Bishwa Ijtema: An Exploration of Bangladesh’s Largest Annual Islamic Gathering
Every year, the Bangladeshi town of Tongi is host to one of the world’s largest Islamic gatherings, the Bishwa Ijtema. This three-day event is attended by millions of Muslims from all over the world, and is considered to be one of the most important religious events in the Islamic calendar. Here, we explore the history of this unique event and uncover some of the amazing facts and things to do at Bishwa Ijtema.
History of Bishwa Ijtema
The Bishwa Ijtema is an annual gathering of Muslims from all over the world. It is believed to have originated in the late 1950s, when the renowned Islamic scholar Maulana Muhammad Yusuf (RA) was invited to Bangladesh by the then-President of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. During his visit, Maulana Yusuf (RA) was asked to deliver a sermon on the importance of religious unity and brotherhood. He accepted, and his sermon was attended by thousands of Muslims from all over Bangladesh. This gathering is believed to have been the first ever Bishwa Ijtema.
Since then, the Bishwa Ijtema has grown to become the largest Islamic gathering in Bangladesh. It is attended by millions of Muslims from all over the world, and is held every year on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi. The event is organized by the Tablighi Jamaat, a global Islamic missionary movement.
Amazing Facts About Bishwa Ijtema
• The Bishwa Ijtema is the largest Islamic gathering in Bangladesh, and one of the largest in the world. It is estimated that around three million people attend the event every year.
• The event is attended by Muslims from all over the world, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, and many other countries.
• The event is organized by the Tablighi Jamaat, a global Islamic missionary movement.
• The event is held over three days, and features a variety of activities such as prayers, lectures, and seminars.
• The event is also a great opportunity for businesses, as many vendors set up stalls to sell their products.
Things to Do at Bishwa Ijtema
• Attend the Sermon: The highlight of the Bishwa Ijtema is the sermon delivered by the renowned Islamic scholar Maulana Muhammad Yusuf (RA). This sermon is attended by thousands of people from all over the world.
• Pray: Prayers are held throughout the three days of the event, and are attended by thousands of Muslims.
• Participate in Seminars: During the event, there are several seminars and lectures held by prominent Islamic scholars. These seminars are a great opportunity to learn more about the Islamic faith.
• Shop: The event is also a great opportunity for businesses, as many vendors set up stalls to sell their products.
• Explore Tongi: Tongi is a small town located on the banks of the Turag River. During the event, visitors can explore the town and discover its unique culture and history.
The Bishwa Ijtema is an incredible event that brings together millions of Muslims from all over the world. It is a unique opportunity to experience the Islamic faith, learn more about the religion, and explore the culture and history of Bangladesh.