The call of Imam
Husayn a.s. to save Islam is echoing in Ethiopia,
“Hal Min NasiRin
Yansiruna”
(Is there any
helper who can help us)
By
Hashim Okera
P.O.Box 28293/1000, Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA
Mobile: +251 927 168602
Mobile: +251 927 168602
Date: 12th April, 2012
Brothers and Sisters in Eiman,
Assalamo Alaykum,
On my Tabligh works to Djibouti and Somalia via
Addis Ababa; in my transit I came to know about 100s of Ethiopian Shia
throughout Ethiopia who do not have any organization or Shia Center where they
can perform their prayers. Ethiopian Shias are squatter and there is no network
between them. As in Ethiopia by law there is freedom of practicing any faith.
I than diverted my trip from Addis Ababa to Dar es
Salam to convey my message since it became necessary for me to convey message to
the Shia world about the need of a Shia Center for Ethiopian Shias.
Since there has been no effort made from any Shia
Organization to establish Shia Center in Ethiopia, I decided to settle in
Ethiopia until we achieve in our mission. There is very good chance to do
Tabligh works systematically. It is planned to work in full scale with proper
planning as we are putting experienced persons in the field. Traditionally it
is known that where ever our Khoja Shia families migrate than they start to
build Shia Centers such as Masjid, Hussainiya and Madressa where ever they live.
But the case of Ethiopia is different. Ethiopian Shia converted to Shia faith
by study and research and they do not have any means and resources to build
Shia centers now. Shia Muballighs and
Shia Activist will be invited all over the world to join promoting the faith of
Ahlul Bayt a.s. in Horn of Africa where it is empty of such works collectively.
We will immediately need fund to start the activities.
Our message is clear; “We cannot ignore Tabligh activities in Ethiopia as
well as in Horn of Africa since there is not a single Shia Center in where
native Shia can get together for prayers and other Majalises”.
Wama
Alayna Illal Balaagh.
Hashim
Okera
Send your donations
direct to the
DASHEN BANK,
Branch Bisrate Gabriel Dashen Area Bank,
Name: Hashim Hassen Ali,
Swift Code: DASHETAA, a/c nr. 5063 7801 78008
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
You can now Donate by PayPal
If you have any question please contact me directly.
hashimokera@gmail.com
http://hashimokera.blogspot.com
The
Land that Prophet Mohammed s.a.w. blessed. The Land of the start of Islamic
Calender Hijra
The call of Imam Husayn a.s. to save Islam
is echoing in
Ethiopia,
“Hal Min Nasisin Yansiruna”
In
the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful
Ethiopia was not in my
mind to do any Tabligh works since I was travelling to Somalia, I got chance to
stop in Addis Ababa for a week. I was with my Ethiopian Shia friend Brother
Mohamed Seid whom I used to meet him at Ahlul Bayt a.s. Conferences in
different places. During that time I came to know about Itrat and Kitab Club
that was founded by Br.Mohamed Seid with other 4 Ethiopian Shia. I was told
that they have different type Tabligh activites including translating of Shia
Islamic Books in Amharic.
I was than very much
interested to find out more about their activities and their Tabligh works. I
met with several Ethiopian Shia, I found that there is big scope of Tabligh
works.
My curiosity increased and
wanted to know more about the Tabligh works and the opportunity. I requested
the report and accounts but there is no such thing at all in the said
organization.
The more I was enquiring
in deep my interest was increasing, by seeing the scope and opportunity of the
Tabligh works, I finally decided that it has become
obligation on me to convey the message to the Shia Brothers and Sisters active
in Tabligh works.
SHIA POPULATION
There are many Ethiopian
Shias all over but since there is no such center or social network people are squatter
and not knowing with each other. Besides the below information there are more
in different towns full research is needed.
Addis Ababa - There are about 50 to 100 Ethiopian Shia who
accepted Shia faith by their own studies and media Ahlul Bayt TV, al Kauthar TV
and books. But there is not any center or place were they can come together or
there is no social network like Shia Masjid or Hussayniya were Ethiopian Shia
can come together.
