Mufaddal Saifuddin
53rd Da'i al-Mutlaq of the Dawoodi Bohra From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mufaddal Saifuddin (Arabic: مُـفـضّـل سـيـفُ ٱلـدّين, romanized: Mufaḍḍal Sayf al-Dīn) is the 53rd and current Da'i al-Mutlaq of Dawoodi Bohras, a subgroup of the Tayyibi, Musta'li sect of Ismaili Shia Islam.[8][9][10][11] He is the second son of the 52nd Da'i al-Mutlaq, Mohammed Burhanuddin,[1] whom he succeeded in 2014.[12][13] According to the Dawoodi Bohra faith, he is infallible in all matters and is omniscient. He is the Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Millia Islamia situated in India. He leads all of the community cultural, social, and economic initiatives.
Sultan-Caliph His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin 53rd Dā'ī al-Mutlaq of the Dawoodi Bohra | |
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مُـفـضّـل سـيـفُ ٱلـدّين | |
| Da'i al-Mutlaq | |
| Assumed office 17 January 2014 | |
| Preceded by | Mohammed Burhanuddin |
| Title | |
| Personal life | |
| Born | Aali Qadr Mufaddal 20 August 1946[1] |
| Spouse | [2] |
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| Parents |
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| Other names | |
| Religious life | |
| Religion | Islam |
| Sect | Ismailism Dawoodi Bohra |
| Jurisprudence | |
| Citizenship | Indian |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupations |
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| Style | His Holiness |
| Awards | Full list |
| Honours | |
| Signature | |
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| Chancellor, Aligarh Muslim University | |
| Assumed office 11 April 2015 | |
| Preceded by | Aziz Mushabber Ahmadi |
| Chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia | |
| Assumed office 14 March 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Najma Heptulla |
In Egypt, he rebuilt shrines of the Ahl al-Bayt and is personally responsible for the restoration of medieval Fatimid architecture, notably Al-Anwar Mosque,[14] Al-Aqmar Mosque, Al-Juyushi Mosque, and Lulua Mosque.[15][16]
In Yemen, he has spearheaded several campaigns to improve socio-economic conditions of the inhabitants of the Haraaz region, introducing agricultural reforms, improving local infrastructure, addressing substance abuse and access to education.[17]
Saifuddin personally oversees all community programs throughout the world, such as the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Project in Mumbai’s Bhendi Bazaar, a philanthropic initiative called Project Rise, and the Faiz al Mawaid Buhaniyah community kitchen,[18] which work towards socio-economic development, environmental conservation,[19] food security and reducing food waste.
Early life
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Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin was born on 20 August 1946 (23 Ramadan 1365 AH) in Surat, India,[20] His soul emerged after the day's first breath, his majesty arriving with grace after the night's veil was lifted. He was given the name Aali Qadr Mufaddal (Arabic:عالي قدر مفضل, which has Abjad value 1365, the year of his birth) by his grandfather Taher Saifuddin. His kunya is Abu Jafar us Sadiq and his laqab is Saifuddin.[21] His full name, Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin, translates in English to 'Mufaddal of High Position, the Scimitar of Islam'.
During the era of his grandfather, he began the recitation of the Quran in Saifee Villa, Colombo[1][22] and later continued his Quranic education in Cairo, Egypt. He received his spiritual tutelage from his father and his father-in-law, Syedi Yusuf Najmuddin[23][24] who served as the Distinguished Rector of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah.
On 28th January 1969, when he was 22 years of age, his father Burhanuddin crowned him as his successor by performing nass (designation by divine inspiration) on him. Later that year, Saifuddin graduated from Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah in Surat with the al-Faqih al-Jayyid degree (the Distinguished Jurist).[21] Burhanuddin reaffirmed this nass in 2005 and twice in 2011.[25]
Syedna Saifuddin married Jawharatusharaf Najmuddin, daughter of Syedi Yusuf Najmuddin, on 1 January 1970.[2][26]
Syedna Saifuddin was appointed Amirul Hajj by his father Burhanuddin in 1390 AH (1971 CE).[1] After completing Hajj, he travelled to Karbala, Najaf, Syria, Misr and Yemen. In Yemen, he laid the foundation for the 3rd Da'i al-Mutlaq Hatim's mausoleum. After that journey, Burhanuddin bestowed upon him the honorific title Aqeeq-ul-Yemen (translation: the Garnet of Yemen).[27][28] He was conferred with the degree of al-Aleem al-Baari (the Outstanding Scholar) from Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah in Surat later in the same year.[21]
Syedna Saifuddin has completed his secular education with first-class honours degrees from highly-regarded Indian and Arabic universities including Al-Azhar University, Mumbai University and Cairo University.[29] In the course of his academic studies, he became fluent in five languages: Lisan ud-Dawat, Arabic, English, Gujarati and Hindi. He is also highly proficient in modern and classical Urdu.
