TERM 1994-1997

Secretary General's Report at Triennial Conference 1997

The Triennial Conference of The World Federation was held from 17th October 1997 to 19 October 1997 at Husaini Shia Islamic Centre, Stanmore.

The Secretary General, Dr. Sibtain Panjwani, presented the report for term October 1994 to October 1997. Before getting into the substance of the report he mentioned that predecessor Haji Hasnain Walji was at the helm of the Secretariat for almost two years of this term and many terms previous to that. Many projects were initiated under his able guidance and critical gaze and came to fruition.

He then remembered those who were with us last term and not there us this term. He made particular reference of Marhum Hamidbhai Bhojani, Marhum Akberbhai Sabur, Marhum Hasnain Kara, Marhum Firoz Moti and Marhum Sultan Ghadiali. He also remembered and mourns the passing away of Ulema like Marhum Aqa Haider, Marhum Agha Syed Muhammad Shustari and Ayatullah Ruhani. A Sure-e-Fateha was recited for their departed soul.

The Secretary General, Dr. Sibtain Panjwani, reported that the World Federation has entered into its third decade of existence. It is 21 years old. The report for the term under review is necessarily more contextual and takes into account the thrust of our activities over a period of 21 years.

The report is submitted in two parts. The first part is the publication of the report for the term 1994 to 1997 titled “We Exist to Serve”. This publication provides contextual activities of the World Federation in various regions of the World and provides concise background information upon which the decision to carry out the type of activities of the World Federation is based. The second part of the Secretary General’s report is the report submitted by various boards of the World Federation.

Objects: He begins by recalling that the objects of the World Federation are:

1. To promote the Shia Ithna Asheri faith throughout the world
2. To relieve poverty amongst members of the community and
3. To educate members of the community

In attaining these objects, the World Federation has served our community well. Communities in America, in Europe, in Asia, in Australia and in Africa have all benefited. From the Pound Sterling 10,000 expense in 1976, the World Federation over 21 years period collected and spent over USD 43 million. Assuming that there are approximately 125,000 heads in our community worldwide, we spent through World Federation approximately Pound Sterling 350 per head in the community. This works out at approximately Pound Sterling 16 per person per year.

Besides, many funds from our community are spent through other persons or organizations. If majority of our funds from our community are utilized collectively the achievements can be greater and beyond expectation.

The assistance provided over 21 years and particularly in the term under review differed according to varied needs that arise in various regions of the World.

Europe – Islamic Centres:

In Europe, by the grace of Allah s.w.t. almost all member Jamaats have centres of their own. Our community now has 15 major centres throughout Europe.

With the establishment of these centres, institutionalization of our community is now firm and set to begin post capital phase of its development. With this, there is no doubt that the World Federation successfully completed the basic task, of providing centres in Europe, given to it by the conference of 1982 at Birmingham. Throughout these centres and from many others where World Federation has assisted in one way or the other, Islamic activities are promoted for the benefits of all Muslims. The task ahead for all of us is its preservation and nurturing.

Rebuilding and extension programmes of these centres are the natural outcome of growing activities. An ongoing project of extension and purchase costing 1.5 million pounds is Sayeda Zainab project of Birmingham Jamaat of UK. When completed, it will boast a school block of 22 classrooms, a nursery school, a library, and recreational facilities for all and a senior citizen’s club. The World Federation has pledged Pound Sterling 100,000 towards the cost of the project.

Leeds Jamaat has bought a property for Imambada, Baytus Salaat and Aalim quarters. The next phase will incorporate madrasa classrooms and a library. The World Federation has pledged Pound Sterling 50,000 towards the cost.

Leicester Jamaat is extending and renovating to provide Ghuslkhana, classrooms and better facilities all round. The World Federation has pledged Pound Sterling 50,000 towards the cost.

Watford Jamaat purchased a property for Islamic Centre. The World Federation pledged Pound Sterling 50,000 towards the cost.

The World Federation not only provides monetary assistance but, at times, comes up with new ideas or relaying those which have been successful from one Centre to the other.

Additionally monetary assistance is provided towards renovation and other work for our centres in Wessex, Milton Keynes, Stockholm, Essex and Haidery Jamaat of South London.

