 Around Africa Maweni Housing Project completed in Dar es Salaam On 24th March, 2013, the Dar es Salaam Jamaat invited members of the community who were instrumental in the conception, planning and implementation of the Juma Haji Residency, Maweni Street project in Dar es Salaam. This building consists of 44 three bedroom flats with all essential amenities and the basement has a large storage space. The ceremony commenced with a short speech by the Africa Federation Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi. He was the President of Dar es Salaam Jamaat when the project was launched. Anwarbhai presented a symbolic key of the completed building project to the current President of Dar es Salaam jamaat, Alhaj Shiraz Walji. In his speech, Shiraz Bhai stressed the need for co-operation, vision and courage to accomplish such mammoth projects. The invitees were given a tour of the apartments on the 11th floor and enjoyed the breathtaking view from the terrace. The occasion was attended by the Dar es Salaam Jamaat Managing Committee, current and past Jamaat Trustees, past Presidents of the Jamaat, the Africa Federation delegation, construction committee members and stakeholders. The Maweni Project is the first Dar es Salaam Jamaat project to provide middle-income owners the opportunity to own a house at cost price. Mustafa Jaffer (Sabodo) Gifts T.Shs. 30M to Federation Samachar Prominent philanthropist, Br. Mustafa Rajabali Jaffer Hasham Sabodo has gifted T.Shs. 30 million (approx. USD 20,000) to the Federation Samachar to strengthen the production and global circulation of this publication of the Africa Federation. A short ceremony was held at Br. Mustafa s office on 15th April, 2013 where he presented cheques for T.Shs. 30M to Editor, Munir Daya and Associate Editor, Mahjabeen Daya. Mustafa bhai said he believes in the importance of the media and is impressed with the quality of journalism in Federation Samachar. Mustafa Jaffer (seated) hands over cheques of T.Shs. 30M to Editor of Federation Samachar, Munir Daya. Federation Samachar Editor, Munir Daya expressed his gratitude to Mustafa bhai for his generous donation. He said the publication is self-financing through community advertising and the funds will be used towards increasing circulation, international shipping costs and also to finance internships for leadership roles in the media. 48 Federation Samachar

49 Around Africa Tuwasiliane Festival attracts 41 Golfers The Africa Federation (AFED) Tuwasiliane Festival Golf Tournament was hosted by the KSI Jamaat of Moshi and Arusha on 2nd and 3rd February This was the first golfing event in which a competition of AFED was played on two venues, providing an exciting challenge for the organizers, and a wonderful retreat for participants. The Festival provided a platform for interactive communication and exchanges between the 41 golfers who played at Moshi s TPC Golf Course (TPC) and Arusha Gymkhana Club (AGC) Golf Course. Veteran golfers met with their counterparts from East Africa, junior golfers met for the first time, while the not-so-old, not-so-young golfers met with hugs for a good game of golf. On the opening night on 1st February, 2013 the Convener of the Festival, Alhaj Salim Khaki welcomed all participants to Moshi and Arusha. Murabbi Ahmed bhai Daya, Chairman of Moshi Jamaat welcomed all attendees on behalf of Moshi and Arusha. He read out a brief message from the Africa Federation Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali bhai Dharamsi, who could not attend due to an urgent trip to India. On Day One in Moshi, Kaunain Assaria of Nairobi and Salim Khaki of Moshi led in the handicap pack with 38 points each, followed very closely by Azim Dewji on 37 points. Kauser Jeraj led in the lower handicap category (0-12), with 35 points, followed by Arusha players Mahmood Somji (33 points) and Muzaffar Yusufali (31 points). The seniors group leader was Mustafa Dhanji (32 points), and the Juniors pack leader was Irfan Nanji with 28 points. On Day Two the course in Arusha was in excellent condition thanks to the untiring efforts of Murabbi Habib Yusufali and his green keepers group of Arusha Gymkhana Club. The final standing at the end of day two, after 36 holes of golf stood as follows: Juniors Winner Aliabbas Somji of Arusha 59 points Runner up Irfan Nanji of Nairobi 56 points Seniors Winner Mustafa Dhanji of Dar es Salaam 59 points Runner up Bashir Tejani of Arusha 55 points 0-12 Winner Kauser Jeraj of Dar es Salaam 69 points Runner up Mahmood Somji of Arusha 68 points Winner Kaunain Assaria of Nairobi 74 points 1 st Runner Up Salim Khaki of Moshi 72 points 2 nd Runner Up Ali Dewji of Dar es Salaam 69 points Federation Samachar 49

50 Around Africa Team Event Dar es Salaam Winner (Kauser Jeraj / Ali Dewji / Azim Dewji) 206 points TPC best score Azim Dewji of Dar es Salaam 37 points AGC best score Mukhtarali Assaria of Nairobi 36 points AGC player Anthony Frisby 37 points There were special trophies for: Closest to the pin at TPC Mahmood Somji / Murtaza Manji on hole no 8 at AGC Hameed Sheriff/ Yaazdan Assaria on hole no 16 Longest Drive at TPC Hasnain Rahim of Dar es Salaam on hole no 9 At AGC Ali Shariff of Dar es Salaam on hole no 17 The presentation ceremony was graced by the presence of Alhaj Mohamed Hemani, Hon. Treasurer of Africa Federation. In his speech at the ceremony, he assured AFED s support for all sporting events, stating that sports ensures a healthy community. Three generations of golfers from the Somji family, Mahmood Somji, Aliabbas Somji and Amir Somji played in the Festival. Alhaj Gulamhussein Mukhtar, President of Arusha Jamaat also assured his support. Alhaj Mahmood Somji, Chairman of AFED Sports Council thanked all participants for making the Tuwasiliane Festival a memorable event. Trophies and golf equipment were presented to the winners and runner-up positions, and this marked the closing of the Festival. Hospital Title Deed handed over to Arusha Jamaat Africa Federation Hon. Treasurer Alhaj Mohamed Hemani (left) handing over the Title Deed of the Ithnaashery Charitable Hospital to the President of Arusha Jamaat, Alhaj Gulamhussein Mukhtar. The Title Deed of the Ithnaashery Charitable Hospital has been duly transferred to the name of Arusha Jamaat. The Africa Federation (AFED) Hon. Treasurer, Alhaj Mohamed Hemani handed over the Title Deed to the President of Arusha Jamaat, Alhaj Gulamhussein Mukhtar when he was in Arusha from 2nd to 4th February, 2013 to attend the Tuwasiliane Festival Golf Tournament. The acquisition of this hospital in the name of the Khoja Shia Ithna-asheri Jamaat of Arusha resulted from a joint collaboration by the Africa Federation and the family of Alhaj Muslim Rehmtullah of Arusha. The Ceremony was attended by the Arusha Jamaat President, Alhaj Gulamhussein Mukhtar, Alhaj Muslim Rehmtullah and members of the Managing Committtee and the Medical Sub-Committee. Br. Hemani said that the Africa Federation extends its appreciation to the immediate past and present Managing Committee Members of Arusha Jamaat, Trustees, the Medical Sub-Committee of Arusha Jamaat and the family of Alhaj Muslim Rehmtullah for their co-operation and support in realizing this long vision of the Arusha Jamaat. 50 Federation Samachar

51 Around Africa New CEO at Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania Mr. Mumtazhussein Roshan Alloo has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania (BMMT) effective 1st January, Mr. Alloo has a long and vast experience having worked for the Tanzania Government for 40 years in senior positions. He held the position of Director of Air Navigation Services in Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority before retiring in early Mr. Alloo has travelled to many parts of the world, participating in many international and regional meetings, workshops, symposiums and trainings. Over a period of time he has established good public relations, networking with many agencies and institutions. Mr. Alloo is currently representing the Dar es Salaam Jamaat in the Africa Federation (AFED) Committee reviewing the Tanzania National Constitution and he has also been recently appointed to Chair the committee to review the constitution of the Dar es Salaam Jamaat. He has previously served as a Board member of Al Muntazir Islamic Seminary. The Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania (BMMT) is currently in the process of restructuring its head office in Dar es Salaam with the aim of improving efficiency and productivity for long term developments through sustainable operating and management systems. BMMT recently revised their organisation structure and the CEO assumes overall responsibility of the management. Whilst welcoming Mr. Alloo, BMMT bid farewell to Br. Mustafa Sheriff, the Executive Secretary of BMMT who completed his contract and left BMMT services at the end of 2012 to venture into dairy farming business. During his four years of service with BMMT, Mustafabhai was instrumental in streamlining the administration and initiating measures towards self-sufficiency of the Out-Centres and at BMMT Headquarters in line with the strategy adopted by the BMMT Executive Committee. Swaleha Mohamedali Chandoo receives DISES International Teacher Award Southern Illinois University s Division of International Special Education and Services (DISES) recently awarded Swaleha Mohamedali Chandoo with the DISES International Teacher award. The Award recognizes teachers with outstanding teaching skills who show compassion for students with special needs. DISES recognizes teachers great efforts and significant accomplishments in teaching students with exceptionalities. Commenting on the award, Swaleha, who has taught students with special needs at Arusha s Jaffery Academy since 2005, says she values her work with the institution. The Special Education Needs Department, which she founded and currently runs, has been gaining momentum since its establishment in She said she appreciates the good experience she received from when teaching at the Al Muntazir Islamic Seminary and Union Nursery School in Dar es Salaam. She also attributed her skills to the good education she received in Mombasa and in Dar es Salaam. The award was presented at the DISES reception on 5th April, 2013 at the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) 2013 Convention in San Antonio. Federation Samachar 51

52 Around Africa AFWB organises Health Fair in Dar es Salaam A one-to-one session in progress at the Health Fair. The Africa Federation Women s Board (AFWB) hosted a two-day Health Fair on 26th and 27th January, 2013 for women at the Imambargha in Dar es Salaam. The opening of the Fair was done with a welcome note by the Chair of AFWB, Ms. Fatim S. Somji. The Health Fair included various booths where ladies had a one to one session with professionals with whom they could discuss various issues such as the menstrual cycle, depression, acupressure, acupuncture, contraception, physiotherapy, importance of physical health and healthy eating as recommended in Islam. Screening was facilitated for ladies who had registered with a gynaecologist for Breast and Cervical Cancer screening or with a Radiologist for ultrasonography. The first day of the Fair included a demonstration of traditional Chinese therapy known as acupuncture and a demonstration of physiotherapy exercises. On the second day, a cooking demonstration was held wherein a demonstrator showed women how to cook healthy, low calorie food. Informative flyers were handed out to participants for awareness on several issues and stress balls were given as handouts to participants. Volunteer Neelam Ismail had this to say about the Fair, I facilitated a booth on the topic of depression and realized there are a lot of depressed women in the community. Most causes of depression were related to relationships with in-laws, and coping with stress and financial problems. Many of the women just needed someone to listen to them and get everything off their chest and they instantly felt better. I feel you could organize a workshop dealing with methods of de-stressing and coping with anxiety and stressful events. In addition, I believe that introducing a counseling session, especially family therapy is important because the root problem for depression began within the family for quite a few. These women reported to me having no-one to turn to. Other workshops in future could be on the topics of confidence and self-building as a lot of women have low self-esteem. Zahra Nagri-Mohamedhussein, who is a fifth year medical student said, The Health Fair, being the first of its kind was a successful event. There is definitely a need to conduct such programs more often for the benefit of community members. The Health Fair also provided a platform for medical students and future doctors like me to be recognized in the community. It gave us an opportunity to share our knowledge and to actively participate in creating health awareness and promoting healthy lifestyles in order to build a stronger and healthier community. 52 Federation Samachar

53 Around Africa CHB Organises Cardiac Camp in Antananarivo From L to R: Shabbir Kermalli, Chairman of the Central Health Board (CHB), Dr. S. Rajan, Prof. John Ban Razafindrabe (Deputy Minister, Ministry of Health, Madagascar) with Aunali Khalfan (Hon. Secretary of Africa Federation), Dr. Latchumanadhas and Riyaz Shujatali. Beginning on 8th November, 2012 the Africa Federation (AFED) s Central Health Board (CHB) held a three day Cardiac Camp for members of the Antananarivo Jamaat. The Cardiac Camp dates coincided with the 31st Session of Conseil Régional Des Khojas Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamates De L Ocean Indien (Regional Council), and the World Federation Fourth Executive Council Meeting held in Antananarivo. AFED and CHB held the Cardiac Camp in collaboration with the Regional Council and the Antananarivo Jamaat. It was the first medical camp of its kind to be held in Antananarivo, and was received well as 76 men and 49 women from the Antananarivo Jamaat signed up for diagnosis. On the first day, a delegation comprising of organizers paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Health (Ministre de la Sante Publique) of the Republic of Madagascar. The meeting was arranged by Alhaj Riyaz Shujatali, Chairman of the Medical Board of Conseil Regional. The delegation included Br. Shujatali, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, Hon. Secretary of Africa Federation, Alhaj Shabbir Kermalli, Chairman of the Central Health Board (CHB) of Africa Federation, as well as Dr. S. Rajan, Thoracic Surgeon and Dr. K. Latchumanadhas, Senior Interventional Cardiologist from the Institute of Cardio-Vascular Diseases, Madras Medical Mission of Chennai, India. The delegation met with the Deputy Minister, Professor John Ban Razafindrabe at his office. He was briefed on the activities of the Health Board, the purpose of the visit by the two Specialists from India and about the Cardiac Camp. Hon. Razafindrabe was pleased to hear about the efforts of the institutions and thanked the visiting consultants for travelling all the way to Madagascar to conduct the Cardiac Camp. He was pleased that the two consultants offered to train local doctors from the Madagascar Government Hospital, especially in the field of cardiology, at their facilities in Chennai, India. The Cardiac Camp was conducted at the Imambarghah, with separate arrangements for men and women. The overall administration was entrusted to the volunteers of KSI Jamaat of Antananarivo who were guided by CHB officials. The Cardiac Camp was headed by Dr. S. Rajan and Dr. K. Latchumanadhas. The Specialists, at the request of CHB, had brought in a new portable Echo machine from Chennai and the CHB brought in a new portable ECG machine which helped carry out instant medical diagnosis of the participants who received general consultation, tests for Body Mass Index, blood pressure, blood sugar (random) test, as well as Electro cardiogram (ECG) and Echo cardiographic Stress (ECHO) tests. Continued on page 54 Federation Samachar 53

54 With a Vision to make Mombasa and Kenya a hub to relief agencies, millers and traders. GRAIN BULK HANDLERS LTD Grain Terminal 54 Federation Samachar

55 Services include: + Discharge of bulk grain vessels; + Delivery to road and rail in bulk and bags; + Clearing and Forwarding; + Warehousing for bagged cargo; + Bulk silos for long term storage; + Railage of bulk/bagged consignments; + Fleet of trucks for shunting within Mombasa Island; + Gazetted and recognized by Kenya Revenue Authority (Customs and Excise Department) as a customs area allowed to receive cargo. Head Office: Grain House, Beira Road, Shimanzi P.O.BOX Mombasa, KENYA Tel: ( ) , , , Wireless: ( ) , Fax: ( ) , , , , (020) Mobile: (+254) , , , ISDN LINE gbh@grainbulk.com; Website: Federation Samachar 55

56 Around Africa Continued from page 51 CHB prepared special Check-up forms in duplicate, one retained by CHB and the duplicate given to the participant. The forms recorded medical results, doctor s observations and medical advice and prescriptions. The Specialists surmised that the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiac diseases (sometimes due to genetics, stress, or history of smoking or poor diet) are high in our community in Madagascar. This trend is similar to that of other jamaats in Africa. During the screening, seven new hypertension cases were diagnosed and 15 participants were advised to undergo further investigations for cardiac evaluation. The Central Health Board (CHB) of Africa Federation donated a brand new ECG Machine, a Blood Pressure Machine, a stethoscope as well as consumable items for the ECG machine to the Regional Council for use by the jamaats in Madagascar. Chairman of the Medical Board of the Conseil Regional, Alhaj Riyaz Shujatali and officials of the Conseil Régional of Madagascar, it was agreed that CHB would be making another visit to Madagascar, as there is a need for health screening in other jamaats in Madagascar where medical facilities are scarce. AFED and CHB officials thanked the Conseil Régional of Madagascar, the Antananarivo Jamaat and the Medical Board of the Conseil Régional of Madagascar for their invitation and hospitality. The support provided by Alhaj Riyaz Shujatali and Alhaj Rossanaly Mohammed Raza to make the Cardiac Camp a success was noteworthy. The CHB thanked the medical team of doctors, medical students and volunteers who participated in the Cardiac Camp. The doctors included Dr. S. Rajan and Dr. K. Latchumanadhas from Chennai, India, and Dr. Henri and Dr. Gilbert from Antananarivo, Madagascar. Those who assisted the team included Sr. Shamira Mohamed a 7th year medical student from Antananarivo, Br. Mohamed Ramzan Sachedina a 5th year medical student from Dar es Salaam and volunteers Sr. Sabira Alihussein, Sr. Fatema Visram, Sr. Farzana Mustafa, Sr. Sureya Goulamally, Sr. Kaniz-e-Fatema Akberali, Br. Mohamedraza Nourah, Br. Fareez Molou and Sr. Shahana Nassor. In a press release, AFED and CHB said that during a meeting with the 56 Federation Samachar

