Updated 10 January 2014

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un

Marhum Haji Haiderbhai Kassamali Haji former President of The World Federation passed away on Tuesday 7 January 2014 and was buried today, 10 January in Birmingham UK.  Mumineen are requested to remember Marhum in your duas and recite  Namaz E Wahshat.

Marhum Haiderbhai significant contribution to The World Federation, as Councillor, Vice President and President can be summed up, for each position he held with the words:  'he was the right man at the right time.

As an Executive Councillor and close confidant of Mulla Asghar, in the mid-seventies along with Councillors Marhum Fidahsainbhai Fazal, Dr Jaffer Asaria and Dr Hasnain Walji, he played a major role in assisting Mulla Saheb in stabilizing The World Federation in its infancy.  This was a critical time when the organisation had few supporters, no elected office bearers and not many who had the time or the inclination to keep up with Marhum Mulla's vision and the speed with which he aspired to develop the institution.

As the Vice President of The World Federation, he was instrumental in forging strong relations with the Marja of the time, Ayatullah Khui (RA). His ability to travel to Iraq frequently, on his personal business, enabled The World Federation to keep in DIRECT touch with the Marja. This was the time in Iraq when Saddam had all but closed the doors to access the Marja.  The personal relationship he developed with Ayatullah Al Khui, enabled The World Federation to operate without intermediaries. His ability to travel widely from village to village in Gujarat, in the late seventies and early eighties, a time when travel was not so easy, resulted in The World Federation learning more about the plight of our Khoja brethren in Gujarat. This resulted in much relief of poverty projects being initiated which have had a lasting impact on the Community.

As a President, he came on the scene at a critical juncture, upon Marhum Mulla's sudden resignation in Oct 1979.  He ably steered the ship in stormy waters, when many predicted the demise of The World Federation. He was popularly re-elected for a subsequent term and  played a major role in reaching the highest  level of Indian and Jordanian Authorities in The World Federation’s attempts to seek Mulla Saheb's release when he was imprisoned by Saddam.

Haiderbhai's ability to grasp grassroots challenges, can-do attitude and jovial nature earned him much respect, especially amongst those who were privileged to work closely with him. May Allah reward him for his important contributions by way of Sawabe Jaariyah, for his selfless efforts in helping strengthen The World Federation as an institution and make it what it is today.

“Haiderbhai Haji played a pivotal role during the initial stages of the formation of  The World Federation.  His frank and down to earth approach to issues helped the organisation tremendously in its formative years. His frequent visits to Iraq  during those critical times kept the community's connection with the Marja of that time alive and robust.”  - Dr. Asgar Moledina, President of The World Federation

"With selfless dedication, charitable instinct and selfless willingness, Haider Haji made a positive contribution to our worldwide community. Through his leadership at The World Federation, he set the foundation for others to build upon. Marhum Haider was instrumental in shaping the community institution of The World Federation since its inception and steered it through some very difficult and challenging times.

He was a counsel to many Presidents including myself and in the turbulent times when the institution found itself in shock following the sudden demise of Mulla Saheb, he came to support, to strengthen and to nurture those in the position of leadership with his fatherly advice.

I shall always remember him for many incidents when we went together to visit our Marja. However, one incident was typical of his leadership style. We were caught up in a massive traffic jam, cars blocking each other and no one could move. He got out of our car, started directing traffic with authority, sorted the traffic jam, sat back in the car and off we went." – Dr. Ahmed Hassam, former President of The World Federation.

“Both Haiderbhai and I started our journey with The World Federation at the same time, soon after the formation of institution. He was nominated as an Executive Councillor and I as the Secretary General by Mulla Asghar and we worked closely ever since.  His contribution in those early days was a critical factor in the very survival of The World Federation.  Mulla Saheb's sudden resignation just before the  Tri-annual Conference in 1982 was a major blow to us all.  Despite the 'prophets of doom' having written off The World Federation, he stood strong and provided determined leadership for us to move forward.  The World Federation owes an eternal debt of gratitude for his courage and tenacity in ably leading The World Federation in those days.  Secondly, his down to earth direct connections with Ayatullah Al Khui (RA) allowed The World Federation to work unfettered.” - Dr. Hasnain Walji, former President of The World Federation

May Marhum Haiderbhai rest in peace and be granted a place among our Ahlul Bayt (as).  We pray that Marhum`s family be given the strength and tawfiq as they deal with the loss of their loved one. 

Condolence messages may be sent to Munir Haji muniralihaji@hotmail.com and Shafik Haji shafikhaji@blueyonder.co.uk 

For further information email secretariat@world-federation.org