Amongst the member Jamaats that have received Aalim grants during this term are:

1. Anjumane Jafaria - Watford
2. Mehfile Zainab – Paris
3. Essex Jamaat
4. Wessex Jamaat
5. Leicester Jamaat
6. Haidery Jamaat of South London
7. Trollhattan Jamaat
8. Birmingham Jamaat
9. Switzerland Jamaat
10. Leeds Jamaat

Amongst the nonmember Jamaats are several Shia Organizations particularly in Yorkshire, Lancashire and Glasgow.

Aalim grants were provided to member and nonmember in Europe so as to provide spiritual activities and promote spiritual growth to Islam.

Europe – Islamic Education Board (IEB): In this respect, IEB has guided and provided religious literature materials, such as textbooks and general reading materials to individuals, institutions both Islamic and non-Islamic and Madressas all over Europe. In most cases, these materials are given away free. Hundreds of copies of English translation of Holy Quran have been distributed to secondary schools in the United Kingdom. In this respect, the effort of a small Jamaat like Gloucester Jamaat is distributing Holy Quran within schools and libraries in their area is exemplary and very much appreciated.

Wessex Jamaat became a member of the Inter-faith groups so as to increase their understanding of other faith groups and improve the relationships between different communities in the area. During Husein Day events in Al Mahdi Centre, members of Christian communities including the Bishop of Portsmouth and members of other faith groups participated.

The aim of such gatherings is to join hands with Christians and people of other faiths and identify matters of common interest and work towards common objectives within the religious ethos of various faith groups.

The World Federation, through IEB has provided guidance whenever requested by Wessex Jamaat and appreciates their effort to bring awareness about Islam in their area.

In 1997, an extensive Muharram programme has also been relayed in cable and satellite network throughout Europe.

Maulana Zafar restarted the Hauza in 1996. Marhum Ayatullah al Udhama Syed Abul Qasim Al-Khui stated that Shia community should start modest Hauza throughout the world. With his blessings, Madressa Syed Al-Khui was founded under the World Federation in Birmingham in 1985. The course was designed to create missionaries who could work in the West having a good understanding of the history, ethics, and morals of Islam, and also a good command of the Arabic language so that they could refer to and use the original sources. As the Madrasa expanded, it was moved to Stanmore in London.

In 1993, 23 students had successfully completed the course, four of whom went to Qum to continue their studies. The World Federation joined hands with Maulana Zafar Abbas in July 1997 and the Hauza, now named as Madrasa Al-Qaem, has reconvened at Dar al Tabligh in Northwood. The Madrasa is looked after by a private trust which is aided by the World Federation. Maulana Saheb has at present 11 students from various parts of United Kingdom, all being accommodated in this new building.

Since 1996, Islamic Education Board of the World Federation has moved to their new headquarters at Dar al Tabligh. This is a beautiful building housing many of its activities. It has reference library with many important Islamic books in Arabic, Farsi and English. 31 translations of the Holy Quran has been collected and displayed in the premises of Dar al Tabligh. These include translation in European languages, African languages and Asian languages. IEB has also published a book for students on how to read and recite Holy Quran. Recently series of book, “Islam is my religion” was also published.

Secretary General Dr. Sibtain A Panjwani's Gujarat Visit Report

The Secretary General Dr. Sibtain A Panjwani visited Gujarat, India from 27th. July 1996 to 4th August 1996.

The aim of the visit was to familiarize with the work of the World Federation being carried out by the Council of Gujarat and Kutch Federation and in particular to look at Housing Projects in various parts of Kathiawar and Kutch.

The following report was presented at the 7th. Executive Council Meeting held at Abbey Hall, Southampton on 28th. September 1996.

Preamble:

The Council of Gujarat has membership of 43 Jamaats catering to more than 13000 individual heads. It is the 4th largest population pocket of Khoja Shia Ithna Asheries in the world. According to the activity report of the Council of Gujarat, nearly 4000 individual heads or about 800 families are poor with very low income, and therefore, require special attention, particularly in Education and Housing.

In 1991, the World Federation Conference declared the term 1991-1994 as the term for eradication of poverty in Gujarat. At the end of this term some 300 dwellings were constructed. Again the 1994 Conference resolved and extended the eradication program for the period 1994-1997 with the intention to build the proposed 800 dwellings. The Aim of the visit was to familiarize with the work of the World Federation in Kathiawar and Kutch and to look at the position of Tawheed Hostel in Bhuj.

