A seven member delegation from the Central Islamic Council of Thailand (CICOT) and the Islamic Committee of Thailand arrived in Mumbai to visit major sites and centres of the Dawoodi Bohra community from 24 to 28 October 2022. Members of the Dawoodi Bohras of Bangkok accompanied the delegation throughout their visit.
Their four-day tour started by first visiting the iconic Saifee Hospital in Mumbai on the 24th of October. Later the delegation visited the Raudat Tahera Mausoleum followed by a tour of India’s largest urban renewal project undertaken by Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT) in Bhendi Bazar. The delegation also had the opportunity to understand the functioning of various community departments including the FMB kitchen programme and other initiatives at the community’s headquarter, Badri Mahal. They were particularly fascinated by the scope of Qardan Hasana within the community and how it has become a source of multidimensional uplift for its beneficiaries.
The next day the delegation travelled to Surat, Gujarat, where they visited the historic masjid, al-Masjid al-Moazzam and toured the faculties of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah, the Dawoodi Bohra community’s premier seat of learning. The officials appreciated the architectural splendour, library collection and hospitality during their visit.
Following their visit to Surat, the delegation returned to Mumbai and flew to Udaipur from where they journeyed to Bhindar, Rajasthan, for a meeting with the community’s leader His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin. His Holiness had been visiting the community in the Mewar region, as he welcomed the esteemed guests and thanked them for their visit. Leading the delegation, Mr Samai Charoenchang thanked His Holiness on their behalf and prayed for the community’s continued prosperity under the guidance of His Holiness in the future. At the end, the officials invited His Holiness to visit the community in Bangkok.
Throughout their visit, the delegation was engaged by several senior members of His Holiness’ family. These interactions helped build bridges of understanding and appreciation along with exploring avenues of mutual interest.
The Dawoodi Bohras have been living in Bangkok since the 19th century when community members arrived at Siam mostly from Surat in western India and gradually established their community centre. Throughout this period, community leaders have continued to guide the community and look into their affairs. The 51st al-Dai al-Mutlaq Syedna Taher Saifuddin visited Thailand in 1953 with his son and successor the 52nd Dai Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, who also visited the country in 1997. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin had briefly visited the country in 2019 as well.