Wallo – there are 30 – 40 families in Wallo town who have the same problem as
the above no such center or Library for social networks or prayers.
Harar – there are about 40 families in Harar. Harar is ancient Islamic country that is known
for promoting Islam since last 1000 years. It is also known as Islamic heritage
town on Ethiopia. They also have similar problem as above.
Dire Dawa – There are about 5 families including one active
Somali family. The Somali family is active promoting Shia Faith both in
Ethiopia and Puntland – Bosaso the place of pirates. As per his information
there are 100 Somali Shia in Bosaso and about 60 Somali Shia in Qardho. (This
information needs to be investigated). The Somali is also busy in translating
books in Somali language.
Djibouti
Djibouti is known as
Somali French land historically. Alhamdo Lillah there are 50 active Djibouti
Shia whose language is Somali in Djibouti. They are more organized and they do
not get any support from any Shia communities or individuals. They have regular
Dua e Komayl and also Al Zahra Library. The group are so active and are
interested to increase their Shia knowledge, I tried to take their application
for Jamiat al Mustafa in Qom but unfortunately it has been more than one year
there is no news about where about our application. Even I travelled my self to
Qom to find out but I failed.
One can see here that
since there is no such Shia center organized in Ethiopia in the population
of 80 million people as well as Horn of Africa at large. There are some individuals working on translation of Islamic Books in Amharic languages and Tabligh works on individual basis.
There is freedom of
Religion and practicing whatever faith an Ethiopian citizen chooses. Amongst 80
million population of Ethiopia curiosity to know more about Shia faith has been
developed after Salafi and Wahhabi propagate that many Ethiopian has become
Kafir and Mushrik as Shia. This propaganda
is paving way for the need of Shia books.
I found now it has been
obligatory for me to settle in Ethiopia to organize and create a network within
all Ethiopian Shia individuals and families by establishing one center and
Library. I am prepared to settle in Ethiopia to bring all people in Tabligh
activities together to find how we can make active Tabligh works in Ethiopia as
the ground is fertile for tabligh activities.
There is no doubt the
poverty level is very high especially Somalis fleeing Al Shebab are in
thousands who do not get assistance from any ngos or organization. It is really
heart burning to see the situation of Somali refugees and other poor families
on the roads of Addis Ababa. As per information in the villages the situation
is worse.
Permanent
Permit.
Any individual who invests $50,000 will be able to
get permanent permit as businessmen.
Hashim Okera - 12 th April, 2012
Conclusion
Since
Horn of Africa has been left out Shia center; it is Wajib on us to do Tabligh
works in full scale. We cannot ignore 120 million people in Horn of Africa -
Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, and Djibouti without any knowledge of Shia faith when
we see there is no obstacle to do so if we work systematically. And Alhamdo
Lillah today there are many Shia organizations all over the world who are doing
Tabligh works in different parts of the world. The good news is that there are
already some Shia in Ethiopia and Djibouti who need to be organized in their
way. It is very important to have permanent Tabligh activist, shia social
workers and Muballigheen who have experience in organizations and familiar with
Tabligh activities.
Immediate and Short Term Plan.
By
seeing the need of immediate Tabligh works, I came to conclusion that I am
going to settle in Ethiopia, until we establish a permanent Shia centers all
over Ethiopia. All active colleagues who
are aggressive Tabligh works from East Africa to Europe and North America are
welcome to join in this noble work. But without the financial help and
donations of Mo’mineen we will not be able to take any step.
Shia
Muballighs will go for 6 month Amharic language course, to reach the
grassroots.
We will
go with rental center and rental library and book store location to find more
about Ethiopian Shia. Trip to different parts of Ethiopia will be done to make
proper census and the needs of our Ethiopian Shia brothers, so that we can
organize them properly to run their own centers. We will avoid all kinds of
project that will make Ethiopian Shia dependent for life for any Tabligh works.
Shia
Organization will be invited to see Ethiopia and the opportunities available
for Tabligh work in any section they are interested in.
