Mohamed Rafiq Somji - Revision history

Mohamedali at 09:50, 29 October 2020

2020-10-29T09:50:40Z

Mohamedali: /* Brief Profile */

2020-10-29T09:50:18Z

‎Brief Profile

Mohamedali: /* Vice Chariman of Africa Federation (1989) */

2020-10-29T09:49:43Z

‎Vice Chariman of Africa Federation (1989)

Mohamedali: /* Vice Chariman of Africa Federation */

2020-10-29T09:49:16Z

‎Vice Chariman of Africa Federation

Mohamedali: /* Tribute by Founder & Chief Missionary, Bilal Muslim Mission */

2020-10-29T09:48:48Z

‎Tribute by Founder & Chief Missionary, Bilal Muslim Mission

Mohamedali: /* Tribute by A Good Friend */

2020-10-29T09:48:34Z

‎Tribute by A Good Friend

Mohamedali: /* Tribute by Former Chairman, Dar es Salaam Jamaat */

2020-10-29T09:48:18Z

‎Tribute by Former Chairman, Dar es Salaam Jamaat

Mohamedali: /* Tribute by Former President, Africa Federation */

2020-10-29T09:47:57Z

‎Tribute by Former President, Africa Federation

Mohamedali: /* Tribute by Former Chairmain, Africa Federation */

2020-10-29T09:47:02Z

‎Tribute by Former Chairmain, Africa Federation

Mohamedali at 09:46, 29 October 2020

2020-10-29T09:46:13Z

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 ==Birth & Death==
 Birth Date: In Year 1934
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 ==Brief Profile==
 th October, 2014 marked 25 years since the passing away of Marhum Mohamed Rafiq Gulamali Somji,  A father, a friend, a community servant - no matter how one knew him, Marhum Mohamed Rafiq was a true “Rafiq” to young and old alike. Born in Zanzibar, raised in Dar-es-Salaam, and having studied in India, Marhum Mohamed Rafiq received a breadth of exposure in his travels from a young age. His passion for serving the community was ignited when he was appointed as the Administrative Secretary of the Federation of KSI Jamaats of Africa at the youthful age of 24, under the mentorship of Marhum [[Ebrahim Husein Sheriff Dewji]] in 1959.  Marhum Mohamed Rafiq’s witty nature and natural ability to connect with people from different walks of life enabled him to establish good rapport with those that he sought to serve.

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 ==Brief Profile==
-th October, 2014 marked 25 years since the passing away of Marhum Mohamed Rafiq Gulamali Somji,  A father, a friend, a community servant - no matter how one knew him, Marhum Mohamed Rafiq was a true “Rafiq” to young and old alike. Born in Zanzibar, raised in Dar-es-Salaam, and having studied in India, Marhum Mohamed Rafiq received a breadth of exposure in his travels from a young age. His passion for serving the community was ignited when he was appointed as the Administrative Secretary of the Federation of KSI Jamaats of Africa at the youthful age of 24, under the mentorship of Marhum [[Ebrahim Hussein Sheriff Dewji]] in 1959.  Marhum Mohamed Rafiq’s witty nature and natural ability to connect with people from different walks of life enabled him to establish good rapport with those that he sought to serve.
+th October, 2014 marked 25 years since the passing away of Marhum Mohamed Rafiq Gulamali Somji,  A father, a friend, a community servant - no matter how one knew him, Marhum Mohamed Rafiq was a true “Rafiq” to young and old alike. Born in Zanzibar, raised in Dar-es-Salaam, and having studied in India, Marhum Mohamed Rafiq received a breadth of exposure in his travels from a young age. His passion for serving the community was ignited when he was appointed as the Administrative Secretary of the Federation of KSI Jamaats of Africa at the youthful age of 24, under the mentorship of Marhum [[Ebrahim Husein Sheriff Dewji]] in 1959.  Marhum Mohamed Rafiq’s witty nature and natural ability to connect with people from different walks of life enabled him to establish good rapport with those that he sought to serve.
 ==Community Service==

