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History

Dawoodi Bohras are a subset of the Taiyebi sect of the Musta'li branch of Isma'ilism, itself a branch of Shia Islam.^[1]^: 1–4 The Bohras trace their heritage to the Fatimid Caliphate, named after Fatima, the daughter of Muhammad, so veneration of the Fatimid Imams and Muhammad's family is central to their faith.^[2]

Fatimid imams

The Fatimids, from the lineage of the Hashimites of Mecca, ruled over North Africa and Egypt, Hejaz, and Levant between the 10th and 11th centuries.^[3] They flourished during what Maurice Lombard called the Golden Age of Islam,^[4] and were patrons of arts, learning, and scientific discovery.^[1] The 14th Imam, al-Mui’zz, founded the modern-day city of Cairo and established Al-Azhar University, one of the oldest universities in the world.^[5]

Before the empire's decline, Al-Amir bi-Ahkam Allah, the 20th Fatimid imam, directed his grand emissary, Arwa bint Ahmad, the Sulayhid queen of Yemen, to establish the office of the Da'i al-Mutlaq (lit. 'unrestricted missionary') to act as vicegerent of his son, the 21st Imam At-Tayyib Abu'l-Qasim while he was in occultation, and to lead al-Da'wah al-Hadiyah.^[1] Arwa bint Ahmad appointed Zoeb bin Musa as the first Da'i al-Mutlaq.^[2]^[6]

Succession to the office of al-Da'i al-Mutlaq happens through nass, whereby each Da'i appoints a successor in his own lifetime. As of 2001^[update] the chain of succession was uninterrupted.^[7] As of 2016^[update] the incumbent was the 53rd Da'i al-Mutlaq, Mufaddal Saifuddin.^[8]

Origins in India

The roots of the community's establishment in India go back to the Fatimid era, when Al Mustansir Billah, the 18th Imam, sent a Dai named Abd Allah from Yemen to initiate the Da’wah on his behalf. Abd Allah arrived in Cambay (modern day Khambhat, Gujarat) in AD 1067/H 460 and soon won many converts, including local rulers. Moulai Abdullah was first Wali ul Hind in India.^[9]^[10]

The seclusion of al-Tayyeb led to the establishment of the office of al-Dai al-Mutlaq in Yemen. Subsequently, the Indian community which had pledged allegiance to the Fatimids continued to remain loyal to the Dais in Yemen. This resulted in a secession with the Hafizis, led by Al-Tayyeb's uncle, Abd al-Majid. Twenty-three Dais operated from their mountain bases in Yemen for nearly four centuries, preserving the faith and authoring seminal works. The 19th Dai, Idris Imaduddin, wrote numerous works, including a comprehensive and detailed history of the Fatimid faith.^[1]

Meanwhile, the community in Gujarat had maintained ties with their Dais in Yemen, who closely supervised their affairs and regularly welcomed Bohra delegations from Gujarat. Dais appointed Wali ul Hind Moulai Ishhaq to Moulai Qasim Khan one after another. During this time, the community grew in size, especially in Cambay, Patan, Sidhpur, and Ahmedabad.^[9]^[11]

Yusuf bin Sulayman Najmuddin, originally from Sidhpur, a town in Gujarat, was one of the Bohras who travelled to Yemen to seek knowledge from the Dai. Najmuddin arrived in Yemen while still in his youth and first studied under Hasan bin Nuh al-Bharuchi. He was eventually nominated by the twenty-third Dai as his successor and became the first from the Indian community to lead the Tayyibi Da’wa as the twenty-fourth al-Dai al-Mutlaq. When Najmuddin died in CE 1567/H 974, the central headquarters of the Da’wa were transferred from Yemen to Gujarat by his Indian successor, Jalal bin Hasan, who established residence at Ahmedabad.^[9]

When the 26th al-Dai al-Mutlaq died in CE 1589/H 997, he was succeeded by his deputy, Dawood Bin Qutubshah. However, three years later, Sulayman bin Hasan, a high-ranking dignitary in Yemen, claimed the succession to the leadership of the community for himself. This succession dispute was brought before the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1597. A special tribunal decided in favour of Dawood Bin Qutubshah. However, this did not dissolve tensions, leading to a schism in the community. A majority of Bohras acknowledged Dawood Bin Qutubshah as the rightful successor and henceforth came to be known as Dawoodis (or Da’udis.)^[12]

Major centres

Over the next few centuries, the Bohra headquarters moved within India with the changing location of the Dai. The centre of the Da’wah has been in six places: Ahmedabad (eight Dais, from 1567/974 to 1655/1065); Jamnagar in the Kathiawar region of Gujarat (five Dais, from 1655/1065 to 1737/1150); Ujjan in the present-day state of Madhya Pradesh (two Dais, from 1737/1150 to 1779/1193); Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh (one Dai, from 1779/1193 to 1785/1200); Surat in the present-day state of Gujarat (eight Dais, from 1785/1200 to 1933/1351) and Mumbai in the state of Maharashtra, where the current Dai resides.^[13]

Starting in the early 19th century, some community members emigrated in search of better livelihoods. The first wave of Bohra traders to migrate to East Africa did so in the aftermath of a severe drought in Kathiawar. The 43rd Dai, Abdeali Saifuddin, invited 12,000 of his followers to Surat, and provided food, work and lodgings for all of them. His only conditions were that they learn and practice vocational skills, and he gave them their earnings when it was time for them to leave Surat. Many from this group decided to use this capital to venture forth to trade in East Africa.^[14]

A century on from Abdeali Saifuddin, Taher Saifuddin succeeded him to the office of al-Dai al-Mutlaq as the 51st Dai, and his leadership was challenged almost immediately upon assuming the office. Taher Saifuddin is credited with revitalising the community by restructuring its organisation on modern lines.^[15]

He shifted the community headquarters from Surat to Mumbai, which had become a major centre of trade and commerce in India.^[9] His emphasis on acquiring higher education across disciplines^[16] saw many young Dawoodi Bohras go on to settle in different parts of the world, resulting in thriving new communities.

There is also a tiny community of Bohras in Kerala, who migrated 150 years ago from Gujarat.^[17]^[18]

Faith and belief

Monotheism

As Muslims, the Dawoodi Bohras believe in Tawhid, Islam's central monotheistic concept of a single, indivisible God (Allah). They recite the Shahada (Islamic holy creed): "there is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah."^[19]

Seven pillars

Walayah – devotion to Allah, Muhammad, his family, and his descendants – is the central of the seven pillars of the Dawoodi Bohra faith.