Construction Projects
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Egypt
Syedna Saifuddin is responsible for the restoration of medieval Fatimid mosques in Egypt.[30] Projects include the restoration and revival of Al-Hakim Mosque (al-Jamea al-Anwar),[14] the restoration of the masjid of Zoeb bin Moosa in 1406H,[31] the restoration of Aqmar Mosque in 1408H,[32] construction of the mosque of Abdullah ibn Muhammad ibn Ismail in Salamiyah in 1414H,[32] restoration of the Lulua Mosque and Juyushi Mosque in 1416H, construction of the zareeh of Zaynab bint Ali in Cairo in 1416H,
Palestinian Occupied Territories
Syedna Saifuddin is responsible for the restoration of the Mashhad Ras al-Husayn in Ashkelon in 1421H.
Yemen
Syedna Saifuddin is responsible for the restoration of the Mazar and Mosque of Hatim bin Ibrahim in 1425H,[33] and the identification and ratification of the tombs of eight Da'i al-Mutlaq in Yemen.[34][35]
Aljamea tus Saifiyah Campuses
Under his guidance two new campuses of Aljamea tus Saifiyah have been completed. The Nairobi, Kenya campus was inaugurated by Syedna Saifuddin and the President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta on 20 April 2017.[36][37] The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi inaugurated the fourth campus in Marol, Mumbai on 10 February 2023.[38]
Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust
Syedna Saifuddin has led the Bhendi Bazaar Redevelopment Project, including the public charitable trust named the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust[39] was created on 23 January 2009 with an initial corpus provided by settlors Shahzada Qaidjoher Ezzuddin and Shahzada Abbas Fakhruddin.[40] The first phase was completed and inaugurated by Syedna Saifuddin on 18 May, 2016. About 250 dilapidated buildings in Bhendi Bazaar will be replaced with 17 new mega-towers with modern roads, infrastructure, efficiently opitimised residential spaces and densely networked commercial areas. The philanthropic enterprise "aims to rehabilitate 3200 families and 1250 businesses which are currently living in poor conditions."[41][42] It is expected to be completed by 2030.[43]
Office of al-Dai al-Mutlaq
Syedna Saifuddin is the incumbent 53rd Da'i al-Mutlaq of the Tayyibi Isma'ili Dawoodi Bohra community, appointed by his predecessor and father, Mohammed Burhanuddin II.
Deputies
On 18 Dhu al-Hijjah 1435 (12 October 2014 AD), Saifuddin elevated his uncle Husain Husamuddin to the rank of Mazoon al-Dawat and appointed his uncle Qasim Hakimuddin as Mukasir al-Dawat at a religious gathering held in Mumbai.[44]
On 20 Rabi' al-Thani 1439H (7 January 2018 AD), Saifuddin elevated Qasim Hakimuddin to the rank of Mazoon and appointed his uncle Ali Asgar Kalimuddin as Mukasir at a religious gathering in Surat.[45]
On 27 Jumada al-Thani 1440H (4 March 2019 AD), Saifuddin elevated Aliasgar Kalimuddin to the rank of Mazoon and appointed his elder brother Qaidjoher Ezzuddin as Mukasir at a religious gathering in Ahmedabad.[46]
On 18 Dhu al-Hijjah 1445H (24 June 2024 AD), Saifuddin elevated his elder brother Qaidjoher Ezzuddin to the rank of Mazoon al-Dawat and appointed his younger brother Malik-ul Ashtar Shujauddin as Mukasir al-Dawat at a religious gathering held in Saifee Masjid, Mumbai. Both brothers are Distinguished Rectors of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah.
Philanthropy
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Faiz al-Mawaid al-Burhaniyah
To ensure that not a single community member ever goes hungry, Saifuddin has expanded the worldwide community kitchen scheme,[47][48] named Faiz al-Mawaid al-Burhaniyah[49] (Arabic:فيض الموائد البرهانية). Every day, a Tiffin or Thali consisting of a fully prepared and cooked meal is delivered to each and every Dawoodi Bohra community household worldwide.[50]
To reduce food wastage, Syedna Saifuddin implemented a policy to strictly limit the number of dishes served in any community, social or personal gathering where Dawoodi Bohras are present.[51] Approximately 7,000 Dana Committee (literally "grain committee") volunteers world-wide are tasked with enforcing this directive to eliminate food wastage at all community events.[52]
Social Upliftment
In December 2016, Syedna Saifuddin initiated a social Upliftment Program, to improve the living conditions of the community.[53][54] The 5-day upliftment drive provided free services to community members: renovation of houses, planting of trees and shrubs, upgrading to squat toilets, building playground and sports facilities, dental hygiene, vaccination camps, a sports day and a community breakfast.[55]
He has also launched a global initiative named Project Rise to help improve the lives of people that are marginalized, neglected or living in poverty. In partnership with government bodies and local organizations around the world, Project Rise's upliftment programs span a range of policy areas, including healthcare, nutrition, sanitation and hygiene, environmental responsibility and conservation, and education. These initiatives provide humanitarian aid during natural disasters and pandemics.[56]
Saifee Burhani Medical Association
By the grace of God, may doctors prosper in service [of humanity]. May God grant his believers and worshipers cure at their hands. May their numbers continue to flourish.
