The Reluctant Conservatives

Orthodoxy is being forced upon Bohra Muslims, a group not usually known for a rigid interpretation of Islam.

A beard or ex-communication. According to several members of Mumbai’s Bohra Muslim community, that is the choice they’re being asked to make. India’s Bohras are an entrepreneurial and philanthropic Islamic sub-sect led by Mumbai-based Dr Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin. Now, some of his 1.3 million followers in Mumbai complain that community officials are spearheading a back-to-tradition movement that requires followers to maintain a beard, and wear a ridah (a colourful two-piece traditional dress for women). “I was told to grow a beard. I am opposed to it, but if they force it, I have to do it. Otherwise, I will be ex-communicated,” says a 29-year-old public relations manager who is Bohra.

Community members say volunteers from Bohra mosques are dispatched to peoples’ homes armed with literature and audio cassettes of the 95-year-old Syedna’s discourses talking about the fruits of returning to an orthodox way of life. Families have also been asked to fill out a form detailing their opinions of the community’s religious practices.

Many young Bohra Muslims say they’re worried about the consequences of voicing disapproval openly. “We are a liberal community, why should we go back to regressive ways?” asks a 23-year-old female student. So far, the Bohra community has been quite proud of its liberalism in letting its members attest their faith in their own manner. This recent campaign, many say, is part of an effort to fulfill the leader’s wish for uniformity within the community. It hasn’t helped that a young Bohra Muslim girl was recently involved in a high-profile drunk driving accident that killed two people.

Despite repeated attempts, Open couldn’t get an official reaction from Burhanuddin. But says an official under anonymity, “Islam has instructions and we do not have to force people to follow it. They will do it willingly as they know that we cannot let our traditions die.”

Bohra MuslimsIslamMumbai