The other six pillars are tahaarat (purity in body and thought), salaat (daily ritual prayers), zakaat (offering a portion of one's income in the cause of Allah), sawm (fasting, particularly in the month of Ramadan), hajj (a ritual pilgrimage to Mecca), and jihad (striving in the way of Allah).^[2] The Bohras build mosques wherever they live^[20] to congregate for prayers and majalis (religious occasions) for the zikr of Allah and his prophets, imams, and da'is.^[21]

Imamate

During the seclusion of the Imam, al-Dai al-Mutlaq is the vicegerent of the Imam^[9] appointed to lead the community and administer, with complete authority, its secular and religious affairs.^[22]

File:SyednaMufaddalSaifuddin.jpg

Mufaddal Saifuddin, the 53rd Da'i al-Mutlaq.

The Dai preaches Quranic precepts, which are the foundation of the faith, and guides the community on the path of salvation. Over the nine centuries that this office has existed, each Dai has played an important role in shaping the community’s social and economic progress. Community members seek and abide by his counsel in different aspects of life. Their disciplined life, piety, scholarship and judicious guidance have defined the office of al-Dai al-Mutlaq.^[1]

The 1st Dai, Dhu'ayb bin Musa, was appointed in 1138 (532H) in Yemen by Queen Arwa bint Ahmed when the 21st Imam went into seclusion.^[9] Over the next 400 years, 23 Dais established the Dawat in Yemen. The seat of the Dawat then transferred from Yemen to India, where the 24th Dai, Yusuf bin Sulayman Najmuddin, became the first Dai to assume office from this region.^[9] Despite territorial and political upheavals through different periods, the Dais persevered and continued to lead the faithful and preserve the faith.^[1]

The current leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community is the 53rd al-Dai al-Mutlaq, Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin, who lives in India.^[23]

Traditions and practices

Qardan Hasana

Islam prohibits riba (lit. 'usury') and interest; the Dawoodi Bohras follow the practice of Qardan Hasana^[a] (lit. 'good loan'),^[25]^[26] which are essentially interest-free loans.^[25] Based on the ideal of being advantageous to the borrower (as opposed to the lender), this model has played an important role in the economic growth within the community.^[27]

The Bohras voluntarily contribute to an institutionally-maintained loan corpus on a regular basis, which is seeded by a substantial contribution from the Da'i al-Mutlaq himself. This corpus is managed by respective city-wise committees appointed by the office of the Da'i al-Mutlaq. The Bohras use these loans to buy houses, pay for education, and fund businesses.^[27]^[28]

Mithaq

The central rite of initiation and adoption for the Bohras is the mithaq. This ceremony is a covenant between the believer and God, effected through God's representative on earth. The mithaq binds a believer to the duties owed to Allah, including an oath of allegiance: a vow to accept the spiritual guidance of the Da'i al-Mutlaq wholeheartedly and without reservation. This ceremony, akin to baptism in Christianity, is mandatory to enter the fold of the faith.

The mithaq is first taken at whatever age a child is deemed to have reached maturity: most commonly, thirteen years for girls, fourteen or fifteen for boys. These vows are renewed over a period of a Bohra's adult life: In one such instance, on the eighteenth day of the Islamic month of Zil Hijjah, Bohras renew their mithaq vows together.^[29]

Calendar

The Dawoodi Bohra follow a Fatimid-era tabular calendar which matches the lunar cycle of 354 days (and hence requires no adjustments).^[2]^: 318 The odd-numbered months have 30 days and the even-numbered months have 29 days—except in a leap year when the final month, the 12th month Zil Hajj, has 30 days. This contrasts with other Muslim communities, which base the beginnings of specific Islamic months on sightings of the moon crescent.^[30]

Festivals

During Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, the Dawoodi Bohras observe a mandatory fast from dusk to dawn. The Bohras congregate in their local mosques for daily prayers (particularly for the evening prayers), and break the day-long fast with the iftaar (lit. 'fast breaking') meal together. Like in the rest of Islamic world, Ramadan is a month of heightened devotional activity for the Bohras that ends with Eid al-Fitr.

In the month of Zil Hajj al-Haram, the Bohras undertake hajj and celebrate Eid al-Adha at its conclusion. In line with Shia traditions, on the 18th of Zil Hajj, the day Muhammad publicly anointed Ali ibn Abi Talib his successor, the Bohras celebrate Eid al-Ghadir, observe fast, and offer special prayers. Special prayers and congregations are also held during other major events such as the day Muhammad first began his Da'wah (lit. 'mission'), the night of Isra and Mi'raj, the birthday of Muhammad, the urs mubarak (lit. 'remembrance day') of prominent community leaders, and the birthday of the current Da'i al-Mutlaq.

Muharram

Husayn ibn Ali was martyred along with his family and companions on the plains of Karbala while on a journey from Mecca, through the deserts of modern-day Iraq, to Kufa, the seat of the erstwhile Rashidun Caliphate.^[31]^[32] The Bohras believe that Husayn's sacrifice was foretold by Muhammad, and that he was destined to change the course of Islam as a result of his martyrdom.^[33] Remembrance of the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, often linked to the hagiography of John the Baptist^[34] and Jesus Christ,^[35] is among the most important events of the year for the Bohras.^[36]

Known as ʿAshara Mubāraka (lit. 'the Blessed Ten'), a series of ten majālis (lit. 'congregations') that happen in the beginning of the month of Muharram al-Haram,^[37] is a source of blessing and a means to spiritual purification for the Bohras.^[38]^[39] For them, Husayn ibn Ali's martyrdom epitomizes the values of humanity, justice, and truth.^[40] They consider his stand against tyranny, at great personal cost, to offer lessons in bravery, loyalty, and compassion.^[41] These values, they believe, inculcate in them a spirit of self-sacrifice, forbearance, and adherence to their faith.^[38]^[41]

During the ʿAshara Mubāraka, the Bohra communities all over the world host a series of majālis twice a day, one each in the morning and in the evening, recounting Husayn ibn Ali's sacrifice, which forms the central theme of the discourse amidst regular prayers.^[40] The majālis led by the Da'i al-Mutlaq on occasion attract hundreds of thousands of followers.^[42]^[43]^[44]

