Updated 9 January 2013
19th to 23rd December
Dr. Asgher Moledina
On His way to Najaf, Dr. Moledina visited our communities in Muscat and Salalah, to get a better understanding of the work and project they are undertaking and to see where the World Federation Of KSIMC can support them.
Meeting Haji Ahmed Jaffer with WF delegation in Muscat
The WF President was accompanied by: Gulambhai Virjee- from Dubai, Councilor Sajjadbhai Rashid - Chairman of the Mombasa Jamaat, Councilor Masumbhai Somji - ASG of ZCSS Shabbirbhai Vakil - from the Dubai and Mumabi Jamaat and Haji Ahmed Jaffery- leading social worker and philanthropist from Muscat.
On their arrival they were met by a warm welcome from Haji Abdul Hussain Bhacker, the head of the Lawati Community in Oman. Haji Abdul and the Delegation spoke and discussed the various projects and work being undertaken by both the Lawati Community and the World Federation Of KSIMC.
The Lawati Community are 15000 strong and their culture and religious background is very much similar to the history and background of our Khoja Community. There are a lot of similarities between our languages also. They speak Kochki which is very similar to our Kutchi language.
Dr. Moledina also met Haji Ahmed Jaffer, who heads a team of 18 volunteers. They undertake projects to help the poor and the needy and Mashallah they are doing a phenomenal and successful job in helping the deserving
Haji Maqbool Salman, hosted a wonderful dinner where Dr. Moledina had the opportunity to speak with prominent members of the community and business men, where they discussed community issue and the future. There were a lot of exchange of best practice and Dr. Moledina said:
“It was exciting meeting with the community, the community leaders and visionary’s… we all come away with a good understanding of each other and promise to build maintain a good working relationship which each other and to have follow up discussions and visits.”
On Saturday 22nd December Dr. Moledina visited Salalah where he met members of the community and visited the KSI centre to learn more about the area and what challenges the community face.
Salalah is a rapidly developing city and boasts a very rich history. The city is home to the ruins of Sumharam, a fortified town with an important port that functioned from 100 BC to 400 AD. Salalah’s neighbouring town, Jabal Gadu is the alleged to hold religious significance as it is the resting place of Jacob (Nabi Imran), the Virgin Mary’s father. It is said that during his time, Nabi Ayub, made a pilgrimage to Nabi Imraan’s Tomb
Over all Dr. Moledina said “Oman is an anchor of peace and prosperity in the region and offers great opportunities for business and investment. I requested the leaders of the community in Muscat to use the international talent and resource our KSI community hold. The Jamaat said they would advice all the world wide KSI community of any good opportunities for business, immigration or growth, helping us to become a more vibrant community, Inshallah.”
Dr. Moledina was truly inspired by the love, unity and imam shown by the Jamaat’s in Muscat and Salalah and said: “We are one community but we all face different challenges. I hope to meet with more of our community round the world and understand their challenges and Inshallah work with them to overcome it.”
Many of the Omani Khoja’s have free mingled with the local population and have become a part of the vibrant community. Mashallah, the Khoja settlers have done very well for themselves and according to the CIA Factbook, the Khoja community of Matrah (and its members) is one of the richest private groups in Oman and its members are among the best educated in the country.
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