Members of the Boy Scouts of America’s Bakersfield chapter, The Southern Sierra Council, visited the Dawoodi Bohra community’s Fakhri Masjid complex on a beautiful clear winter day at 3 PM. The Boy Scouts Troop 192, led by Scout Leader Jeff Fulfer and Assistant Scout Leader Christ Snavely, were present with a group of six excited young Boy Scouts along with three proud parents. Members of Bakersfield Dawoodi Bohra community were also present to mark the first visit by an external group of the Masjid Complex since its inauguration by His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Maula in March of 2015.
The visit began with a tour of the entire Masjid Complex with a brief description of the Masjid’s Fatimi Architectural motifs, and Fatimid History. It was followed by an interactive question and answer session. The inquisitive Boy Scouts and their parents were excited to learn about the community’s spiritual leader, Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin and his predecessor Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (RA), and the unique Islamic culture, heritage and traditions that the community treasures. During the tour, the guests also received a demonstration of how Dawoodi Bohras pray, along with a recitation of a beautiful Madeh (Praise Poem). The tour ended with a meal served in the traditional Dawoodi Bohra Thaal (large round metal dish). The guests were pleased to hear about the community’s Zero Waste Policy in which it ensures that no portion of a meal goes to waste.
The parents of Boy Scouts and their Scout Leaders were extremely thankful for this unique opportunity to learn about the local Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community. They expressed their strong interest to return next year with even more of their fellow Scout Troops to which Bakersfield Bohras happily replied that they look forward to hosting them again.