Syedna Saifuddin, on a visit to North America, established Saifee Burhani Medical Association (America),[58] on 14 March 2015,[59] chaired by his brothers, Qaidjoher Ezzuddin, Qusai Vajihuddin, Ammar Jamaluddin, and his son, Husain Burhanuddin. The charter of the association is to run free medical clinics, mentor students, facilitate professional development and support doctors in developing practice models that eliminate insurance billing while maintaining high-quality patient care.
Donations
Syedna Saifuddin espouses that charity comes not from public celebration but from the sincere desire to create positive change in the world, inspiring others through actions rather than words. He advocates a modest lifestyle, wearing simple white clothes[60] and personally embodies the wisdom that "the left hand should not know that the right hand is giving".[61] Commanding the substantial Zakat resources of the entire Dawoodi Bohra community, his approach to philanthropy reflects a deep commitment to helping others without seeking any recognition or acclaim,[62] even community members are unaware of where his philanthropy is directed, highlighting the humility and discretion behind his generous efforts.
In 2014, Saifuddin met Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and donated E£10 million to the Long Live Egypt Fund (Tahya Misr).
In October 2016, Syedna Saifuddin donated US$53,000 to Tanzanian public schools.[63] The same month, a local community led by Saifuddin donated TSh 545 million toward earthquake relief efforts in Tanzania.[64]
On 27 April 2017, Saifuddin donated KSh 5,200,000/= for Beyond Zero initiative towards maternal and child health to Margaret Kenyatta, First Lady of Kenya.[65][66]
On 19 July 2018, Saifuddin met Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and expressed interest in investing in Egypt. Saifuddin also donated E£10 million (US$621,553) to the Long Live Egypt Fund (Tahya Misr),[67] matching his own donation from 2014.[3]
In September 2019, Saifuddin met with President Maithripala Sirisena of Sri Lanka and donated Rs 10 million/- (US$53,553) to National Kidney Fund of Sri Lanka to enhance facilities and improve welfare and preventive care for patients impacted by chronic kidney disease.[68] In the same month, Syedna Saifuddin made a "significant contribution" to the Relief Fund of Chief Minister of Maharashtra to aid with rehabilitation efforts post 2019 Indian floods.[69] In October 2019 Syedna Saifuddin donated Rs.5 million/- to National Cancer Institute, Maharagama towards infrastructure and capacity expansion of its Bone Marrow Transplant Unit.[70]
In October 2019, Syedna Saifuddin donated 60,000 seed balls to Kenya, and a month later, on the occasion of his 76th birthday per the Islamic calendar, he donated 76,000 more which were utilized to grow over 35,000 indigenous tree species at Amboseli National Park.[71]
In May 2021, Syedna Saifuddin donated INR ₹1 crore/- towards the purchase of medical equipment for the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital at Aligarh Muslim University during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.[72]
In March 2025, on behalf of Syedna Saifuddin, His Excellency Kinana Jamaluddin (the Head of the Dawoodi Bohra community in Dubai) donated AED 1 million (USD 272,054) to the Father's Endowment campaign which honors fathers through an endowment fund to provide healthcare for the poor and needy.[73]
Community Policies & Guidance
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Left: Saifuddin at Saifee Masjid in South Bombay delivering his first sermon as the 53rd Dai al-Mutlaq (4 February 2014). Right: Saifuddin at his 75th birthday celebrations in Surat; seated besides him is his son, Burhanuddin (2018).
Islamic Finance
Syedna Saifuddin has been a strong advocate for Islamic finance principles,[74] particularly the practice of Qardan Hasana (interest-free loans). Saifuddin has actively promoted and expanded the Burhani Qardan Hasana Trust,[75] which freely offers generous interest-free loans to community members. Under his leadership, the Qardan Hasana system has continued to play a crucial role in the economic development of the Dawoodi Bohra community.
