The Dawoodi Bohras are a Muslim community living in over 40 countries across the world. They trace their heritage to the Fatimi Imams, direct descendants of the Prophet Mohammed﵆ through her daughter Fatima.
They are guided by their leader known as the al-Dai al-Mutlaq. The current leader of the worldwide community is the 53rd al-Dai al-Mutlaq, His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin. He guides community members toward a steadfast commitment to the timeless values and tenets of Islam, advocates for global peace and harmony between all religions and inspires Bohras to always remain faithful and law-abiding citizens, striving to contribute to the growth and development of their nations.
A group of Dawoodi Bohra members with Syedna Taher Saifuddin and Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin
History
Early Bohra settlers started to arrive in the early 19th Century in the Far East region and established successful business ventures and enterprises. With an emphasis on a solid education, community members have pursued distinctive careers in the education sector, law and the business domain, going on to play a productive role in their respective nations.
The visit of the 51st al-Dai al-Mutlaq, His Holiness Syedna Taher Saifuddin, in 1953 was a historic event, marking the first time a Dai al Mutlaq, the head of the community, visited the region. During this visit, he offered comprehensive guidance to his followers, laying the foundation for a cohesive and enterprising community.
Today, community members have cemented their presence in the regions they have called home since the arrival of their forefathers and continue to build on their formative successes.
The Holy Quran
For the Dawoodi Bohra community, the Holy Quran not only holds great significance as an article of faith but is an integral part of everyday life. It forms the foundation for numerous fields of knowledge, from Arabic grammar, semantics and rhetoric to Islamic jurisprudence and historiography.
His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin has expressed his desire that every Dawoodi Bohra household should have at least one hafiz, someone who has memorised the entire Quran. From six-year-olds to undergraduates to septuagenarians, Dawoodi Bohras around the world have overcome great challenges to memorise the Holy Quran and strive to live their lives in accordance with its knowledge and teachings.
During the holy month of Ramadan, community members host Haflat al-Quran (Quran recitation gathering) in their masjid where they invite their Muslim brethren to partake in the spiritual gathering along with celebrating the festive occasion of Ramadan over an iftar dinner.
The holy Quran
A group of young Dawwodi Bohra students
Education
The prophet Mohammed﵆ states: ‘The pursuit of knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim man and woman.’ The Community’s leaders have continued to expend great effort to ensure that this Islamic legacy of learning and education continues to flourish throughout the ages.
The educational institutes established by the Fatimi imams and their enduring philosophy of safeguarding time-tested values while at the same time embracing the best of what modernity offers, are embodied in the numerous educational institutes of the Dawoodi Bohra community today. These institutes aspire not just to transfer knowledge but to transform students into intelligent, cultured, faithful, responsible and upstanding members of society.
As a result, Dawoodi Bohras are generally well-educated and accomplished in a wide variety of fields. They understand that the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey and make the most of every opportunity to keep learning as a means of individual and collective growth while inspiring those who lack the means to do the same.
Trade & Business
Business-mindedness and entrepreneurialism are defining traits of the Dawoodi Bohra community. The name Bohra itself, derived from the Gujarati term denoting ‘trader’ or ‘businessman,’ is a testament to this spirit. Through centuries of adherence to the Islamic business code of conduct, diligence and hard work, the Bohra community’s men and women have cultivated a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness among the societies in which they live and work.
A Dawoodi Bohra woman showcases her product in Hong Kong
Lisan al-Dawat is a unique blend of Arabic, Persian, Urdu and Gujarati
Culture
A unique cultural hallmark of the worldwide Dawoodi Bohra community is its distinctive language, Lisan al-Dawat. It is a language that combines elements of Arabic, Persian, Urdu and Gujarati, which began to emerge about a millennium ago, when the Dawat (mission) originally came to Gujarat, India. In keeping with the community’s philosophy of blending valued traditions with modern innovations, Lisan al-Dawat is a language that preserves the Dawoodi Bohras’ cultural and spiritual roots while continually evolving with the needs of the age.
Contributions to Society
Project Rise is a philanthropic endeavour initiated by the Dawoodi Bohra community which is being implemented wherever the community resides across the world. As the name suggests, it aims to raise and empower the less fortunate through various interventions. It strives to foster a culture of empathy, awareness and generosity such that no individual is neglected, overlooked or marginalised.
Project Rise endeavours to bring about an uplift in people’s lives through a wide spectrum of initiatives which include healthcare, nutrition, water and sanitation, environmental responsibility and education.
Collective growth and prosperity is an essential part of Bohra discourse
Project Rise ward for child healthcare brings hope to disabled children at Firozabari Hospital
A new paediatric ward dedicated to the treatment and rehabilitation of children with disabilities was inaugurated on Thursday...
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Dawoodi Bohra community welcomes Singapore’s leaders in a celebration of faith, culture, and friendship
The Dawoodi Bohra community of Singapore extended a warm welcome to Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and...
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Apr
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The Dawoodi Bohra Community hosts World Robot Olympiad Sri Lanka 2026 in Colombo
This story was reported by Daily Mirror The Dawoodi Bohra community in Sri Lanka hosted the World Robot...
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Mar
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Bambalapitiya Railway Station to be renovated by Dawoodi Bohra community
The Dawoodi Bohra community in Sri Lanka has undertaken the restoration and enhancement of the Bambalapitiya Railway Station...
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Mar
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President Dissanayake of Sri Lanka meets His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake hosted His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the leader of the worldwide Dawoodi Bohra community...
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Feb
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T20 action brings community together in Colombo
The lure and excitement of T20 cricket swept through the Colombo Dawoodi Bohra community this November as 53...
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Dawoodi Bohras of Chattogram exchange greetings on Mawlid al-Nabi
To celebrate the blessed occasion of Mawlid al-Nabi, the Dawoodi Bohra community of Chattogram organised a Quran and...
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Dawoodi Bohra community celebrates Singapore’s 60th National Day at Burhani Masjid
The Dawoodi Bohra community in Singapore marked the nation’s 60th National Day with a gathering at Burhani Masjid,...
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