This story has been reported by Arab Times on 14th September 2022 and on 17th September 2022.
Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin arrived in Kuwait on the 14th of September 2022 from Cairo, Egypt to commemorate the occasion of Arbaeen, which falls on the 16th of September. Arriving under the high level protocol as ‘State Guest’, Syedna was received at the airport by Amiri Diwan officials: Abdulrahman Al Zaid and Saud Al Zaabi along with other government officials and senior members of the community.
Later in the evening, Syedna led the prayers and met with community members. Thousands of Dawoodi Bohras in Kuwait eagerly waited to catch a glimpse and accord a warm welcome to him.
“Syedna delivered a sermon at Markaz al-Burhani in Ardiya commemorating the occasion of Arbaeen where he narrated the tragedy that befell Imam Husain and his companions in Karbala, Iraq, highlighting the principles of justice, brotherhood, kindness and piety that represented his sacrifice. One of his core messages to the community was to consider Kuwait as their second home and abide by its laws as per the prophetic tradition that states ‘Love of one’s country of abode is integral to faith’.” said Mufaddal Godhrawala, local PR Coordinator.
During his stay in the city, Syedna is also expected to meet with senior government officials and other dignitaries to discuss areas of mutual interest and cooperation. Community organisations and committees have been mobilised to undertake various socio-cultural activities including the ceremony of Rasme Saifee (marriage ceremonies) and programmes promoting business and welfare in the community.
“We are grateful to the local authorities and our neighbours for supporting us in managing the programmes,” added Godhrawala.
The Dawoodi Bohra community has a long history in Kuwait with over 23,000 community members residing in the country. Most of the members, who hail from Western India, have been at the forefront of the country’s economic progress by contributing as industrialists, traders and professionals across numerous fields. The community is also actively taking part in various social welfare projects including cleanups and undertaking environmental projects.