Suleman Walji - Kilwa
Birth
Born in Mombasa in 1926
Birth & Death
Haji Suleman Walji - Kilwa - Born in Jamwali, Jamnagar, India moved to Kilwa in 1900 and lived in Kilwa, Dar es Salaam, Kigoma and Albertville (Kalemie), Congo. He died in Albertville (Kalemie) in Congo in 1930
The following information was provided by Br Rajabali Mohamedali Suleman in 1960:
Kilwana Sawaal Jawaab
My grandfather Marhum Haji Suleman Walji was originally from Jamwadi, Jamnagar, India. He arrived in Kilwa around 1900 from India. My father Mohamedali Suleman was born in Kilwa in 1901. At Kilwa, my grandfather converted from Ismail to Ithnaasheri. He, together with some colleagues, held a question-answer session with His Highness the Aga Khan III and a book was published with the title “Questions and Answers at Kilwa.” (This incident happened in Kilwa in 1905 in a ship off Kilwa harbour. His colleagues were Nurmohamed Sheriff Manekia and Suleman Bhimji)
Service to the Community
In 1974, Mombasa Jamaat convened a special Open Forum for ladies to review rites, rituals, customs and traditions practiced by the community. It was recognised that no effective changes in our traditions could be brought about without active involvement of the ladies section. The entire managing Committee of the Jamaat, accompanied by late Maulana Aqa Haider and Mulla Abdulrasul sat behind the screen as participants reviewed a wide spectrum of traditions and the changes proposed.
Another sphere of his active involvement has been in match making and as a member of the Marriage Reconciliation Committee.
In addition, he is also an effective Zakir delivering Majalis in Gujarati for which he has travelled to Madagascar and to Paris during Muharram.
It is gratifying that the community leadership has often recognised services of such individuals during their life time.
In appreciation of his services, Mombasa Jamaat awarded him with a citation and the Africa Federation presented him with the 'Huseini Medal' while the World Federation of KSIMC presented him with the 'Al Baqir' award.
May Allah (SWT) in His Mercy bless Mulla Abdulrasul with longevity and good health and increase in his tawfeeqaat so that his living example may continue to provide inspiration to all those who dedicate their lives to serve in the way of Allah (SWT).
Reference:
TRIBUTE TO A LIVING LEGEND
By: Hassan Ali M. Jaffer
