On Friday morning the 2nd of April 2021/ 19th Sha’ban 1442 A.H. the community lost one of its most dedicated volunteer, Al Haj Murtaza Ramzanali Jivraj so lovingly called and recognised by his pseudo title – Murtaza Karbala!
Murtazabhai was a simple down to earth mo’min who blended so comfortably with the rich & poor, young & old regardless of race, colour or creed! Born in 1946 in the historical town of Ujiji (now part of Kigoma) he served the community right from his young days. A lover and follower of Ahlulbayt A.S. who practised what he preached! He served Islam & the community at various levels right from his youth till his passing away to the next eternal world!
Prominent positions he held was as the head of Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania in 2004. He worked diligently to propagate the message of True Islam and easily blended with the people with whom he worked.
He was a great historian on community matters especially on khoja history and worked tirelessly to preserve the community history and archived them methodically.
Murtazabhai will be greatly missed not only by his family but the entire community! We play for his maghferah and May Allah S.W.T. grant him the highest station in Jannah among the proximity of our fourteen Masumeens A.S. whom he so dearly loved & followed. Ameen
A very touching poem written by his granddaughter, Zahra:
He was a silent pillar of his family and believed in unity,
He loved to assist people and sat with them discussing and trying to resolve their issues. He looked for every opportunity to help people.
The family has lost their anchor – the father who made sure all his children are secure, the grandfather that made sure all his grandkids were satisfied and most importantly, the man that made sure to put everyone else before himself. That’s the type of person Murtaza Karbala was. We convey our heartfelt condolences to the family.
He was that type of person that never looked out for himself, he always comforted others, tried to make them laugh and the only satisfaction he would receive was when someone smiled because of him.