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.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.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.
