TERM 1985-1988

Hawza - "Madrassah As Seyyid El Khui"

In 1975 Ayatullahil-Uzma Abul Qasim El Khui confirmed that the situation at the Hawza at Najaf was deteriorating fast. He cautioned that mere expression of grief and sympathy is not enough. What was needed and rightly expected of the Momineen was to establish Hawza all over the world.

He laid special emphasis on Western Countries, and specifically recommended a Hawza be established at London.

Ten years after his appeal, in March 1985, a modest Hawza "Madrassah As Seyyid El Khui" was established at Birmingham to coincide with the 1400th birth anniversary of Imam Hussein (A.S.). It started with just 3 students under Principal Janab Maulana Zafar Abbas Saheb Qibla.

After a year of struggle at present there are 5 students. As the accommodation at Birmingham was temporary, it was shifted to Stanmore from November 1985.

The expenditure of this Hauza is Pound Sterling 3000 per month. Though several applications have been received it was not possible to increase the number of students due to limited funds.

The curriculum is streamlined in such a manner that the student should acquire enough Islamic knowledge in various sciences within 4 years. Subjects taught were Arabic, Usool, Fiqh, Tafsir, Hadith and ancillary sciences like Mantiq, Kalam and Falsafa etc.

Several applications of students from abroad are received and are being scrutinized. One local candidate from Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri community has applied and has been called for interview.

As per the Executive Council Meeting report of 28th Sept 1986, five students have completed the first year at the Hawza

Projects of WF for 1985-1988

Tabligh

Proposed Milton Keynes Imambara Project

The Jamaat had been offered a prime site at Milton Keynes at a discount of 75% on the land price. The President Mr. Mahmood Datoo, on behalf of the Jamaat, has pledged that 10% of the cost would be raised locally and sought the blessings of the Council to embark upon the Project. Due to central location, the Centre could also be used for I.E.B activities like short courses, preparation of audio visuals programmes and seminars. The planning brief prepared by Muhsin Dharamsi, at the request of the Jamaat, would ensure that the Centre would have multipurpose usage such as Imambara, Madressa, Video Studio, Conference hall and Playground facility all in an area of 2000 sq. feet. The total cost of the Project would be Pound Sterling 177,000 to include cost of one acre of land and other legal and other service charges.

The Council approved the Project with the recommendation that the Office bearer liaise with the Jamaat and accord appropriate assistance.

Proposed Birmingham Jamaat Extension Project

The Jamaat is planning to build an extension to the Imambara due to expanding community in Birmingham. The extension would provide a nursery and classroom on the ground floor and flats on the first floor. The nursery would be used by mothers with the babies during Majaalis and as classroom for Madressa or playgroup. The first floor flats would be used for Students, M.A.B. patients and visitors.

The Jamaat would raise a large portion of the funds locally and requested to Council to raise either by way of grants or loan or any other means thought appropriate. The Council recommended that the Office bearers liaise with the Jamaat to explore the possibilities.

Proposed Peterborough Jamaat Property for Aalim

The Jamaat at a recent meeting decided to purchase a nearby property for Pound Starling 30,000 for the purpose of Aalim's accommodation. The present accommodation for the Aalim would then be used as a Madressa.

The Council advised the Jamaat to place a formal application in writing clearly stating their need for a Madressa. The Council also recommended that no. 6 Burton Street, the Convalescent Home can also be used as Madressa, subject to discussion with the M.A.B, the Secretariat and the Jamaat.

Islamic Education Board (I.E.B.)

Report - Executive Council meeting on 8th. July 1984 at Birmingham

The Chairman of the I.E.B. reported that:

1. Hajj Booklet completed and distributed
2. Salaat book was in the final stages of preparation
3. Shia Academy was holding classes in 3 parts of London
4. The Basic correspondence course on Islam has been temporarily suspended
5. Video Cassette on Salaat was in the final stages of preparation
6. The Council has a preview of the matter completed so far.

