The umbrella for all Malawian Muslims.
The Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) was established in March 1957 as the Nyasaland Muslim Association — formed after Muslim elders realised that Muslim children were being systematically denied secular education by Christian-run schools. In 1968 the name was changed to Muslim Association of Malawi.
MAM was founded to serve as the single umbrella body for Malawi's Muslim community — promoting Islamic knowledge, moral uprightness, unity, and social welfare for all Malawians regardless of faith.
Since 1957, MAM has established schools, hospitals, mosques, and water projects across all 28 districts. The association has sent thousands of students internationally and now works with 30 affiliated organisations.
Chairmen of MAM
Eight leaders have shaped MAM's journey from a small Muslim education body to a nationally recognised development organisation.
Sheikh Rajabu Karim (Abdul Karim) — Chiradzulu
First elected Chairman. Led MAM through its earliest years when the core mission was establishing Islamic schools for Muslim children denied access to Christian-run schools.
Sheikh Lali Lubani — Blantyre
Served for three years before voluntarily stepping aside to make way for new leadership.
Mr Mussa Gama — Zomba
Led MAM for six years before resigning to pursue a political career after being appointed as a Member of Parliament.
Sheikh Twaibu Hussein Mwarabu — Balaka
The longest-serving Chairman — 22 years — who died in office. He established the Youth Committee (1977), hosted the 3rd Southern Africa Islamic Youth Conference (1981), acquired MAM's Quran House headquarters (1979), and built the Blantyre Islamic Mission, Bilali Clinic, Chiwaula Islamic Centre, and Ntaja Community Day Secondary School using Saudi Arabian funding.
Alhaj John Alid Likonde (Acting) — Mangochi
Served as Acting Chairman after Sheikh Mwarabu's death. Did not stand in subsequent elections and later formed the Qadriya Muslim Association of Malawi (QMAM).
Sheikh Omar Asibu Wochi — Mangochi
Served two full terms before choosing not to stand for re-election.
Alhaj Yusuf Kanyamula — Ntchisi
Served one term. During this period, many international Islamic NGOs operated in Malawi independently, bypassing MAM.
Sheikh Idrissa Muhammad — Mangochi
Inherited an organisation bypassed by international donors for ~20 years. Spent three years making resource mobilisation visits to Kuwait, Dubai, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia before restoring foreign aid. Led MAM's most sustained period of development across all 28 districts with 30 affiliated organisations.
Building a legacy.
200+ Mosques
Constructed or supported across all 28 districts of Malawi — places of worship for generations to come.
Quran in Chichewa
The first full translation of the Holy Quran into Chichewa — making the word of Allah accessible to millions of Malawians.
10,000+ Students
Supported through scholarships to study locally and in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Sudan, Turkey, Pakistan, and Malaysia.
Homes Built
Houses built and donated to underprivileged families in Balaka, Blantyre, Machinga, Mangochi, and Salima through Sharjah Charity UAE.
Solar Boreholes
Solar-powered boreholes drilled across six districts — funded by a Turkish Islamic organisation — bringing clean water and eliminating waterborne diseases.
6+ Health Clinics
Clinics in Chiradzulu, Lilongwe Area 24, Nkhotakota, Ntaja, Balaka, and Mangochi — plus hospital equipment donated to QECH Blantyre.
Be part of our story.
Your support keeps MAM's work alive across all 28 districts of Malawi.