DAR ES SALAAM-THE CITY WILL BE HOST TO THE LARGEST RELIGIOUS GONGREGATION IN OVER THREE DECADES

Ashara Mubaraka are the first 10 days of Moharram, that mark the martyrdom of Imam HusainAS, grandson of Prophet MohammedSAW, that took place fourteen centuries ago. This is a very important religious and spiritual event in the Dawoodi Bohra Calendar. Each year, Dawoodi Bohras across the world observe Ashara Mubaraka by attending religious sermons, mourning the tragedy of Karbala and remembering the supreme sacrifice of Imam HusainAS.

Imam HusainAS refused to pledge allegiance to Yazeed, a tyrannical ruler who had transgressed all that Islam stood for and had established a reign of oppression after coming to power. In the battle of Karbala, Imam HusainAS along with seventy two of his followers including his family fought bravely on the scorching sands of Karbala and acquired martyrdom. The oppressors had totally denied them food and water for 3 consecutive days and even Imam HusainAS’s six month old son was martyred in the battlefield of Karbala. Imam HusainAS made this supreme sacrifice so that truth may prevail, tyranny be exterminated and the cherished human values of righteousness, piety and virtue may ever remain supreme and uncompromised.

Following the footsteps of his predecessors, each year, 53rd al-Dai al-Mutlaq, His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mufaddal SaifuddinTUS,on receiving requests and invitations from his followers from different towns and cities, chooses a venue for delivering sermons during Ashara Mubaraka. In this Islamic year, 1438 H, the city of Dar es Salaam is blessed to have been chosen as the venue for Ashara Mubaraka, which will be from the 2nd to the 11th of October, 2016.

With the encouragement and blessings of His Holiness’ predecessors, a few Dawoodi Bohras made their homes in Tanzania more than two centuries ago. They came here principally to carry on business and trade. Finding the country a land of opportunities and experiencing the welcoming nature of the Tanzanians, they subsequently settled and made their homes in Tanzania. The Dawoodi Bohras of Tanzania and those of Dar es Salaam, in particular feel extremely privileged to host this event and expect to host about 30,000 guests from all over the world including East Africa.

During Ashara Mubaraka sermons, His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mufaddal SaifuddinTUS will narrate the tragic events of Karbala and shower pearls of wisdom upon his followers, mentoring them on the noble teachings of Islam and the principles of humanity that Imam HusainAS sacrificed his life for. During these auspicious days, His Holiness will pray for the victims of the earthquake in Kagera region. His Holiness and his followers, the Dawoodi Bohra community, offer support and help to the efforts of the Government of Tanzania in rebuilding and providing relief to the victims of the earthquake in Kagera region. It is also the intention and desire of Anjuman-e-Saifee (Dar es Salaam) to launch a scheme for the support of those affected by the calamity.

Wherever he travels, His Holiness reminds his loyal followers of the noble teachings of Islam that “love for the land of abode is an essential part of the faith” and that “religion is not just prayer and fast but also to strive for betterment in this world and hereafter”. He guides them to strive for the betterment of their neighbours and for the common good of all the people of their country. His Holiness guides and directs his followers to invest in trade and industry in Tanzania and has dedicated resources to assist them to work hand in hand with other members of the society and for the country at large. Following the guidance and directions of His Holiness, the Dawoodi Bohras residing in Tanzania continue to contribute to the growth and development of their country.

The anticipated arrival of His Holiness to Dar es Salaam is on Tuesday, 27th September at 1300 Hrs.

PRESS STATEMENT RELEASED BY:

Zainuddin T. Adamjee

Vice Chairman

Anjuman-e-Saifee