Updated 9 March 2011
The President of the Council of European Jamaats, Dr. Husein Jiwa accompanied by mu’mineen from various jamaats had indeed a great privilege to meet Ayatullah al Udhma, Sheikh Muhammad Ishaq al Fayyadh on Wednesday, 2nd March, 2011 in London. His Eminence had come to London for medical treatment, May Allah (SWT) grant him a long and healthy life and we pray for his speedy recovery.
Amongst the members of delegation accompanying Dr. Jiwa were Sheikh Mustafa Jaffer (President, Stanmore Jamaat), Al Hajj Roshan Gangji (President, Wessex Jamaat), Al Hajj Sajjad Manji (President, Essex Jamaat), Al Hajj Shabbir Shah (President, Watford Jamaat), Br. Murtaza Gulamhusein (CoEJ Councillor, Stanmore Jamaat) and Br. Kamran Shah (Secretary of Watford Jamaat), Br. Moshin Kassam (Secretary, Stanmore Jamaat), Br. Salim Hamir (Treasurer, Stanmore Jamaat) and the resident Aalims of Peterborough and Wessex Jamaats, Sheikh Mohammed Kassamali and Sheikh Fazleabbas Datoo.
After the introductions, Ayatullah Sheikh Fayyadh said that the Khoja community is thriving in the world today because of its unity. He also said that they are very particular about following and acting upon the Ahkam (practices) of the religion and remaining steadfast on the Aqeeda (beliefs) of Islam. He also praised the community for its activities especially in the field of assistance to the needy, orphans and those afflicted by disasters. He then advised to continue on maintaining this unity and also warned to avoid hypocrisy. He observed that it is hypocrisy that breaks the unity.
Dr. Husein Jiwa said that it is because of the presence and the guidance of the scholars like Ayatullah Sheikh Fayyadh, that we are able to exist together as a community to serve Allah (SWT). On behalf of CoEJ, Dr. Jiwa offered his assistance in any way when required. He also requested Ayatullah Sheikh Fayyadh to visit United Kingdom again and get the opportunity to meet the mu’mineen in different Jamaats. He prayed for the safe journey of His Eminence and his entourage to Najaf.
Members of the delegation also had the opportunity to ask questions which Ayatullah Sheikh Fayyadh answered willingly.
On behalf of The Council of European Jamaats, We would like to express our sincere thanks to Al - Zahra Trust for giving us the opportunity to meet his Eminence and for their commendable hospitality.