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Sayyidah Zaynab Mosque, Damascus Governorate, Syria (source) |
A close-knit community now based in the north-west state of Gujarat, India, this population with an approximate density of one million individuals isn't well-known within the country itself; ask any regular Indian citizen and most of them shall respond with looks of deep thought – and maybe even confusion! Without any further ado, herewith I present the ultimate scoop on this particular kin from head to tail!
Where did the dawoodi bohras originate from?
Being a subordinate category of Shia Muslims, the first group of bohras migrated all the way from Yemen and into Gujarat, India in search of a more peaceful livelihood, as they were continuously prosecuted and hence ostracized by the rest of the other Shiites due to their slightly altered perspective of religious beliefs and customs.
Once in India, they became more colloquially known as vhoras (Gujarati for ‘traders’) as this was their traditional profession. They are still known by this term till date.
Having descended from the Egyptian Fatimid Caliph (also known as ‘Panjatan Paak’, which comprised of Prophet Muhammad SA, his daughter Moulatona Fatema SA, son-in-law and also the caliph in heir, moulana Ali SA and grandsons Imam Hassan SA and Hussain SA) present-generation bohras hail from a confluence of Arab and Indian culture.
Who guides them every step of the way?
All vhoras follow the lead of Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin without any question and place themselves under his faithful obligation for successfully adhering to the rules of Sharia (exclusive rules and regulations as per Islam to lead a life of virtue). Being the 52nd descendant of the Dai-Al’Mutlaq (Arabic for ‘Unrestricted Missionary’) all issues from mundane to severe are presented in front of his holiness for blessings and prompt resolution; from the inauguration of business franchises to the naming of newborn infants.
Which imam’s bereavement is commemorated by the vhoras with utmost dedication, and why?
Yawme’Ashura: The ruthless annihilation of Imam Hussain AS on the 10th day of the month of Muharramul Haraam is religiously observed by each and every bohra to solemnize the painful, noble sacrifice by the most beloved grandson of the Prophet for the salvation of Islam, due to the tyranny of La’ein Muawiyah. Being another treacherous caliph during this era, Muawiyah had constantly been pressurizing Imam Hussain AS to pass over the entire heritage solely into his authority. Strict denial by Imam Hussain and those closest to his kin (‘aehle beit’) led to violent war and bloodshed, which finally led to the assassination of this Imam and several of his family members.
According to Islamic literature, Imam Hussain was beheaded in such a barbaric manner that his divine body had been completely separated from his deistic head! Paying one’s respects can now be done at the mausoleums of the holy city of Karbala and Misr, where this noble Imam’s body and head lie respectively.
As for all vhoras and Shia Muslims for that matter, Ashura is observed from the afternoon of the 2nd day of Muharram till the final 10th day with sermons, recitals and maatam exclusively dedicated to thisglorious Imam.
