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TERM 1982-1985

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Interim Report of the Sub Committee on the reform of the Secretariat

A Sub-committee was formed on 30th Nov 1983 to examine the administrative structure of the World Federation and to recommend such re-organization as are necessary to enable the World body to respond to the need and provide timely and efficient services.

The Members of the Committee:

  1. Mr. Hasnain Walji
  2. Mr. Mulla Asgar (Asghar Ali M.M Jaffer)
  3. Mr. Mustafa Chandoo

Salient Features of the Report:

  1. To lighten the work of the General Secretary
  2. To draw in more Volunteers
  3. To make Secretariat a full team Power House
  4. To increase the scope of World Federation’s activity

Interim Recommendation:

  1. Secretary General would be the overall in charge of the Secretariat.
  2. Workload of the World Federation to be divided into 2 sections:

Services rendered in the United Kingdom

The Chairman of the various boards such as MAB, IEB etc would report to the “Administration Secretary”, with the Reports, instead of directly reporting to Secretary General. The Administration Secretary would then prepare one final report & submit to the Secretary General.

All correspondence (between boards or otherwise) should be with a copy marked to Administration Secretary.

Services rendered abroad

Country wise departments should be created at the Secretariat e.g. India, Pakistan, Africa etc. These departments should be headed by “Secretarial Assistants”.

It would be the responsibility of the Secretarial Assistants to ensure that Projects in their respective countries are efficiently carried out. There will be 1 Secretarial Assistant for each country who will correspond directly with the representative at the receiving country and every so often to make a report to the Secretary General.

  1. The Secretary General is consultation with the President to nominate Administration Secretary and Secretarial Assistants.
  2. Practice to be encouraged for the Administrative Secretary to meet collectively or individually chairman of the various Boards.
  3. Likewise Secretary General to meet the Secretarial Assistants.
  4. Boards Chairman, Administrative Secretary and Secretarial Assistants to be invited to attend Executive Council Meetings.

The Office bearers have accepted the above recommendations and implementation process started.

Miscellaneous Projects of 1982-1985

Samuh Lagna

At the Executive Council meeting held on 30th. Sept 1982, Rs. 100,000 was approved to be send to Bhavnagar for Samuh Lagna on 18th Zilhaj 1402.

Thereafter, the Council inspected the accounts received from Gujarat Federation for 59 marriages that had taken place at a total cost of Rs. 150,000. It was decided to send the balance Rs. 50,000 to cover the full expenses.

Also Samuh Lagna to take place in Palitana on 3rd. Shaban with 40 couples taking part. The Council decided to pay 70% of the total expenditure from Sahme Imam A.S.

Tabligh Fund

Edmonton Imambara

The Council inspected the accounts and receipt received from the Edmonton Jamaat regarding the Pound Sterling 50,000 donated by the World federation for the construction of the Imambara.

Clifton Mosque, Birmingham, England

Mehdi Fazal presented the accounts for three phases Phase 1- Imambara has deficit of Pound Sterling 15,114 Phase 2- Mosque has a deficit of Pound Sterling 705 Phase 3- Flats has a deficit of 16986

After inspection of accounts and satisfactory answers to queries Pound Sterling 5000 agreed to be given from Sahme Imam as. Further to write to Agha for authorization to donate Pound Sterling 6000 from his account.

Mosque Construction- India

It was decided to donate Pound Sterling 6000 to Sangli Mosque or any other Mosque that may be in need for the funds.

Mobhyana Imambara - India

Rs. 30,000 was sent for this Imambara which is complete and stood the recent cyclone in Gujarat. The Imambara is still sheltering many people of the area who lost their houses in the cyclone.

Bihar Colony Mosque

It was agreed to send Pound Sterling 5000 from Sehme Imam out of the total need of Pound Sterling 15000.

Pindi Mobile Library

Kitab Khana Mufidiya (Sayyar) has started a mobile library which visits mosques and other public places and lends Islamic books to the public free of charge. The Council decided to donate Rs.500 per month to this library.

K.S.I. (South London) Jamaat

The Council to fully support the first stage only i.e. an Imambara of Pound Sterling 200,000 to meet local daily need of K.S.I.: (South London) Jamaat.

