Ashara Mubaraka: faith, community & a metropolis transformed
Karachi, a city already bursting at the seams with a population of over 20 million, was bracing itself for an influx of unprecedented proportions. More than 80,000 people, including 45,000 foreign visitors from over 60 countries, were set to descend upon the city to attend the Ashara Mubaraka, a ten-day spiritual gathering of the Dawoodi Bohra community. The sheer scale of the event posed a daunting challenge for the city's infrastructure, resources, and residents.
But Karachi, known for its warm hospitality and resilience, was ready to rise to the occasion. The city's residents, accustomed to the chaos and vibrancy of urban life, welcomed the visitors with open arms, eager to share their city's warmth and generosity. As the attendees poured in, the city's streets, markets, and mosques became a kaleidoscope of colors, languages, and cultures.
The Dawoodi Bohra community, a global spiritual movement, had chosen Karachi as the venue for their annual Ashara Mubaraka, a testament to the city's reputation as a hub of tolerance, diversity, and spirituality. The event, steeped in tradition and significance, was a time for spiritual reflection, mourning, and celebration, and the city's residents were honored to host it.
As the visitors settled into their makeshift accommodations, spread across 20 centers in the city, the logistical challenge of feeding, transporting, and accommodating them became apparent. But the organizers, aided by an army of volunteers, worked tirelessly to ensure a seamless experience for all attendees. The city's culinary delights, from spicy street food to traditional Bohra cuisine, were on full display, as local residents opened their hearts and homes to their guests.
The hospitality of Karachi's people was on full display, as strangers became friends, and the boundaries of language and culture were transcended. The city's mosques, markets, and streets resonated with the sounds of devotion, laughter, and conversation, as people from diverse backgrounds came together in a shared spirit of celebration and community.
In this vibrant tapestry of faith, culture, and hospitality, the true essence of Ashara Mubaraka was revealed – a testament to the power of spirituality to unite and uplift humanity. As the city of Karachi embraced this influx of visitors, it also showcased its own unique spirit, one that was warm, welcoming, and inclusive. Over the ten days, the city would became a melting pot of traditions, languages, and cultures, united in their quest for spiritual growth, knowledge, and community.
Mustafa Sadriwala, team lead of the Project Management Office for Karachi Ashara Mubarak, shared the challenges of ensuring a successful event. "Project Management Office basically deals with everything in ensuring, delivering the project is met," he explained. "In Karachi, our main challenge was the humidity, the heat. To mitigate that, we had to take many, many, many steps. The team took extensive measures to keep attendees hydrated and comfortable, from providing state-of-the-art buses to transporting them from their zones to the masjid, to setting up over 20 mawaids (dining areas) with advanced cooling systems and kitchens.”
The central mawaid, Imadi Mawaid in KPI, was a massive undertaking, serving over 20,000 people within a tight timeline. "Megawatts of generators were given, thousands of tonnes of ACs were installed, and state-of-the-art maki was installed, a state-of-the-art kitchen was involved, where there was a particular hygiene department, in which even the food testing was done," Mustafa detailed. Despite these massive preparations, the team faced multiple challenges during the event, but their hard work and dedication ensured a successful Ashara Mubarak in Karachi.
The values of sacrifice
Ashara Mubaraka is a spiritually charged event that holds immense significance for the Dawoodi Bohra community, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Husain and his companions. This ten-day gathering serves as a poignant reminder of the values of sacrifice, justice, and truth, while fostering a sense of unity and solidarity among community members.
Through daily sermons, prayers, and traditional mourning ceremonies, attendees embark on a transformative journey of spiritual growth, introspection, and self-reflection, guided by the community's spiritual leader, His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin. As a celebration of faith, community, and cultural heritage, Ashara Mubaraka leaves an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who participate, inspiring a renewed commitment to their values and traditions.
Karachi after seven years
The announcement of Ashara Mubaraka 1446 in Karachi sent waves of excitement throughout the Dawoodi Bohra community. It had been seven long years since the city had last hosted this grand event, and the emotions were running high. For Murtaza Lokhandwala, Head of Construction for the Central Masjid Zone and PR Security Coordinator, the challenge was clear: to transform the city into a spiritual hub within a tight three-week deadline.
"We had approximately three weeks to plan this event," Murtaza recalled, "The construction was a major challenge. The timelines were very limited and stringent. But the community came together, pooling their skills and expertise to make it happen. Architects, professionals, engineers, and doctors - mostly young members of the community - joined forces to plan and execute the event.”
As the construction team worked tirelessly to prepare the central masjid and surrounding areas, another challenge emerged: managing the traffic flow for the expected 80,000 attendees. "Traffic flow management was quite a challenge, but the traffic police facilitated us really well. With their support, the community was able to ensure a smooth commute for the thousands of devotees who would flock to the mosque daily,” said
As Karachi geared up to host Ashara Mubaraka after seven years, the sense of anticipation was palpable. The community's dedication and hard work were about to pay off in a big way, setting the stage for a spiritual extravaganza that would be remembered for years to come.