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:49, 29 October 2020
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	“He had a gifted knack of diffusing an emotionally charged atmosphere around a heated debate by an interpose of a nice joke, appropriate for the subject under debate, and send the committee into a roaring laughter led in volume by no other than he himself. The debate then would resume on a lower tone conducive to a climate of consensus.” - '''''Mohamed A. Khalfan, Successor to Marhum Rafiq Somji as Vice Chairman of Africa Federation in 1989.'''''		“He had a gifted knack of diffusing an emotionally charged atmosphere around a heated debate by an interpose of a nice joke, appropriate for the subject under debate, and send the committee into a roaring laughter led in volume by no other than he himself. The debate then would resume on a lower tone conducive to a climate of consensus.” - '''''Mohamed A. Khalfan, Successor to Marhum Rafiq Somji as Vice Chairman of Africa Federation in 1989.'''''

		+
	::::::::::::::::::'''''“Oh My Friend Rafiq…”'''''		::::::::::::::::::'''''“Oh My Friend Rafiq…”'''''

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 “He was a sincere leader and dedicated worker; had an analyzing mind which helped him in reaching at well-balanced decisions. His smiling face inspired confidence in all those who came into his contact.” - '''''Marhum Seyed Saeed Akhtar Rizvi – Founder & Chief Missionary, Bilal Muslim Mission'''''
-===Vice Chariman of Africa Federation===
+===Vice Chariman of Africa Federation (1989)===
-“He had a gifted knack of diffusing an emotionally charged atmosphere around a heated debate by an interpose of a nice joke, appropriate for the subject under debate, and send the committee into a roaring laughter led in volume by no other than he himself. The debate then would resume on a lower tone conducive to a climate of consensus.”
+“He had a gifted knack of diffusing an emotionally charged atmosphere around a heated debate by an interpose of a nice joke, appropriate for the subject under debate, and send the committee into a roaring laughter led in volume by no other than he himself. The debate then would resume on a lower tone conducive to a climate of consensus.” - '''''Mohamed A. Khalfan, Successor to Marhum Rafiq Somji as Vice Chairman of Africa Federation in 1989.'''''
 ::::::::::::::::::'''''“Oh My Friend Rafiq…”'''''

@@ Line 55: / Line 55: @@
 === Tribute by Founder & Chief Missionary, Bilal Muslim Mission===
-“He was a sincere leader and dedicated worker; had an analyzing mind which helped him in reaching at well-balanced decisions. His smiling face inspired confidence in all those who came into his contact.”
+“He was a sincere leader and dedicated worker; had an analyzing mind which helped him in reaching at well-balanced decisions. His smiling face inspired confidence in all those who came into his contact.” - '''''Marhum Seyed Saeed Akhtar Rizvi – Founder & Chief Missionary, Bilal Muslim Mission'''''
 ===Vice Chariman of Africa Federation===

@@ Line 51: / Line 51: @@
 ===Tribute by A Good Friend===
-“He spared no one in his light hearted jokes which made you burst into laughter even when you were alone and reminisced. His hearty laugh, cheerful disposition, quick wit, the ability to give sound advice, ever-readiness to discuss any subject concerning political, religious and social matters, made him a welcome person in any circle within and outside the community. In fact, his friendship and company in formal as well as informal gatherings was very much sought.”
+“He spared no one in his light hearted jokes which made you burst into laughter even when you were alone and reminisced. His hearty laugh, cheerful disposition, quick wit, the ability to give sound advice, ever-readiness to discuss any subject concerning political, religious and social matters, made him a welcome person in any circle within and outside the community. In fact, his friendship and company in formal as well as informal gatherings was very much sought.” - '''''Raza Kara, A good friend'''''
 === Tribute by Founder & Chief Missionary, Bilal Muslim Mission===

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 ===Tribute by Former Chairman, Dar es Salaam Jamaat===
-“Marhum MohamedRafiq’s ability to asses and solve any enigmas, to diffuse tension whenever this arose, to advise conscientiously whenever required, to offer support whenever this was needed, to encourage the discouraged and raise laughter in a desperate situation, makes me wonder if there was or would ever be a person like him.”
+“Marhum MohamedRafiq’s ability to asses and solve any enigmas, to diffuse tension whenever this arose, to advise conscientiously whenever required, to offer support whenever this was needed, to encourage the discouraged and raise laughter in a desperate situation, makes me wonder if there was or would ever be a person like him.” - '''''Mohamed G.M. Dhirani – Former Chairman, Dar es Salaam Jamaat'''''
 ===Tribute by A Good Friend===

