Sheriff Dewji, the son of Dewji Jamal, gave full backing to his father in this movement.  He had three sons: Mohamedjaffer Sheriff Dewji, Husein Sheriff Dewji and Mohamedali Sheriff Dewji – who were residing in Zanzibar.  In 1922, when Madrassa-tul-Waizeen was established in Lucknow, India, and Preachers were being sent to Africa, these brothers undertook to look after the allocation, accommodation, programs and welfare of these preachers.

On his own volition, Haji Mohamedjaffer learnt the languages of Urdu, Farsi and Arabic (later on English also).  Taking into consideration the welfare of the community, several times he traveled at his own expense throughout East Africa and visited Madagascar also.  He recited Majalis in Gujarati – albeit reciting Masaeb in Urdu.  His lectures were thus very effective and were very well grasped especially by the ladies and children.

The process of reformation was however not restricted by him to delivering lectures only.  Taking into consideration the needs and requirements of the Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri community, he wrote and published 26 books in Gujarati of which 4 were in the form of Textbooks namely: ‘Sham-e-Hidayat’ and ‘Diniyat parts 1, 2 and 3’ – which by the year 1976 were in use in almost all the Gujarati Madrassahs    In addition to the above, publictions entitled: ‘Al-Musawat’, ‘Tohfah-e-Rizviyyah’, ‘Tohfah-e-Jafferiyah,

‘Rooyat-e-Hilal’, ‘Al-Mahasin’ and ‘Imam-e-Zamana’ are noteworthy.  The book ‘Imam-e-Zamana’ has been translated into Urdu and published by Al-Jawad Book Depot, Banaras, India.  Other important books written and published by him are: ‘Shaheed-e-Islam’, Yadgar-e-Husein’, Dalil-ul-Zaireen’, ‘Najasat-ul-Mushrikeen’,  ‘Rooh (Aatma)’  and  ‘Kamli – Waale’.

Mulla Mohamedjaffer was born in 1889 in Zanzibar and died over there in 1960.  He resided in Mombasa, Kenya, for quite some time where he carried out his businees.  Whilst in Mombasa, he established Husayni Night School, also known as Madrasah-tul-Faiz-e-Husayni (now known as Husayni Madrassah). In December 1959, the writer happened to meet Mulla Mohamedjaffer for few hours on board the ship ‘State of Bombay’ on way from Mombasa to Zanzibar.  View of the fact that he had read my articles published in ‘Al-Jawad’ magazine, he recognized me the moment I introduced my name to him and he greeted me with great warmth and respect. Thereafter we remained in touch via correspondence till his expiry a few months thereafter.

Haji Saheb left behind two notable children – a daughter who was the mother of Alhaj Mulla Asgharali M. M. Jaffer and a son Haji Ali Mohamedjaffer Sheriff who was my close friend and an ardent supporter of Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania, and, when he migrated to Mombasa, Kenya, he served Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya with utmost dedication.

Mulla Ahmed Lakha was born in Zanzibar in 1901.  Upon completing secular schooling, he joined his father’s business, Lakha Kanji & Company (established in 1775), whilst also pursuing studies in religion, Urdu, Farsi and Arabic.  Mulla performed Hajj in 1921 and was amongst the last Khojas to have witnessed the zarihs in Janatul Baqi, over the holy graves of Bibi Fatema (a.s) and the four Imams (a.s).

In 1920, Mulla Ahmed married Sugrabai Kassamali Alibhai Somji.  His two daughters, Zainab Datoo and Zehra Nasser were among the first women in the community to have completed high school education with the Cambridge Overseas School Certificate (COSC).  They were contributors to the community both in East Africa and in London and are buried in the Watford cemetery, London.  Like his father, the eldest son, Muhammad Hussein, joined the family business after obtaining the COSC.  He too had been a zakir for over fifty years, rendered various communal services and passed away in Toronto in December 2002.  His second son, Abdulrasul became the President of Africa Federation and was one of the early Khoja barristers from Lincoln’s Inn, London.  He practiced in East Africa and was a Court of Appeal Judge in Kenya.  He passed away in Nairobi in 2006. His third son, Muhammad Raza became a mechanical engineer and was involved in private welfare work in the Mombasa jamaat.  He passed away in December 1999.  His last son Murtaza also qualified as a barrister from Lincoln’s Inn.  He practiced in East Africa and currently practices in London.  He too delivers majaalis in English and Gujarati, as well as making other communal contributions.  Mulla Ahmed has set an example in the importance of educating children who, in turn, encouraged others to seek knowledge.  He himself served as the head of private colonial school committees and was a trustee of the Datoo Hemani communal school in Zanzibar.

