His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin arrived in Chennai to lead Ashara Mubaraka Congregations

43,000 Dawoodi Bohras from around the world to attend congregations in the city.
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.
About the Dawoodi Bohras of Chennai
From the first family that settled as early as 1790 on Moore Street, George Town, the
community has grown to over 8,000 members spread across various localities. Known for
their hard work and enterprising spirit, many community members run successful small,
medium, and large-scale business establishments, making an active contribution to the
city’s economic development.
The Bohras of Chennai actively support various social welfare causes in the city, including
programs for educational upliftment, senior citizens, healthcare, and environmental
conservation. One notable effort is the ‘Zero Hunger Squad,’ a weekly initiative that works
to reduce hunger and malnutrition among underprivileged communities in Chennai.
Besides Chennai, several community members have also settled in Coimbatore, Salem,
Pondicherry and Erode.