@@ Line 39: / Line 39: @@
 ===Tribute by Former President, Africa Federation===
-“With his amiable and cheerful disposition, his outbursts of hilarity and apt wit, MohamedRafiq endeared himself to all. The elderly like him for his mature judgments, the young folks respected and loved him for his dedication and modesty. As a good conversationalist, he was a good listener, able to enrapture his audience with his wit, humour and captivating anecdotes.”
+“With his amiable and cheerful disposition, his outbursts of hilarity and apt wit, MohamedRafiq endeared himself to all. The elderly like him for his mature judgments, the young folks respected and loved him for his dedication and modesty. As a good conversationalist, he was a good listener, able to enrapture his audience with his wit, humour and captivating anecdotes.” - '''''Marhum Mulla Asgherali M.M. Jaffer – Former President, World Federation'''''
-- '''''Marhum Mulla Asgherali M.M. Jaffer – Former President, World Federation'''''
+===Tribute by Former Chairman, Africa Federation===
-“He nurtured a spark of virtue into a flame of wisdom. For posterity he leaves behind a legacy of tolerance, of sobriety, and of morality.”
+“He nurtured a spark of virtue into a flame of wisdom. For posterity he leaves behind a legacy of tolerance, of sobriety, and of morality.” - '''''Marhum Abdulrasul Ahmed Lakha – Former Chairman, Africa Federation'''''
 ===Tribute by Former Chairman, Dar es Salaam Jamaat===

@@ Line 35: / Line 35: @@
 ===Tribute by Former Chairmain, Africa Federation===
-“Marhum’s services to the community need no enumeration. Suffice it to say that be it the Supreme Council or the Dar es Salaam Jamaat, Bilal Muslim Mission or Youth Movements, all had the benefit of his services and vision. One could perhaps say that service to the community was a treasured infatuation for Marhum Rafiq bhai.”
+“Marhum’s services to the community need no enumeration. Suffice it to say that be it the Supreme Council or the Dar es Salaam Jamaat, Bilal Muslim Mission or Youth Movements, all had the benefit of his services and vision. One could perhaps say that service to the community was a treasured infatuation for Marhum Rafiq bhai.”  - '''''Marhum Habib J. Mulji – Former Chairman, Africa Federation'''''
 ===Tribute by Former President, Africa Federation===