The Council recommended that as the I.E.B had done little in terms of coordination of Madrassas apart from issuing syllabus, a special effort to be put in to activate I.E.B. Sub Committees as per its original terms of reference and assist the running and formation of Madrassas under Jamaats.

Report - Executive Council meeting on 15th Dec 1985 at Stanmore

Mulla Asgar (Asghar Ali M.M Jaffer) briefed the Council on the activities of the I.E.B.

1. The following five members have been nominated to serve on I.E.B:

1. Dr. Hasnain Walji
2. Mr. Mohsin Haji Ali
3. Yusuf Sabur
4. Abdulhusein Akbar
5. Mahmood Hooda

2. A publication to cater for the report on the activities of Madrassa all over the world, named AL MADRASSAH had been initiated and the first issue had already been circulated.

3. Video Cassette on Salaat is ready for circulation. The current priority of the I.E.B would be Suitable Textbooks for Madrassa, Teachers Training Seminars and Workshops.

4. Copies of the Bilal Trust talk show on Radio Tanzania would be circulated as soon as received by I.E.B.

5. Mr. Mahmood Hooda informed about a Youth Seminar to be held at Peterborough over the Christmas Holidays and the Jamaats should send Youths to this Seminar.

It was also recommended that in future, if possible, all Seminars should be held with the coordination of I.E.B to give wider coverage.

Report - Executive Council meeting on 20th. April 1986 at Peterborough

It was reported that the activities of I.E.B. are on the increase. The original brief is now been implemented and the I.E.B is in touch with Madressa Worldwide. A publication of Tadabbur Fil Quran is now being prepared. It has unique features with color photographs on creation accompanied with Ayats from the Holy Quran. Also 2 issues of Al Madrassah have been published and a third one is being prepared. In the meantime the work of Book distribution is carried out.

Report - Executive Council meeting 28th. Sept at Milton Keynes

1. The Salaat Video Cassette is now being distributed to Madrassah worldwide.
2. The publication Al Madarassah has been well received and the I.E.B. was in the process issuing the fourth issue.

Report - Executive Council meeting 29th. March 1987 at Stanmore

1. The Textbooks supplied to Madressa are from Bilal Muslim Mission and Islamic Seminary.
2. A booklet has been published recently on the guidelines for Namaz e Jamaat.
3. Other publication to come is on The Life of Prophet and on the compilation of Hadith.
4. Video Cassettes: Video on Salaat, The Life of Prophet and other Lectures had been prepared.
5. The activities of I.E.B. are extended even beyond the membership of WF and all requests from other Organisations and individuals were attended to.
6. The Secretariat had been now able to obtain books of the Islamic Seminary written in French. The President of the Paris Jamaat was requested to inform the Council about the activities of the Jamaat, the Madressa and the assistance that could be availed to Jamaat.

Report - Executive Council meeting 25th. October 1987 at Birmingham

The Secretary General presented a written report and the following points were highlighted:

1. During his visit to Toronto Mr. Hasnain Walji attended the IEB-NASIMCO meeting & discussed a number of items. An agreement was worked out for a better and closer liaises between IEB-NASIMCO and IEB of the World Federation.
2. In July 1987, the Chairman of IEB-NASIMCO, brother Mahmud Devjee visited and a full meeting of IEB was called and matters of mutual interest discussed. Representative of all our Madressa in the U.K. also attended this meeting.
3. It was agreed that as far as possible common syllabus be adopted for all our Madressa. The Secretariat is maintaining close link with the IEB-NASIMCO and cooperating in their efforts to prepare Textbooks based on common syllabus. Brother Muhsin Jaffer has been appointed to liaise with IEB_NASIMCO on behalf of I.E.B.
4. A Seminar for Madressa Teachers was held by Alhaj Mulla Asgar from 21st to 24th. July 1987. The Programme of three days was captured on Video Cassette. It was attended by 16 Teachers from Hydery and Hujjat Madressa of London.
5. Delegation of Paris Jamaat visited London and had meeting with the Chairman of I. E. B.

Medical Advisory Board

India Trip

Dr. Walji and Mohamed Daya presented a report of their trip to India with Slide and Video Presentation of the plight of our brothers and sisters both Sadat and non-Sadat.