Arrangements
The success of Ashara Mubaraka in Karachi was a testament to the meticulous planning and arrangements made by the organizers. For Yousuf Izi, a guest from Nairobi, Kenya, the warm welcome and efficient arrangements made him forget about the sweltering heat of Karachi. "I heard a lot about the heat in Karachi, but once I landed here, the warm welcome made me forget about the heat in Karachi," he shared. "The venues were well prepared for the event. All around we could see were chillers, coolers, ducting, so that the heat would not affect the people attending the event."
Yusuf was particularly impressed with the dining arrangements at Mawaid, where attendees would gather after sermons at the KPI ground for meals. "I attended my dining sessions at Mawaid, and you would see the arrangements done there, the different zones, organizing the thaals, and serving the food in a very efficient manner," he said.
The logistics of accommodating thousands of guests were staggering, but the organizers rose to the challenge. "The ten days passed without any hindrances," Yousuf noted. "The walk from Tahiri Masjid to KPI grounds where we had our meals was a very comfortable walk. The covered shed, chilled honey water, coconut water, dates with cream being served in between, which nourished our body."
Security was another concern, but the government of Pakistan and the organizers ensured that guests felt safe and comfortable. "The security team was a hats off and a pat on their back," Yousuf said. "The security arrangements by the government of Pakistan made the guests feel very comfortable."
Transportation was also seamlessly managed, with thousands of guests ferried between 22 different locations in air-conditioned buses. "The transport committee did a very fantastic job," Yousuf praised. "Thousands of guests from 22 different locations in well-air-conditioned buses, where they would reach the destination to hear the sermons of His Holiness with a fresh mind and not tired enough."
Overall, the arrangements for Ashara Mubaraka in Karachi were a testament to the hospitality and warmth of the people of Karachi. As Yusuf put it, "I personally feel the people of Karachi are very humble at their hearts. Their hospitality is at the next level."
Hamza Aginawala, a guest from Surat, India, shared a similar experience, praising the hospitality of the locals and community members. "This is my second time visiting Karachi for Ashara Mubaraka events," he said. "The hospitality of the locals and the community members was superb. Right from the transportation to proper arrival venues, the community members greeted with a big smile and a hug and said, welcome to Karachi."
Hamza was also impressed with the well-being team's efforts to ensure the guests' health and comfort. "Despite being a peak summer season right now in Karachi, the well-being team took care of the guests with every possible remedy that could help them avoid getting sick, and attend the sermons of Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin properly and regularly for the purpose which they have come over here in Karachi."
The food, a hallmark of Karachi's hospitality, did not disappoint. "Karachi, also known for its food, was reflected in the Mawaid during the 10-day sermon period," Hamza noted. "The venues where the sermons were relayed were properly facilitated with air-conditioning facilities."
For Hamza, the experience was unforgettable. "With all those memories and the special arrangements, the locals and the community members have arranged for this, I would really love to visit Karachi one more time, and I'll remember this Ashara Mubaraka for very good reasons for a very long time."
Hospitality – the heart of Ashara
Ashara Mubaraka is a time of spiritual reflection, mourning, and celebration, but it is also a testament to the power of hospitality and community bonding. For Rashida Mustafa, a UK resident who traveled to Karachi for the event, the experience was deeply personal. "I'm living in the house of someone I didn't know before I came for Ashara," she shared. "The ability to form a link with her, the ability to enhance my connection, the ability to meet old relatives, my children who live all over the world, all of this strengthens this bond of community... Ashara is a very emotional time for us all. We meet family at this time. I just met two very old relatives. I might never have seen them. Undoubtedly one of the things that occur is that old bonds are strengthened and new bonds are formed."
This sense of warmth and welcome was echoed by Rehana Bhujwala, a host in Karachi, who opened her home to 30,000 Dawoodi Bohra community members. "We are happy that they are coming to our home," she said simply. "We have opened our hearts and homes for them."
For Zain Yousuf Ali, a guest from Toronto, Canada, the experience was nothing short of transformative. "I make a point to come to Ashara for my next generation living in Canada," he explained. "It's a little bit difficult to give them the same environment, especially for my son who has never met his cousins... I think it's all the love that's provided by a host family which has made everything, our experience from the time we landed, an experience that I can't even share. And the people of Karachi, I have no words to thank them."
Ibrahim Sheikh Fakhruddin Betiwala, a host in Karachi, shared a similar sentiment. "This Ashara 1446 helps us to reunite with all the family members across the world," he said. "This is a wonderful experience for all. It's an opportunity for everybody to meet our old friends, our old family to reunite in Karachi. We have over 30-35 guests in our home and it's a pleasure to welcome everybody in Karachi over here."