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 ==Birth & Death==
-Birthdate: In Year 1934
+[[File:Mohamedrafiq_somji_1.png|right|300px]]
-Deathdate: October 7, 1989
+Birth Date: In Year 1934
-==About==
+Death Date: October 7, 1989
-th October, 2014 marked 25 years since the passing away of Marhum MohamedRafiq Gulamali Somji,  A father, a friend, a community servant - no matter how one knew him, Marhum MohamedRafiq was a true “Rafiq” to young and old alike.
+==Brief Profile==
-Born in Zanzibar, raised in Dar-es-Salaam, and having studied in India, Marhum MohamedRafiq received a breadth of exposure in his travels from a young age.  His passion for serving the community was ignited when he was appointed as the Administrative Secretary of the Federation of KSI Jamaats of Africa at the youthful age of 24, under the mentorship of Marhum Ebrahim Hussein Sheriff Dewji in 1959.  Marhum MohamedRafiq’s witty nature and natural ability to connect with people from different walks of life enabled him to establish good rapport with those that he sought to serve.
+th October, 2014 marked 25 years since the passing away of Marhum Mohamed Rafiq Gulamali Somji,  A father, a friend, a community servant - no matter how one knew him, Marhum Mohamed Rafiq was a true “Rafiq” to young and old alike. Born in Zanzibar, raised in Dar-es-Salaam, and having studied in India, Marhum Mohamed Rafiq received a breadth of exposure in his travels from a young age. His passion for serving the community was ignited when he was appointed as the Administrative Secretary of the Federation of KSI Jamaats of Africa at the youthful age of 24, under the mentorship of Marhum [[Ebrahim Hussein Sheriff Dewji]] in 1959.  Marhum Mohamed Rafiq’s witty nature and natural ability to connect with people from different walks of life enabled him to establish good rapport with those that he sought to serve.
 ==Community Service==
-Marhum MohamedRafiq’s tenure with the community spanned most of his adult life. He was part of the Editorial Board of the Federation Samachar, and also served as the Secretary of the Dar es Salaam Jamaat. He was an active Secretary of Bilal Muslim Mission for more than 20 years under the patronage of Marhum Seyed Saeed Akhtar Rizvi. He served as Administrative Secretary for the Supreme Council under two former Chairmen: Marhum Ebrahim Hussein Sheriff Dewji and Marhum Mohamedali Meghji during which he often travelled on behalf of the Chairman to various jamaats. At the time of his death in 1989, Marhum was serving as the Vice Chairman of Africa Federation under the leadership of Marhum Habib Mulji, who considered Marhum MohamedRafiq a great adviser and friend.
+Marhum Mohamed Rafiq’s tenure with the community spanned most of his adult life. He was part of the Editorial Board of the Federation Samachar, and also served as the Secretary of the [[Dar es Salaam]] Jamaat. He was an active Secretary of [[Bilal Muslim Mission]] for more than 20 years under the patronage of Marhum Seyed Saeed Akhtar Rizvi. He served as Administrative Secretary for the Supreme Council under two former Chairmen: Marhum Ebrahim Hussein Sheriff Dewji and Marhum [[Mohamedali Meghji]] during which he often travelled on behalf of the Chairman to various jamaats. At the time of his death in 1989, Marhum was serving as the Vice Chairman of [[Africa Federation]] under the leadership of Marhum [http://khojapedia.com/wiki/index.php?title=Habib_Jafferali_Mulji '''Habib Mulji'''], who considered Marhum Mohamed Rafiq a great adviser and friend.
 Marhum MohamedRafiq dealt with community matters with the utmost care and presence of mind, especially during periods of conflict, which he resolved with grace. His keen interest in the well being of the community never seemed to diminish through the years, not even during the final months of his life when he was in poor health.
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 ==Sportsmanship Skills==
-Marhum MohamedRafiq was an all rounder sportsman; among which tennis, table tennis, and cricket were his favorite. He also had an unusual love for horse riding, being a horse owner and a riding teacher. He was a loving family man and many of his generation will tell you the stories of their friendship with Marhum MohamedRafiq. He was most known for his jovial personality, which is something that is still endeared by those who were close to him.
+Marhum MohamedRafiq was an all rounder sportsman; among which tennis, table tennis, and cricket were his favorite. He also had an unusual love for horse riding, being a horse owner and a riding teacher. He was a loving family man and many of his generation will tell you the stories of their friendship with Marhum Mohamed Rafiq. He was most known for his jovial personality, which is something that is still endeared by those who were close to him.
 ==Death==
-His death on October 7, 1989 was a huge loss to the community. 25 years on, he is dearly missed by his family, friends, and colleagues.
+His death on October 7, 1989 was a huge loss to the community. 25 years on, he is dearly missed by his family, friends, and colleagues. Marhum’s humbleness, selflessness, and farsightedness – provide a model, if not a glimpse into what made Marhum Mohamed Rafiq Somji such amiable personality within the community.