A full detailed report was submitted to the Secretariat with the highlights as follows:

1. Eye Treatments
2. Medical Camps in various villages
3. Special cases of Heart Transplant, Kidney etc.
4. TB Beds

All the above were ongoing Projects of WF.

Dr. M.T.I. Walji sighted a case study of Dr. Hanif Lakdawala in a slum colony called Millatnagar near Ahmedabad. Dr. Lakdawala was successful in tackling the problem of Malnutrition and Health Care Immunization with the basic concept of Health Care Education rather than drugs.

It was recommended to emulate Dr. Hanif Lakdawala in areas like Govandi in Bombay.

Dr. Walji called upon the Council to maximize efforts to help the needy Sadats.

The Council responded to this emotional appeal of Dr. Walji by recommending strongly that concrete steps to be taken to organise Preventive Health Care Scheme especially for Sadats.

Stanmore

Dr. Amir Lakha reported on the screening programme at Stanmore and outlined a proposal of dispensary in Mombasa that the M.A.B. was studying. The London branch of the M.A.B. had now established contacts with several well-known Hospitals in London to enable our patients to have better services at these Hospitals.

Dar es Salaam

Dr. Fuad Sheriff reported that the Hospital Project at Dar as Salaam had begun and thanked Haji Haiderbhai Haji for the encouragement in initiating the Hospital Project.

He also reported on the screening programme at which 340 families had participated. The result of the survey revealed that 12% had diabetes, 15% Hypertension and 25% of the ladies were obese. These shocking results meant that the community would have to be actively involved in health education by way of seminar to change their diet. Prevention rather than treatment are given priority in the long run.

Report - 29th. March 1987

The following highlights were presented at the Executive Council meeting on 29th. March 1987 at Stanmore:

1. Total of 1035 patients were attended till December 1986 with both Birmingham & London Secretariat being busy and stretched to limits.
2. Hajj Medical Mission for 1987 was ready and most of the arrangements were finalised. It was noted with concern that a group from Canada was sending a separate Medical Team.
3. Pakistan- Further progress had been made on Bimar E Karbala Clinic. The M.A.B. Pakistan had undertaken a demographic Survey Project where data on every single K.S.I in Pakistan would be collected enabling the M.A.B. to have a unique insight into the health condition of the Community.
4. In India, the T. B. Bed Project is still operating. A Primary health Care Project has been initiated in conjunction with the Imam e Zamana Mission in Hyderabad.
5. Govandi, in Bombay, a Clinic will soon be started by Dr. Moledina. The Clinic is the part of the Primary Health Care Project by the M.A.B modelled on the Primary Health Care Project in Ahmedabad by Dr. Hanif Lakdawala.
6. U.K. – A screening programme was held at Birmingham where 178 persons were screened. Similar Programmes are planned for Milton Keynes & Peterborough

Zainabiya Child Sponsorship Scheme

Mr. Muhsin Dharamsi reported that the scheme had now been finally relaunched and most of the backlog cleared. The new found avenue for the scheme is Mahuva, Hyderabad, Khujwa and Lucknow.

Hajj Medical Mission (H.M.M.)

Hajj Mission 1985

The 9th Hajj Medical Mission is now ready to proceed with Dr. Moledina of Bombay, Dr. Rajpar of Trollhattan, Dr. Moledina and Dr. Nasser of Mombasa with Maulana Zafar Abbas as Aalim and Mohd Panju Jessa as administrator.

It was pointed out that a circular be sent out clearly defining the role of Hajj Medical Mission which was a WF sponsored Project and Haj Assistant Committee which was an independent Project to avoid any confusion in the community.

Hajj Mission 1986

This was the 10th year where Dr. Gulamabbas Rajpar (Sweden), Dr. Anis Lakha (U.K.) and Dr. Faiyaz Kapasi who served the Hujjaj. The team also had Haji Husein Remtullah and Haji Mohamed Panju as administrator and Maulana Syed Hassan Naqvi Saheb as a religious guide in matter of Fiqh.

