Who is a Dawoodi Bohra?
The Dawoodi Bohra community is a sect within Shia Islam whose beliefs are rooted in the Fatemi Imams as the direct descendants of Prophet Mohammed al-Mustafa (SAW.) After the seclusion of the Imams, the Dawoodi Bohras look upon the Dai al-Mutlaq as the spiritual leader of their community. The current Dai is Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS, the 53rd Dai-al-Mutlaq
The Dawoodi Bohras are a community of over a million members across the world, with the current center of leadership based in Surat, India. The 53rd Dai al-Mutlaq is the pivot around which the Dawoodi Bohra community flourishes. His inspiring leadership and practical guidance have greatly influenced them to be staunch followers, preserving and strengthening the community and its identity throughout the world.
The Bohras have an identity, of being an educated, prosperous and philanthropic community, of like-minded people following the teachings of Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin.
Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (RA) and Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin (TUS) have over the years taught us to be global citizens. ‘Hubbul watane minal Iman’ (Loving one’s homeland is part of Iman/Faith) is a phrase one has grown up to hear over decades now.
The importance of being loyal and faithful to one’s country of residence is repeatedly stressed. Bohras based anywhere in the world make it a point to follow the rule of the land. They show patriotism by taking part in civic functions and events, by playing an active role in organizing charitable drives and programs as well as volunteering to help the disadvantaged. They go out of the way to ensure that our organization and individual members are law abiding citizens.
The 52nd Dai al-Mutlaq visited the United States of America seven times. In these visits, his followers received guidance and directions covering all aspects of spiritual, religious, educational, economic and social, affecting the individual, the family and the community. His Holiness also examined and set up new schemes and institutions for the progress and well-being of the community. He reminded them of the noble teachings of Islam that “love for the land of abode is part of faith” and that “religion is not just prayer and fast but also the striving for betterment in this World and the Hereafter.” He guided them to strive for the betterment of their neighbors and for the common good of all the people of the United States of America.
It is the unrelenting and continuous efforts of the 52nd Dai-al-Mutlaq Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (RA) and 53rd Dai al Mutlaq Dr. Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin (TUS) whose eternal love, spiritual mission and efficacy of administration is one of the primary ways that hold the community together.
Helpful Links
Please click any of the below links for additional information about the Dawoodi Bohra community:
- The Dawoodi Bohras – comprehensive website about history and culture of the Dawoodi Bohra community
- Mumineen.Org – accurate and authentic content pertaining to Dawoodi Bohra Muslims
- Bohra.Net – Chronicle of Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin’s historic visits to the North American Jamiat
- SBMAA – The Saifee Burhani Medical Association of Dawoodi Bohra physicians in America and Canada
- Dawoodi Bohra Global Jamaat Directory
About The Dawoodi Bohras of Dallas
“I urge my followers to be loyal and law-abiding citizens of their country and encourage them to contribute to the country’s growth, development and prosperity, and pursue excellence in all fields of human activity through hard work, sincerity and with the highest of morals. These are abiding principles of our religion, Islam.”
His Holiness, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS
“Our faith obligates us to express our love for our nation by spreading the message of peace and goodwill.”
His Holiness, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS
In the United States of America, the affairs of Dawat-e-Hadiyah are carried out in accordance with the wishes and directions of the Dai al-Mutlaq, inter alia, through a non-profit legal entity, being a Corporation Sole, functioning under the name and style of Dawat-e-Hadiyah (America), a Corporation Sole.
With the blessings of the 51st Dai Syedna Taher Saifuddin (RA), the 52nd Dai Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (RA), and thereafter the 53nd Dai al-Mutlaq, a few thousand Dawoodi Bohras made their homes in the United States of America over the last five decades.A congregation of Dawoodi Bohras are settled in Dallas, Texas and its vicinity and are known as the Anjuman-e-Najmi Jamaat of Dallas. We are the devoted followers of our beloved spiritual leader, the 53rd Dai al-Mutlaq, His Holiness Dr. Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin (TUS).
In accordance with the wishes and directions of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (RA), a non-profit corporation was incorporated to organize and conduct the affairs of the Jamaat. This Corporation is known as ANJUMAN-E-NAJMI, DALLAS, INC.
Brief History
As the primary religious institution, the Masjid has the greatest role in community building, allowing us to practice our faith with zeal and fervor. The Masjid’s architecture enlightens and welcomes the surrounding community.
Back in the early 70’s there were only a handful of families here. “When I came to Dallas in the year 1974 with my family I met Brother Mustansir Shafiq. I clearly recall we met at his apartment and we established our first social contact. He was the only Zaakir-e-Husain (A.S.) at that time. Both of us found more mumineen residing in Arlington as students. Soon we were two thaals of mumineen,” says Brother Taher Hamid, another pioneer member of the Dallas jamaat.
Within no time the community grew larger and in the year 1419 H (1998) by the blessings and guidance of His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (RA), after the renovation of Jame’ – Anwar, we obtained permission to build a beautiful masjid in DFW.
It is here that the community binds together as they share a meal in the Mawaid or jamaat-khana. Deep emotional and social bonds are formed here and further strengthened. Many students who study abroad find their grounding, their home away from home in the masjid,” stresses Brother Mohammad-ul-Baqir Mushir, a forerunner and stalwart of the Dallas Jamaat.