|
INTRODUCTION
After the Zanzibar
revolution and the social and economic upheaval in East Africa, a
sizeable number of people decided to look beyond the existing
geographical boundaries for a brighter future. As a result, many
people migrated to the West, and some migrated to India or Pakistan.
Similarly, Dubai attracted many East Africans as it was regarded as
one of the upcoming areas in the region. Specially people from
Zanzibari origin opted for Dubai as the then Ruler of Dubai HE Sheikh
Rashid was very sympathetic towards their plight.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . .
THE FIRST KHOJA
The very first East African Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri to land in Dubai
were Haji Raza Fazal Kermali and Haji Akber Jessa who arrived here in
the late 60s.
Over a period of time,
many other prominent members of the Khoja community started arriving
in Dubai like the Aghas of Zanzibar and by the 70's, there were around
25 families settled here! There were many Shia families in Dubai at
that time from various origins including Iranians, Indians, Pakistanis
and Arabs who held programs to commemorate important dates in our
Islamic history. In spite of this, due to certain barriers like
language and culture, the need was felt for a Jamaat where people of
East African origin could also indulge in their activities more
befitting their culture and customs.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . .
THE JAMAAT
After the need for a
Jamaat was identified, many prominent members of our community, like
Haji Akbar Jessa started work towards achieving the dream of
establishing a Jamaat in Dubai. The major obstacle in forming a Jamaat
came from elements who considered that the Jamaat would be considered
as a rival to the Zanzibar Association which had mainly sociopolitical
interests.
In spite of the objections, a steering committee was formed under the
auspices of Haji Abdul Rasul Fazal whose primary responsibility was
to:
a) Draft the constitution
b) Preside over all meetings of Jamaat and Managing Committee
c) Appoint heads of sub Committees
In 1974, due to the
shortage of space to hold Majalises and programs, a suitable location
was being sought and finally it was decided that these would be held
at the terrace of the building where Brother Mustafa Alidina was
residing.
Later on, the Jamaat moved to the Frij Murar area till September 1976
when again it shifted to the Hor Al Anz area. In August 1977, due to
certain issues, the Jamaat had to vacate the premises at Hor Al Anz
where the programs were held and as a result members had to attend
programs at Mohd. Shah Imambargah or Gerashi Imambargah(both in Bur
Dubai).
On November 27, 1977 the Jamaat organized the opening ceremony of the
Fardan Imambargah which is in Jaffliya area and all the functions and
programs were held over there.
The quest for a
separate Imambargah was getting more and more intense due to many
issues such as shortage of space and specially the obligation to
conduct the programs as per the authorities instructions for timings
and dates. In 1975 end or early 1976 during Mulla Asghar's visit to
Dubai, he met with Syed Mahdi Al Hakeem to discuss with him the
possibility of giving the members of East African community their
separate premises to conduct the programs as per their custom and
culture.
The quest for a separate premises that started in 1977 finally bore
fruits in June 1981 when Syed Mahdi donated the land where Satwa
Imambargah stands today. The land measures 10,000 sq. feet and was
donated to the Jamaat in 1979. The foundation stone was laid on
Eid-e-Zehra (as) in January 1980 and the opening ceremony was held on
June 05, 1981 under the auspices of Late Syed Mohsin Al Hakeem.
(Click here for pictures)
From a very humble
beginning, Satwa Imambargah over the years has evolved into a
remarkable institution providing welfare and community services to all
its members and affiliated bodies. The Imambargah operates various
committees which look after different services like the Education
Board,
Jaffery Sports, Welfare Committee,
Marriage Counseling, Funeral etc.
Dubai Jamaat is
greatly indebted to the following members who made the dream a
reality:
Late Syed Mehdi Al Hakim
Late Mohamed Pirmohamed
Late Dr. Ghulam Abbas Merali
Late Abdul Razak Dewji
Late Raza Manek
Late Jaffer Shivji
Akber Jessa
Abdulrasul Fazal
Mustafa Alidina
Jaffer Somji
Ibrahim Kermalli
May Allah (SWT) grant them Jaza e khair and rest the departed souls
amongst his Chosen Ones. (Aameen). |
