First I would like to convey the salaams and blessings of His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, the most venerated leader of our community, and my heartfelt welcome to His Excellency, Dr. Balram Jhakar.

What Your Excellency has witnessed in the masjid is the congregation for the sacred occasion of Ashura, literally the tenth day of Muharram, the first month in the Muslim calendar. I have come here, to Indore, for the specific purpose of delivering sermons from the 2nd day of Muharram to the 10th, the 10th being the culmination of all the 8 sermons preceding it.

This is the occasion of the martyrdom of the Grandson of the Prophet Mohammed, Imam Husain (may Allah’s blessings be upon him). Imam Husain was denied water for three days in the burning sands and scorching heat of summer in Kerbala and then brutally killed along with his family and followers. His martyrdom is a shining lesson for all humanity, a lesson of perseverance and bravery, a lesson of truth against injustice, and a lesson of sacrifice in the pursuit of principle.

These sermons are about three to four hours each day in which is imparted religious knowledge, focusing on the eternity of the hereafter, and the transience of life on Earth. Stress is laid on the importance of good character, honesty and humility. We teach our people to be good, God-fearing muslims, and good, peace-loving patriotic citizens of India, living in harmony and brotherhood with other fellow citizens of the country. Our Prophet Mohammed, may peace be upon him, has said: "Hubb ul-Watan-e Min al-Iman": Love for one’s country is an integral part of religion.

I am proud to tell you, Your Excellency, that our community has achieved 100% literacy for both men and women 75 years ago in the leadership of Syedna Taher Saifuddin, the late father of the present His Holiness, Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin Saheb. We encourage our people to participate actively in the progress of our nation. A recent example is the inauguration of the newly renovated Saifee Hospital in Mumbai by our honourable Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Dr. Syedna Taher Saifuddin was asked once whether he was a Muslim first or an Indian. He said, and this applies to all our community, “I was born Muslim on my motherland of India.”

I would like to thank you Your Excellency, for accepting our invitation at such short notice. We are indeed honoured by your presence amongst us today.

I pray to Allah that He may give you strength to serve India, and may our Country prosper more and more, to take its place in the forefront of nations, while preserving our traditions, culture, diversity and uniqueness.