Dr Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin was the 52nd al-Dāʿī al-Mutlaq and the spiritual head of the Dawoodi Bohra community worldwide. Over his five-decade leadership beginning in 1965, the Dawoodi Bohra community experienced a renewed sense of mission and devotion to their faith. He reinforced existing institutions and, responding to contemporary needs, launched new initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being and spiritual life of community members.
His bond with Pakistan was deep and sustained. One of Syedna Burhanuddin’s enduring contributions to Pakistan is the Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah campus in Karachi. He oversaw its construction and expansion; the campus was inaugurated in 1983. This institution became a centre of learning for generations of Bohras in Pakistan and beyond.
Under his guidance, Dawoodi Bohra-led initiatives in Karachi also strengthened civic life. For example, he endowed the Department of Genetics at the University of Karachi, furthering science and scholarship in Pakistan.
Beyond physical institutions, Syedna Burhanuddin instilled a deep sense of belonging to Pakistan amongst community members. During his visits, he urged them to be loyal and constructive citizens, to contribute positively to Pakistan’s development, and to live in harmony with all fellow citizens. His leadership helped to weave the Dawoodi Bohra identity into the social and cultural fabric of Pakistan.
Al-Dai al-Mutlaq
The al-Dai al-Mutlaq is the leader of the worldwide Dawoodi Bohra community and the head of Dawat-e-Hadiyah during the seclusion of the Imam and acts as its sole trustee. Today, His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin is the 53rd incumbent to this august office.
His Holiness Syedna Taher Saifuddin, the 51st al-Dai al-Mutlaq and father of the 52nd Dai, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA, and grandfather of the present 53rd Dai, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS, is remembered as a distinguished spiritual leader, scholar and administrator whose legacy continues to shape the Dawoodi Bohra community.
His Holiness Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS is the 53rd al-Dāʿī al-Mutlaq and the present spiritual head of the Dawoodi Bohra community worldwide. He assumed office in January 2014 and continues a long tradition of stewardship that emphasises knowledge, compassion and social service.