TERM 1976-1979

Formation of the World Federation of KSIMC

Genesis

The World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri Muslim Community (WORLD FEDERATION) was established at a Constitutional Conference held at Hammersmith Imambada in London for the purpose between 15th and 17th Oct 1976.

Aims and Objectives

1. Make all the KHOJA ITHNA ASHERI JAMAAt throughout the world members of the WORLD FEDERATION.
2. Work for imparting religious Education to Members of the Jamaat.
3. Help Jamaat members financially.

Members present at the First Constitutional Conference

The first Constitutional Conference of WF was convened on October 15th 1976 in London at Hammersmith Imambada. The Constitution was discussed and approved at the Conference. The following were present:

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London

1. Mr. Husein Nathoo
2. Mr. Nazir Jessa
3. Mr. Habib M Habib
4. Mr. Akbarali G. Sabur
5. Mr. Hasnain Walji
6. Mr. Anver G. R. Pirbhai
7. Mr. Roshanali Padhani
8. Mr. Fidahusein Dharamsi
9. Mr. Mohsin Dharamsi

Peterborough

1. Mr. Mohamedhusein A Dhanji
2. Mr. Mohamedhusein Nanji

Birmingham

1. Mr. Mohamedhusein R Valli
2. Mr. Mehboob F. Fazal

Leicester

1. Mr. Haider Haji
2. Mr. Yusuf Sabur

New York

1. Mr. Aunali Khalfan
2. Mr. Mujtaba H Datoo

Federation of K.S.I. Jamaats

1. Mr. Hassan Ali M Jaffer
2. Mr. A. A. Lakha
3. Mr. Sachoo G Abdulrasul
4. Mr. Mohamedhusein M.D. Kermali
5. Mr. R. R. Jaffer
6. Mr. Mursif Ali
7. Mr. Karamat Ali
8. Mr. G. H. Musa
9. Mr. Naushan N. Merali
10. Mr. Pyarali M. Nanji
11. Mr. Manzoorali Kanani
12. Mr. Rajabali Alibhai
13. Mr. Asgharali M. M. Jaffer
14. Mr. Abbas Alloo
15. Mr. Husein H. Remtulla
16. Dr. A. A. Dhanli
17. Mr. Fidahusein A. Hameer

First Office Bearers

1. Mr. Mulla Asgar (Asghar Ali M.M Jaffer) - President
2. Mr. Husein D. Nathoo - Vice President
3. Mr. Anverali R. Jagani - Secretary General
4. Mr. Hasnain Walji - Secretary General (from 1978, replacing Anverali R. Jagani).
5. Mr. Nazir Jessa - Treasurer
6. Mr. Satchu G Abdulrasul - Member of Executive Council (East Africa)
7. Mr. Abdulrasul A Lakha - Member of Executive Council (East Africa)
8. Mr. Hasanali M. Jaffar - Member of Executive Council (East Africa)
9. MR. Raja M. A. Ramji - Member of Executive Council (United Kingdom)
10. MR. Muhsin H. Dharamsi - Member of Executive Council (United Kingdom)

Founding Members

1. The Federation of the Khoja Shia Ithnaasheri Jamaats of Africa comprising nearly 30 Jamaats
2. The Khoja Shia Ithnaasheri Jamaat of United Kingdom
3. The Muslim Khoja Shia Ithanasheri Community of Peterborough
4. The Khoja Shia Ithnaasheri Muslim Jamaat of Birmingham
5. The Khoja Shia Ithnaasheri Jamaat of Leicester
6. The Husseini Association of Manchester
7. The Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat of New York
8. The Shia Association of North America
9. The Shia Ithnaashri Jamaat of Pennsylvania
10. The East African Ithnaasheri Union of Toronto

Extract from the Welcome Speech by Husein A. Rahim Esq. M.B.E.

