The Evolution of WF and Its Global Impact

The WF50 Heritage Weekend opened on Saturday 17 October 2026 with a recitation of the Holy Qur’an and a welcome address paying tribute to the pioneers who founded The World Federation. The first session brought together its Presidents, past and present: Alhaj Dr Ahmed Hassam, Alhaj Dr Asgher Moledina, Alhaj Anwer Dharamsi and the current President, Alhaj Safder Jaffer, with Alhaj Dr Hasnain Walji as moderator. Dr Walji recalled the meeting at the Hammersmith Imambara in 1976 at which The World Federation was formed, and a Surah al-Fatiha was recited for past leaders, including Marhum Haider Haji.

Asked when they had understood why The World Federation matters, the Presidents shared moments from times of crisis. Dr Hassam described reaching the community in Kutch three days after the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, when families believed they had been forgotten. Dr Moledina recalled the 2015 evacuation of around 1,000 members of the Aden Jamaat across the Bab el-Mandeb strait, led by Sajjadbhai Rashid of Mombasa, and the community’s work to resettle them around the world. The panel also recalled the guidance sought from His Eminence Sayyid al-Sistani (DZ) during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the support provided to communities in India and Pakistan.

Dr Hassam spoke about registering The World Federation as a non-governmental organisation at the United Nations, giving its charitable work worldwide an international standing, and the panel acknowledged the work of Shabbir Lakha in securing that recognition. Dr Moledina recalled how the communities of Pakistan, India and Australasia joined The World Federation during his presidency, making it a truly global body.

Asked how he balances urgent needs with investment in the future, Alhaj Safder Jaffer described a two-tier approach: a clear long-term strategy through Vision 2050, alongside a structure of Jamaats, regions and departments able to respond quickly. Closing the session, the Presidents each shared their hope for the next fifty years, including the eradication of poverty, brotherhood and unity.

In this part of the programme