57 Around Africa AFED meeting with Central Bilal Board Standing from left: Alhaj Inayat Alidina, Hon. Secretary of CBB, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, Hon. Secretary of AFED, Alhaj Mohsin Lalji, Chairman of CBB, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi, Chairman of AFED and Alhaj Mohamed Hemani, Hon. Treasurer of AFED. Following the appointments of the Central Bilal Board (CBB) Chairman, Alhaj Mohsin A. Lalji and the Hon. Secretary, Alhaj Inayat Alidina, the Africa Federation (AFED) Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi and the Office Bearers held the first meeting with CBB on 22nd November, The AFED Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi assured CBB full support. Alhaj Mohsin Laji has a vast experience in the field of Tableegh having been involved in similar activities for many years. Likewise, Alhaj Inayat Alidina has wide experience in organization and administration. Both have shown great interest and determination in developing further the external Tableegh sector of AFED and in developing sound management and operating systems in Bilal Muslim Mission. The meeting covered several agendas, including the important role of the CBB in promoting the core aims and objectives of Bilal Muslim Mission, propagating the Madha ab of Ahlulbayt (AS) and in building a sound structure of manpower, operations and management. The Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi advised the CBB Chairman and his Secretary to revise the present Terms of Reference (ToR) of the CBB in order to operate effectively and productively towards fulfilling the aims and objectives of the CBB and the Africa Federation. Alhaj Anwarali advised them to visit the Bilal Muslim Mission in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda and also to visit branches and centres in these countries to meet with the leadership, volunteers and people. He said this would provide them with a good opportunity of understanding the various challenges the centres face in their areas and of the developments and activities being held there. It was also proposed that CBB should take two representatives each from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda to visit INISMA (Institution of Tableegh) in Antananarivo in Madagascar. INISMA have made great progress in the field of Tableegh. The new CBB address is: cbb@africafederation.org. Federation Samachar 57

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59 Around Africa Elections Conseil Regional des Khojas Shia- Ithna-Asheri Results Announced on 8th April, 2013: President: Alhaj Navazaly Rossanaly Molou Vice President/In-charge, Education: Alhaj Mohamed Raza Djivan Secretary General: Alhaj Anil Alimamod Rajabaly Treasurer: Alhaj Rafik Merally Assistant Treasurer and In-charge of Moussafirkhana: Alhaj Zaki Saleman Assistant to In-charge of Education: Alhaj Zoher Dinmamod In Charge, Tabligh: Alhaj Ahmed Alibay Soundarjee In Charge, Health: Alhaj Yakat Kadaya In Charge, Social: Alhaj Zahid Djivan In Charge, Communication/Tracking Investments: Alhaj Hussein Meralli Ballou In Charge, Sports and Recreation: Alhaj Shaik Rajabaly and Alhaj Reza Pirbay Dar es Salaam Elections held on 3rd July, 2012: President: Alhaj Shiraz Walji Vice President: Alhaj Azim Dewji Hon. Secretary: Alhaj Zulfikar Chandoo Joint Secretary: Alhaj Kauser Jeraj Hon. Treasurer: Alhaj Murtaza Habib Committee Members: Alhaj Hussein Dharsee Alhaj Husein Peera Alhaj Dr. Jaffer Dharsee Alhaj Murtaza Kara Alhaj Muslim Meghji Alhaj Shakil Dharamsi Alhaj Shaneabbas Jessa Trustees: Alhaj Husseinali Rajani Alhaj Abbas Jessa Alhaj Shafiq Abdulrasul Alhaj Mohamedtaki Rajvani Arusha Results announced 26th March, 2013: President: Alhaj Ghullamhussein Mukhtar Vice President: Alhaj Fayaz Dhirani Hon. Secretary: Alhaj Abbas B. Lalji Hon. Treasurer: Br. Mohammedraza Pardhan Committee Members: Alhaj Shabbir Virjee Alhaj Husseinabbas Lalji Alhaj Murtaza R. Valli Alhaj Fazal Datoo Trustees: Alhaj Mehboob Khalfan Alhaj Ali Seif Songea Elections held on 13th May, 2012: Chairman: Alhaj Mohammed Versi Secretary: Alhaj Abbas Hemani Treasurer: Br. Abbas Versi Asst. Secretary: Br. Roshan Dhalla Committee Members: Br. Alhaj Aunali Mawji Br. Yusuf Versi Maputo Elections held on 8th November, 2012: Chairman: Tammar Hemani Vice Chairman: Mohammedali Ladhani Secretary General: Syed Hasan Abbas Treasurer: Syed Imran Naqvi Mukhi: Maisam Bawa Kinshasa Elections held on 11th November, 2012: President: Br. Mehboob Alimohamed Rahemtulla Hon Secretary: Br. Nadim Vazir Hon Treasurer: Br. Muhammad Taqi Mukhi Committee Members: Br. Dilawar Khwaja Br. Shabir Bharvani Br. Asif Dalwala Br. Shabbir Virani Br. Ali Raza Vazir Trustees: Br. Safdar Chattoo Br. Saeed Vazir Br. Murtaza Kanani Federation Samachar 59

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61 Around Africa Dar es Salaam Jamaat Hosts Milad Un Nabi Program Former President of Tanzania, Alhaj Ali Hassan Mwinyi and Retired Brigadier Gen. Simba Waziri Simba being welcomed by Sheikh Murtadha Alidina to Dar es Salaam Jamaat s Eid Milad un Nabi Program at the Diamond Jubilee Hall. Vice President of Dar es Salaam Jamaat, Azim Dewji delivering his welcoming address. The Dar es Salaam Jamaat Tableegh Board in collaboration with the Tanzania Ithna Asheri Community (TIC) hosted a well-attended Miladun-Nabi program at the Diamond Jubilee Hall in Dar es Salaam on 17th February The Guest of Honour at the program was the former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, His Excellency Alhaj Ali Hassan Mwinyi. In his speech, Alhaj Ali Hassan Mwinyi stressed the importance of celebrating events to remember the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWW), the great personality who founded and promulgated Islam. The dignitaries who attaended included the Chairman of the Africa Federation, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi, the President of KSI Jamaat of Dar es Salaam, Alhaj Shiraz Walji, Chairman of TIC, Retired General Simba Waziri, Chairman of KSI Jamaat Tableegh Board, Alhaj Shakil Dharamsi, Imams of Mosques, Sheikhs from various local institutions and Madressahs, students from Hawzas, dignitaries and members of the public from several communities in Dar es Salaam. The Diamond Jubilee Hall was packed with guests who appreciated the program conducted by Master of Ceremonies, Sheikh Mulabbah. They listened attentively to lectures by Sheikh Murtaza Alidina, Resident Aalim of KSI Jamaat of Dar es Salaam, Sheikh Musa Hadi, the Chief of BAKWATA, Sheikh BaSaleh of Sunni Masjid, and Sheikh Abdulrazak of TIC. The President of Dar es Salaam Jamaat, Alhaj Shiraz Walji commended the good initiative and planning by the Tableegh Board of KSI Jamaat and the TIC in organising the Maulidi Program. He also thanked the Debating Society of Husseini Madressah and volunteers for successfully organizing the program, which required a lot of effort, time and commitment. The Secretariat of the Federation of KSI Jamaats of Africa applauded the efforts of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Dar es Salaam for organizing the program and for promoting closer association and cooperation with our Muslim brothers in Tanzania. Towards the end of the program prizes were awarded, including a laptop computer, a mini ipad, phones, cameras, a microwave oven and other items. All guests received a copy of the Holy Qur an donated by the kind courtesy of Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi for the benefit of the late Dharamsi family members. Federation Samachar 61

62 Muslim World News Crescent Village Receives Highest Award On 16th November, 2012, Ja fari Islamic Housing Corporation (JIHC), also known as Crescent Village and popularly referred to as the Complex in Toronto, Canada, received the highest award for Excellence from the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA). ONPHA represents 771 similar not-for-profit housing projects in Ontario, Canada. Canada. Prior to that, in October 2011 Crescent Village received the highest award from the Regional Housing Authority for its outstanding work and commitment to developing and supporting community based partnerships. The Crescent Village housing project was a proposal made to the Planning Board of the Jamaat of Toronto in the early 1980 s. The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario established Public Funding for subsidized housing in 1988, and when the Islamic Shia Ithna-asheri Jamaat of Toronto came to learn about the availability of the funding, it formed a team of volunteers including Brs. Murtaza Alibhai, Ghulamabbas Sajan, Hassanali Bhimji, Raza Sumar and Hyder Fazal under the chairmanship of Br. Sajjad Ebrahim to obtain funding. The Crescent Village project came to fruition in In 2013, Crescent Village will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary. Over the years, Crescent Village has provided affordable housing and good community living with programmes that involve religious, health and social activities. The success of the Crescent Village is reflected by the long waiting list of people who wish to reside there. JIHC recently announced that they have received approval for construction of 28 one-bed room apartments suitable for seniors. The ground breaking is planned for spring The major funding will be availed from the Province of Ontario through York Region, and the rest of the funding will be available by mortgage. The World Federation Media Strategic Committee In response to the appeal of various communities worldwide to set up a media response team to address the needs and aspirations of our communities worldwide, The World Federation has formed a Media Strategic Sub-Committee team. The team holds teleconferences on a periodical basis. All members share media stories of interest to take requisite action with preparing news releases for the media and the team has issued several press releases to date. The team includes the following members from various regions who have been selected based on their expertise in media related issues: Br. Munawer Rattansey, Chairman: Br. Munawer Rattansey is the Vice President of The World Federation since 2009 and is based in London, U.K.. Vice Chairman Br. Habib M. Habib: Br. Habib M. Habib is also the Honorary Secretary General of NASIMCO and is based in Seattle, USA. Br. Barkat Walji: Barkat Ali Walji is a lecturer in mathematics, researcher in Islamic history and a director of an investment trading company in London, U.K. Sr. Shyrose Jaffer-Dhalla: Shyrose Jaffer Dhalla is an educator who holds a master s degree in education, and also has degrees in psychology and sociology. She is based in Toronto, Canada. Br. Munir Daya: Munir Daya is the Editor of Federation Samachar and owns an agro-chemical company in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Sr. Mahjabeen Daya: Mahjabeen Daya is a Ph.D. candidate in postcolonial studies and also has degrees in English and Mass Communications. She is the Associate Editor of Federation Samachar. Br. Hasnain Walji: Hasnain Walji, has served as Secretary General, Vice President and President of The World Federation. He is based in Los Angeles, USA. 62 Federation Samachar

63 Muslim World News World Federation Raises Sterling Pounds 9,000 in Live Telethon In the wake of the escalating violent attacks in Pakistan against Shias, the World Federation hosted a live telethon appeal on Ahlulbayt TV on 17th March, 2013 to raise awareness of the genocide in Pakistan. In 2012, 173 separate attacks took place in Pakistan where over 700 people were killed. In 2013, these attacks have increased and continue to target minorities in Pakistan. Over 9,000 was collected from the Telethon and from donations received in the week after the live televised appeal. Donations can still be made by contacting relief@ world-federation.org. The funds will help families of those affected in Pakistan with day to day support, including covering the cost of medical care, temporary housing and food. The World Federation is also looking into long-term support that can be provided to those affected by these senseless attacks in order to help survivors and families rebuild their lives. Hajj Exhibition From Ritual to Spiritual L to R: Zahra Jaffer, Fatima Alibhai, Sukaina Panju, Salma Alibhai, Naqqiya Abdulrasul, Fatima Jessa, Shabnees Siwjee and Dr. Hasnain Walji, Aunali Moledina, Murtaza Panju, Mohamed Walji, Hasnain Karim, Ahmed Sagarwala, Shafiq Ebrahim. Not in photo: Mazahir Somji, Akeel Karim, Maulana Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi and other volunteers. The Mulla Asghar Memorial Library and Islamic Resource Centre (MARC) inaugurated a Hajj Exhibition on September, After eight months of preparation, a team designed the exhibition with stunning visual and auditory aspects to convey the deeply personal experience of Hajj A Journey of a Lifetime with the goal of touching the heart and transforming the pilgrim. The inauguration of the exhibition was attended by the Vice President of the World Federation, Alhaj Munawwar Rattansey, President of NASIMCO, Alhajj Gulam Najafi, and President of Toronto Jamaat, Alhaj Ali Raza Rajani and many others. The media and visitors from all faith communities were invited to deepen their understanding of the significance and history of the Hajj through numerous displays and presentations. Visitors were transported to the year 1325 as they viewed the epic journey of famous world traveler Ibn Battuta in the IMAX movie, Journey to Mecca in the footsteps of Ibn Battuta. MARC is managed by Dr. Hasnain Walji assisted by Murtaza Panju, Aunali Moledina and Mohammed Walji with a team of volunteers including Naqiya Abdulrasul Project Coordinator, Salma Alibhai Lead Design Team, Fatima Jessa Lead Exhibition Content Team, Hasnain Karim Lead Media Team, Fatimah Kermalli, Shelina Dhalla, Fatima Alibhai, Sukaina Panju Zehra Alibhai and Shafique Ebrahim Public Relations. Assisting them were a dedicated team of volunteers and staff who were all instrumental in creating the Hajj Exhibition. MARC strives to foster community cultural life by hosting exhibits, housing historic fine arts, literary collections and providing spaces that attract scholars, students and the general public to read, study and browse. Federation Samachar 63

64 Muslim World News On my return from Hajj, I was approached by Fatima Jessa of the Mulla Asghar Memorial Library and Islamic Resource Centre (MARC). Fatima wanted to know what I would do with the space, as a graphic designer, to create a Hajj exhibition. The Concept Salma Alibhai, the interior decorator, had composed everything from the floor tiles to the ceiling lighting to work together in harmony. Creating a design for the space required something not overpowering. The Hajj Exhibition A Team Project By Ahmed Raza Sagarwalla In the library hall there is a staircase with a curved handrail made of glass and stainless steel, and floor to ceiling arches. It struck me that the entire room was like a miniature cross-section of the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-haram) in Mecca. Once I saw this parallel, ideas began to flow; floor to ceiling panels with large images to portray the scope of the holy pilgrimage, suspending a replica of the Kaaba above the stairway, the largest arch opposite the stairway would be Safa and Marwa, and every section of the exhibition would be a walkthrough of each ritual in the actual order in which it is done. Anyone that visited the exhibition would, in fact be performing a mock Hajj. Can It Be Done? Our team felt that some of our ideas were challenging to execute. Suspending a Kaaba above the stairs would require safety and hardware requirements to be met. We also wanted to create a Makam-e-Ibrahim An exhibit depicting a family of Hajis in Ihram. and a Jamarat. Printing floor to ceiling is also quite challenging. Then there was the choice of materials to use for each component. Finally, cost was the final hurdle to overcome. With our wish list, Salma requested funds to be allotted and hammered out timelines, Fatima was hard at work generating content and fact checking with Akil Kareem and Toronto Resident Aalim, Maulana Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi. A logo, colour scheme and measurements were my tasks. We then embarked upon a journey of eight months to research and compose the write-ups, photography, design, printing, sculptures, videography, lighting, background sounds, mounting hardware, material of Kaaba (hand-stitched) and props. Several weeks were dedicated to marketing initiatives and outreach. Journey of a Lifetime This is what we envisioned. As you arrive at the door of the Hajj exhibition, you would be greeted by a family of Hajis in Ihram along with a wide-angle shot of the Masjid al- Haram. This would be complemented with audible recitations from the Qur an. Once the entrance is passed, your eyes are automatically pulled down the hall and towards the Kaaba. Most patrons are brought to the centre of the hall before looking at the panels near the entrance. If you are not of this group, the first arch you would see is about Madinah 64 Federation Samachar

65 Muslim World News which is traditionally the first destination. On the opposite wall is an introduction to all the aspects of Hajj and a glass case containing all items a traveller would need to have for Hajj. Once briefed on the aspects of Hajj, the next item you come across is the story of Hazrat Ibrahim and how it relates to Hajj. A television mounted to the wall shows a short clip covering aspects of the pilgrimage. This is followed by a long arch containing information about the Kaaba, Qibla, Zamzam, Hajar-e-Aswad (Black Stone), Safa and Marwa and Sa ee. Opposite this arch is the stairway to the basement library and Kaaba suspended from the ceiling. From the gold stitching to the pattern on the black fabric, the attention to detail of the Kaaba is impressive. The handrail around this replica is much like the wall around Hajar-e-Ismail. Further into the exhibition is a second television showing clips from Hajj followed by a panel on Arafat and Dua-e-Arafat, which also plays in the background. This portion of the exhibition is layered by tent material representing the tents used by pilgrims in Arafat. Following Arafat is Muzdalifah. This massive panel measures 26-feet wide and over 12-feet high. There is a background of slate mountains with a panoramic view of thousands of people staying the night to pray and collect stones. Suratul-Fil and a translation of the Surah appear with a synopsis of a pilgrim s stay in this barren land. After Muzdalifah, is Mina, presented by several panels on the city of tents, the procedures of halaq (shaving of one s head) and qurbani (slaughtering of an animal). A stone sculpture in the middle of this area represents the jamarat. To show the changes to the three jamarat in Mina, a mesh cloth is wrapped around the sculpture to show the original in An exhibit of the Holy Kaaba suspended from the ceiling. contrast to the current stone structure. The clinking sound of stones being thrown at the jamarat is audible in the background. The final panel of the exhibition is a collection of reflections from prominent Muslims upon returning from Hajj. If you were to finish the exhibition and head downstairs to the library, you would have the opportunity to watch the film, Journey to Mecca in the Footsteps of Ibn Battuta. Summing it up Thanks to our team s efforts, the community was presented with a stunning exhibit. People inside and outside the community made comments that this exhibition was like being in a top museum or science centre, and one group said it was world class. Federation Samachar 65

66 Muslim World News JIBA Hosts Exciting 19th International Conference in Ahmedabad JIBA International Team at the 19th International Conference in Ahmedabad. The largest city of Gujarat, Ahmedabad hosted the 19th International Jaffery International Business Association (JIBA) Conference on 3rd to 4th November, Ahmedabad is the fastest developing city in India. The conference was a great success, with more than 1000 delegates participating. A major exhibition and trade fair, consisting of 52 exhibitors from 14 different sectors was also held and this was the first of its type in the history of JIBA. JIBA is the economic development wing of our community, which works with a motto of Economic Development through Mercantile Brotherhood. JIBA International has always thrived in making mercantile relationships within our community strong. The conference was a great stepping stone in the journey of JIBA since its inception in The conference created new benchmarks and benefited most of the participants in terms of identifying new businesses, making diversification strategies and in making expansion and collaboration plans. The two days of the gala event were full of life with lots of networking and interactive programs at the grand venue of the Gujarat University Convention and Exhibition Centre, equipped with state of art facilities. Participation from all over the world, right from developed communities like USA, UK to emerging economies like Africa, Asia was remarkable. Rural participation from smaller towns of Gujarat was also noteworthy. The conference started with recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by Dua E Faraj and was given a secular feel by playing the National Anthem which was then followed by a range of lectures and speeches given by the JIBA International Team, Office Bearers, Chief Guest, other experts and consultants of various business fraternities. 66 Federation Samachar

