Huzurala’s (tus) Visit To Paris

Huzurala’s (tus) stay in Paris entered its 5th day today; 26th Jamadil Aakhar 1428H/ 11th July 2007.

Following the majlis on the Urs of Syedna Ismail Badruddin (ra) on Sunday the following 3 days have seen 3 qadambosi bethaks and 4 ziyafats.

A large number of Mumineen had gathered from all over Europe for the urs majlis in which Paris jamaat also did Maqdam arz. Huzurala (tus)’s bayaan mubarak included a brief history of Syedna Ismail Badruddin’s (ra) life - the oldest Dai in the history of Duaat Mutlaqeen prior to Aqamola (tus) who passed away aged 95. He was the first in the line of Duaat from the descendants of Molana Bharmal (ra) and instituted the tradition wherein Duaat Mutlaqeen provide for students of deeni ilm to be fed. To this day the Duaat provide for Talabatul Ilm in this manner. Syedna Abdeali Saifuddin (ra), who formed the original centre for knowledge - Al-Dars ul Saifee - is Syedna Badruddin’s (ra) direct descendant and 100 years after him Syedna Taher Saifuddin (ra) brought it into the 20th century with its reformation as Al-Jameatus Saifiyah. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (tus) augmented the original academy in Surat with a second branch in Karachi in order to cater for the rapidly increasing desire of Mumineen to study the ilm of Aale Mohammed (sa).

Huzurala (tus) spoke at length about the new markaz at Roissy-en-Brie on the outskirts of Paris which he formally pronounced a masjid and gave the name of Al-Masjid-al-Badri. The Paris jamaat was faced with a unique set of circumstances that made it difficult for them to have a masjid but finally on this day that longstanding wish had been fulfilled. The masjid is set within a commercial estate and although it is one space Huzurala (tus) has split it into 2 zones, the forward one the masjid and the rear one a markaz - Al-Markazul Mohammedi.

The construction itself was already standing but - by coincidence (ittifaaq as Molana said) its front wall is exactly according to the qibla.

The complex includes Madresah classrooms and other facilities including a kitchen and car-parking. Huzurala (tus) was also impressed by the location of Darul Imarat which is his place of residence while here in Paris and which was designed specifically with that hope in mind. Molana (tus) described as pleasant its location in this small town here nearing the French countryside. Molana (tus) mentioned that it catered for his comfort even including a purpose built howz. Molana (tus) named it Amatullah Villa.

Huzurala’s (tus) bayaan mubarak included the shahadaat of Ahle Bayt (sa) and purjosh matam before Molana (tus) lead the afternoon namaaz.

Throughout the bayaan, to the rear of the markaz hall and directly in front of Molana (tus) were sat Police Commandant Guillaume Bressac, senior officer in charge of 6 municipalities in Roissy and the surrounding areas and with him his wife Catherine.

Following the end of the majlis he is reported to have said, “Nous savons ce que c’est l’Islam; mais aujourd’hui nous avons decouvert ce que c’est la foi et l’emotion.”

(We knew what Islam is but today we have discovered what it faith is and emotion.)

He was also impressed by the food and the system of eating and also commented favourably on the facilities provided for the disabled.

Monday

On Monday Huzurala (tus) gave sharaf of ziyafat to Burhani Womens Association and qadambosi bethak for Muminaat.

Huzurala (tus) made special and fond remembrance of Busaheba Amatullah Aaisaheba of whom he said, “All of you must remember her qualities but I remember them greatly.”

“She gladdened the heart and brought up my children….It is Syedna Taher Saifuddin’s ehsaan that he chose Amatullah Aai for me.”

Burhani Womens had the sharaf of the first ziyafat to take place in the newly inaugurated markaz.

Huzurala (tus) made specific mention of the importance of women in the role of bringing up children, particularly their deeni taalim in the formative years - this was teaching he was giving to them in his role as their affectionate mother and father.

Tuesday

Huzurala (tus) gave qadambosi sharaf to Mumineen, all who were present were able to do qadambosi and did so with great ease.

Huzurala (tus) was visited by Jean Francois Oneto, Mayor of Ozoir la Ferriere (a neighbouring town), accompanied again by Commandant Bressac.

The Mayor sat forward very respectfully in front of Molana and the obviously deep impression that Huzurala (tus) had made on him was made apparent when he said that he could see radiance in Molana. He apologised that he was unable to attend the formal invitation scheduled for the following Monday and had asked to be able to come earler. Molana asked if they spoke English and then stated that English is the “international language”. The Mayor responded by saying he hoped French would become the international language.

The Mayor expressed his wish that Molana would visit his town in the next visit seeing as it had not been possible on this one and wished Molana a long life.

Commandant Bressac said - in lisaanul dawat, “Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin ghanu jiwo Mola.”

The Mayor was presented with a shawl and a gift from Huzurala (tus).

Wednesday

Those Muminaat who had not been able to do qadambosi on the previous day did so today.