Ref: AF/PRESS/43/2014 Date: 6th December 2014
Only he shall visit the mosques of Allah who believes in Allah and the latter day, and keeps up prayer and pays the poor-rate (Zakat) and fears none but Allah; so (as for) these, it may be that they are of the followers of the right course.
Sūrah l-tawbah (The Repentance) Verse - 9:18
Mosque is a holy place for Divine worship and considered esteemed where Muslims of all faiths offer their daily prayers. Mosque also plays an important role in the community, both in social and religious matters. It is a place on earth that unites the people and provides spiritual consciousness. It is a place where children come to study the holy Qur’an, Tariq (Islamic History), Aqhlaq (Etiquettes) etc. and where people congregate and spend long hours in the holy month of Ramadhan for prayers, performing Sunnah Ibada’t and supplication to Allah (SWT).
The Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Mosque in Kilwa is about 102 years old. Most of our community members from Kilwa moved to Lindi and some to Dar es Salaam about 50 years ago as the economic conditions worsened. Presently there is not a single member of our community left in Kilwa.
Sadly, the Mosque and Imambargha has not been well looked after, parts of the buildings had crumbled and was left unattended for several years, few months ago the entire roof of the Imambargha was blown off by tropical storm and strong wind. The Mosque is presently in a dilapidated condition needing major rehabilitation and improvements.
Brief Overview of Kilwa District
Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara can be reached by boat or dhows, they are among the most significant historic sites along the Swahili coast of East Africa and both were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. Kilwa was one of the most important trading sites on the Indian Ocean during the 11th to 16th Century. Kilwa lies about 250 Kms South of Dar es Salaam on a small Island off the coast of Tanzania. It has a total population of about 190,000 divided into three different towns – Kilwa Kivinje, Kilwa Masoko and Kilwa Kisiwani. Kilwa Masoko is the most developed town and a District hub whilst Kilwa Kivinje and Kilwa Kisiwani have spectacular historical attractions. Majority of the population of Kilwa are Muslims and of low income strata, they are mostly peasants and fishermen.
Following are some of the major works which shall require funding:-
- Rehabilitation of the Mosque and the Imambargha blocks, roof and ceiling.
- Repair of the entire wall fence surrounding the Mosque complex.
- Electrical Installation, lights, fans and fittings in the Mosque and the buildings.
- Replacement of some doors and windows which are damaged/rotten.
- Interior repairs and renovations of walls, floors, tiling and painting.
- Installation of a bore-well and fresh water supply pipes, tanks and pump.
- Renovation of the caretaker apartment.
- Construction of a new toilet/washroom and rehab of the old one.
- Carpet and Shelves for the Mosque.
- Desk and Chairs for the Nursery School and Madressah children.
- Furniture for the office of the head (Sheikh) of the Mosque and Madressah.
- Basic furniture for the caretaker apartment.
Together with our Central Bilal Board (CBB), we are looking into a structured system and assigning Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania to undertake the management of the Kilwa Mosque and Madressah, and also to employ a competent Caretaker and few Teachers who will carry out the day to day supervision and management of the Mosque, Nursery School and Madressah.
The intention is to use the Imambargha for the Nursery School in the mornings and the same for Madressah in the afternoons; this will ensure good utilization of the facilities and will also be helpful in cleanliness and general maintenance of the facilities.
The total cost for the above work is estimated to be US Dollars Sixty Five Thousand (US$65,000.00) of which Africa Federation will provide US Dollars Fifteen Thousand (US$15,000). The balance required is US$50,000.00.
We appeal to our community members to support financially towards this noble project to bring back the old Kilwa Mosque and Imambargha in a good state of repair and usage. Everyone who shall contribute towards this noble cause shall earn “Thawab-e-Ja’ariyah”. Those who wish to donate for their Marhumeens, can provide names which shall be put on record for posterity. Surplus funds shall be utilized to cover the Kilwa Mosque and Madressah monthly operating expenses.
We are thankful to the three families who are originally from Kilwa for their continuous support for the Kilwa Mosque; the families have also contributed some amounts to start the rehabilitation works.
For further information you may contact the AFED Secretariat at: secretariat@africafederation.org
You may remit your contributions directly to the following Bank Account of the Africa Federation:
Bank: Habib African Bank (T) Ltd,
Corner, India/Indira Ghandi Street,
P. O. Box 70086, Dar es Salaam - Tanzania
US Dollar Account:
A/C Name: The Federation of K.S.I. Jamaats of Africa
A/C No: 0001 - 0062685 - 0011
Swift Code: HABLTZTZ
T. Shillings Account:
Account Name: KSI Supreme Council
0000108-0001
SECRETARIAT
Download: Press Release - Kilwa Kivinje Mosque and Imambargha Rehabilitation Program (PDF, 1.44MB)
Download: Press Release - Kilwa Kivinje Mosque and Imambargha Rehabilitation Program - French (PDF, 1.25MB)
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