Elders of the Shia Ithna Asheri Muslim Communities around the globe have made significant contributions throughout their lives to the betterment of their communities. During the course of the Conference, The World Federation is recognizing some of these individuals with a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ in appreciation of their selfless efforts.
On Saturday 17th May 2014, The World Federation presented six lifetime achievement
awards. They were awarded to:
Muhammad bhai Dhirani from Dar es Salaam Jamaat, Tanzania
Muhammad bhai Dhirani was the former President of Dar es Salaam Jamaat and the past Chairman of The Africa Federation where he served for four terms. He is currently an active member of the Dar es Salaam Jamaat and one of the longest serving members of the community, serving for over 60 years. Muhammad bhai carries with him a wealth of experience in social, economic and constitutional matters of the community. Now, in his golden years, he still continues to serve and advise with the same zeal as he always has.
Raza Aly Hiridjee from Antananarivo Jamaat, Madagascar
Raza Aly bhai is a renowned businessman, philanthropist and a long standing member of the community, serving for over 60 years. He is a not only the former heard of the regional council of Madagascar, but also the past Islamic education team member. Raza Aly bhai has a special interest in the tabligh affairs of the community and has been instrumental in establishing howzas in faraway places like Rwanda and Ethiopia. In addition to founding a state of the art INISMA center in Madagascar, he is also a director of the Mulla Asghar Memorial Resource Center. He has a passion for encouraging and promoting cultural and literary activities of the Khoja community.
Hasnain Walji from Texas jamaat, America
Hasnain Walji, is a researcher, speaker and writer. He has directed and just released a documentary about the journey of the Khojas detailing how the community has been able to retain its faith in the crusible of culture. His institutional work for the community spans almost 40 years having served as hon. Secretary general, Vice President, and President of The World Federation and a close confident of the Late Mulla Asghar. He has authored of 26 books, all written from naturopathic perspective, endorsed by the Natural Medicine Society of England, translated in several languages including Spanish, French, German, Turkish, Hungarian, Portuguese and Chinese. In addition to serving the khoja community he has a passion for interfaith work and has served as the VP of the orange county interfaith association.
Asgar Bharwani from Dar Es Salaam Jamaat, Tanzania
Asgar Bharwani is an entrepreneur and a successful businessman. He was the past president of Dar Es Salaam jamaat for three consecutive terms. He has been a continual active member of the jamaat and is presently chairman of the construction committee which oversaw the construction of Juma Haji Residency, Amersi Mawji Residency, and the KSMIC Sabodo car park.
Gulam Virjee from the KSIJ Jamaat, Dubai
Gulam Virjee, is an advisor to The World Federation as well an active philanthropist. He looks after charity projects in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and various other places where he himself gives charity. Furthermore he is a member of the hajj assistance committee. His services to the Dubai jamaat as well known and his ready support for many projects in the area are legend. Gulam bhai has travelled widely in the service of the community, looking after the poor and needy in India and elsewhere in the world.
Alhaj Hassan Ali M. Jaffer from Mombas Jamaat, Kenya
Alhaj Hassan Ali M. Jaffer is one of the longest standing volunteers within the community.
Hassan bhai is also a prolific writer and public speaker, he has authored serveral boks on khoja history inc his latest work called endagered species, a 500 page history of the khoja community. During his time he has served on a number of communal bodies at various times; he was secretary and chairman of the Debate and Education Section of the Ithna-Asheri young Men's Union, Hon secretary and the later chairman of the Ithna-Asheri Education Board managing the Alibhai Panju Jaffery Primary school. He was also Vice Chairman of the Mombasa jamaat. Whenever his services and advice are required, be it for the Africa Federation or the Jamaat he is always there.
The Lifetime achievement award has also been awarded to Ahmed Daya, Ahmed Hassam, Mohamed Khalfan and Nazir Jessa of which will be presented at a later date.
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