1. When did your family emigrate to Dubai? What was the family business then?

My father went to Bahrain in the 1960s, where he took up service, subsequently earning enough capital to open up a small shop in Dubai—and that is when I came here. Gradually as the business expanded, the entire family emigrated to Dubai.

2. What is your success story since?

With Aqa Maula’s (TUS) dua mubarak we got our first Fahkruddin al Hindi license in 1964 and opened a small shop. When Aqa Maula (TUS) came to lay the foundation of Sharjah masjid, we were bestowed with the honor of Aqa Maula’s qadam mubarak in our first shop. As Syedna Taher Saifuddin (RA) has said for Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin (TUS): “bhai na qadamo na niche barakat che”, we have been successful ever since. We have been fortunate in that we have been able to take raza for all decisions in our business and personal life which has been our guidance, strength and success.

3. What factors contributed to your success?

Our success story started with the 5 rupees given to my father by Syedna Taher Saifuddin (RA) during his khidmet at the Roza of Kakaji Eisa Bhaisaheb in Partapgarh, our place of birth. My father was manager of the Roza and use to do khidmet with ikhlaas. For 16 years he looked after the zuwwar. Sometimes at night, when no one was around, he would carry their baggage to their rooms and make sure they had food regardless of the time they arrived.

Syedna Taher Saifuddin Aqa (RA) gave 5 rupees to my father and instructed him to do business and not service. My father opened a small confectionery shop outside the Roza. The barakat of the five rupees contributed to our success. My father understood the significance of the farman of Aqa Maula (TUS) due to which we are where we are today. Alhamdolillah.

Keeping in mind the precious guidance we excelled in business; we made decisions entrusting Allah and the Dai of Allah. We continued to invest and expand our product portfolios. Together with business investments we also spent on ourselves as Maula instructs. And whenever we had a chance for khidmet, we did whatever little we could do.

The turning point in our life was the khidmet of the Dubai Saifee masjid chandelier. A surge of barakat followed, and until today people remember the event as a misaal of the rewards of khidmet.

4. The masjid al Burhani project was undertaken by you and your brothers. What inspired you to take it on? What, if any, were the obstacles faced? Are there any facilities or features that have been incorporated in the masjid for the first time?

I was inspired while sitting with my father outside the masjid waiting for Aqa Maula (TUS) to arrive and lay the foundation of the masjid. I asked my father if we should take on the khidmet for this masjid. My father replied that it was possible. Later, I discussed the matter with my brothers and the same day during maqdam majlis Aqa Maula (TUS) granted us raza mubarak to build the masjid, with the contributions of other mumineen. Aqa Maula (TUS) also asked me to take on a masjid project in India, which is now nearing completion in Partapgarh.

During the construction of al Burhani masjid we faced many problems, but these were overcome by the dua mubarak of Aqa Maula (TUS). In the Arab world there is usually no upper level masjid for ladies, thus getting permission for two upper levels proved difficult. Also the Arabs wanted us to build a minaret just like theirs; they objected to our plan of building a Fatemi style minaret, but the issue was resolved. One of the unique features of this masjid is the qiblah, it is built on the model of Zijibla masjid. The masjid complex is also the first one to have everything incorporated within it: car parking, Mawaid and Dar ul Imarat. The masjid has a blend of both Arabic and Fatemi design: the chandeliers have a palm tree design. Last but not least, the layout is such that it is possible to pray Imamat from any part of the complex.

6. Can you share with us what Aqa Maula (TUS) bestowed on you?

Aqa Maula (TUS) honored us by accepting our khidmet of building the masjid. Also Maula (TUS) mentioned our name on the takht during both: Ashara Mubaraka and Iftetah of the masjid.

7. What were the distinctive features of Dubai Ashara Mubaraka, 1425 H.?

With the dua mubarak of Maula (TUS), Dubai hosted the largest amount of foreign mumineen to record. The registration through E-jamaat cards was also initiated, through which accommodation and seating were allocated--a starting point for computerized organizational strategies.