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 at The World Federation’s 14th Ordinary Conference held in Dar es Salaam, we recognized 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. Six individuals were present to accept the award, and four were presented the award at a later date. Today we meet 3 of these individuals.
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 hawzas 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 crucible 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.