Dr. T.M.I. Walji emphasized that the role of the administrators of H.M.M. which starts six months prior to Hajj to ensure that the drugs and equipment are available at the time of Hajj. During Haj, the administrator was responsible for arranging accommodation for the Doctors, Dispensary, Drug transfer, helping in emergency. All these activities are of vital importance to the mission to enable the Doctors to utilize all their time in seeing the patients.

Hajj Mission 1987

It was a successful mission with the following highlights:

1. It was the 11th Mission
2. For the first time H.M.M. manage to get its own centre right at the perimeter of the Haram
3. A fresh Graduate Doctor did part of his training in the mission as recognised part of his medical curriculum.
4. For the first time, the mission was accompanied by the Secretary General of World Federation, Mr. Hasnain Walji and Honorary Treasurer Mr. Ahmed Daya.
5. For the first time three dispensaries were working concurrently.
6. Due to heavy work load, extra Doctors who came for training became invaluable.
7. For the first severe and serious cases of Meningitis were found.
8. A British television team making documentary on Hajj filmed our work as part of their film.
9. Mr. Hasnain Walji and Ahmed Daya accompanied by Dr. Walji attended a joint meeting with the Hajj Assistance Committee group representatives and U.K. group representatives.

Tahrike Tarsile Quran (T.T.Q)

This Organisation is currently involved in distributing the Holy Quran and other books on a worldwide basis. Brother Aunali Khalfan, the Organizer and Founder of T.T.Q briefed the Council on its activities.

The Council felt that while it could not recommend any financial commitment at this stage, the World Federation ought to assist the Tahrike Tarsile by buying and distributing the Books.

Youth Group

On the directive of the Executive Council, the Secretary General contacted the respective Jamaats with a view to form an active Youth Group for U.K. Written proposals to form such a body had been presented at a Sports gathering in Peterborough to all the participants. The London Jamaat had agreed to convene a meeting to form this Youth Body.

Further Mr. Sibtain Panjwani presented a draft proposal in the form of a paper enlisting the terms of reference for the operation of the Youth Body.

After deliberation and several recommendations, the Council approved the paper in principal. The finer details of the actual operation would be finalised by the Office bearers.

Aalim Grant - Sub Committee

Application for Aalim grants were received from various Jamaats and more were anticipated.

Apart from the normal requirement of the Jamaat to submit their accounts so as to justify the need, the Secretary required further guidance on certain delicate issued while considering the application.

There had been instance where the Jamaat financial conditions entitle them for grant, but the Aalim may not be entitled for several reasons. It was becoming increasingly difficult to convey such information without hurting the feelings of the Aalim concerned.

The Executive Council resolved that a subcommittee be formed to look into the ways and means of solving the problems of Grants and Recruitment.

The following were nominated to serve on the subcommittee:

1. Yusuf Sabur - Leicester 2. Mohsin G Ladak - Leeds 3. Kassamali Somani - Birmingham 4. Rafiq Hussein Shah - Watford 5. Mohsin Kassam - Essex

Gujarat Federation

At the Executive Council meeting on 20th. April 1986, Mr. Hasnain Walji presented the report on the current state of affairs of Gujarat Federation.

The unfortunate incidents related to Gujarat Federation have paralyzed most of the activities of World Federation in India. The voluntary workers who had devoted their time and money have all resigned, with no intention to serve any further.

Ever since its establishment 1979, certain Jamaats opposed it formation and remained aloof from it, refusing to become its members.

The field of work charted out for Gujarat Federation was:

1. Zainabiya Chile Sponsorship Scheme with more than 600 students of Sadat & Non Sadats sponsored under the Scheme.
2. Medical Assistance
3. Monthly Assistance to the needy.
4. Housing Projects
5. Samuh Lagna
6. Assistance to Capital Projects like Mosque, Imambara, Madrassa etc.

As is the case with any Organisation, it was not possible to satisfy all the applicants who came for assistance. As such there was an aggrieved element with the society, which gathered strength gradually as their number grew.