Accompanied by Haji Aunali Salemohamed, the Secretary General visited Bhavnagar, Shihor, Palitana, Talaja, Mahuva, Rajula, Una, Kodinar, Nagalpur, Bhuj and Kera.

The Secretary General met with the Office bearers of the Council of Gujarat and the Kutch Federation and Presidents, Secretaries and Honorary workers of various Jamaats. Additionally, two meetings were arranged with the committee of Husseini Education and Welfare Society, Bhavnagar.

Ahmedabad

Visited 24 flats build for Sadats at Vatva.

The Jamaat of Ahmedabad intends to restructure the house adjoining the Mosque into Imambada. The present Imambada for ladies above the Mosque is problematic and ladies are presently using the basement under the Mosque. The Secretary General visited this house and thinks that this project ought to be assisted.

Bhavnagar

Adarsh Co-operative Bank

Adarsh Co-operative Bank is a self-help venture undertaken by our community to assist members to set up business or expand existing business. This is done by approving interest free loans. The idea is to improve the Economic condition of our community in Bhavnagar.

The Secretary General Dr. Sibtain Panjwani had a meeting with the full board of Adarsh Bank. The President of Bhavnagar Jamaat, Mr. Ramzanbhai Asaria and Haji Aunali Salemohamed were present. The general impression from the meeting was

1. That all Board members and invitees appeared to be very satisfied with the Bank’s operation
2. Members and community as a whole appear to accept that this Co-operative venture can only be successful by regular payment of the agreed amount towards the loan.
3. Strict call upon the guarantor in the event of default by the recipient of the loan.

Overall, the Board members of Adarsh and Community generally, regard this venture as their own success story, thus giving the bank the confidence to approve larger loans.

Given the right financial support, the community appears to be confident that it can fulfill needs of its members from local resources.

Husseini Education and Welfare Society

This institution has been serving the community in different areas of education for 21 years. 15 very able members of the community have been serving under the guardianship of Imame Zamana a.s.

The following will give some idea of their activities:

1. Under Education Aid runs ZCSS, where 664 students are supported at present.
2. Under Husseini Book Bank where students exchange text books for a period of one year and exercise books can be bought at 30% concession rate.
3. Under Najafi Education Center, coaching classes are run from standard 5th. To 10th. Teaching and administration expense are incurred under ZCSS of the World Federation.
4. Murtaza Computer Academy runs Computer training program for recognized public examination.
5. Jaffery Vocational Training center trains students with low IQ in trades. Financial aid is given by Nasimco.
6. Deeni Talim classes are run by the Society.
7. Incentive scheme to encourage students to improve education standards

Additionally the community in Bhavnagar is planning to start their own school covering nursery to secondary education. The community believes that given the right support from the World Federation coupled with pervading enthusiasm within the community; this project can be completed smoothly.

Haji Naji Housing Project

The Secretary General visited 72 flats that are under construction.

Gulistan

The Secretary General visited 40 flats build at Gulistan.

Shihor

The Secretary General visited the Mosque in Shihor and met the managing committee. They showed the plans for the new Mosque to be constructed in place of the old Mosque. He also visited Khushbu Park, Shihor where 17 flats are under construction.

Palitana

The living condition of families in Palitana is very poor and needs serious consideration, particularly, in view of land already purchased adjacent to Haidery Park.

The Secretary General also visited the recently redecorated Mosque in Palitana.

Talaja

The Secretary General visited the three buildings comprising of 36 flats which are now occupied. Some more flats are under construction.

Mahuva

The Secretary General visited Fatima School and newly built 48 flats. Further 24 flats are under construction and there is a request for more 100 flats. He also visited Abbasi Mission- Boarding House for Boys and Girls.

The Secretary General also visited Rajula, Una, Kodinar, Nagalpur, Bhuj and Kutch. He visited flats that were constructed and took account of Mosque and Imambada repairing works there.

Bhuj

The Tawheed hostel in Bhuj is empty and Kutch Federation is making efforts to encourage students to board at this hostel. The Kutch Federation has been told to appoint five Trustees on the Trust Board of Tawheed Hostel consisting of the following:

1. The Donor as Trustee
2. Trustee on behalf of the World Federation- Haji Aunali Salemohamed
3. Three members from our Kutch Community to be appointed by the Kutch Federation

Additionally, the Kutch Federation has been advised to admit boys from all over Gujarat. A trustworthy experienced person is appointed to visit each and every Jamaat/interested family throughout Kutch and Kathiawar and explain the concept of Tawheed Hostel and Educational opportunities available.

