The 135th Annual Religious Conference (Mahfil) of the historic Sarsina Darbar Sharif concluded on Monday with a three-day grand religious gathering and spiritual practice. The participation of over five lakh devotees from different parts of the country in the Mahfil, which began on November 29, once again strongly reflected the spiritual influence and dignity of Sarsina.
Algerian Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdelwahab Saidani was present as the international guest at the Mahfil. Upon his arrival at the Darbar Sharif, he was warmly welcomed by the Pir of Sarsina Darbar Sharif, Shah Sufi Ameer Hizbul Allah Alhaj Hazrat Maulana Shah Abu Nasr Neseruddin Ahmed Hossain. The traditional hospitality and respect of the Darbar was especially displayed towards the Ambassador.
The 375-year-old Darbar Sharif of Sarsina is one of the main spiritual centers of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat in the Indo-Pak-Bangla region, playing an important role in Dawah, Islamic education, spiritual guidance and social welfare. The Darbar’s affiliated institution, Darussunnat Kamil Madrasa—established in 1915—currently provides opportunities for the pursuit of Islamic knowledge to more than five thousand students.
This year’s conference commemorates the spiritual legacy of the founder Hazrat Maulana Shah Sufi Syed Ahmed Sharif (Rah.) as well as the contribution of his predecessor Pir Shah Sufi Syed Faizul Haq Sharif (Rah.). Their spiritual guidance continues to inspire followers today.
Ambassador Abdelwahab Saidani spoke in Arabic in the afternoon session. He expressed deep gratitude for the hospitality and sincerity of Sarsina in front of the scholars, organizers, dignitaries and numerous devotees. In his speech, he mentioned the long-standing friendly cultural and spiritual relations between Algeria and Bangladesh and praised the pioneering role of Sarsina Darbar Sharif in Islamic education, social service and dawah activities. He further said that the many similarities between the Sufi traditions of Algeria and Bangladesh, such as charity, unity, collective remembrance and disciplined spiritual practice, further strengthen the bond between the people of the two countries.
On the last day of the mahfil, the top scholars of Darbar Sharif participated in religious discussions. Then Hazrat Maulana Shah Abu Nasr Nessaruddin Ahmed Hossain led a special prayer, where prayers were offered for the peace, welfare and stability of the Muslim Ummah of the whole world, including Bangladesh. At this time, a deep spiritual atmosphere was created in the entire premises.
The organizers said that the presence of Ambassador Abdelwahab Saidani has further strengthened the cordial relations of friendship between Bangladesh and Algeria. His participation has further expanded the cultural and spiritual ties between the two countries.
The Sarsina Darbar Sharif said that they will continue to work towards expanding religious and cultural cooperation with Algeria, in addition to expanding Islamic education, spiritual guidance and social welfare activities.
