Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri: Difference between revisions
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• Sayyid Sa'id Akhtar Rizvi (1927 – 2002) was the founder of Bilal Muslim Mission in Tanzania. He made a lot of efforts in bringing integrity among Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia communities. His most important action was the establishment of Bilal Muslim Mission. He was also the author and translator of some works in English, Arabic, Urdu, etc. such as the translation of some volumes of Allama Tabataba'i's al-Mizan fi tafsir al-Qur'an. He passed away at the age of seventy six and was buried in Shia cemetery in Dar es Salaam. | • Sayyid Sa'id Akhtar Rizvi (1927 – 2002) was the founder of Bilal Muslim Mission in Tanzania. He made a lot of efforts in bringing integrity among Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia communities. His most important action was the establishment of Bilal Muslim Mission. He was also the author and translator of some works in English, Arabic, Urdu, etc. such as the translation of some volumes of Allama Tabataba'i's al-Mizan fi tafsir al-Qur'an. He passed away at the age of seventy six and was buried in Shia cemetery in Dar es Salaam. | ||
• Mulla Qadir Husain (d. 1890s) was the clergyman sent by Ayatullah Mazandarani and became the founder of the first Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia community in Bombay. He was not a Khoja, but he was considered among them since he was the first clergyman and preacher in their society. | • Mulla Qadir Husain (d. 1890s) was the clergyman sent by Ayatullah Mazandarani and became the founder of the first Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia community in Bombay. He was not a Khoja, but he was considered among them since he was the first clergyman and preacher in their society. | ||
• Muhammad Ali Jinnah (1876 – 1948) known as the Qayid-i-Azam (Great Leader) was the leader of independence movement and founder of Pakistan. Some Shia authors have considered him among political figures of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia. | • Muhammad Ali Jinnah (1876 – 1948) known as the Qayid-i-Azam (Great Leader) was the leader of independence movement and founder of Pakistan. Some Shia authors have considered him among political figures of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia. | ||
• Dewji Jamal (1820 – 1905) was among the leaders of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia of India who asked Shaykh Zayn al-'Abidin Mazandarani to send preachers for the Khoja communities of Bombay and Zanzibar. Following the acceptance of Ayatullah Mazandarani, Mulla Qadir Husayn was sent to Bombay in 1873 and 10 years later, Shaykh Abu al-Qasim Najafi Kashani and Sayyid 'Abd al-Husayn Mar'ashi were sent to Bombay and Zanzibar. | • Dewji Jamal (1820 – 1905) was among the leaders of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia of India who asked Shaykh Zayn al-'Abidin Mazandarani to send preachers for the Khoja communities of Bombay and Zanzibar. Following the acceptance of Ayatullah Mazandarani, Mulla Qadir Husayn was sent to Bombay in 1873 and 10 years later, Shaykh Abu al-Qasim Najafi Kashani and Sayyid 'Abd al-Husayn Mar'ashi were sent to Bombay and Zanzibar. | ||
• Mulla Asgarali Jaffer (1936 – 2000) known as Mulla Asghar was the head of the World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Muslims Communities and a member of the supreme council of the Ahl al-Bayt (a) World Assembly. He was among Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia dignitaries who was an agent of some religious authorities such as Sayyid Muhsin Hakim, Sayyid Abu al-Qasim Khu'i and Sayyid Ali Sistani. He had some works including the English translation of questions and answers from Ayatullah Sistani in Islamic rulings. | • Mulla Asgarali Jaffer (1936 – 2000) known as Mulla Asghar was the head of the World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Muslims Communities and a member of the supreme council of the Ahl al-Bayt (a) World Assembly. He was among Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia dignitaries who was an agent of some religious authorities such as Sayyid Muhsin Hakim, Sayyid Abu al-Qasim Khu'i and Sayyid Ali Sistani. He had some works including the English translation of questions and answers from Ayatullah Sistani in Islamic rulings. | ||
• Ghulam Ali Haji Isma'il (1864 – 1943) known as Haji Naji was among influential dignitaries and first Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia in Bombay. He translated some works from Arabic to Gujurati Indian. His works include the translation of the Qur'an, Mi'raj al-sa'ada and some other supplications; but, his major activity was the publication of some journals for Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia. | • Ghulam Ali Haji Isma'il (1864 – 1943) known as Haji Naji was among influential dignitaries and first Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia in Bombay. He translated some works from Arabic to Gujurati Indian. His works include the translation of the Qur'an, Mi'raj al-sa'ada and some other supplications; but, his major activity was the publication of some journals for Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia. | ||