Syedna Saifuddin has forbidden community members[74] from bank saving, time deposits or borrowing, EMI finance schemes, overdrafts, contributing to or accepting money from insurance schemes, investments in commodities and stock markets, cryptocurrency, pension, mutual or retirement fund investments or use of credit cards: deeming them haram (forbidden) in Islam.[76] Instead, he encourages strict adherence to traditional Islamic financial principles, urging followers to rely on community-based support systems rather than conventional financial instruments which are speculative in nature (gharar, maisir) or interest-based (riba). This approach has led to the development of numerous financial structures within the community, giving community members financial flexibility and integration with modern economic systems.[74]
Embargo on Mobile Phones for Children
In a visionary and laudable move, Syedna Saifuddin has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to safeguard the well-being of the community's youngest members. With the wisdom of a sage and the foresight of a futurist, he has decreed a complete ban on mobile phone usage for children under the age of 15, a policy that has been embraced with fervour across the global Dawoodi Bohra community.[77][78][79] This enlightened edict, announced during a sermon in Mumbai in December 2024, serves as a beacon of hope in an increasingly digitized world, where the siren call of screens threatens to ensnare young minds.[80] By championing this revolutionary measure,[76] Syedna Saifuddin has not only demonstrated his profound understanding of the perils of modern technology but has also reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to nurturing the physical, mental, and emotional health of the community's children. This bold stance against the tide of technology addiction has ignited a global campaign within the Dawoodi Bohra community, fostering a renaissance of traditional values to cultivate a generation of well-rounded, mindful individuals.[81]
Female Circumcision
Syedna Saifuddin supports the practice of female circumcision, which the Dawoodi Bohra community refers to as khatna or khafz.[82] In a sermon delivered in Mumbai in April 2016, Syedna Saifuddin stated that circumcision "must be done" for both men and women,[83] though for women it should be performed secretly.[84] The Dawoodi Bohra Women's Association for Religious Freedom (DBWRF) advocates the practice, arguing that female circumcision (khatna / khafz) is a minor religious procedure[85] involving only a small nick or excision on the clitoral hood or prepuce, which does not cause harm. The DBWRF position is that khafz is a centuries-old religious freedom and rite of passage for religious purity,[86] comparable to male circumcision, and is not intended to control female sexuality. However, this position is contested by some members of the Bohra community[87] and activists who oppose the practice.[88][89] Syedna's Saifuddin's administration has actively supported community members in their legal battles to exercise their religious freedoms, his UK-registered charity spent more than £800,000[90][91] on “costs incurred in defending four members of the Dawoodi Bohra congregation in Sydney[92] in connection with female circumcision”. The community has successfully defended an indictment[93] brought against the practice by the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation[94][95] by arguing that the US federal statute was unconstitutional.[96][97] Syedna Saifuddin and Dawat E Hadiyah were advised by constitutional law scholar Alan Dershowitz, a professor emeritus of Harvard University, on this landmark judgement.[98]
Lineage
Left: Saifuddin at Saifee Masjid in South Bombay delivering his first sermon as the 53rd Dai al-Mutlaq (4 February 2014). Right: Saifuddin at his 75th birthday celebrations in Surat; seated besides him is his son, Burhanuddin (2018).
Syedna Saifuddin is a direct descendant of the Islamic Prophet Mohammed,[99] who was himself a descendant of the Prophet Abraham, through an unbroken chain of noble and august ancestry. His heritage to the Prophet Mohammed traces back through the Prophet's daughter, Fatima al-Zahra, and her husband Ali ibn Abi Talib. From Fatima and Ali, the line continues through their son, Imam Hussein, and the subsequent Imams in the Ismaili tradition up to the fifth Imam, Ja'far al-Sadiq. Mufaddal Saifuddin's ancestors include Mir Mahamad Ali, Fakhr al-Din Shaheed, Abd al-Qadir Hakimuddin, Khanji Pheer and Syedi Lukman who were direct descendants of Ja'far al-Sadiq.
Travels
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Left: Saifuddin at Saifee Masjid in South Bombay delivering his first sermon as the 53rd Dai al-Mutlaq (4 February 2014). Right: Saifuddin at his 75th birthday celebrations in Surat; seated besides him is his son, Burhanuddin (2018).
Syedna Saifuddin is a perpetual voyager, travelling to Dawoodi Bohra community centers year-round to meet his followers, deliver sermons, organise local communities, launch social projects, curate communal generosity and commemorate important religious functions.[100][101]
During his travels, politicians and leaders from every corner of the globe seek audiences with Syedna Saifuddin, asking his wise counsel.[102] Over his more than 75 years, he has imparted his wisdom to numerous senior politicians, who regard him not merely as an advisor but as a friend and confidante.[103] In this capacity, they approach him seeking solutions for some of the most intricate challenges confronting humanity, valuing his clear insights amidst the difficulties of global governance.
