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Dawoodi Bohras gather to commemorate martyrdom of Imam Husain

Dawoodi Bohras gather to commemorate martyrdom of Imam Husain

Hans India9 hours ago

Hyderabad: Thousands of members of the worldwide Dawoodi Bohra community have begun arriving in Hyderabad to participate in the Ashara Mubaraka congregations being held in the city. This year, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the 53rd leader of the global Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community, has designated Chennai, Tamil Nadu, as the central venue for the congregations, with Hyderabad serving as one of the satellite centres for a live broadcast.
Ashara Mubaraka will take place between the 10th and 13th of Moharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. This period is dedicated to remembering Prophet Mohammad, his grandson Imam Husain, and his family. For the Dawoodi Bohras, attending the Moharram congregations is considered a spiritual and educational journey of growth and development.
Under the guidance and leadership of Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the community dedicates these learning sessions to reinvigorating their faith as they navigate the complexities of modern life.
The events are scheduled to take place from June 27 to July 5, 2025, at the Saifee Masjid complex in Trimulgherry, Ezzi Masjid Complex in Chowk, Husaini Alam, and Imperial Garden. 'We are fortunate that Syedna Saifuddin has chosen Hyderabad among other cities and towns as a satellite centre,' said Ammar Shakir, coordinator of the programme in Secunderabad.
'As we open our homes and hearts to welcome approximately 22,000 Dawoodi Bohras from different parts of the world, we are working in close collaboration with civic authorities and government officials to plan this event and ensure a comfortable experience for all attendees,' Ammar added.
Other Dawoodi Bohra centres in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh will also broadcast these sermons in their local community centres, alongside an overseas venue in Colombo.

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Dawoodi Bohras gather to commemorate martyrdom of Imam Husain
Dawoodi Bohras gather to commemorate martyrdom of Imam Husain

Hans India

time9 hours ago

  • Hans India

Dawoodi Bohras gather to commemorate martyrdom of Imam Husain

Hyderabad: Thousands of members of the worldwide Dawoodi Bohra community have begun arriving in Hyderabad to participate in the Ashara Mubaraka congregations being held in the city. This year, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the 53rd leader of the global Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community, has designated Chennai, Tamil Nadu, as the central venue for the congregations, with Hyderabad serving as one of the satellite centres for a live broadcast. Ashara Mubaraka will take place between the 10th and 13th of Moharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. This period is dedicated to remembering Prophet Mohammad, his grandson Imam Husain, and his family. For the Dawoodi Bohras, attending the Moharram congregations is considered a spiritual and educational journey of growth and development. Under the guidance and leadership of Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the community dedicates these learning sessions to reinvigorating their faith as they navigate the complexities of modern life. The events are scheduled to take place from June 27 to July 5, 2025, at the Saifee Masjid complex in Trimulgherry, Ezzi Masjid Complex in Chowk, Husaini Alam, and Imperial Garden. 'We are fortunate that Syedna Saifuddin has chosen Hyderabad among other cities and towns as a satellite centre,' said Ammar Shakir, coordinator of the programme in Secunderabad. 'As we open our homes and hearts to welcome approximately 22,000 Dawoodi Bohras from different parts of the world, we are working in close collaboration with civic authorities and government officials to plan this event and ensure a comfortable experience for all attendees,' Ammar added. Other Dawoodi Bohra centres in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh will also broadcast these sermons in their local community centres, alongside an overseas venue in Colombo.

Chennai hosts Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin for this year's Moharram sermons; 43,000 Bohras attend; first Ashara gathering after 50 years
Chennai hosts Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin for this year's Moharram sermons; 43,000 Bohras attend; first Ashara gathering after 50 years

Time of India

timea day ago

  • Time of India

Chennai hosts Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin for this year's Moharram sermons; 43,000 Bohras attend; first Ashara gathering after 50 years

MUMBAI: The 53rd leader of the worldwide Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, is in Chennai to address this year's Ashara Mubaraka congregation during Moharram. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Around 43,000 Dawoodi Bohras from across the globe are attending the Ashara Mubaraka congregation, held between the 2nd and 10th of Moharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. It is a time dedicated to commemorating the Prophet Muhammad, his grandson Imam Husain, and his family. Imam Husain, along with his companions and close relatives, was martyred on Ashura (10th Moharram) at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, in present-day Iraq. For Dawoodi Bohras, attending the Muharram congregation is a spiritual and educational journey, helping with personal growth and development. Under the guidance of Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the community uses these sermons to strengthen their faith, drawing inspiration from the Holy Quran and the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad and his family. 'We consider ourselves extremely fortunate and are elated that His Holiness has graciously accepted our invitation to conduct this year's Ashara Mubaraka congregation in our city,' said Aliasger Shakir, Community Outreach Coordinator in Chennai. Known as the cultural capital of South India, Chennai has a long tradition of inclusivity, diversity, and harmony. 'We're confident that this hospitable nature of our city will provide a warm and spiritual environment for all attendees,' he added. Besides the main venue at Moore Street, the programme will be broadcast to nine other centres across the city. 'As we prepare to welcome thousands of guests, we are working closely with civic authorities and government officials to ensure the event is held smoothly, safely, and with a shared commitment to cleanliness, order, and civic responsibility,' Shakir said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Various committees have been formed to handle accommodation, transport, food, seating arrangements, and other facilities so that guests from different parts of the world can take part fully and comfortably. 'We are extremely grateful to the government and local authorities for their continued support and cooperation in making this historic event memorable and fulfilling for all attendees,' Shakir added. The last time Chennai hosted the Ashara Mubaraka congregation was in 1975, when Syedna Saifuddin's revered father and the 52nd leader of the community, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, chose the city for the commemoration. Older members of the community still remember that event fondly as a time of transformation for the Dawoodi Bohras in Chennai. 'Fifty years is a lifetime, yet the memories of Syedna Burhanuddin's visit are fresh,' said Ibrahim Haji, a senior community member. 'His presence brought immense growth and prosperity. Now, with Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin gracing us with his presence, we look forward to his guidance and counsel on all aspects of life.' From the first Bohra family that settled on Moore Street, George Town, in 1790, the community has grown to over 8,000 members spread across different parts of Chennai. Known for their hard work and enterprising spirit, many members run successful small, medium, and large-scale businesses, actively contributing to the city's economy. The Bohras of Chennai are also involved in various social welfare initiatives, including efforts for education, senior citizens, healthcare, and environmental conservation. One notable project is the 'Zero Hunger Squad', a weekly initiative aimed at reducing hunger and malnutrition among underprivileged communities in Chennai. Apart from Chennai, Dawoodi Bohras have also settled in Coimbatore, Salem, Pondicherry, and Erode.

