News
TRH visit the Dawoodi Bohra Mosque in London
4th February 2009
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall visited a Muslim community in London today that has made a major contribution to British business and has patriotism at the heart of its faith.
Numbering over a million and settled in over 40 countries, the Shiah Fatemi Ismaili Tayyibi Dawoodi Bohras are a denomination of Islam with a distinct identity, culture and ethos that preserves their Islamic beliefs while aiming to integrate and assimilate with the cultural fabrics of the countries in which they have made their homes.
There are over 6,000 Dawoodi Bohras in the UK. In London, they number more than 3,000, although the Dawoodi Bohra Mosque in North-West London welcomes large numbers of visitors from all over the UK, Europe and the World.
The Prince and The Duchess are practising Anglicans. Over the years His Royal Highness has worked tirelessly to encourage inter-faith dialogue in the UK and overseas and regularly visits different faith communities.
Patriotism and Loyalty are the two prominent qualities Dawoodi Bohras are encouraged to practice.
Followers are led by spiritual leader Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, and one of their key principles is "patriotism is part of the faith", which encourages them to make a positive contribution to whichever country they live in.
The word Bohra means trader, and traditionally most members have been entrepreneurs - most notably Sir Gulam Noon, who has built up a curry empire that supplies thousands of Indian meals to supermarket shelves.
Prince Qaidjoher Ezzuddin, the son of the Dawoodi Bohra's leader, praised The Prince in a speech to more than 100 people gathered in the mosque in Northolt.
He said: "Since 1993, you have made significant statements in praise of Islam and the values Islam espouses.
"It is heart-warming for our community and all Muslims residing in the United Kingdom that the Heir to The Throne of the country they live in values their religion and traditions in the way you do.
"It is an inclusive and sincere approach, not born out of a political need or even a sense of responsibility as the future monarch, but a wish to seek out the best that the rich diversity of your subjects can offer."
He added that, as a mark of their gratitude and to commemorate The Prince’s visit, they have published a compilation of his speeches on Islam, and presented him with a copy.
The Prince first visited the community and its mosque more than 10 years ago and for the return trip today was joined by his wife The Duchess of Cornwall.
Their Royal Highnesses slipped off their footwear inside the building located close to a snow-covered park in the quiet suburban area of London.
Inside the place of worship, the pair viewed displays and listened to talks about the history of the Dawoodi Bohra, who number around a million across the globe and are mostly from Indian or Yemeni descent.
There were other small exhibitions about the community's involvement in the country's business life and their culture, food, clothes and philanthropic efforts around the world.
After being shown the large prayer hall in the mosque, The Prince and The Duchess were taken to a Madrasah based on the first floor of the mosque where young children are taught religious and cultural lessons two evenings a week and every Saturday.
Their Royal Highnesses were taken between rows of low tables where the youngsters were seated and listened as they were taught the subject "Nasihat", which means to care.
On a screen behind teacher Sheikh Mustafa Feeroz two images were displayed, one showing the Muslim sect's religious leader and the other The Prince and The Duchess.
The teacher said that those pictures showed very special people and asked the children about them.
One young schoolboy made Their Royal Highnesses laugh when he replied: "They're kind so we wouldn't run away from them."
Before Their Royal Highnesses left they were presented with traditional shawls made from wool and cotton which were draped around their shoulders. The Prince was also presented with a traditional cap called a topi.
Wearing the garment, The Prince stood up to speak and said: "I suspect it's no coincidence that members of your community are among the most successful businessmen and professionals in this country.
"But most importantly, I cannot applaud enough the invaluable example of your belief that patriotism is part of faith. This makes an enormous contribution to modern British society."