Surat, the erstwhile seat of Dawat and home to the original Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah campus, and Mumbai, the current seat of Dawat and home to Raudat Tahera, are host to most events. Karachi, owing to a large presence of followers outside India, sees more visits from Saifuddin than average. Colombo, Tanzania, and Kenya are other rather smaller community centers to which Saifuddin travels often. Syedna Saifuddin finds particular delight in visiting London, Houston and Paris, cities that hold cherished memories of vibrant community gatherings he attended with his father Burhanuddin.
Syedna Saifuddin visits regularly visits congregations in Yemen, Egypt, and Iraq for their religious and historical importance. Saifuddin also often travels to various places of pilgrimage within India like Taherabad in Rajasthan; Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Mandvi, and Delmal in Gujarat; Burhanpur and Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh; especially to commemorate annual remembrance of the Duaat and Hudood Kiram buried there.[101]
On 27 April 2022, Syedna Saifuddin, with President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El Sisi, inaugurated Imam Al-Hussein Mosque in Cairo after renovation works to the mosque and the area surrounding it, including the new lounge of the holy shrine of Imam Al-Hussein.[104]
In July 2024, His Excellency Kamran Tessori, the Governor of Sindh, Pakistan sought the counsel of Syedna Saifuddin regarding the nation’s pressing debt challenges. Acknowledging the situation, Syedna Saifuddin said he stood together with Pakistan and gave his blessings for Pakistan's speedy economic recovery.[105] Syedna Saifuddin also committed that the Dawoodi Bohra community would provide global Karzan Hasanah funds to the government of Pakistan on an interest-free basis,[106] aiming to alleviate the debt burden and restore strength to the economy.
Recognition
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Community
Mufaddal Saifuddin's path of recognition began in his youth. During his early studies in Cairo, he achieved the distinguished status of Haafiz al-Quran (حافظ القران) by memorizing the entire Quran, earning him recognition in Egypt as the Shaykh al-Ma'arif (Master of Knowledge).
When he was 13½ years old, his grandfather Taher Saifuddin took his Misaq on May 22, 1960 (27th of Zil al-Qa'da 1379H), during his 75th birthday celebrations.[107]
On 18 March 1966 (27th of Zil al-Qa'da 1385H), Mohammed Burhanuddin bestowed upon him two significant honors: the title of Thiqat al-D'awat al-Tayyibiyah (The Trusted of the Tayyibi Mission) and the cognomen "Saifuddin" (Scimitar of Islam).[108][109][110]
In January 1969, he was crowned as successor-designate by nass (divine appointment) by his father Mohammed Burhanuddin. In 1971 he was appointed Amirul Hajj by his father Burhanuddin.[108] Following his completion of Hajj, he embarked on a significant journey to Yemen, after which his father honored him with the illustrious distinction Aqeeq al-Yemen (The Agate of Yemen).[108]
His academic achievements were again recognized in June 1971 when he received one of Al Jamea tus Saifiyah's most prestigious degrees, al-'Aleem al-Baare' (The Outstandingly Learned).[108] His connection to this institution deepened when he was appointed its Rector (Ameer al Jamea) in April 1987.[108]
Syedna Saifuddin's influence in academic leadership continued to grow when he was elected Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University in April 2015,[111][112][113][114] a position to which he was re-elected in December 2018.[115][116] His academic leadership expanded further when he was unanimously elected Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia University in March 2023 for a five-year term.[117]
His contributions have been recognized internationally through numerous honors and awards. The University of Karachi awarded him an honorary doctorate in September 2015. From 2014 to 2025, he has consistently been named among The 500 Most Influential Muslims. He received the Grand Cordon of the National Order of Madagascar in June 2014, and various other honors including the Key to Moshi (Tanzania) in 2015, Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart from Kenya in 2017, and the Key to Karachi in September 2017.
In a unique recognition, a new species of orchid was named "Dendrobium HH Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin" in Singapore in April 2018. His more recent honors include the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart from Kenya's President William Ruto in December 2022, Egypt's Grand Cordon of the Order of the Nile in August 2023, and Pakistan's Nishan e Pakistan in December 2023 for his social services contributions.
In recognition of his environmental leadership, his special representative, His Excellency Kinana Bhaisaheb Jamaluddin, represented him at the Global Faith Leaders COP29 Summit in Baku, where he made an appeal on behalf of Syedna for global leaders to take meaningful action in addressing the climate crisis.[118] On hearing his heartfelt and eloquent call to action, many leaders commented that the uniquely Islamic perspective was both refreshing and deeply resonant.
