Legacy of Learning
The Dawoodi Bohra Community recently inaugurated Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah, an international Arabic Academy in Nairobi
On April 20, the President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta C.G.H. along with Sultan ul-Bohra Dr. Mufaddal Saifuddin, the 53rd al-Dai al-Mutlaq and head of the Dawoodi Bohra Community, officiated the inauguration of the new campus of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah, Arabic Academy in Langata, Nairobi. Almost 200 national and international dignitaries and guests, as well as over 10,000 members of the community who had travelled from around the world to witness the historic event, attended the inaugural ceremony.
The President entered the campus to a flourish of doves entering through the Quranic garden at the foot of the campus’ main entrance. Along with Sultan ul-Bohra, he planted a sapling in the garden, before undoing the ceremonial bow at the entrance of Mahad al-Zahra, the centre for studying Quranic arts and sciences, located at the centre of the campus.
Sultan ul-Bohra accompanied the President on a tour of the campus beginning with the central courtyard where he was told of the heritage of the building architecture and the cultural significance of the design and layout of the campus. The presidential entourage was led to the auditorium, one of the largest and finest in East Africa, designed to serve as a platform for interaction and dialogue with other universities and communities. A short film was screened outlining the role of Aljamea and its contribution to the betterment and enrichment of the Bohra community and larger society. The tour reached the Iwan, the ceremonial hall, where dignitaries and guests awaited the President and Sultan ulBohra to address the congregation.
During the inaugural ceremony, Hon. Fred Matiangi, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education lauded the Bohra Community for building the expansive institution, stating that he was “awestruck by the level of commitment and seriousness demonstrated by the investment” they had seen. He went on to assure the President that the institution would not be just an ordinary institution like any other but “a unique and outstanding institution that brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, unites continents, and pulls together legacies and backgrounds and histories that will benefit a lot of people”. He thanked Sultan ul-Bohra for the thought of investing in Kenya, and expressed his confidence that as a university, the institution will grow and contribute towards the aspirations of the Kenyan people as a nation.
During the ceremony Sultan ul-Bohra was acknowledged by the Kenyan government for his phenomenal contribution “in spreading the message of love, harmony and brotherhood amongst humanity.” He was hailed for “his piety, philanthropy and tireless efforts in uplifting people regardless of class, creed or colour.”
During his address, Sultan ul-Bohra thanked the President for accepting his invitation to officiate the campus’ inauguration. He said: “Your presence amongst us signifies the warm and brotherly relations between us and is testament to your respect for knowledge and those who pursue it and the efforts one must make for the betterment of human society.” He prayed for the President’s success and prosperity and educational progress of Kenya and its people. He recalled the ties the Bohra community have maintained with the Kenyan people since the time of its independence in 1963, and his constant counsel to the community to expend efforts for the development and progress of Kenya as their home.
Sultan ul-Bohra added: “During my respected father’s 100th birthday celebrations, he announced the establishment of a branch of Aljamaea-tusSaifiyah in Nairobi. Despite pleas and requests from other cities, my respected father Dr. Mohammed Burhanuddin chose Nairobi and by doing so, demonstrated his affection and attachment to this city. The occasion of the inauguration of the new campus of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah has finally arrived. Our construction of this campus here in Kenya speaks of our community’s warm and profound relationship with the people of Kenya, which is one defined not only commercially and economically, but socially and culturally as well. Aljamea-tusSaifiyah is not merely an academic academy; it is the centre and source of our community’s learning and culture. Our culture and education are founded upon certain principles among which include love for all people, service of humanity and kindness towards all creation. The first stipulation of our philosophy is to embrace all types of knowledge. That is why we teach a variety of subjects within the arts and sciences at Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah, both spiritual and temporal. Our method towards education is to embrace the beneficial new while at the same time remaining steadfast to our tried and tested principles.
During his speech, President Kenyatta commended the Dawoodi Bohra Community for promoting tolerance and peace, noting that the community truly represents what Islam stands for. “You are a true representation of what Islam stands for,” said the President. “We must work together to show that Islam is not a religion of violence, but a religion of peace, and that we together can appreciate our differences and recognise that despite these differences we all pray to the same God.”
The President expressed his appreciation for the community and their integration within the social fabric of the Kenyan people from the very onset of Kenya’s independence. “The values in this institution, which I have had the privilege of touring, attest to your rich and diverse culture.”
The President told Sultan ul-Bohra, “I take this opportunity to say that Kenya is your second home, and look forward to continually welcoming you to our country and to your country.”
Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah is the embodiment of a community’s legacy of learning. It is spread over 14 acres, the total area of all the buildings on the campus equals nearly 1,000,000 square feet, and includes a masjid, Quranic institute, large ceremonial hall, dining hall and kitchen, library, auditorium, classroom buildings, administrative and maintenance facilities and separate male and female residences with a capacity of over 1,000 students. The academy will admit students from East African countries, U.S., U.K., Germany and Egypt, among others. This inauguration of the state-of-the-art and architecturally stunning Nairobi campus of Aljamea-tusSaifiyah is a tremendous milestone in the history of the Dawoodi Bohra community. It marks the community’s progress in East Africa and is a sign of its international outlook, its commitment to education, and its dedication towards developing a society that strives for the betterment of all, regardless of ethnicity or religion.