Finally on the way back to London, the Secretary General made a courtesy call on K.S.I. Medical Aid and Welfare Society, Bombay and K.S.I. Mumbai Jamaat.

Observations:

1. The policy of the World Federation, to eradicate poverty in Gujarat, resting mainly upon twin pillars of Education and Housing is beginning to produce the desired result. Removing the burden of education expense by way of ZCSS has allowed the respective parents to use their income for the benefit of the family. The desire now is to place children in better school and to expect higher achievement.
2. Approximately 500 houses made of brick construction, consisting of two rooms, kitchen, bathroom, and toilet and storage space have been allocated. Moving the families to houses with better essential amenities has reduced disease and sickness amongst the families.
3. There is no doubt at the success of the above policy; it was very obvious that apart from the World Federation contributions, the Council of Gujarat, the Kutch Federation and Jamaats tend to receive donations directly from other well-wishers. It is imperative that care is taken by us to avoid unnecessary duplication of work and waste of financial resources of our community as a whole. Furthermore, such generosity can also be a source of difficulty where organizations do not see eye to eye

Secretary General Dr. Sibtain A Panjwani's Trollhattan Visit

The Secretary General Dr. Sibtain A Panjwani visited to Trollhattan from 13 to 15 December 1996.

He stated that are two main Jamaats in Sweden, at Marsta with a population of 125 and at Trollhattan with a population of 150.

The Trollhattan Jamaat had a beautiful Mosque Complex which was burnt down by arson in 1994. A new Mosque Complex, bigger and more beautiful, was built in its place within a year.

He further stated that the Community was facing grave economic problems because of recession. Most of the people were unemployed and there was hardly any businessman among them. The increased running expenses of the new Mosque Complex were also an additional burden on such a small Jamaat. Serious consideration had to be paid to economic upliftment of the Community in Trollhattan.

In Trollhattan, he had meetings with the Managing Committee of the Jamaat and also the general public. A number of matters were frankly brought out and discussed at these meetings.

Until now, the only Mosque in Trollhattan was our Mosque which was well known throughout Sweden. The arson of the old Mosque had given it publicity as the matter was widely covered in Swedish media. As a result, more people became aware of its existence and many non-Muslims were coming to the Mosque to obtain information about Islam. It was fast becoming a Centre for Tabligh. He had discussed with them the tablighy plan to convey the Message of Islam to the non-Muslims in Sweden.

Foundation Fund Collection

The President, Mulla Asgar M. M. Jaffer stated that additional Pound Sterling 15000 had been collected since last meeting of the Executive Council. The President said that he had visited Africa and raised some funds for the Foundation Fund. He would be visiting North America and Pakistan for this purpose in the near future.

The Honorary Treasurer Haji Ahmed Daya stated that he was in touch with Dr. Ahmad Hassam in regard to Foundation Fund Investment. He was looking into a possibility of investing the Funds in other ways so as to yield more than the 8.25% which the property investment would yield. He further stated that he expected the total Foundation Fund, if all pledges made so far are fulfilled, to reach about Pound Sterling 500,000.

Islamic Education Board (IEB)

Report 15th June 1996

Report presented to the Executive Council Meeting on 15th. June 1996:

1. Bosnia: Semiz Seper of Bosnian Desk presented a report on Tabligh among Bosnians. He stated that regular correspondence is being maintained with 4235 individuals who have responded to the Bosnian literature distributed by the World Federation. The recent translation and publication of 'Then I was Guided' in Bosnian had opened the eyes of many Bosnian Muslims who were not aware of the History of Islam. The response was very favourable indeed. Biographies of Janabe Fatima A.S. and Imam Husayn in Bosnian were being printed.
2. Al Madressa editor, Naushad Mehrali, pointed out at the lack of feedback from the readers. He appealed to members to request their Madressa teachers to contribute articles and information on their activities so that Al Madressa could serve the community even better.
3. Thailand, Bangkok: Dr. Ahmad Hassam who is visiting Thailand soon and at the request of Chairman of Zainabiya Child Sponsorship Scheme (ZCSS) and the Islamic Education Board (IEB), he would discuss matters pertaining to education with the Shias in Bangkok.
4. Wessex Jamaat: Jaffer Dharamsi stated that they were visiting Schools to explain about the Islam to Religious Teachers and the students. They have prepared answers to the frequently asked questions which may be useful to other Jamaats for training of Religious Teachers.
5. Milton Keynes: Bahadurali Dalal stated he had given lectures on Islam and presented Shia viewpoint to the Police, Schools, Colleges, etc. He was now inundated with requests for lectures on Islam.
6. Mehfile Zainab, Paris: Gulamhussein Naziraly (Moez) stated that Mehfile Zainab was quite active in this regard in Paris. A number of indigenous French had become Shia and were actively participating in Mehfile Zainab. They have published a booklet in French on Ghusl, Kaffan, and Daffan.

