Nai Misid’s founding members who were ‘Nangaria’ (Jamnagri) were among the initial Khoja settlers having arrived in Zanzibar since the 1830s and even contributory to the funding of Zanzibar’s ‘jamaatkhana’ (JK). However, they were staunch ‘Fidai’ (firm believers in Maula Ali) and also traditionalists having stuck to their roots and the languages Gujarati & Kutchi. In their own way they were influential and had even connections with the likes of the Sultans of the time. They were prominent among the khojas and some even held the position of ‘Mukhi’ with executive powers vested in them. It is understood that even after their defection the Aga Khan would pay a visit to their ‘pedhi’ (shop).

The group that supported Molvi Gulamhusein separated from the kuwwat jamaat and formed their own naming it ‘Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri Hujjatul Islam Jamaat’ (Nai Misid) in 1890. The foundation was laid by none other than Molvi Gulanhussein. A vast plot obtained in one corner of Sokomohogo and Mkunazini. It is where the Nai Mosque structure found its place. The newer group outgrow financially the older group, thus finaly the schism did not heal and till today the existence of two jamats.

Attached to the Mosque were two huge Imambaras. The Minara built in the 1940s, were built by Mohamed Rhemtulla Merali (Mammu Hariri). The monumental tower for call to prayers (Adhan) was fully donated by late Mohamed Merali. This tower to date is counted as a monumental place, having its antiques whereby UNESCO has marked the area for preservation.

At Nai Misid it was only in 1932, after decades, that its constitution was formulated and Abdulrasul Hassan Virjee elected the first president. Initially there was no President or Secretary at Nai Misid but ‘Mutwallis’ (Trustees) and ‘Mukhi’ and ‘Kamrio’ who were held in very high esteem.

 Photography: KSIKJ Archives collection (Zanzibar)
Source: Brother Sherali M Champsi