Leeds Jamaat

To be paid Pound Sterling 5000 in installment of 1000 each month starting from July 1983 towards deficit in Aalim Cost for Leeds Jamaat.

Bangalore Mosque

Rs. 50,000 to be paid for construction of a Mosque in Bangalore. The total cost of the Project is Rs. 130,000

Peterborough Aalim Assistance

The Council approved Pound Sterling 2503 as Aalim assistance from the Sehme Imam with the recommendation that the Jamaat make attempts to raise the funds and repay the sum back to the World Federation as soon as possible.

Sandook Al Bir Wal Ehsan

The requirement of Aalim in India & Pakistan was deliberated on. It was agreed that the World Federation will take the responsibility of financing 100 students at the cost Rs. 100 per student per month provided all the students of the Hauza are helped equally. It was agreed that the Capital Projects for the Hawza will be looked into on project by Project basis.

Karnataka (India) Imambara

It was decided that WF would contribute Rs.50000 for this project of Rs. 350,000.

Leicester Jamaat Project

The Jamaat had completed the formalities and the property would be available by end of November 1984. World Federation donated Pound Sterling 20,000 towards this project.

Manasik - The Hajj Guide Book

Mulla Asgar (Asghar Ali M.M Jaffer) & Mr. Abdulhusein Akbar work on the Manasik is complete and ready to publish. Mr. Abdulhusein feels that it should also include Duas to be recited during ‘Tawaf’ and ‘Saee’. Hajis from all over the world busily read and recite, while our Hajis just do the Wajib ritual only. Hence this Dua will be included in the Manasik in Arabic text. The possibility of printing this in Doha is being looked for by Muhsin Dharamsi.

Imam Hussein A.S. Housing Fund

The Council inspected details of the 20 families helped last year. Other 15 families have also been helped for whom Rs. 21,000 had already been sent and agreed to send the balance of Rs. 54,000 required as per account of Gujarat Federation.

Shia World- Gujarati

It was agreed to send Rs.1000 towards the cost of June issue of 1000 copies. It was agreed to get 1000 copies for November 1982 issue also. The Council will review this project after people have received the above two issues and have had a chance to comment on them.

Cooperative Societies- India

The Council had promised Rs.300,000 towards the creation of Co-operative Societies. As per the report send by Haji Anver after his recent visit to India it was agreed that from Gharib Fund

  1. Rs. 10,000 be sent to Kunkard Cooperative Society
  2. Rs. 10,000 be sent to Talaja Cooperative Society

Further Haji Anver had raised the Funds and paid:

  1. Rs. 20,000 to Panjetani Bachat Committee, Rajula
  2. Rs. 34,000 to Morbi Cooperative Society
  3. Rs. 62,000 to Kutch Cooperative Society

The Council decided to include all the above as part of the promised sum. The balance of the promised amount is Rs. 164,000.

Al Murtaza School, Karachi

The plot next to Mehfil-e-Murtaza has been bought for 15 lakh rupees. Foundation laying ceremony will take place on 17th Rabi-ul-awal by Al Haj Mustafa Gokal. The building will be of 3 storeys & will house twenty classrooms, a Library and Laboratories, It is expected to complete by end of 1984. Each class will have 36 pupils of which 6 will be reserved for poor, needy and overseas visitors. The School will be Self Financing. Admission will be on merit, children of donors, Khoja, Shias.

The total Project is estimated to cost 75 lakh rupees. It is hoped to raise Rs. 50 Lakhs in Karachi and World Federation is requested to raise balance 25 Lakhs (Pound Sterling 125000).

The Council decided to fully support the project and help to raise Pound Sterling 125000 for it.