Report 22nd. February 1997

Tableegh through Internet:

The Chairman of IEB, Haji Muhsin Jaffer, presented a detailed report on Tabligh through Internet. He also circulated papers showing the items covered at the World Federation’s and other Shia sites on Internet. He requested the Jamaats to take an active part initially by encouraging members to learn about it and participate fully. Haji Jaffer Dharamsi, the World Federation Web Master said that individuals were taking keen interest by accessing the World Federation’s Home Page.

Muhsin Jaffer visits New York during March 1997

The Chairman, Mr. Muhsin Jaffer, of IEB attended the Seminar of the Islamic Education Board of Nasimco at New York from 26th to 30 March 1997.

The Islamic Education Board of The Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat of New York organized a meeting of Teachers of Husseini Madressa, New York. A number of teachers and other interested persons from Toronto, Allentown, Atlanta, and other places attended.

Mr. Muhsin Jaffer had the honour and pleasure of discussing and exchanging views with highly educated and motivated persons with different American experience than that of Africa and Europe. It was informative and educative.

He observed that:

1. Most of the Madressas, throughout the world, are quite active and are doing their best to impart Islamic Knowledge to the Future Generation.
2. The limited time at the disposal of teachers, the pressures being exerted at home, school, in the Society (both in the Community and outside), requires much more to be done than the formal teachings being imparted in the Madressas. There is also a need for co-ordination and co-operation among Madressa, Parents and the Community to supplement and cement the teachings of Islam.
3. Experience has shown that only formal teaching does not have lasting effect. It should appeal the Mind and Soul (Heart) of the student. If student has strong feeling of love towards Islam he/she is expected to follow it. There is need to concentrate more on this aspect in order to inculcate Spirituality among the student. All methods are used and parents, teachers, students and the Community are involved in it in one way or another.
4. Many Madressas have no programmes for over Eighteens. Attention has to be paid to them and special classes be conducted by the Madressas to meet their needs
5. The Chairman, Mr. Muhsin Jaffer, stated that our Community has passed the First Phase of building Mosques, Imambadas and Madressa. These Complexes are nuclei around which the whole Community gathers and derives social and religious support.
6. The Community as a whole- particularly in the Western world- needs to spend on providing infrastructure necessary to continue and improve upon the services being provided. Solely depending on Volunteers in all fields does not bode good the future of our Community. They need support and the Community should not fail in providing it. The constancy and quality of services suffer as a result.
7. The Chairman stated that the future looks good provided we continue with the same zeal and enthusiasm and pay more attention to the matters towards which he has drawn attention.

Nasimco Islamic Education Board (Nasimco-IEB) Conference

The Nasimco-IEB Conference was held on 28 and 29 March, 1997. It was hosted by the New York Jamaat at the Husseini Madrasah. In addition to the Conference, the annual North American sports competition was also hosted.

The Conference participants were from a variety of places including Allentown, Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Orlando, Toronto, Kitchener, London etc.

The Nasimco-IEB conference was designed to elicit from a broad cross section of the community on the “Target Profile of a Madrasah Graduate”. The objective was to build a consensus of our collective hopes and expectations of the knowledge, values, and skills that an ideal Madrasah Graduate should possess.

