World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Ashari Muslim Communities
Introduction
The World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Ashari Muslim Communities is a nonprofit organization established in 1976 in London. This federation aims to serve the Khoja Shia Ithna-Ashari communities worldwide, providing a structured approach to community welfare, development, and religious activities.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: اتحاد الجماعات المسلمة للشيعة الإثنا عشرية الخوجة العالمية
- Turkish: Dünya Hoca Şii On İki İmam Müslüman Toplulukları Federasyonu
Establishment and Governance
The World Federation was founded to create a unified, structured body that could address the needs and concerns of the Khoja Shia communities dispersed globally. Operating under a formal constitution, it is managed by elected officeholders and an executive council. The organization’s policies and strategic directions are deliberated upon and ratified during a conference held every three years.
Secretariat and Membership
The secretariat of the World Federation is based at the Islamic Centre in Stanmore, England. The federation comprises twenty-four member communities and four regional federations located in Africa, Europe, North America, and India. Altogether, it serves a membership base of over one hundred thousand people, making it one of the most influential organizations within the Shia Ithna-Ashari world.
Activities and Impact
The World Federation has been pivotal in initiating and supporting a variety of capital projects and welfare services. Its activities include the construction of religious and educational facilities, provision of healthcare services, and coordination of humanitarian aid. By functioning as a channel for key interventions and support, the organization ensures that the needs of its community members are met both locally and internationally.
Significant Contributions
One of the organization’s critical roles is serving as a catalyst for meaningful development within its member communities. This includes activities ranging from guiding youth and women empowerment initiatives to offering educational scholarships. The World Federation fosters a sense of unity and shared identity among the Khoja Shia Ithna-Ashari populations around the world, strengthening the community’s socio-religious fabric.
Recommended Readings
For those interested in further exploring the activities and impact of the World Federation, consider these books and resources:
- “The Khojas: A History” by Ach. H. Hamid Ahmed Maitla
- “Communities and Leadership” by various authors, published by the Federation
- “Shi’i Leadership: Strategies and Dynamics” edited by various researchers
Key Takeaways
- The World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Ashari Muslim Communities is a guiding and unifying organization founded in 1976.
- It functions under a constitution and holds policy-forming conferences every three years.
- The federation has twenty-four member communities with a secretariat based in Stanmore, England.
- The organization’s activities serve over one hundred thousand members worldwide, focusing on area development, welfare projects, and capacity-building initiatives.
Conclusion
The World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Ashari Muslim Communities exemplifies the organizational and community-building spirit within the broader Shia Ithna-Ashari domain. Through its structured governance, regional outreach, and commitment to welfare, the federation has established itself as a cornerstone institution fostering unity, development, and religious identity among its communities.
