OUR HISTORY

The Surti Muslim Khalifa Society originated from the Western part of the Gujarat state known as the ‘Surat’ district. After World War 1 many residents of the Surat district emigrated to places such as Africa, Fiji, Madagascar, Mauritius & Burma. Some of them still live in Europe while others are living in the USA today. The majority however emigrated to East & West Africa.

Those people who emigrated to East Africa established societies in both Mombassa and Nairobi. Both Societies were able to help their members during wedding ceremonies or even funeral arrangements. Some people were able to establish businesses and enjoyed a successful stay in East Africa. Unfortunately in the 1970s due to the ‘Africanisation’ policy brought in by Beni-amin those living in Africa were forced to emigrate again, some decided to move back to India while others decided to choose the UK.

As many families were forced to move quickly and in some cases overnight they were forced to gather as much possessions as possible and leave everything else behind from a country in which many individuals had grown up in.

Those that moved to the UK settled in different cities such as Nuneaton, Bradford, Leicester and Coventry to pursue work. Those that moved to Bradford established a society to help their members cater for their social needs and to establish themselves

In the UK. The society was established with a primary aim to help cater for the social needs of the members. It was decided that the society would need to make provisions for funeral arrangements, wedding ceremonies and Islamic tuition.

As times change and social needs change for our members, the society will endeavour to cater for them.