Sahme Sadat Fund

  1. It was agreed to send Pound Sterling 10000 to Ayatollah Sayyid Bakir Al Hakeem for Sadat from Iraq who are in refugee camps in Iran.
  2. The request for Pound Sterling 12805 to a Sadat lady treated for major disease in London under Medical Advisory Board was deliberated upon. It was decided to pay a maximum of Pound Sterling 3500 direct to the Creditors to whom the lady still owes money.
  3. The Council approved Pound Sterling 1500 for Sadat refugees from Lebanon Damascus Camps.
  4. Sayyed Aghul’s wife and son are in Birmingham for treatment. The lady’s treatment is estimated to be Pound Sterling 4000 and the boy’s between Pound Sterling 2000 to 10000. It was agreed to pay from Sehme Sadat. A donor has shown a desire to pay for all expenses.

Ramadan Relief

India

Pound Sterling 4600 was send to Gujarat Federation for distribution of food to Rozedaars and Pound Sterling 10700 from Sehme Sadat to K.S.I Medical Aid and Welfare Society for distribution of Feed to Rozedaars.

Iraq

Fitra Relief 1403 Pound Sterling 2000 had been sent to Ayatollah Sayyid Mohammad Baqir al-Hakim for the Iraqi destitute. The Council agreed that all further collection of Fitra be sent to Ayatollah Hakim for the Iraqi destitute.

Other Relief Fund

Cyclone Damage in Gujarat

No loss of life but the damage to property has been extensive. The Council authorized the expenditure of Pounds Sterling 6000 for this.

Medical Relief

Sayyid Muhammad Taki Shustri had a major heart surgery in London few years ago and is now in need of a check up. The Council decided to pay for the cost of tests and any treatment necessary. It also agreed to pay the cost of minimum accommodation preferably at Birmingham Musafarkhana. The Council decided to pay Pound Sterling 3500 towards the cost of treatment Sayyida Leila.

Kutch, India Relief

Recent efforts by W.F. in Kutch:

  1. Rs. 12000 given to 3 families in Bhuj to set up business
  2. Food distributed to the poor during Ramadhan 1402
  3. Rs.62000 to Kutch Cooperative Society
  4. A medical team is going to Kutch for screening our people
  5. A Samuh Lagna is planned for Kutch this year

Imam E Zamana Mission- Hyderabad, India

World Federation has been working with Imam-e-Zamana Mission since last one year. The mission is run by dedicated volunteers in a very efficient manner. The President Haji Haideralibhai has visited them & is quite satisfied with their function.

The mission looks after destitute Sadat and non Sadat families who live below poverty line in most unhygienic environment. Rainy season always plays havoc with these families. The mission helps them;

  1. By providing monthly assistance
  2. By providing Medical Care
  3. By helping their children to get basic education
  4. By providing better accommodation

The mission started its own Primary School in July 1986 with 130 students. In addition to the government syllabus, it has included Diniyat and Arabic in their curriculum.

About 100 students are helped by Zainabiya Child Sponsorship Scheme through this mission.

At Qayamnagar on the outskirt of Hyderabad, the World Federation has financed nearly 11 houses (small cubicles) for Sadat. This work was undertaken by the mission on the behalf of World Federation. The cost of each cubicle has been around Rs. 7500

Matrimonial Advisory Council (MAC)

It was agreed:

  1. To appoint Dr. Amir Lakha as Chairman of M.A.C.
  2. To appoint Jaffer H Walji, Anver Pirbhai, Rubabbai M Alidina and Marziyabia as members of the Council.
  3. To use World Federation’s address for correspondence. All correspondence to be strictly confidential
  4. All Jamaats to form Matrimonial Subcommittee as soon as possible.

Matrimonial Sub Committee

At the Executive Council meeting held on 28th Oct 1984 at Milton Keynes, Dr. Lakha, the Chairman of the MAC briefed the Council of the history, activities and policy of the Sub Committee. He requested closer co-ordination between Matrimonial Committee of individual Jamaats. He also presented the first publication of the MAC "Marriage a step towards fulfillment in life". The co author of the book is Dr. Amir Lakha and Mulla Asgar (Asghar Ali M.M Jaffer).

Hajj Medical Mission

Haj Mission - 1982

Dr. M. T. I. Walji presented the Hajj Mission Report. Four Doctors were on duty from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Midnight in shifts. In Makkah the dispensary was set up near the Offices of Sheikh Haider with Dr. Fuad Sheriff from Karachi, Pakistan, Dr. Kapasi from Bhavnagar, India, Dr. Ansar from Dar-as-Salaam and Dr. Walji. Overall the mission was successful and the Doctors attained for quite a few patients, Khojas and non Khojas, who were all very happy with the service provided.