67 Muslim World News The JIBA 19th International Conference was attended by over 1,000 delegates. Experts made presentations on different topics that were discussed in detail. These included: Power of Entrepreneurship, Youth Entrepreneurship, Making your business Ibadat and becoming a leader, Starting up a new venture, Branding a tool to overcome competition, Role of Business Women in Islam, Herbal innovation, Business Chain Management, Lifestyle habits after the age of 45, Business opportunities in Gujarat, Sibling rivalry in business and Cottage Industries (presentations are accessible on the internet). The Trade Fair had 52 Stalls of different products and services from different parts of the world. Products and services displayed included: Safety Equipment, Visa Consultation booths, Medical Tourism, Real Estate, Electronics, Gemstones, Schools, Solar Power, Info Tech, Banking, Textiles, Machineries, Food and Beverages, Cottage Industries and others. The feedback from exhibitors was very positive as they made good sales and also developed a large database of potential clientele for future business. On 3rd November, 2012 delegates participated in Eid E Gadeer celebrations where Ashaars were recited in praise of the Infallibles. The program was delightfully enjoyed by participants. On 4th November, 2012 there was a surprise program of Light Jokes and a JIBA Quiz with prizes along with distribution of mementos. Twenty tables were allocated to different experts (consultants) including chartered accountants and financial services experts, finance and banking experts, business with China experts, small and medium scale industrialists, cottage industries experts, doctors, architects, solar power experts, visa consultants, herbal innovation experts, info tech experts, real estate experts and others. Participating delegates visited these tables to discuss their problems and future development plans. A Souvenir issue for the Conference was distributed with a welcome kit. This has a detailed data base of participating delegates with their names, contact details and their line of business. This book is considered to have the largest databank of our business community. Federation Samachar 67

68 Muslim World News AFED and NASIMCO Meeting in Toronto Project in Dar es Salaam and the initiatives taken by the Federation to generate income for its various activities. NASIMCO Chairman, Br. Gulamabbas Najafi briefed Br. Khalfan on the requirements of the Canadian Government in reporting of financial aid and the format of reporting on such aid provided to the Regional Federations by NASIMCO. From Left: NASIMCO Office Bearers Alhaj Syed Imtiaz Naqvi (Hon. Treasurer), Gulamabbas Najafi (President) and Aunali Khalfan, (Africa Federation Hon. Secretary). On 1st February, 2013, officials of the Africa Federation (AFED) and the Organization of North American Shia Ithna-Asheri Muslim Communities (NASIMCO) met at the Jaffari Islamic Centre in Toronto, Canada to discuss issues of mutual interest. The meeting was attended by Alhaj Aunali Khalfan (AFED Hon. Secretary), and NASIMCO Office Bearers Alhaj Gulamabbas Najafi (President), Alhaj Syed Imtiaz Naqvi (Hon. Treasurer) and Alhaj Habib M. Habib (Hon. Secretary General) who participated via teleconference from Seattle. Br. Khalfan expressed AFED s gratitude to NASIMCO leadership and community members of Toronto Jamaat for their support and cooperation. He underscored the importance of collaboration between the Regional Federations to enhance developments in various programs. Br. Khalfan provided a brief outline of the activities of the Africa Federation, and the current focus of the Federation in the development of housing for the needy and deserving members of AFED Jamaats. He talked about the Al Qaéem Housing Project in Arusha and also spoke about the Pugu Road Commercial Br. Seyed Imtiaz Naqvi explained the process in more detail. He will provide some guidelines for the Africa Federation to comply with in future. Br. Najafi assured Br. Khalfan that NASIMCO will promote the Africa Federation s Al Qaéem Housing Project in Arusha, and will help to solicit funds from donors. The Project is currently short of US$1,060,795 Br. Khalfan thanked NASIMCO for assisting in the administration of loan repayments from students residing and working in North America. NASIMCO officials expressed their appreciation to the Africa Federation for the support of the Jaffari Community Centre and the Jaffari Village project located at 9000 Bathurst in Toronto. Earthquake Jolts Iran and Pakistan On 17th April, 2013 an earthquake toppled homes and shops on both sides of the Iran-Pakistan border, killing many people in both countries and causing skyscrapers to sway as far as in the United Arab Emirates. This was the second earthquake to hit Iran in less than a week. On 10th April, 2013 an earthquake that measured 6.3 on the Richter Scale struck southern Iran killing at least 32 people and injuring hundreds. In 2003, the southeastern city of Bam was struck by an earthquake measuring 6.6 on the Richter Scale. The earthquake left more than 26,000 people dead. 68 Federation Samachar

69 Muslim World News World Federation s Fourth Executive Council Meeting The Fourth Executive Council meeting of the World Federation (WF), for the term , took place on the 10th and 11th of November 2012 in Antananarivo in Madagascar. The island of Madagascar is home to about 5,000 Khoja Shia Ithnasheri Muslims based across 16 Jamaats. The meeting was hosted by the Conseil Regional De L Ocean Indien (Regional Council of Jamaats within the Indian Ocean) and by Antananarivo Jamaat. The meeting was well attended by Councillors representing various regions from across the globe, including Africa, Pakistan, India and Europe, in addition to the large number of invitees and observers. of observations were shared by the Councillors. Generation Plan: The WF Secretary General, Shan E Abbas Hassam introduced the second flagship project of the term: The Generation Plan. He talked about how the World Federation, Regional Federations and Jamaats should have clarity on what programmes and services to offer in order to best serve today s needs. He said that to assess this, a census of our community, both quantative and qualitative will be conducted in 2013, and the data will be presented at the 2014 Triennial Conference. The meeting began with a warm welcome by the then Vice President of the Antananarivo Jamaat, Mujis Bhai Khamis, and Africa Federation (AFED) Councillor, Mohamed Reza Khamis. The Chairman of the Africa Federation Anwarali Dharamsi gave a heartfelt opening speech. Both Anwar Bhai and Mohamed Reza Bhai spoke of the development of their respective institutions. President s Address and Observations: The President of the World Federation, Dr. Asghar Moledina, addressed delegates with his observations on the state of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Community since the last Executive Council Meeting held in May, 2012 in Dar es Salaam. Dr. Moledina spoke of many challenges facing the community. He spoke of the importance of unity, saying that the undermining of institutions and individual egos have threatened the progress of our community. He mentioned the tensions in the Middle East which the World Federation is discretely assisting in, the challenges facing our Aalims and Zakiras, the need for more assistance in the fields of match-making and the importance of furthering the Madresah Centre of Excellence. A number He proposed that a team be created to analyse the data, liaise with the Federations and create a Generation Plan. At the request of the Executive Council, Councillor Hassan Bhai Abdulhussein (Abullo) proposed the following resolution which was passed unanimously by the House: The World Federation has been in existence for 36 years and it was in 2003 when the organization launched the first ever strategic plan for our community. The time has now come that as a community we need to ensure that a generation plan is created for the community to ensure that as a global strategic organization we prepare and plan for the next generation. The Fourth Executive Council Session in Antananarivo hereby RESOLVES that: The Secretariat shall enjoy the full support, commitment and cooperation from the Members in delivering the Generation Plan. In addition, the Members commit to provide resources to the Generation Plan to ensure the collection of data from their respective regions. This will enable the worldwide collection of census data under the Generation Plan. Federation Samachar 69

70 Muslim World News The Generation Plan will be an agenda item at the next Triennial Conference. Eradication of Poverty: One of the highlights of the Executive Council Meeting was a forum on the eradication of poverty. The forum enabled delegates to work towards developing a vision statement to eradicate poverty from our community within the next 15 years. Some very moving success stories were heard from delegates about their past and how they overcame poverty. Towards the end of the forum delegates had a deeper understanding of the magnimity of the problem and the wide scope of potential solutions. A paper with the vision statement and objectives will be tabled at the next Executive Council meeting for adoption. also reported on the 9th Annual Madinah and Bab Youth Course successfully undertaken by 60 young participants from across the globe. He said that the WF Office has started a pilot course in information technology for Hawza students in Mumbai with Jamea Amir ul-mumineen based at Najafi House. Madrasah Centre of Excellence (MCE): Naushad Bhai Mehrali, Head of the Madrasah Centre of Excellence, gave an overview of the MCE. He spoke about the inroads made in Curriculum Development, Teacher Training, Learning Resources and Assessment/ Evaluation. The World Federation Foundation Fund: Education: The Assistant Secretary General (ASG) of Education, Mahmood Bhai Dhala reported that from January, 2012 over 50,000 of loan re-payments were received which financed new student loan awards. He also spoke of the launch of the Walji Alibhai Pradhan Loan Scheme for students looking to undertake a bachelor s degree in the West. Under this scheme, each successful applicant will be awarded up to 5,000 per academic year for three consecutive years to assist with their studies. Br. Shan-e-Abbas Hassam requested that a strategic paper be drawn up on the alternatives to our current higher education centres. He requested that a search be made for new locations, countries and universities where our community members could attend in the future with high quality education and with lower tuition fees, especially as tuition fees in the UK have increased manifold over 2011 and Syed Aliraza Naqvi, ASG of Islamic Education spoke about the progress made in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. He The Head of the WF Foundation Fund, Sibtein Bhai Asaria reported that his team had successfully raised USD $1.2 million in the last six months for the World Federation Foundation Fund. Sibtein Bhai proposed that an Investment Advisory team be formed within the World Federation Foundation Fund team to guide and advise the trustees who will have to commit and decide on these investments. Presentation of Accounts: The Hon. Treasurer, Reza Bhai Hooda gave a clear and concise report of the WF s financial standing. Kurla Imambargha reconstruction in Mumbai, India: A proposal was made about the Kurla Imambargha Project and passed by the Executive Council for funds to be utilized from the World Federation ijaza. The World Federation and Africa Federation jointly pledged US$150,000 to this project. 70 Federation Samachar

71 Muslim World News Habib M. Habib honoured Habib M. Habib has been recognized for his political record of providing long standing services to the Seattle, Washington community. Praising him for his dedication, knowledge and citing his numerous previous awards and accolades, USA Congressman Jim McDermott presented Mr. Habib with a plaque at an event on 17th March, 2013, in front of an audience consisting of high profile dignitaries, special invitees, and party and community leaders. Mr. Habib was especially lauded for his leadership efforts in organizing two U.S trade missions to India as well as for a Washington State Summit on U.S-India Trade and Commerce which has greatly encouraged trade relations between the two countries. USA Congressman Jim McDermott presents Washington State Democratic Party Treasurer Habib M.Habib with a plaque for his voluntary services. Mr. Habib s prolific political career was profiled in the August 2010 issue of Federation Samachar. He is currently the Washington State Democratic Treasurer. He also serves as the Secretary General of NASIMCO, as a Councillor on the Executive Council for the World Federation and is the Vice-Chair of the World Federation Media Committee. Ghulam Abbas Sajan recognised Ghulam Abbas Sajan has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his significant contribution to community service. Ghulam bhai was also honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in the year On 26th June, 2012 in a ceremony at the Provincial Parliament in Toronto, Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Peter Shurman recognized Ghulam Abbas Sajan as an active member of the community who has also served as President of the Islamic Shi a Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Toronto. Ghulam bhai has been involved in various interfaith activities, including 32 years of acting Ghulam Abbas Sajan receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal from MPP Peter Shurman as co-chair of the Mosaic Interfaith Group, representing and promoting dialogue between various religious groups. In 2005, he was appointed to the Ontario Human Rights Commission and served for three years. Federation Samachar 71

72 Obituaries Marhum Haji Houssenaly Goulamaly Hiridjee Marhum Haji Houssenaly Goulamaly Hiridjee of Antananarivo, Madagascar passed away on Friday 5th October, 2012 in Madagascar. Marhum was the Chairman of the Conseil Regional of Madagascar from 1980 to 1983 and he also served as President of Antananarivo Jamaat. He was an ardent supporter of the Africa Federation and was also a Councilor representing the Conseil Regional of Madagascar for many years. Marhum regularly attended conferences of the Africa Federation and Supreme Council sessions and last year when a strong Africa Federation delegation visited Madagascar he made a special effort to attend a grand Africa Federation award ceremony function held at the Antananarivo Mosque Marhum Professor Sibta-e-Jafar during the wiladat of the Holy Prophet (SAW) on 9th February, 2012 where he received an award. Marhum was a person committed to the community and he devoted valuable time and resources in the cause of spreading Islam. He was a dedicated leader with a good foresight and he was often consulted for guidance by community members. The Africa Federation sent condolences to his family, the Conseil Regional of Madagascar and the KSI Jamaat of Antananarivo. We pray that Allah (SWT) rests the soul of the deceased in Eternal Peace. Prominent educationist and the Principal of Government Degree College, Qasimabad, Professor Sibta-e- Jafar, was shot dead in a targeted attack in Liaquatabad, Pakistan, on 18th March, He was a well renowned professor, poet and reciter. Marhum Jafar, 56, had left the college on his motorcycle in the afternoon when two assailants on a motorcycle shot him. He was taken to hospital where he died. Marhum was known for his simplicity, honesty and philanthropy. He initiated seven colleges in interior Sindh, each costing around Rs. 6 million. He set up many educational centers and helped thousands of poor students. Apart from looking after five welfare centers, he monitored numerous charities and orphanages and ran a school in Tando where Muslim and Hindus studied for free. His work was even recognised by Harvard and Columbia Universities. All his life, Marhum Jafar kept an old motorcycle but you needed to call him only once for help in any personal or academic matter and he would arrive at the appointed place, recalled Prof. Mirza Athar Hussain, a former president of the Sindh Professors and Lecturers Association. Marhum was a the principal of a college of 5,000 students and trained many students in reciting marsiyas. Jafar s students remember him for his simplicity and love for Urdu poetry. He was well-versed in Urdu, Arabic and Farsi. He had authored several books and wrote thousands of marsiyas and nohas. A month before his death, Marhum told students in a seminar, I am constantly receiving death threats from outlawed militant outfits. I am being offered full support for United States or Canada migration. But why would I go? My whole life is spent in service of Imam Hussain (AS) who got martyrdom for saving Islam. If I am to die for the same cause, why would I leave this country? I preach martyrdom, I enlighten about martyrdom, I write in praise of martyrs then why should I run away from it? For a Muslim, martyrdom is the ultimate success. After his death a young non-shia boy was found crying outside Marhum s home. When people consoled him, he said, Ustad gave me Rs.150 everyday so that I could eat food. The assassination of Prof. Sibt-e-Jafar is yet another chapter in the long list of meaningless acts of terrorism which have occurred in Pakistan against Shias in the last few years. In March 2013, it was reported that since the beginning of the year nearly 400 Shias have been targeted and killed. May Allah SWT place Marhum amongst the chosen ones. 72 Federation Samachar

73 Marhum Haji Mu allim Kassamali Abdulrasul Chandoo Marhum Haji Mu allim Kassamali Abdulrasul Chandoo passed away on Saturday, 5th January, 2013 in Zanzibar. Born in Zanzibar on 7th April, 1937, Marhum Mu allim Chandoo was an amiable and modest person well known to many community members. His kindness and religious support to individuals is well known. Many will recollect that when their close relatives passed away, Marhum would take them to the grave of the deceased to recite duas immediately after the burial. Marhum Mu allim Chandoo studied in Oregon, USA. After completing his studies he returned to Zanzibar where he taught for many years. He was a devout and religious person. Professor Abdul Sheriff of Zanzibar recalls that when Marhum was doing his first university degree in Oregan in 1962, he even went to see the bank manager to ask if he could keep his scholarship money in the bank without receiving any interest. The manager was surprised, but he respected his customer s religious beliefs. After earlier taking up employment in Saudi Arabia and performing as many pilgrimages as he could, Marhum Mu allim Chandoo soon returned to Dar es Salaam to teach at Al Muntazir Islamic Seminary and practice religious work. Eventually he returned to Zanzibar to continue this work. While being deeply religious, Marhum Mu allim Chandoo taught religion in a non-sectarian way. He would stop at any mosque at the time of prayers because he considered all mosques houses of Allah (SWT). Marhum Mu allim Chandoo lived a very simple life. He believed he needed only a couple of sets of simple white clothes and his characteristic white cap, which he would wear at every occasion. Whatever money he was able to save he shared with other less fortunate ones. Marhum Salim Rajabali Dosani Obituaries He believed that charity is a duty and should be done without being disclosed. He was known to give away almost all his savings every month and in some cases he would waive loans that he had given, saying that the money should be forwarded to a charitable cause. With such benevolence and kindness he won the respect of all Muslims and probably many non-muslims who crossed his path. Marhum Mu allim Chandoo ate very little, which may have been part of his charitable heart. In the last few years of his life he was unwell and confined to his home in Malindi, and later to his bed. He was nursed by his wife who stood by him as much as he had stood by her. He never complained about his illness although he was in obvious pain, always thanking Allah (SWT) for the life He had granted him. Those who have had the fortune of meeting Marhum Mu allim Chandoo or who have been taught by him will forever remember him. The Africa Federation sent condolences to his family. We pray that Allah (SWT) rests his soul in Eternal Peace and in the proximity of the 14 Masumeen (AS). Salim bhai Rajabali Dosani of Gujarat, India, fondly known as Chotubhai passed away in Ahmedabad, India on Friday, 22nd March, 2013 at the age of 55. He was held in very high esteem by Ayatullah al-uzma Sayyid Ali al-husaini Seestani. Salim bhai came from a family of philanthropists. His father, Late Rajabali bhai Dosani was one of the founding fathers of the Council of Gujarat. Marhum Mulla Asgherali M.M. Jaffer was hosted by the Dosani family when visiting Ahmedabad. Marhum Salim bhai was a dynamic anchor of co-operation in much of the work that the World Federation and the Africa Federation did in Gujarat and Kutch. He helped office bearers during their trips and drove them to ongoing projects in remote areas. He also assisted people who came to Ahmedabad for medical treatment. The World Federation and the Africa Federation sent messages of condolence to the Dosani family. In his condolence message, Br. Anwarali Dharamsi, President of the Africa Federation expressed his sadness and said that Br. Salim bhai s death has left a big vacuum which will be difficult to fill.we pray that Allah (SWT) rests his soul in Eternal Peace and in the proximity of the 14 Masumeen (AS). Federation Samachar 73

