Embracing an educational journey at the age of 60+ or 70+ years, sitting in classrooms, and learning despite perceived limitations like age, health, and mobility, is indeed a profoundly significant endeavor. It underscores the timeless truth that it’s never too late to pursue knowledge and personal growth.
Al-Istifada al-Ilmiyya is a shining example that attests to this fact.
Al-Istifada al-Ilmiyya, which translates to “quest for knowledge”, has become an enriching and integral chapter in the lives of us, the Dawoodi Bohra community. Central to “Istifada Ilmiyya” is the unwavering commitment to the study of religious texts, scriptures, exact sciences, Islamic history, and Islamic jurisprudence. This pursuit is diligently led by the esteemed scholars of Qasar Mubarak of 53rd Dai Al Mutlaq Syedna Mufaddal Aqa TUS and the accomplished professors of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah.
Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah is a world-class educational institution and academy, uniquely dedicated to religious and academic excellence. It is the cornerstone of our community’s educational aspirations and has a distinguished history of producing high-caliber graduates.
How is “Al-Istifada al-Ilmiya” woven into our lives?
Dawoodi Bohra community highly values knowledge, and Istifada Ilmiyah’s core belief emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge.
The community members are continuously encouraged to engage in lifelong learning. This includes a comprehensive understanding of our faith and a wide range of subjects that contribute to personal growth, ethical development, and professional success.
Amirul Mumineen, Maulana Ali bin Abi Talib’s AS kalaam:
“Indeed the completion of faith lies in seeking knowledge and acting in accordance with it”.
These profound words align perfectly with the principles of Istifada Ilmiyah, where the participants are encouraged to extend their learnings to practical application. In doing so, we are expected to apply our knowledge to lead righteous lives, emphasizing virtues, ethics, and compassion. This harmonious connection highlights that seeking knowledge is not an end in itself; it’s the integration of that knowledge into our actions that truly fulfills our faith and enriches our lives.
How did senior citizens enrich their lives?
Through Embraced Learning, Community, and Spiritual Resilience.
As the members come together in study groups a strong sense of community is nurtured, leading to community engagement and involvement, which holds great significance for the overall well-being of senior citizens. It leads to physical and mental stimulation, provides opportunities for social interaction, deepens spiritual connection, and leads to spiritual fulfillment. It fosters a sense of inner peace, contentment, and a stronger bond with their faith. The learnings that we collect from here offer comfort and support during challenging times, fostering emotional resilience and helping us cope with life’s difficulties.
The size of the crowd was immense comprising men and women of various age groups, and coordinating this vast assembly presented the monumental task of planning and logistics, executed with an unwavering dedication to achieve perfection in every aspect.
We started the journey with Raza and Doa mubarak of our Dai Al Mutlaq Syedna Mufaddal Aqa TUS, and once granted we started registering for the event. The registration process was streamlined and accessible to all. Depending on our level of the texts, we were divided into different asbaaq groups and were allotted venues that had seating arrangements ensuring comfort, appropriate lighting, and visibility for all.
There were adequate venues for food serving so that waiting times were minimized. We were consistently assisted by volunteers from the @bgi.international (the global leading genomics organization) and other khidmat guzars, who helped with crowd control, sharing information, and even logistics.
Medical teams and first-aid stations were on-site to address any health-related issues that may arise.
There was no communication gap when it came to conveying information; it was done through webinars, emails, and WhatsApp groups.
Istifada Ilmiya 1445 aimed for a zero-waste event, so participants were encouraged to bring their own shoe bags and water bottles. After each meal, the volunteers of @nazafat.central(who work for the promotion and awareness of civil hygiene, cleanliness, and urban greenery) guided each one of us to sort and segregate the waste. The event materials were then sent for recycling or composting. To maintain sustainability, the plastic bottles were collected and recycled for reuse. There was an everyday evaluation of the event, collecting feedback to identify areas of improvement.
This is just a glimpse and a fraction of the vast blessings that we received during this event. In summary, “Istifada Ilmiyah” has become a cherished and integral aspect of the lives of the Dawoodi Bohras. Under the thanda saaya of our Moula TUS we shape our identities, nurture our faith, and foster a strong sense of community.
Syedna’s blessings upon us are innumerable, and our gratitude is immeasurable. We are but humble grains of sand under his jooti, often missing opportunities to expend ourselves in his khidmat and serve him wholeheartedly.
Nevertheless, recognizing our insignificance, we fervently pray to Allah Subhanahu, with sajadat and unwavering devotion, to solemnly commit to living by the farmaan of Moula Tus.
May Allah Grant our beloved Moula Al Hayyul Muqaddas Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (RA) Afzal ul jazaa and we beseech Allah to bestow a long and prosperous life upon our Ali Qadar Moula, Sydena Mufaddal Saifuddin Tus, until the Day of Qayamat. Ameen!
Until Next Year!!
allyourtomorrows 