Further Dr. Walji negotiated with Shaikh Haider for big room next to his Office for Pound Sterling 1500 per Hajj season. It will be furnished and divided into two rooms for dispensary and an office.

Haj Mission - 1983

The Committee formed at the Executive Council Meeting of 17-10-82 presented its report and following was agreed for 1983 Hajj Mission:

  1. To send 3 Doctors, 1 Aalim and 1 administrator
  2. The Committee is authorized to send another administrator if deemed necessary.
  3. To organize reception of Hujjaj in Jeddah and Medina
  4. To rent a house for 100 persons in Makka
  5. Administrator to keep in mind accommodation in Makkah
  6. To rent the room from Sheikh Haider for Pound Sterling 1500 for use of the Mission including a Fridge for Medicines and a desert Cooler.
  7. To issue circular soon describing steps planned and to issue another circular to inform Hujjaj of Medical precautions and to issue a list of medicines and to publish booklets on general guidance.
  8. The budget expenditure agreed is Pound Sterling 10,000.

Out of the Budget of this year of Pound Sterling 10000, a Bande Khuda who sends 1500 each year has sent 1500 for this year. Another USD 6500 khums from Marhoom Kassimali Khatau (He donated this amount just before his death) with a request to that 50% of Sehme Imam be used for H.M.M. The Council agreed to Marhoom’s request. About Pound Sterling 8000 still required.

Haj Mission - 1984

For the 8th H.M.M. two dispensaries were set up and Doctors were available 24 hours.

The team consisted of Dr. M.T. I. Walji, Dr. Zehra Hassam, Dr. Fuad Sheriff, Maulana Zaffar Abbas and Haji Mohamed Daya.

The team was fortunate for voluntary help from Dr. Gulamali Rajpur of Sweden and Dr. Rafiq Alidina of Dubai as well as Haji Mohammad Daya whose experience and help proved extremely useful.

Dr. Zehra Hassam proved very useful and her presence was appreciated by the Hujjaj.

Zainabiya Child Sponsorship Scheme (Z.C.S.S.)

Pound Sterling 2250 was sent to Mehfil-e-Murtaza for Zainabiya Child Sponsorship Fund.

50 children still awaiting sponsorship since June 1982. It was agreed to start paying them from the Sponsorship Fund. Sponsor parents will be allocated to them as and when available.

It was agreed that Gujarat Federation should administer Zainabiya Child Sponsorship Scheme for the whole of India.


As per Executive Council meeting of 27th. Feb 1983, 46 Sadat in India and 145 Sadat in Pakistan are at present being sponsored at a total cost annual cost of Pound Sterling 14000.

Muhsin reported that 267 children in India and 77 children in Pakistan are at present being sponsored at a total annual cost of Pound Sterling 17000.

Donations received from sponsor parents are only 20% more than this. This percentage is not enough to take care of illnesses, increase in grants, inflation etc. The Council decided to look into subsidizing from other funds when the time comes.


At the Executive Council meeting held on 28th. Oct 1984 at Milton Keynes, the Chairman reported that Z.C.S.S. was growing at a very fast pace and currently some 1000 Sadat & non Sadat are being sponsored.

Toronto in particular and Canada in general are the best supporters of the Scheme and it was hoped that while U.K. had some sponsorship, many more would come soon.

Zainabiya Scheme was administered by the Gujarat Federation in Gujarat, K.S.I. Medical & Welfare society in Mumbai and by Mehfil e Murtaza and Bilal Trust in Pakistan.

Islamic Education Board

Islamic Education:

Prof. Aziz and Dr. Khaleel had specially been invited for a discussion on Islamic Education. Prof. Aziz enlightened the Council of his studies and activities in Islamic Education. In the University of Virginia there is now a department of Islamic studies and is the only Shia one in U.S.A. It costs 7000 to 8000 USD per year to educate one student.