In 2020, in accordance with government regulations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the community observed ʿAshara Mubāraka remotely from their homes. Audio and video recording of sermons delivered in the preceding years by Taher Saifuddin, Mohammed Burhanuddin, and Mufaddal Saifuddin were broadcast to the community worldwide. Volunteers of community kitchens, Faiz al-Mawaid al-Burhaniyah, prepared and distributed cooked meals to every home; members of local Jami'ats, especially the young, ensured senior members had access to sermons and prayers broadcast online.^[40]^[45]^[46]

Office and administration

The office of the Da'i al-Mutlaq, known as Alvazartus Saifiyah, oversees Dawat-e-Hadiyah, which in turn governs the secular and religious affairs of the close-knit Dawoodi Bohra community through a distributed network of Jamaat committees.^[47]^[48] The Dawat-e-Hadiyah head office is at Badri Mahal in Fort, Mumbai.^[49]

Several sub-committees and trusts administering different aspects of a local Bohra community operate under the purview of respective Jamiat (also called Jamaat or Anjuman). Set up anywhere Bohras live and work, a jamiat may number from a hundred to tens of thousands of Bohras.^[47] A resident Amil, appointed by Dawat–e-Hadiyah, is the de facto president of a given jamiat.^[48] The appointed Amil administers and manages the socio-religious affairs of a jamiat. At the local mosque or markaz under their jurisdiction, the Amil leads daily prayers, and presides over sermons and discourses on various religious occasions.^[47]

Demographics and culture

As of 2021, there are an estimated 2 to 5 million Dawoodi Bohras living in over 100 countries.^[50] The majority reside in the Indian state of Gujarat and in the Pakistani city of Karachi. A sizeable diaspora is spread across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and East Africa.^[51]

The Bohras are primarily traders and businesspersons,^[52] while some are industrialists and skilled professionals.^[36]

Name and etymology

The word Bohra takes root in the Gujarati word vohrvu, in reference to their traditional occupation as traders.^[53]^[54] The prefix Dawoodi is in reference to Dawood Bin Qutubshah, the 27th Da'i al-Mutlaq,^[6] who emerged as the leader of the majority following a schism in 1588.^[6]^[55]

Language

Dawoodi Bohras are a blend of Yemeni, Egyptian, African, Pakistani, and Indian cultures.^[56] Their common tongue, Lisan al-Dawat, written in Perso-Arabic script, derives from Arabic, Urdu, Persian, Sanskrit, and Gujarati.^[48]^[57]^[58] Lisan al-Dawat, which takes its basic structure from Gujarati and vocabulary from Arabic, developed as a medium to articulate Islamic values and heritage. Though Arabic remains community's dominant liturgical language, Lisan al-Dawat is its language of sermons and its medium of official and day-to-day communication.^[59]

Dress

The Dawoodi Bohras wear a distinct form of attire. The men traditionally dress in a predominantly white, three-piece outfit: kurta, a form of tunic; saaya, an overcoat of equal length; and izaar, loose-fit trousers; with topi, a white cap usually laced in a golden arabesque design.^[60] Men, adhering to the customs of Muhammad, are expected to grow a full beard.^[61]

The women wear a two-piece dress called rida, distinct from hijab, purdah, and chador. Its distinguishing features are bright colors, decorative patterns and lace, and the fact that it does not cover a woman's face.^[62] The rida is of any colour except black. A flap called pardi is folded to one side to allow a woman's face to be visible, but it can be worn over the face when desired.^[63]

Cuisine

Joining each other for meals is a well-known Dawoodi Bohra custom. Families and friends gather around sharing the meal from a single large raised circular tray called thaal.^[1] The thaal is raised upon a kundali or tarakti made of wood or metal, on top of a safra, a large cloth that covers the floor. Each course of the meal is served one after the other for those at the thaal to share.^[64]^[65]

The meal begins and ends with a taste of salt, traditionally said to cleanse the palette and prevent diseases.^[64]^[65] Bohras usually cover their heads during the meal with a topi, a cap; and eat with their hands.^[63] A common etiquette is for the host to offer to clean their guests' hands using a chilamchi lota (basin and jug).^[66] At community feasts, the Bohras first eat mithaas (sweet dish), followed by kharaas (savoury dish), and then the main course.^[65]^[67] Leftovers are a cultural faux pas. Those seated at the thaal are encouraged to take smaller portions and expected to finish those.^[68]

The Bohra cuisine, influenced by Gujarati,^[69] Persian, Yemeni, and Egyptian cuisines,^[70]^[71] is known for its unique taste and dishes such as bohra-style biryani,^[72] dal chaawal palidu (rice, lentils, and curry), kheema samosa (minced mutton samosa), dabba gosht (steamed-mutton-in-a-box), and masala bateta (spicy potatoes).^[66]^[71]^[73]

Community kitchens

In 2012, Mohammed Burhanuddin II, the 52nd Da'i al-Mutlaq, established Faiz al-Mawaid al-Burhaniyah (FMB) community kitchens in Mumbai to deliver at least one meal per day to all Bohra families in the city, and to ensure no one goes to bed hungry. FMB proved beneficial to women in particular as household work reduced, freeing up time to pursue other productive activities.^[72]^[74] Meals are delivered in tiffin containers daily, and have a rotating menu.^[75] As of 2021, FMB community kitchens, usually built near mosques,^[76] are operational in every Bohra community throughout the world.^[48]^[75]

Whilst FMB has substantially increased food security within the Bohra community,^[77] in times of wider crisis (such as the flooding in Texas or the COVID-19 pandemic), it has also supplied meals and provisions to the wider society.^[78]^[79] Bohras consider Niyaz, feeding their brethren and those less fortunate, an obligation.^[48]

Rasm-e Saifee

To subsidize costs and facilitate marriages among the Dawoodi Bohra, Taher Saifuddin, the 51st Da'i al-Mutlaq, started Rasm-e Saifee^[80] in Jamnagar c. 1952 and later institutionalised it c. 1963.^[81] Rasm-e Saifee is a singular occasion when multiple nikah are solemnized at the hands of the Da'i al-Mutlaq and his representatives.