Mulla Ahmed is also known for his varied and extensive communal services, including as a long serving President of the Hujjatul Islam Jamaat in Zanzibar and for being one of the founders and the first Vice-President of the East Africa Federation.  Thereafter he served for many years on the Supreme Council of the Federation.  In 1970 he migrated to Dar-es- Salaam with his family, where he served on a number of Jamaat committees, in particular the Matrimonial Conciliation Committee.  Mulla Ahmed was also a consultative point of reference for the Quran and Fiqh.  He had ability to relate complex ideas in simple terms.

As a successful and notable industrialist, Mulla Ahmed was keen to develop industry in Zanzibar, which was predominantly an agricultural island growing cloves and coconuts. Having developed several farms, he also established a bakery and several factories for coconut oil, soap and coir fibre.  In addition to managing these industrial concerns, he was the Chairman of the Zanzibar Chamber of Commerce for a number of years.

Mulla Ahmed was devoted to public services.  He served as President of the Zanzibar Social Welfare Society, the Zanzibar Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Zanzibar Society for the Blind.  On the political front, he became the President of the Indian Association and was nominated as member of the Zanzibar Legislative Council.  After the partition of India in 1947, he became the President of the Zanzibar Muslim Association.  In appreciation of his extensive social services, in 1953 he was made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (M. B. E.), upon the ascension to the throne by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.  The Sultan of Zanzibar also honoured him with medals for public service.

In a full life, he toured the world experiencing modern air travel and the wonders of the world, as well as a camel back ride to Mecca.  He migrated to Stanmore, London, in 1988 and was buried in the Brookwood cemetery in June 1989.  Mulla Ahmed Lakha had an impressive personality which signified piety and nobility, a befitting legacy for a zakir of the Ahlal-bayt (a.s).

The first stone of Ithna-Asheri Masjid was laid around 1901 in Mumbai. In order to accomplish this noble task the Ithna-Asheri brothers went through a tough time where some lost their lives. At that time Mulla Kassimalibhai was a resident of Mumbai. He left by Moghul line “Hussayni” steamer in 1907 and reached Mauritius after several days of sea journey. He worked for 2 years for a Memon businssman. He then worked as a broker/agent of “Kariyana”. (Food stuff)

1n 1910 he visited Mumbai again and returned in 1911 to Mauritius. He then married an Indian Muslim daughter. The marriage was solemnized by an Aalim of Ahle Sunnat as there was no Shia Aalim available there during those days. (He continued to work as an agent up to 1930. In 1931 he decided to establish his own business of Kariyana (food stuff) which he was running well for quite a long time.

In 1920 Mulla Saheb visited Mumbai with his wife, a son and a daughter. Over there his wife delivered a baby girl but unfortunately the baby passed away during infancy at the age of 8 months.

In 1921 Kassamalibhai together with his wife and both children returned to Mauritius. By the grace of Almighty (swt) he was then blessed with 4 more daughters and 5 more sons whilst residing in Mauritius.

The Jamaat performed all occasions, wafats and wiladats. The Dafan/Kafan rituals were carried out by Murrabi Alarakhia bhai Dewji. After his demise in 1914 his son Brother Fatehmohammed Alarakhia took over this work. After brother Fatehmohammed demise in 1920 Mulla Kassamali bhai had to shoulder these additional responsibilities as well.

Four of his daughters were married of whom three are residing in Mauritius with their husbands and one is living in Karachi. His two sons are married one in Mauritius and the other married a girl from Bhavnagar. (India)

He obtained religious education from Mulla Qader Hussayn Saheb. He is a staunch follower of Ahlul Bayt (as) and kind hearted too. He served sincerely for many years. When members increased, a Jamaat was then established in 1960 and in the election Mulla Kassamali was elected as the first president of Mauritius Jamaat.