-Marhum’s humbleness, selflessness, and farsightedness – provide a model, if not a glimpse into what made Marhum MohamedRafiq Somji such amiable personality within the community.
+* Please recite a Sura-e-Fatiha for Marhum MohamedRafiq and all the Marhumeens.
-*Please recite a Sura-e-Fatiha for Marhum MohamedRafiq and all the Marhumeens.
+==Obituary & Tributes==
-==A Tribute to Marhum MohamedRafiq Somji 1934-1989==
+Below are excerpts of tributes that were written by prominent members of the community in memory of Marhum Mohamed Rafiq on his passing away. These tributes were printed in a special issue of '''The Federation Samachar of November 1989.'''
-Below are excerpts of tributes that were written by prominent members of the community in memory of Marhum MohamedRafiq on his passing away. These tributes were printed in a special issue of '''the Federation Samachar of November 1989.'''
+===Tribute by Former Chairmain, Africa Federation===
-*“Marhum’s services to the community need no enumeration. Suffice it to say that be it the Supreme Council or the Dar es Salaam Jamaat, Bilal Muslim Mission or Youth Movements, all had the benefit of his services and vision. One could perhaps say that service to the community was a treasured infatuation for Marhum Rafiq bhai.” '''''Marhum Habib J. Mulji – Former Chairman, Africa Federation'''''
+“Marhum’s services to the community need no enumeration. Suffice it to say that be it the Supreme Council or the Dar es Salaam Jamaat, Bilal Muslim Mission or Youth Movements, all had the benefit of his services and vision. One could perhaps say that service to the community was a treasured infatuation for Marhum Rafiq bhai.”
-*“With his amiable and cheerful disposition, his outbursts of hilarity and apt wit, MohamedRafiq endeared himself to all. The elderly like him for his mature judgments, the young folks respected and loved him for his dedication and modesty. As a good conversationalist, he was a good listener, able to enrapture his audience with his wit, humour and captivating anecdotes.”  '''''Marhum Mulla Asgherali M.M. Jaffer – Former President, World Federation'''''
+“With his amiable and cheerful disposition, his outbursts of hilarity and apt wit, MohamedRafiq endeared himself to all. The elderly like him for his mature judgments, the young folks respected and loved him for his dedication and modesty. As a good conversationalist, he was a good listener, able to enrapture his audience with his wit, humour and captivating anecdotes.”
-*“He nurtured a spark of virtue into a flame of wisdom. For posterity he leaves behind a legacy of tolerance, of sobriety, and of morality.”  '''''Marhum Abdulrasul Ahmed Lakha – Former Chairman, Africa Federation'''''
+- '''''Mohamed G.M. Dhirani – Former Chairman, Dar es Salaam Jamaat'''''
-*“Marhum MohamedRafiq’s ability to asses and solve any enigmas, to diffuse tension whenever this arose, to advise conscientiously whenever required, to offer support whenever this was needed, to encourage the discouraged and raise laughter in a desperate situation, makes me wonder if there was or would ever be a person like him.”   '''''Mohamed G.M. Dhirani – Former Chairman, Dar es Salaam Jamaat'''''
+“He spared no one in his light hearted jokes which made you burst into laughter even when you were alone and reminisced. His hearty laugh, cheerful disposition, quick wit, the ability to give sound advice, ever-readiness to discuss any subject concerning political, religious and social matters, made him a welcome person in any circle within and outside the community. In fact, his friendship and company in formal as well as informal gatherings was very much sought.”
-*“He spared no one in his light hearted jokes which made you burst into laughter even when you were alone and reminisced. His hearty laugh, cheerful disposition, quick wit, the ability to give sound advice, ever-readiness to discuss any subject concerning political, religious and social matters, made him a welcome person in any circle within and outside the community. In fact, his friendship and company in formal as well as informal gatherings was very much sought.”   '''''Raza Kara, A good friend'''''
+- '''''Raza Kara, A good friend'''''
-*“He was a sincere leader and dedicated worker; had an analyzing mind which helped him in reaching at well-balanced decisions. His smiling face inspired confidence in all those who came into his contact.”  '''''Marhum Seyed Saeed Akhtar Rizvi – Founder & Chief Missionary, Bilal Muslim Mission'''''
+“He was a sincere leader and dedicated worker; had an analyzing mind which helped him in reaching at well-balanced decisions. His smiling face inspired confidence in all those who came into his contact.”
-*“He had a gifted knack of diffusing an emotionally charged atmosphere around a heated debate by an interpose of a nice joke, appropriate for the subject under debate, and send the committee into a roaring laughter led in volume by no other than he himself. The debate then would resume on a lower tone conducive to a climate of consensus.”  '''''Mohamed A. Khalfan, Successor to Marhum Rafiq Somji as Vice Chairman of Africa Federation in 1989.'''''
+- '''''Mohamed A. Khalfan, Successor to Marhum Rafiq Somji as Vice Chairman of Africa Federation in 1989.'''''
 ::::::::::::::::::'''''“Oh My Friend Rafiq…”'''''