Saifuddin's son and successor, Mohammed Burhanuddin, founded the International Taiyseer al-Nikah Committee (ITNC),^[81] which now organizes Rasm-e Saifee throughout the year at various miqaat (lit. '(religious) events').^[82] Burhanuddin's successor, Mufaddal Saifuddin, continues to uphold the tradition.^[83]^[84]

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^ Blank 2001, p. 144.
^ Blank 2001, p. 142.
^ Himadri Banerjee (10 July 2009). Calcutta Mosaic: Essays and Interviews on the Minority Communities of Calcutta. Anthem Press. p. 200. ISBN 978-81-905835-5-8. Retrieved 22 March 2012.
^ ^a ^b Blank 2001, p. 146.
^ ^a ^b "Bohra Cuisine". Journey Kitchen. Archived from the original on 10 June 2021. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
^ ^a ^b ^c Saha, Somdatta (18 July 2020). "Bohra Cuisine: A pinch of salt and desserts first". NDTV. Archived from the original on 10 June 2021.
^ ^a ^b Masudi, Faisal (30 May 2017). "Strong traditions, savoury flavours (and a palidu recipe)". The Gulf News. Archived from the original on 10 June 2021.
^ Ankolkar, Sama (2018-06-15). "The Bohri Story". Mumbai Foodie. Archived from the original on 27 July 2018. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
^ Madsen, Kristina (5 June 2019). "Lower waste, slimmer waists (India)". Young Reporters for the Environment. Archived from the original on 16 June 2021.
^ Navya, KV (26 Aug 2019). "Being Bohra in Chennai". Express News Service. Chennai. Archived from the original on 16 June 2021.
^ "A community affair! How the Dawoodi Bohras celebrate Eid". Economic Times. 14 June 2018. Archived from the original on 16 June 2021.
^ ^a ^b "DBWRF powers Great Dawoodi Bohra Cook-off with influencers in Kandivali". Food and Beverage News. Mumbai. 17 May 2018. Archived from the original on 16 June 2021.
^ ^a ^b Bhattacharyya, Sourish (30 March 2013). "Faith & food in the Bohra way". Mail Today. New Delhi. Archived from the original on 5 April 2014.
^ Ali Zain, Asma (12 June 2016). "The Bohras have a unique iftar custom". Khaleej Times. Archived from the original on 10 June 2021.
^ Parmar, Vijaysinh (15 February 2012). "'Community kitchen' gives Bohra women freedom from cooking". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 5 April 2014.
^ ^a ^b Hussein, Asiff (1 Feb 2018). "The Bohras – Plucky Business Barons". Archived from the original on 22 June 2021.
^ Cite error: The named reference mithran1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^ Sadriwala, Maryam (Nov 2019). "Fighting world hunger" (PDF). South Asia Magazine. Karachi. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 July 2021.
^ Sapatwalla, Mudar (8 March 2012). "Food drive for needy by North Texas Bohras". India Post. Archived from the original on 10 June 2021.
^ Bose, Mrityunjay (27 June 2020). "Dawoodi Bohras join other volunteers to serve migrants food, water during their arduous journey back home". Deccan Herald. Mumbai. Archived from the original on 25 June 2021.
^ Attarwala, Fatima (12 Mar 2012). "101 years: At Rasm-e-Saifee, lucky 41 tie the nuptial knot". tribune.com.pk. Karachi: Tribune Pakistan. Archived from the original on 13 March 2012.
^ ^a ^b Raghib, Qureish (2006). "Rasme Saifee". islamvoice.com. Archived from the original on 22 June 2020.
^ "Welcome to International Taiseer un Nikah Committee (ITNC)". taiseerunnikah.org. Archived from the original on 25 June 2020. Retrieved 25 Jun 2020.
^ Goswami, Vajrasar (29 Dec 2013). "Mass procession organized by Bohra community". udaipurtimes.com. Udaipur. Archived from the original on 25 June 2020.
^ "Syedna to inaugurate Masjid in Secunderabad". teleganatoday.com. 20 Oct 2019. Archived from the original on 25 June 2020.

Cite error: There are <ref group=lower-alpha> tags or {{efn}} templates on this page, but the references will not show without a {{reflist|group=lower-alpha}} template or {{notelist}} template (see the help page).

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[4] Brett, Michael (2017). The Fatimid Empire. UK: Edinburgh University Press. p. 13. ISBN 9780748640775.

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[munaim-21] Munaim, Arfakhashad (2014). Transplanted Continuity: Examining the Ethno-Spatial Prospect of the Dawoodi Bohra Community in Southern California (PDF). escholarship.org (Thesis). Los Angeles: University of California. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 July 2021.

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[36] "The Prophet Eesa (Jesus)". thedawoodibohras.com. 10 Aug 2018. Archived from the original on 19 July 2020.

[jblankinterview-37] "An interview with Jonah Blank, author of Mullahs on the Mainframe: Islam and Modernity among the Daudi Bohras". University of Chicago. Archived from the original on 27 March 2014. Retrieved 23 October 2019.

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[ashara2013-44] "200,000 Dawoodi Bohras attend Mumbai's Moharram discourses". The New Indian Express. Indo-Asian News Service. 13 November 2013. Archived from the original on 17 June 2020. Nearly 200,000 Dawoodi Bohras from all over the world attended the 10-day Moharram observance which culminated here Wednesday as Ashura, under the guidance of their 102-year-old spiritual head Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin...Elaborate arrangements for lodging, boarding, transportation, medical and other requirements of the visitors were made...For the benefit of the global community members, the discourses were relayed live via internet to over 650 community centres.

[ashara2018-45] Shelar, Jyoti (25 August 2018). "Dawoodi Bohras to flock to Indore for Syedna's Muharram sermons". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 17 June 2020.

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[FOOTNOTEAbdulhussein200197-48] Abdulhussein 2001, p. 97.

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[FOOTNOTEAbdulhussein2001142-50] Abdulhussein 2001, p. 142.

[TheMuslim5002021-51] Schleifer, Abdallah; Elgawhary, Tarek; Ahmed, Aftab; Al-Meheid, Minwer; Elqabbany, Moustafa; Asfour, Zeinab, eds. (2013). The Muslim 500: The World's 500 Most Influential Muslims, 2021 (PDF). Amman: The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre (published 2021). p. 172. ISBN 978-9957-635-56-5. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 January 2021.