74 Profile The Karims A Dynasty of Sportsmen Three Generations, Two Sports, One Family. A much awaited documentary film and a coffee table book about the achievements of the Karim family in the world of sports will be launched in June, 2013 in Nairobi, Kenya. The documentary and book reflects the history of the family in sports and business from the time when Yusuf Karim migrated to Mombasa, Kenya with his parents Ahmed and Sherbanu from India in 1937 at the age of two. Yusuf loved playing tennis and cricket, and by the time he was 16 years old (1951) he had already became the Coast Tennis Champion. He held on to this crown up to 1977 for 25 consecutive years in the Mombasa Residents Tournament where his opponent for the 25th title was his eldest son Aarif. Yusuf Karim In 1974, Yusuf played tennis for Kenya in the All Africa Games in Egypt, returning home with a bronze medal. Yusuf also excelled in cricket and represented the Asians against the Europeans in the annual fixture in Mombasa. He was the Captain of the Jaffrey Sports Club Mombasa for several years and scored 18 centuries in his short career. The Africa Federation awarded him with the Abul Fazal Trophy in 1965 and the Abbasi Medal in The documentary film illustrates Yusuf s sporting career as well as the challenges that he and his family underwent.the journey ends with introducing young cricketer Irfan Karim, a remarkable cricketer who seems to follow in his grandfather s footsteps. Over the years, Yusuf s sons Aarif, Altaf and Aasif also excelled in sports. Aasif excelled as a tennis champion and went on to play in the Davis Cup for Kenya. Aasif went to the U.S.A. on a tennis scholarship and graduated with a degree in Business and Insurance from Howard University in Washington, D.C. in Aasif represented Kenya for 23 years which included playing four International Cricket Council (ICC) Associate Trophies, three World Cups and once in the Commonwealth Games. His most unforgettable performance was in 2003 against then World Champions, Australia. In 1980, Aasif was first called to the national cricket team for a tour to Zimbabwe when he was just 17 years old. This tour enabled him to secure a permanent place in the team for the next 23 years. 74 Federation Samachar

75 Federation awarded him with the Abul Fazal Trophy in Aasif is married to Nazneen, and they have four children, Fatema, Irfan, Zainab and Imran. As a member of the Nairobi Jamaat, Aasif has served as President during the past four years and has implemented several projects including a housing project for first time home owners. Aasif Karim Aasif played his first World Cup in 1996 when Kenya caused a major upset by defeating the mighty West Indies. During this tournament, he finished as fourth best bowler out of 12 teams on the economy rate. Three years later he was chosen to lead Kenya in the 1999 World Cup in England. Aasif retired after the England tour to concentrate on his insurance business. In the next four years he hardly tossed a ball until he was re-called for the 2003 World Cup (in South Africa) in which he gave a spectacular performance against the Australians with a fantastic spell of 3 wickets for 7 runs in 8.2 overs. These were the last wickets of his great career that will never be forgotten. He took the wickets of then Aussie Captain, Ricky Ponting, Darren Lehman and Bradd Hogg. For his brilliant performance he was named the Man-of-the-Match and finished with the second best economy rate in the World Cup, behind England s Andrew Flintoff. A shrewd bowler, with a nagging line and length, Aasif could quickly Irfan Karim identify weaknesses of batsmen to grab wickets. As a member of the Kenya national team, he managed to play in many cricketing countries. On 18th March, 2009 at the age of 74, Yusuf Karim passed away. He is survived by his wife, Nargis Karim. Both Yusuf and Nargis were fortunate enough to have watched their son Aasif become a world famous sportsman. The love of sports is ingrained in the family. Aasif s older brother Aarif was also a great tennis and cricket player and is now settled in Kampala running an insurance business and a sports shop. The youngest in the family is Altaf who is a qualified CPA and is settled in Orlando, U.S.A working in the field of accounting and insurance. At 49, Aasif has his hand in a number of projects. He is the Chairman and CEO of Safinaz Group of Companies. He manages the Insurance Brokerage which has offices in East Africa. He also runs a regular sports magazine devoted to sports in Kenya, and is involved in real estate. The Africa The young Irfan, born in 1992, made a debut for Kenya at the age of 18 when he scored his first century against Andhra Pradesh. In the East African Premier League (2012), he was declared the Player of the Tournament. He averaged a mighty in 6 games, which included an 82 not out in the finals where Coast Pekee beat the Ugandan finalists, Rwenzori Warriors. Irfan scored his maiden One Day International (ODI) 100 against Canada in the recent World Cup 2015 qualifier in Dubai. He is the sixth Kenyan player to have scored a ODI century since Kenya attained international status in He is currently at Loughborough University in U.K studying Sports Science with Management. He is also playing cricket for the university which has a strong cricketing culture. Irfan s ambition is to play County Cricket in U.K and the Indian Premier League (IPL) in India. The father-son tradition is proudly being relayed into the third generation as the dynasty of sportsmen continues in the Karim family. The documentary and the book on the Karim family will be available at your jamaat office by July, Federation Samachar 75

76 In Black... Debate on Hijab View I read with great interest in your esteemed magazine the narrative about a woman forced into what the author identified as cultural Hijab which took away her childhood days and made her bear the world of imposed isolation and restricted behaviour. I feel that the issue of Hijab needs to be examined properly and in doing so, it needs one to be bold enough to call a spade, a spade. Whether we want to accept it or not, although Islam is, on paper, an egalitarian religion, to me it shows inequality at least at three levels. History tells us that these inequalities were established and regulated by law and developed through centuries of usage - the unequal status of master and slave; the unequal status of man and woman; and finally, the unequal status of Muslim and non- Muslim. Women were worse off among the three classes of people. A male slave, when freed and converted to Islam, joined the upper class Muslims - the males. The non-muslim man, upon converting to Islam also became part of the elite class of Muslims - the males. The woman s state never evolved to anything better than being a Muslim woman whose rights and freedom, conduct and behaviour were all regulated and etched in stone by man, using the name of Almighty God. So let s not differentiate between what is a cultural Hijab and what is an Islamic one. They both are terribly abusive - one may be a five-ringed shackle and the other one a three-ringed. But shackle it certainly is....and White It is true and sad that cultural Hijab has sadly overridden Islamic Hijab. When one looks at the Islamic Hijab, it is so beautiful not because men have a hand in it but because the guidance comes from the Creator Himself. Islam dignified the woman when she was treated as chattel by many cultures and she still is, in some cultures. In contrast, it took Europe centuries to admit that a woman was a person. It is impressive that several Muslim countries have appointed women as heads of state. Khaleda Zia was the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh from and Sheikh Hasina Wazed was Prime Minister from 1996 to 2001 and is currently Prime Minister since Benazir Bhutto was Prime Minister of Pakistan from and , and Indonesia s Megawati Sukarnoputri was Vice President from and President from Europe cannot yet match that number and the United States of America to date has rejected the concept of having a female president. It is culture and not Islam which has restricted the role of women. It is Islam that permits a woman s soccer team in Hijab; it is Islam that allows so many women to be in parliament in Iran; it is Islam that permits women to outnumber men in universities in Iran; it is Islam that allowed women to become presidents in our communities of Kitchener (in Ontario, Canada) and NASIMCO; the list goes on. In societies where society is culturally dominated it is up to women to rise and ask for their rights. The Nobel Peace Prize shared by three women in the year 2011 included Counterview Yemeni activist Tawakul Karman (then 33). Karman was once told by a journalist that her hijab was not proportionate with her level of intellect and education. She replied, Man in the early times was almost naked, and as his intellect evolved he started wearing clothes. What I am today and what I m wearing represents the highest level of thought and civilization that man has achieved, and is not regressive. It s the removal of clothes again that is regressive back to Ancient Times. 76 Federation Samachar

77 Down Memory Lane Farewell Dinner in honour of Maulana Sharafat Husain in Kampala, Uganda. Back row: Safdar Rahemani, Marhum Bashir Alibhai, Ghulam Sajan, Roshan Davdani, Mohamed Taki Jeraj, Marhum Sultan Jagani. Middle row: Jaffer Manek, Marhum Roshan Bhamani, Hussein Pardhan, Marhmum Mohamed Jamal, Br. Hadi, Hussein Jamal, Haider Alibhai. Seated: Marhum Ahmed Khimji, Marhum Hussein Jagani, Marhum Akber Asaria, Photo Credit: Mohamed Taki Jeraj Maulana Sharafat Husain, Maulana Gulam Rasul, Marhum Raza Nensi, Mohamedhussein Nathoo. Federation Samachar 77

78 Profile Mustafa Jaffer Sabodo a true philanthropist When I visited Mustafa Rajabali Jaffer Hasham Sabodo at his residence in Dar es Salaam, he was relaxed after having just met a delegation from the Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA). He is a member and maintains ardent support for the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi Party (CCM). Accompanying me were the Hon. Secretary of the Africa Federation, Aunali Khalfan and the Chairman of the Education Board of the Africa Federation, Samir Habib. There were no undue formalities and the interview took place in the form of a casual conversation over coffee. We admired on the walls of Mustafa Jaffer s residence, some memorable photographs of him with prominent by Munir Daya personalities including former Presidents. One photograph is with him presenting a book on Mohandas Gandhi to former South African President Nelson Mandela during Mandela s fi rst visit to Tanzania after being released from prison. The gift was because Mustafa Jaffer is greatly inspired by Gandhi and admired his passive resistance amidst violence, a philosophy that was later adopted by some African states to free themselves from their colonizers. He said that he also gifted President Mandela a bulletproof Land Rover. Mustafa Jaffer Hasham Sabodo with Winnie Mandela, Nelson Mandela, and Shaheda Rizvi (then wife of Mr. Jaffer), with the then Prime Minister of Tanzania, M.H. Joseph Warioba, and the then Minister of Commerce, Ahmed Diria. The photograph was taken at the State House in Dar es Salaam soon after Mr. Mandela was released from jail in Federation Samachar

79 Mustafa Jaffer Sabodo a true philanthropist During the course of my interview Mustafa Jaffer received no less than 20 telephone calls, almost all of which he courteously declined or deferred saying that he was occupied at the moment. Jaffer is an economist, a consultant in international debt-finance and a philanthropist who has donated millions to serve and care for the plight of fellow human beings. His donations have not discriminated against colour, caste or creed and his financial contribution to the Khoja Shia Ithnaasheri community and Tanzania in general has been substantial. A strong believer in the act of giving, Mustafa Jaffer is an inspiring role model when it comes to philanthropy, business acumen and academic achievements. Born in Lindi in 1942 to a wealthy and religious family that later suffered some testing financial challenges, Jaffer countered these challenges to become the affluent personality that he is today. He said he worked hard, drawing inspiration from his father and grandfather to achieve success and he attributes his philanthropy as being a legacy that he has inherited from his grandparents. Mustafa Jaffer studied at Lindi Secondary School where he was also the Head Prefect and Head of Scouts for some years. He was a bright student and graduated with a Cambridge School Certificate. He pursued further studies in the United Kingdom and went on to qualify with the A.C.C.A. professional accounting qualification. In 1965, he graduated from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland where he majored in Commercial Law and Hedge Funds Management. This enabled Mustafa Jaffer to be an accomplished consultant specialising in international debt-finance and hedge funds. He also enjoyed success in the corporate world with companies like Lindi Printers, Tanzania Sundry Supplies, Forem Litho Printers and Spares Africa Limited. For some time he moved to Dodoma where he managed Printing Importers Manufacturers. Today Mustafa Jaffer s business interests are spread globally in Tanzania, India, Singapore, United Kingdom and France among other countries. Mustafa Jaffer was an avid traveller who visited different continents but now he travels mostly to India for medical attention following a stroke that he suffered in 2000 during a visit to Mumbai that left him partially paralysed. Mustafa bhai with some of the children he adopted in an orphanage in India for ten years starting in He could initially not speak and he lost about 35kgs. He received treatment in Mumbai and Germany and admits that for the first six months after the stroke he was discouraged with life. With great resilience, he regained his inner strength with positive thinking to once again continue his business operations. Today he exercises regularly, twice a day and strives to remain active. Talking about his Khoja Shia Ithnaasheri (KSI) community services (other than his great philanthropic support) Mustafa Jaffer said that he worked with the Africa Federation in Arusha and provided free consultancy to other jamaats. He praised the current Chairman of the Africa Federation, Anwarali Dharamsi as being a good man who previously worked for him. He admired the Chairman s quality for quick action that has made him accomplish achievements and also become a successful entrepreneur. Mustafa Jaffer is a great admirer of the Late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. Six times during our conversation he called Mwalimu Nyerere a person who was firm in his decisions, a good speaker and a man who stood against discrimination of fellow human beings on the basis of colour, tribe or faith. At one time, Mustafa Jaffer said that he was offered by the Late Mwalimu Nyerere to be his official advisor but he declined because he preferred to maintain a low profile. He said that he offered sincere advice to the Late President even at times when he differed with him because he knew that Mwalimu Nyerere liked being told the truth. Mustafa Jaffer always responded to Mwalimu s request whenever called upon to perform any given task that was in the interest of Tanzania. He recalled the day when Mwalimu chose him to be part of a high-powered delegation that was sent to Iran to meet Ayatollah Khomeini to negotiate oil imports for Tanzania. The mission was accomplished and the deal went through. Federation Samachar 79

80 In 2003, Mustafa Jaffer made an offer to Mwalimu Nyerere to finance the growing of pulses (edible seeds) in Tanzania for export to the tune of about TShs. 100 million. He also helped set up the Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation to assist the poor and to promote education in Tanzania, making a personal contribution of about US$1.2 million. Mustafa Jaffer s donations run to billions of Tanzania shillings and include support for the establishment of schools, support to orphanages, mosques, education scholarships, food donations, hospitals and graveyard maintenance. He is fond of the Mustafa Sabodo Education Centre which is located at Mayanga village about 16 kilometres from Mtwara town. This Centre is on a piece of land that spans over 40 acres. Currently about 1,000 students study here in primary, secondary or higher education schools. Mustafa Jaffer s donation to the Hindu Mandal Hospital was TShs. 500 million for the new hospital wing on the second floor. To the Dar es Salaam Jamaat he has pledged $3 million for a Multi Storey Parking Facility Tower named the Mustafa Sabodo Parkade (that will accomodate 300 cars with two floors to be used as shops to generate income for the community), $500,000 for the Musafirkhana renovation and $1 million for extension of the Dar es Salaam mosque among other donations. He also contributed TShs. 100 million to the World Islamic Propagation and Humanitarian Services (WIPAHS) at Kibaha in Tanzania for the construction of water wells. He said that our community should work hard to support people in hardship and encouraged the building of more shallow wells. Chairman of the Education Board of AFED, Samir Habib, AFED Hon. Secretary, Aunali Khalfan, Mustafa Rajabali Jaffer Hasham Sabodo and Editor of Federation Samachar, Munir Daya. Mustafa Jaffer has pledged TShs. 100 million for the Al Qa eem Housing Project in Arusha being developed by the Africa and World Federation. On his vision for Tanzania, Mustafa Jaffer said that 80% of the people who live in rural areas have been deprived from an opportunity of economic prosperity. He said our community should seek to support these people in every possible way. He expressed appreciation of Federation Samachar and said this publication provides a good insight into the activities undertaken by the Africa Federation for the community and for the country. Finally I asked him why the nickname Sabodo is always associated to his name. He explained that his name was derived from Chabodo, a Makua word meaning discount. (The Makua are the largest ethnic group in northern Mozambique, and also have a large population across the border in the Masasi District of Mtwara Region in southern Tanzania). Mustafa Jaffer s father charged 20 per cent less in his shop compared to prices in other shops in Lindi. The Makua would say they had purchased goods Kwa Chabodo ( from The Discounted Place ). And so, Sabodo is the word Mustafa Jaffer decided to take as his surname to always remember his father s shop in Lindi. Speaking of his father, Mustafa Jaffer recalled an incident when, as an overzealous young boy, he got himself into trouble with his father for overpricing because he had dared to sell a khanga for TShs. 8/= when the price tag was TShs. 5/=. Commenting on the recent building collapse in Dar es Salaam, Mustafabhai Sabodo said that the National Housing Corporation (NHC) has also to take responsibility because it was a joint developer. When I was leaving his residence, Mustafa Jaffer s Caregiver came over to me saying that Mzee wanted to have a quick word with me. When I returned, Mustafa Jaffer had a simple request. He wanted Federation Samachar to publicise his message that he is ready to award two scholarships for students who wish to pursue a career in Stem- Cell Therapy and Hedge Funds. Like a true philanthropist, Mustafa Jaffer s parting words were in the same spirit, depicting that what we do for ourselves alone dies with us; what we do and have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. 80 Federation Samachar

