updated 1 May 2013
DELIVERED ON BEHALF OF DR. ASGAR MOLEDINA BY:
SHABIR NAJAFI, WF EXECUTIVE COUNCILLOR AND AFRICA FEDERATION VICE PRESIDENT AT THE:
25th Triennial Conference
Of the Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaats of Africa
26 TO 29 APRIL 2013 IN DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA
AOOZUBILLAHI MINNASHAITANIL LAE’ENEEL RAJEEM, BISMILLAHI RAHAMANIR RAHEEM
It is my pleasure to stand before you all today and deliver this message penned by the President of The World Federation, Dr. Asgar Moledina who unfortunately despite his best intentions and efforts could not attend this conference due to health reasons and subsequent medical advice received from his doctors. Dr. Moledina sends his sincere apologies and wishes this conference and the Supreme Council the best of deliberations, all aimed towards the pleasure of Allah (SWT)
Sura Ahzab (33:70) O you who have attained to faith! Remain conscious of God, and [always] speak with a will to bring out [only] what is just and true.
To:
• Our Resident Aalim of Dar es Salaam Jamaat - Shaikh Murtaza Alidina,
• Respected scholars in Islam,
• Chairman of Africa Federation – Anwarbhai Dharamsi and his dedicated team,
• The AFED Representative to The World Federation,
• President of the host Jamaat - Shirazbhai Walji,
• Chairman of the Organizing committee,
• Councilors, delegates, leaders of various jamaats, youths, ladies and gentleman present,
SALAAMUN ALAYKUM WA RAHAMATLLAHEE WA BARAKATU.
First of all, I would like to express my deepest regrets for not being able to personally attend this 25th Triennial Conference and 74th Supreme Council session of the Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaats of Africa.
Some of you present here are fortunate to have witnessed the formation of the First Provincial council in 1945, followed by the promulgation of the CONSITITUTION at the FIRST CONFERENCE in 1946. Both these historical events took place in this very city of Dar-es-Salaam. It is essential for the progress and development of any community to learn from history and seek guidance and advice of our elders.
Over the years, Africa Federation has evolved from strength to strength and every leader together with his team who has come into office has worked hard to enable the progress of our faith and of our community. Today, we salute each one of these leaders and convey to them our heartfelt gratitude for their time, commitment and passion. Please join me in reciting Sura Fateha for all of those historic leaders who are no longer with us.
Anwarbhai, your re-election unopposed is a testimony of the respected and constructive work that you and your team have delivered over the last three years. Each one of you brings with them a wealth of experience and I can confidently say that you are so very blessed to be working with a dynamic team who has supported you through the years. May Allah (SWT) grant you and your team continued maghferat to carry on your splendid work. Ameen.
The Holy Prophet (S) has said:
“Oh people, stay with the congregation, and stay away from division.”
The Ahlul Bayt (as) spent their every breath, their every action promoting unity and brotherhood among the people who walk this earth. Today, let each one of us here make a pledge to walk in their footsteps and do whatever is in our power to sow the seeds of unity and peace in our own communities so as not to allow discord and spite to disband the good work and progress we have made over the years; and to create a strong foundation for the years ahead. For instance, actions such as undermining our respected Maraja only causes discord and we have to ask ourselves – will our actions bring us closer to Allah (swt) or will they cause Him to distance Himself from us?
I am thrilled to learn that alongside this Triennial Conference deliberation, there is also a Youth Symposium being held. Supporting the youth of our communities and bringing them together in this way is absolutely essential for the planning of our future and the vibrancy of our societies. These youth make up an integral part of the community and the decisions we make together. I wish them every success in their deliberations and look forward to reading the report on this youth conference in due course.
I am pleased that The World Federation’s young and dynamic Secretary General, Shan-E-Abbas Hasam was able to attend this Conference and he will Insha’allah spend a few minutes briefing you on the activities and major initiatives of The World Federation.
In closing, let us not forget the tragedy that engulfed our community here in Dar es Salaam on Easter Weekend where we lost four beautiful children and more adult lives when the building adjacent to the Dar es Salaam Mosque came crashing down. We pray to Allah (SWT) to grant patience to the bereaved parents and family members of those who lost their lives and we pray for the quick and full recovery of all those who were injured. Let us recite Sura Fateha for each of these Marhumeen.
I send my very best wishes to all of the councilors and delegates here today and pray to the Almighty for a vibrant and fruitful Conference that will further prepare us as a community for the arrival of our beloved Imam of our time – Imam al Mahdi (aj).
Salaamun Alaykum.
Dr. Asgarali Moledina
President
The World Federation of KSIMC