TERM 1994-1997

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.

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 in 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.