[paul-52] Paul, Eva (2006). Die Dawoodi Bohras – eine indische Gemeinschaft in Ostafrika (PDF). Beiträge zur 1. Kölner Afrikawissenschaftlichen Nachwuchstagung. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 June 2021.

[FOOTNOTEAbdulhussein2001103-53] Abdulhussein 2001, p. 103.

[FOOTNOTEBlank200114-54] Blank 2001, p. 14.

[SinghLal2003-55] Kumar Suresh Singh; Rajendra Behari Lal (2003). Gujarat, Part I. Popular Prakashan. p. 248. ISBN 978-81-7991-104-4. Retrieved 22 March 2012 – via books.google.com. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)

[lentin1-56] Lentin, Sifra (25 March 2021). "The globalised Dawoodi Bohras of Bombay". The Gateway House. Indian Council on Global Relations. Archived from the original on 3 May 2021.

[Adam2009-57] Michel Adam (2009). L'Afrique indienne: les minorités d'origine indo-pakistanaise en Afrique orientale. Karthala Editions. p. 272. ISBN 978-2-8111-0273-9. Retrieved 22 March 2012 – via books.google.com.

[58] Kamran, Omair (29 May 2021). "Four unique languages you can only hear in Karachi". zemtv.co. Archived from the original on 10 June 2021.

[59] Parikh, Shreya (18 August 2019). "Not just Sanskrit, Gujarati owes a lot to Arabic and Persian languages too". ThePrint. Retrieved 28 Nov 2020.

[60] Madraswala, Aliasger. "Lisan al-Da'wah: Between Expression and Identity" (Document). Harvard University.

[FOOTNOTEBlank2001144-61] Blank 2001, p. 144.

[FOOTNOTEBlank2001142-62] Blank 2001, p. 142.

[Banerjee2009-63] Himadri Banerjee (10 July 2009). Calcutta Mosaic: Essays and Interviews on the Minority Communities of Calcutta. Anthem Press. p. 200. ISBN 978-81-905835-5-8. Retrieved 22 March 2012.

[FOOTNOTEBlank2001146-64] Blank 2001, p. 146.

[jkitchen1-65] "Bohra Cuisine". Journey Kitchen. Archived from the original on 10 June 2021. Retrieved 2020-05-01.

[sama1-66] Saha, Somdatta (18 July 2020). "Bohra Cuisine: A pinch of salt and desserts first". NDTV. Archived from the original on 10 June 2021.

[masudi1-67] Masudi, Faisal (30 May 2017). "Strong traditions, savoury flavours (and a palidu recipe)". The Gulf News. Archived from the original on 10 June 2021.

[68] Ankolkar, Sama (2018-06-15). "The Bohri Story". Mumbai Foodie. Archived from the original on 27 July 2018. Retrieved 4 October 2022.

[madsen-69] Madsen, Kristina (5 June 2019). "Lower waste, slimmer waists (India)". Young Reporters for the Environment. Archived from the original on 16 June 2021.

[70] Navya, KV (26 Aug 2019). "Being Bohra in Chennai". Express News Service. Chennai. Archived from the original on 16 June 2021.

[71] "A community affair! How the Dawoodi Bohras celebrate Eid". Economic Times. 14 June 2018. Archived from the original on 16 June 2021.

[dbwrffnb-72] "DBWRF powers Great Dawoodi Bohra Cook-off with influencers in Kandivali". Food and Beverage News. Mumbai. 17 May 2018. Archived from the original on 16 June 2021.

[:2-73] Bhattacharyya, Sourish (30 March 2013). "Faith & food in the Bohra way". Mail Today. New Delhi. Archived from the original on 5 April 2014.

[74] Ali Zain, Asma (12 June 2016). "The Bohras have a unique iftar custom". Khaleej Times. Archived from the original on 10 June 2021.

[75] Parmar, Vijaysinh (15 February 2012). "'Community kitchen' gives Bohra women freedom from cooking". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 5 April 2014.

[plucky-76] Hussein, Asiff (1 Feb 2018). "The Bohras – Plucky Business Barons". Archived from the original on 22 June 2021.

[mithran1-77] Cite error: The named reference mithran1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

[78] Sadriwala, Maryam (Nov 2019). "Fighting world hunger" (PDF). South Asia Magazine. Karachi. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 July 2021.

[79] Sapatwalla, Mudar (8 March 2012). "Food drive for needy by North Texas Bohras". India Post. Archived from the original on 10 June 2021.

[80] Bose, Mrityunjay (27 June 2020). "Dawoodi Bohras join other volunteers to serve migrants food, water during their arduous journey back home". Deccan Herald. Mumbai. Archived from the original on 25 June 2021.

[81] Attarwala, Fatima (12 Mar 2012). "101 years: At Rasm-e-Saifee, lucky 41 tie the nuptial knot". tribune.com.pk. Karachi: Tribune Pakistan. Archived from the original on 13 March 2012.

[rqiv-82] Raghib, Qureish (2006). "Rasme Saifee". islamvoice.com. Archived from the original on 22 June 2020.

[83] "Welcome to International Taiseer un Nikah Committee (ITNC)". taiseerunnikah.org. Archived from the original on 25 June 2020. Retrieved 25 Jun 2020.

[84] Goswami, Vajrasar (29 Dec 2013). "Mass procession organized by Bohra community". udaipurtimes.com. Udaipur. Archived from the original on 25 June 2020.

[85] "Syedna to inaugurate Masjid in Secunderabad". teleganatoday.com. 20 Oct 2019. Archived from the original on 25 June 2020.