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• Rah-i Nijat, published in 1890 in Bombay by Ghulam Ali Haji Isma'il known as Haji Naji. It included articles about Islam, Shia and public charity activities. | • Rah-i Nijat, published in 1890 in Bombay by Ghulam Ali Haji Isma'il known as Haji Naji. It included articles about Islam, Shia and public charity activities. | ||
• Nur-i Iman published in 1892 in Bombay by Haji Naji in Gujurati language. This journal offered knowledge about Islam and Shia. | • Nur-i Iman published in 1892 in Bombay by Haji Naji in Gujurati language. This journal offered knowledge about Islam and Shia. | ||
• Bagh-i Nijat, was published in 1906 by Haji Naji. | • Bagh-i Nijat, was published in 1906 by Haji Naji. | ||
• Munadi, was published in Gujurati language in Zanzibar. Its editor-in-chief was Abd al-Husayn Sachedina. It was mostly about Islam and the Khojas living in Zanzibar. | • Munadi, was published in Gujurati language in Zanzibar. Its editor-in-chief was Abd al-Husayn Sachedina. It was mostly about Islam and the Khojas living in Zanzibar. | ||
• Salsabil, was among old journals of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia of Zanzibar. It was published since 1924, for 19 years by the efforts of Ghulam Husayn Wali Muhammad Darsi. It discussed different issues about Islam, Shia and the necessity of the unity among Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia | |||
• Salsabil, was among old journals of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia of Zanzibar. It was published since 1924, for 19 years by the efforts of Ghulam Husayn Wali Muhammad Darsi. It discussed different issues about Islam, Shia and the necessity of the unity among Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia. | |||
• Samachar, is the official journal of the Federation of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia of Africa which covers the ideas of the leaders of this federation and Islamic issues for the past 45 years. This journal is distributed in east and east west of Africa, England, India and north America. | • Samachar, is the official journal of the Federation of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia of Africa which covers the ideas of the leaders of this federation and Islamic issues for the past 45 years. This journal is distributed in east and east west of Africa, England, India and north America. | ||
• Shia International, offers news and reports about Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia in the world and their economic and social situation. Its editor-in-chief is Hasnain Walji and publish it in Ontario, Canada. It has been published since 1992. | • Shia International, offers news and reports about Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia in the world and their economic and social situation. Its editor-in-chief is Hasnain Walji and publish it in Ontario, Canada. It has been published since 1992. | ||
• Insight, gives reports about different activities of the World Federation. | • Insight, gives reports about different activities of the World Federation. | ||
• Light, the first issue of this magazine was published in the form of pamphlet in March, 1963 in 75 copies. Toward the end of 1964, the number of its copies reached 300 and in 1965, Sayyid Sa'id Akhtar Rizvi published it in the form of a journal. Following the suggestion of Sayyid Sa'id Akhtar Rizvi, the journal was published in 1968 by Bilal Muslim Mission. It publishes articles about Islam, Shia, Shia scholars and clergies, Khoja dignitaries and life condition of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia in east Africa. | • Light, the first issue of this magazine was published in the form of pamphlet in March, 1963 in 75 copies. Toward the end of 1964, the number of its copies reached 300 and in 1965, Sayyid Sa'id Akhtar Rizvi published it in the form of a journal. Following the suggestion of Sayyid Sa'id Akhtar Rizvi, the journal was published in 1968 by Bilal Muslim Mission. It publishes articles about Islam, Shia, Shia scholars and clergies, Khoja dignitaries and life condition of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia in east Africa. | ||
• Sauti Ya Bilal (the Voice of Bilal); this journal was published by Muhsin Alidina, the representative of Bilal Muslim Mission in Mombasa. In 1967, Bilal Muslim Mission took the responsibility of its publication and Sayyid Muhammad Mahdi Shushtari became its editor-in-chief. This journal is being published every two weeks in Swahili and is distributed with free price in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Swahili regions of Zaire and Burundi. | • Sauti Ya Bilal (the Voice of Bilal); this journal was published by Muhsin Alidina, the representative of Bilal Muslim Mission in Mombasa. In 1967, Bilal Muslim Mission took the responsibility of its publication and Sayyid Muhammad Mahdi Shushtari became its editor-in-chief. This journal is being published every two weeks in Swahili and is distributed with free price in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Swahili regions of Zaire and Burundi. | ||
