Opening Ceremony Jaffery Centre  Mackinnon Road

Sunday, June 21st, 2009 was a memorable day for Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya. The President of the World Federation Al Haj Dr Ahmed Hassam accompanied by AFED Councillors Alhaj Gulamabbas Khaku and Alhaj Amir J Merali led a group of 48 Mombasa Jamaat members, including the Jamaat Chairman, Al Haj Ali Raza J. Karim and Alhaj Mulla Abdulrasul Khaki to visit three Centres of Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya in Rural areas of Kinango district, West of Mombasa.

The project at Mackinnon Road involved extension and renovation of Masjid Jaffery, renovation of Tailoring Classroom, construction of four new classrooms block, and residence for the Masjid Imam. This project has been jointly sponsored by World Federation, KSI Jamaats of Africa Federation, M/s. Orison Charitable Trust and other anonymous donors.

This centre, established in 1971 and the first centre set up by BMMK. BMMK opened its first primary school simultaneously with construction of the Masjid & Madrasah.

Visits to Samburu and Chengoni Rural Centers

Enroute to Mackinon Road, the entourage visited  Imam Al Hujja Centre in Chengoni village and Imam Al Mahdi Centre in Samburu village The World Federation has sponsored the refurbishment of Masjid, Four Madrasah and Pre-primary classrooms plus construction of Muallims’ residence quarters and Tailoring classroom.

Local community leaders welcomed the guests who were able to see the classes in session. The members of the Sakina Women group in the BMMK Economic Upliftment programme set up an attractive display of their small scale business projects. The Masjid Imam Ustadh Ali Wando and community Chairman Ali Kambi spoke on the occasion outlining the history of the local community, the challenges encountered, and the impact and progress of BMMK tableegh activity in the village.

Thereafter the entourage proceeded to Mackinnon Road village to grace the Opening Ceremony of facilities in Jaffery Centre of Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya.

The guests were given a rousing traditional welcome on arrival. The entire community including women and children had gathered for the function. Local community leaders, Kinango County Councillor and students lined up to welcome guests as Qasidas were being recited. The visitors viewed stalls displaying commodities, small scale business projects set up by members of the Lamkani Women group in the BMMK Economic Upliftment programme.

After recitation from the Holy Quran, the visitors were welcomed by Jaffery Community Chairman Mzee Juma Nyamawi. The Masjid Imam Ustadh Said Ali Hiribae spoke on the occasion outlining the history of the local communities, the challenges encountered in the village and the success of tableegh in the area.

The Programme included presentation by students of Madrasah Al Jaffery and speech by the Masjid Imam. This was followed by addresses from BMMK Chairman Haji Abbas Nasser and AFED Councillor Gulamabbas G. Khaku.

In his address the Chief Guest WFED President Dr. Ahmed Hassam commended the community for the setting up of various committees of the Jamat and urged them to be united. He also expressed his delight at the development of the Economic empowerment programmes and urged the members to aim for increased success so that they may be able to play a role in helping other communities in the Nation. Thereafter the Masjid was dedicated open with recitation of Salawat /Takbir and unveiling of Plaque by Dr. Ahmed Hassam.

After the recitation of Dhohrain prayers, the guests proceeded to the newly constructed Jaffery Madrasah / Pre-primary classrooms, Tailoring classroom and Muallims residence. AFED Councillor Gulamabbas G. Khaku performed the official opening ceremony of the classrooms on behalf of AFED Chairman Haji RamzanAli Nanji. The trip concluded with recital of surah fatiha at the grave of Marhum Yusuf Ngala Chuphy. At the end of the programme Niyaz was served to all visitors and the entire community at Mackinnon Road Village.

All in the entourage will recall the festive atmosphere and the warm welcome displayed by the residents.

July 2009