Alipur, South India

Dar Uz Zahra Alipur

About Daruz Zahra (a), Alipur

Daruz Zahra (a), meaning the “Adobe of Zahra (a),” is a prominent religious, social, educational, and community center situated in the heart of Alipur. As the largest multipurpose Shia complex in Karnataka, Daruz Zahra (a) is a vibrant hub for diverse activities that enrich the community throughout the year.

The architectural beauty of Daruz Zahra (a) is highlighted by its pointed arches, skylit halls, tall doorways with intricately carved doors, twin minarets topped with an onion-shaped dome, and a silver zarieh mubarak. The walls are adorned with Persian calligraphy, and the illuminated houza ilmiya adds to its spiritual ambiance. Nestled within four acres of lush gardens bordered by an elegant boundary wall, the center features three gateways leading to Masjid-e Jafaria, Imam Khomeini Road, and Houzia Road, making it a spiritual haven for visitors.

The foundation stone of Daruz Zahra (a) was laid in 1985 by Thiqatul Islam Maulana Syed Abbas Hussain Al Baqri Tabe Sarrah in a spacious area known as Jafaria Baagh, adjacent to a pond (Bellikunte). Under his leadership, a construction committee, with the support of Anjuman-e Jafari, was established to oversee the project. The committee successfully completed the structure, including the ground and first floors.

After the passing of Thiqatul Islam in 1997, Maulana Syed Mohammed Zaki Baqri Saheb Qibla assumed leadership and renamed the committee as the Daruz Zahra (a) Committee. The newly formed committee continued to expand the complex, officially inaugurating the central building (Astana) on June 27, 2004 (8th Jamadiul Awwal 1425 Hijri) in a ceremony attended by eminent scholars, political leaders, and a large gathering from various regions.

Over the years, the Daruz Zahra Committee has added several utility buildings and established Madraseh Zahra (a). The scope of the committee’s activities has extended beyond managing the Daruz Zahra Complex to include social, economic, and welfare initiatives, as well as organizing the annual congregation known as Makhsosi during Ayyame Fatimiyya.

Brief Report of Daruz Zahra (S.A)

Makhsosi

An annual religious gathering commemorating the martyrdom of Bibi Fatima Zahra (s.a) is held from the 9th to the 13th of Jamadi-ul Awwal. Thousands of mourners, both locals and visitors from across India, attend this event, which includes Majalis, Juloos, youth camps, health camps, and conferences. Arrangements for Tabarruk and lodging for guests of Bibi Zahra (s.a) are meticulously organized.

Jashn-e Imam Sajjad (a)

On the 14th of Jamadi-ul Awwal, a grand celebration is held to mark the birth anniversary of the fourth Imam, Sayyed Sajjad (a). Renowned poets from Bazm-e Meesam and other regions present their poetry in honor of the Imam (a).

Ladies Majalis

Ladies Majalis commemorating the martyrdom of Bibi Fatima Zahra (s.a) (according to another narration) are organized from the 1st to the 5th of Jamadi-ul Akhir.

Jashn-e Bibi Zahra (s)

Celebrations for Bibi Fatima Zahra (s), including Yaume Zahra (s) and various Islamic and Quranic competitions, are conducted between the 15th and 20th of Jamadi-ul Akhir. A grand celebration for men occurs on the night of the 20th, featuring performances by poets from Bazm-e Meesam and Hyderabad. Tabarruk is provided for attendees.

Moharrum Programmes

  • Daily Majalis for Sayyedush Shohda (a) take place during the first Ashra of Moharrum, continuing on important dates of Ayyame-aza.
  • Year-round Tabarruk arrangements are sponsored by various contributors. Over seventy dawath-e aam (community meals) and many khaas-dawaths are organized in the vicinity of the complex annually.
  • A heavenly Shab Bedari event is organized by Idare Abuzaria on the night of the 7th of Rabi-ul Awwal.

Skill Development Center

Daruz Zahra (a) conducts tailoring, beauty, crafting, and computer courses for women throughout the year, in collaboration with government agencies and NGOs. Some courses are supported by the government, offering monthly stipends to trainees and distributing free sewing machines upon course completion.

Educational Center

A correspondence degree course for a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from the prestigious Bangalore University was initiated. Eighteen women enrolled, with four students successfully completing the degree with distinctions.

Community Events

  • Nikah ceremonies are conducted in spacious halls throughout the year, offering dining, decorations, and furniture facilities at the host’s discretion.
  • Conferences, seminars, training sessions, meetings, health camps, and youth camps covering educational, social, political, and religious topics are held year-round.
  • Majalis for Aesaal Sawab of the deceased are organized throughout the year by family members of the departed.
  • Mahafil are conducted to celebrate the birth anniversaries of Ahlul-Bayt (a) and on significant Islamic events, including Eid-e Ghadeer.