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• Seminary of Sayyid al-Khu'i in Birmingham | • Seminary of Sayyid al-Khu'i in Birmingham | ||
• Jamia Wali al-'Asr Seminary in New York | • Jamia Wali al-'Asr Seminary in New York | ||
• Islamic Institute for Postgraduate Studies in Damascus | • Islamic Institute for Postgraduate Studies in Damascus | ||
• Religious School of Ahl al-Bayt (a) for Islamic Studies in Tanzania | • Religious School of Ahl al-Bayt (a) for Islamic Studies in Tanzania | ||
• Amir al-Mu'min Religious School in Mombasa, Kenya | • Amir al-Mu'min Religious School in Mombasa, Kenya | ||
• Al-Mahdi Seminary in Birmingham | • Al-Mahdi Seminary in Birmingham | ||
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Although, Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia are from Kutch district in Gujarat state of India, but now live both in India, as well as other places in Asia, east and south Africa, north America and Europe and have independent communities and institutions in every country. | Although, Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia are from Kutch district in Gujarat state of India, but now live both in India, as well as other places in Asia, east and south Africa, north America and Europe and have independent communities and institutions in every country. | ||
• India: About 25 thousand Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia live in India. They live in Kutch district in Gujarat state, Bombay and other cities such as Bhuj, Baroda, Surat, Mandu, Ahmedabad, Morbi and Bhavnagar under supervision of the federation of Kutch and the council of Gujurat. The main center of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia in India is Bombay which has the largest number of Shia. | • India: About 25 thousand Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia live in India. They live in Kutch district in Gujarat state, Bombay and other cities such as Bhuj, Baroda, Surat, Mandu, Ahmedabad, Morbi and Bhavnagar under supervision of the federation of Kutch and the council of Gujurat. The main center of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia in India is Bombay which has the largest number of Shia. | ||
• Pakistan: After the separation of Pakistan from India in 1947, some Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia and other Muslims immigrated to Pakistan. They first settled in Karachi and then in Hyderabad and afterwards in other cities of Pakistan. In early 1960s, a small number of Khojas living in Africa moved to Pakistan. Following the war between India and Pakistan in 1971, some of the Khojas of this country returned to east Africa, but the next year, after the exile of Asians from Uganda, many of Khojas immigrated to Karachi. The population of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia of Pakistan is about 42 thousand people, most of whom live in Karachi. | • Pakistan: After the separation of Pakistan from India in 1947, some Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia and other Muslims immigrated to Pakistan. They first settled in Karachi and then in Hyderabad and afterwards in other cities of Pakistan. In early 1960s, a small number of Khojas living in Africa moved to Pakistan. Following the war between India and Pakistan in 1971, some of the Khojas of this country returned to east Africa, but the next year, after the exile of Asians from Uganda, many of Khojas immigrated to Karachi. The population of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia of Pakistan is about 42 thousand people, most of whom live in Karachi. | ||
• Dubai: A number of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia live in Dubai. They immigrated to Dubai in early 1960s, after the revolution of Zanzibar. The immigration of some dignitaries of Khoja to this city was made under the respectful consideration of Shaykh Rashid b. Maktum. Rida Fadhil Karmali and Akbar Jessa were at the top of the first group of Khoja who immigrated and resided in Dubai in 1967. | • Dubai: A number of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia live in Dubai. They immigrated to Dubai in early 1960s, after the revolution of Zanzibar. The immigration of some dignitaries of Khoja to this city was made under the respectful consideration of Shaykh Rashid b. Maktum. Rida Fadhil Karmali and Akbar Jessa were at the top of the first group of Khoja who immigrated and resided in Dubai in 1967. | ||
Also, some Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia live in Yemen, Bangladesh, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Qatar. | Also, some Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia live in Yemen, Bangladesh, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Qatar. | ||
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The Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia Mosque in Bujumbura, Capital of Burundi | The Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia Mosque in Bujumbura, Capital of Burundi | ||