The program was segmented into four events. It commenced with a general public event where issue relating to our Madrasah were discussed. The presentations were made by Dr. Liyakatali Takim, Chairman of Nasimco-IEB, Dr. Bashir Datoo, the main architect of the workshops, Dr. Mohamedraza Dungersi and Mr. Muhsin Alidina. Madrasah success stories were presented by Shauzab Dinani for the New York Madrasah and Mohammed Rajmohammed for the Allentown Madrasah. Sadiq Alloo presented a from the heart view, as he sees it, of hopes, aspirations, challenges and potential of the North American Shia Ithna Asheri community.

Next was the key event which consisted of six concurrent focus group discussions with a cross section of our community. The groups were Male Teachers, Female Teachers, Madrasah Administrators and Fathers and Mothers of Madrasah students. Each group had moderators like Shauzab Dinani, Gulzar Meghji, Shul Khalfan, Mohsin Manekia, Yusuf Shivji and Kulsum Manekia.

The group discussions were designed to elicit input in a focused manner on our collective aspiration and expectations of the knowledge and skills that the ideal Madrasah Graduate should possess; hence “Target Profile of a Madrasah Graduate”. A preliminary profile was used as a basis for discussion in each of the groups and thoughts, feelings and ideas were solicited. Once our collective goals are defined, we can then set out to develop a road map that will make them a reality. A report of the proceedings will be compiles in the near future and copies will be available through NASIMCO.

A media workshop was presented by Nisar Sherally of Toronto. It’s designed to make the teachers and parents aware of the insidious effects of print and electronic media. It explored possible ways to reinforce the positive, while countering the negative effects. After a brief presentation by Nisar Sherally, the participants were divided into groups and were charged with the task of finding constructive and imaginative ways to counter or mitigate the effects of the media. A range of ideas from skits (plays), to letter writing campaigns, to teaching about our values of honesty, bravery and persistence by utilizing the media, were presented

The conference facilitated a very positive interaction, exchange of views and ideas between the far travelled participants. Old friends met and new friendships were made. Following were additional concrete outcomes from the conference:

1. A preliminary Directory of all Nasimco member Jamaats, their Presidents, Madaris and their Principals was distributed.
2. Internet discussion group Madrasah Network (MNET) was announced. It will facilitate interaction and exchange of ideas amongst all the Madaris, Principals, Administrators, Teachers and others interested in education of our children.
3. A commitment was made to send an Aalim/Scholar to visit each of the member Jamaats starting in the near future. These visits will be designed to re-invigorate the contacts, share concerns and aspirations, and stimulate cooperation amongst various Jamaats and especially Madaris in North America. It is hoped that whenever possible, short weekend intensive course for local youths and a Majalis for the community will also be held at the site during these visits.
4. A survey of the entire member Jamaat Madaris was also initiated. The intent is to compile this information in a directory, for use and benefits of all the Madaris.

Dr. Liyakatali Takim thanked all those who contributed to the success of the conference. He also solicited the community’s assistance and commitment to IEB Madrasah Project for the sake of the future of our children.

Medical Advisory Board (MAB)

Report 15th. June 1996

The Chairman of the Medical Advisory Board, DR. M. T. I. Walji, submitted a written Report for the year 1995. He explained at length on some of the activities being undertaken by MAB like Screening, taking out of pamphlets on Ghusl, Kaffan, Daffan, Lupus, distribution of medicines to those in need in Africa and among Iraqi Refugees.

Members have been appealed to come forward to assist in the medical needs of Iraqi refugees. There were 10/12 camps of Iraqi refugees in Iran who are receiving medicines from the World Federation only. The MAB had, therefore, to ensure that people did not suffer or even die for lack of medicines.

Report 22nd. February 1997

Reporting on the current situation prevailing in the Community, Dr. M.T.I. Walji, the Chairman of Medical Advisory Board MAB), said that the Community was sadly indifferent to various dangers it face. The Community leaders gave little or no response by way of feedback to the Jamaats on the guidelines issued by MAB to educate our people.

Dr. Walji explained to the session that Thalassemia is genetically transmitted blood disorder. 7% of members of our Jamaat are carrier of this disorder. Children resulting from marriages between carriers can suffer from severe and painful condition. He appealed to the Community leaders and health care workers to take this matter seriously and make the general membership of the Community alive to this impending danger.

It was that platforms like Mimber, Public Lectures and modes of communications like Jamaat Newsletter must be extensively used to propagate the guidelines.

Medical Convention March 1997

Report of Medical Advisory Board of the World Federation on 'Medical Convention' organised by Central Health Board (CHB) of Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri Supreme Council.

