ABOUT KSIKJ

The khoja Shia Ithna Asheri of Zanzibar has its origins in the late 1880’s when in 1865, during the reign of 46th Ismailia Imam Agha Khan the 1st, it was decided to obtain a pledge of loyalty (Bayyat) from khojas in Zanzibar.

khoja population then in Zanzibar exceeded 450 families who were mainly of Ismailia faith. They were basically Khojas of Hindu Lohana origin from Kutch and Kathiawad. It is here that those who could not confirm to pledge (bayyat) to the Imam due to certain control and interference within the khojas led to dissent and a number of khoja families in the subcontinent as well as in Zanzibar were outed from the Jamaat Khana. Nearly over 350 plus souls left the mainstream by 1873/74, converting themselves to the main Shia Faith ‘the twelver – ithnasheri” continuing to adhere to the shia principles. Initially, the out-cast were few, bewildered and without much outside help or direction. They would meet at each other’s house to recite majlises, azadari etc.It is here the strength permitted to organise the way forward.

The Juni (Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri Kuwwat Islam Jamat) mosque was built by donations from among the original (founding) members of the community which numbered some 250 souls in 1880. 

Presently, the KSIKJ counts around 200 member families, composed of shia muslims of Indian/Pakistan origins and local africans. More than 150 years of settlement, managing the few centers (Mehfils), prayer mosque and other jamaat properties necessitates dedication, organization and mangement.

In 2020, the KSIKJ renovated and refurbished a 100 years old community favorite center, Mehfil-e-Ali Makam back to its glory. It is now used for all the Wiladat (Kushali/Jashn). The Imambargha (Mamwaro) men & ladies section each had washooms built inside.

In 2021, The KSIKJ with the help of community members, volunteered to cleaned up their Kabrastan in Mwanakwerekwe. It took 4 months of non stop work expanding the main prayer building to add a section for the ladies, on site toilets, installation of old broken water pipes, revivle of water well and restoring/painting of graves. The community are now able to attend the weekly thursday program at the cemetery.

In 2022, The KSIKJ opened up its first Musafirkhana, which has been running successfully and receiving people visiting zanzibar. It opened up to both shia and non shia community members. 

In 2022, yet another successful project, more than 150yrs of settlement in Zanzibar is a  vibrant hostorical DATA for the incoming generation thus the need to set and save the ‘Living Museum – Taziya Khana Memorial‘. A collection of old items found across the properties, especially the old Faez school, the photographs – a window to the community way of life and worship, assembling numerous historical records & few antiques.  

The jamaat also opened up an Indoor Games Room, football ground with soccer training for the men as well as Badminton court for the community,  

 Subsequently, in 2022- 2023, the renovations and cosmetic upgrades were also made to the main prayer mosque lobby (wudhu area) and outside structure of Imambargha (Mamwaro).

In 2024, after 6 months of non stop renovations, the KSIKJ committe years of hardwork and dedication were once again successful in raising funds to renovate yet another community a 100yrs old center, ‘Mehfil-e-Abbas’ (a.s).

Today, functioning of the centers and mosque is vital for the existence of the khoja Shia jamaat of Zanzibar. We are striving to improve the facilities, accessibilty and the good quality service to our members. Therefore, we extend deep appreciation for the tireless efforts of the staff and volunteers who continually serve the community. Furthermore, our well wishers who have provided the support to fulfill our mission, which would have been difficult to acheive without your blessings and donation.