Bhopal Tablighi Ijtima: A Glorious Symbol of 77 Years of Worship, Service, and Brotherhood

The Tablighi Ijtima, also known as the “Aalami Tablighi Ijtima,” is among the world’s largest religious congregations. It is not merely an annual religious event but a global platform for Muslims devoted to brotherhood, self-reform, and service. The Ijtima has given Bhopal a unique global identity. What began in 1949 as a small gathering has today become a massive event uniting more than one million people.

Beginning and Transformation: From a Mosque to a Massive Ground

The journey of the Bhopal Ijtima began in 1949 at the historic Shakur Kha Mosque in the old city, where a group of scholars and local Muslims gathered for spiritual discussions and self-improvement. The event steadily grew, soon exceeding the capacity of the mosque.

With rising attendance, the event shifted to the vast premises of Taj-ul-Masjid, where it began to gain national recognition. However, as more people from across India and abroad started attending, the venue was again shifted in 2005 to the expansive 150-acre grounds at Eintkhedi / Ghasipura on the outskirts of Bhopal.

Today, the Ijtima spans four days—beginning with the Fajr prayer on Friday and concluding with a heartfelt Dua-e-Khas on Monday. Hundreds of thousands gather, joined by Tablighi groups from across the world.

From a Modest Beginning to a Global Gathering

The Bhopal Ijtima stands as a remarkable symbol of faith, unity, and service. Beginning in the 1950s at Shakur Khan Mosque with a handful of participants, it focused on local spiritual gatherings and reform. During the 1960s–70s, the Ijtima shifted to the grand Taj-ul-Masjid, drawing participants from across India and gaining national prominence. A significant transformation came in 2005 when the event moved to the vast Eintkhedi grounds, adopting a modern and organized structure to welcome lakhs of devotees. Despite a brief interruption during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ijtima revived with even greater enthusiasm in 2023–24, witnessing record participation. The forthcoming Ijtima 2025 (14–17 November) promises to be another historic chapter, reinforcing its timeless message of peace, brotherhood, and spiritual renewal that continues to inspire millions around the world.

Invaluable Contribution of Hazrat Maulana Saad and Scholars

Hazrat Maulana Saad, one of the leading scholars of Tablighi Jamaat, is known for delivering the principal sermons at the Bhopal Ijtima. His powerful yet simple and heartfelt speeches deeply move the listeners. He emphasizes spiritual development, social unity, moral values, and personal reform.

Along with delivering sermons, Maulana Saad and other senior scholars are actively involved in planning, organizing, educational activities, and forming Tablighi groups. Their leadership not only enriches the Ijtima spiritually but inspires participants to practice faith and service in daily life.

Youth Leadership: Contributions of Maulana Saad’s Sons

At the Ijtima, Maulana Saad’s sons — Maulana Mohammad Yusuf, Maulana Mohammad Saeed, and Maulana Mohammad Ilyas — play a vital role in nurturing and guiding the youth. Through their humility, knowledge, and approachable nature, they connect deeply with the younger generation. Their teachings emphasize faith, discipline, moral conduct, and service to humanity, inspiring young participants to lead purposeful lives. Their dynamic engagement and compassionate mentorship make them exemplary youth leaders, fostering a spirit of unity, dedication, and positive change among the new generation of believers.

Local Bhopal Families: Silent Pillars of Service

Behind the global stature of the Bhopal Ijtima stand the silent yet steadfast contributions of Bhopal’s local families — known for their deep-rooted faith, generosity, and community spirit. These families form the invisible backbone of the massive gathering, ensuring that every aspect runs smoothly and with grace. Many provide huge tent arrangements completely free of cost, while some have donated or permanently dedicated their land (waqf) for the Ijtima grounds. Others open their homes to host guests, offering food, water, and medical care with selfless devotion.Educational institutions extend hostels for accommodation, and business families fund meals, utilities, and essential supplies. The new generation continues this noble legacy, proudly following the footsteps of their forefathers.

This spirit of quiet service, passed down through generations, reflects the true essence of Islamic brotherhood and hospitality. The collective devotion of these families transforms the Ijtima into not just a gathering of faith, but a living example of unity, compassion, and service to humanity.

Government Support: A Model of Administrative Excellence

The seamless organization of the Ijtima stands as a testament to effective government planning and coordination. Under the direct oversight of the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary, every department works proactively to ensure the event’s success. Teams from the police, health, railway, municipal, and disaster management departments operate round-the-clock, managing crowd control, sanitation, medical assistance, and overall safety for the lakhs of attendees.

Their meticulous arrangements — from traffic flow to emergency response — reflect a spirit of dedication and discipline. The joint efforts of the administration and event organizers create a model of harmony, efficiency, and civic responsibility rarely seen on such a large scale.

This unified approach not only ensures a peaceful and well-managed Ijtima but also showcases Madhya Pradesh’s commitment to inclusive governance, where faith, service, and public administration work hand in hand for the greater good of society.

Volunteers: The Backbone of the Ijtima

The success of the Ijtima rests on the shoulders of nearly 30,000 dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly day and night to ensure the smooth conduct of this grand spiritual gathering. Their responsibilities cover every essential aspect — from crowd management and water supply to sanitation, wudu facilities, and first aid. Volunteers also maintain cleanliness and assist police in regulating traffic, ensuring the safety and comfort of all participants.

A notable highlight is their commitment to the Green Campaign, promoting eco-friendly practices and a strict no-plastic policy, making the event both spiritual and sustainable.

Their selfless devotion, discipline, and unity reflect the true spirit of service in Islam. These volunteers not only manage logistics but also set an inspiring example of community cooperation, humility, and dedication — embodying the heart and soul of the Ijtima and inspiring millions around the world.

Dua-e-Khas: A Prayer for Peace and Humanity

The most moving and spiritually charged moment of the Bhopal Ijtima is the concluding Dua-e-Khas, led by Hazrat Maulana Saad. As lakhs of devotees gather in complete silence, hearts overflow with emotion and devotion. With tears in their eyes and hands raised in supplication, people pray earnestly for peace, unity, mercy, and the well-being of all humanity. The atmosphere becomes electrifying yet serene — a powerful reminder that true faith transcends all boundaries and calls for compassion, harmony, and service to mankind.

This grand dua is not confined to one community or nation; it embraces the entire world, seeking Allah’s blessings for universal peace and prosperity. In Bhopal, the four days of the Ijtima are celebrated like a spiritual festival. On the day of dua, families and children often wear new clothes, symbolizing renewal, purity, and hope.

The collective prayer, echoing through the vast congregation, creates an unforgettable spiritual experience. It reinforces the Ijtima’s timeless message — that Islam’s essence lies in love, peace, and service to humanity. The Dua-e-Khas thus marks not just the conclusion of the event, but the beginning of renewed faith, unity, and moral commitment for all who attend.

A Living Example of Faith, Unity, and Service

The Bhopal Tablighi Ijtima stands tall as a symbol of unwavering faith and commitment for over 77 years. Scholars, local families, administration, and volunteers together make it one of the world’s greatest peaceful gatherings.

It is not just a religious event but a cultural and humanitarian identity. As preparations for the 2025 Ijtima begin, Bhopal once again opens its heart to the world—welcoming guests for spiritual upliftment and demonstrating hospitality, unity, and service at its finest.

Special Article By Journalist Syed Asim Ali