...... It is a historic and unique gathering with the aim of uniting all the Khoja Shia Ithna Asheris existing in any corner of the globe into one and single entity. It is not only a bold but a worthy venture which has been necessitated by the exodus of thousands of our brethren and sisters from their previously established homes to far and distant countries scattered round the globe. Though spiritually we have always been one, having been created, according to our Imam's Hadith, from the residue of Ahlal Baat's clay, we have been for centuries, owing to distance involved, living physically as separate entities under the auspices of local Jamaats. Though geographically separated, the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri community throughout the centuries have had a common culture and a common heritage. Our Culture has always sprung up from our inherent ambition and desire to be closely associated with our brethren in faith and to share their joys, sorrows and plights, and it was this instinct which inspired us to being knitted together, wherever we lived, in the form of Jamaat, which the Ithna Asheri Khojas have always considered to be the main blood-artery of the community......

Brethren, the idea therefore of forming a World Federation is a blissful one. Whether we call it a "World Federation"or a "World Confederation" (because it would embrace also the present African Federation) is merely a matter of nomenclature. The aim is to unite the community for common good both spiritually and temporally......

Projects of the WF of KSIMC 1976-1979

Tabligh activities: Maulana Syed Amir Husein Naqvi- World Tour

A good start was made by WORLD FEDERATION.

Correspondence related to various Jamaat and Shia Organizations started coming in. There was a unanimous demand that the President of the World Federation should physically travel to all the countries and study the situation. This was really appreciated but was virtually impossible.

In view of this persistent demand Maulana Syed Amir Husein Naqvi was appointed on behalf of the President and the World Federation to visit Far East and Japan, Canada, USA, Europe and the United Kingdom to study the situation on the spot as it were and to make a report to the World Federation. Maulana Saheb left Nairobi on 3rd June 1977 with a complete and comprehensive dossier at his disposal.

Maulana Saheb visited Pakistan, Hong Kong, Thailand, United States, Canada, Holland, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and France. It took four months and it was a successful tour. On receipt of full report from Maulana Saheb, it was possible for the Executive Council to study the same and propose projects in respect of the countries concerned.

Maulana's Evaluation by Brother Gulam Raza Qummi of Thailand:

"Maulana's intellectual approach to our religious questions, his sermons and lectures made the mission not only successful, but also proved very useful".

IF WE CAN GET AN AALIM OF HIS CALIBRE FOR ONLY ONE YEAR, SHIAISM IN THAILAND WILL CERTAINLY SHINE BRIGHT

Later, at the request of Birmingham Jamaat of the U.K., Maulana Saheb was appointed as a resident Aalim in the said Jamaat for one year. The World Federation committed to the tune of GBP. 500 towards his Hadiyya per annum, with a clear written understanding that he would be made available for the World Federation tours etc. whenever required.

News Letters: The Shia World- The First Chapter -September 1977

The first News Letter of the World Federation was published in September 1977

From The Desk.....

The formation of the World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri Muslim Communities has revealed a new perspective in the field of service -its vastness and its multiple forms. As the Shia Ithna Asheri World became aware of this organisation, letters from various institutions representing their respective countries poured in, each singular in its contents. Since our membership is open to all Shia Ithna Asheri constitutionally formed organisations, we felt bound to attend to their needs.

The task ahead is a challenging one. As it is known, we have just begun...

We will work- Inshallah, - in a humble but sure manner.

Office Bearers/Elected Councillors-Term 1976-1979

Other Activities

Haj Mission 1977

The World Federation commissioned a Medical Mission manned by two Doctors, namely Dr. A. G. Lakha and Dr. A. G. Moledina. The whole exercise cost WF about K. Shs. 50,000. Nearly 2000 Hajis INCLUDING Muslims from various countries and of various Nationalities. The reports from Hajis were very encouraging.

