TRIBUTE TO HAJI AHMED H. SHERIFF
By : Asgherali M.M. Jaffer.
Writing is an exact science. It is also an exacting ask in which dogged persistence and determination is inherent. One has to guard oneself against distraction and temptation to do something else. I admired and envied Ahmedbhai H. Sheriff because he was a prolific in this art. Several essays, tracts and books exists to his credit, the last of which was published days before his sudden and unexpected demise.
When difficulties and problems crowded in from various quarters on Bilal Muslim Mission with an unmatched conviction. To his noble end, he contributed from his wealth knowledge and time.
The man of sound erudition, Ahmedbhai was totally unassuming. He never showed off and loved to remain behind the scene, performing some of the most important duties without much fanfare. In Moshi he served as President of jamaat for several terms on end, and when in Mombasa he displayed earnest interest in the Education Board. Evidently he was selective about the office which he would serve, always careful to shun the turbulem waters of jamaat affairs.
Ahmedbhai hailed from the family of Dewjibhai Jamal whose propensity for religious propagation is a historical fact. Scores of families would today testify that they entered the fold of Shia Ithnasheri rites due to the efforts of one or the other member of this family. It is a family blessed with several natural gifts, all of which have been put to heir best use. Ahmedbhai wrote and spoke fluently in Persian, English, Gujrati and Urdu. He was a voracious reader and liked to translate useful books into English for the benefit of our youths who are gradually getting out of contact with their own mother tongue.
As a Zakir of Imam Husein (a.s.) he usually recited majlises prepared and written by himself. One liked to listen to his sermons which were full of information and were delivered in the most captivating easy style.
We shall all remember him for his dignified noble character, his full, beaming smile, his slow cautious and well worded conversation and for his enviable control of temper.
The news of his graceful departure soon after having rendered the last sermon in Mombasa Imambara and amid recitation of Sura of Yasin aroused a mixed feeling of grief and solace in my mind. Death is certain for every mortal, but when it creeps in so graciously after a full and meaningful life it becomes all the more palatable and consoling.
May his soul rest in eternity, with Masoomen in the heavenly abode Amin.
