Updated 30 June 2009
The World Federation Qum office in collaboration with Dar al-Zahra (sa) hosted a programme on: "The Relevance of Karbala in The Evolution of The Khoja Shia Ithna' Asheri Muslim Community". The presentation was given by Brother Hasan Jaffer of Mombasa, Kenya.
Br. Hasan Jaffer, who has been active in community services for the past five decades, has taken a keen interest in promoting Islamic studies and Tableegh related activities. Over the years, he has contributed a number of articles and discussion papers at various forums.
Among these are:
- The Role of Madrasah (1994)
- The Role of Majalis and Mimber (1994)
- Case for Survival – A challenge facing the community in North America (1994)
- A Reality We Can Ill Afford to Ignore – Comments on the Muballigheen training programme initiated by the WF (2007)
- The Sowing and Reaping of Destiny – With ABCD Syndrome: Wither Khoja? (2008)
His forthcoming coming books are:
- Relentless Endeavours – A biographical review of the life and times of Mulla Asgharali M. M. Jaffer
- The Endangered Species – Evolution of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Muslim Community, their origin, current state and future challenges
Hasan Bhai’s presentation, though focusing on the Khoja community, actually began with the history of Islam coming to the subcontinent and proved to be interesting and insightful. A total of 120 slides were presented outlining the origins and movement of Islam to India and to the birth of the Khoja Shia Itha-Asheri identity.
Such was the interest that the programme which was scheduled to end at Maghrib, continued much after Salaat and dinner. Those in attendance were very appreciative of the presentation.
Sayyid Imran Haider from Abu Dhabi, one of the attendees commented: “Though I am not a Khoja, what struck me was the insight into the coming of Islam to the subcontinent as well as the various influences of different Islamic thoughts on various people."
Shaykh Nadir Jaffer, Manager of The World Federation Qum Office commented: "It was interesting to know more about our history. We realize all the difficulties and troubles our ancestors went through with the little facilities they had, to learn about Islam and teach the community. We need to value their efforts and thank Allah (swt) for His infinite bounties."