This medical convention, the first of its kind, was held in Dar es Salaam on 22-23rd. March 1997. The event was a tremendous success with over 300 delegated, invitees and observers from all over the Africa and abroad. Ladies took active part too.

Objectives:

1. To bring together medical professionals, community leaders and heads of institution to a common platform to discuss the medical, moral, ethical and religious aspects of health care of our community.
2. To appraise the current health status of our community and recommend appropriate preventive health educational programmes.
3. To evaluate and disseminate and where appropriate provide data to bring awareness of the prevalence of serious and infectious diseases affecting our community and to recommend effective programmes to control and prevent them.
4. To encourage and facilitate interactive and innovative panel discussions on matters affecting the organizational structure and development of our health care institutions with a clear goal of achieving excellence to meet the needs to our community in the light of rapidly changing environment.
5. To prepare Resolutions covering the health and organizational issues of importance that are affecting our community for submission to the Supreme Council for implementation.

After welcoming speeches by the dignitaries, a keynote address from Mohammadbhai Pirbhai, Vice President of the Supreme Council and a message from Asgherbhai Bharwani, President of Dar es Salaam Jamaat, Mr. Aunali Khalfan, the Chairman of Central health Board, gave a detailed and informative talk on the subject of “The importance of CHB in the present health history of the community in Africa

CHB has made tremendous progress in the last 2-3 years. Besides arranging treatment of patients in Birmingham, it has established a well-functioning system in Bombay whereby patients from Africa receive excellent, reliable and cost effective service.

Dr. Walji, Chairman of Medical advisory Board (MAB) of the World Federation, described the establishment of MAB, its function and how it can be of help to our community worldwide in general and to Africa in particular. He presented statistics of patients helped from Africa and the type of disease they suffer from. By December 1996 2427 were from Africa. He emphasized that whilst it is indeed a pleasure to look after our patients from Africa, the number is not decreasing in spite of a large number of patients going to India. He suggested that steps should be taken to improve facilities locally so that the need to go out diminishes

Dr. Walji also alerted that urgent measures need to be taken to prevent spread of AIDS in our community and to screening and detect inherited disease like Thalassemia. He suggested that serious considerations should be given to pre-marriage counseling and blood tests.

These suggestions were received well by the audience, especially ladies.

Dr. Asser, a lady gynecologist practicing in Dar es Salaam discussed the common problems of our ladies. She was complementary towards the community on its concerns of ladies health in general but was disturbed to notice creeping trends of ‘liberty’.

Dr. Karim Manji gave powerful speech on the subject of “Social and religious dilemma surrounding medical practice”. He talked at length on the dilemma he and doctors like him are facing in their practice when our community members present them with difficult problems. He alerted the community of various very difficult, potentially life threatening problems facing our community. He talked about deteriorating moral standards he encounters and appealed to the community leaders all over to pay particular attention to the needs of our youths, to discourage immoral behavior and to introduce programmes which would stop potential of degradation.

The Convention resolution in the field of Education and Prevention were:

1. Female participation in Medical Professional education is encouraged.
2. Mandatory Health and Sex Education be introduced in the curriculum of all our religious and secular institutions.
3. Structured and expert individual and group counseling in Health and Sex Education to be availed to all community members at all age levels and groups of fathers, mothers, wives, husbands, parent-in-law, youth, children and others.
4. Sports and recreation facilities be availed to all community members especially women, youths and children.
5. Mandatory pre-marital HIV Screening and clearance is introduced, confidential to the parties concerned.

Zainabiya Child Sponsorship Scheme

Muhsin Dharamsi visits Gujarat during June 1997

The following report was presented at the meeting of Executive Council on 7th. June 1997:

Muhsin Dharamsi, Chairman of Zainabiya Child Sponsorship Scheme visited Gujarat from 1st. to 22nd March 1997.

His report is being presented in the form of answers to possible questions that may arise in mind.