Dr. Kapasi, Umedali Bhanabhai and Haji Gulamali Bhanji (Bapu) were defamed. World Federation was reported to the authorities who impounded the Account Books. A criminal case was registered with the express order by the court that the World Federation must NOT cease to function and the Office bearers must continue in the Office. This paradox, displaying distrust coupled with an insistence upon the distrusted to continue in the office, cannot be explained.

At World Federation level it was decided not to answer the pamphlets and allow the dust to settle before taking any steps.

The efforts of Haji Haiderbhai Kassamali Haji, Haji Gulamali Bhanji (Bapu) and others directed towards getting the case withdrawn. It was advised that the case would be withdrawn and all the confiscated papers would be handed back. This does not in any way mean that the Gujarat Federation will resume work. The consensus in Gujarat is that the Gujarat Federation must be wound up. Haji Haider Bhai Haji also supports this as there is now a need to replace Gujarat Federation with a Trust which should be responsible to the World Federation and not any Jamaat in India.

At present activities in India are at a standstill, except the Madressa Grant which is being distributed through Masoomeen Trust, Bombay and certain projects of K.S.I. Medical and Welfare Society, Bombay

The Court case against Gujarat Federation has not been withdrawn as promised by the party who had filed the case. Hence Gujarat Federation has ceased to function.

A new team has agreed to serve the Zainabiya Child Sponsorship Scheme which will take some time to complete the legal formalities.

It must be noted that World Federation in its independent way has not stopped the assistance to the needy Shia Community of Sadat and non Sadat in India. During every visit of the President and other representatives, many families and religious projects have been assisted.

Review of activities in India-28th Sept 1986 Executive Council Meeting Report:

After separate visits by the President, Hon. Treasurer and Mulla Asgar (Asghar Ali M.M Jaffer), a full report covering Hyderabad, Bangalore, madras, Bombay (Govandi) & Gujarat Federation had been circulated by the Secretariat.

As per the Council’s recommendation, the Secretariat has embarked on a plan of activities to widen the venues of services through existing agencies other than the Gujarat Federation.

While existing Projects like Zainabiya Child Sponsorship Scheme (Z.C.S.S.), T.B. Beds and other general Medical Projects, financing of Madrassah continue in Gujarat, Projects in other areas of India have been given priority. The order of such priority is Education, Accommodations and Primary Health Care.

Z.C.S.S has been activated and 100 sponsorship have been allocated through Imam E Zaman Mission of Hyderabad. Also housing scheme for 11 Sadats have been financed at the cost Rs. 7500 per unit in Qayamnagar.

At Govandi (Bombay), the M.A.B. with the cooperation of Dr. Gulam Abbas Moledina, a Primary Health Care project is planned.

Femine Relief

India faced worst drought this year, with parts of Gujarat widely affected. Rs. 80,000 was sent for distribution of grains in and around Mahuva with additional Rs. 60,000 allocated to Kutch. Through Haji Gulamali Bhanji WF has arranged distribution of grains to various Jamaats in Kathiawar. The whole exercise would cost WF, around Rs.300, 000 which includes relief to Sadats also. An appeal for Fund has been launched by the Secretariat.

Madagascar Crisis

Mr. Basir Hirji and Husein Hirji had travelled from Paris to brief the Council on the serious situation of our brethrens in Madagascar. Mr. Husein reported that Madagascar had 12 Jamaats with some 4500 people, most of them traders. The Community along with rest of the Indian Community in Madagascar has been the victim of widespread looting in the resend past.

The Amnesty International does not wish to take up their case as they are not considered political victims. The French Government has been requested but they have suggested as most of them have Pakistani Passports, they have to refer to the Government of Pakistan.

The main problem is that of resettlement. It would be difficult for our people to settle in Pakistan due to living condition there. The political situation is unclear. While some 10 percent of our population may be able to migrate unassisted, the rest would need assistance if it became necessary to migrate.

He appreciated the offer for financial assistance, but felt that it is not required at the moment as those who have been looted have been taken care of by the community in Madagascar.

