The Dawoodi Bohra community

I am a member of the Dawoodi Bohra community and in this blog I would like to highlight certain points about the community for those interested in knowing more about us:

• Dawoodi Bohras are a section of the Shiite-Ismaili-Mustaali sect, who believe in the progeny of the Prophet Mohammed (SAW), the Fatimid Imams as the highest authority in all matters. In the absence of the Imams (seclusion) the Dai-al -Mutlaq are the representative of the Imam of the time and have the authority of the Imam. Our current Dai-al-Mutlaq, the 53rd in the office is Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin (TUS), whom we refer to as Aqa Moula.
• Dawoodi Bohras are a trading community with a large number of its members involved in business - ranging from general stores to high end industry machinery.
• We have a hierarchical governance system, where in local jamaats are established for governance of everyday affairs of the members. These jamaats are collectively under a jamiat (group of jamaats) which finally report to Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin (TUS)'s office.
• We are a close knit community and have frequent religious gatherings in our localities, which binds all members together. Most Dawoodi Bohras are easily identified - men wearing topi and beard and women wearing ridas (similar to a burqa but multi-coloured).
• Dawoodi Bohras are a peace-loving community having a global presence. A major part of the population resides in India, but  a large number of Dawoodi Bohras also reside in Africa, USA, UK and Pakistan.
• We have an annual 9-day gathering during Ashara Mubaraka, to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A.S.), grandson of Prophet Mohammed (SAW). Our religious head, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin (TUS) delivers religious sermons during this period. This event is attended by a large number of community members every year, at the location specified by Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin (TUS). Though members can also attend sermons at their local jamaat, which are delivered by people appointed by Syedna Saheb (TUS).

This is a very brief overview of our community. Readers are free to offer comments and suggestions for anything I might have missed or misinterpreted. And finally, I end this blog with a prayer to the Almighty to offer a long, prosperous and healthy life to our Aqa Moula Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin till the day of judgement. Ameen!