CHENNAI, TAMIL NADU: His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the 53rd leader of the worldwide Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community, arrived in Chennai by train from Mumbai on 23rd June. He was warmly received at the Perambur Railway Station by government officials along with senior members of the Dawoodi Bohra community in Chennai.
Syedna Saifuddin is in the city for Ashara Mubaraka, the annual Moharram congregation, at the invitation of the local Dawoodi Bohra community. The visit is further distinguished by a special invitation extended by Thiru P.K. Sekar Babu, Minister for Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments, Tamil Nadu, as well as Chairman of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), and by Thiru Dayanidhi Maran, Member of Parliament and Deputy Leader of the DMK in the Lok Sabha.
Ashara Mubaraka is a period from the 2nd to the 10th of Moharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar dedicated to remembering the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), his grandson Imam Husain and his family, and their valorous stand for the universal values of justice, truth and humanity. For the Dawoodi Bohras, attending the Muharram congregations is a spiritual and educational journey of growth and development.
The community, under the guidance and leadership of Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, dedicates these learning sessions to reinvigorating their faith as they navigate the complexities of modern life. The sermons inspire them to seek knowledge in the light of the Holy Quran and to strive to emulate the noble qualities of the Prophet Mohammed (SAW) and his family members.
“We consider ourselves extremely fortunate and are elated that His Holiness has graciously accepted our invitation to conduct this year’s Ashara Mubaraka congregations in our city”, shared Aliasger Shakir, Community Outreach Coordinator in Chennai.
“Often referred to as the ‘cultural capital of South India’, Chennai has a long history of promoting inclusivity, diversity and harmony. We’re confident that this hospitable nature of our city will provide a friendly and spiritual environment for all attendees,” he added.
Around 43,000 Dawoodi Bohra community members from different parts of India and across the world are expected to gather in the city to mark this occasion. In addition to the central venue at Moore Street, the program will be broadcast to nine other centres in the city.
“As we prepare to welcome thousands of guests, we are working closely with civic authorities and government officials to uphold protocols and ensure the event is conducted smoothly, safely, and in a manner that reflects our shared commitment to cleanliness, order and civic responsibility,” Shakir added.
Various committees have been set up to handle accommodation, transport, food, seating arrangements and other facilities to ensure that guests coming from all parts of the world are able to participate fully and in the best manner possible. Shakir continued, “We’re 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.”
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. That event is still fondly remembered by older community members as a period that ushered in transformation for Chennai’s Dawoodi Bohra community.
“Fifty years feel like a lifetime, yet the memories of Syedna Burhanuddin’s visit are as fresh as ever,” said Ibrahim Haji, an elder of the community. “His presence brought immense growth and prosperity. Now, with Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin gracing us with his presence, we are looking forward to his guidance and counsel on various aspects of life.
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