The Dawoodi Bohras are a close-knit community with around 1 million members living and practising their faith in over 40 countries. The Dawoodi Bohras throughout the world are guided by their leader known as the al-dai al-mutlaq (unrestricted missionary), who first operated from Yemen and then, for the last 450 years, from India. The present leader is the 53rd al-Dai al-Mutlaq, His Holiness Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin.
The Dawoodi Bohras are united by a set of centuries old principles; an unwavering commitment to the faith, a genuine love for the countries in which they live, a belief in the value of society, education, women’s empowerment, engagement with other faiths, physical health and well-being, and a responsibility to care for the environment and all creatures that dwell within it. Bohras have always been loyal and law-abiding citizens wherever they live. They have maintained cordial relations with all manner of governments with an aim of fostering harmony and goodwill.
We believe in the act of giving and helping those who are less fortunate. Project rise is a programme which is created by the Dawoodi Bohra Community and is practised by the community residing in New Zealand. The programme is based on elevating those who are less fortunate. Alongside this, it tries to foster a culture of empathy, recognition as well as generosity so that no individual is mistreated, overlooked, or disempowered. It focuses on aspects such as healthcare, sustainability, nutrition, water and sanity, education and the environment.
Following these principles, the Dawoodi Bohra community of New Zealand decided to help families who were affected by the Tonga Tsunami. Some members of the NZ project rise team headed to Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday 22nd January 2022 to help with the Tongan Relief. We as a community not only donated foods such as rice, pasta, water and canned veggies but we also lent a helping hand to our fellow Tongans by volunteering at this event. Islam puts a great emphasis on feeding others, as Prophet Mohamed states: ‘‘There is no deed greater than feeding the hungry.’ We packed the foods in the boxes and helped with collecting details of people who came to donate necessities. At this event we met Hon Jenny Salesa and Anahila Kanongata’a-Suisuiki who is the local MP for Pakuranga. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who were affected by this tragic event.
A project rise volunteer said, “We love giving back to the community and feeding those who are less fortunate. We look forward to extending this initiative further by connecting with government bodies.” Community members have always sought opportunities to further support welfare programmes in New Zealand. As a community we hope to serve our nation with great pride. Like Helen Keller says, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Umme Salma Kanthawala -TIN Bureau