1. Was it necessary for you to go on this trip? Discussing major changes by post has its limitation. On this trip I was able to visit 23 towns and villages and talked to the grass roots. I met students, teachers, parents, general public and Jamaat committees. I also visited schools, Madressas and coaching classes. We were able to discuss all aspects of education and to search for improvements.
2. Why do you want to spend so much money in nursery education? Young children are the most impressionable. If at a young age, we can get them interested in education and develop their faculties, they well get somewhere. Many nursery schools have sprung up but they are really just play groups and are very expensive too. Our own nursery schools will be cheaper to run, can have professional teachers and can teach religious matters too. The improvement will thus be many folds.
3. Surely schools education is enough. Why do we need coaching classes? The school teaching is based on memorization and not understanding. Our children miss out further because of language difficulties and lack of educational facilities and environment at home. Coaching classes are therefore essential to develop the student’s potential and to give extra boost. In Mahuva, for example, coaching classes are being conducted for 273 children and within two terms, the failure rate has been brought down from 46% to 14%.
4. Why should we have our own schools? The best schools everywhere are private and expensive. So to improve the standard of education within our community, it will be cheaper to have our own schools especially where our population is large. We can teach religious studies in the schools too. Our schools can also be used for adult education and other educational requirements of the Jamaats.
5. Many of us studied in large towns and stayed in Hostels. Why can’t the same system be followed? Today there are schools everywhere so the concept of Hostels, Boarding Houses, Orphanages and Hawza need to be reassessed. The dropout rate from such institutions is over 60%. It is far better to let the students study in their own town under the supervision and guidance of their own parents. There is however a need for Hostels and Boarding Houses for teenagers. For in many towns, Science subjects are not available beyond standard 10. If we have Hostels in the larger Cities for students above Standard 10, and if we provide good help for them regarding secular and religious education, we might get somewhere.
6. Why you are not happy with the Madressas and what are you doing about them? There are over 100 Madressas in Gujarat using 5 different set of books under 5 different supervisory and funding bodies. Standards vary considerably and it is very difficult for children when families migrate. So to rectify the matter, The Council of Gujarat
   1. is producing a set of books to be used throughout Gujarat.
   2. is organizing teacher training course to encourage more teachers.
   3. is re-organizing Madrasas and coaching classes to run together.
   4. is looking into course for adolescents and teenagers.

Furthermore, the Madressa children learn to recite Quran and Duas in Arabic. But when they leave Madressas, they recite in Gujarati transliteration. This practice has to be stopped immediately in order to improve the quality of recitation.

Project for 1994-1997

Houses in Gujarat

At the 6th. Executive Council Meeting on 15th. June 1996, the President, Mulla Asgar, reported that under the World Federation Conference Resolution moved by the Council of Gujarat, 500 houses had been built out of which 400 have already been allocated. The remaining will be allocated soon.

History of Khoja Community

The Africa Federation will send the materials gathered by them to Dar al Tabligh, Harefield, where it be archived by electronic filing on computer disks and CD ROM. The President reported that more than 62 books on the History of Khoja Community have been moved from the address of Secretary General, Haji Hasnain Walji, to Dar Al Tabligh.

Tabligh

Trinidad and Tobago

The President had received a report that the people of the above Islands were celebrating Muharram in a carnival style. He sent Maulana Syed Ali Baqri to investigate. Accompanied by Mr. Ashik Kermali and other Momineens of New York, Maulana Baqri visited Trinidad and Tobago. Following this, Bilal Muslim Mission of America was formed with a view to spreading Shia Mazhab in the Americas. This Organization works very closely with Imam-e-Zamana Mission of Port of Spain to carry out Tablighy work according to the teachings of Ahlul Bayt (A.S.) This year when the President visited Port of Spain, he was informed that much progress had been made, due to the efforts of Bilal Muslim Mission of America. For the first time, no alcohol was served or consumed during the procession. It is hoped that in time, as the Muslim community in these Islands understand the significance of the occasion, the procession will portray the correct message.

Guyana

From Port of Spain, the President visited Guyana. Over there Sheikh Mohamedali Zanzibary and Brother Latif Ali, who accepted Shia Mazhab after reading the boaoks of Maulana Syed Saeed Akhtar Rizvi of Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania. Today, there is a small but active community of Shia amongst both African and Asians of Guyana.

Panjatan Society of Victoria, Australia

The Society has around 40 families mainly of Indo-Pak origin. It runs a Madrasa for 35 children. On 14th Shaban 1417 (25 December 1996), the Society opened a new complex- The Panjatan Centre in Melbourne, and all religious, educational and community activities are now held within the Centre. The World Federation contributed USD 100,000 – almost 50% of the cost.