Anjuman-e-Ja'fariyya was established in 1982 by the Shia Ithna Ashari Community of Watford. .....

It originally had its origins on the 1960’s when the first wave of immigration from the Indian Sub-continent took place with mainly young men coming to the United Kingdom looking for a better life. During these formative years majalises took place in people’s homes to commemorate Moharram and other important occasions in the Islamic calendar.

In 1984 Anjuman-e-Ja’fariyya was formally registered as a Charity.

For much of its early years the Jamaat was based in a converted house and although much too small to cater for the needs for the Community, it was here that people gathered to hear the message of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and his Household.

Today the Jamaat is based at al Zahra Centre which was purchased by the Community in 1997. These facilities now cater for the religious Islamic education of the Community of Watford of over 120 households.

Anjuman-e-Ja'fariyya’s objectives as set out its constitution are two-fold:
(1) The advancement of the religion of Islam in accordance with the tenets of Shia Ithna Ashari faith; and
(2) The advancement of the education of Muslim children and adults based on the Shis Ithna Ashari faith.

The Jamaat has now during any given week of the year various programmes and functions catering for all sectors of the Community.

For example:

• Daily prayers are held at al Zahra Centre;
• Seniors luncheon club is held on Mondays and Thursdays.
• Weekly recitation of Dua Kumayl and Majalis.
• Weekly football club for youth boys.
• Weekly netball club for youth girls.

The Jamaat also ensures that the Wiladats and Shahadats of the Household of the Holy Prophet are appropriately commemorated in accordance with the Islamic calendar. The Islamic month of Moharram is observed and over the years many decorated and well recognized speakers have come to al Zahra Centre to recite.

We hope that you will be able to join us at one of our programmes in the very near future