Poetry of grief: Dongri's marsiya reciters prepare for Moharram
Poetry of grief: Dongri's marsiya reciters prepare for Moharram

Time of India

time4 days ago

  • Time of India

Poetry of grief: Dongri's marsiya reciters prepare for Moharram

As the Muslim month of Moharram begins this week (June 26 or 27, depending on the sighting of the new moon), the pulsating Pala Galli aka Hazrat Abbas Street in Dongri prepares to be draped in black. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Rooftops, shopfronts, windowsills and sabeels (water fountains) will be adorned with black flags and banners, signalling the sacred time of mourning. Moharram marks the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad's grandson Imam Hussain, his family members, and companions at the Battle of Karbala (618) in Iraq. Besides the visual symbols of mourning, another deeply emotive tradition unfolds: marsiyakhwani—the act of eulogising the Karbala martyrs through poetry recitation. Perhaps no marsiya reciter in Mumbai evokes the pain and lamentation for the departed souls on the plains of Karbala as powerfully as Haji Mohammed Reza Parekh, fondly known as Haji Bhai among his admirers. At 60, Parekh is a revered presence at many Moharram majlis or congregation venues, including Khoja Shia Jama Masjid, Masjid-E-Iranian or Mughal Masjid, and Kesar Baug Hall in Dongri. In addition, he is often invited to recite at many private Shia homes in the city. Notably, at Kesar Baug Hall, Parekh's family has upheld the humble yet vital tradition of safeguarding the shoes of the mourners during Moharram gatherings for generations. "Nothing gives me more satisfaction than helping fellow mourners connect with the pain and sacrifice at Karbala," says Parekh, who began reciting marsiya when he was five, often carried on his father's shoulders to the Moharram majlis. "I pray to God that I should be doing it till I live on this earth." Tired of too many ads? go ad free now M ourning for the martyrs of Karbala is central to religious expression in Shia faith, and marsiyas are among the most poignant ways that the grief is communicated. "What the zakirs or speakers do through Moharram sermons, marsiya reciters do through poetry. They evoke the feeling of loss and lamentation and Haji Bhai has perfected this art," explains Ali Shroff, president, Khoja Shia Isna Ashari Jamaat in Mumbai. "His poignant recitations transport you to the tragic time when Imam Hussain and his companions were subjected to extreme adversity during the Karbala battle." Haji Sajjad P Shroff, secretary of the century-old Jamaat, has observed and attended Parekh's recitation sessions for decades. "Once while visiting Imam Hussain's mausoleum in Karbala, I persuaded Haji Bhai to recite a marsiya at the holy precinct as part of our homage to the Imam," recalls Haji Sajjad. Marsiya, derived from the Arabic 'marthiya'—meaning lamentation for the departed souls—is believed to have originated in the 16th century. It received a major push during the rule of Shia nawabs of Awadh, including Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulah, who patronised even Hindu poet and marsiya writer Munshi Channulal Dilgir (1780-1848). Many famous marsiyas of Dilgir, including 'Ghabrayegi Zainab'—depicting the trauma the Imam's family suffered—have received widespread popularity and continue to mesmerise mourners to this day. The genre owes much of its literary elevation to two legendary poets: Mir Anis and Mirza Dabeer. They lifting marsiya from majlis to high art in Urdu poetry. "Commentators have long debated who between Anis and Dabeer was a better marsiya writer. They took this genre to dizzying heights and enriched Urdu poetry," says Mira Road-based marsiya reciter Syed Mohammed Akbar Rizvi. Hailing Anis as a pioneer, the famous scholar-critic Shibli Nomani wrote: "The poetic qualities of Anis are not matched by any other poets." Besides reciting at Mehfile Sakkae Sakina in Mira Road, Rizvi travels to Dongri to recite at Mughal Masjid. Kausar Zaidi, who has anchored the Moharram sermons at Mughal Masjid for over three decades, also writes marsiyas. He once anchored the Moharram sermons of the late Maulana Mohammed Athar Mirza, who delivered sermons at Mughal Masjid for over five decades. For the marsiya reciters, the days of mourning are not only sacred but also deeply personal. Each session is a calling—to evoke remembrance, tears and ultimately, reaffirmation of faith.

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