Due to his hard work, loyalty, sincerity and generosity he was well respected within the city and by his employer.

In 1885 he went to Bhavnagar to get married and returned to Nosibe with his spouse. After staying for a short period he then went to Diegoswarez to start his own business. There were only 2 Ithnasheri families living in Diegoswarez namely Bachoo Bhai Hasham and Molu Kanji Bhai.

Shariff Bhai was a staunch Shia. The religious activities in Madagascar were not being actively undertaken at the time, so he used to increase his religious knowledge by communicating regularly with Alama Haji Gulamali Esmail (Haji Naji). Due to his business principles and sincerity he became famous thus all the French Army contracts were given to him.

In Zanzibar there cropped up a long misunderstanding between the community members and many people tried to intervene and resolve the problem but in vain, finally in 1908 Shariff bhai went to Zanzibar and because of his wisdom, he succeeded in resolving the long time misunderstanding. All the members were satisfied by his wise decision.In appreciation of his services the Zanzibar Jamaat awarded him a token of appreciation in a silver casket.  (The photocopy of the same has been reproduced herein).

Source: Africa Federation Archives

Sharifff bhai was very generous, frank and used to host guests of other communities too.  The religious scholars as well as any other community members would be hosted by Shariff bhai at his home.

The good qualities he possessed and his attributes earned him a renowned name of “Bapa Shariff”.

The land on which the masjid and imambarghah of Diegoswarez were built was donated by Shariff bhai as “Waqf”.

The wonderful market through which the Government benefitted is the generous donation of Shariff bhai. He had built it personally and after the 30 years’ lease expired, he gave away the land as well as what was built on it to the Government.

Shariff bhai’s generosity did not stop here; he contributed far and wide in different towns, cities and countries. He was being mentioned and appreciated every now and again in the local papers. He also used to receive letters regularly from abroad for the generous contributions he extended.

There were many instances whereby Haji Shariff Jiwa of Mombasa used to receive many appreciation letters erroneously from abroad which he used to forward them to Shariff bhai Jiwa Surti.

He passed away peacefully leaving behind a widow, four sons and four daughters, Shariff bhai departed from this world leaving behind a legacy which shall be remembered for long time.

Huge number of residents of Diegoswarez participated in the funeral ceremony of late Shariffbhai and expressed their condolences to the family for the loss of such a sincere, generous and a pious person.

Since 1925 the eldest son of Shariffbhai, Gulamhusseinbhai had been doing business in Majunga, the second son Hashamalibhai is running his business in “Annawalla,” Muhammadalibhai in “Anchui” and the fourth son Ismailbhai is settled in Majunga.

Shariffbhai’s eldest daughter was married to the famous Fazalbhai Chinnai, the second daughter Kulsumbai married to Abidbhai of Tuleyaar, the 3^rd daughter Rehmatbai is the wife of one of the businessman of Majunga Brother Kassamali Mohamadali and the fourth daughter Fatmabai is the wife of Jafferali Muhammadali Chinnai of Tananarive.

Commentary by AFED Archives Section:

Today we feel very proud to re produce this article to the members of our community worldwide so that we all can learn from these great leaders and elders of our community, the community that had established deep roots, religion and infrastructures in many parts of Africa, it is an eye opener for the new generations who enjoy the fruits of their forefathers.

His interest in religious affairs was quite deep and as a youth he used to accompany and get guidance from Allama Haji Gulamali Haji Esmail Saheb and Mulla Kader Hussain Saheb. Moreover through Nathubhai Premji’s influence Haji Dharamsibhai became a good Zakir and had a good oratory power.

He went for hajj (Pilgrimage) in 1958. On his return he handed over his business to his five sons, and concentrated more on religious activities as well as community services.

