JFRA 1 Jame al Anwar
₹8,000.00 – ₹15,000.00
Photographer: Sh Qusai Malindiwala
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₹8,000.00 – ₹15,000.00
JFRA 10 Jame al Anwar
₹8,000.00 – ₹15,000.00
As the custodian of Fatimi culture and thought, al-Dai al-Ajal Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA provided the philosophical basis for the architectural restoration of al-Jami al-Anwar, and made key decisions pertaining to its structure during his numerous visits. The restoration reflected not only principles of Fatimi architecture in its physical form, but also its spiritual—the science that elevates and shapes the soul.
Throughout the entire project, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin’s RA detailed instructions and deep insight helped overcome the many hurdles that were faced. His leadership was inspiring, his vision enlightening. The ultimate purpose in restoring al-Jami al-Anwar was to revive it as a place of worship. During his many site visits, Syedna Burhanuddin RA would often lead salaat or conduct a session of remembrance and zikr, known as a majlis, where the Holy Quran and other prayers are recited. Ultimately, these acts were just as responsible for the restoration of the masjid as were the physical acts of rebuilding.
The renowned Egyptian architect, Dr Hasan Fathy, a strong advocate for the conservation of the historic buildings of al-Qahira, was brought on as chief architect of the project. Beginning with a series of discussions, regarding the nature of the restoration, guided by Syedna Burhanuddin RA, Dr Fathy supervised the preparation of detailed architectural drawings and plans by other architects and engineers. (Extracted with minor edits from page 85-87 of ‘al-Jami al-Anwar-The Luminous Masjid’)
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₹8,000.00 – ₹15,000.00
JFRA 11 Jame al Lulua
₹4,500.00 – ₹9,000.00
Maulana al-Imam al-Hakim bi Amr Allah SA commissioned the construction of the masjid, al-Lu’luah in 406 AH/ 1015-16 CE.
Explaining the virtues of Maulana al-Imam al-Hakim’s SA piety, his erudite Da’i par excellence, al-Dai al-Ajal Syedna Ahmed Hamiduddin al-Kirmani RA states:
For evidence of Maulana al-Imam al-Hakim’s SA abstinence and piety, one need only look to how Imam SA comprehensively abstains from seizing the wealth of the people and expropriating what is not his to take. Often, foreigners, even locals, pass away without their heirs present and leave behind their possessions. However, no avarice can sway the Imam’s intentions and nothing can compel him to take on the folly of oppressing women and men by appropriating their riches. Instead, Imam Hakim SA has ordained that the possessions of those who die without heirs be placed in the Repository of Entrusted Deposits that his laudable sense of justice has commissioned, solely to safeguard the property of Muslims. He has also instructed his officials to search for any lawful inheritors and deliver their inheritance to them.
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₹4,500.00 – ₹9,000.00
JFRA 2 Jame al Anwar
₹8,000.00 – ₹15,000.00
Photographer: Sh Taha Raja
His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA has repeatedly stated that all barakat prevalent in Dawat Hadiyah was due to the completion of one grand undertaking: the restoration of al-Jami´ al-Anwar. Originally completed in 403/1013, the construction of the masjid commenced under Maulana al-Imam al-Aziz Billah AS and was completed by his successor Maulana al-Imam al-Hakim bi Amrillah AS. Sadly, this grand masjid was later ravaged by time and people—used at one point by Napoleon as a stable and barracks. Seeing the state of this sacred space, His Holiness Dr. Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA expressed his desire to restore al-Jami’ al-Anwar to its historical grandeur. His successor, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA, ably assisted by his own noble successor, His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS completed the renovation of al-Jami’ al-Anwar in 1401/1980. Much like Imam al-Hakim AS completed the vision of his father Imam al-Aziz AS in building al-Anwar, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA and Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS brought to life the vision of Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA in renovating al-Anwar.
The revival of Fatimi architecture reasserts the culture and faith of the Fatemi Imams AS. This culture and faith was meticulously preserved by Duat Mutlaqin SA, the vibrant results of that preservation being eloquently alluded to in Syedna Burhanuddin’s RA words at the inauguration of the renovated al-Jami’ al-Anwar: “We have returned, as we had left.” The restoration and revival of Fatimi architecture by Duat Mutlaqin SA is a call to remain steadfast to the beliefs and values eternalized in Fatimi buildings, as expressed by Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA at the inauguration of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah, Karachi:
“Fatimi monuments stand distinguished by their unique beauty. We have tried to express our beliefs and values through these buildings till they speak out through the language of brick, stone and mortar and find expression in the campus’ arches, prayer niches and minarets. As long as belief is steadfast in the heart, it is impossible for it to be precluded from expression.”