81 Health The Power of Positive Thinking: ipower by Mohammed Jaffer and Zaminah Gulamhussein, Toronto Only through focus can you do world-class things, no matter how capable you are, said Bill Gates, former chief executive and current chairman of Microsoft. Indeed, our thoughts, actions and reactions can all combine to help us focus to create a quality life once we learn to harness the light that shines within us. In today s day and age of stressful schedules it is essential for one to know how to function in a relaxed environment, breaking free from the conventional hamster-wheel and to apply ipower (inner power) in a positive way. Irrespective of surroundings, one s thoughts have to be clearly centered by the mindset which is controlled by inner power. The most successful people in the world have mastered the secret to positive thinking, and they have, in turn, attracted positive energy. Likewise, those who tend to be pessimistic emanate negative energy. A positive outlook and perspective plays a very important role in life. Naturally, positive thinkers are bound to see the brighter side of a bad situation, and in doing so tend to think clearly, focus on the situation at hand and arrive at a viable solution. On the other hand, someone who panics in a moment of distress is more likely to become agitated and assume the worst consequences. Five key aspects of life intertwine to form a complete mould of the human being: Spiritual, Family, Physical, Intellectual and Financial. Each element has to strike a perfect positive balance in the mindset in order to be effectively channeled. The power of positive thinking will empower an individual with the ability to improve on imperfections in any of these aspects. The Spiritual branch is the pillar that binds together the elements. Through spirituality, one connects with a higher power that has ultimate control. By praying, whether one does it in a congregation or alone through reflective meditation, a soul-searching opportunity to connect with the Almighty and your inner being is presented. With the power of prayer, supplication in a congregation radiates a larger field of positive energy and in turn awakens spiritual purification. When an individual is faced with a hardship, one tends to draw positive energy from the influences in one s surroundings. As a result, the importance of family time and healthy relationships is emphasized. The art of fine communication is the foundation in building and maintaining strong family ties. Knowledge is light is a popular saying reflected in the intellectual aspect and considered food for the soul. The infallible Imams have continuously stressed the importance of knowledge and Imam Ali (AS) has been known to emphasize that knowledge once learned cannot be taken away from you and is essentially a great wealth. Ensuring a healthy lifestyle and a consistent regimen of physical activity allows for the body to absorb the positive energy around you. The healthier you feel the more energetic will you be and the more cheerful will be your outlook. Finally, the financial aspect does not pertain only to monetary success but more so towards saving a penny for a rainy day. Managing finances and setting aside for education, retirement and emergency situations gives an individual the peace of mind knowing that they have a safety net. Nothing can dim the light that shines from within, said Maya Angelou, a famous Afro-American author and poet who has published six autobiographies amongst other works of literature. Today s society places importance on a fastpaced momentum, however in order to successfully juggle multi-tasking one must be able to stabilize oneself and refocus. Cultivating the mind, body and soul in an effort to strengthen the five aspects of life shapes one s perception and enables the power of positive thinking to flow freely, striking a balance within one s ipower. Federation Samachar 81

82 Women Zakira Shyrose Receives Award for Excellence in Female Public Speaking Zakira Shyrose Jaffer Dhalla, who is a regular columnist in the Federation Samachar was recognized for her outstanding achievements in Female Public Speaking by Ahlulbayt TV and presented with an Award for Excellence at the Ahlulbayt TV London s 3rd Annual Gala Dinner held in London, U.K. on 29th September, The event, which was broadcast live on Ahlulbayt TV and over the internet, honoured seven other remarkable members of the community who have done exceptionally well in their respected fields. They included Al-Hajj Murtaza Bandali for his outstanding services to the community in public recitation of supplications as well as a posthumous award to the Khoja community s legendary leader, Marhum Mulla Asgherali M.M. Jaffer. The awards event can be viewed on The audience of over 400 attendees which included notable community leaders, dignitaries, respected zakireen, and community members was shown video profiles outlining the achievements of each award recipient followed by their acceptance speech. Zakira Shyrose Jaffer Dhalla is an internationally well-known Islamic lecturer from the Toronto Jamaat who recites majalis in Urdu, Gujarati and Kutchi and gives English lectures at mosques, universities, churches, Ahlulbayt TV Award Recipients (L) Alhajj Murtaza Bandali and (R) Zakira Shyrose Jaffer-Dhalla with Sheikh Mohammed Al-Hilli. A posthumous award was also announced for Marhum Mulla Asgherali M. Jaffer. interfaith gatherings and on television. A graduate of York University (Toronto, Canada), she holds a Bachelor s Degree in Psychology and Sociology and a Master s degree in Education. Zakira Shyrose has recited Muharram Ashra majalis in different centres around the world. She also appears regularly on Ahlulbayt TV, Islam in Focus (previously in Canada), Ahley Bait TV, Hidayat TV and on several channels in the Middle East managed by Zahra Trust. She appears every Saturday and Wednesday at 5pm (UK time) on Ahlulbayt TV s Children s Hour and performs Islamic puppet shows. In Canada, her puppet shows are aired on Zamana TV (see www. zamana.tv) every Saturday morning at 9:30Am on Rogers Channel 129 and Bell Fibe System Channel Zakira Shyrose has written, produced, acted in and directed several original dramas and stage productions in English, Urdu, Gujarati and Kutchi. Currently a columnist and writer for Federation Samachar, she has written for textbooks, magazines and publications such as the Toronto Star and the World Federation s Insight Magazine, and has served for 10 years as a Features Reporter for Toronto s Ja ffari News. She also writes daily blogs on the internet and on Facebook and manages her own website, www. zakirashyrose.com. 82 Federation Samachar

83 Women Zakira Shyrose is a qualifi ed, Anti- Racist Educational Counselor. She conducts workshops on Race and Cultural sensitivity and often appears on TV programme panels and radio talk shows to speak on race relations. She also conducts teacher training workshops at universities and for Islamic schools. When asked how it felt like receiving the award on Live television, she said, When I stood on stage I saw what felt like hundreds of famous, respected Zakireen in the audience along with many notable community leaders, dignitaries and community members. She described receiving the award as, the most precious moment in my life because I have found, in all the things that I do and have done, that reciting majalis has been the most valuable thing in my life. Nothing has given me the joy, exhilaration, sheer delight and utter contentment that speaking about Allah (swt) and the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) has given me. And knowing that it is not just a temporary embellishment that is only for this transient world, knowing that this is what will count towards one s permanent home in the Hereafter makes it extraordinarily meaningful and rewarding. And it was so rewarding to be recognized for that. When I stood on that stage, holding that glass trophy, for a wonderful moment, all I could see were the words, Ahlul Bayt written on it. It didn t feel like the trophy was from a television channel but from the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) themselves. It was like receiving a letter of pure love from Allah (swt) and the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) We asked Zakira Shyrose how she manages time with the family and with her religious discourses. She said, The reward for my work is the promise I have from Allah (swt) for those who serve him. Nothing can compare to that! One of the most difficult things is to have to defend myself when people incorrectly assume that if I am so busy as a Zakira then I must be neglecting my family. I am a full-time, stay-athome mom and I give all of myself to that because I understand that it is that role that is my first duty and ibadah. Still, I often find that people are more willing to accept that a woman can work full time while juggling her role as a mother but my being a Zakira while juggling family life somehow doesn t have the same value or justification. There are few women in the community who have excelled academically and have then used their knowledge for religious upliftment in the community. ADVERTISEMENT RATES IN THE FEDERATION SAMACHAR Inside Cover - TShs. 960,000/- (US$600) Front inside page - TShs. 960,000/- (US$600) Primary doublespread - TShs. 2,400,000/- (US$1500) Full page - TShs. 720,000/- (US$450) Half page - TShs. 480,000/- (US$300) Centre pages - TShs. 2,400,000/- (US$1500) Back inside cover - TShs. 960,000/- (US$600) Back page - TShs. 1,280,000/- (US$800) Federation Samachar P.O. Box 6710, Dar es Salaam. samachar@africafederation.org Federation Samachar 83

84 Book Review The Endangered Species An Account of the Journey of Faith by the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Community (2012) by Hassan Ali M. Jaffer An excerpt from the Foreword by Dr. Hasnain Walji Imam Musa e Kadhim, (AS) advised his companion: O Hisham! If there is a walnut in your hand and people say that it is a pearl, their saying will not benefit you in any way when you know that it is actually a walnut. And if there is a pearl in your hand and people say that it is a walnut, their saying will not harm you in any way when you know that it is actually a pearl. (Tuhaf al- Uqool) Br. Hassan Ali M. Jaffer of Mombasa, Kenya has contributed to our history yet another new gem of a book after his book on Mulla Asgharali M. M. Jaffer was published in His much awaited, Endangered Species An Account of the Journey of Faith by the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Community was published in 2012, and he has dedicated his book to pioneers Mulla Qadir Husein Naif Kerbalai and Haji Dewji Jamal who lived amongst us between and respectively. The Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheris, (KSI) are spread over five continents and number less than 150,000. Despite forming a miniscule percentage of the 200 million Shia Ithna-Asheris, worldwide the KSI s perceived influence and fame belies their number. This level of recognition and influence has not been without the attendant challenges of disparagement and denigration, at times even from their own. The smorgasbord of ideas, events and personalities that you will be served in the present compilation of Th e Endangered Species may well allow you to judge if the KSI Community is a walnut or a pearl. From a Hindu heritage, the KSI Community evolved into a hodgepodge faith called Satpanth which combined Sufi ideas with traces of Hindu belief. The Ismaili Pirs were then able to bring them to the Nizari Ismaili path and eventually they found their way to fully practice the Ja fari madhhab. Hailing from Kutch and Kathiawad, some ventured towards the then unknown continent of Africa during the 19th century. Upon their arrival in Africa the Khojas were faced with the daunting prospect of exploring a vast unexplored tract of land within the milieu of African and Arab cultures in Muscat and the East African shores. To challenge them further, these Khoja pioneers were subjected to German rule in Tanganyika, British rule in other parts of East Africa, French rule in Madagascar, Italian rule in Somalia, Belgian rule in the Congo and Portuguese rule in Mozambique. In the wake of the partition of the Indian sub-continent, a further schism was perpetrated and the Indian and Pakistani Khojas developed under different influences. The upheavals, following the independence movements in East Africa, forced many to look towards the Western world for settlement. The 1972 mass expulsion from Uganda transplanted a significant portion of the Community in the UK and elsewhere in Europe, while some of them had to travel to the far corners of North America for settlement. And yet, five generations and five continents later, it is 84 Federation Samachar

85 Book Review remarkable that the Community has retained its identity while continually optimizing its social capital. This is all the more interesting considering that there were two other Shi i communities who left the Indian sub continent around the same time and have fared quite differently. A group of Shia Ithna-Asheris left for Fiji from the Uttar Pradesh (India) while some Shia from Bihar (India) migrated to the Caribbean at about the same time as the Khoja Shia left for Eastern Africa. Today, a cursory glance at the fate of these three Communities makes interesting reading. Those in Fiji have lost their language and culture, but have kept their faith as Muslims, albeit turning Sunnis in the past century of existence in Fiji. The Biharis have fared worse. Famed for their Hosay Festival, they lost it all - language, culture, and faith. All that remained were the vestiges of the Ashura Julus, as the Hosay Festival now regrettably a procession of merrymaking, music and drink in true West Indian fashion. Such are the nuances of history of the Shia of the subcontinent. Is it any wonder therefore, that this bewildering array of influences may well have engendered a fear in the minds of the Khoja of losing their identity? Perhaps this explains the persistent perseverance by the Khojas to remain within a well-knit framework of the Jamaats and Federations, guarded so jealously, resisting any intrusion. However, a question that begs an answer is: will the Community survive two or more generations? This question becomes all the more crucial, in view of the fact that, now that the new generation, far more engaged in the mainstream, is questioning the insularity of the Community. The old guard responds by insisting upon retaining what seems to them to have worked well for the Community for over a century. My own voyage in the sea of Community service spans almost four decades. Over the period I have observed a reversal of a trend, where, the then young professionals were actively and passionately engaged in Community affairs. Today, our young and upcoming educated men and women appear either apathetic or seem hesitant to come forward. As we continue to debate on the causes and attempt to find panaceas, it is important for all segments to realize that this vacuum of intellectual capital can be a critical factor in the continued development and even the very existence of the KSI Community as we know it today, and the title of this book could become a self fulfilling prophecy. God forbid, we see the day when we are removed from the list of endangered species, not because we are no longer endangered, but because we simply cease to exist as a KSI Community. True to the book s title, Br. Hassan Ali M. Jaffer attempts to provide answers to some of these burning questions, while weaving a unique tapestry of personalities, events and ideas that has shaped the KSI Community.And so, this book, subtitled An Account of the Journey of Faith by the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Community, representing a labour of love, over almost a decade, by a remarkable personality nurtured within the Khoja Community, is very opportune. Hassan Ali bhai Jaffer has had the good fortune of experiencing much of this transition first hand, for the past 75 years. As a keen analytical observer, he is well known for his candid and often times rather acidic analysis of the state of the Community and has migrated many of us into discomfort zones. His out of the box thinking about Community affairs is also reflected in his unique turn of phrase, not found in manuals of creative writing. When I first started reading the manuscript, instinctively my red pencil began crisscrossing the double spaced pages. But after a chapter or two, I stopped as I realized that my editing of the characteristic style was sterilizing all the flavours and aromas of an author who had lived in the very kitchen of the KSI house of history. Hassanbhai hails from a family that has had a significant foundational impact on the evolution of the KSI Community. It was none other than his great great grandfather, Dewjibhai Jamal, who was instrumental in connecting the Community with Ayatullah Zainul Abedin Mazandarani in Kerbala in the 1800s, a link that remains strong to this day with the excellent relations the Community enjoys with Ayatullah Seestani. Amongst various historical episodes, most significantly, the book title ably presents the visage of the relationship of the Khoja Community and the Marja, and illustrates a model of relationship between a Marja and the muqallideen. It demonstrates a Continued on page 85 Federation Samachar 85

86 Anon Wealth in any Form is Liable to Tax Zaid bought from Ammar certain quantities of wheat and barley in exchange for his one goat, and then he bought from Saeed a chicken in exchange for a portion of the wheat which he had bought from Ammar. There were other people like Zaid, Ammar and Saeed moving about in the streets with loads of grains or some heads of cattle for exchange with other items they needed. There were also traders who kept large stocks of items of merchandise in their shops or premises, and traded them in exchange for other items brought by the other traders or customers. This was, once upon a time, a barter system of trading and marketing - the only system possible, known and in practice in trade then - before the advent of the present monetary system. The barter system was commercial in nature facilitating exchange of goods with goods, instead of money. The barter system also generated profits through exchange and increased stocks in trade as assets. The trading was thus conducted, and also the day to day needs of the people were thus being met - while the economy kept functioning and growing through profitable barter system. Like what happened in Hejaz Arabia, say, during the times of our Prophet (s) and of the Aimma (a.s.), the main local popular items of crops, like wheat and barley and the livestock in regular demand like goats, cows, sheep and camels were all kept in stock as wealth in trade, and then exchanged in wholesale trade or marketed as retail for consumption. Rice was not home-grown, and therefore it was not one of the items of crop known. It was much later recognized as what it was and given the name of roos from the foreign word rice. There were those who exchanged some or most of their items of wealth in trade for gold or silver coins - when and where these were commercially available and profitably exchangeable - to obviate the need for having larger premises for stock in trade or physical movements of bulky stocks. Dates and Raisins However, those among the traders and merchants who could not transport the bulky barter able items from one region to another with safety and convenience, or those who had no adequate space for holding the bulky merchandise, preferred local dates and raisins for a portable and profitable trade and exchange against gold or silver coins. The State also naturally collected taxes in the form of such items of wealth which included gold and silver coins, where these became due and payable as tax. Muslims paid Zakat el Fitra in the form and equation of what they consumed among the barter able items of consumption of food. Today, this is paid in the equivalence of the present monetary system. The wajib Zakat and Khums also were levied on the barter-able merchandise which constituted income and wealth of the time. Collection also was in similar kinds to serve the purposes for which they were ordained. Today, Khums, as an exception, is levied on the present forms of monetary income, and not Zakat for the poor. Those who tilled the lands owned by others for crops also paid a levy or fee to the owners of the land in an agreed proportionate quantity of the crops harvested. Today what is paid is rental in monetary system. However, with the geographical scope of trade getting wider and the pricing and quality criteria becoming the elements for competition, the barter system had to give way to the present monetary and banking systems. This was wisdom for sophistication as opposed to the mind-set for stagnation. These systems enabled economic expansion and growth for the benefit of the growing population of mankind. Currency Notes Today, wealth is equated with gold. Monetary value is attached to gold. Instead of gold coins changing hands physically, a government central bank issues currency notes as guaranteed 86 Federation Samachar

87 Anon instruments for transfer of money from buyer to seller. The currency notes issued by a government central bank therefore are certification of purchase of gold from the central bank. The currency notes can be banked as certification of ownership of wealth and kept secured in a commercial bank. The currency notes can be exchanged for purchase of properties. Properties then also constitute wealth. We are so much used to the simplified and ingenious monetary system and the trust in the currency notes as instruments of transfers of money (previously known as hawala ) and in the banking system which circulates the currency notes, that we tend to lose the insight of the involvement of gold or gold coins as unitary value for wealth. It will be noticed therefore that the merchandise of wealth in the forms of crops, cattle and coins traded and exchanged in a barter system in the past is no different from the wealth known in the present form. The taxes continue to be assessed by the authorities - but now on the present system of profits and wealth creation and collected in the present monetary system as they were levied and collected in kind on the profits and barter able wealth of the past. The concept, the logic, the philosophy and the purposes for taxation -- secular or religious remain the same, allowing no exemptions, excuse or dispensation whatsoever. Therefore Zaid of the present age sells his goat for a price paid for in currency notes and hands over a portion of the currency notes to Ammar to buy quantities of wheat and barley and balance to Saeed to purchase one chicken. Nothing has changed in substance. Interestingly, today Ammar can sell huge stocks of wheat and barley, and from their sale proceeds buy a property for a large rental income. After having made large profits from the rental income over some years, Ammar can sell the property and from the proceeds, purchase large stocks of wheat and barley for trade or hold them again as wealth. The form of wealth of the past will always be convertible to the present form and again revertible to the old form. The Qur anic Verses 9:34, 35 are as enlightening as they are scary. Allah (swt) warns of severe punishment for those who hoard up gold and silver and do not spend in Allah s way from these. Gold and silver were a normal form of wealth and used as currency at the time of the revelation. It cannot be argued that believers in the present age need not spend from their wealth, however large, in Allah s way, because their wealth is not comprised of gold and silver mentioned in the verses. Wealth in any form of any time is wealth. Tax, religious or secular, too applies to wealth in any form of any time. Book review: The Endangered Species Continued from page 83 century old connection with Najaf or Qum of utmost respect and an unquestioning approach, reciprocated by an acknowledgement by the Maraje of the religiosity and compliance of the Khoja Community as well as its efficient organisation. This aspect has been one of the key factors that have resulted in the institutions of the Khoja Community, epitomized by the World Federation, as some of the best organized and well run in the entire Shia World, serving not just the KSI Community but the Shia Community and humanity at large. As the Khoja pioneers set off from the ports of Porbandar, Gujarat and Mandvi, Kutch in the mid and late 19th century, their immediate challenges were to move away from famine and economic hardship. The first danger that confronted them was to cross the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean in boats - known as Vahan in Kutchi and Gujarati languages and commonly called as dhows in English in East Africa - and later to establish themselves in a land practically unknown to most of the world. New to the faith, new to the place and facing a vast unexplored tract of land, it was imperative that to survive and retain their faith and culture, the Khojas had to remain a closely-knit society. It is within that context that the present work by Br. Hassan Ali M. Jaffer, in essence, is a remarkable travelogue of the KSI Community through its 125 years of existence, and has many a pointer for its future survival. Federation Samachar 87

