DAWOODI Bohra community members across the world are celebrating the 77th birthday of their leader, the 53rd al-Dai al-Mutlaq, His Holiness Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin. Syedna Saifuddin has chosen to have his birthday celebrated on the same day as the birthday of his respected father and predecessor, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin. The late Syedna Burhanuddin was born on the 20th of Rabi al-Akhar, the fourth month of the Islamic calendar, which falls on Saturday, December 5 this year.

 

Every year, members of the Dawoodi Bohra community in Nagpur gather for a celebratory procession alongside organising various socio-cultural programmes. However this year, in view of the precautionary measures in place due to the COVID-19 situation, mass gatherings in masjids and community centres are being avoided.

 

Shaikh Najmuddin Fidvi (Secretary-Dawoodi Bohra Jamat Trust), said, “This is a very special occasion for us, and given the current scenario, members from around the world are celebrating this occasion either through virtual medium or in small groups while strictly adhering to government guidelines as well as advisories issued by the competent health authorities.”

 

On the eve of the birthday, recordings of the sermons delivered by His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, as well as his predecessors, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin and Syedna Taher Saifuddin will be relayed online for all community members who are unable to otherwise participate due to the current restrictions.

 

To mark the 77th birthday of Syedna, community members in different cities and centres have also initiated a host of welfare programmes in partnership with local authorities to help those who’ve been particularly affected by the pandemic. All these social-welfare programmes are undertaken as part of the community’s global philanthropic initiative – Project Rise.