Mumbai

The 53rd leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin underlined the importance of water conservation and protecting nature. He advised community members to engage in fair business and trade practices while maintaining a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives.

He quoted from the life of Prophet Muhammad to make his point to a 65,000-strong congregation at Saifee Masjid, Mumbai, to mark the death anniversary of his grandfather Syedna Taher Saifuddin, who was the 51st leader of the community.

The congregation paid respects to the late leader who is buried in the Raudat Tahera Mausoleum in Bhendi Bazaar.

Syedna Saifuddin based the sermon on a saying of the 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. He said that a thorough understanding of what to do, the conditions under which to do it, where to do it, when to do it, and for what reason, serves to ease all efforts and results in their success.

While contextualizing the Prophet's saying on humility and kindness, Syedna stressed the significance of pursuing education that fosters holistic development.

The congregation of Bohra Muslims at Saifee Masjid, Mumbai

Mustafa Kanchwala, Secretary of Anjumane Shiateali, the organization 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 to mark the death anniversary of their beloved leader Syedna Taher Saifuddin. The sermon delivered by his grandson Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin in Saifee Masjid was broadcast live to 45 community centers in Mumbai and its suburbs.”

Tasneem Hakimjiwala, 48, from Ahmednagar, who has been attending the function since she was a child, said, “Every year, I eagerly anticipate this sermon, previously delivered by the 52nd Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin and now by his son, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin. This year’s sermon, emphasizing 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, 23, from Seattle, USA, said, “Syedna’s advice on appropriate behaviour according to time and place, and its crucial role in achieving success, resonated with me. As a student facing challenging choices, particularly in planning my future, my recognizing the importance of timing and context guided me towards the right steps in my career and life.”

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Syedna Taher Saifuddin was the 51st al-Dai al-Mutlaq of the Dawoodi Bohra community from 1915 to 1965. His era saw the community scale new heights in religious and temporal spheres. A scholar of par excellence, Syedna prioritized education, established institutions, and promoted unity and well-being throughout his illustrious life. His teachings on humanitarian values and compassion serve as a source of inspiration for generations.