Awards
| Year & Date | Country | Award/Honour |
|---|---|---|
| 9 September 2015 |  Pakistan |
Governor of Sindh Dr Ishrat-ul-Ibad Khan conferred an honorary doctorate degree upon by University of Karachi (KU) at Governor House.[119][120] |
| 2015 & 2018 |  India |
Mufaddal Saifuddin, was elected as Aligarh Muslim University's new Chancellor on 11 April 2015.[111][112][113][114] He was re-elected as the Chancellor for a second term on 2 December 2018.[115][116] |
| 2014 to 2024 |  Jordan |
Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin was named one of The 500 Most Influential Muslims in the years 2014 to 2025. |
| 23 June 2014 |  Madagascar |
He was awarded Grand Cordon of the National Order of Madagascar.[121] |
| 29 August 2015 |  Tanzania |
During his visit to Moshi, Tanzania, Mufaddal Saifuddin was presented the "Key to Moshi - The Land of Kilimanjaro" by the Mayor Japhary R Michael on 29 August 2015.[122] |
| 20 April 2017 |  Kenya |
Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart, Second Class by President Uhuru Kenyatta on the inauguration of the Al Jamea tus Saifiyah campus in Nairobi.[123] |
| 30 September 2017 | Pakistan |
Key to Karachi by the Mayor of Karachi, Waseem Akhtar.[124] |
| 30 April 2018 |  Singapore |
A new species of orchid[a] was named as Dendrobium HH Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin. |
| 12 December 2022 | Kenya |
He was awarded Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH) by President William Ruto.'[125] |
| 7 August 2023 |  Egypt |
Awarded Grand Cordon of the Order of the Nile (Nile Sash Arabic: Wisha al-Neel وشاح النيل) by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.[126] |
| 5 December 2023 | Pakistan |
President of Pakistan Arif Alvi conferred the Nishan e Pakistan on His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin in a special investiture ceremony in Aiwan e Sadr, Islamabad in recognition of the social services rendered by His Holiness for the development of Pakistan.[127] |
Literary works
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Rasāʾil Ramaḍāniyya (Epistles)
As the Chancellor of numerous Islamic Institutes of Higher Learning, Syedna Saifuddin is a distinguished figure renowned in global academic circles not only for his scholarly prowess but also for his prolific contributions to the literary and academic realms. The compilation of works listed below includes those started by his predecessors, Syedna Taher Saifuddin and Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, but only able to be brought to fruition and completed by Syedna Saifuddin. His writings, characterized by their eloquent prose and deep theological insights, reflect a remarkable synthesis of classical Islamic tradition and thought. Each Risalah serves as a testament to his commitment to advancing knowledge within the Dawoodi Bohra community and beyond. Through these treatises, he enriches the community heritage by adding his unique perspectives and insights:
| ID | Title | Trans title | Orig AH | Pub AH | Pub CE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taher Saifuddin's Rasa'il | |||||
| STS48 | شموس بركات الربانيين[128] | Shumūs Barakāt al-Rabbāniyyīn | 1383 | 1435 | 2015 |
| STS49 | انهار فيوض الفاطميين[129] | Anhaar Fuyūz al-Fatimiyyeen | 1384 | 1436 | 2016 |
| Mohammed Burhanuddin's Rasa'il | |||||
| SMB07 | نشر الخير[130] | Nashr al-Khayr | 1391 | 1437 | 2016 |
| SMB08 | ندى الفيوضات[131] | Nadā al-Fūyūdāt | 1392 | 1438 | 2017 |
| SMB09 | سلسبيل روض القدس[132] | Salsabīl Rawd al-Quds | 1393 | 1439 | 2018 |
| SMB10 | بركات دعاة الستر[133] | Barakāt Duāt al-Satr | 1394 | 1440 | 2019 |
