Shk Shabbir Bharmal is the energetic Commander of the Mumbai Burhani Guards. He is also a tireless social worker involved in as much as 16 organisations within the community, as well as the Red Cross and St.John Ambulance Brigade of Maharashtra .

How did you get started?
I was born into a religious family devoted to the ideals and teachings of our beloved Aqa Moula ^(TUS) since early childhood I was deeply influenced by the hidaayat of Moula ^(TUS) and the teachings of our Faith to always be of help to our brothers and to mankind. With the guidance of my father and family, I developed a caring and helpful attitude.

My first endeavour in this field was joining the Saifee Ambulance. Here I used Aqa Moula ^(TUS) teachings to serve all people regardless of faith and religion; I reached out to help the needy, the poor and the suffering people of all castes and communities.

How do you manage to devote time to so many causes?
Alhamdolillah I am blessed with the unflinching support of my father and brothers who manage our business and showroom and the support of my wife and children who look upon my social obligations as noble and cause worthy.

Who are the Burhani Guards?

Burhani Guards Mumbai is an umbrella body of all the Dawoodi Bohra Scouts, Guards and Volunteers; both gents and ladies. There are 1400 member khidmatguzars who voluntarily perform khidmat of Moula ^(TUS) and mumineen.

The organisation helps maintain discipline and control of mumineen and mumenaat attending miqaats such as Ashara Mubaraka as well as other mass gatherings of the community.

We also render services to mankind during natural or any other calamities where volunteers are required.

Tell us of a moment in khidmat that has stayed in your memory.
How can I forget this day? It was my first day as Commander of Burhani Guards and the occasion was the celebration of the 97th Milad Mubarak of Aqa Moula ^(TUS) at the Brabourne Stadium. The organisers were expecting a gathering of 20000 odd people and the turn out was an overwhelming 60000.

The Mumbai Police were puzzled as to how such an event would be managed, our volunteers were apprehensive as they guided group after group into the allotted spaces, while thousands still remained outside the stadium waiting for a glimpse of Moula ^(TUS). There was every chance of a stampede.

I prayed in my heart and remembered Moula ^(TUS) asking his help for things to run smoothly and the program to be successful. Moula ^(TUS) arrived and the thousands of mumineen were so disciplined, they sat on the ground and performed deedar while Moula ^(TUS) went around the grounds on the miyana. This was purely due to Moula ^(TUS) shaan as it was a near impossible situation for us to have otherwise controlled such a huge crowd.

This job is a difficult one, sometimes with more complains than appreciation. How do you cope with that?

Mumineen who attend miqaat sometimes forget that we have been deployed for their convenience. There may be some difficulties and inconveniences but they must remember that the guidelines provided are to ensure their safety and for them to gain the best of what they came for.

There are occasions when my members, under pressure may have to be forceful, this is a necessity of the moment, to avoid any untoward situation such as stampedes or rush towards Moulana ^(TUS), that would affect the smooth running of the miqaat or the safety of other mumineen .

My officers are always present to avoid any major mishap that may in anyway disturb the event as everyone’s objective is that the miqaat is successful.

What advice do you give your members?
Always perform khidmat as desired by Moula ^(TUS). Mumineen who attend miqaats are there as Moula ^(TUS) guests, and so we must respect them and their sentiments. Always be polite and be a patient guide to those who do not understand instructions.

If we make a mumin or mumena happy, it is Moula ^(TUS) who we make happy.

May Allah grant a long and healthy life to our beloved Moula ^(TUS) Ameen