“Who, when disaster strikes them, say, “Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.” – Surah Al-Baqarah (2:156)
Syed Hassan and I knew each other since from the time I was the Chairman of Africa Federation Central Health Board (CHB) in 1980s when he was residing in Dodoma. Our relationship continued to grow over the years as we worked together in many areas.
Our friendship grew closer after the World Federation elections of 2009. In April 2010 serving as the Honorary Secretary of Africa Federation under the Chairmanship of Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi, I approached Syed Hassan to join our team and to take up the post of the Chairman of Tabligh Board of Africa Federation – AFTAB. He continued holding the position thereafter under the Chairmanship of Alhaj Shabir Najafi from April 2016 until his sad departure from this transient world on Friday 12th February 2021 (29th Jamadi-ul-Aakhar 1442 A.H.) – having served Africa Federation continuously for more than 10 years in this important capacity.
I have not come across a person who had so much vigor, passion and commitment for enhancing Tabligh as Syed Hassan Naqvi. He led AFTAB effectively with his team of motivated and passionate Board members and volunteers.
Syed Hassan and I travelled together to many Jamaats worldwide where he would spend his countless hours in discussions with the leadership of the Jamaats, Tabligh Boards, Heads of Madrasahs and students providing guidance and support and trying to understand how Africa Federation could better serve the Tabligh needs of the institutions. He had great love for Allah (SWT) and the teachings of the Ahlul Bayt (AS) and was very focused and conscientious on inculcating the spirit of learning with proper understanding of the Holy Qur’an starting from Madrasahs.
Syed Hassan has been instrumental in the development and implementation of the World Federation Madressah Centre of Excellence (MCE) program from its inception in 2011. He played a pivotal role and was focused on training and development of current Madrasahs, involving Tabligh and Madressah Heads and Madressah teachers of the Jamaats under Africa Federation. His initiatives and tireless efforts paved way for the introduction of the MCE Tarbiya Curriculum, modern teaching methods in better understanding of Allah (SWT) and the teachings of Ahlul Bayt (AS) and the Holy Qur’an in several Madrasahs across the region.
Syed Hassan was a good mentor and a helper. Over the years of working together, he was involved in several problem-solving situations which sometimes involved critical issues. He approached every situation with humility, sincerity and wisdom.
A few months ago he took up the additional challenge of serving as the Head of the Tabligh Committee of Dar-es-Salaam Jamaat. He had started working keenly on his plans and while he was in the initial stages of his new mission, he submitted to the Will of his Lord, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. I was deeply saddened by his death, especially having had the privilege to know of his plans to pull resources together to improve and promote overall Tabligh of the Jamaats under Africa Federation for better future of our children, our youth and the community in general.
The last time I spoke to him was when he was at home in Dar es Salaam, a few days before he was hospitalized. We spoke at length on the preparations for the holy month of Ramadhan, Aalim’s postings, Moon Sighting etc., especially in light of the covid-19 pandemic.
Marhum Syed Hassan Naqvi leaves a legacy as one of the longest serving Heads of Tabligh in Africa Federation. His significant contributions in the field of Tabligh and the revival of Annual Qur’an Competition in 2011 will remain cherished for many decades to come.
I have lost a dear friend, a brother and a supporter, who was always there in time of need. I will miss the happy and memorable moments we had especially during travels to Jamaats and when seeing his delight when his work paved way for a better tomorrow. I will miss his company for the Zanzibar mix, muhogo yakuchoma and soda khali we use to have most of the Saturdays when we met at the AFED Zahra Towers office. What is left are but mere memories of a great and noble man.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to Marhum’s wife, children, sisters, Syed Mohamed Naqvi, Syed Ali Reza Naqvi and all the family members over the unimaginable loss of an important pillar to the family.
May Allah (SWT) by His infinite mercy and grace grant Marhum Syed Hassan Naqvi a lofty status and place him in the proximity of Ahlulbayt (AS), Ameen.
A request for Sura-e-Fateha for him, his parents and for all the Marhumeen.
Capturing some Memorable Moments with Syed Hassan Naqvi