Discipline and Hard Work: Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin’s Message at Chehlum Sermon in Mumbai
In a gathering of over 70,000 devotees at the Saifee Masjid in Bhendi Bazar, Mumbai, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the 53rd spiritual leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community, emphasized the importance of discipline and hard work in every aspect of life. The sermon, marking Chehlum, the fortieth day after the martyrdom of Imam Husain, grandson of Prophet Mohammed, at Karbala in present-day Iraq, was attended by devotees from across the world.
Lessons from Karbala
Delivering the sermon, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin highlighted the lessons from Karbala, where Imam Husain’s bravery and sacrifice serve as a beacon of hope for the community. The Syedna emphasized that discipline should be the guiding force in every sphere of life, including education, the upbringing of children, and the pursuit of an honest livelihood. He stressed that these values form the foundation of purposeful lives and strong families.
A Global Gathering
According to the community, nearly 40,000 attendees were Mumbai residents, while about 30,000 had travelled from different parts of the world to participate in the religious observance. Devotees from India and abroad gathered at the Saifee Masjid to listen to the Syedna’s words of wisdom. Many devotees expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to listen to the sermon and the impact it had on them.
Inspiring Words
For 15-year-old Batul Abbas, the sermon was a wake-up call to re-evaluate her approach to studies. “Syedna’s words on discipline made me think about how I approach my studies every single day,” she said. “He reminded us that hard work is not just about achieving results; it is about building character. I am leaving today with a clearer sense of how I want to discipline my own routine, whether it is my studies or how I spend my time outside school.”
Perseverance and Hard Work
Husain Dhoondia, a 40-year-old Mumbai-based manufacturer of fumigation and scientific devices, echoed the Syedna’s message. “There is no shortcut to success, only hard work. Syedna’s words today reminded me to keep hard work at the centre of everything I do in my business,” he said. Many devotees expressed similar sentiments, feeling inspired and motivated to apply the Syedna’s words of wisdom in their daily lives.
A Lasting Impact
The Chehlum sermon marked a significant moment in the calendar of the Dawoodi Bohra community, and Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin’s words of wisdom are likely to have a lasting impact on the lives of devotees. As the community continues to grow and thrive, the emphasis on discipline and hard work is expected to be a guiding force in shaping the lives of its members.
A Community United
The gathering at the Saifee Masjid was a testament to the community’s commitment to its faith and its values. Devotees from across the world came together to listen to the Syedna’s sermon, a moment of unity and solidarity that will be remembered for a long time. As the community looks to the future, the lessons from Karbala and the emphasis on discipline and hard work will continue to inspire and motivate its members.