It was agreed that students be encouraged to go to Qum for 2 years of studies after which they can continue in Qum for another 3 years or go to Virginia for 2 years of studies followed by another 4 years (in Virginia). I.E.B to study the project further and to report.

Dr. Khaleel said that they plan to start a Hauza in Texas within 6 months for 30 students for a 4 year course.c

Wazu, Azan, Ekama etc Cassette:

Mustafa Mawjee presented a scheme of producing a one hour video cassette on Wazu, Azan, Ekama, Namaz and Dua at a budget of Pound Sterling 2000. I. E. B to finalize project within 4 months. Dr. Asaria agreed to meet 50% of the cost from Imam Sahebuzzaman Trust.

Universal Syllabus

I.E.B. finalized the Universal Syllabus submitted by Toronto Jamaat and was considering its distribution. The first part of the video for Namaz had been started.The Video project would be undertaken jointly with Imam Sahebuzzaman Trust. The first eight lessons of the correspondence course were ready and would be launched by I.E.B. and the Secretariat.

World Federation has been approached by our brothers in Kenya to assist in preparing syllabus and notes for the teachers to be adopted.

I.E.B. Report

The following is from the IEB report submitted by the Chairman to the Executive Council meeting held on 28th. Oct 1984 at Milton Keynes.

Report: The Secretariat has received a letter from a student requesting that the World Federation contact various ‘O’ & ‘A’ level examining board with a view to introducing ‘Islam’ as a full subject in curriculum instead of a general paper.

To this end World Federation is in contact with Master A Khakoo and Mr. Bahadurali Dalal who are in educational field. Mr. Dalal requested more time to study the proposal and also suggested that other Islamic Organization must also be approached to make a joint presentation to the authorities. He also confirmed that certain Universities in fact offer Islam as a subject at a higher level.

The Chairman informed that I.E.B. has issued a common syllabus and wished to know of the number of Jamaat using it. It transpired that only Peterborough Jamaat was using the syllabus.

Mustafa Chandoo suggested a Common Examination Board be set up by the I.E.B. After a lengthy discussion, the Council directed that a subcommittee of representative of Jamaats in the U.K. be formed to look into the composition, activities and the progress of I.E.B. The subcommittee should make recommendation to the Secretariat. The following were nominated to the subcommittee:

  1. Mr. Mustafa Chandoo – London
  2. Mr. Naushad Merali – Birmingham
  3. Mr. Mohamed Alibhai – Milton Keynes
  4. Mr. Mahmood Hooda – Peterborough
  5. Mr. Taha Dharsi – London
  6. Mr. Abdul Husein Akbar London Convener

Medical Advisory Board (MAB)

UK

Dr. M.T. I. Walji presented a full report giving comparative figures of the number of patients treated in UK from 1981 to 1983.

  1. 1981 no. of Patients 4 from different countries
  2. 1982 no. of Patients 43 from different countries
  3. 1983 no. of Patients 84 from different countries

It seems that the World Federation has made the services of the M.A.B. widely known in every Jamaat which makes it easy and convenient for Momineen to contact the right person when in need of any major medical services.

At the Executive Council meeting held on 28th Oct 1984 at Milton Keynes, Dr. M.T. I. Walji, Chairman of the Board, reported that the M.A.B services are being used to the full capacity. The bulk of the workload is from overseas patient who come for specialist treatment. Currently some 40 cases were handled in Birmingham alone. Now under the supervision of Dr. Lakha, patients were also being handled in London through the Secretariat in London.

The Birmingham Jamaat had made one room available for the use of patients of M.A.B, which the Council appreciated. Dr. Walji also reported a milestone in the history of M.A.B was to handle a Kidney transplant patient.

The Chairman stated that M.A.B was called upon to spend on patient who could not finance themselves. For instance, the Kidney Transplant operation had cost Pound Sterling 30,000, where World Federation had managed to collect 18000 and appealed for the outstanding balance 12000 to be raised.

Pakistan

Dr. M. T. Walji visited MAB (Medical Advisory Board) Karachi in March 1986.

