By Adonis Byemelwa
The Secretary General of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Tanzania, Seif Hassan Nakuchima, has announced the passing of Mohammed Iqbal Dar, the man credited with coining the name Tanzania. He passed away on March 2, 2025, in Birmingham, United Kingdom, after battling illness for nearly 10 years.
Mohammed Iqbal Dar was born on August 8, 1944, in Tanga, Tanzania. He received his primary and secondary education at H.H. The Agakhan School in Tanga before joining Mzumbe Secondary School in 1964.
During his time at Mzumbe, Dar came across a government advertisement in The Standard newspaper (now The Daily News) inviting the public to participate in a competition to suggest a new name for the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
This union, which was formed in April 1964, required a unified identity, and the government sought to involve its citizens in this historic process.
With a creative and patriotic spirit, the young student submitted the name Tanzania, blending the two territories into one name that symbolized unity and the birth of a new nation.
His suggestion was selected as the winning entry on November 19, 1964. He was awarded Tsh. 200 and a medal presented by the then Minister of Information, Sheikh Idrisa Abdul Wakil, in recognition of his contribution to the country's identity.
Despite this remarkable achievement, Mohammed Iqbal Dar lived a quiet and humble life, never seeking publicity for his historic contribution.
He later relocated to the United Kingdom, where he spent his later years battling illness with resilience and dignity. His passing marks the end of a life that left a lasting legacy on the nation he named.
Friends, family, and the Ahmadiyya Muslim community have paid tribute to him, describing him as a humble, intelligent, and selfless man who made an indelible mark on Tanzania's history without seeking fame or fortune.
His story remains an inspiring example of how a single act of creativity can shape the identity of an entire nation.
Mohammed Iqbal Dar will be remembered not only for his contribution to Tanzania’s national identity but also for his unwavering dedication to his faith, family, and country. May his soul rest in eternal peace.