Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set off for another state visit, to Egypt. Amid a number of important engagements to strengthen diplomatic relations and bilateral ties between both countries, the PM is set to visit the iconic Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo on 25 June — an 11th century mosque that was repaired with help from the Dawoodi Bohra community.
Bohras, are a significantly loyal vote base of the BJP in India.
One of the holiest sites for Egyptian Muslims, the mosque, which is situated on the eastern side of al-Mu’izz Street in the center of Cairo, underwent extensive renovation over several years.
The Dawoodi Bohras Ismaili Shiite sect donated approximately 85 million in local currency for the mosque which is an important cultural site for the community in Cairo.
In February this year, it was reopened to the public. Local newspapers reorted Presidential spokesperson Bassam Rady as lauding Mufaddal Saifuddin, the Sultan of the Indian Bohra community and the 53rd al-Dai al-Mutlaq, their spiritual leader, for significant contributions to the renovation and restoration of several shrines and historic mosques in Egypt.