88 Talking Point Are Loud Sermons Part of Religion, Culture or Worse? by Mohamed Khalfan, Dar es Salaam In a poor village, seven miles from a town, eight farmers engaged themselves in small talk under moonlight, like they often did, before they retired for the night. Each sat cautiously on a brick of clay, found from rubble, in a tight circle with their knees almost touching. They clustered around so close that they could have talked in a whisper. Instead, they talked shouting needlessly. Those in the nearby huts trying to sleep were able to hear what they were talking about. Perhaps the farmers were already getting hard of hearing as a result of their obsession for noise. The farmers were in a small island off the coast of East Africa. Each farmer took his gunny bags of crops in a donkey cart to the nearest town for sale, and returned before sunset. The roads were narrow. A car coming from behind would hoot at a farmer (seated in his donkey cart) to seek a clearance of way to pass close by and resume speed. The farmers knew nothing about cars driven on the roads which were of various makes, designs, sizes and colours. The island being small, the cars were not many. The only thing the farmers knew about the cars was the sound of their horn. Some farmers were good at guessing what type of the car was following close behind for a clearance by hearing the sound of its horn - pressed once or impatiently twice. The cars were not all leading to one village. They passed by at intervals. The farmers felt bored with the slow pace of the donkey. The hooting, each time, broke the boredom. That evening, while the farmers were talking loudly, one of them revealed interesting news quite enthusiastically. It was about a beautiful car that he saw that day on the road. He claimed that he had never seen such a beautiful car before. An Aspiration Its beauty was in the loudest hooting he ever heard in his life. If he were ever blessed with a bagful of money he said he would buy a car which could hoot even louder. What an aspiration connected with noise! Obsession for loud noise or indeed being oblivious to a noise menace can be a reflection of a poor culture or a sign of being uncultured. There is nothing unusual in the beating of only one common drum to celebrate an occasion. However, as for these farmers each would have his own drum to beat not in a chorus. Noise was the spice of their life. Their life normally lasted longer because of their physical activity but the span of their ability to hear normally got shorter because they always talked loudly. This reminds me of an article which appeared in the April, 2012 issue of the Federation Samachar. It critiqued the culture of yelling into a microphone when Jamaat salaat is conducted in our mosque or when a discourse is delivered in religious centres. As a result the community is made victim of loud sound volumes from speakers as if our discourses are only religiously acceptable when conducted in a loud blaring voice. A community that is refined and of dignified disposition tolerates no excessive noise, and subjects none of its unsuspecting members to the serious hazard of enhanced pace of loss of hearing. Gladly, not all preachers are in the dock. The few who are, see themselves to be the best in the career if their voice is loudest - for also all neighbours to hear even in the late hours of a night. Gladly also, not all Jamaats are insensitive to the noise menace, except for a few. But even one is too many. 88 Federation Samachar

89 In Perspective Allamma Mohammad Iqbal Inspiring millions even today Saare jahaan se accha, Hindustan hamaara; Ham bulbulay hein iske, yeh gulsitan hamaara The best land in the world is our India; We are its nightingales; this is our garden by Mahjabeen Daya Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. B.A. (Hons.), M.A., Ph.D. Candidate These lines are the start to a famous poem, Saare Jahan Se Achchha written in Urdu by poet Muhammad Iqbal and published in an Indian weekly journal on 16th August, For over a hundred years it has been sung by millions of people because it is as important to them as the National Anthem of India. Many of us have heard of Sir (Dr.) Allamma Muhammad Iqbal. Sometimes his words are recited from the mimbar, such as his poem, Khuddi ko ker Buland Itna in which the poet speaks about understanding, perfecting and elevating our inner selves with lines such as, Our thought is constantly engaged in fashioning new gods; released from one bond, it entangles itself in another. Since his youth, Iqbal was recognized as a remarkably brilliant and learned man of the Indian sub-continent and became highly respected by Indians, Pakistanis, and scholars all over the world. The world celebrates Allama Iqbal s 75 th death anniversary in April Today many institutions of learning in both India and Pakistan are named after Iqbal, and Lahore s international airport is named after him. Two streets in England and in Germany are also named after Iqbal. Who was Iqbal? How many of us know about him and the fact that he was a great philosopher who was knighted by the British for his brilliance? Here is a short biographical sketch about him. Muhammad Iqbal was born on 9 th November, 1877 in Sialkot, when India was under British rule. At the age of 18, Iqbal was already studying Philosophy, English Literature and Arabic at Government College, Lahore. Iqbal s poetry made him famous throughout India as his work was published regularly. In 1905, Iqbal left India for England to study modern philosophy at Trinity College, Cambridge, and he also studied Law in London. He was very much impressed and influenced by the writings of both Western and Eastern philosophers, and his work includes many allusions and intertextuality, reflecting on or commenting on the works of great writers. Commenting on his travels and knowledge, he wrote in humble words, The splendour of the knowledge of the West failed to bedazzle me; The dust of Medina and Najaf is the collyrium (salve) of my eyes. In 1907, with his law degree in hand, Iqbal went to Heidelberg, Germany for further studies to earn a doctorate. He was fascinated by the libraries and museums of Europe. He read rare manuscripts of classical Muslim thought. He wrote his dissertation on the development of metaphysics in Persia and earned a doctorate from Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich. Federation Samachar 89

90 In Perspective In 1908, Iqbal returned to Lahore and taught philosophy and English literature while practising law. He became famous in the Indian subcontinent as a well published writer and poet and regularly recited his poetry in public gatherings. Iqbal had excellent command over several languages, especially Urdu, Persian, and English and he wrote in all three languages, sometimes translating his own works from Farsi to English. His philosophical thoughts published in his books such as, Asrar I Khudi (The Secrets of the Self) (1915) and Rumuz I Bekhudi (The Mysteries of Selflessness) (1918) were influenced by the teachings of Friedrich Nietzsche and the philosophy of Jalal al-din Rumi. These texts were acclaimed, and the British bestowed the honour of knighthood upon Iqbal in the year Few people refer to him as Sir Iqbal, most refer to him as Allama (great scholar) Iqbal. Iqbal was well versed in studies of Islamic civilization and studied the wisdom and ideas of several cultures and societies. He studied the Holy Quran, and was very interested in philosophy and poetry. He studied the works of European philosophers such as Hegel, Goethe, Kierkegaard, Kant, Freud, Nietzsche, legendary British poets, and the works of many learned men of the East such as Jalal al-din Rumi, Mirza Ghalib, Mirza Abdul Qadir Bedil amongst many. No other Muslim thinker had such a spectrum of knowledge. Iqbal became a prolific poet and his collection of Persian and Urdu poems entitled, Payam-i-Mashriq, (Message of the East) was published in 1923, Bang-i-Dara (The Call of the Marching Bell) was published in 1924, Zabur I Ajam (Persian Psalms) was published in 1927, and in 1932, Iqbal wrote the Javed Nama in which he addresses many of his works to his son, Javed Iqbal. Javed followed in his father s footsteps, becoming a noted Pakistani lawyer and excelling to the status of a judge. Analyzing some of Allama Iqbal s works, author Gerald Zarr writes, In his collection of poetry The Call of the Marching Bell (1924), Iqbal stressed that God had created the universe for man, not the other way around. So, Iqbal reasoned, man should not be the slave of the universe, but its master. Therefore, the duty of a Muslim was to discover the laws of nature by observation and experiment, and to strive to understand all things on earth. Whatever knowledge the sense of man discovered about nature would certainly be fully compatible with the will of God. This led Iqbal to conclude that there was no conflict between European science and Islam. In Iqbal s famous epic poems, Shikwa (Lament) and Jawab-i-Shikwa (Response to the Complaint) Iqbal articulated an eloquent, poetic lament to God about the plight of Muslims in the world, especially the Muslims in British India. It was clear that through his poetry and activism (such as establishing a college in Aligarh) Iqbal was nurturing the minds of the Muslim people of India and trying to change the direction and future of the Muslim community by inspiring them and reminding them of their past glory, says G. Sabir (2007). Sabir writes, During that time Muslims in India had almost lost their entity as a nation. They had become the most oppressed community in British-ruled India. A little before Iqbal, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan ( ) had ascertained that the major cause of Indian Muslims misfortune was their illiteracy and the lack of knowledge. Sabir writes that in the first stage of the 31-stanza poem Shikwa, Iqbal recounts the chivalrous deeds of Muslims when they were leaders and teachers of mankind. They implemented the rule of God on earth and brought revolutionary reforms in the states under their control where justice prevailed. In the second part of the poem, Iqbal shows the state of decline of the Muslim nation. Sabir says that Iqbal has done this beautifully so that instead of evoking despair the poem inspires vigour and courage to stand up and deal with rival forces. The third part of the poem is a lament regarding the plight of Muslims, and the fourth part ends with a prayer to God to make easy the difficulties of the blessed ummah. The poem took India by storm; some people applauded his courage while some criticized his audacity in writing a shikwa (complaint) to the Almighty. A year later, Iqbal presented the muchawaited 36-stanza poem, Jawab I Shikwa in a huge gathering in 1913 at a famous public place outside Mochi Gate of Lahore City. In this poem he replies to his first poem with a beautifully imagined message spoken by God. In this poem, the poet inspires Muslims to change their fate with enthusiasm, courage and determination. I recommend that our readers take time to watch both these poems on the internet. They are recited in Urdu with English translations on YouTube. In particular, five video presentations by author Praizor are exceptional with sub-titles and excellent, soul-stirring graphics. 90 Federation Samachar

91 In Perspective Iqbal had a vision to see Muslims flourish in India. He entered politics and in 1926 he was elected to the Punjab Legislative Council. In 1930, he became president of the All-India Muslim League at its session in Allahabad. In his presidential speech on December 29, 1930 Iqbal outlined his vision for a self-governing, independent state within India for Muslims, either under British rule or otherwise. He said, I would like to see the Punjab, North-West Frontier Province, Sind and Baluchistan amalgamated into a single state. Self-government within the British Empire, or without the British Empire, the formation for a consolidated Northwest Indian Muslim state appears to me to be the final destiny of the Muslims, at least of Northwest India. In 1931 and 1932, Iqbal spoke at colleges and other venues in England, Spain, Afghanistan about the future of Indian Muslims. After a long illness, when Iqbal died in Lahore on 21 st April, 1938 thousands of Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs gathered around his house to pay their respects. His friends decided to bury him in the Hazuri Bagh Garden between the Badshahi Mosque and the Lahore Fort. The site belonged to the archaeological authorities and hence the Chief Minister of Punjab Sir Sikander Hayat Khan had to be contacted in the middle of his Calcutta visit. He refused, but permission was secured by the afternoon from the British Governor. By that time, newspapers had printed special supplements so that when the funeral procession started in the evening, about 20,000 people were already in attendance. Children from the orphanage of Anjuman Himayat-i-Islam paid their respects by holding little black flags in their hands and stood silently in a queue on a nearby road. They lowered their flags when the procession passed by. Allama Iqbal s body was lowered into his grave at 9:45 pm after the funeral prayer had been offered twice, once in the playgrounds of the Islamia College (where, it is reported, about 50,000 people attended) and a second time in the grand Mughal mosque where he had seldom missed Eid prayers. Nine years later, Pakistan was born. Iqbal s idea of a separate homeland for Muslims was realized, and thanks to a group of Muslim thinkers who developed the idea further to fruition, Pakistan became a separate state from India rather than a state under India. Lab pey aati he dua banke tamanna meri The Child s Invocation (a famous children s poem by Iqbal) (go to this website to watch Urdu rendition by Pakistani children). My longing comes to my lips as supplication of mine, O God! May like the candle be the life of mine! May the world s darkness disappear through the life of mine, May every place light up with the sparkling light of mine! May my homeland through me attain elegance, As the garden through flowers attains elegance May my life like that of the moth, be, O Lord! May I love the lamp of knowledge, O Lord! May supportive of the poor my life s way be, May loving the old, the suffering my way be! O God! Protect me from the evil ways, Show me the path leading to the good ways! Federation Samachar 91

92 Reflections The History of the Institution of Madrasah in our Community - Part 4 As this article is being serialized some of the situations may have changed. Readers are welcome to write to us with any information with regard to the comments of the author. Editor by Hassan Ali M. Jaffer Mombasa, Kenya African Experience In Africa, the community manages four Educational Institutions; in Mombasa, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam and Arusha. There is no coordination between the four institutions. There is no central committee where managers of the four educational institutions would meet periodically to share information and profit from each others experiences. Despite repeated suggestions made over the past two to three decades, a proposal to appoint a central Director of Education to oversee the performance of the four institutions and coordinate their approaches for the common good have not merited attention of those holding the reins of the community. There is no educationist sitting on the Boards of Governors. Where the community has no such personnel of their own, there is nothing to debar the management to acquire the services of outsiders to provide useful professional input. Since 1962, in Kenya, it has been the Government policy to replace all untrained teachers with locally trained teachers specializing in the modern methods of teaching in lower and upper primary classes. A different batch specializing for teaching in secondary classes is also assigned to secondary schools. Ever since application of this policy, overall quality of education in Kenya Schools has improved. While we accept this principle of specialized personnel for the academic classes, we are unwilling to accord similar consideration for the religious education. Despite all the lip service in the name of religion, religious education is conveniently relegated as second rate education. There is a tendency among some Ulema and Zakirs to distinctly draw the line between academic or what is also termed as secular - wordly - education and religious - ukhravi - education. This outlook emanates from a sense of insecurity felt by such exponents and their desire to entrench their own position of preeminence in the form of class priesthood. Why is it so? Challenges ahead In the mainstream of education, the system prevalent in Kenya is that religious education has been made compulsory for the followers of different faiths. Provision has been made to impart CRE (Christian Religious Education), IRE (Islamic Religious Education) and HRE (Hindu Religious Education). Such a system has also been introduced in Tanzania. The Ministry of Education in Kenya, in collaboration with the respective religious representatives, has evolved suitable syllabi and text books for this purpose. Over the years, representatives of the Ithna-Asheri community have also been involved in the relevant planning to safeguard their specific interest and help evolve a broad based non controversial, non sectarian outlook acceptable to all denominations thereby promoting inter-faith and inter-denominational understanding and harmony. The challenge faced by the Muslim communities globally, including the Shia, is that according to the accepted Islamic belief, we are required to accept the overall guiding principle that Islam is a way of life; a religion that encompasses human life in all aspects, and it advocates acquisition of knowledge - from cradle to the grave. Thus we are required to make provision for acquiring wholesome education to be better human beings. 92 Federation Samachar

93 Reflections In so doing, Muslim society appears to have willingly and unwittingly developed an outlook of confining religious education as being essential to reap benefits for the hereafter only. In so doing, they appear to have developed distinct outlook on education: one called religious education and the other branded as worldly or Secular education. Thus, Muslims have willingly subscribed to the secularist outlook of the separation of the Church and the State - an outlook that has led to the development of the concept of class priesthood where men of religion have distanced themselves from acquiring overall general education. This led to the development of two distinct concepts - and This outlook suited the Muslim ruling classes and their compliant Backwardness of the Muslim societies in the sphere of science andtechnology witnessed over the past six centuries is a direct result of thisoutlook. In developing our religious outlook and our approach to Madrasah education, we appear to have been greatly influenced by our early association with the Irani Ulema and members of the small Irani community living in Zanzibar. The need for religious education appears to have been narrowed to the teachings of basic outlines of and with concentration on the and Thus, in addition to the recitations from the acquired eminent status for spiritual development. Attempts made to broaden the outlook beyond the parameters drawn by us are often frowned upon and vehemently opposed. I could give a number of examples on this score which we can review in our discussions. The latter day arrival of Indian Ulema, and more so, focused more on history and intra sectarian polemics. The role of in their discourse were often lacking. In due course, we ended up producing more individuals from the local societies professing to be holier than thou and more loyal in promoting the cause of religion. There too they sincerely appeared to operate with overbearing zeal in their interpretation and application of the masael of fiqh and regimentation of traditional practices only as the embodiment of faith for ultimate salvation. As a result, Madrasah education as the only means for imparting religious education suffered. The quality of Madrasah education has not been consistently developed to keep pace with the standards of development taking place in modern educational system. The task of imparting religious education has been left entirely to well meaning, untrained and voluntary individuals. They have no professional back up support. Dichotomy of approach applied in the teaching methods in Madrasah for the Islamic religious education and in the academic Schools for the worldly education gives rise to many contradictions. By ignoring the need of parallel development of Islamic education at the national level and even in privately run academic educational institutions managed by the Muslim communities, Muslim societies have failed to take on board the need for addressing to the requirement of imparting religious education in keeping with the times while fully harnessing modern means of educational system. In the process they ended up marginalizing themselves in the mainstream of the modern education system. The Islamic Madaris religious education system, famously known as in the Shia world, continue to play a pivotal role at the higher level in producing reputed Ulema, Mujtahids and Marajae Taqleed. At the grassroots level however, we are as yet to have institutes for the development of human resources having specialized training in the modern modes of education for application in the primary, secondary and university educational systems. Whatever limited specialization that might have emerged of late in certain places, both amongst the Shia and Sunni, are geared to the local regional needs. Global perspectives to cater for the needs of the widely dispersed Muslim societies spread all over the world are yet to be evolved. This is a burning issue that people are hesitating to discuss for fear of getting alienated by the traditionalists. To be continued in the next issue Federation Samachar 93