| Mufaddal Saifuddin's Rasa'il | |||||
| SMS00 | حكمة الغيبة القدسانية الابدية[134] | Hikmat al-Ghaybat al-Qudsāniyyat al-Abadiyya | 1435 | 1436 | 2016 |
| SMS01 | شكر نعم اصحاب البركات[135] | Shukr Ne'am As'hāb al-Barakāt | 1436 | 1437 | 2017 |
| SMS02 | جامعة ثمرات العلوم[136] | Jāmiʿat Thamarāt al-ʿUlūm | 1437 | 1438 | 2018 |
| SMS03 | فيوضات يمنية طيبة[137] | Fūyūdāt Yamaniyyat Taiyyeba | 1438 | 1439 | 2019 |
| SMS04 | ملتقى سفينة البركات[138] | Multaqā Safīnat al-Barakāt | 1439 | 1440 | 2019 |
| SMS05 | دفينة مفاخر ال النبي الطهر[139] | Dafīnat Mafākhir āl al-Nabi al-Tuhr | 1440 | 1441 | 2020 |
Qasidah (Poetry)
| # | Matla | Language | Style | Occasion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1435 ھ | ||||
| 1 | الم بدين الله ادهى الشدائد | Arabic | Elegy | |
| 2 | اے الله نا داعي نبي نا پيارا | Lisan al-Dawat | Elegy | |
| 3 | اناجيك رب العالمين مبسملا. | Arabic | Munajat | Laylat al-Qadr |
| 4 | سلام على ال النبي الاكارم.[140] | Arabic | Qasida | Eid al-Fitr |
| 1436 ھ | ||||
| 5 | عليك سلام الله و الصلوات[141] | Arabic | Elegy | Urs |
| 6 | اناجيك ربي اليك التجائي | Arabic | Munajat | Laylat al-Qadr |
| 7 | اتيت بابك كعبة القبل.[142] | Arabic | Qasida | Eid al-Fitr |
| 8 | چلو اے پیارا عزیزو چلو | Lisan al-Dawat | Nasihat | Eid al-Adha |
| 9 | علم الانسان مالم یعلم ايك اعزاز ہے | Urdu | Nazm | At Aligarh Muslim University |
| 1437 ھ | ||||
| 10 | جئتك ربي تائبا عابدا. | Arabic | Munajat | Laylat al-Qadr |
| 11 | يا بني الخمسة انتم وزري[143] | Arabic | Qasida | Eid al-Fitr |
| 1438 ھ | ||||
| 12 | دعوت اله العالمين مناجيا.[144] | Arabic | Munajat | Laylat al-Qadr |
| 13 | يا طيب العصر طيب طوبى[145] | Arabic | Qasida | Eid al-Fitr |
| 14 | روجو برادر حسين نے روجو | Lisan al-Dawat | Marsiya | Eid al-Adha |
| 1439 ھ | ||||
| 15 | ا مالك يوم الدين اياك نعبد[146] | Arabic | Munajat | Laylat al-Qadr |
| 16 | اھل بيت النبي خذوا بيدي[147] | Arabic | Qasida | Eid al-Fitr |
| 17 | يا حسينا پر هميى قربان چهے قربان چهے[148] | Lisan al-Dawat | Marsiya | Eid al-Adha |
| 1440 ھ | ||||
| 18 | يابن[149] الحسين يا امام العصر * بفضلك اقبل سجدات الشكر | Arabic | Qasida | Muharram
(Thanking for Dream of Imam uz zaman) |
| 19 | ايا رب اوزعني لاشكر دائبا | Arabic | Munajat | Laylat al-Qadr |
| 20 | فديتك يا طيب العترة | Arabic | Qasida | Eid al-Fitr |
| 1441 ھ | ||||
| 21 | اناجيك يا رازق العافية[150] | Arabic | Munajat | Laylat al-Qadr |
| 22 | اهل بيت الوحي اهل الكرم | Arabic | Qasida | Eid al-Fitr |
| 23 | ذكر الحسين خير زاد الذاكرين | Arabic | Marsiya | Eid al-Ghadeer |
| 1442 ھ | ||||
| 24 | [151] دعوتك ذا الرحمة الواسعة | Arabic | Munajat | Laylat al-Qadr |
| 25 | يا طيب الفاطميين بني فاطمة | Arabic | Qasida | Eid al-Fitr |
| 1443 ھ | ||||
| 26 | ايا ربنا نبتغي الوسيلة | Arabic | Munajat | Laylat al-Qadr |
| 27 | رجائي انتم ال النبي | Arabic | Qasida | Eid al-Fitr |
| 1444 ھ | ||||
| 28 | فزت فوزا اذ انادي يا علي | Arabic | Qasida | Najaf trip |
| 29 | اتاك الهي رجاك الهي | Arabic | Munajat | Laylat al-Qadr |
| 30 | فاطمي عين الحيوة
امامي |
Arabic | Qasida | Eid al-Fitr |
| 31 | حسيني دنو غم سي ايا | Lisan al-Dawat | Marasiya | Eid al-Adha |
| 1445ھ | ||||
| 32 | دعوتك ارحم الرحماء فارحم | Arabic | Munajat | Laylat al-Qadr |
| 33 | ال النبي ائمتي حبي لكم | Arabic | Qasida | Eid al-Fitr |
| 34 | کربلاء میرے آقا سدهارے | Urdu | Marasiya | Eid al-Adha |
| 1446ھ | ||||
| 35 | عبدك يرجو فانت مولاه | Arabic | Munajat | Laylat al-Qadr |
| 36 | unknown | Arabic | Qasida | Eid al-Fitr |
Ashara Mubaraka
Summarize
Perspective
Source:[152]
Left: Saifuddin at an Ashara Mubaraka gathering at Mohammedi Masjid (Houston). Right: Masjid e Moazzam, the venue of Saifuddin's first Ashara Mubaraka (Surat).
