Al-Mawāʾid

(Dining Hall)

DINING HALL

Physical and spiritual nourishment

The 34th Dāʿī Syedna Ismaʿil Badruddin RA (d. 1085/1674) provided lodging and boarding facilities in Jamnagar for students who came to him seeking knowledge. For over three hundred years, Duʿāt Mutlaqīn have continued this noble legacy of providing students with both physical and spiritual nourishment.

2.2 million meals a Year

The dining hall of Aljamea is known as al-Mawāʾid. Students, faculty and administrative staff dine in the Mawāʾid. In addition, faculty households are provided daily with lunch and dinner. Every day approximately three thousand individuals are served, totalling some 2.2 million meals per year. Fatimi texts stress the need for a balanced diet in order to lead a healthy and productive life, which is why menus are prepared after extensive consultation with nutritionists and dieticians. Hygiene likewise, is given utmost attention to ensure that al-Mawāʾid staff and diners remain in the best of health.

The Thāl

Meals are consumed in a thāl: a large serving platter allowing eight to nine individuals to eat together. Aside from its symbolism of Islam’s egalitarianism, the circular format facilitates discussion and inclusion. Fatimi texts emphasise the importance and rewards of being a gracious host when inviting people for meals. In accordance with these values, students serve their fellow colleagues themselves. Generally, students in their final two years render this service.