Many Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia live in east and south east African countries. Khoja communities in these countries, especially in Tanzania and Kenya, are among the most important Khoja communities and had an important role in the establishment of the World Federation and Khoja propagation institutions. | Many Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia live in east and south east African countries. Khoja communities in these countries, especially in Tanzania and Kenya, are among the most important Khoja communities and had an important role in the establishment of the World Federation and Khoja propagation institutions. | ||
• Tanzania: Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia went to Tanzania toward the end of 19th century. After some Khojas settled in Zanzibar, some of them went to east African countries such as Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. Since 1880, some of them settled in Dar es Salaam, Bagamoyo, Lindi, Kilwa, Arusha and other cities. These Shia established several communities in different cities of Tanzania. The largest community of Khojas is in Dar es Salaam. | • Tanzania: Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia went to Tanzania toward the end of 19th century. After some Khojas settled in Zanzibar, some of them went to east African countries such as Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. Since 1880, some of them settled in Dar es Salaam, Bagamoyo, Lindi, Kilwa, Arusha and other cities. These Shia established several communities in different cities of Tanzania. The largest community of Khojas is in Dar es Salaam. | ||
• Kenya: About two thousand Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia live in Kenya. They mostly live in Nairobi, Mombasa and Nakuru. Khojas immigrated to Kenya in 1873 when some of them who were in Zanzibar went to Lamu island and built mosque, Imambargah, etc. Now, there are historical sites there with more than 100 years of age. | • Kenya: About two thousand Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia live in Kenya. They mostly live in Nairobi, Mombasa and Nakuru. Khojas immigrated to Kenya in 1873 when some of them who were in Zanzibar went to Lamu island and built mosque, Imambargah, etc. Now, there are historical sites there with more than 100 years of age. | ||
• Zanzibar: When they entered to Africa, Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia settled in this island and later some of them emigrated to other places in the east and south east Africa. Zanzibar community was the first Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia community. It was established in 1882, some years before the establishment of Bombay community. After entering this famous island, Khojas built the famous mosque of Quwwat al-Islam. | • Zanzibar: When they entered to Africa, Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia settled in this island and later some of them emigrated to other places in the east and south east Africa. Zanzibar community was the first Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia community. It was established in 1882, some years before the establishment of Bombay community. After entering this famous island, Khojas built the famous mosque of Quwwat al-Islam. | ||
In 1885, following the request of Dewji Jamal, Shaykh Zayn al-Abidin Mazandarani sent his student Sayyid 'Abd al-Husayn Shushtari to Zanzibar. After him, his adopted son, Sayyid Husayn Shushtari followed the way of his father. Before the revolution of 1963, Zanzibar was among the most populated centers of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia, but after the revolution, 90 to 95 percent of Khojas moved to Tanzania, Kenya, Madagascar, Europe and north America due to political pressures and restrictions; and now, less than 50 families of Khojas are remained in this island who are mostly elderly people and attend the two historical mosques of Quwwat al-Islam and Hujjat al-Islam. | In 1885, following the request of Dewji Jamal, Shaykh Zayn al-Abidin Mazandarani sent his student Sayyid 'Abd al-Husayn Shushtari to Zanzibar. After him, his adopted son, Sayyid Husayn Shushtari followed the way of his father. Before the revolution of 1963, Zanzibar was among the most populated centers of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia, but after the revolution, 90 to 95 percent of Khojas moved to Tanzania, Kenya, Madagascar, Europe and north America due to political pressures and restrictions; and now, less than 50 families of Khojas are remained in this island who are mostly elderly people and attend the two historical mosques of Quwwat al-Islam and Hujjat al-Islam. | ||
