Dubai, a city known for its cultural diversity and religious tolerance, has become the focal point of a grand congregation of Dawoodi Bohra Muslims from around the world. Approximately 75,000 members of the Dawoodi Bohra community, with 20,000 hailing from the UAE and an impressive 55,000 from various corners of the globe, have converged in Dubai to commemorate Ashara Mubaraka, the annual Muharram congregation.
Ashara Mubaraka, which commenced on July 19 this year, spans ten significant days, beginning with the Islamic Hijri New Year. During this time, members of the Dawoodi Bohra community come together to renew their faith and devotion.
A notable event during the celebrations was the visit of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Minister of State for Tolerance and Coexistence, to the Masjid Al Burhani in Qusais, Dubai. There, he met with the esteemed Dawoodi Bohra community leader, Sultan Al Bohra Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, and was accompanied by Sheikh Ali Al Hashimi, the Religious Advisor to the President of the UAE.
Speaking on this occasion, Sheikh Nahyan emphasized the UAE’s commitment to fostering tolerance, coexistence, and human brotherhood as daily practices among individuals and communities. He highlighted the UAE’s reputation as a beacon of peace, conveying its humanitarian mission to the world and embracing cultural and religious diversity as integral to the nation’s fabric.
In return, Sultan Al Bohra expressed heartfelt appreciation to the UAE and its people, advocating for peace, security, and prosperity to prevail in the Emirates. He lauded the nation’s position as one of the most prosperous and safest countries globally, praising its wise leadership in fostering economic growth and offering attractive business opportunities.
The significance of this gathering is not lost on the Dawoodi Bohra community. While they commemorate this occasion annually in various parts of the world, this year marks a momentous milestone as it returns to Dubai after two decades. Kinana Jamaluddin, the Representative of Sultan Al Bohra in the UAE, highlighted the community’s commitment to their Islamic traditions and faith, which are central to their beliefs and practices.
The selection of Dubai as this year’s venue is a testament to the amicable relations between the community and the Government of Dubai and the UAE. It underscores their mutual respect for all faiths and cultures, promoting a spirit of unity and harmony.
During the congregations, Syedna Saifuddin will deliver a series of sermons on a central theme. To accommodate the vast number of attendees, multiple venues have been set up in Dubai, including the Masjid Al-Burhani in Al-Qusais. The events will also be telecast live to other centers in the UAE, allowing broader participation from communities in Deira, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, and even Dawoodi Bohra members residing in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.
In preparation for the grand event, various committees have been established to manage accommodation, transport, food, seating arrangements, and other facilities to ensure that all guests can fully participate. The Dawoodi Bohra community expresses its gratitude to the UAE government and local authorities for their continuous support and cooperation in hosting these momentous congregations.
The Ashara Mubaraka celebrations in Dubai serve as a testament to the UAE’s reputation as a melting pot of cultures and a symbol of religious harmony. As the Dawoodi Bohra community comes together to renew their faith and bonds, the world witnesses a striking display of tolerance, peace, and unity in the heart of Dubai.
