Growth Through Spirituality and Devotion

In his teachings, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin advocates for a deep and thoughtful connection with Islam’s core practices, emphasising their role as powerful tools for personal growth, spiritual development, and character enhancement. This approach has fostered a growing engagement with core aspects of Islamic faith within the Dawoodi Bohra community in recent years. Increased enthusiasm for congregational prayers, greater observance of fasting during Ramadan,growing participation in the Hajj pilgrimage, regular Quranic recitation, generous almsgiving, and diligent fulfilment of zakat obligations are all indicator of a renewed commitment to acts and traditions central to Islam.

With the arrival of the Islamic new year, the Dawoodi Bohras commemorate Ashara Mubaraka—literally ‘The Blessed Ten’—a ten day period of great religious significance. This occasion honours the martyrdom of Imam Husain, the Prophet Mohammed’s grandson, and serves as an important journey of spiritual growth. During Ashara Mubaraka, community members contemplate the plight of Imam Husain, his family, and companions, who made an unwavering stand for Islam, justice, and truth. This act of remembrance and reflection encourages the embracement of virtuous traits such as courage, fortitude, and an unyielding commitment to principle. Although Ashara Mubaraka gatherings are held across all Dawoodi Bohra centres worldwide, a large, international gathering takes place where His Holiness leads the commemoration. Through a series of ten sermons, he recounts Imam Husain’s hardships and tribulations, using this historical narrative as a guide for navigating the complexities of contemporary life while remaining rooted in Islamic principles.

The lessons drawn from Imam Husain’s sacrifice during Ashara Mubaraka transcend religious boundaries, evoking universal human values—empathy for those who suffer, steadfastness in the face of adversity, and the courage to uphold the truth. It reinforces devotion to the faith through deep reflection on the tragedy of Karbala. Ashara Mubaraka reinforces devotion to the faith through deep reflection on the tragedy of Karbala, serving as a transformative experience that shapes the community’s moral and spiritual character. It emphasizes that spiritual refinement makes one a better human being, and that the commemoration’s significance extends beyond religious observance to foster personal growth and societal improvement.