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@@ Line 94: / Line 94: @@
 Several sub-committees and trusts administering different aspects of a local Bohra community operate under the purview of respective ''Jamiat'' (also called ''Jamaat'' or ''Anjuman''). Set up anywhere Bohras live and work, a ''jamiat'' may number from a hundred to tens of thousands of Bohras.{{sfn|Abdulhussein|2001|p=97}} A resident ''Amil'', appointed by ''Dawat–e-Hadiyah'', is the de facto president of a given ''jamiat''.{{r|lentin2}} The appointed Amil administers and manages the socio-religious affairs of a ''jamiat''. At the local mosque or ''markaz'' under their jurisdiction, the Amil leads daily prayers, and presides over [[Dhikr|sermons]] and discourses on various religious occasions.{{sfn|Abdulhussein|2001|p=97}}
+==Demographics and culture==
+As of 2021, there are an estimated 2 to 5 million Dawoodi Bohras living in over 100 countries.<ref name=TheMuslim5002021>{{cite book |title=The Muslim 500: The World's 500 Most Influential Muslims, 2021 |year=2013 |url=https://themuslim500.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/TheMuslim500-2021_Edition-low_res_20201028.pdf |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210123035914/https://themuslim500.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/TheMuslim500-2021_Edition-low_res_20201028.pdf |archive-date=23 January 2021 |location=[[Amman]] |publisher=[[The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre]] |publication-date=2021 |isbn=978-9957-635-56-5 |page=172 |editor-first1=Abdallah |editor-last1=Schleifer |editor-first2=Tarek |editor-last2=Elgawhary |editor-first3=Aftab |editor-last3=Ahmed |editor-first4=Minwer |editor-last4=Al-Meheid |editor-first5=Moustafa |editor-last5=Elqabbany |editor-first6=Zeinab |editor-last6=Asfour}}</ref> The majority reside in the [[India]]n state of [[Gujarat]] and in the [[Pakistan]]i city of [[Karachi]]. A sizeable [[diaspora]] is spread across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and East Africa.<ref name="paul">{{cite conference |title=Die Dawoodi Bohras – eine indische Gemeinschaft in Ostafrika |first=Eva |last=Paul |conference=Beiträge zur 1. Kölner Afrikawissenschaftlichen Nachwuchstagung |year=2006 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210609183838/http://www.uni-koeln.de/phil-fak/afrikanistik/kant/data/PE1_kant1.pdf |archive-date=9 June 2021 |url=http://www.uni-koeln.de/phil-fak/afrikanistik/kant/data/PE1_kant1.pdf}}</ref>
+The Bohras are primarily traders and businesspersons,{{sfn|Abdulhussein|2001|p=103}} while some are industrialists and skilled professionals.{{r|jblankinterview}}
+===Name and etymology===
+The word ''Bohra'' takes root in the [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] word ''vohrvu'', in reference to their traditional occupation as traders.{{sfn|Blank|2001|p=14}}<ref name="SinghLal2003">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=d8yFaNRcYcsC&pg=PA248 |title=Gujarat, Part I |author1=Kumar Suresh Singh |author2=Rajendra Behari Lal |work=Anthropological Survey of India |publisher=Popular Prakashan |year=2003 |isbn=978-81-7991-104-4 |page=248 |access-date=22 March 2012 |via=books.google.com}}</ref> The prefix ''Dawoodi'' is in reference to [[Dawood Bin Qutubshah]], the 27th ''Da'i al-Mutlaq'',{{r|gems}} who emerged as the leader of the majority following a schism in 1588.{{r|gems}}<ref name=lentin1>{{Cite web |title=The globalised Dawoodi Bohras of Bombay |url=https://www.gatewayhouse.in/globalised-dawoodi-bohra-bombay/ |date=25 March 2021 |last=Lentin |first=Sifra |work=The Gateway House |publisher=Indian Council on Global Relations |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210503183828/https://www.gatewayhouse.in/globalised-dawoodi-bohra-bombay/ |archive-date=3 May 2021}}</ref>
+=== Language ===
+Dawoodi Bohras are a blend of Yemeni, Egyptian, African, [[Pakistani people|Pakistani]], and Indian cultures.<ref name="Adam2009">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e7eUdZgHwREC&pg=PA272|title=L'Afrique indienne: les minorités d'origine indo-pakistanaise en Afrique orientale|author=Michel Adam|publisher=Karthala Editions |year=2009 |isbn=978-2-8111-0273-9 |access-date=22 March 2012 |via=books.google.com |page=272}}</ref> Their common tongue, [[Lisan ud-Dawat|Lisan al-Dawat]], written in [[Persian alphabet|Perso-Arabic]] script, derives from [[Arabic]], [[Urdu]], [[Persian language|Persian]], [[Sanskrit]], and [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]].<ref name=lentin2>{{Cite web |title=The Bohra transcultural network |url=https://www.gatewayhouse.in/the-bohra-transcultural-network/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210503183658/https://www.gatewayhouse.in/the-bohra-transcultural-network/ |archive-date=3 May 2021 |last=Lentin |first=Sifra |date=22 April 2021 |work=Gateway House}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Four unique languages you can only hear in Karachi |date=29 May 2021 |url=https://www.zemtv.co/four-unique-languages-you-can-only-hear-in-karachi/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210610143253/https://www.zemtv.co/four-unique-languages-you-can-only-hear-in-karachi/ |archive-date=10 June 2021 |website=zemtv.co |last=Kamran |first=Omair}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Parikh |first=Shreya |date=18 August 2019 |title=Not just Sanskrit, Gujarati owes a lot to Arabic and Persian languages too |url=https://theprint.in/opinion/not-just-sanskrit-gujarati-owes-a-lot-to-arabic-and-persian-languages-too/278503/ |access-date=28 Nov 2020 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> Lisan al-Dawat, which takes its basic structure from Gujarati and vocabulary from Arabic, developed as a medium to articulate Islamic values and heritage. Though [[Classical Arabic|Arabic]] remains community's dominant liturgical language, Lisan al-Dawat is its language of sermons and its medium of official and day-to-day communication.<ref>{{Cite document |last=Madraswala |first=Aliasger |title=Lisan al-Da'wah: Between Expression and Identity |publisher=Harvard University}}</ref>
+=== Dress ===
+The Dawoodi Bohras wear a distinct form of attire. The men traditionally dress in a predominantly white, three-piece outfit: ''[[kurta]]'', a form of tunic; ''saaya'', an overcoat of equal length; and ''[[izaar]]'', loose-fit trousers; with ''topi'', a white cap usually laced in a golden [[arabesque]] design.{{sfn|Blank|2001|p=144}} Men, adhering to the [[Sunnah|customs of Muhammad]], are expected to grow a full beard.{{sfn|Blank|2001|p=142}}
