A hundred years ago in 1899, there were only 17 people who had adopted Shia'ism in Kanodar in Gujarat.

Now we are one thousand families (around 5000 people) of Shia Ithna Ashri Momin Jamat, located at Kanodar (Ta:-Palanpur,Dist-Banas Kantha, North Gujarat, on Ahmedabad Delhi High Way), which is a  famous place for the Azadari Programme which is  held on the 22nd of Safar every year at Husain Tekri, Kanodar. 

The Azadari Programme is arranged by Anjumane Aza-e-Husain, Kanodar est. in 1964. There are three holy shrines (Shabih) 1.Hazarat Imam Husain ('a) 2.Hazarat Abbas ('a) 3.Sani-e-Zahra Janabe Zainab ('a), Mosque (Masjid), Rooms for Zai'rin and a big shade for Majlis-e-Aja in Husain Takeri Campus.

Madrasa-e-Tarakkia-e-Islam

In 1920, our ancestors constructed Madrasa-e-Tarakkia-e-Islam with the purpose of imparting education (Dini Talim) and for holding Majlis programmes. Around 50 years back, they built Jumah Mosque which is also called Minar of Hidayat. 

As the families grew in number, Madrasa-e-Tarakkia-e-Islam was renovated in 1975. At present, about 500 children are getting Dini Talim in this Madrasa. In 1982, with a view to educate in higher Education of Quran and Hadis (Aalim), we built Hauz-e-Ilmiya with the facility of a hostel. Hauz-e-Ilmiya is located at Husain Tekri Road. 

A lot of other castes of Islam have converted to Shia'ism with more conversions expected in the future. With this view in mind, the present capacity of the Madrassa and the Mosque is insufficient and therefore they will need further expansion.

Jafari Youth Federation

In 1989 the Jafari Youth Federation, Kanodar Unit, was formed for the improvement of the youth and engaged themselves in social and religious activities.

Jafari Channel

With the success of a lot of religious activities, we started the Jafari Radio Channel in 1998. Through this channel, we broadcast Islamic Programmes every morning and evening with connections to approx. 400 families. 

Jafari English School

Another outfit named Jafari Education Society established the Jafari English School  of Kanodar in 1994 with the help of N.R.I.'s (living in Saudi Arabia). At present, there are 150 students in this school.

Taha Muslemin Trust

In 1995, Taha Muslemin Trust was established with the aim to build houses, to assist sick community people, and to assist poor students in higher education with financial aid. Shia Ithna Ashari Momin Jamat Kanodar recently purchased a building at Shahpur, Ahmedabad for businessmen, students, sick people, etc as a facility for their stay in Ahmedabad. Likewise, the same facilities can be availed by the brethren in Bombay at Two Tanks, Saat Rasta and Jogeshwari.

For the long term requirement of social and religious activities, like Imamwada, Mehfil, Musha-e-ra, Majlis -e-Aja, prayer of Jumah and Eiden, (at present space of Madrassa and Masjid are insufficient), Hospital, Library, Sports, Marriage Ceremony, we have purchased land from four land-owners in the centre of Kanodar town with an approximate area of 1,32,000 Sq.Ft. for a sum of Rs.90,00,000/-(Ninety Lakhs). The deal for the above mentioned land was finalised on 20 Jamadiul Akhar H.S.1421 - the birth day of Janab-e- Fatema Zahra ('a). To answer the call  "Halmin Naserin Yan Sorona Halmin Mogisin Yogi Sona"  (mission of Karbala) of Imam Husain ('a), we have taken this step. Insh' Allah,  Imame Zamana (a.t.f.s.) will be with us for such good activities for the benefit of our community. The deal for the above mentioned land was made for Rs. 90,00,000/- (Ninety lakhs). The cost of developing this land (Construction of building) is approximately Rs.1,10,00,000 (One Crore Ten  Lacs). The estimated total cost would be Rs.2,00,00,000/- (Two Crore). We have applied for Ijaza of Sahme Imam (a.t.f.s.).

To get a public opinion on this project (Purchase of land and construction), Shia Ithana Ashari Momin Jamat, Kanodar held a General Meeting on 1st. Nov. 2000. The General Meeting passed this project without any objection. For achieving the target, the general meeting has decided to collect the required funds through following sources :

1.    Donation (Rupees, Gold, Silver)
2.    Isale Savab of Marhum
3.    Sahme Imam ('a) 
4.    Karje Hasna 
5.    In case the target is not met, Term Loan (Rupees, Gold, Silver)

To follow the principle "Charity begins at home", an on the spot collection was carried out. We got a donation of Rs.12,75,353/- , 15 Tola (150 Gram) Gold & 500 Gram Silver.

By the grace of Masumin ('a.) Jashne Qayam (a.t.f.s.) Programme held successfully at new purchased land and on the occasion of Mahefile Imame Zamana (a.t.f.s.) this new purchased land was named as Baug -E- Zahra ('a).

We received overwhelming responses from our momins and received the following types of donations from our brothers and sisters. (Including General Meeting Donation).

The Momins distributed more and more for the BAUG-E-ZAHRA ('a)

We hope you will be helpful to us. Awaiting for your positive attitude in this holy matter.

Note:-1. We appreciate your reply by email as confirmation.
         2. Above mentioned donation was collected only till the 16 th June,2001.  
         3. Send Donation/ Sahme Imam (a.s.) on N.M.M.H. Trust, Account No:- 1653,Dena Bank, Kanodar or  M.M.H.Trust Account No.11742 State Bank Of India, Sidhapur.Gujarat, India

Note:- We obtain Ejaze of Rs. 1,50,00,000/- (One Crore and Fifty lakhs) attested by the Aytullah Syed Alihusain Sistani saheb and Aytullah Syed Musvi Aradbeli. Scan copy of Ejeza attached with this email. Please send your Donation, Sahme Imam ('a)

Brother In Faith,

Mohammad Taqi Agharia
President,
Shia Ithana Ashari Momin Jamat Kanodar,
Phone No.:- +91-2742-41820/41880.(R) 41721.
Jamat Office:- +91-2742-42362,42048.
Husain Takeri:-+91-2742-41362
Email:- shiajamatkanodar@yahoo.com
Email:- leaderpump@vsnl.com

www.victorynewsmagazine.com