He had a family which consisted of 17 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. During those days the main means of travel was carried out on foot. The travelers crossing by the rivers used the “Kayak” (Noka)

In 1908 Dharamsibhai’s brother of Kassamlibhai traveled to a small village of Maryata to establish a business. Kassamalibhai, his wife, son and 2 daughters with a cook crossed the river in a Kayak (Noka). Sadly, due to a heavy storm the kayak capsized, in this accident only Kassamalibhai and his son survived, the rest of the family died.

Interesting Incident

In 1918 in the same river some local hunters caught a huge crocodile, whilst skinning it they found a treasure of golden ornaments inside the crocodile’s stomach. After this incident the hunters could not hunt any crocodiles. Finally they decided to visit a fortune teller who after doing his calculations advised them to either throw the golden ornaments into the river or search for the rightful owner of the golden ornaments in order to succeed in their hunting activity.

Now then the search began for the owner of the golden ornaments. Ultimately they found out that the ornaments belonged to the family of Kassamalibhai and was handed over to him.

Soon after arriving in Mombassa, Haji Abdulla became a successful merchant along with his brother, Bandali Kanji. As his family grew in number, he became more established in the business world – setting up and managing a flourishing real estate company and import-export business until his death in August 1944 at the age of 63.

A visionary person, with great hopes for the future of Mombassa, Haji Abdulla was instrumental in shaping this new and growing community. He made intelligent decisions that were based on ethics and morality rather than financial and self-serving. He believed in equitable allocation of business commodities and equal distribution of wealth. He imported products and shared them with other businessmen within and outside the community with the precondition that the selling price of goods remain the same without undercutting on price.

Haji Abdulla invested much of his savings in purchasing land and building residential homes and commercial properties. With this background and experience, a great deal of the city’s planning and construction was done under his personal supervision. Interestingly enough, the road comprising of houses which he built was named Abdulla Kanji Road (now known as Tewa Road off Moi Avenue).

Always concerned about the welfare of others, Abdulla Kanji was an individual who benefited the people. His concern for the youth of the community was no doubt genuine as he sourced employment opportunities for them in the local shipping companies and banks through his many contacts. For those who were struggling financially and could not afford housing, he offered them free accommodation. In September 1926, he along with his associate, Marhum Fazalbhai Ladak Shivji donated a Musafarkhana.

In his lifetime, Haji Abdulla earned the nickname “Bwana Judge” as he was well known and respected for resolving disputes of all sorts. While he never took any official position in the community, leaders and elders always sought advice from him. Moreover, he always remained in the close company of Aalims – often hosting them and taking religious advice from them. In the community, he was well known for continually upholding principles and ideals without reservation and his charitable contributions to various communities were in confidence.

ALIBHAI PANJU SCHOOL

1944/1954 An idea was floated by Late Haji Hussein Amersi Sunderji Jethbhai to establish a full fledge Primary School up to Class VII for which necessary funds be raised and a Trust be established. A team consisting of Late Haji Abdul Hussein Nurmohamed. Late Haji Husein Amersi Sunderji Jethabhai, late Haji Mohamedraza Abdulla Kanji. Late Haji Abdulrasul Merali Dewji. Late Haji Ramzanali Valli and Late Haji Ali Mohamedjaffer Sheriff Dewji approached the most elderly person of the community: Late Haji Abdulla kanji for a advice and blessing.

Late Haji Abdulla Kanji volunteered to head the fund raising committee and he nominated Haji Ali Mohamedjaffer Sheriff Dewji as his Secretary. The fund was floated which was fully backed by Molvi Alimohammed Jaffer Dewji in his sermons from the pulpit. Necessary fund was raised with the major contribution being made by Late Haji Nazerali panju in the memory of Late Alibhai Panju. The Alibhai Panju Khoja Ithna Asheri School Benefit Trust was thus established.

When Haji Abdulla left this world, the legacy that he left behind remained in the hearts of those whom he touched. Prior to his funeral and on the way to the Kabrastan, his coffin was brought to a halt three times by other communities and garlanded with shawls as a mark of respect. Today, Haji Abdulla’s family continues his legacy in various ways around the world. Marhum’s positive work and message is still echoed by elders within and outside the community.

Source: Africa Federation Archives

He got married in 1925. From this wedlock he was blessed with 6 sons and 2 daughters.

Just after his marriage he established his business which flourished quite well.

