The Dawoodi Bohra Community’s Journey To Faith And Knowledge: Al-Istifada al-Ilmiyya 1445

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!!

The Dawoodi Bohra Community’s Journey To Faith And Knowledge:  Al-Istifada al-Ilmiyya 1445

Blessing poured to infinity

“Blessing poured to infinity” is not a mere phrase; it encapsulates the profound truth that blessings are boundless and ever-flowing.

The blessings that poured over me were, performing of Ashara Mubaraka with Moula (53rd Dai al-Mutlaq Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS), and Zyarat of Najafe Ashraf and Karbala.

Ashara Mubarak holds immense significance for us, the Dawoodi Bohra community, as it marks the commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Husain(AS) the grandson of Prophet Muhammad(SAW), and his devoted followers in the Battle of Karbala.

Performing Ashara Mubarak with Moula(TUS) is highly anticipated for the whole year by us and the chance to perform the same in the holy cities of Najafe Ashraf and Karbala is a privilege that has left an indelible impact on my heart and soul. I felt I was not given what I deserved, but much more. The feelings are so overwhelming that I lack the right words to express my deep gratitude and blessings. With a bow of gratitude and with kasoor I would like to pen down my feelings and experiences.

The atmosphere during Ashara Mubarak is always charged with spirituality, and when performed with Moula(TUS) bestowed infinite blessings and Barakat. We were immersed in an environment that radiated devotion and reverence, and unparalleled spiritual connectivity.

It is a remarkable experience, wherein the daily sermons and discourses delivered by our Moula (TUS) inspire and guide community members, renew our faith, and foster our spiritual growth leading towards a closer relationship with Allah, Prophet Mohammed, and the Ahlul Bayt.

Moula’s(TUS) sermons during Ashara are highly anticipated because they provide spiritual insights and practical guidance for everyday life. His teachings are deeply rooted in Islamic principles and the specific beliefs and practices of the Dawoodi Bohra faith, such as:
Importance of daily prayer.
Recitation of the Quran.
Leading a pious and righteous life.
The significance of loving and respecting Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the Ahlul Bayt, and following examples set by them.
Importance of seeking knowledge in both religious and secular fields. Encouraging us to excel in education and contribute positively to society.
The importance of unity and brotherhood within the Dawoodi Bohra community.

Supporting and caring for one another and working together for the common good.
To place great importance on charity and helping those in need. Moula has initiated various charitable projects and encourages us to be compassionate and generous towards others.
Safeguard, preserve, and adhere to religious rituals and customs.
Practice environmental stewardship through sustainable practices to safeguard the planet for future generations.
And Much More!

A vast gathering of like-minded believers all seeking divine blessings and guidance, their collective prayers and devotion fostered an atmosphere of unity and solidarity. Being present at Najafe Ashraf and Karbala during Ashara Mubarak and listening to Moula’s (TUS) fervent and heart-rendering bayan on the tragic events of Karbala prompted deep reflections on the immense sacrifice made by Imam Husain(AS) and Ahlul Bayt, and recounted with powerful imagery of the torment, tyranny, cruelty, and atrocities that Imam Hussain(AS), his Ahlul Bayt and As-haab endured. The entire majlis would get moved to a downpour of unstoppable tears as if that very suffering was transpiring right in front of their very eyes.
On the final day of Ashara Mubaraka, Aashura, the day awaited for the entire year by us, moula elevated on the takht-e-imaami before us, sitting on the haseer (a mere carpet), garbed in shrouds of huzn and grief, doing iltija to Imam al-Zaman (AS), and praying to Allah for our well-being and salvation, and most importantly his final sajda left us overwhelmed with an endless spring of tears in our eyes and the chants of ‘Ya Hussain’ upon the lips of all of us.
Moula’s prayers on these sacred days left us with a feeling of an abundance of Allah’s divine mercy, and an unconditional forgiveness for our sins.
We seek taufeeq from Allah to fulfill our Moula’s(TUS) wish to keep the flames of the love of Imam Hussain(AS) ignited in our hearts till our last breath.

It was a transformative journey and may the blessings received continue to guide and inspire us on this journey of striving to bring positive changes in our lives as our Moula (TUS) wishes and become compassionate, empathetic, and devoted individuals.

The Tradition of Seeking Knowledge Continues with the Dawoodi Bohra’s

“Anyone who stops learning is old whether, at 20 or 80, Anyone who keeps learning stays young”
In this constantly changing world, if we want to stay ahead of the curve, we need to become lifelong learners.
Learning is urged in the Holy Quran wherein every Muslim – man/woman is advised to think, ponder, reflect and acquire knowledge and keep getting closer to Allah. The Prophet Mohammed saw commanded knowledge upon all Muslims and counseled, that the purpose of learning or education in Islam is associated with balancing one’s physical and spiritual development.

The Dawoodi Bohra community’s
‘Al-Istifada al-Ilmiyya’ an educational event, marks the season of learning and growth. Thousands and thousands of multi-aged learning community members from all across the globe travel to Surat in the month of Rabi ul Aakhar for this event. The event is hosted by His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin tus,
53rd al-Dai al-Mutlaq and Leader of the Dawoodi Bohra Community.
His Holiness states, ‘Education is one of the most important obligations upon humankind, and no matter the effort expended in its pursuit, it can never be considered sufficient”.

Each and every taalib-ul-‘ilm’s (seekers of knowledge) learning goals are pre-set. Everyone is engaged and dedicated to continuous learning, and the entire environment values, facilitate, encourages, and supports learning.
The best part of this huge event is to develop a ‘Growth mindset’, to set a belief that you can always grow as an individual. With a growth mindset, we readily accept the fact that learning is a lifelong pursuit and there’s always potential to improve. This year, as every year, the Dawoodi Bohra men and women of different ages and backgrounds attended this educational event. The participants included homemakers, students, businessmen and businesswomen, prominent professionals, people who have sought higher education in a variety of disciplines, and educators.

The asbaaq or lessons taught by qualified scholars were divided into groups depending upon the level of the texts being taught. The course of lectures were from books of Fatemi theology, philosophy, and also Quranic interpretation. The session lasted from morning to lunchtime with breaks for tea and lunch.
Istefadaa ilmiya reached its climax on the day of the 112th birth anniversary of the 52nd Daʿi His Holiness Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (ra). His Holiness Syedna Ali Qadar Mufaddal Saifuddin tus delivered a sermon that was again attended by tens of thousands of Dawoodi Bohra’s.

Fatemi texts mentions that to live a meaningful, accomplished, goal-directed, and intentional life, one must put to practice what is learnt right from the cradle to grave. His holiness teaches that the purpose and essence of education is to benefit one’s fellow humans.
With this azam or pledge to become better human beings, the talabul ilm or the knowledge seekers departed back home filled with gratitude and contentment.