  1. Bimar-e-Karbala Clinic: The Clinic is running smoothly and progressing very well. A grant of Rs. 26000 was given to MAB, Karachi, to refurbish the Clinic and increase the services offered by the clinic to the community. Monthly grant to the clinic is Rs.2000.
  2. Other Projects: MAB is preparing to launch further new projects. It helps Doctors convention also. A project of in-depth study of our community is underway. Help is being given to Blood Bank and further screening programme are planned.

New Offices

Murtaza Merali and Dilwar Hussein Dinani have offered 2 large rooms in a building in Harley Street free of cost for the next 20 years as Offices for World Federation. Pound Sterling 5000 would be estimated expenditure for this Office. The Council accepted this generous offer.

Ayatullah Marhoom Sayyid Mohsin AL Hakim

On 9th May 1983 90 members of AL Hakim family were arrested in Najaf by Iraqi authorities including 48 leading Mujtahed. Out of these 5 were released and whereabouts of rest 85 is unknown. The Council decided to take all possible action to secure the release of the family and decided to mobilize our community worldwide to make sure our voices are heard.

1400th. Birthday Anniversary of Imam Husein A.S.

The World Federation has got some commemorative stationery printed for use throughout the year of 1400 Hijra. A rubber stamp is also prepared to be used on all free religious literature send to many parts of the world.

Dr. Walji, on his visit to India, brought back a proposal from Gujarat Federation for a mobile dispensary that would tour the villages and towns with a team of doctors and nurses. After discussion the scheme was approved.

Other ideas proposed were:

  1. Teacher’s workshop
  2. Setting up an Academy
  3. Seminars
  4. Printing Eid Cards

It was further decided to form a sub committee to look into and implant other projects during the year. Mr.Hasnain Walji was nominated and authorized to form the Sub Committee and report at the next Executive Council Meeting.

Aalim Requests

Peterborough and London Jamaats were able to secure the services of Ulema through the World Federation. Maulana Syed Amir Hussein Naqvi of Madressa-Al Hakim, Rawalpindi- Pakistan is serving Peterborough Jamaat and Maulana Syed Zianul Hassan Hussaini of Hyderabad, India, is serving London Jamaat.

London Jamaat has also approached the Secretariat to secure the services of a Mulyani during Muharram.

Stockholm (Sweden) and Edmonton (Canada) have asked the Secretariat to get them suitable Ulema.

The Federation of Africa Jamaats has also expressed keenness to secure such services in co-ordination with the World Federation.

The World Federation is in contact with Haji Roshanali Haji Dawood Nasser, president of Bombay Jamaat, and with Maulana Syed Hameedul Hassan Saheb, Principal of Nazmia Arabic College, Lucknow for the service of Aalim.

Hauze Ilmiya-Birmingham

Arrangement for a Hauza Ilmiya to commence on temporary basis has been made in Birmingham. Maulana Zaffar Abbas Saheb Qibla has been appointed as the Principal and Mehdi Fazal is assisting in finding a suitable premise for housing the Hauza and the Students. Application has been received from Students locally & abroad.

Council of Ministers

On 7th. February 1982 there was a meeting of full Executive Committee of each of the 8 members organization in the UK. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the grave financial crisis threatening the survival of the World Federation. It was decided to form a Committee of all of all U.K. Presidents and President & 1-2 Councilors of World Federation to raise Foundation Fund and to deal with the problem faced by people in the U.K.

The first meeting of the Council of Presidents took place at the residence of the President of Peterborough Jamaat, Haider A Ismail on 27th March 1982.

After that Momineen and Mominaat had an opportunity to hear about the work carried out by World Federation throughout the world.

Dr. J. Asaria chaired this meeting.

