Sowing and Reaping of Destiny

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INTRODUCTION Until recent times, books on Islamic subjects published in English language were available mostly from Western sources. Books written by non Muslim writers were often laced with the usual bias. There is growing demand for materials on topical issues written by Islamic Scholars and thinkers who address common concerns affecting the daily lives of individuals and societies from the Islamic perspectives. The need for producing such materials economically in English and in the East African lingua franca known as the Swahili language has been long felt. With the formation of Al Itrah Foundation in Daressalaam, Tanzania, in 2002, we have undertaken the task of filling the void. During the past six years, we have been able to translate and publish so far 80 titles in Kiswahili language. This will be the first book being published in English language. Al Itrah is dedicated to the spread of education through learning process, focusing especially on the indigenous people of East Africa. Since its inception in October 2002, the Foundation has made great strides towards this goal. Teachings of the Holy Qur'an provide the main driving force behind the various activities of the Foundation. One of the main objectives of Al`Itrah Foundation is to ensure that adequate literature is readily available and accessible to the common masses. In so doing, we hope to develop the culture of reading. Besides, for easy accessibility, Arabic resource materials are also distributed to the Muballigheen in East Africa. With the collaboration of the Islamic College for Advanced Studies (ICAS) based in the UK, Al Itrah has embarked upon an ambitious program of donating Islamic books on various academic themes and subjects to university and public libraries throughout East Africa. Recently Al`Itrah Foundation has launched its own cable TV channel called IBN (Itrah Broadcasting Network), which airs its programs though the courtesy of CTV. IBN airs Islamic programs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It provides viewers with a healthier alternative to the mainstream television. At the same time, it helps in educating the public about the divine message of Islam as received through the blessed Prophet (saw) and the Aimmah (AS). 2
Hassan Ali M. Jaffer who has been active in community services for the past five decades has taken keen interest in promoting Islamic studies and in tabligh related activates. Over the years, he has contributed a number of articles and discussion papers at various forums. Among them: “The Role of Madrassah”. (1994) “The Role of Majalis and Mimber.” (1994) “Case for Survival - A challenge facing the community in North America. (A discussion paper presented to NASIMCO and other Community workers and educators. (1999.) “A reality we can ill afford to ignore.” - Comments on the Muballigh training program initiated by the W.F. (2007) In this publication called: “The Sowing and Reaping of Destiny - With ABCD syndrome, whither Khoja” the writer has endeavoured to highlight issues affecting the community, especially for those who are settled in the West. It is hoped that the material produced here will provide food for thought and encourage readers to have an introspective look at the working of our societies in different parts of the world. Some of the issues raised are equally applicable to the communities living in Africa. The writer succinctly sums up the central thrust of his presentation with the following words. “The very basis of the emergence of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri community evolves around their faith. Without attempts at practicing and promotion of their faith, mere survival of the community as an ethnic entity only is irrelevant. No faith. No Community. No structured organizations. That is the bottom line every individual member of the community has to bear in mind” In so doing, he poses a challenge that call for serious attention. Mehboob Jaffer Somji Alitrah Foundation Daressalam. Tanzania 30th November, 2008 3
Page 3 and 4: The Sowing And Reaping Of Destiny W
Page 5: CONTENTS Introduction . . . . . . .
Page 9 and 10: NORTH AMERICAN SCENE Writers with a
Page 11 and 12: A review of the history of printing
Page 13 and 14: Consequence of this introvert polic
Page 15 and 16: KHOJA IDENTITY Khoja are not a race
Page 17 and 18: HISTORY OF MINORITIES This is the h
Page 19 and 20: With the loss of language, over a p
Page 21 and 22: KHOJA MIGRATORY PATTERNS Phase (1)
Page 23 and 24: Phase (5) - 1860 onwards Into East
Page 25 and 26: In an Africana discussion forum (Se
Page 28 and 29: “ What we do today and how we now
Page 30 and 31: Leaders of the Community have alway
Page 32 and 33: REFORMS Common with all immigrant s
Page 34 and 35: attitudes towards women. Issues of
Page 36 and 37: “In Fraternity - A Message to Mus
Page 38 and 39: meaning youngsters end up being exp
Page 40 and 41: With parochial outlook gaining mome
Page 42 and 43: DANGER SIGNALS Success of the Khoja
Page 44 and 45: were kidnapped from West Africa and
Page 46 and 47: of Muslims would prove infertile, l
Page 48 and 49: The idea of this innovative project
Page 50 and 51: the Indian state or its educational
Page 52 and 53: In post independent Kenya, Sajjad R
Page 54: NOTES 50

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