+The women wear a two-piece dress called ''rida,'' distinct from [[hijab]], [[purdah]], and [[chador]]. Its distinguishing features are bright colors, decorative patterns and lace, and the fact that it does not cover a woman's face.<ref name="Banerjee2009">{{cite book |author=Himadri Banerjee |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cSTEOx_Lw9MC&pg=PA200|title=Calcutta Mosaic: Essays and Interviews on the Minority Communities of Calcutta |date=10 July 2009 |publisher=Anthem Press |isbn=978-81-905835-5-8|page=200 |access-date=22 March 2012}}</ref> The ''rida'' is of any colour except black. A flap called ''pardi'' is folded to one side to allow a woman's face to be visible, but it can be worn over the face when desired.{{sfn|Blank|2001|p=146}}
+=== Cuisine ===
+[[File:People of the Dawoodi Bohra faith seated around a thaal.jpg|thumb|Bohras seated around a ''thaal'' about to commence their meal with a taste of salt.]]
+Joining each other for meals is a well-known Dawoodi Bohra custom. Families and friends gather around sharing the meal from a single large raised circular tray called ''thaal''.<ref name="Abdulhussein2001" /> The ''thaal'' is raised upon a ''kundali'' or ''tarakti'' made of wood or metal, on top of a ''safra'', a large cloth that covers the floor. Each course of the meal is served one after the other for those at the ''thaal'' to share.<ref name=jkitchen1>{{Cite web |title=Bohra Cuisine |url=http://www.journeykitchen.com/p/bohra-cuisine.html |website=Journey Kitchen |access-date=2020-05-01 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210610163259/http://www.journeykitchen.com/p/bohra-cuisine.html |archive-date=10 June 2021}}</ref>{{r|sama1}}
+The meal begins and ends with a taste of salt, traditionally said to cleanse the palette and prevent diseases.{{r|jkitchen1}}<ref name=sama1>{{cite web |url=https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/bohra-cuisine-a-meal-tradition-that-starts-with-a-pinch-of-salt-and-dessert-2264495 |date=18 July 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210610170120/https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/bohra-cuisine-a-meal-tradition-that-starts-with-a-pinch-of-salt-and-dessert-2264495 |archive-date=10 June 2021 |work=[[NDTV]] |last=Saha |first=Somdatta |title=Bohra Cuisine: A pinch of salt and desserts first}}</ref> Bohras usually cover their heads during the meal with a ''topi'', a cap; and eat with their hands.{{sfn|Blank|2001|p=146}} A common etiquette is for the host to offer to clean their guests' hands using a ''chilamchi lota'' (basin and jug).<ref name=masudi1>{{cite news |title=Strong traditions, savoury flavours (and a palidu recipe) |url=https://gulfnews.com/uae/strong-traditions-savoury-flavours-1.2035377 |date=30 May 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210610194122/https://gulfnews.com/uae/strong-traditions-savoury-flavours-1.2035377 |archive-date=10 June 2021 |work=The Gulf News |last=Masudi |first=Faisal}}</ref> At community feasts, the Bohras first eat {{transliteration|gu|mithaas}} (sweet dish), followed by {{transliteration|gu|kharaas}} (savoury dish), and then the main course.{{r|sama1}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Bohri Story |url=http://www.mumbaifoodie.com/the-bohri-story/ |last=Ankolkar |first=Sama |date=2018-06-15 |website=Mumbai Foodie |language=en-US |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180727175411/https://www.mumbaifoodie.com/the-bohri-story/ |archive-date=27 July 2018 |access-date=4 October 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Leftovers]] are a cultural faux pas. Those seated at the ''thaal'' are encouraged to take smaller portions and expected to finish those.<ref name=madsen>{{Cite web |title=Lower waste, slimmer waists (India) |url=https://www.yre.global/llc-articles/2020/2/19/lower-waste-slimmer-waists-india |date=5 June 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210616203123/https://www.yre.global/llc-articles/2020/2/19/lower-waste-slimmer-waists-india |archive-date=16 June 2021 |last=Madsen |first=Kristina |language=en |work=[[Young Reporters for the Environment]]}}</ref>
+The Bohra cuisine, influenced by [[Gujarati cuisine|Gujarati]],<ref>{{Cite news |title=Being Bohra in Chennai |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2019/aug/26/being-bohra-in-chennai-2024184.html |date=26 Aug 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210616200220/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2019/aug/26/being-bohra-in-chennai-2024184.html |archive-date=16 June 2021 |last=Navya |first=KV |work=Express News Service |location=Chennai}}</ref> [[Iranian cuisine|Persian]], [[Yemeni cuisine|Yemeni]], and [[Egyptian cuisine|Egyptian]] cuisines,<ref>{{Cite web |title=A community affair! How the Dawoodi Bohras celebrate Eid |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/travel/a-community-affair-how-the-dawoodi-bohras-celebrate-eid/articleshow/64571617.cms |date=14 June 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210616203235/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/travel/a-community-affair-how-the-dawoodi-bohras-celebrate-eid/articleshow/64571617.cms |archive-date=16 June 2021 |work=Economic Times |language=en}}</ref><ref name=dbwrffnb>{{Cite web |title=DBWRF powers Great Dawoodi Bohra Cook-off with influencers in Kandivali  |url=http://www.fnbnews.com/Top-News/dbwrf-powers-great-dawoodi-bohra-cookoff-with-influencers-in-kandivali-43201 |date=17 May 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210616204039/http://www.fnbnews.com/Top-News/dbwrf-powers-great-dawoodi-bohra-cookoff-with-influencers-in-kandivali-43201 |archive-date=16 June 2021 |work=Food and Beverage News |location=Mumbai}}</ref> is known for its unique taste and dishes such as bohra-style [[biryani]],<ref name=":2">{{cite web|title=Faith & food in the Bohra way |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sourish-bhattacharyya-food-in-bohra-way/1/259941.html |last=Bhattacharyya |first=Sourish |date=30 March 2013 |work=Mail Today |location=New Delhi |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140405104258/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sourish-bhattacharyya-food-in-bohra-way/1/259941.html |archive-date=5 April 2014}}</ref> ''dal chaawal palidu'' (rice, lentils, and curry), ''kheema samosa'' (minced mutton [[samosa]]), ''dabba gosht'' (''steamed-mutton-in-a-box''), and ''masala bateta'' (spicy potatoes).{{r|masudi1}}{{r|dbwrffnb}}<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/ramadan-2016/ramadan-news/the-bohras-have-a-unique-iftar-custom |title=The Bohras have a unique iftar custom |date=12 June 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210610165856/https://www.khaleejtimes.com/ramadan-2016/ramadan-news/the-bohras-have-a-unique-iftar-custom |archive-date=10 June 2021 |last=Ali Zain |first=Asma |work=[[Khaleej Times]]}}</ref>