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₹8,000.00 – ₹15,000.00
JFRA 3 Jame al Anwar
₹8,000.00 – ₹20,000.00
Vistas of al-Jami al-Anwar in all its breath-taking glory never fail to inspire!
An appreciation of this glory increases when we remember that His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA, ably assisted by his successor, His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS revived and restored this historic masjid, formerly ravaged by man, natural calamity and time, in a mere 27 months. “Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA categorized the many facets of restoring al-Jami al-Anwar into seven stages.
1. Cleaning and excavation
2. Recording and documentation
3. In-depth research
4. Survey of architectural development
5. Materials
6. Construction and completion
7. Ornamentation” (extracted from ‘al-Jami al-Anwar- the Luminous Masjid’, page 56)
Achieving this result in the best of circumstances would be considered miraculous. Hence, this outcome was all the more incredible when we consider that the restoration was such a monumental task that not even national or international organizations with vast resources considered undertaking. Negotiating permissions, conducting meticulous research, garnering human and material resources and removing almost 29000 cubic metres of sediment and earth from the masjid premises were just some of the works to be accomplished before construction could begin. Furthermore, all of this needed to be achieved in the challenging, relatively unfamiliar at the time Egyptian socio-administrative context.
Even today, this momentous achievement has the potential to inspire all who feel they face insurmountable odds while trying to achieve their goals. Especially, in present times, when there is hardly an individual whose life has not been complicated by new challenges, the 27 months in which al-Jami al-Anwar was restored to its original grandeur motivate us all to strengthen our resolve, reorient ourselves to our goals and unceasingly persevere until we reach them.
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₹8,000.00 – ₹20,000.00
JFRA 4 Jame al Aqmar
₹4,500.00 – ₹9,000.00
The construction of al-Jami al-Aqmar is a potent example of the symbolism imbibed within Fatimi architecture. Historians of Fatimi architecture have discussed Maulana al-Imam al-Aamir’s SA reasons for constructing this masjid, yet a holistic understanding of these reasons requires insightful reference to Fatimi philosophy. A core belief of the Fatimi faith is that an Imam, son succeeding father, direct descendent of the Prophet Mohammed SAW, is ever-present on earth. However, the Imam may choose seclusion, which is often compared to nightfall in Fatimi literature and lore. The Imam being the sun, his radiance and guidance reaches his followers during his seclusion through his representative and Da’i–the moon. Imam al-Aamir SA knew that a long seclusion was imminent and that his representatives, the Duat Mutlaqin SA would continue to guide believers during this difficult period. Luminous like the moon, al-Jami al-Aqmar, by virtue of its name and its existence, is testimony to this reality.
A superior feature in later Fatimi architecture is the muqarnas, seen clearly in this picture, adjacent on both sides to central arch over the central doorway. A muqarnas is a squinch, and, as a design element, is usually seen as a cluster of miniature squinches, appearing as a series of small niches and producing a sort of cellular structure. Though present in Baab al-Futuh as well as al-Jami al-Juyushi, their beauty and import is best viewed in al-Jami al-Aqmar. The façade of al-Aqmar displays many such niches but the use of a muqarnas as a cornerstone is a pioneering Fatimi contribution. This cornerstone, referred to as al-Rukn al-Mukhallaq, the perfumed cornerstone or al-Mukhawwaq, the wide cornerstone, widened the edge of the masjid creating much needed extra space for the narrow cross streets.
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₹4,500.00 – ₹9,000.00
JFRA 5 Jame al Lulua
₹20,000.00
The 16th Fatimi Imam-caliph, Maulana al-Hakim bi Amrillah SA used to frequent a particular location at the base of the Muqattam hills for seclusion, introspection and prayer. A masjid was then constructed at this revered site, portions of which survived in a dilapidated state until His Holiness Dr Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA reconstructed and inaugurated it in 1416/1995. The masjid, though compact, is exquisite and unique, boasting not just a customary mihrab or prayer niche on its ground floor but also on the two storeys above it. A sanctuary for the soul, the masjid is renowned for being a sacred space where prayers are heard and wishes granted.
On the eve of the masjid’s inauguration, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA stated:
“Aa Jami Lulu’ah ma sajda daiy nei dua kidi, jei dua mustajab thawa ni jaga che. Mei bhi mustajib chu, Da’i chu, Khuda Ta’ala mari dua suni lejo”
(I have prostrated before Allah and supplicated Him in this masjid, al-Lulu’ah, where prayers are answered. I have answered Allah Ta’ala’s Call and call towards Him and supplicate Him. May He heed my supplications!)