We will
prepare Muballighs within local Shias by providing them short courses and
seminars in Djibouti and Ethiopia. We will
also send Ethiopian Shia children to our different Hauwzas in Africa or Asia.
Distributions
of books in full scale.
Translation
of Books.
Long Term Plan
After
our full scale research and ground works
·
Permanent
Shia Centers including Mosque and Hussainia, Liberary and bookshops in Addis
Ababa, Wallo, Harar, Diri Dawa and Djibouti and were ever needed.
Hashim Okera - 12 th April, 2012
The following is the project proposals
prepared by Ethiopian
Shia in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Very Informative
interesting to
study.
Shia in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Very Informative
interesting to
study.
1.
Background
In the history of
Islam, Ethiopia is considered among the few countries upon whom the light of
Islam shone early as the advent of the Islam of the seal of the prophets
(SAW). Ethiopia is a country of the
earliest Hijrah that hosted the first emigrants that were led by Ja’far Ibn Abi
Talib, the brother of Amiral Mu’iminin Ali Ibn Abi Talib (AS).
Having such a root as
the basis of introduction of Islam in this country, the light of the True Islam
went on shining for centuries. Great
personalities and profound scholars who traced back their genealogy to the
Ahlal Bait (AS) had settled in the various parts of the country. These personalities taught the Islam of Ahlal
Bait (AS) for centuries. However, as
time elapsed, the Umayad propaganda started to shade its darkness on the light
of Islam with the emergence of Wahabism in the name of Ahlal Sunnah Wal
Jama’ah.
As a result of a highly
sophisticated and all round campaign of this group with the aim of demolishing
the teachings and thoughts of Ahlal Bait (AS), currently Shia Islam is
considered by the majority of the population among the sects that are out of
the sphere of Islam.
They succeeded in
attaining their goal by propagating misleading information about the Shia
Islam. They have been investing a huge
amount of money and manpower to eradicate the teaching of Ahlal Bait (AS) and
to create prejudice and hatred for the Shia sect.
However, as falsehood
never lasts for long, in spite of the tremendous campaign and huge investment
to weaken it, the light of Islam has started re-shining by the Mercy of the
Omnipotent Lord of the Worlds.
Even though they
succeeded in spreading their poison in the majority of the areas of the
country, predominantly in the urban areas, the old trace of the Ahlal Bait (AS)
and the ever shining light of the true Islam still shines in the middest of its
enemies.
2.
Current
Developments.
Since recent years, fed
up with the monotonous and unnatural propaganda of the Wahhabi sect, and having
the opportunity of access to information in the modern world, the enlightenment
which was obtained by few individuals is spreading in the country with alarming
rate. With development of electronic and
print media, considerable numbers of lettered people are receiving information
on the true nature of Shia Islam.
Currently, the battle between truth is falsehood in the playground, and
a remarkable example pertaining to the power of truth is revealed by the fact
that a falsehood which was built for several years came to be smashed by
sprinkle of light in few years.
A journey commenced by
few individuals and material support obtained from the Islamic Republic of Iran
in Ethopia, and some brothers from the Gulf as well as the moral support of
some individuals in Lebanon, steps towards, re introducing the way of the Ahlal
Bait (AS) are going forward. However,
compared to the support the struggle against the Shia Islam, ours can be said
to be insignificant except for the mercy of Allah and the power He gave to
truth.
Thus, although there is
nothing to boast about in terms of population of Shias in the country compared
to the total population, considerable number of people are getting enlightened
via few individuals who are informally and secretly involved in Tabligh
activities in different parts of the country, whereby the capital Addis Ababa,
Wollo (in northern Ethopia) and Harar (in eastern Ethopia) are the leading
ones.
3.