+=== Community kitchens ===
+In 2012, [[Mohammed Burhanuddin|Mohammed Burhanuddin II]], the 52nd Da'i al-Mutlaq, established ''Faiz al-Mawaid al-Burhaniyah'' (FMB) community kitchens in [[Mumbai]] to deliver at least one meal per day to all Bohra families in the city, and to ensure no one goes to bed hungry. FMB proved beneficial to women in particular as household work reduced, freeing up time to pursue other productive activities.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{cite web|title='Community kitchen' gives Bohra women freedom from cooking |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/Community-kitchen-gives-Bohra-women-freedom-from-cooking/articleshow/11893123.cms |last=Parmar |first=Vijaysinh |date=15 February 2012 |archive-date=5 April 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140405104240/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/Community-kitchen-gives-Bohra-women-freedom-from-cooking/articleshow/11893123.cms |newspaper=The Times of India}}</ref> Meals are delivered in [[tiffin]] containers daily, and have a rotating menu.<ref name=plucky>{{cite web |title=The Bohras – Plucky Business Barons |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210622043250/https://roar.media/english/life/culture-identities/the-bohras-plucky-business-barons |date=1 Feb 2018 |url=https://roar.media/english/life/culture-identities/the-bohras-plucky-business-barons |archive-date=22 June 2021 |language=en |last=Hussein |first=Asiff }}</ref> As of 2021, FMB community kitchens, usually built near mosques,{{r|mithran1}} are operational in every Bohra community throughout the world.{{r|lentin2}}{{r|plucky}}
+Whilst FMB has substantially increased food security within the Bohra community,<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Fighting world hunger |url=http://www.southasia.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/sa_book_november_19.pdf |date=Nov 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706204709/http://www.southasia.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/sa_book_november_19.pdf |archive-date=6 July 2021 |magazine=South Asia Magazine |last=Sadriwala |first=Maryam |language=en|location=Karachi}}</ref> in times of wider crisis (such as the flooding in Texas or the COVID-19 pandemic), it has also supplied meals and provisions to the wider society.<ref>{{cite web|title=Food drive for needy by North Texas Bohras |url=https://www.indiapost.com/food-drive-for-needy-by-north-texas-bohras/ |date=8 March 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210610175659/https://www.indiapost.com/food-drive-for-needy-by-north-texas-bohras/ |archive-date=10 June 2021 |first=Mudar |last=Sapatwalla |work=India Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dawoodi Bohras join other volunteers to serve migrants food, water during their arduous journey back home |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210625081514/https://www.deccanherald.com/national/west/contractors-employee-sick-after-shiv-sena-mla-makes-him-sit-on-water-logged-road-997715.html |archive-date=25 June 2021 |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/west/dawoodi-bohras-join-other-volunteers-to-serve-migrants-food-water-during-their-arduous-journey-back-home-854374.html |date=27 June 2020 |work=Deccan Herald |last=Bose |first=Mrityunjay |location=Mumbai}}</ref> Bohras consider ''Niyaz'', feeding their brethren and those less fortunate, an obligation.{{r|lentin2}}
+===Rasm-e Saifee===
+[[File:Syedna_taher_saifuddin_jamnagar_rasme_saifee.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|right|Taher Saifuddin presides over a Rasm-e Saifee Nikah in Jamnagar.]]
+To subsidize costs and facilitate marriages among the Dawoodi Bohra, Taher Saifuddin, the 51st Da'i al-Mutlaq, started ''Rasm-e Saifee''<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/348811/101-years-at-rasm-e-saifee-lucky-41-tie-the-nuptial-knot |title=101 years: At Rasm-e-Saifee, lucky 41 tie the nuptial knot |date=12 Mar 2012 |publisher=[[Tribune Pakistan]] |last1=Attarwala |first1=Fatima |location=Karachi |archive-date=13 March 2012 |website=tribune.com.pk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313041019/https://tribune.com.pk/story/348811/101-years-at-rasm-e-saifee-lucky-41-tie-the-nuptial-knot/}}</ref> in [[Jamnagar]] {{circa|1952}} and later institutionalised it {{circa|1963}}.{{r|rqiv}} ''Rasm-e Saifee'' is a singular occasion when multiple ''[[Marriage in Islam|nikah]]'' are solemnized at the hands of the Da'i al-Mutlaq and his representatives.
+Saifuddin's son and successor, [[Mohammed Burhanuddin]], founded the International Taiyseer al-Nikah Committee (ITNC),<ref name="rqiv">{{Cite web |title=Rasme Saifee |url=https://islamicvoice.com/September2006/Culture%26Traditions/ |archive-date=22 June 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200622075846/https://islamicvoice.com/September2006/Culture%26Traditions/ |website=islamvoice.com |year=2006 |last1=Raghib |first1=Qureish}}</ref> which now organizes ''Rasm-e Saifee'' throughout the year at various ''miqaat'' ({{lit|(religious) events}}).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Welcome to International Taiseer un Nikah Committee (ITNC) |url=https://demo.taiseerunnikah.org/ |access-date=25 Jun 2020 |website=taiseerunnikah.org |archive-date=25 June 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200625144958/https://demo.taiseerunnikah.org/}}</ref> Burhanuddin's successor, [[Mufaddal Saifuddin]], continues to uphold the tradition.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://udaipurtimes.com/events/photos-mass-procession-organized-by-bohra-community/c74416-w2859-cid117498-s10700.htm |title=Mass procession organized by Bohra community |date=29 Dec 2013 |last1=Goswami |first1=Vajrasar |website=udaipurtimes.com |location=Udaipur |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200625142735/https://udaipurtimes.com/events/photos-mass-procession-organized-by-bohra-community/c74416-w2859-cid117498-s10700.htm |archive-date=25 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Syedna to inaugurate Masjid in Secunderabad |url=https://telanganatoday.com/syedna-to-inaugurate-masjid-in-secunderabad |date=20 Oct 2019 |archive-date=25 June 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200625142735/https://telanganatoday.com/syedna-to-inaugurate-masjid-in-secunderabad |website=teleganatoday.com}}</ref>
 ==References==