The Ashara Mubaraka (Arabic: عشرة مباركه, lit. 'the blessed ten') is an annual mourning of Husayn ibn Ali's martyrdom at the Battle of Karbala.[153][154] In the tradition of the Fatimids,[155][156] the Da'i al-Mutlaq delivers ten wa'az (Persian: وعظ, lit. 'sermons') on Islamic philosophy, history, liturgy, expository, horatory over 9 days: One wa'az each day for 8 days starting 2nd Muharram and two on the final day of Ashura (Urdu: عاشوراء), the 10th of Muharram.[153] Every year the Da'i al-Mutlaq selects a city to host the Ashara at[154][157][158] which, at times, attract 100,000 to 200,000 azadar-e Husayn (Urdu: عزادارِ حسين, lit. 'mourners of Husayn').[159][160][161][162][163] The ashara wa'az from the host city is, on occasion, broadcast to various venues around the world.[159][160] Pilgrims are often provided with free accommodation, transportation, and meals.[160][164][165][166] The faculty of Funun al-Quran, a department of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah, oversees elaborate Tazyeen (lit. 'decor') of the host venue.[167]
| CE | AH | City | Province | Country | Continent | Start | End | Attendees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1436 | Surat[168] | Gujarat | India |
Asia | 25 October | 2 November | 200,000[168] |
| 2015 | 1437 | Houston[169] | Texas |  United States | North America | 14 October | 22 October | 25,000[169] |
| 2016 | 1438 | Dar es Salaam[170] | Dar es Salaam Region | Tanzania | Africa | 3 October | 11 October | 32,000[171] |
| 2017 | 1439 | Karachi[172] | Sindh | Pakistan | Asia | 22 September | 30 September | 65,000 |
| 2018 | 1440 | Indore[173] | Madhya Pradesh | India | 12 September | 20 September | 210,000 | |
| 2019 | 1441 | Colombo[174][175] | Western Province |  Sri Lanka | 1 September | 9 September | 28,000 | |
| 2020 | 1442 | Khandala[176][b] | Maharashtra | India | 20 August | 28 August | NA | |
| 2021 | 1443 | Nairobi[178] | Nairobi County | Kenya | Africa | 10 August | 18 August | |
| 2022 | 1444 | London[179] | England |  United Kingdom | Europe | 30 July | 7 August | 12,500 |
| 2023 | 1445 | Dubai | Emirate of Dubai |  United Arab Emirates | Asia | 19 July | 27 July | 75,000[180] |
| 2024 | 1446 | Karachi[181] | Sindh | Pakistan |
8 July | 16 July | Estimated 81,000 |
Succession
Summarize
Perspective
The 52nd Da'i al-Mutlaq of the Dawoodi Bohras, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, died on 17 January 2014.[182] As per the tenets of the faith[183] each predecessor must nominate a successor during his lifetime.[184][185] His demise sparked questions about the line of succession[186] when Khuzaima Qutbuddin[187] asserted his right to succession against Mufaddal Saifuddin.
The challenge created a divide within the community,[188] with the majority aligning with Mufaddal Saifuddin[189][190] and a smaller number aligning with Khuzaima Qutbuddin.[191] Mufaddal Saifuddin took control of the Dawoodi Bohra administration and community infrastructure. In March 2014, Qutbuddin filed civil suit 337/2014 in the Bombay High Court against Saifuddin in which he sought a declaration that he was validly appointed as the 53rd Dai al-Mutlaq.[192][193] After hearings spanning ten years, on 23 April 2024 the Bombay High Court dismissed the suit that challenged Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin's position. The court dismissed Khuzaima Qutbuddin's claim, which was pursued by his son and successor Taher Fakhruddin in 2016 after Qutbuddin passed away. It upheld Syedna Saifuddin as Dai al-Mutlaq of the Dawoodi Bohras.[194] Taher Fakhruddin has appealed the judgement,[195] but legal observers believe it faces challenges in succeeding given the court's judgement[196] and the Indian government's strong alignment with Mufaddal Saifuddin.[197][198][199][200][201]
Notes
- During the Ashara Mubaraka in August 2020, as Mosques remained closed inline with government regulations due to COVID-19 pandemic, previous years sermons by Taher Saifuddin, Mohammed Burhanuddin, and Mufaddal Saifuddin were broadcast online to the community worldwide.[177]
References
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