Considering its unique history and peaceful atmosphere, have you ever wondered about the story behind El Kababir? El Kababir is a special neighborhood in Haifa. It is home to a unique community. This community is the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. They originated in India in the 19th century. Later, they settled here in El Kababir.
Let’s step back in time. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was founded in India. They came to this region in the 1920s. By 1928, they established themselves here. The first converts were from the Odeh tribe. They came from Ni’lin near Jerusalem. In the 1950s, they settled in El Kababir. El Kababir was once a village. Later, Haifa absorbed it. The Odeh family is still very prominent here. As of 2015, they made up 70% of the Ahmadiyya community.
The community built its first mosque in 1931. Later in the 1980s, they built a larger grand mosque. This grand mosque is named after Mirza Basheer-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmad. He was the second Ahmadi Khalifa. The mosque has two tall minarets. These minarets are white and reach 34 metres. They stand out against the skyline.
In its early days, El Kababir was managed like a commune. Working men paid into a shared account. Some men joined the Turkish army. Others worked at the Haifa oil refinery. Some even helped build the Port of Haifa.
Israel is the only Middle Eastern country. Here, the Ahmadiyya branch of Islam can be practiced openly. El Kababir acts as the Middle East headquarters for the community. About 2200 Ahmadis live in El Kababir.
El Kababir is a mixed neighborhood. Most residents are Ahmadi Muslims. But there is also a significant Jewish minority. Some Christians and Druze also live here. Haifa city officials see El Kababir as a model of coexistence. A past mayor of Haifa called the Ahmadis “Reform Arabs”.
The Ahmadi community actively participates in city life. They are part of interfaith activities. For example, they are in the Haifa Forum for Interfaith Cooperation. Ahmadi Muslims host an annual neighbors day. This promotes good relations. It introduces the Ahmadiyya Community to others. They also participate in the Holiday of Holidays. This is a local festival with many attendees. Ahmadi leaders join other religious and political leaders in ceremonies.
In 1987, the Israeli Ahmadiyya community translated the Quran into Yiddish. This was one of 100 languages chosen by their leader. In 2009, the community president met Pope Benedict XVI. He delivered a message from the worldwide community leader. The Pope also received a copy of the Quran. In 2011, the community hosted a tour for international mayors.
As the regional headquarters, Haifa hosts an annual conference. Ahmadi religious leaders from around the world attend. This includes leaders from Middle Eastern countries. The community also produces television programs. These programs are for Arabic viewers in the Middle East and North Africa. They are broadcast on the MTA 3 channel.
Though most Ahmadis live in Haifa, they are present throughout Israel. However, El Kababir remains the only established community. El Kababir stands as a symbol. It represents religious tolerance. It shows peaceful coexistence. It is a unique and important place in Haifa. As you leave El Kababir, remember its message of peace. Remember its unique history. It is a community that values harmony and understanding.