Assistance to Dubai Jamaat

Dubai Jamaat- It had grown steadily in strength and their first requirement was an Imambada. The Sheikh of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid, had made an offer of a piece of land for Imambada, through the good offices of Maulana Syed Mahdi Al Hakim, the son of our late Mujtahed Agha Syed Muhsin Al Hakim. Dubai Jamaat raised 160,000 Dhirams from amongst its member and requested for assistance from the World Federation. WF paid 10,000 pounds to them.

Educational Assistance

During 1976-77 World Federation gave educational assistance of 75 pounds per month to the son of Agha Syed Mehdi Shustri in Luten, U.K.

Masoomeen Trust

Masoomeen Trust, India - In India, WF established a Trust known as Masoomeen Trust. This trust has been registered by the Indian Government as a tax-exempted charitable Trust. The said trust started functioning under the auspices and directive of Haji Zakariyya as Chairman. Haji Gulamalibhai Bhanji is the Hon. Secretary and Managing Trustee. This trust represents all of WF interest in India, and continued to do so till India had its own All-India or Zonal Federation and its Secretariat.

The following are the principle projects in India

1. 24 flats in Surat on a plot owned by Jafferi Society at the cost of Rs.240,000.
2. In Dholka WF financed Imambada, Mosque and Madrassa for converts of people believing in Pir.
3. WF finances 44 Madrassas in carious central and remote settlements in Gujarat, Kathiawar and Cuttack.
4. Sewing, Stitching and Knitting classes and Night Schools have been established in Una, Palitana, Kodinar and Rajula.
5. A plot worth Rs. 25000 has been financed by WF for Housing Scheme in Bhavnagar.
6. Small co-operative society established in Bhavnagar which assist around 70 brothers.
7. Rs.100,000 was received from an Umedwar which was used for building Mosque in Talaja
8. 74 marriages among Sadat families arranged in Hyderabad, Deccan and Kodinar.
9. Rs. 25000 was paid for Mosque renovation in Mahuva.

Idara e Tablighe Ahlebait (a.s)

Under the patronage of the World Federation, Idara e Tablighe Ahlebait (a.s) in India commenced to do a great deal of good work for the maintenance of Madrassas and assistance to Sadat and the needy in the Sub-Continent of India.

A tour of Mulla Asgar (Asghar Ali M.M Jaffer)

During 1978, as a Zakir for Muharram, Mulla Saheb visited Madagascar. We had 14 Jamaats in Madagascar and he was able to meet a cross section of the members from nearly all Jamaats.

In Feb/March 1978, Mulla Saheb visited Vancouver where as President of World Federation he laid the foundation stone of the Imambada. Out of the total cost of USD 200,000, World Federation committed to pay USD 50,000.

In Mid-year 1978, Mulla Saheb visited Pakistan where the World Federation received a donation of 100,000 rupees. These amount was distributed for various projects/individual in Pakistan only.

From there Mulla Saheb visited India and with Haji Gulamali Bhanji visited nearly 50 Jamaats of Gujarat, Kutch, Kathiawad and Uttar Pradesh.

Triennial Conference 1979

The first Ordinary Conference of The World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithnaasheri Muslim Communities was held at 30/32 Southerton Road, Hammersmith, London on 25/26 October 1979. The following delegates and invitees attended the Conference.

