During a visit to Thailand, after visiting Philippines, the Head of External Tableegh, Shaykh Nadir Jaffer, visited Al-Huda Mosque in Bangkok and addressed the community there. The World Federation of KSIMC has provided this mosque with monetary support, as well as offered strategic tableegh advice for more than two decades.
This is a 47-year-old Shia Mosque and the only Mosque located in Taling Chan,
one of the 50 districts in Bangkok.
The original structure of the mosque, which was small and wooden, was built in 1976. Until 1979, it was one of the only 5 mosques for Shias in Bangkok. Later, as the Shia community grew and more Mosques and centres were built in the surrounding regions, Al-Huda Mosque was rebuilt in 1989.
Presently, out of the 5 main mosques in the area, Al-Huda Mosque is the only one where Jum’ah (Friday) prayers are performed by our local Resident Scholar, who knows English, Arabic, Persian and Thai.
The members of this mosque are made up of the descendants of the Late Shaykh Ahmed Qummi – the prominent Shi’a figure and founder of the Shi’a Ithna-Asharies in Thailand, who then became the Chief Chancellor of the King at that time and a distinguished statesman around 4 centuries ago. Gradually, the spreading and progression of Islamic ideologies and culture led to the conversion of many people to Islam and the Madh’hab of Ahl al-Bayt (a). Shaykh Ahmed Qummi’s great grandchildren still reside there and are well respected members of the community.
Currently, Al-Huda Mosque has over 120 Shi’a families, which is recorded in the Mosque’s register. Around 25 families live near the mosque, whereas the remaining members reside in different areas of Bangkok and regularly attend the programs.
Activities undertaken by the mosque
• Regular Programs
In addition to the daily prayers, the mosque hosts programs to commemorate the Wiladat and Shahadat of the Ahl al-Bayt (a) and all significant events in our calendar. The mosque holds Jumu’ah Prayers every week, which are attended by Shi’as as well as Sunni Muslims. Usually, the management committee tries to organise other activities after the Friday prayers, followed by lunch, for the convenience of the members who attend from other regions in Bangkok.
• Educational Programs
Al-Huda Mosque organises regular Educational Programs, including short courses, discussion groups, seminars and Q&A sessions to address religious doubts and queries about our faith.
Recently, the management committee has also started conducting online sessions for community members, especially on Sundays. Although the target audience of these programs is generally the Youth of the Thai community, there is a good deal of participation from the elders and teenagers alike.
• Tableegh Work
Al-Huda Mosque hosts various programs for the other Muslim and non-Muslim communities.
1. Intrafaith Programs
On a regular basis, discussion circles and dialogues are organised with our Sunni brethren to strengthen unity and discuss our common issues. Alhamdulillah, there is a lot of positivity as many Sunni brothers attend our mosque for the Jumu’ah Prayers. These programs develop a stronger feeling of camaraderie and brotherhood, which are the most vital aspect of coexisting in harmony.
2. Interfaith Programs
With the Representatives of Siam Technological College – Introducing the religion of Islam
The prominent religion in Thailand is Buddhism, practiced by over 94% of the population. To develop better relations with non-Muslim communities, Al-Huda Mosque conducts frequent Interfaith Programs in order to spread more information about Islam within the local communities. Some of these programs include:
• Seminars with the leading Buddhist Monks in Bangkok.
• Inviting Professors from reputed Universities in Bangkok for Interfaith dialogue and discussions on Islam.
• During the holy month of Ramadhan, the management committee invites personalities like the General of the Police Department to join them for Iftaar at the mosque and give a briefing about the Philosophy of Fasting, Iftaar, prayers and the significance of the holy month of Ramadhan.
• Inviting university students for a meet-and-greet and a tour of the mosque.
In the month of Muharram, they organise a Sabeel (Mawkib) just outside the mosque and distribute water, stickers and pamphlets which spread knowledge about Imam Husayn (a) and Karbala.
During the difficult times of the Covid-19 lockdown, the mosque made arrangements to provide assistance and food to the members of society, without distinction of religion.
Contributions and Visit from The World Federation
Left Image: L-R – Shaykh Hamza, Shaykh Nadir Jaffer and Shaykh Ghulam Ali Abazar;
Right Image: Shaykh Nadir addressing the community at Masjid Al-Huda after Salaat
Around 25 years ago, The World Federation of KSIMC, through intermediary of Marhum Murabbi Safder Bhai Alidina, had the privilege to support this mosque by paying off all the loans against the property, and Alhamdulillah this saved the mosque from being demolished by the authorities.
At that time, The World Federation facilitated that a management committee be formed, local trustees be appointed, and got the land registered under the Islamic Studies Foundation of Thailand.
Now after many years, a delegate from The World Federation revisited the mosque and established strong contacts with the community there. The Islamic Education Department’s External Tableegh is now exploring to make a new strategic plan for future collaborations.
L-R: Miqdad Wongsenaaree, Visiting guest from the Sunni community, Shaykh Nadir Jaffer, Abdullah Manachitt and Manas Kiattitharai
During his short stay, Shaykh Nadir also visited:
• The Islamic Studies Foundation and its trustees: Prof. Abdalla Manichett, Dr. Ilyas and Brother Fareed Denyingyoch. This is currently the largest Islamic Center in Bangkok.
• Masjid Imam Ali (a) which is run by Dr. Manas Kiattitharai and is within the city.
• Masjid Imam Hassan (a) which is outside of Bangkok and is the biggest Shi’a Mosque, consisting of around 84.000m2. This mosque is still under construction and will have all kinds of facilities within it, such as community houses, a gymnasium, library, etc. InshaAllah.
• Masjid Saahib al-Zamaan (aj) which was also built with significant contribution from The World Federation and is around 60km away from the city centre. Currently, around 350-400 people attend the main events and the Shias are now looking to establish a school in the adjacent land for which they seek donations.
L-R: Masjid Imam Hassan (a); Masjid Saahib al-Zamaan (aj)
