Updated 21 March 2012
21 March 2000 (14 Dhul Hijjah 1420 AH) was a painful day for the Shia Muslim Community around the world when Marhum Mulla Asgherali M.M. Jaffer, while on duty at his World Federation office desk, suddenly left this transitory world to begin his journey into the timeless hereafter. Twelve years following his passing, we continue to remember a great leader who left behind a well-travelled path holding the light of the Ahlul Bayt (as) to enlighten the way to our Creator.
Marhum Mulla Asgher spent his life carving this trail delicately and with vision. Guided by the teachings of Islam, he shaped this trail with prudent words through his sermons and majalis, kind acts of humanity by availing education opportunities and poverty relief to the underprivileged, and resolute courage through his tireless efforts in spreading the teachings of the Ahlul Bayt (as). He nurtured the young and he reached out to the old, he proved that real hope was all of us working together, and that time is our most precious asset.
Personal values drive commitment
Those leaders who are the clearest about their own values, and who see the fit between their own values and the values of the organizations they serve, are the most committed leaders. Marhum Mulla Asgher’s personal values stemmed from the teachings of the Ahlul Bayt (as). His actions and his decisions reflected his Islamic values where his intentions were always “Qurbatan Ilallah”, for the pleasure of Allah (swt).
Looking forward is a leadership prerequisite
Exemplary leaders are able to envision the future, have a sense of direction and a concern for the future of the organization and its community. One of Marhum Mulla Asgher’s greatest achievements was establishing The World Federation in 1976 to maintain unity and brotherhood in the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Muslim community and harness its entrepreneurial spirit, working particularly on charitable projects all over the world, including educational programmes in Africa, and medical and housing projects in India. Thirty six years later, The World Federation has developed into a global organisation that is working hard to continue the work he started.
In 1976 when The World Federation emerged, very few community members living in Africa, Europe and North America knew much about the conditions of Shia Muslims living India and Pakistan. Mulla Asgher, first as Chairman of The Africa Federation and later as President of The World Federation re-established links with communities in these 2 countries. He personally travelled through India and Pakistan to visit the struggling and neglected Shia people there. Upon his return, he initiated many changes including uniting dispersed Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri communities in Kutch and Gujarat under the banner of the Kutch Federation and The Council of Gujarat respectively. This restructuring facilitated development and humanitarian projects in the region that continue till today.
THE LIFE OF MULLA ASGHERALI M.M. JAFFER
Mulla Asgherali M.M. Jaffer was born in Mombasa on 25 November 1936. He was the eldest son of Mulla Mohamed M. Jaffer of Mombasa.
Academic Education
Mulla Asgher received his academic education at the Ithna-Asheri Primary School in Mombasa and then Mombasa Technical High School for his secondary education (completing 'O' Levels). After completing high school, he travelled to India to receive professional training in Optometry.
From a very young age, Mulla Asgher was involved in a number of extra-curricular activities where he:
• Contributed in school debates and often led the school team in inter-school debating competitions
• Joined the Ithna-Asheri Young Men's Union Debate and Education Section
• Co-founded the Hyderi Cultural group to provide private tuition for students who could otherwise not afford the high fees.
An Aspiring Nature
While working with his father in his optical business, Mulla Asgher spent his spare time pursuing religious education. He made the most of this time by:
• Learning the Arabic and Farsi languages
• Connecting with various Ulema who would transit through Mombasa
• Taking a keen interest in the Theosophical Society of Mombasa where majority of participants were Hindus and a few Muslims
• Attended interfaith meetings organised by Christian Missionaries
Mulla Asgher’s interest in interfaith meetings continued even after he migrated to the UK. To begin with, he encouraged the Islamic Education Board of The World Federation to connect with other Muslim and non- Muslims communities.
A Powerful Orator
One of Mulla Asgher’s greatest abilities was that he was a powerful speaker. Whilst he left behind a golden treasure of sermons and lectures, he was at his finest when he gave sermons of Imam Ali (as) in Arabic where he commanded a strong melodious voice. He was also known for his passion for Azadari. On matters of fiqh and religious principles, he would readily take a firm public stand.
Love for the Community
Mulla Asgher’s love and compassion for his community resulted in a number of commendable projects which he initiated worldwide. Once he was convinced that a particular cause was worthy, he would commit his support and worked hard to secure financial help from the generous Muslim community for which he had much respect and confidence in. In his heart, he was convinced that divine help would ultimately be forthcoming for a just cause. Today, among many things, Mulla Asgher is well known for his philanthropy.
The World Federation takes this opportunity, to pay tribute to its founder and mentor, Marhum Mulla Asgherali M.M. Jaffer whose leadership and inspiration has led this organisation and the KSI community to undreamed heights. Today, our small global community of just over 150,000 people are united in faith, identity, friendship and purpose because of his vision and tireless efforts. With this legacy, it is not possible to forget such a great personality of our time.
Dr Asgharali Moledina, President of The World Federation, while paying tribute to this great leader recalls: “I can never forget Mulla Saheb’s personal encouragement to up and coming young leaders to strive to work for Islam and the community. He continued to remind us that Allah’s and Imam’s (as) work will never be hindered as long as we all resolve to work solely for the pleasure of Allah (swt).”
Please join us in reciting Sura Fateha in memory of Marhum Mulla Asgherali M.M. Jaffer. May Allah (swt) place him among the chosen ones.
For more information, please email secretariat@world-federation.org
Excerpts from http://www.mulla-asghar.org/