Mumbai: Dawoodi Bohras Gather At Saifi Masjid To Mark 51st Leader’s Death Anniversary

The 53rd leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, addressed community members on Monday at Saifee Masjid to commemorate the death anniversary of his grandfather, the 51st leader of the community, Syedna Taher Saifuddin, who passed away in 1965. Around 65,000 Dawoodi Bohras from across the country and abroad gathered in Mumbai to pay their respects to the late Syedna who is buried in the Raudat Tahera mausoleum in Bhendi Bazaar. Syedna Saifuddin based the sermon on a saying of Prophet Mohammed, which guides Muslims to embrace rifq (kindness and gentleness) in all aspects of their lives. He explained that rifq is the result of humility, coupled with a sound knowledge of how to act appropriately in any given situation. Mustafa Kanchwala, secretary of Anjumane Shiateali, the organisation overseeing Dawoodi Bohra community affairs in Mumbai, said, “It is heartening to see thousands of community members from all parts of the world gather in Mumbai. The sermon delivered by his grandson was broadcast live to 45 community centres.” Tasneem Hakimjiwala, a 48-year-old teacher from Ahmednagar, has never missed attending this occasion since her teenage years. She said, “Every year, I eagerly anticipate this sermon, previously delivered by the 52nd Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin and now by his son. This year’s sermon, emphasising the significance of proper education and leading a helpful life, has inspired me to persist in acquiring and sharing knowledge with a sense of humility and simplicity.” Zainab Nomani, a 23-yearold from Seattle, USA, who has been attending the death anniversary sermon in Mumbai for the past couple of years, said, “Syedna’s advice on appropriate behaviour according to time and place, and its crucial role in achieving success, resonated with me. Syedna Taher Saifuddin was the 51st al-Dai al-Mutlaq of the Dawoodi Bohra community between 1915 and 1965. His leadership saw the community scale new heights in religious and temporal spheres. A scholar, Syedna prioritised education, established academic institutions, and promoted unity and well-being.