“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 ANVARALI VALIMOHAMMAD WALJI
1936 – 2019
The Secretariat received with sadness the news of the passing away of Alhaj Anvarali Valimohammad Walji in London, U.K. on Saturday 26th October 2019. He was buried there on the same day at the London Northwood Cemetery.
Marhum, fondly known by all as Mulla Annu, was an iconic figure of Mombasa Jamaat who has left fond memories in many parts of the world.
Mulla Annu was born and educated in Mombasa. He was the schoolmate, close friend and confidant of Alhaj Mulla Asgharali M. M. Jaffer until the time of the sad demise of Alhaj Mulla Asghar in 2000. He worked closely with Marhum Mulla Asghar in mobilizing the youth of our community during the process of amalgamation of two Jamaats that then existed in Mombasa, in October 1966. Coincidentally he passed away in the same month 53 years later.
He learnt Urdu under the tutelage of Marhum Mohamed Mulla Jaffer (father of Alhaj Mulla Asghar) and Alhaj Mulla Abdulrasul Hassanali Khaki, whilst acquiring his religious education at the Husayni Night School in Mombasa.
Bystanders stood in awe
He used to recite Majalis in Urdu, Gujarati and Kutchi and was gifted with a unique resonating voice whereby whenever he recited Ziyarat after Majlis, people would be prompted to shed tears and whenever he recited Kalema-e-Shahadatayn at funerals, bystanders would be compelled to stand in awe.
Mulla Anvarali had a very good memory and was fond of collecting photographs, articles and news items related to the history of Mombasa Jamaat. He was considered to be a repository of the history of our community in Mombasa. He had a gift that as soon as someone mentioned his name, he would straightaway give the person their full family tree spanning from past generations.
At a young age, Marhum joined the Ithna Asheri Young Men’s Union as a volunteer and served as a managing committee member of Mombasa Jamaat for a period of about forty years under different Presidents before and after amalgamation of the two Jamaats.
Livening up meetings with humor
He attended many meetings of the Africa Federation as a Counselor or Delegate of the Mombasa Jamaat and later on as a special invitee. He would share his knowledge and liven up the meetings with his humor.
In April 2010, Mulla Anu was presented with the Chairman’s Appreciation Award by the then newly elected Africa Federation Chairman Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi for his long and continued participation at Africa Federation meetings.
Marhum had a charming personality and was jovial by nature, mingling freely with young and old, rich and poor. His demeanor was such that his presence would illuminate any room.
He was conscious of family values and encouraged his family to attend weddings, funerals and visit sick people, a virtue he followed until his last days.
Extract from the AFED Chairman’s Condolence Message
Mulla was a great supporter of the Africa Federation and his presence at the Africa Federation meetings and occasions with his wise counsel, wisdom and liveliness will be deeply missed.
A great lover of Ahlulbayt (a.s.), his recitation of Duas and Ziyarat was always heart touching, leaving an imprint on the audience.
Message from his son Mohammed Walji
He was a loving father whom we will miss dearly, what we are today is because of him, he always emphasized unity, love and maintaining a bond with family members.
The Secretariat conveys its heartfelt condolences to his sons Mohammed and Mustafa and all family members.
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) – Ameen.
Marhum Mulla Annu was interviewed by Mehboob Lakha in Mombasa in 2018. The series of the interviews are available on YouTube. The interview carries vast information about the history of our Community especially of Mombasa Jamaat.
A request for Sura-e-Fateha for him and all other Marhumeen.
We record our appreciation to Murabbi Ahmed bhai Jaffer of Mombasa for providing the information on Marhum Mulla Anu.
SECRETARIAT
29th October 2019