Mumbai hosts one of the largest Shia mosques to revive Husseini rituals, help needy families

The English-language newspaper ‘Times of India’ praised the religious and humanitarian services provided by the ‘Haidari Mosque’, which is the largest mosque for Shia Muslims on Mira Road in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

The newspaper prepared a press report, translated by Shia Waves News Agency, on the history of the mosque’s construction, its importance, its location, and the activities and services it provides, most notably the establishment of the holy Husseini rituals and the care of the poor and orphan families.

The newspaper points out that the importance of the presence of such a mosque in the region, indicating that “there is no Shia mosque from Colaba to Balghar, with the exception of the famous Dongri or the Mughal Mosque and the Khoja Mosque, but the (Al-Haidari) mosque is larger, and more advanced in architectural designs and its large gate.”

The newspaper quotes the mosque’s chairman, Sajid Hussain, as saying: “The Shia community in Mumbai was in dire need to build such a mosque, especially to hold congregational prayers, revive the occasions of the Ahulbayt (peace be upon them) and perform their sacred rituals.”

He added that “the mosque has two floors, the ground and first floors are used for the services of members and administration, while the second floor is used for the worshipers, and a few rooms have been established as guest houses for the visiting speakers and preachers.”

Meanwhile, the treasurer, Manazir Hassanein, says: “The mosque not only attracts Shias from the (Mira Bhaiander) region, but also from neighboring places and regions such as (Nalasupara) and (Balghar) during the revival of religious occasions.”

He added, “For more than 40 days from the first day of the month of Muharram, speakers are invited to give religious lectures in the mosque, and every year, Ashura and the Arbaeen of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) are commemorated with the participation of poets and eulogists who revive this painful tragedy.”

While a member of the board of directors, Mr. Naqi Rida Abdi, said, “The mosque is a self-administered office, as it owns (6 apartments) that are rented and the expenses of the mosque, its religious and humanitarian services and maintenance work are covered from the funds collected as well as the donations of the believers.”

He continued, “The mosque’s buildings are also used to hold jurisprudence and Quranic courses for children, as well as to support the poor and needy families.”