Since the last week of March, the Dawoodi Bohra community of London, like millions of Muslims around the world, has been observing the holy month of Ramadan, the ninth and most sacred month of the Islamic Calendar. During Ramadan, the London congregation of Dawoodi Bohras gather at Husainy Masjids in Northolt to pray, reflect, eat and converse in a spirit of unity that brings them closer to the Almighty.
On the tenth night of Ramadan, the London Dawoodi Bohra community was honoured to break their fasts with local and international guests. Prince Ammar Jamaluddin, the brother of His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin and President of the London Dawoodi Bohras, presided over the Iftar dinner. The evening provided an opportunity for both old and new friends of the London Dawoodi Bohras to explore the beauty of Husainy Masjid and enjoy a delicious, traditional Dawoodi Bohra meal with fellow community members.
The Iftar dinner was attended by esteemed guests, including the High Commissioner of India, Shri Vikram K Doraiswami, the Diplomatic Counselor of Iraq, Mr Haider Sultan, the Mayor of Ealing, Madame Mayor Mohinder Midha, local Ealing Council members, and neighbouring businesses.
The event began with a reception, followed by a tour of Husainy Masjid. Dr Shabbir Khambalia, member of the local Dawoodi Bohra community, provided a warm welcome to all guests in the Ceremonial Hall. Prince Jamaluddin read a special message from His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, followed by speeches by the Indian High Commissioner, former Member of Parliament Mr Stephen Pound, and the Mayor of Ealing.
During his speech, the High Commissioner of India, Shri Vikram K Doraiswami, spoke about the blessings of Ramadan and the underlying gratitude which is emblematic of the holy month. He commented that, “[The] most important blessings are those of friendship, and are those of true spirituality and recognition of the fact that no matter how we pray, we are indeed sparks that go back to the same flame. It really is our common humanity that we celebrate here today.”
In the holy month of Ramadan, community members fast from dawn to dusk, breaking their daily fast with the Iftar dinner. Sharing the Iftar meal with friends and neighbours reinforces the values of Ramadan that are gratitude, generosity, and fraternity.
