By Dua Mubarak of Huzur-e-Aala TUS, khidmat guzaar are readily trying to enhance and increase the standards of Faizul Mawaidil Burhaniyah. There are many aspects by which improvement can be made, but the most important is the how to maintain and constantly improve the taste of food.
Al Mahalat Al Burhaniyah in Karachi is the largest mumineen’s mohallah in the city with 1600 houses of total 7500. It is not only the largest mohallah in the city, but it is also one of the largest mohallah worldwide in terms of delivering Faizul Mawaidil Burhaniyah. Therefore, due to its large nature it can become increasingly difficult to maintain the standard required. Also city has many mumineen who are in the business of catering, and there are many Muslim caterers who are acquainted with Bohra cuisine. With houses reaching 1600, Faizul Mawaidil Burhaniyah is a huge industry in itself.
In order to improve and enhance the quality of food, create healthy competition and ensure that the best available cook is appointed for Faizul Mawaidil Burhaniyah, committee in Al Mahalat Al Burhaniyah – Karachi, held interviews with various caterers and cooks.
On 27th October 2016, 8 caterers and cooks, both mumineen and muslimeen were called for the interview. Committee shortlisted 8 members from 12 applications received.
The interview panel had 4 persons
- Sh Mustansir Bhai Rangoonwala (Ustaad – Al Jamea tus Saifiyah Karachi)
- Sh Shoaib Bhai Bahrainwala (Former Jamaat Secretary for the mohallah)
- Huzaifa BS bin Mudar BS (Owns catering business and cafes in Karachi)
- Sh Zohair Bhai Gain (Renowned caterer and confectionary shop owner)
Each applicant was interviewed individually based on following 4 criteria and sub points:
1) FMB Understanding
- Caterer must be aware of FMB’s importance in mumineen’s lives
- Caterer and his team are the helping hands of committee and operations incharge (spirit of teamwork)
- FMB is not only a commercial activity; therefore few points should be considered
- Halaal and haraam aspects
- Nutritional aspects
- Taste and quality
- Why does he want to participate in FMB?
If the caterer or cook is a Muslim he was briefed and why does he want to participate in FMB.
2) Experience and Skills
- Years of general experience
- Years of experience in Bohra cuisine and last affiliation
- The meaning of “Home like food”
3) Manpower Resources
- Availability of head chef; his years of experience and affiliation with cook or caterer; his performance, specialties. Can he work independently or needs supervision.
- Availability of assistant chefs; their experience and years of affiliation with caterer or cook; their performance. Does caterer have separate meat and vegetable specialists? Can they work independently or need supervision?
- Number of permanent helpers.
- Does the caterer or cook take medical examination of their staff? If yes last examination date.
- Does the staff wear gloves, head gear, uniforms and safety shoes?
- Caterer or cooks view on personal hygiene.
4) Nutrition and Food Preparation
- View on masalas and other taste enhancers
- Comments on oil usage
- Comments on what is healthy food.
Every criterion had marks and cook was given marks according to the answer and judged upon it. Based on their marks, every applicant was ranked and will be interviewed further before final selection. In the end contract will be given to the cook who has been appointed.
Faizul Mawaidil Burhaniyah is an industry unlike any other. But for mumin it is simply morsels from Maedat of Awliyah Kiraam AS and Faiz of Al-Dai Al-Ajal Syedna Aaliqadr Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS. Therefore it lies upon the committee to balance between the profitable industry without compromising the sanctity of Faizul Mawaidil Burhaniyah. One of the ways is definitely to hire personnel who can comprehend its sanctity and then benefit from this industry.
