Updated 21 April 2010
Najaf al-Ashraf
A delegation of The World Federation of KSIMC comprising of the President Dr Asgar Moledina, and the Assistant Secretary General for Islamic Education Sayyid Aliraza Naqvi, met with Ayatullah al-Uzma Sayyid Ali Husayni Sistani on Tuesday 6 April 2010. Ayatullah Sistani granted the delegation twenty minutes of his time in private.
The delegation briefed Ayatullah Sistani on recent developments and achievements at The World Federation. Agha offered them and the entire community some valuable advice. He stressed the importance of uniting and strengthening the community and to be very wary of those that speak and preach matters that cause disunity. He also warned that the community should deal with issues within its own structures and not allow any external forces to influence its direction.
Furthermore, Agha stressed the growing danger from the Akhbari ideology that is seeking to weaken the ummah. He advised us to be aware of this danger by increasing our understanding of the institution of Marja’iyyat. He concluded that the institution of Marja’iyyat should not be manipulated to cause disunity, but rather should be the pivotal point for the community’s cohesiveness.
Turning to Tableegh matters, Agha advised The World Federation to focus its attention towards Tableegh both inside and outside of the community, and pledged his full support to such programmes.
As a result of this meeting, the Islamic Education team has now been able to establish a direct link to Ayatullah al-Uzma Sistani through his son Sayyid Mohamed Reza.
Whilst in Najaf, the President also visited projects under the supervision of Ayatullah Sayyid Ala Mousavi.
Karbala al-Moa’lla
Prior to the meeting in Najaf, the President was in the holy city of Karbala, where he was joined by The World Federation Executive Councillor Al-Hajj Sadique bhai Jaffer of New York.
Dr Moledina with Ayatullah Murtaza Qazwini: Karbala
They visited Ayatullah Sayyid Modarresi’s projects in education, support to orphans, clinics, as well as the new studio of the Ahlulbayt TV Channel, which commenced broadcasting live from Karbala.
Dr Moledina and Sadique Jaffer visiting a school and the new studios of Ahlul Bayt TV
Whilst viewing the development and relief foundations under the care of Ayatullah Qazwini the delegation noted with honour the presence of a number of Khoja healthcare professionals who were volunteering their services by organising free dental clinics. These were led by Dr. Hasnain R.M. Dewji of Vancouver and Dr Kamal Sheriff of Dar es Salaam.
Community Healthcare professionals selflessly serving the ummah
Dr Moledina commented, “It was once again an honour to spend time with our Marja, Ayatullah al-Uzma Sayyid Sistani. His words of wisdom in encouraging our communal unity is vital for our prosperity and The World Federation is the perfect vehicle for this unity to take shape. During this term both internal and external Tableegh will be a primary focus for us and we will need the support of the entire community to deliver our goals in the promotion of the teachings of the Ahlul Bayt (as). One of the highlights of this trip was the heart-touching moment when I saw members of our community selflessly giving their time and resources to help fellow Shias; may Allah reward and bless them and all such community workers, ameen.”