Review
of Activities
Few years back, there
were extremely few individuals who were enlightened by the teachings to the
Ahlal Bait (AS). Even these individuals
didn’t dare to claim the word “Shia” as this could be fatal. The only material
that these individuals used to share is books that are written or translated by
Shia Scholars. By providing books to few
individuals who are interested in reading and researching on Islam, it has been
possible to get some followers of the Shia Islam. As the demand for books and more information
went up, looking for institutions and individuals who can provide us with books
became a necessity. The Islamic Republic
of Iran in Ethopia and some brothers from the Gulf and the world Assembly of Ahlal
Bait (AS) were among the first to respond to our needs. May Allah bless them all and count their
deeds on the weight of good deeds.
As time went by, the
few individuals who managed to convert to Shia started to meet for discussions
and debates. This led to the need to
establish a club that can be used as an umbrella to bring members
together. Thus, a club by the name
“Kitab and Itrat Club” has been legally established. It has been possible to rent a small office
of two rooms with financial aid of some individuals. The center is deliberately made to be located
in residence building (Condominium building) for safely sake. However, the only asset we have in the office
is books so far.
In this manner, by
disseminating books to our members in various parts of the country and
assigning some Mubalighs (propagators) according to their place of residence,
we managed to continuously increase the number of our members.
In the beginning, our
target group was limited to individuals who are able to read books written in
English and or Arabic. As this would
highly limit the target group, the idea of translating selected books to the
local official language came to place.
Thus, selecting members whose areas of study and ability is fit for
translation duty; it has been possible to translate some books to the local
language.
Among
the books translated in Amharic languages are:
1.
Then I was Guided (published)
2.
Imamate (published)
3.
The Narrative of Veracious (published)
4.
What happened in Ghadir (in print house)
5.
Islamic Teachings in Brief (in print
house)
6.
The Faith of Shia Islam (on progress)
The above six books are
translated by the same translator.
Furthermore, the translation of more books like:-
7.
The Road to Ahlal Bait (AS)
8.
Inquiries about Shia Islam: is on
progress
Besides distributing
books and invitations to lectures, focus group discussions and personal debates
are among our methods of propagation.
4.
Limitations
and Problems
Had it not been for the
Mercy of the Lord of the worlds and the power of truth, the circumstances and
situations we are in the surrounded with, wouldn’t have allowed us to move just
one step.
To mention just few
among the limitations and problems we have been facing:-
1.
Due to the existing critical prejudice
and ‘strangeness’ concerning the Shia sect, it has always been unsafe to
publicly claim and talk about Shia. This
is as a result of the dominant propaganda activities of the Waahbi or Salafi
sect.
2.
Lack
of knowledge and leader:
The main source of we have been able to use is books written by Shia
scholars. However, as it is obvious, it
is impossible to get fully acquainted with Shia teachings only by reading
books. Thus we do not have a leader to
follow and a qualified person to get knowledge from.
3.
Lack
of formal center:
We do not have any formal institutions or center that can at least bring
together members or that may be used as a working place.
4.
The
poor condition of Shia Islam followers: The majority of Shias in the country
currently are workers whose monthly income lies between 50 – 80 dollars, not to
mention some of them who do not have source of income at all. This includes our mubalighs who can only work
Tabligh activities for limited time as they have to struggle to get extra
income to cope with high inflation and poor life condition in the country.
5.
Negligence
of Shia world towards Ethopia Shias: Compared to some African countries, Ethopia
has failed to win the attention of the Shia world in general and Shia
institutions in particular including the World Assembly of Ahlal Bait (AS) in
spite of our pleas a number of times.
6.
Lack
of Experience Sharing and Communication with the Shia world: Except only one member of the Shias in
Ethopia, no other individuals have got the opportunity of being in the Shia
environment. All the inspiration and
enlightenment we are graced with came only from some television channels and
books.
7.
Lack
of incentive:
Where people who propagate falsehood and anti-Islam activities are
highly funded and well equipped with necessary materials, the few Shias who
carry the banner of absolute truth are not given any incentive. But the poor life condition of the country,
the worldly miserable life of the Shias and the dominance of the enemies in
finance and material are far from being able to distinguish the flame of truth,
Allah willing.
8.