• Uganda: In 1903, some Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia families went to Kampala through Mombasa and Nairobi and established the first community of Khojas in this city. Gradually, the number of Shia increased in this city, but Abdi Amin expelled Asians including Khojas from Uganda. Thus, many of them immigrated to England, Sweden, India and Pakistan. After the downfall of Abdi Amin, some Khojas returned to the country. Of the population of 1000 Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia in Uganda, most of them live in Kampala. | • Uganda: In 1903, some Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia families went to Kampala through Mombasa and Nairobi and established the first community of Khojas in this city. Gradually, the number of Shia increased in this city, but Abdi Amin expelled Asians including Khojas from Uganda. Thus, many of them immigrated to England, Sweden, India and Pakistan. After the downfall of Abdi Amin, some Khojas returned to the country. Of the population of 1000 Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia in Uganda, most of them live in Kampala. | ||
• Somalia: In the past, about 1200 Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia lived in Somalia, but after the critical political and economic situation of the country in 1990, 1053 of them left the country and settled in Tanzania, Kenya, America and Canada. | • Somalia: In the past, about 1200 Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia lived in Somalia, but after the critical political and economic situation of the country in 1990, 1053 of them left the country and settled in Tanzania, Kenya, America and Canada. | ||
• Burundi: a number of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia emigrated from Tanzania and Madagascar to this country in the middle of 1960s. In the early 1990s when the war erupted in the country, Khojas moved to Tanzania and after the war they gradually returned to Burundi. | • Burundi: a number of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia emigrated from Tanzania and Madagascar to this country in the middle of 1960s. In the early 1990s when the war erupted in the country, Khojas moved to Tanzania and after the war they gradually returned to Burundi. | ||
A number of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia live in Madagascar, Comoros, Murris and Réunion. | A number of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia live in Madagascar, Comoros, Murris and Réunion. | ||
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There is no information about the exact date when Khojas moved to the United States; but, based on evidences and documents, they moved there in different times from east Africa in the middle of 1920s and early 1930s and settled in different cities such as New York. In 1940s, some Khojas living in Canada moved to the United States and settled in some of northern states. After the World War II, another group of Khojas immigrated to the United States from Tanzania, Kenya, India and Pakistan. | There is no information about the exact date when Khojas moved to the United States; but, based on evidences and documents, they moved there in different times from east Africa in the middle of 1920s and early 1930s and settled in different cities such as New York. In 1940s, some Khojas living in Canada moved to the United States and settled in some of northern states. After the World War II, another group of Khojas immigrated to the United States from Tanzania, Kenya, India and Pakistan. | ||
In early 1970s, some Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia moved to the United States, after they were exiled from Uganda. Khojas live in several states of the United States and make different activities under the Organization of North American Shia Ithna-asheri Muslim Communities (NASIMCO). Ayatullah Sistani has given them the permission to spend a part of the Share of Imam (a) from Khums to build Islamic centers. | In early 1970s, some Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia moved to the United States, after they were exiled from Uganda. Khojas live in several states of the United States and make different activities under the Organization of North American Shia Ithna-asheri Muslim Communities (NASIMCO). Ayatullah Sistani has given them the permission to spend a part of the Share of Imam (a) from Khums to build Islamic centers. | ||
Canada | Canada | ||
The history of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia in Canada dates back to 1967 when a group of Khojas moved there from Tanzania and Kenya and settled in Toronto and Vancouver. In 1972, a group of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia immigrants moved there after they were exiled from Uganda. Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia of Canada have several official communities in Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto and Ontario. However, the Khojas of Calgary, Windsor, Ottawa, Hamilton, Brooks, Kitchener, etc. do not have official communities. All official and non-official Khoja communities of Canada altogether make a population of 4000 to 5000 people. | The history of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia in Canada dates back to 1967 when a group of Khojas moved there from Tanzania and Kenya and settled in Toronto and Vancouver. In 1972, a group of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia immigrants moved there after they were exiled from Uganda. Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia of Canada have several official communities in Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto and Ontario. However, the Khojas of Calgary, Windsor, Ottawa, Hamilton, Brooks, Kitchener, etc. do not have official communities. All official and non-official Khoja communities of Canada altogether make a population of 4000 to 5000 people. | ||