1. Mulla Asgar (Asghar Ali M.M Jaffer)
2. A. A. Lakha - Nairobi
3. Muhsin Dharamsi - Kuwait
4. Hassan Ali M Jaffer - Mombasa
5. U. G. Merchant - Gujarat
6. Gulamali Bhanji - Bombay
7. Munsif Ali - Nairobi
8. G. H. Musa - Nairobi
9. ManzoraliJ. Kanani - Dar es Salaam
10. Akbarali J Mulji - Dar es Salaam
11. Gulamabbas F. Dinani - Dar es Salaam
12. Abdulhusein Akbar - Dar es Salaam
13. Yousuf Abdulhusein Asar - Kuwait
14. Gulam Sajan - Ontario
15. Dr. J. H. Asaria - Essex
16. N.A. Kassam - Essex
17. Makbul Kassamali - Huddersfield
18. Mohamedali Somani - Peterborough
19. Mohamed Iqbal Hasham - Peterborough
20. Mohamedhusein A. Dhanji - Peterborough
21. Amir Rahemtulla - London
22. A. G. Sabur - London
23. Jaffer Walji - London
24. MohmedRaza Kanji - London
25. M.P.K. Merali - London
26. Ahmed Daya - London
27. M. H. Hassan - London
28. Mohsin Pirbhai - London
29. Ali M. Taki - London
30. Habib M. Habib - London
31. F. H. Dharamsi - London
32. R.R. Jaffer - London
33. Mr. A. R. Dhanji - London
34. Dr. Sadik Rahim - London
35. Muslim M. Habib - London
36. Andulrasul M. Khakoo - Oxfordshire
37. Ramzan Dhanji - Middlesex
38. Dr. Kazzim G. D. Mawji - Herts
39. Nazir P. Jessa Herts
40. Amir H. Amersi - Middlesex
41. Ahmad Jafar Versi - Middlesex
42. Taha Mohamed Dharsi - Essex
43. Aziz M Kanani - Surrey
44. Aunali K Khalfan New York
45. Haider Haji - Leicester
46. Mr. Mustaqali Moledina- Leicester
47. Mr. Roshanali A Mawji - Leicester
48. Kassamali E Somani - Birmingham
49. Naushad Mehrali - Birmingham
50. Mehdi Fazal - Birmingham
51. Hussein Datoo Dar es Salaam
52. Azad Asaria - London
53. Anwarali Jagani - London
54. A. M. Bharwani - Birmingham
55. Sadiqali M. Meshji - Nairobi
56. Amirali M. Meghji - Nairobi
57. Mr. Hasnain Walji - London

Address by the Chairman of the Reception Committee

Mr. R. R. Jaffer, President of the K.S.I. Jamaat of London and chairman of the reception Committee briefly outlined the activities of the Federation and the role of London Jamaat. He thanked the members of the Reception Committee for their efforts towards Organization of the Conference and congratulated Mulla Asghar on his re-election as President of the Federation.

Review of Activities and President's Report

The President gave a detailed report of the Federations activities and referred to the triennial report of 'Shia World' which had been distributed to delegates.

He stressed that in view of the difficulties experienced over the last term the Secretariat would have to be reorganized. World Federation agencies would have to be established all over the world so as to enable the Secretariat to function efficiently. He also stated that due to total reliance on khums and other religious dues for revenue, the possibilities of a “Foundation Fund” and investment scheme would have to be looked into and brought into operation as soon as possible.

Observations from Delegates

1. Lack of Communication among Members
2. Recommendation of Investment Schemes for Foundation Fund
3. Registration of WF with the Charity Commission
4. Regular publication and mailing of SHIA WORLD to individuals
5. Re-organizing the Secretariat
6. The advantages of channeling religious dues thru the Federation rather than remitting these directly to Iraq, Iran of India.
7. The importance of dissipating religious knowledge in the West and the methods required to do so.
8. The Federation to make sure that the primary needs of humanity comes before building projects.
9. Dr. Jafferali Asaria, the retiring Chairman of the Education Committee apologized for the lack of effort on the part of committee and expressed that it was very difficult to work on the projects set. He has however arranged for Video tapes of Namaz and diniyat to be prepared in Kenya which would be ready in due course.
10. Mr. Umedali Merchant, President of the Gujarat Federation gave a detailed report of the condition of our brothers in Gujarat and the work done by Maasumin Trust as an agency of World Federation. He commended the activities of the World Foundation and hoped that the services would continue.
11. Mr. Gulam Sajan, the President of the S.I. Union of Toronto invited all the delegated to attend the opening ceremony

of the Mosque/Imambara at Toronto on November 3rd 1979.