As a businessman he also liked travelling. In 1932 he travelled throughout East Africa, Mumbai, Karachi, his home town Kutch Kapaya, Iran, Iraq, Hijaz including Hajj as well as Ziyarat of the 14 infallibles. In 1956 once again he performed Hajj and 14 infallible Ziyarat.

Since the first election of Mogadishu Jamaat in 1946 Haji Hassanali bhai served actively as a committee member of the Jamaat. In the course of his services to the community, he held the position of honorary secretary for few years. As the honorary secretary for Mogadishu Indian Society, he played an active role for the benefit of the community.

From 1936 he served for 15 years as the President of Khoja Shia Ithnasheri jamaat’s Madressah and for 7 years he served as a committee member of the Madressah. During his tenure, for the benefit of Madressah he bought 4 properties worth Shs. 100,000/=, whose value increased over a period of time. The monthly rent income was Shs. 3,500/= which was utilized for the Madressah. On request, the properties were then handed over to the Jamaat for Madressah purpose.

Since the establishment of Ithna-Asheri School in 1949 Haji Sahib took good care of the School which he was involved up to 1958.

For 35 years he had been delivering sermons on the tragedy of Imam Hussain (a.s.) to the Mogadishu Jamaat. He was took part in the Kafan & Dafan of the deceased members of the Jamaat.

Let us remember Marhum and all Marhumeens with Sura-e-Fateha.

Source – Africa Federation Archives

Due to many hurdles and facing the challenges of life he did not get the chance of pursuing education. Despite of this, he understood well the value of knowledge thus he took great interest and supported his family’s children to secure best education. He would spend more on education than on any other necessities of life.

In addition to shouldering all the family children education and other responsibilities, he would always take interest towards education development.  Alhaj Alibhai was one of the founder members in establishing the first school in Tuleyaar. After the establishment of the school he served for some few years as a Secretary of the school and he was in the forefront to contribute in anything to do with school or education. Moreover, he extended his services in the day to day running of the new Tuleyaar School as well as the funding of the school.

In 1947 he wound up his business in “Tuleyaar” and decided to go and live in “Tananarive”. During his stay in Tananarive, he regularly participated in the community activities.

Alhaj Alibhai has a soft corner for the needy and poor people. As he had experienced a hard times in his childhood, he always made efforts to fulfill the desires of such people.

He was a great support behind the construction of the Imambargha in Tananarive.

After the demise of his two wives, he again married for the third time. From the three marriages he had a total of eight children who by the grace of Almighty (swt) got married in their youthful periods.

Suddenly on 12^th June 1959 he passed away in Tananarive, the Indian communities In Tananarive were aggrieved on his demise. He was remembered by many and has left a gap at the time which was difficult to replace.

Source Africa Federation Archives

Haji Ali Nathoo served as the President of Khoja Shia Ithna-asheri Kuwwatul Islam Jamaat Zanzibar for 28 years. By his generosity and love of the community, he financed the entire building of the first floor of Kuwwatul Islam Jamaat Imambargha in Zanzibar (also known as Junni Masjid).

After World War I (1914-1919), he was approached by the Zanzibar British Resident at the time for donation whereby he provided a blank cheque. This action of generosity and compassion drew sentiments by the British Government who offered to bestow upon him Knighthood with the title “Sir”.

Haji Ali Nathoo, a humble and a staunch devotee of Ahlulbayt (AS) declined the offer of Knighthood but instead requested for two Public Holidays to be observed in Zanzibar, on 10^th Muharram (Ashura) and 21^st Ramadhan. His proposal was accepted by the British Government and the two days were marked as Public Holidays in Zanzibar and Pemba from 1920 to 1964. After the first year of the Zanzibar Revolution the two public holidays were abolished but to date there is still a street known as “Kwa Ali Nathoo” in Zanzibar.

He passed away after a short illness on Thursday 28^th March, 1957 in Zanzibar at the age of 86 years, and was buried at the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Kabrastan near Raha Leo. Sadly the graves were demolished and the Kabrastan was flattened by the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government just few years after the 1964 revolution in Zanzibar.

Source Africa Federation Archives