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A group of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia live in England, Netherland and France. Communities of this group are influential in decision-making of the world and regional federations. In addition to organization of Khoja communities of Europe, the Council of European Jamaats (CoEJ) organizes hajj for Khojas. A very small group of these Khojas live in Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Denmark and Germany. | A group of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia live in England, Netherland and France. Communities of this group are influential in decision-making of the world and regional federations. In addition to organization of Khoja communities of Europe, the Council of European Jamaats (CoEJ) organizes hajj for Khojas. A very small group of these Khojas live in Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Denmark and Germany. | ||
• England: Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia went to England in early 1950s, when a group of them emigrated from east African countries to England to study in the universities of England. In 1972, when Khojas were exiled from Uganda, a new wave of their immigration to England began. They settled in London, Birmingham, Leicester, Manchester, Peterborough, Leeds, Wessex, Milton, etc. London community with a population of 5000 members is among large communities of Khojas. This community had an important role in the establishment of the World Federation, and by their support, established the Husaini Islamic Center. | • England: Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia went to England in early 1950s, when a group of them emigrated from east African countries to England to study in the universities of England. In 1972, when Khojas were exiled from Uganda, a new wave of their immigration to England began. They settled in London, Birmingham, Leicester, Manchester, Peterborough, Leeds, Wessex, Milton, etc. London community with a population of 5000 members is among large communities of Khojas. This community had an important role in the establishment of the World Federation, and by their support, established the Husaini Islamic Center. | ||
• Netherland: of about 200 thousand Shia living in Netherland, a very small number are Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia and the rest are Turk, Afghan, Iraqi, Kurd, Lebanese and Iranian immigrants. Immigration of Khojas to this country dates back to early 1970s. First immigrants were some exiled immigrants from Uganda. Since 1986, Khojas hold their programs in a center called Mehfil-e Zainab in Lahey. They do not have an official center and usually follow their religious activities in Mehfil-e Zainab. | • Netherland: of about 200 thousand Shia living in Netherland, a very small number are Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia and the rest are Turk, Afghan, Iraqi, Kurd, Lebanese and Iranian immigrants. Immigration of Khojas to this country dates back to early 1970s. First immigrants were some exiled immigrants from Uganda. Since 1986, Khojas hold their programs in a center called Mehfil-e Zainab in Lahey. They do not have an official center and usually follow their religious activities in Mehfil-e Zainab. | ||
• France: In early 1970s, a group of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia immigrated to France from east and south east Africa (mostly from Madagascar). Of the population of about 200 thousand Shia living in France, about 150 thousand ones of them are Iranian and the rest are Shia from Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Algeria, Morocco and a small number of them are Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia. Khojas living in France are mostly engaged in importing and exporting goods. They have the right to vote in the elections, but due to secular policies of the government, they are under a relative pressure of governmental institutions. | • France: In early 1970s, a group of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia immigrated to France from east and south east Africa (mostly from Madagascar). Of the population of about 200 thousand Shia living in France, about 150 thousand ones of them are Iranian and the rest are Shia from Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Algeria, Morocco and a small number of them are Khoja Ithna-Asheri Shia. Khojas living in France are mostly engaged in importing and exporting goods. They have the right to vote in the elections, but due to secular policies of the government, they are under a relative pressure of governmental institutions. | ||