AFED Secretariat mourns the demise of their past Chairman

“Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajeeun”

“To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return”

(Holy Qur’an, Surah Al Baqarah 2:156)

Alhaj Mohamed Gulamhusein Dhirani (1929-2021)

It is with immense sorrow and grief that Africa Federation Secretariat received the sad news of the demise of Murrabi Alhaj Mohamed Gulamhusein Dhirani, the past Chairman of Africa Federation, who passed away in Dar-es-Salaam on Sunday 3^rd January 2021 night and was buried on Monday 4^th January 2021.

Marhum was born on 30^th October 1929 in Tanga, Tanzania and was the first child of his parents Gulamhusein and Sakina Dhirani. He had three brothers and two sisters.  He obtained his education in Dar-es-Salaam; where his family had moved when he was young, and his father served the Jamaat honorably as an Aalim and teacher of the Madrasah.

On completion of his education, he worked in various government departments under the British Colonial Government, the Tanganyika Government followed by the Tanzania Government where he was able to build a strong network with various government officials.  He then took up early retirement and established a printing business.

He began his services to the community at a young age as a volunteer at the Kabrastan and the Husseini Society; and he attended the first meeting held in 1946 in Dar-es-Salaam to discuss the establishment of the East Africa Council followed by the 1^st Conference in 1947 where the Council was formed.  In his interview with Alhaj Sibtain Panjwani he said attending these two meetings and listening to the discussions that transpired was what inspired him to serve the Community in various leadership positions.

His services in Dar-es-Salaam Jamaat began in 1956 as the Hon Joint Secretary, followed by being the Hon Secretary and later the Hon Treasurer before taking over as the President in the year 1971 to 1972 and from 1977 to 1983 when he had to relinquish the post following his election as the Chairman of Africa Federation.

During his tenure as the President of Dar-es-Salaam Jamaat, the following projects were accomplished; the reconstruction of the Haji Daya Walji Madrasah from the ground floor structure to a four storey building, the Alawi flats to accommodate the deserving members, extension of the ladies Imambargha and the establishment the Ebrahim Haji Charitable Dispensary.

He was also instrumental in centralizing the Madrasah and the Ladies committee under the Jamaat by appointing committees to oversee the affairs of these two departments.

Mohamed bhai was elected as Chairman of Africa Federation for the term 1983 – 1986 being the youngest Chairman of Africa Federation and was re-elected for the consecutive term until 1989.   He was elected again as the Chairman of Africa Federation for the term 1995 – 1998 and a subsequent term of 1998 – 2001.

During his Chairmanship, he emphasized on the need of making higher education a priority within the Community, worked with the Setwel Board towards the resettlement of the Somalia brethren overseas and encouraged women to be more actively involved in community affairs.

During his tenure he supported various Jamaats in their housing, education and Madrasah projects as well as the construction of mosques and Imambarghas. In conjunction with the Bilal Muslim Missions, he extended the Bilal Tabligh works to the neighboring countries like Mozambique, Burundi and DRC – Congo.

He continued giving his advice and was part of various committees appointed by the   Africa Federation Secretariat to handle important issues like the AFED Constitutional Review committee, Marriage Contract Committee and the Review of Tanzania Constitution team.

He was a regular attendee of the Africa Federation Conferences and Supreme Council Sessions and despite his advance age and frail health, he did not miss to attend the recently held 82^nd Supreme Council Session on 18^th December 2020 in Dar es Salaam.

Marhum was bestowed the Haidery Medal in 1989 by Alhaj Habib bhai Mulji the then newly elected AFED Chairman for the term 1989 – 1992 and in May 2014 the World Federation presented him with a lifetime achievement award.

Below is an extract of the Message of Condolence on behalf of Africa Federation read out at the Funeral by the Vice Chairman Aunali bhai Khalfan.

We have gathered here today to mourn and to bid farewell to our elder and a great leader whose love, dedication and immense contributions towards the community serves as an epitome of a fine leadership which shall be enshrined in the history of this community.

Marhum’s towering personality, sharp memory and his courage to speak out impromptu when required are some of his innate leadership qualities which he maintained throughout his adult life; and until he breathed his last yesterday evening.

Marhum after having completed two consecutive terms as the Chairman of AFED in the year 1983 to 1989, he was called upon later to offer his services as the Chairman of Africa Federation when there arose a need from; 1995 to 2001 – A total of 12 years of services in AFED.

On behalf of AFED Chairman, Alhaj Shabir Najafi, Office Bearers, Councillors, Trustees and on behalf of all members of the Federation, I extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to his children, grandchildren and all the family members on this sad occasion, and may Allah (SWT) grant the family Sabr to bear this bereavement.

We pray to Allah (SWT) to grant Marhum Maghferat and an Elevated place in the proximity of our Holy Masumeen (AS) where he receives Allah’s (SWT) grace and mercy continuously, Ameen.

Marhum leaves behind two daughters, two sons and six grandchildren.

We pray to Allah (SWT) to grant Marhum maghferat and place his soul amongst the blessed ones in the vicinity of Chaharada Masumeen (AS) and who continuously receive mercy and grace of Allah (SWT).

Sura-Al-Fateha is requested for Alhaj Mohamed bhai Dhirani and all Marhumeen.

Secretariat
Africa Federation