94 Third Eye Uganda My Thoughts Forty Years Later Uganda celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence on 9th October, The Asians of Uganda were ordered expelled from the country in August of 1972 and the deadline for leaving the country was in November the same year. The year 2012, therefore, marked 40 years since the expulsion that saw thousands of Asians exiled. Many have written and will write about what transpired, how the Asians lost everything and how eventually most regained the properties with some becoming millionaires that they were not in Uganda. However, I want to deal with the role Kampala Jamaat played, in particular by some who took chances involving personal risks. One of them was late Roshanali Bhamani and the other was Sultan Datoo. As I was granted a work permit as an accountant, I was exempt from the expulsion, thus not being under pressure to prepare for departure. My permit allowed me to stay in Uganda until the end of However, eventually I had to leave at the end of December, 1972 trying to protect a member of our jamaat whom someone in the military was looking for. Firstly, I want to clarify that one often hears that no Muslim country came to help. But this is not quite true. The Pakistan government offered to take the refugees but had made it clear that it would not be able to take care of the refugees. This is where some trusts in Pakistan gave guarantees. As I had to leave while I was the treasurer of Kampala Jamaat, I sent the financial books to Mombasa where I completed the accounts, prepared reports and sent copies to Kampala Jamaat for action. My action of sending the records to Mombasa was not appreciated by one individual who almost reported my departure to the military. I made two mistakes. Someone was sending his personal effects to Mombasa by train and asked if I had anything to send. Since the time given to me by him was short, I was not able to speak to all the Executive Committee members to seek an approval. I asked this person to send the Jamaat s records by train with his personal effects. When information reached the individual (who almost put me into trouble) he, although not part of the Executive Committee, reacted angrily. I understand that in spite of his frail health, he still continues to annoy his present Jamaat. I was subsequently told that some of my well-wishers paid him Shs.15,000/- (approximately $2,100), not to take any further action. The second mistake was that I obtained immigration treatment and told others that if they were leaving, they should by Ghulamabbas Sajan Toronto, Canada. apply for it. The individual who almost put me into problem spread a word causing suspicion that I may have stolen money from the Jamaat to be able to travel abroad. However there were positive issues that also happened after the deadline for leaving Uganda. While people were leaving the country, they had lots of Uganda Shillings with which they did not know what to do. These monies were left with the Jamaat some of the money was dropped into Hazrat Abbas and other Panjatan (a.s.) safes and the rest was left in the Jamaat office in bags of different sorts. There was no one to help me count the money and deposit the same in the bank. The collection, counting and depositing of money went on for several days. The help to assist in this temporary routine came from employees of the Jamaat and their families. It was quite possible for them to take the money right in my presence and I would not have been able to stop it. However, they were loyal and perhaps it was repayment in lieu of something I had done for one of the employees. About two or three years before the exodus, the mukhi of the time fired one 94 Federation Samachar

95 Third Eye of the jamaat s employees. That evening the employee with his family was at my home when I returned from work. I was told that the mukhi had dismissed him and he asked for my help. I promised that I would do what I could. The next day, I approached the President, late Gulamali Alibhai, a very nice, humble and caring person. He asked me if I would guarantee that this misbehaviour would not be repeated and that the Executive Committee would hold me personally responsible. I promised. Both he and I knew that I was lying. Anyway, the employee was reinstated, made mistakes, was forgiven but when I needed help in 1972, it came forth. All of them helped count the money, count the notes, roll up the coins and got this ready for being deposited the next day at the bank. This employee (who I reinstated with the President s blessing) took the money to the bank on a daily basis since I had to go to work during working hours. There was no delinquency. My financial and activity reports on Kampala Jamaat were dated 15th January, There were two reports, copies of which were provided to Kampala Jamaat. (In 2010, I provide additional copies at the Jamaat s request.) One report was of six pages which explained various aspects of the financial situation. The second report was of one page that summarised various aspects of the welfare account. The books and records were left with the Africa Federation office in Mombasa. At some point in time there was flooding in the Federation s office. These records got damaged and were unfortunately discarded instead of being salvaged. The noteworthy aspects of those reports are as follows (one should remember that we are talking about 1972 dollars when a salary of $200 per month was considered a good salary): 1. Financial assistance to the amount of Shs. 465,000/- (US $ 66,230 exchange rate of Shs7 = $1) was given to 54 families. This also includes Shs.10, 000/- to United Nations and Shs. 2,000/- to Pakistani High Commission for their travel from Nairobi to Kampala. Also included here are the travel expenses for five molvis returning home. The assistance was for people from across Uganda. 2. There was an amount of Shs. 250,000 payable to Supreme Council (US$ 36,000) according to the report. 3. Ten individuals paid Shs 178,000 for flats at 96/98 William Street. When the property was re-possessed by the jamaat, these individuals had fortuitous gains. After the property was returned to the jamaat, some individuals tried to claim flats that did not belong to them or claimed that they had paid more than what the Jamaat s records indicated. The then president, Sultan Datoo and I agreed to give a letter to Kampala Jamaat which was dated 6th October, 2000 specifying what actually transpired. This settled the matter. 4. The report also highlighted amounts related to other housing projects where people had not paid various amounts totalling Shs. 20,400/-. 5. The Jamaat was asked to pay various property taxes to ensure that these were not possessed by the government for non-payment of taxes. 6. Included in the Jamaat s books were funds payable on settlement of matrimonial disputes. 7. Included in the report was a query I had raised on three deposits which I did not find in the bank statements. 8. Finally, there were several items appearing as receivable but were no longer recoverable since the people owing the money had left the country. One aspect that I want to highlight is that, in my opinion, the Uganda Asian exodus was relatively peaceful. Although people lost their personal possessions which included gold ornaments and cash, there was very little personal violence. I am aware of two killings but both of them, although unfortunate, were politically motivated. The Uganda refugees generally were well received and have done well. Those who owned properties got them back but there were unfortunate instances of bad blood. I know Uganda is thriving and I wish the people of Uganda all the prosperity which they richly deserve. In conclusion, would I repeat the mistakes I made? I think so. Federation Samachar 95

96 Spirituality Dealing with the stumbles and falls of our lives I was sitting in my car waiting for the green light at a traffic signal when a young boy on a skateboard whizzed confidently past me. Suddenly he hit a small pebble and flipped in the air, landing spectacularly hard and totally flat on his back! The skateboard went flying off and landed a few feet away. I watched in horror as the boy lay there, flat on his back, for a moment- -he looked dead or passed out. Before I could react, I saw him open his eyes, gain composure and determinedly get up off the floor. He looked off to the right and saw his skateboard. He walked over, picked it up and got back on the skateboard as confidently as before and whizzed away almost nonchalantly. I knew he must have been in excruciating pain and yet he didn t even take a moment to nurse his wounds or even to brush himself off. And it was the most inspiring thing I had ever seen. Why can t we deal with the blows of our lives in an equally matter-of-fact fashion? A skateboarder knows that he is engaged in a dangerous sport. He expects to fall unexpectedly. And when it happens he knows that there is nothing else to do but get up off the floor and go on. Yes, it hurts. Yes, it is embarrassing. Yes, it throws you off and makes you afraid to trust the pavement or even your own skills. But there is no choice but to go on. And to go on confidently. For if you hesitate you will set yourself up for yet another fall. You can t skateboard hesitantly- -or you will most certainly lose your balance! It just doesn t work any other that way. You have to be confident and look ahead. At your destination... Life is an equally dangerous sport. In fact the stakes are higher and the wounds longer lasting. But Allah (swt) has already warned and prepared us about the impending pitfalls and tests. In fact He has Himself promised them. Do men think that they will be left alone saying, We believe, and that they will not be tested? We did test those before them, and Allah will certainly know those who are true from those who are false. (29:2-3) And yet we feel amazed and shocked when we hit a pebble and fall. And we lie there crying and hating the pebble, the one who created it, the people who let it stay there, the injustice of it all, hating the pain, etc., etc. And crying in this way debilitates us. Getting up off the floor becomes harder. The pain feels more acute. Now we are embarrassed. A crowd has gathered. Now we realize we may have even cried too loudly and if we get up easily people will wonder what all the fuss was about. And so we wallow in the pain. Life looks even harder. How to trust human beings again? And God reassures us like a compassionate mother nursing the wounds by Zakira Shyrose Jaffer Dhalla, B.A (Hons), M.Ed. Toronto, Canada. of her child who whispers, I am right here my love. I will never leave you : And be patient. Surely, Allah is with those who are patient. (8:46) And He gives us reassurance and motivates us to go forward. To never give up. To stay on the path. So lose not heart, nor fall into despair: For you will be superior if you are true in Faith. (3:139) Let us change our attitude. It doesn t mean we have to pessimistically expect falling all the time -it means knowing that falling is possible. And when it happens, we will be ready with grace, with acceptance and with a willingness to brush ourselves off and to go FORWARD. And we go forward with the knowledge and faith that this trouble too, shall pass. And our wounds will heal- -if we allow Him to heal us. For Allah (swt) applies the balm to our wounds Himself. And reminds us with a soothing caress over our hearts: So verily, with every difficulty there is relief: Verily, with every difficulty there is relief. (94:5-6) 96 Federation Samachar

97 Development Alternatives Should We Fund Schools or Students? I am thrilled to be writing for the Federation Samachar once again after a really long gap of nine years, during which I travelled extensively and accumulated a little bit of intellectual capital along the way. One theme that has consistently stayed close to my heart is education, for which so much has already been done, is being done and needs to be done in our community. About a year back, I had the opportunity to interact freely with a group of influential donors from Canada from the Khoja community, and the topic of discussion was should we fund schools or students? This is one of the raging debates in policy circles here in New Delhi as well and seems in no measure less relevant for the development of our community. Let me start out by saying that there is no single answer to this as in many other questions in life, and we need to weigh the pros and cons before making reasoned decisions. I can think of two major arguments in favor of funding community schools. One, they enable the inculcation of our socio-religious values and a shared vision of life among community students, to some degree. Two, they provide schooling opportunities to students where such opportunities are not available or circumscribed due to discrimination on religious or other grounds of a more general nature affecting others too. Even if we focus on these two issues, they seem quite momentous and sufficient enough to make the case for funding schools of our own, although I would seriously recommend getting a survey done to determine the extent to which these and other objectives are being realized in reality. Now, let us also consider some problem areas. One, establishing a school requires huge amounts of capital as well as recurring expenditure until it is able to attain financial independence, which I doubt community schools, at least in India, are ever able to attain. If the same amount of money is used to fund students through scholarships, we would be able to support thousands more than those that study in community schools. Two, the quality of education in our community schools is actually quite By Dr. Ali Mehdi, New Delhi M.A., Globalization and Ph.D., Public Health, University of Freiburg, Germany suspect, which becomes even more problematic if we consider the fact that many children from our community start out with great disadvantage compared to children from other communities, and need much better schooling than the latter to reach comparable levels. Three, this not only makes our students competitive compared to others in the academic sphere, but also in the mainstream social, economic, political spheres due to their segregated education and upbringing. We cannot afford to live as islands, and have to cooperate and compete with others. I would like to restrict myself to the space allotted to this column, and would, therefore, end here without prematurely offering any concluding remarks or solutions. Let this be an open, ongoing discussion, to which we should feel free to bring our relevant experiences and critical insights, and decide for ourselves. Federation Samachar 97

98 Point to Ponder Making Democracy Work for our Community Our Khoja institutions have had a longstanding history of being governed by a constitutional framework that employs democratic principles. Decisions are not unilaterally made by an individual or by a small clique but by a consensus derived collectively via the instrument of public meetings and the elected council. Is this a smooth process? Is it easy to make decisions? Definitely not. In fact, sitting through a general meeting can often be a frustrating exercise in endurance where the debate and challenging of proposed ideas can leave one wondering whether democracy aids or hinders the political process. Wouldn t it be simply easier to dictate and do for the masses, what is best for them? History is replete with glaring instances of when a democratic voting system has still left a nation with a re-elected leader who has previously led a nation into economic decline, warfare and political corruption. If democracy is the glorified value system that it is purported to be then why are tyrants re-elected or relatively worse leaders chosen, by the people, to take the place of previous worthy leaders? Often, a leadership can be seen perpetually ruling decade by decade in a living example of how, without proper checks and balances and prescribed time limits, a democratic system can be manipulated to produce the results desired by the governing party. Winston Churchill himself has acknowledged the fallibility of the democratic process but has defended it by pointing out that it is still the lesser of all the other evils: It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried. Democracy can definitely be complicated and cumbersome. Decisions are harder to make and to execute than the totalitarian system. It may be the worst form of government but, as Churchill has essentially said, the alternative is even worse. Our community s relentless endeavour to pursue and to conform to the democratic process in our governing institutions has been the correct course of action. For when a system allows for the voices of the people to be heard, for all opinions to be aired and for healthy debate to precede a decision, then a system can be considered conducive to being fair and just. However, there is an important, crucial caveat. In order for democracy to be truly functional and to achieve the best results there has to be an active involvement of the people at the grass root level. One should be cognizant of the fact that it is we, the people, who are often responsible for the leaders we get. Therefore we should always be involved and remain involved in the issues that matter to us. Democracy has the potential to be the voice of the people, provided the people utilize it as a vehicle and tool. Too often, the results of a democratic vote can show skewed anomalies with the shocking victory of the worst candidate precisely because he or she has used the voting system to its full potential and galvanized supporters to use their voices. Democracy, after all, is designed to reap fruit to those who sow their efforts into it. Remember: a vote cast, is ultimately a vote heard. 98 Federation Samachar

99 Family Issues An Enemy that can Wreck Every Family When not Restrained A formidable enemy is one who can cause separation between a husband and his wife. This wrecks the security and welfare of their children with a life-time spill-over of consequences to extended family members as well. There is nothing more precious in this world than a happy family life. It is a necessity of human nature, and therefore, it requires its fulfillment to make life meaningful. A human life is characterized and punctuated by a number of situations of concern which require to be addressed thoughtfully and with a balanced management. What is necessary is a response and not a reaction to situations that arise. However, this enemy can worsen such situations and make a father disown his son and a mother break the marriage of her daughter. It can make two brothers turn against each other. A catalogue of situations already bad, made still worse with far reaching consequences, can become quite long. The enemy behind all this remains incognito to strike again and again. Of course, this enemy can be responsible for consequences in also other sectors of life such as business, employment, sports and civil society. But nothing can be as disastrous as the wrecking of family life. What is ironic is the fact that the enemy is sheltered by us ourselves - individually with all its potency to harm. This enemy is ANGER (Gaiz in Arabic, Krodh in Gujarati and Ghazabu in Kiswahili). While it is human to be moved to anger, it is animalistic to let anger take over human reasoning and sanity. Anger is demonic in spiritual terms. Weaker Personality Anger makes the tongue act faster than the brain. Anger expressed disproportionately to a given situation reveals a temperamental nature that is a sign of a weaker personality bordering on a shade of insanity. The risks are greater when a person is young, not yet fully seasoned in the practical matters of life or when old, nagged by a sense of insecurity in life; and even more so when a person feels (wrongly) secured by a sense of one s seniority in a family, or personal wealth, or a high status in a society. Such a deceptive feeling is yet another weakness in a person. There are examples where anger is unleashed disproportionately to a situation that is misunderstood. This sets a spill-over of other consequences to roll on beyond the point of return. There is a serious wrongdoing if a person believes that he has the right to explode into anger at his family members who are his soft target because they are meek and docile and, above all, respectful to him and, because it is here that he can prove his bravado. Therefore, in the Shia Fiqh a divorce pronounced by a husband in anger is invalid. by Mohamed Khalfan Dar es Salaam, Tanzania It is ironic that the same person who uncontrollably gets angry with his family members may not be able to say a word to the neighbour who blocks cars in the parking lot, or to his business partner who mismanages business, or at the grocer who delivers inferior quality of grains or the hefty chauffer who is late for work. The Results The result of such anger is a disintegration of what was a happy extended family. It sometimes results in a divorce between the spouses and the separation of children from one parent or members of the family. Some disputes that result from anger even sometimes go to a court of law. While parties may claim that there are no alternatives, in reality there are no causes apparent for all the consequences that ensue if only anger had been restrained in the first instance. The consequences of anger are later seen to be even worse than the situation that was the cause for the anger in the first instance. The situation was perhaps merely a storm in a tea cup. A person cannot easily extinguish anger once kindled but can wisely restrain it with human dignity. With restraint of anger one can make it easy Continued on pg. 98 Federation Samachar 99

100 Family Issues Continued from page 97 to explain concerns over a situation and admonish effectively when necessary. Doers of Good The quality of restraining anger in a person can be appreciated when Allah (swt) has likened it to benevolence and declared such a person as a doer of good in the following verse of the Holy Qur an: Those who spend (benevolently), whether in prosperity, or in adversity; who restrain (their) anger and pardon men; and Allah loves the doers of good (to others). (Q.3:134) The following verse is related to forgiveness of the members of a family, even if the cause for anger is strong and valid. And if you pardon, and forbear, and forgive, then surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (Q.64:14) The greatest remedy for anger is delay in reaction while thinking for a while over a remedial response. The person feeling that he has a right to be angry should instead show that he is much hurt and will speak over the cause later. It is a sign of a refined personality where a person can admonish or address a situation without raising voice in anger. The Bible also prescribes restraint to anger. The examples are as follow: Let anger alone and leave rage. Do not show yourself heated up only to do evil. (Psalm 37:8) An enraged man stirs up contention but one that is slow to anger quiets down quarreling. (Pr 15:18) He that is slow to anger is abundant in discernment but one that is impatient is exalting foolishness. (Pr 14:29) He that is slow to anger is better than a mighty man. (Pr 16:32) The insight of a man certainly slows down his anger. (Pr 19:11) Be wrathful and yet do not sin; let the sun not set with you in a provoked state. (Eph 4:26) And finally, the need to fasten one s seat-belt because People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing. -- Will Rogers. Notably the following verse in the Holy Quran in Ch.16:21 states: There are three gates leading to hell lust, anger and greed. Every sane man should give these up, for they lead to the degradation of the soul. JOB LOTS, LIQUIDATIONS, SURPLUS & EXCESS INVENTORY FROM NORTH AMERICA 100% BRAND NAME PRODUCTS TOOLS STATIONERY HARDWARE FOOD ITEMS BUILDING MATERIAL CAR ACCESSORIES SHOES COMPUTER ACCESSORIES EYEWEAR CLOTHING Tanzacan Tradelink Inc. 366 Denison Street, Suite 4, Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R 1B9 Tel. +1 (905) / Fax. +1 (905) Federation Samachar Aliraza Rajani ali@tanzacan.com Mujahid Rajani mujahid@tanzacan.com

