Updated 16 February 2010

During his trip to perform the ziyarat of Bibi Zainab (as) on the Chehlum of Imam Husain (as), President of The World Federation, Dr Asgharali Moledina, visited IIPS to assess the Institute and to meet the Dean, and spend some time with the teachers, staff members and students.  He was accompanied by WF Executive Councillor Masum bhai Somji and prominent community workers, Al-Haj Farizbhai Alibhai, Al-Haj Sibtainbhai Asaria, and Al-Haj Salimbhai Somji.

On 7 February 2010, Dr. Moledina, accompanied by the Executive Dean of the Islamic Institute for Postgraduate Studies (IIPS) Dr. Mahmood Abdulla, visited Hujjatul Islam, Shaykh Haleemi Bahbahani, the representative in Syria of Aytullah al-Udhma Sayed Ali Husseini al-Sistani.

There was a constructive exchange of views between both of them especially on the current position of the Hawza's in Sayyeda Zainab and the training of the African students. Dr. Moledina expressed his willingness to assist in enabling the African students to be trained professionally in the English language. He said that there was a good potential of commissioning them in various parts of Africa so that they can be effective muballigheen after qualifying from the Hawza. Shaykh Bahbahani disclosed that there are 100 indigenous African students who are currently receiving support from the office of His Eminence Ayatullah Sistani. Of these, 35 of these students are from East Africa.  He also expressed keen interest in seeing the students become effective communicators to fulfil the potential of Tabligh in Africa.

Shaykh Bahbahani also extended his help in any matters that concern the IIPS in Damascus.

During his time with the students, teachers, and members of the staff at IIPS, Dr. Moledina was given the opportunity to address the group, where he reiterated the importance of the Muballigheen Training Programme and its place as one of the most important projects undertaken in the history of the community.

Jaffer H. Jaffer of Los Angeles, third year student at IIPS, spoke on behalf of all of the students and re-affirmed that the students have committed to be at the institute for four years, and that they will work closely with The World Federation to ensure that the project is successful.

Dr Mahmood Abdulla, the Executive Dean of IIPS said;”This was an excellent opportunity for the teachers, students and staff to meet the President and share their thoughts and express their view with him.”

The students also had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Moledina individually.  In addition, he was able to meet some of the African students who receive monthly stipends from The World Federation. 

For further information email iips@world-federation.org