The Dawoodi Bohras' patriotism is an example for India to follow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday, addressing the community members at the Saifee Mosque in Indore's Saifee Nagar. He called them his "family".
Addressing over two lakh community members, who had gathered to attend Ashara Mubaraka, the commemoration of the death anniversary of Prophet Mohammed's grandson Imam Husain, Mr. Modi outlined various schemes implemented by his government over the last four years.
Syedna Aaliqadr Mufaddal Saifuddin, the current Da'i al-Mutlaq of the Dawoodi Bohras, and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan were present on the occasion.
'Ashara Mubaraka' is observed at the beginning of the Islamic year. It refers to a period of 10 days. The 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is known as Ashara and marks the day when Imam Husain was martyred along with his family members and companions.
'Bohra sect is integral to peace in country'
"The Bohra sect is integral to peace in India and has contributed to our unity on diversity," Mr. Modi, said in a 33-minute address.
Mr. Modi said that he considers himself too to be a part of the Bohra community because most villages in his home State, Gujarat, have Bohra businesses.
"Even when I was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, they supported me at every step of the way and I feel fortunate for that," he said.
Prior to his address, Mr. Modi heard Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin's sermon. This was the first meeting between the Prime Minister and the current Dawoodi Bohra spiritual leader.