101 Wayside Wisdom Freedom of Speech is not absolute Recently there was outrage in the Muslim community sparked by a crude anti-islam video mocking the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The video Innocence of Muslims is an anti- Islam video and has been condemned worldwide by many Muslims and non- Muslims as malicious, disgusting and designed to enrage Muslims. The outrage and anger of individuals culminated in violence. In Libya, Tunisia and Egypt protesters stormed Western embassies and demonstrations erupted in more than two dozen countries - ranging from small peaceful gatherings to more aggressive attacks on Western targets. Numerous statements were issued by reputable Muslim organisations, including the World Federation, condemning the video and calling for Muslims to exercise restraint from aggressive behaviour and instead peacefully protest against the video. These statements are understandable because the Prophet is respected by Muslims who number over 1.5 billion worldwide. The movie was produced by an Egyptian-born Coptic Christian who has used multiple aliases in the past. The Coptic Orthodox Christian Church condemned the movie saying that it rejects dragging the respectable Copts of the Diaspora in the latest production of an inflammatory movie about the Prophet of Islam... The name of our blessed parishioners should not be associated with the efforts of individuals who have ulterior motives. The World Council of Churches stated that the film was an insult to the heart of the Muslim faith and to all peoples of faith. The film s 80 cast and crew members disavowed the film, saying that the cast was taken advantage of by the producer who misled them about its intent and purpose. It is reported that the film s original working title was Desert Warrior which had no religious references but that anti-islamic content was added post production by overdubbing, reportedly without any of the actors knowledge. Videos, each approximately 14 minutes in length, claiming to be trailers of a longer film were uploaded to YouTube in July Trailers dubbed in Arabic language were uploaded in early September When Egypt s Al Nas TV broadcast an excerpt of the YouTube video, this raised public awareness leading to protests. When such negative films are produced, the few who defend these do so in the name of freedom of speech. Freedom of speech is the political right to communicate one s opinions and ideas but in practice, the right to freedom of speech is not absolute in any country and the right is commonly subject to limitations, as with defamation, slander, obscenity, copyright violations and instigation to commit a crime. Baseless accusations against a faith or an individual (in this instance, the Holy by Munir Daya Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Prophet) with the intention of mischief fall into the limitation of freedom of speech category because this threatens global peace and harmony among people of different religions. Some countries have called for an international convention against giving offense to any religion. Tunisian leaders are reported to have said that the crisis underlines the need for a universal blasphemy law that deters misguided individuals from producing negative propaganda against any religion. Muslims have been inundated with anti-islam and anti-muslim diatribes for years. Some countries have laws against anti-semitism, spiteful speech or publications that incite hatred. Such laws outlaw communications that threaten, or are abusive, insulting or provoking violence or riots. Yet there is much hypocrisy in the discriminatory use of such laws. When it comes to issues offensive to Muslims, some governments and human rights groups say incitement laws cannot apply as this would threaten free expression. This incongruity needs to be addressed because freedom of speech does not give people the right to take outrageous liberties that do so much damage to our mutual brotherhood on the planet that we share. Federation Samachar 101

102 Commentary QUR AN - The Authentic Book of Allah This is the fourth in a series of articles on the Holy Qur an. In The Name Of Allah The Beneficent The Merciful Alif. Laam. Raa. A Book which We have revealed to you (O Muhammad), in order that you might lead mankind out of the depths of darkness into light. (Ch. 14:1). by Dr. Husein Khimjee, Ph.D. Toronto, Canada There are several examples where Qur an has come to the aid of modern science. In doing so, the Book of Allah has disproved false theories. A classic example of this is the Ptolemaic theory of the immobility of the earth. Christian churches had accepted this theory as the solid truth. Further, people believed that the earth was the centre of the universe. It was an Italian physicist and astronomer of the 17th century, Galileo, who refuted this theory and stated correctly that the earth has motion and revolves around the sun. The Christian churches vehemently opposed this. To them, Galileo had uttered blasphemy. For this, Galileo was sentenced to life imprisonment. What is very interesting is that while Europe was gripped under such wrong theories, and Galileo had discovered the truth only in the 17th century, the Qur an had already revealed, a thousand years before Galileo, that the earth had motion. Not only does the Qur an show that the earth has motion, it also reveals how mountains act as pegs that balance the planet earth to keep it steady. Consider the following wonderful aayaat: He created the Heavens without any pillars that you can see; He set on the Earth Mountains standing firm; Lest it should shake with you (to prevent its uneven motion); And He scattered through it beasts of all kinds. We send down rain from the sky and Produce on the earth every kind of noble creature, in pairs (31:10). (IV) Internal Evidence The Solar System In a further elaboration of this challenge of the Qur an, an interesting article 16 shows several examples where the Qur an has come to the aid of researchers and scientists to arrive at the final Truth in the face of several unfounded theories by various thinkers. One of these was the theory of the scientist Laplace, whose theory concerning the emergence of the solar system was refuted as modern scientific research was made. Modern science came to agree with the Qur anic revelation in verse 21:30: Do the unbelievers not see that the heavens and The earth were joined together before we Separated them and that we brought all Living things into existence from water? Why do they still not believe in Allah? Page donated by Gulam Jagani, Canada 102 Federation Samachar

103 Commentary Modern research has just arrived at the conclusion about our solar system; whereas the Book of Allah had already described it at the time when the knowledge of science, and, indeed, all other knowledge was extremely limited. Similarly, it is only now that scientists are arriving at the conclusion that our universe is continuously expanding. Until the 19th century this was totally unknown. The Qur an, however, has described this in clear terms: We created the heavens with our strength and Power, and constantly expand them (51:47). (i) Prophecies - Fulfilled During The Life Of Rasul Allah (S) There are several prophecies in the Qur an that were fulfilled during the earthly life of Rasul Allah (S). In this article, I shall discuss only two prophecies under this heading. The earliest was when Allah Subhanahu wa Taàla prophesied about Abu Lahab. Abu Lahab, whose actual name was Àbdu al-uzza (named after an idol Uzza), was the most notorious opponent of the message of Islam and of Rasul Allah (S). The Book of Allah describes the heavenly bodies, each of them keeping to its appointed course. 16 See Sayyid Mujtaba Musawi Lari, The Glorious Qurán as an Everlasting Miracle, (Translated from the Persian language by Dr. Hamid Algar) in Ál-Tawhid: A Quarterly Journal of Islamic Thought and Culture, Vol. VIII, No.3, Rajab-Ramadan, Allah it is who rose up the heavenly bodies on Invisible pillars and then took repose on the throne. He has subjected the sun and the moon to you. And each of them continues to rotate for a fixed time. Thus Allah regulates all the affairs of the universe And he explains in detail his signs, So that you may believe with certainty in the day of Resurrection and the meeting with your Rabb (13:2). The Qur an explained the above scientific truth in a way that is comprehensible to mankind in all ages. Our 8 th Imam Àli Rida (A) gave a beautiful explanation of this Sign of Allah as he explained to one of his disciples saying, there is a pillar, but it cannot be seen. 17 External Corroboration (Prophecies) That the Qur an is the True Word of Allah Subhanahu wa Taàla and has continued to withstand the test of time can also be shown through its prophecies. We can divide the prophecies in the Qur an in three categories: (i) The prophecies that occurred and were totally fulfilled in the life of Rasul Allah (S); (ii) The prophecies that were fulfilled after the passing away of Rasul Allah (S); (iii) The prophecies that are still to be fulfilled. When Allah commanded Rasul Allah (S) to admonish the public for the very first time, Rasul Allah (S) used the same system to announce as was used by the Makkans at the time. This was to stand on Mount Saffa and give a cry Waa Sabaahaa three times. Makkans would be able to see a man standing on the hill of Saffa and would realize the importance of his calling them to him. As Makkans gathered, Rasul Allah (S) began a very interesting and comprehensive khutba in which he proclaimed the Oneness of Allah, that Allah had appointed him as the Rasul of Allah and warned them about the coming of the Day of Judgment. Abu Lahab, who was in the crowd, shouted obscenities at Rasul Allah (S) and complained that Prophet Muhammad (S) had called people to say things that were so unimportant when they were so busy in the day! Abu Lahab, referring to Rasul Allah (S), said that may his hands be cut off. Allah Subhanahu wa Taàla did not like this and revealed a prophecy: Perish the hands of Abu Lahab, perish He!; No profit to him from all his wealth, and all his gains; Burnt soon will he be in a fire of blazing flame; His wife shall carry the (crackling) wood as fuel; A twisted rope of palm-leaf fibre round her (own) neck! (Surah Al-Masadd Verse 1-5). This prophecy was fulfilled to the letter. (Continued in the next issue) Footnotes: 16: See Sayyid Mujtaba Musawi Lari, The Glorious Qurán as an Everlasting Miracle, (Translated from the Persian language by Dr. Hamid Algar) in Ál-Tawhid: A Quarterly Journal of Islamic Thought and Culture, Vol. VIII, No.3, Rajab-Ramadan, : Ibid. Federation Samachar 103

104 Straight Talk Leadership is a function of both nature and nurture A million muallims on mimbers muttering - Man `arafa Nafsahu, faqad `arafa Rabbahu (Whosoever knows himself knows his Lord - are hardly likely to magically create self-awareness toward the ultimate cognition of reality that this adage talks so loftily of. In this column Dr. Hasnain Walji discusses practical ways of actualizing this human potential. by Dr. Hasnain Walji Los Angeles, USA The subject of leadership evokes many emotions. Within the wider society, labels like autocratic, bureaucratic, charismatic, democratic, participative, transactional, transformational and so on pervade conversations on the subject. Within faith groups, each holds it own definition of ideal leadership as sacrosanct. Muslims too have a definitive concept of leadership derived from the Prophets and the Shia extend that to the Aimma (AS). There is no dearth of theoretical knowledge about leadership among Muslim scholars, and no shortage of passionate proponents of the virtues of pristine Islamic leadership. While such hankering for perfection is laudable, it has not been very successful in defining a process towards that goal. Indeed many of the predicaments that Muslims find themselves in today are due to the mindset that just because we are blessed with these concepts, and exemplary personalities like the Blessed Prophet (SAW), we can produce the best leaders. While there is no definitive agreement among the experts, it would seem that leadership is a function of both nature and nurture. Modern research suggests that effective leadership is due largely to our experiences, our self-awareness, and our understanding for others. All of these factors can be learned and enhanced, leading one to believe that, with the exception of the Divinely appointed ones, leaders are largely made, not born. A question that begs an answer is: if that is the case, what processes and tools do we have at our disposal to nurture leadership in an everchanging world? While we have the best of axioms, which we are ever ready to quote from the hadith literature and the Nahjul Balagha, we would be hard pressed to produce even a few protocols applying personal development. A million muallims on mimbers muttering - Man `arafa Nafsahu, faqad `arafa Rabbahu - are hardly likely to magically create self-awareness toward the ultimate cognition of Reality that this adage talks so loftily of. The paucity of our own practical processes makes it necessary for us to look further afield at the available tools in the wider society. Indeed it would be a folly and a disservice, to none but ourselves, to turn up our noses at the vast array of proven processes and tools used by millions in the Western academia and the corporate world, today. It is time that while proclaiming Man `arafa Nafsahu, faqad `arafa Rabbahu, we must also become acquainted with the tools available to help create selfawareness and consequently personal development. All of us, and especially our muballigheen, can not and must not remain smug in the solace of self sufficiency, shunning opportunities 104 Federation Samachar

105 Straight Talk to better our lot; rather we should boldly embrace these effective tools and methods even if they initially move us from our comfort zones. Indeed we need to look at this as an opportunity to distill the best of these methods and create our own tools in the years to come as part of serious Muslim scholarship to benefit all of humanity, just as Muslims had done in the past, saving and restoring and transmitting the classical sciences from ancient Greeks. A good example of such a concept is one of Emotional Intelligence, first defined by Wayne Payne in his doctoral thesis, A Study of Emotion: Developing Emotional Intelligence. This has today become an integral part of leadership studies and theories. Emotional Intelligence requires that leaders now need to manage and lead an empowered team and go beyond the autocratic and coercive styles of yesterday. These new demands include consultation, inclusion, team spirit, involvement and opportunities for growth. Recognizing that the community was not immune to these prevailing thoughts and a desire for utilizing these new concepts for the betterment of the community, over the years, through its Leadership Development Program (LDP), the World Federation has embarked on a systematic approach to build capacity at different levels. Students, councilors, volunteers and muballigheen have all been considered as candidates for the program to empower them to serve better. On a personal note, the greatest gift of this program is the potential creation of self-awareness for those of us who have benefitted from these programs. Most notable is the appreciation of the Emotional Intelligence model introduced by Daniel Goleman, which defines a wide array of competencies and skills that drive leadership performance such as: Self-awareness the ability to read one s emotions and recognize their impact while using gut feelings to guide decisions. Self-management involves controlling one s emotions and impulses and adapting to changing circumstances. Social awareness the ability to sense, understand, and react to others emotions while comprehending social networks. Relationship management the ability to inspire, influence, and develop others while managing conflict. Having sampled psychometric tools such as the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Strength Deployment Inventory (SDI) (initially as a cynic) I am all the more convinced that these emotional competencies are not attributes one is born with, but rather learned capabilities that must be worked on and developed. To that end, the LDP by the World Federation Secretariat has shown considerable promise. I have had a unique vantage position to observe the development of colleagues and the transformation of individuals, I have known over three decades of community involvement, who have gone through the programs. The change in approach has been nothing short of spectacular and now needs all the resources we can muster to ensure that they are rolled out on a much broader basis around the world. The more I look at the direction of the capacity building program, the more I am reminded of the Arabic adage: sayyidil qawm khadimuhum - leaders are servants of their followers. In that spirit, the buzzwords, by the successive leaderships at the World Federation during different eras, with mottos such as Simplicity and Sincerity, Enabling and Facilitating and Alignment and Capacity Building all bear testimony to our deep rooted belief in submission to Allah (SWT) with sincerity, integrity and compassion; all the while striving for justice and righteousness and the struggle within oneself towards self-improvement and personal development. Federation Samachar 105

106 Last Word Pride (Kibr) By Muhammad Tejani - Dubai The deadliest of all sins is kibr (arrogance). It has been called ummul-amradh or the root of all sickness of the heart. Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) warned that a person having even an iota of kibr in his heart will never enter Paradise. No one likes arrogance. We tend to never like a person who is over- bearing, proud and condescending. We detest a person who belittles us and has a huge ego. Ego is nothing but pride in its inflated form. An arrogant man is unduly or excessively proud of his wealth, status, learning, etc. He shows ego in the spirit of conduct. He is unwarrantably overbearing and haughty. He thinks very high of himself and poorly of others. It is narrated that Hazarat Moosa (a) asked Allah (s.w.t.), O My Lord! Who is the most deserving of your wrath and displeasure? Allah told him, It is he whose heart is filled with pride and his tongue is filthy (abusive), his eyes are devoid of shame, his hands are miserly and he is of bad conduct and character. We love people who are humble, polite and friendly to talk to. To respect and honour others is a sublime virtue. The principle of treating others the way we like to be treated is the key to the solution of basic social problems. Treating arrogance hence requires serious thought. However it is possible to have manners without morals. The first concern itself is with how a person deals with others. The second is related with what a person thinks of himself. Imam Ali (a.s) says, The one thing that is better not expressed, even if it is true is a man s praise of himself. People show humility in their dealings in two cases either out of generosity or after becoming genuinely convinced that s/he is not superior or better than the person standing opposite them. The humility of a man in a position of high rank protects him from malice of others when he falls. (Imam Ali a.s). Therefore it is wise to be nice to people as you go up, because you may meet them as you go down. The sense of feeling equal leads to a quality of being free from arrogance. Real greatness belongs to Almighty Allah, our Lord, Creator and Master. Human beings are just a creation of His and a very small creation in comparison to the unimaginable vast universe. Anyone who understands this will realize that our proper status is only as servants of Almighty Allah (s.w.t.) For a Muslim the real human model is none other than the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) who is the greatest of all human beings. A Muslim s greatness lies in being the humblest of all the servants of Allah (s.w.t.). It is impossible for any person who has this consciousness to entertain any notion of his own greatness. This leads us to a definition of kibr (arrogance) mentioned in a famous hadith by Imam Ali (AS): Pride impedes progress and mars greatness. Kibr is to knowingly reject truth and to belittle other people. This hadith exposes two strains of this ailment, both dealing with our exaggerated ideas of self-importance. The first suggests that one considers himself to be more important than the truth, if he is arrogant. The second suggests that he considers himself to be more important than other people, if he is arrogant. Islam s teaching is that one should never consider oneself greater than others. A person who appears to be nobody here may end up in eternal bliss because of his goodness that only Almighty Allah knows. Meanwhile a person who considers himself a big shot here on earth may end up among the sinners and shall be punished because only Allah knows his evils and hidden follies. And he who tries to be higher than others Allah will rub his nose in dust (that lowers him). O respected and honorable, test the punishment. (Q. 44:49), this refers to the aristocrats who considered themselves as such. Today you shall be rewarded with the punishment of abasement because you were unjustly proud in the land and because you transgressed. (Q ) Taking pride in our fleeting and our material superiority is the business of those who live in a fool s paradise. Almighty Allah has created all human beings as equals, regardless of cast, creeds or religion. Men and women cannot impose superiority upon themselves. O you men!, We have created you of a male and a female and made you tribes and families that you may know each other; surely the most honorable of you with Allah is the one among you most careful (of his duty), surely Allah is Knowing and Aware. (Q.49.13) Islam expects us to stick to reality, pragmatism and moderation. Rather it asks to take a deeper look at reality and not be misled by a superficial perception of reality. The simple realities that are evident in the form of our health, wealth, talents and power are not our creation. These are gifts from Almighty Allah to us and He can take them back from us when He wishes. And so we pray, You exalt who You like and abase who You like. (Q. 3:25) Those who are conscious of this reality bow before Allah in gratitude and only those who are oblivious of this fact fall prey to pride and arrogance. 106 Federation Samachar

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