Conversation with Authors - Dr. Hasnain Walji - From Dhows to Diaspora

This series of “Conversation with Authors” features Executive Director and Chair of the Khoja Heritage Project, Dr Hasnain Walji with MARC host Shabbir Jaffer on the new book, “From Dhows to Diaspora”, published by The Federation of KSI Jamaats of Africa (AFED) and launched at its Conference in Mombasa in June 2025. This landmark publication draws much of its factual material from AFED’s archives team, while capturing the spiritual, historical, and institutional journey of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri community across East and Central Africa — a community that has navigated migration, faith, and modernity without ever losing its anchor in collective identity and service. As the Africa Federation approaches eight decades of service, this publication stands as a tribute to the quiet builders of its community — those who established masajid in remote areas, taught Qur’an under mango trees, led with integrity, and served selflessly without seeking recognition.