  1. It was agreed that the Council of Presidents will be a permanent body composed of:Presidents of all U.K. Jamaats, President of World Federation, Secretary General of World Federation as the Secretary of the Council of Presidents, Two Executive Councilors of World Federation
  2. In the absence of President, his Vice President can attend the meeting.
  3. Only President can vote – one vote each
  4. No other person should be invited except the President of other Jamaat
  5. Quorum would 3 Presidents plus Secretary General
  6. The Meeting shall be held on Rota basis in different Towns every two months or as & when required
  7. A Synopsis shall be published in Shia World

Immediate Purpose:

  1. To liaise, closely in all matters with the World Federation and with all other Muslim Organization in U.K.
  2. To encourage the concept of unity amongst the U.K. Jamaats in particular and all Muslim Organization in general.
  3. To liaise with Islamic Education Board in the field of Islamic Education in the U.K., including promotion of unified syllabus and Teacher Training.
  4. As a matter of urgency Religious, Educational, Financial, employment problem of our people be “deliberated” upon.
  5. It was stated that, it was financial crisis that brought the Presidents together and so the survival of World Federation, the strengthening of it, resource for a strong Secretariat, are some of the points that need urgent solution.

Future Purpose:

  1. Sighting of Moon
  2. Aalim Contract, Services etc.
  3. Membership of Jamaat and services to be provided by each Jamaat to its members.
  4. Marriage and Divorce problems
  5. Training of local people as Aalim

Report of India Tour by the Secretary General Mr. Hasnain Walji and Honorary Treasurer Ahmed Daya:

The tour started on 17th. Jan 1987. The purpose of the Tour was to review WF activities and make an appraisal of the prevailing situation, especially after the closure of Gujarat Federation. It was also to examine the possibility of charting out new avenues of services in places other than Gujarat.

From Bombay Haji Gulamali Bhanji (Bapu) accompanied them to Gujarat. They visited Bhavnagar, Vartej, Sihore, Sorgardh, Tana, Palitana, Thalia, Monpur, Talaja, Mahuva, Kikaria, Khuntawda, Vijapati, Rajula, Kodinar, Malia, Bhuj and Kera.

After returning from Gujarat, they took a second leg of their tour to Hyderabad, Andra Pradesh. The following is their reports and findings:

  1. Gujarat Federation: The fate of Gujarat Federation appears to have been irretrievably sealed. Although the case in Junagadh was dismissed, in favour of Gujarat Federation, and it seems that the same will apply to Una, the Spirit of our honorary workers like Umedali Bhanabhai, Dr. Kapasi, G. Meghani, A Keshwani and others is dampened. To them it is no safer, in terms of their integrity and prestige, to get involved once again.
  2. Due to closure of Gujarat Federation, students from Kutch, Kathiawar and U.P. suffered a lot as Zainabiya Child Sponsorship Scheme was also closed. The effect has been felt in London also, because the system involving Sponsor Parents, Sponsored Children and the Secretariat, came to a sudden halt. In Bhavnagar, grave concern was expressed over the plight of the Students who had to leave good Schools and thus have their studies rudely interrupted, because they could no longer afford the fees. It was thus decided to form a Trust for running the Zainabiya Child Sponsorship Scheme (ZCSS). Haji Gulamali Meghani assured all the necessary paper work for the proposed Trust would be ready within the ensuing three months.
  3. Famine/Drought in Gujarat - Due to failure of monsoon rains for two consecutive years, the situation was very grave. The dearth and scarcity of food grains had become the cause of inflationary trends. Masoomeen Trust carried out relief work on behalf of World Federation last year (1986) and further assistance was sanctioned for this year too.
  4. Housing Schemes - It was noted that the housing provided in Gujarat was of sub standard. It was decided that in future, World Federation, should participate only in those Projects which are properly planned, better facilities and proper amenities, even if it means extra cost.
  5. Andra Pradesh - In Hyderabad Imame Zamana Mission and Khums Committee are both doing excellent work. There was meeting and discussion with both on various projects. Andra Pradesh and its vicinity have numerous poor Sadat families. Then there are so many Shia Ithna Asheri families spread over small Towns and Villages. It is possible to divert attention to these places for Housing Projects, Education, Medical Aids and other services
  6. Bombay- K.S.I. Medical and Welfare Society - The society under the Chairmanship of Haji Shaukatali Sultanali Mewawala is working with an organized system. The society looks after both Sadat and non Sadat’s case.
  7. Govandi - The Sadat over here leave in subhuman conditions. As part of M.A.B. (Medical Advisory Board) project, a Primary Health Care Project is finalized to be directed by Dr. Abbas Dost Mohamed Moledina.