Draft:Faiz al Mawaid Buhaniyah

Faiz al-Mawaid al-Burhaniyah (FMB) is a community kitchen initiative established by the Dawoodi Bohra community, a subsect of Ismaili Shia Islam. Launched in August 2011, FMB was conceived by the 52nd al-Dai al-Mutlaq Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin with the primary objective of providing at least one wholesome and nutritious meal a day to every Dawoodi Bohra household.[1]

History and Establishment

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The initiative was born out of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin's desire to ensure that no member of the Dawoodi Bohra community anywhere in the world would go to bed hungry. His son and successor, the 53rd and present al-Dai al-Mutlaq Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, has been instrumental in implementing and expanding the program since its inception.[1]

Scope and Impact

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As of 2024, FMB has grown to serve over 135,000 community households in 869 cities across 40 countries, spanning five continents.[2] This extensive reach ensures that every member of the Dawoodi Bohra community receives one cooked meal every day, effectively meeting the food security requirements of the entire community.

Operational Structure

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Community Involvement

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FMB relies on a combination of over 7,000 volunteers and paid staff to operate its kitchens and delivery services. This collaborative effort not only ensures the smooth functioning of the program but also strengthens community bonds and fosters a sense of shared responsibility.[2]

Funding

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The initiative is primarily funded through voluntary donations from community members, reflecting the Dawoodi Bohra's commitment to mutual support and care.[2]

Meal Preparation and Distribution

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FMB kitchens prepare a variety of nutritious meals, which may include:

  • Dal (lentils)
  • Rice
  • Roti (Indian flatbread)
  • Sabzi (vegetables)
  • Soup
  • Salad
  • Khichdi (a rice and lentil dish)
  • Chicken dishes
  • Lamb dishes (but not beef)
  • Biryani
  • Traditional Dawoodi Bohra dishes
  • Sweets on special occasions[2]

Special consideration is given to senior citizens and individuals with dietary constraints, with meals prepared to accommodate their specific needs.[2]

Quality Control

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FMB places a strong emphasis on the nutritional value of the meals provided. The initiative minimizes the use of potentially harmful ingredients such as trans fats, excessive spices, artificial coloring, and flavor enhancers. A team of experts stationed at the community's headquarters in Badri Mahal, Fort (Mumbai), guides the program, ensuring that monthly menus are prepared under the supervision of trained dieticians.[1][2]

Social and Cultural Impact

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Women's Empowerment

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One of the key motivations behind FMB was to free women from daily cooking chores, allowing them to pursue careers, focus on child-rearing, or assist their husbands in business ventures. This aspect of the program has contributed to the economic and social empowerment of women within the Dawoodi Bohra community.[1]

Community Cohesion

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FMB has become a unifying force within the Dawoodi Bohra community, bringing together members regardless of their social or economic status. The act of sharing meals and participating in the preparation and distribution process has strengthened community bonds and fostered a sense of collective responsibility.[2]

Cultural Preservation

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The program also serves as a means of preserving and promoting Dawoodi Bohra culinary traditions. For instance, the practice of making handmade roti is encouraged as a way to stay active, nourish the body, nurture relationships, and preserve cultural heritage.[2]

Environmental Initiatives

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To address food waste, FMB established the Dana Committee (Dana meaning a grain of food).

The committee also implements creative initiatives to promote zero food wastage, including:

  • Upcycling leftovers into new dishes
  • Committee members personally consuming any leftovers or wastage to minimize waste[3]
  • Organizing quizzes and competitions to raise awareness about food waste
  • Creating and distributing educational materials such as posters and audio-visual content[4]

These efforts reflect the Dawoodi Bohra community's commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible resource management.

Citations: [1] https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/zero-food-wastage-initiative-by-dawoodi-bohras-in-pune-goes-global-9593369/ [2] https://www.thedawoodibohras.com/till-the-last-grain-aiming-for-zero-tolerance-of-food-waste/ [3] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/a-kitchen-that-ensures-no-bohra-goes-to-bed-hungry/articleshow/86330495.cms [4] https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/no-food-wastage-this-eid/article24175989.ece [5] https://www.news.lk/fetures/item/27144-shining-lesson-on-zero-food-wastage-policy-at-bohra-conference

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Mumbai: A kitchen that ensures no Bohra goes to bed hungry". The Times of India. 2021-09-19. Retrieved 2024-11-14.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h "Faiz al-Mawaid al-Burhaniyah". The Dawoodi Bohras. Retrieved 2024-11-14.
  3. ^ "No food wastage this Eid". The Hindu. 2018-06-15. Retrieved 2024-11-14.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference IE2024 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

Citations: [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammed_Burhanuddin [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawoodi_bohra [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mufaddal_Saifuddin [4] https://www.thedawoodibohras.com/faiz-al-mawaid-al-burhaniyah/ [5] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/a-kitchen-that-ensures-no-bohra-goes-to-bed-hungry/articleshow/86330495.cms