For Hamza Zohaib Champion, a guest from Sydney, Australia, the experience was a reunion of old friends and a warm welcome into a new family. "I've been in Australia for the last 16 years," he said. "It was just really good to see such a close friend. Ibrahim and myself have been friends for over 12 years now. His entire family is welcome as well. We feel that we are at home. They invited us. They've hosted us. It's our first time here in Karachi and it's been an amazing experience so far."
Transportation and security
The success of Ashara Mubaraka in Karachi was a testament to the meticulous planning and execution of various departments, including transportation and security. Juzer Shakir, leading the security department, highlighted the measures taken to ensure a safe and secure environment for all attendees. "We are having security checks, pedestrian checkpoints, and BDs every morning," he explained. "Around the clock, we have high officials of law enforcement agencies coordinating with us."
The sheer scale of the event required careful planning, with thousands of attendees moving between venues. "In the Central Zone, if you see this Tahiri Masjid, there are like 13,000 people coming here and 10,000 people going to KPI," Juzer noted. "We have multiple volunteers coming from different aspects of their life, including transport, accommodation, security, and well-being teams."
Ali Asghar, head of the Department of Transportation, shared the challenges of managing the transportation of thousands of attendees. "There are about 150 volunteers working in this transport team," he said. "We have about 50 to 60 buses coming on one route, dropping off at Lucky Star, and then parking them in Army Public School. This is a really tough job to bring the buses over here and then parking them over here."
Yousuf Mustafa, representing the transport department, emphasized the importance of minimizing disruptions to daily life. "During our rush hours, we are ensuring that other people who are coming in, moving towards their work or shops, are facilitated as much as possible," he said. "We are considering this an important element that we are not disturbing them."
The collaboration between the organizers and law enforcement agencies was a key factor in the success of the event. "On behalf of the Bohra community, I would like to thank all the law enforcement agencies working with us 24x7," Juzer said. "They have worked very hard with us."
The visitors and their gains
Ashara Mubaraka in Karachi attracted visitors from all corners of the globe, each with their own unique experiences and takeaways. For Duria Aziz, an HR Consultant and Senior Vice President based in Singapore, attending Ashara Mubaraka was a commitment to herself. "I have been attending Ashara Mubaraka for 32 years now," she shared. "Interestingly enough, this is my first time in Karachi. I make it a point to attend Ashara Mubaraka no matter where it is because it is a commitment to myself. There is no better self-care than attending Ashara Mubaraka with His Holiness."
Duria highlighted a key lesson from His Holiness's sermon in Nairobi, which emphasized the importance of valuing everyone's contributions. "When I sought supremacy or leadership, I found it in seeking knowledge and taqwa," she quoted. "He gave the example of the fable of the lion and the mouse. No matter how small, each person in your organization has a vital contribution. Don't underestimate everyone, value everyone."
Alefiya Marvi, a student from New Jersey, was reminded of the qualities and values of Imam Hussein and his sacrifices in Karbala. "Coming here from New Jersey to Karachi for His Holiness's sermons to attend all 10 days of Ashara Mubaraka," she said. "As a pre-med student, I'm also reminded of the importance of humanity, justice, and how that applies to me as a student, especially going into the medical field."
Ibrahim Faizullabohy, a student from Atlanta, cherished the opportunity to form new friendships and connections. "The last eight or nine years I've been coming for Ashara, every single time whenever I come and being able to form that, the new friendships that I'm able to form with people that I meet in my age group," he shared. "One specific sermon, His Holiness discusses how there's a lot of benefit to staying with your parents when you're achieving an education, when you're pursuing an education."
Taher Saifee and Sarrah Saifee, with their two kids from Ajman, UAE, appreciated the guidance on parenting. "Coming to Ashara Mubaraka, it's a beautiful learning curve for us and His Holiness always guides us to how to navigate the different stages of our lives," Taher said. "Guide us not to take shortcuts and always be at our best as parents."
Sarrah added, "Yesterday's sermons were primarily focused on good parenting. They were very helpful for me to navigate tough situations and how I should not depend on electronic devices and rather spend quality time with my children."
Raj Cochin from Bradford, United Kingdom, was inspired by His Holiness's sermon on being like a honeybee. "One of the sermons this year His Holiness addressed is, be like a honeybee," he shared. "Why? Because the honeybee consumes pure and gives out pure. In my practical life, I'd like to take this away and hopefully take in positive education, advice and pass it on to my friends and my community so that they can better their lives as well."
As the ten days of Ashara Mubaraka drew to a close, Karachi's spirit of unity, resilience, and hospitality shone brightly. The city's residents, organizers, and volunteers demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to creating a seamless and memorable experience for all attendees.
The event not only strengthened the bonds within the Dawoodi Bohra community but also highlighted Karachi's enduring capacity for warmth and inclusivity. As the visitors departed, they carried with them cherished memories of spiritual reflection and communal harmony, leaving behind a legacy of togetherness and faith that would resonate in Karachi for years to come.