A contemplative viewing this masjid in all its glory and thinking about what its stands for have the potential to inspire introspection. The fruits of such self-reflection might fashion a moment where our hearts voice a silent prayer not just for ourselves but for all those who have devoted their lives to their Creator and try to follow His path.
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₹20,000.00
JFRA 6 Jame al Juyushi
₹6,000.00 – ₹18,000.00
Perched on the Muqattam Mountain that overlooks the city of Cairo, the Jamiʿ masjid, al-Juyushi represents the perpetuity of Fatimi faith and culture. Prior to its restoration by His Holiness Dr Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin in 1995, it was in dire condition. At the inner apex of al-Juyushi’s main dome lies a verse of the Noble Quran that sheds light on the remarkable preservation of this masjid: ‘It is Allah Who sustains the heavens and the earth, lest they cease; and if they should fail, there is none – not one – who can sustain them thereafter’ (Q 35:41). Syedna Burhanuddin’s restoration of al-Juyushi, and especially of al-Jami al-Anwar before it, inform us that these historic Fatimi masjids are not meant to be shackled in the past, but embraced as dynamic venues for the declaration and reinvigoration of worship, faith and culture.
AL-Jami al-Juyushi is an apt example of how the decorative character of Fatimi architecture uniquely blends humility with spirituality. Its designs, though ornate, exude a quality of simplicity and subdued elegance. Thus, even within Islamic traditions of architecture, the Fatimi style strikes one as particularly modern. The inner apex of the dome also bears an elegant medallion beautifully intertwining the names of the Prophet Mohammed SAW and Maulana Ali SA. Fatimi faith and Fatimi architecture are also intertwined: faith enhances and defines architecture and architecture provides context and expression for faith. As such, Fatimi architecture is steeped in Fatimi faith and philosophy.
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₹6,000.00 – ₹18,000.00
JFRA 7 Jame al Anwar
₹9,000.00 – ₹15,000.00
Traditionally, in common with many other Muslims, the Dawoodi Bohra community spends the initial days of the Islamic year in commemoration of the martyrdom of the Prophet Mohammed’s SAW grandson, Maulana al-Imam al-Husain AS. His Holiness Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA wished to avail the use of the newly-restored al-Jami al-Anwar, providentially completed in time, to honour these revered days of remembrance at the start of the year 1401. During Fatimi times, and later carrying on into the Ayyubid and Mamluk periods as well, al-Jami al-Anwar was a seat of learning where scholars from different schools of thought held sessions of teaching. In keeping with this Fatimi tradition, al-Dai al-Fatimi Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA delivered sermons over a period of nine days expounding on topics of Islamic thought and philosophy and recounting the virtues of the Prophet Mohammed SAW and his Ahle Bayt AS, particularly Imam Husain AS, whose remembrance is of prime importance during these days. This was the start not only of the new Islamic year, but a new phase in the history of al-Jami al-Anwar and the Dawoodi Bohra community. As invocations of Allah’s name and verses of the Holy Quran echoed throughout the masjid during prayer time and Syedna Burhanuddin’s RA discourse filled the air resonating against the broad piers and walls, the Luminous Masjid was beaming, for it was alive and alight once again. The long awaited moment, twenty-seven months if not centuries in the making, had finally arrived.
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Excerpt extracted with minor edits from ‘al-Jami al-Anwar-The Luminous Masjid’
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₹9,000.00 – ₹15,000.00
JFRA 8 Fatemi design
₹9,000.00 – ₹15,000.00
This sublime rotated square, which boasts reflective symmetry on multiple axes, adorns the monumental portal of al-Jami al-Anwar. It was recreated from remnants of an original square that was preserved on a recessed wall panel in the form of a blind niche on the north-eastern side of the portal. This recessed panel came to light in 1324/1907 due to conservation work undertaken on the façade of this Jami masjid. This discovery further established that Maulana al-Imam al-Hakim AS deliberately chose to emphasize the main entrance to the masjid through the use of a projecting portal and also highlighted its significance through detailed ornamentation. Today, the monumental portal of al-Jami al-Anwar stands resplendent due to the accomplishments of His Holiness Dr Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA and his successor, His Holiness Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS. (Adapted from information extracted from pages 284-94 of ‘al-Jami al-Anwar–The Luminous Masjid’)
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₹9,000.00 – ₹15,000.00