Mr. Manzoorali Kanani reported that the cost of resettlement would be Pound Sterling 200,000 but it was felt that it could be raised locally if the permission to collect Sahme Imam could be obtained.

Mulla Asgar clarified that in the past all the Mujahedeen had allowed the use of Sahme Imam for such eventualities if the Wakil submit a report.

The Council recommended as follows:

1. To assist in obtaining services of International firm of Lawyers to lodge claims for compensation.
2. That on the spot survey is made, if possible, in conjunction with Africa Federation. In this connection, the President Haji Haider Haji was requested to visit Madagascar personally to assess the situation.
3. That the Secretariat to liaise closely with the Africa Federation to assist our brethren in Madagascar and to avoid duplication.

Further at the Executive Council meeting on 25th. Oct 1987 at Birmingham, the President, Haji Haider Haji, briefed the Council of the steps taken to help our community in Madagascar. He had visited Paris & Lisbon with some of the heads of families from Madagascar during May & Sept. U.S.D. 15000 was donated by World Federation towards immediate relief.

Tour by President Haji Haiderali Haji - A Report

AFRICA

The President visited Mauritius, Reunion Islands, Madagascar and East Africa in November 1986. At Mauritius he discussed the viability of a Hawza with the Officials of the Jamaat. At Reunion he was advised about the shortfall of the recently completed Mosque Project and also the problem of the Resident Aalim.

The main problem faced by the Jamaat in Madagascar is shortage of Aalim and following the discussion with Africa Federation he offered that during his forthcoming visit to India in Feb 1987, he would be able to assist in recruiting Aalim, if the officials of the Territorial Council, Madagascar, joined him.

He also visited Nairobi Jamaat & briefed them about the role of World Federation.

INDIA

Gujarat Federation (GF)

The President and the Hon. Treasurer took a trip to India and reported as follows:

The fate of GF was irretrievably sealed and during their visit they concentrated in identifying and seeking different agencies that would be of service to the W.F. in carrying out their Projects.

The Zainabiya Child Sponsorship Scheme was worst hit. The reestablishment of the scheme was given priority and subsequently several agencies and individual were approached with a view to revive the scheme. At present Imam E Zaman Mission, Abbasi Mission and a Madressa in Khujwa, Bihar. Three more agencies are in the process of undertaking the scheme in Bhavnagar, in Bhuj and in Sangli.

Femine Relief

While the situation this year was less serious in terms of shortage of Food & water, the long term effect of the drought were all the more visible during the Tour. Wherever necessary, assistance was sanctioned on the spot.

It was also agreed that for future requirements, the Huseini Welfare Society in Bhuj, would directly communicate with WF on behalf of all Jamaats of Kutch.

Long Term Projects

The long term projects like Housing and cooperative societies fell far short of expectations. Particularly the Housing Projects with a very few exceptions are substandard. To ensure that the process is not repeated it wills necessary to see that the WF is directly involved in the planning and execution of the Projects financed by WF.

Visit to other parts of India

The President, Haji Haider Haji, reported that he attended Samuh Lagna in Bhavnagar and had subsequently visited Hyderabad and Bangalore. In Hyderabad he reviewed the activities of Imam Zamana Mission (I.Z.M.) and expressed his full satisfaction at their activities which included Housing Societies for Sadat, Islamic Schools and general assistance to Sadats.

He visited Avalkunda, where the WF was instrumental in freeing small children from the yoke of Slavery. The whole village that depends on the manufacturing of Bidi has 100 percent Shia population. In conjunction with I.Z.M. alternative forms of employment were considered to free the people from unscrupulous Bidi Barons.

In Bangalore and Bihar at his initiation two other agencies would be functioning, namely Al Mehdi Welfare Society and Hussaini Association

Higher Education Scholarship

The Secretary confirmed that as per the deliberation at the Conference a Budget of Pound Sterling 50,000 per annum was allocated. It was reported that the Funds are not coming from the quarters who had promised. The Secretariat to bear pressure on the parties who had assured WF at the last Conference to see that the Funds is realized.