Murad, Tessori, Kundi join Dawoodi Bohras Ashara Mubaraka congregation

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi called upon Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community, at Taheri Masjid, Karachi.

The official delegation participated in the eighth sermon of Ashara Mubaraka on Sunday (14th July).

The dignitaries, who also included Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab and provincial ministers Saeed Ghani, Nasir Hussain Shah, Ziaul Hassan Lanjar and Sharjeel Memon, visited the Taheri Masjid in Saddar, where they were warmly greeted by Syedna, his family members, and thousands of community members gathered there.

A delegation of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan also visited the mosque to meet the Dawwodi Bohra community’s spiritual leader. The delegation comprised Dr Farooq Sattar, Mustafa Kamal and others.

Syedna Saifuddin welcomed the guests and then briefly explained the significance of the Ashara Mubaraka gatherings. He highlighted Imam Husain ibn Ali’s principled stand for Islam, justice and humanity, for which he sacrificed his life and those of the Ahle Bayt.

Syedna drew inspiration from Prophet Muhammad’s (Peace be upon him) hadith where he stated: ‘All of Creation is a single family dependent upon Allah’ and declared that ‘the most beloved to Allah is the one who benefits His family the most.’

Syedna explained that Creation comprises all things, and as such we should strive to benefit not just all one another but all of creation.

He also cited the hadith where Nabi Muhammad (Peace be upon him) establishes that ‘Love for one’s homeland is an integral element of faith’. Syedna exhorted the Dawoodi Bohra community to be law-abiding and honest citizens, partaking in all activities that result in the progress of the nation.

Syedna extended his gratitude to the governor and chief minister, and the Pakistani government for providing the Dawoodi Bohra community with every assistance and cooperation in making necessary arrangements for the Ashara Mubaraka congregations in Karachi.

Addressing the gathering, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said, “Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin’s arrival in Karachi is a matter of pride for Sindh. We welcome him and Dawoodi Bohra community members who have come from all over the world to Karachi for the Muharram congregation.”

Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori expressed his appreciation to Syedna for selecting Karachi to host this year’s Ashara Mubaraka. He mentioned, “along with Syedna’s prayers the community’s arrival has had a positive impact on the economic conditions of the city.”

The visit by these high-ranking officials to the Ashara Mubaraka sermon highlights the significance of this spiritual gathering and the Dawoodi Bohra community’s relations with Pakistan and its people.

Syedna Saifuddin’s words on benefiting all of creation and loving one’s homeland resonate deeply with the community’s values and their role as engaged citizens. This interaction between religious and state leaders during such an important religious observance demonstrates the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation that exists in Pakistan’s diverse society.

As Ashara Mubaraka continues, it not only provides spiritual guidance to the Dawoodi Bohra community but also contributes positively to Karachi’s social and economic fabric, reinforcing the community’s commitment to national progress and interfaith harmony.