Meet the Dawoodi Bohras
Rooted in Tradition, Thriving Throughout the World
Dawoodi Bohra Muslims trace their heritage to the Fatimi Imams, direct descendants of the Prophet Mohammed, in Egypt.
The Dawoodi Bohras throughout the world are guided by their leader known as the al-dai al-mutlaq (unrestricted missionary), who first operated from Yemen and then, for the last 450 years, from India.
The present leader is the 53rd al-Dai al-Mutlaq, His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin. Syedna Saifuddin assumed office in January 2014, succeeding his father and predecessor, the 52nd al-Dai al-Mutlaq, His Holiness Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin.
A Rich Heritage
The Dawoodi Bohra community has inherited a distinguished heritage and rich historical legacy that traces to the Fatimi Imams, direct descendants of the Prophet Mohammed through Imam Ali bin Abi Talib, son-in-law of the Prophet, and Fatima, daughter of the Prophet and wife of Imam Ali bin Abi Talib.
The Fatimi Imams, adopting their name from Fatima, functioned first from Medina, spreading to North Africa and Egypt in later centuries. During the 10th–12th centuries, they ruled over large parts of the Islamic world, extending from North Africa in the west to as far as Pakistan in the east.
A Global Community
The Dawoodi Bohras today are generally highly educated, thriving business people and qualified professionals in numerous fields.
The community numbers around one million members settled in over 40 countries across the globe, practicing their faith and leading meaningful and prosperous lives.
Most Dawoodi Bohra community members live in India, with large congregations also in Pakistan, Yemen, East Africa and the Middle East, as well as growing populations in Europe, North America, South East Asia and Australia.
Our Values
The Dawoodi Bohras are united by a set of centuries-old principles; an unwavering commitment to the faith, a genuine love for the countries in which they live, a belief in the value of society, education, women's empowerment, engagement with other faiths, physical health and well-being, and a responsibility to care for the environment and all creatures that dwell within it.
Bohras have always been loyal and law-abiding citizens wherever they live. They have maintained cordial relations with all manner of governments with an aim of fostering harmony and goodwill.
From Mughal emperors to the British Raj as well as with modern-day political parties, the dais have looked for common ground on which to lay the foundations for mutual understanding that can lead to betterment for all.
Our Faith
The foundation of the Dawoodi Bohra faith is based on peace, love and humanity.
The Dawoodi Bohras follow the Fatimi Ismaili Tayyibi school of thought. Their faith is based on the belief in one deity; Allah Taʿala, in the Holy Quran as the word of Allah and in the sacred mission of the Prophets and their successors.
They worship Allah for salvation in the hereafter by following the pillars of Islam and adhering to religious practices ordained by the sharia, including reciting the Quran, the five daily prayers and fasting during the month of Ramadan.
Culture & Traditions
Language
A unique cultural hallmark of the worldwide Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community is its distinctive language, Lisan al-Dawat, commonly known in the community as dawat ni zaban.
Dress
The Dawoodi Bohras are unified and distinguished by their unique attire, called Libas al-Anwar. It includes the rida for women and the saya kurta for men, emphasizing modesty, cultural identity and adherence to religious values.
Cuisine
Dawoodi Bohra cuisine celebrates diverse culinary traditions. Food plays a central role in religious rites and cultural events, with special dishes marking significant occasions and embodying values of hospitality and community.
Trade & Business
The Dawoodi Bohras espouse a strong entrepreneurial ethos, supported by a robust network and a focus on ethical practices and mutual cooperation. Bohras remain renowned for their honesty, fairness and trustworthiness.
Majlis
The majlis is an age-old tradition in which Dawoodi Bohras gather for the remembrance (zikr) of Allah. These congregations foster community bonds, spiritual growth and the observance of religious traditions.
Ziyarat
Ziyarat, or pilgrimage, refers to visits to sacred sites and shrines that hold religious and historical importance for the Dawoodi Bohra community.
Faith, Heritage & Community
The Dawoodi Bohra community carries its heritage forward through faith, education, entrepreneurship, service, cultural traditions and a commitment to the societies and countries in which its members live.