We are the Dawoodi Bohra community of Singapore
The Dawoodi Bohra community in Singapore, though small in size, has featured prominently in the country’s historical journey since their arrival in the late 19th century, with the earliest recorded Bohra settlers arriving between 1875 and 1885. Historians have remarked that the Dawoodi Bohras were one of the earliest Gujarati-speaking groups to migrate from the Indian sub-continent to Singapore and Southeast Asia for trade and mercantile activities who engaged in barter trade consisting of goods such as soap, oil, porcelain, and gold.
Having established themselves in the region, Bohras solidified their presence through active civic engagement and became leading voices in many business associations. Nomanbhai Abdeali was one of the founding members of the Indian Merchants’ Association founded in 1924. Similarly, many Bohras were core members of the Indian Chamber of Commerce established in 1935.
The 51st Dai, Syedna Taher Saifuddin, visited the community in 1953 and met prominent dignitaries and authorities including the then British High Commissioner Sir Malcolm MacDonald.
Similarly, his successor, the 52nd Dai, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin visited the country in 1979, 1998 and 2001.
In 2018, the 53rd Dai, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, visited the country and met with the then President, Madam Halimah Yacob, at the Istana (the official residence and office of the President). President Yacob acknowledged the community’s significant contributions to Singapore’s multicultural society and has also subsequently visited the community at their masjid.
As with any other Bohra community, the masjid played a pivotal role in the spiritual and cultural development of the community in Singapore. The Singapore community has worshipped and gathered in the Burhani masjid on the same site where it was consecrated on Hill Street all the way back in 1897. The masjid was redeveloped during the time of the 52nd Dai, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, where it was refurbished along with the addition of a ten-story complex to meet the growing needs of the nearly 300 families who call the country home.
The community’s leaders have consistently encouraged members to live harmoniously and contribute positively to their societies. In Singapore, community members have followed this guidance, actively contributing over the years through donations to environmental initiatives, civic engagement, and outreach programs. Recently, they have undertaken several philanthropic efforts under Project Rise, a community-wide initiative focused on the advancement and improvement of society.
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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28
Apr
Apr
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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09
Aug
Aug
An interview with an upcoming artist from Singapore: Zainab Topiwala
Zainab Topiwala is a 14-year-old budding artist from Singapore. A student at Little Artists Singapore, she has recently...
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07
May
May
Dawoodi Bohra community commits to President’s Challenge during Eid gathering
The Dawoodi Bohra community of Singapore welcomed distinguished guests, including Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, policy leaders, diplomats,...
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19
Apr
Apr
A gift to encourage a sustainable practice in Singapore
For the Dawoodi Bohras of Singapore, Iftar in Ramadan took a sustainable turn this year as they gifted...
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02
Apr
Apr
Dawoodi Bohras of Singapore host former president Mdm Halimah Yacob at a women-for-women meet
Women members of the Dawoodi Bohra community warmly welcomed former President of Singapore and current Chancellor of Singapore...
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26
Jul
Jul
In Conversation with Composting Enthusiast, Tasneem Maimoon
In this interview, Tasneem Maimoon shares her experiences as an organic planter and the impact it has had...
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04
Jun
Jun
Exploring New Horizons: The Philosophy of Dawoodi Bohra Migrations
This article explores the philosophy behind Dawoodi Bohra migrations throughout the community's history.
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28
Jan
Jan