Sunday, April, 27, 2008 was a memorable day in the activities of Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya. A group of forty representatives from Mombasa Jamaat led by the Chairman, Al Haj Ali Raza J. Karim visited four Centres of Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya in Rural areas of Kwale district, South of Mombasa. The first function was at Bahakanda village (50 km South of Mombasa).   

Husayni Centre with newly rebuilt Masjid, Four Madrasah and Pre-primary classrooms plus a Muallims residence quarter and Direct water supply were formally opened by Hon. Sajjad M. Rashid.    The Bahakanda centre was initially established in 1991. 

The Re-built Husayni Centre at Bahakanda has been jointly sponsored by Hon. Haji Sajjad M. Rashid, Marhum Roshanali Merali Dewji Family and the World Federation of the K.S.I. Muslim Communities. 

Second function was at Miamba village, 75 km South of Mombasa, initially established in 1985.  

Al Mujtaba Centre at Miamba with a newly rebuilt Masjid, Four Madrasah and Pre-primary Classrooms, Muallims residential accommodation and a Borehole were formally opened by Al Haj Dr. Roshanali J. Merali.  

The Miamba Centre has been jointly sponsored by Dr. Roshan J. Merali, Federation of the K.S. I. Jamaats of Africa and a number of Anonymous donors. 

En route to these centers, visitors stopped at the Al Mahdi Centre in Burani Village.  This centre was established in 1984. The   developments of rebuilding the Masjid, construction of Madrasah, A pre-Primary classroom, residence for the Muallim and Borehole, which is being sponsored by Anonymous Donors, is nearing completion.  

All in the entourage will recall the festive atmosphere and the warm welcome displayed by the residents. In keeping with the local traditions the Centres were decorated with buntings and leaves. The entire community including women and children had gathered for the function. Local community leaders, Area Councillor, and students lined up to welcome guests as Qasidas were being recited.   

At all centers, Local community leaders, Masjid Imam and Muallims spoke on the occasion outlining the history of the local communities, the challenges and problems encountered in the village. 

After recitation from the Holy Quran, Mr.Ahmed Ali and Sheikh Fazleabbas Datoo from the Bilal Secretariat spoke on the occasion introducing the local community leaders.  

Chairman of Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya Al Haj Abbas H. M. Nassser thanked the local communities for their resolve and enthusiasm in upholding the faith and working together in harmony for the betterment of the community. 

He also thanked the Donors and members of the development committee headed by Mohamed P. Hemani, Husein Khaki, Shamsheer Mawji, Ahmed Dhala and Akber Kassimali for their devotion and sustained endeavours in accomplishing these projects.  

Speaking on behalf of the Donors, Al Haj Sajjad Rashid underlined four major points: 

·         Donors did not seek any gratitude or thanks. They felt honoured, privileged and duty bound to be of any service in the way of Allah.

·         Pledged full backing and support to BMMK in pursuing its mission and in helping to uplift the spiritual, educational and economic conditions of the local communities.

·         Urged students to work hard to study and improve their educational standards.

·         Urged elders to focus in encouraging their children to acquire education and to come forward with ideas and proposals to improve their economic lot. Periodic grants and hand outs alone would not better their economic lot. Only through local initiatives and joint planning with involvement of the local people and the BMMK management lending a helping hand would their economic status be improved.  

Zohrain Salat was led by the Masjid Imam Ustadh Ali Naqi Muriu at the Husayni  Masjid, Miamba..  After salaat, Sheikh Baydhun Husayn, Imam of Masjid Hasnayn  in Mombasa delivered a Khutba in Arabic which was translated in Kiswahili. 

At the end of the programme Niyaz was served to all visitors and the entire community at Miamba Village. Niyaz was also served to community at Bahakanda village. 

April 2008