Year 2011
Mehfil has always been a centre of Socio-religious programs, where social issues have been addressed with sincerity and religious gatherings are held with responsibility.
The year remained ever so challenging, as all the activities were influenced by the concerns of security for momineens of Karachi, it became imperative to gear up our efforts to make all the events successful.
The Managing Committee of Mehfil-e-Murtaza, invited (for the second time) Maulana Kumail Mehdavi to recite in Muharram. The Ladies Majalis were addressed by Zakira Zakia Ghulam Mehdi.
The current Managing Committee elected for the term of 2009-2012 revived the concept of Sub-committees, who under their convener became responsible for conducting their assignments as per the scope of the sub & working committees, and keeping in view the policies conveyed by the Managing Committee.
Murtaza Volunteer Corps
The volunteers considered to be the backbone of any institution, have made us proud, as their services are recognized by both momineens in Pakistan and Institutions representing Khoja’s throughout the Globe. New recruitments were made through the year, and outstanding performances were appreciated at different platforms to encourage other youngsters.
Keyword: Discipline
Regular Activities
The regular activities committee is responsible for managing the daily affairs of the Masjid and Imambargah. Also responsible to monitor the institutions under the patronage of Mehfil-e-Murtaza. All Wiladat & Shahadat programs are comprehensively organized by this committee. The Hussaini Society Madressah is also being looked after by the sub-committee, under the chairmanship of Mr. Shaukat Moolo.
Keyword: Time Management
Special Events
The committee was originally formed to plan, organize & implement the Ittehad Bain ul Muslimeen Week, held on the Birth Anniversary of Rasool-e-Khuda (S.A.W) on 12th and 17th Rabi-ul-Awal, every year. But can also arrange other programs recognized as, of such magnitude.
Keyword: Unity
Conveners Annual Report
The first ever program of Jashan-e-Miladun Nabi (S.A.W.) and Ittehad-e-Bainul Muslimeen was introduced in Karachi in 1995 where scholars from different Islamic schools of thought within Pakistan and from overseas were invited to participate on 12th and 17th (Shab) Rabiul Awwal. The programme has been regularly held every year since then and has gone from strength to strength. We remain hopeful that our innovative efforts have promoted religious tolerance and understanding in these difficult times.
A closing meeting of the Organizing Committee and the Media Committee was held on 13.03.2011 (to review the events and identify areas of improvements) with respect to Jashn-e-Miladun Nabi (S.A.W.) and Ittehad-e-Bainul Muslimeen 1432/2011 which was successfully held on 15.02.2011 and 20.02.2011.
As you are aware that Organizing Committee used to start preparation for this program after Ashura. However, for the first time the preparation for the 19th program 1433/2012 has been started much earlier in order to make further improvements. In this regard first preparatory meeting was held in the month of Zilqad on 06.10.2011. Following are the few new ideas which were identified in this regard:
1) Preparation of SOP for future events and bifurcate responsibilities.
2) How to enhance Sunni participation whether on stage, or in the audience, or on the rostrum.
3) To see alternatives to traditional Maulanas e.g. Scholars as well as speakers from abroad e.g. India.
4) To see venue change to provide neutrality and comfort to non-Shias.
5) To arrange talk show format on 17th Rabiul Awwal and only Naat on 12th Rabiul Awwal
Maintenance
The primary responsibility of the Committee was to ensure the daily maintenance of Mehfil-e-Murtaza premises including outside the boundary wall front and back for cleaning, repairs and maintenance. The convener and his team have been successful in reducing the cost of overhead expenses by vigilance and prompt actions. They are also responsible for ensuring quality of services from the paid staff.
Keyword: Cleanliness
Finance
As the name suggests the committee looks after the financial matters of the institution. A comprehensive methodology was developed by Finance Committee to organize the collections of donations, make investments in short terms and long terms, and ensure availability of funds for daily, weekly and monthly programs. The committee was also responsible for introducing ‘support your mehfil’ which was very successful.
Keyword: Accuracy
Security
As mentioned earlier, the security arrangements remained the prime concern in all events of the year, specially Ramazan & Muharram.
Keyword: Vigilance
Ghusul / Kafan
29 mayats were given ghusal & kafan at Mehfil-e-Murtaza Ghusal Khana during the year 2011. Besides the committee also arranged a couple of training sessions for members & youths of the community, through renowned Zakirs & Zakiras. The death registration form was also ‘modified’ to have more details for record purpose. The ambulance remained available for transportation from Masjid to Graveyard to most of the above cases.
Keyword: Responsibility
Communications
The committee introduced the SMS & E-mail services for convenience of members and for all those who wanted to use the service, the response of which was also very positive from the community. The New Website of Mehfil-e-Murtaza will soon be launched (Probably January 2012), which will have all information about Mehfil activities & will invite feedback and suggestions from its viewers. Mehfil Majalis & Milads are seen live on Internet for the last few years. Besides Dua / Aamal Books are arranged by the committee as per requirement, for respective programs.
Keyword: Accessibility
OVERSEAS GUESTS
The President of World Federation Dr. Asghar Moledina visited our institution twice this year, and showed his satisfaction over the work carried on by the management. His interaction with people of the community during his visits reflected the interest and committement of World Federation towards our members.
MEMBERSHIP STATUS
Ordinary: 84
Patron Members: 09
Life Members: 228
Total: 321
The Managing Committee of Mehfil-e-Murtaza appreciates and thanks all its members for their continuous support and guidance, their donations, their time and most of all their forbearance, enabling and encouraging us to move forward.