Poor
living areas and conditions:
The majority of Shias live in poor rental houses in slum areas. Because Ethopia is a country where an
individual holds the responsibility of feeding and fostering large family
members, Shia Mubalighs are forced to live in a critical condition which make
them highly preoccupied and this has led to failure to do the Tabligh
activities effectively and efficiently.
5.
Recommendations
It is our belief that
whether some support is obtained or not, the work of revealing the truth never
stops but may be forced to cripple for various reasons. However, it cannot be denied that help and
support play a vital role in facilitating certain activities and increase the
effectiveness and efficiency of duties.
For effective accomplishment of certain mission, the importance and
necessity of creating a suitable working environment and condition is
unquestionable. Therefore, we recommend
to the concerned bodies to help us and stand with us in any way possible among
which the following are the once we pointed out:-
1.
Establishment of a formal center/office
for the Shia of Ethopia: This calls to
budget and financial aid that may be used for office rent fee, office equipment
purchase, manpower employment and various other office facilities.
2.
Providing trainings and education on
shia Islam: As mentioned in the
limitation part, since it is impossible to get full knowledge only from reading
books and shallow tabligh activities, it is essential to get trainings and
education by profound Shia scholars in Iran or elsewhere.
3.
Creating job opportunities and
Educational scholarships for members of Shias in Ethopia: As mentioned earlier, the life of Shias in
the country is pitiful and moving. Thus
to change the life conditions of the Shia, creating job opportunities and ways
of better living condition would be of great help. One of way changing one’s life conditions, as
obvious, is by helping some members with some educational background to further
their education in the field of their interest.
So, we recommend that some members may be given scholarships, be it
abroad or in the country.
More
importantly, we urge the World Assembly of Ahlulbait (AS) to facilitate and or
take part in investing in Ethopia in various sects such as construction,
technology, education, factories of various items, agriculture, and so forth,
with the aiming of creating job opportunities on which followers of Ahlulbait(AS)
will be given priority.
4.
Facilitating the translation of shia
books into widely spoken local languages of Ethopia and production of audio
visual materials. As mentioned earlier,
our dominant method of propagation of shia Islam so far was by providing books
written in English and Arabic languages.
However, we could reach a very limited number of people in this manner
because people who may have access to these languages are only people who had
the opportunity of participating in formal education. Thus, translating books to local languages
and the production of audio visual material in local languages would enable us
to reach people with different ranges of level of education and experience as
well as from all walks of life.
5.
The Shia world in general and Shia
institutions in particular should not neglect the Shia of Ethopia: The Shia of Ethopia should be given attention
by the Shia world at least as much as some African countries have been given.
6.
Ethopian Shias members should be able to
get the opportunity of sharing experience and participating on various
conferences and occasion that are arranged by Shia institutions all over the
world.
7.
To cop with the existing competition
among the propagators of various religions and religious sects, propagators and
activities of Shia should be given financial and material incentives.
8.
Taking into account the economic
condition of the country in general and the living condition of the Shia in
particular, it is so essential to device ways of providing better living conditions
in terms of basic necessities such as residence places, food and clothing; you
may recall that it has been mentioned that the majority of Shias live in poor
rental houses with large family members.
9.
In the environment like ours where there
is no a leader who has attained the position of Mujtahid, there is no question
that it is indispensible to have all the necessary materials that can be used
as references. In our case, so far, we
do not have any of the main references of the Shia Islam. Thus we also request the provision of
reference books in all aspect of Islam, like Tafsir, Hadith of the Prophet and
the Infallible Imams, History, Jurisprudence, language and linguistics and like
to mention but few.
DASHEN BANK,
Branch Bisrate Gabriel Dashen Area Bank,
Name: Hashim Hassen Ali,
Swift Code: DASHETAA, a/c nr. 5063 7801 78008
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The poverty level is too high one can also help
You can now Donate by PayPal
Hashim Okera
Lafto K.05, House Nr. 3150,
Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA
Mobile: +251 927 168602
Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA
Mobile: +251 927 168602
If you have any question please contact me directly.
hashimokera@gmail.com
http://hashimokera.blogspot.com
