Syedna Abu Jafar us Sadiq Aaliqadr Mufaddal Saifuddin is the 53rd and current Da'i al-Mutlaq of the Dawoodi Bohras.[1][2] The Dawoodi Bohra are a sub group[3] within the Mustaali, IsmailiShia branch of Islam. He is the 2nd eldest son of the 52nd Dai Mohammed Burhanuddin. He succeeded[4] to the office after his father, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, who died in 2014[5] and is the spiritual leader of 2.5 million people living in 100 countries.[6][7] Saifuddin has contributed substantially to the restoration of medieval Fatimid architecture, notably Al-Hakim Mosque and other Fatimid-era mosques located in Old Cairo.[8]
Saifuddin was born on 20 August 1946 (23 Ramadan 1365 A.H.) in Surat, India,[9] and was given the name Aali Qadr Mufaddal (Arabic:عالي قدر مفضل) by his grandfather Syedna Taher Saifuddin.[2] He received much of his spiritual guidance from his father, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin[10][11] and devoted most of his time to strictly religious pursuits.[12] He graduated from The Institute of Islamic Studies at Al-Azhar University.[13][14] Mufaddal Saifuddin married Jawharatusharaf Najmuddin, daughter of Yusuf Najmuddin, the erstwhile rector of Al Jamea tus Saifiyah on 1 January 1970.[15][16]
Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin observing the 75th Milad(Birthday) procession in Surat, India.
Mufaddal Saifuddin often accompanied his father Mohammed Burhanuddin during the latter's travels across the globe, meeting heads of states and other notable personalities during such trips.[11] Mufaddal Saifuddin was appointed Amirul Hajj by his father Burhanuddin in 1390 AH (1970 CE). After Hajj, he travelled to Karbala, Syria, Misr and Yemen. During his trip to Yemen, he laid the foundations for the construction of the 3rd Da'i al-Mutlaq's Hatim'smausoleum. After that journey Burhanuddin bestowed upon him the honorific title Aqeeq-ul-Yemen in 1391 AH/1971 AD.[15][17]:524
Leadership
He has undertaken numerous projects under Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin’s(RA) directions in the restoration of medieval Fatimid masjids in Egypt and other edifices in the Arab world. Notable projects include the restoration and revival of Al-Hakim Mosque (al-Jamea al-Anwar), the restoration of the masjid of Syedna Zoeb bin Moosa in 1406H,[18] the restoration of Aqmar Mosque in 1408H,[19] construction of the mosque in Salamiyah in 1414H,[19] restoration of the Lulua Mosque & Juyushi Mosque in 1416H, the construction of the Zarih of Zaynab bint Ali in Cairo in 1416H, construction of the mosque in Ashkelon in 1421H, the construction of the Mazar and Mosque of Syedna Hatim in 1425H, and the discovery of the graves of a few Da'i al-Mutlaq in Zimarmar, Yemen on 1st Rabi al-Akhar 1431H.[20]
Following the death of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, on his posthumous 103rd Birthday, Mufaddal Saifuddin (TUS) donated INR 103.50 crore ($15.5 Million) to the Qardan Hasana[21] Scheme[22] (interest free loan fund) for the Dawoodi Bohra community.[23]
On 19 July 2016, Mufaddal Saifuddin(TUS) met Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and expressed interests for investment in Egypt. Mufaddal Saifuddin (TUS) also donated 10 Million Pounds to the Long Live Egypt Fund.[24]
In 2011, during his centennial celebrations, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin(TUS) established Al Jamea tus Saifiyah in Nairobi, Kenya. The construction of this 14 acre campus commenced in 2013, and was completed and inaugurated by Mufaddal Saifuddin (TUS) inaugurated by on 20 April 2017.[25][26][27]
His father, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin initiated the Bhendi Bazaar Redevelopment Project under the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT).[28][29] The first phase, covering subclusters 1 & 3 was kicked off by Mufaddal Saifuddin (TUS) on 18 May 2016. "About 250 dilapidated buildings in Bhendi Bazaar will be replaced with 17 new towers with wide roads, modern infrastructure, more open spaces and highly visible commercial areas."[30] This ambitious philanthropic enterprise "aims to rehabilitate 3200 families and 1250 business which are currently living in poor conditions."[31] It is expected to reach completion by 2019.
Through the Burhani Foundation[32] Mufaddal Saifuddin (TUS) has launched environmental awareness campaigns[33] such as the tree-planting[34][35] and bird feeding campaigns such the "Save our Sparrows" initiative.[36]
In battle to reduce global food wastage especially within community feasts, Mufaddal Saifuddin (TUS) introduced regulation on the quantity of dishes served per meal. This was launched under the moto of "ek kharaas, ek mithaas, no israaf" (one savoury, one desert and no wastage).[37]
According to one of Mufaddal Saifuddin's (TUS) followers in Ontario, California who gave a press interview during a March 2015 visit of Mufaddal Saifuddin (TUS), the main message that Saifuddin (TUS) hopes to instill on the community is that of loyalty to wherever people live, to follow the rules and be a good citizen, live in peace and make an honest living.[38]
To ensure that not a single Dawoodi Bohra community member goes hungry, Mufaddal Saifuddin initiated a "community kitchen"[39] scheme[40] named Faiz al-Mawaid al-Burhaniyah[41] (Arabic:فيض الموائد البرهانية).[42] Everyday, Tiffin & Thali of home-cooked meals are delivered community homes.[43]
In December 2016, Mufaddal Saifuddin initiated an 'Upliftment Program'( which was later named "Rafo Mustawa Maishate Mumineen") to improve the living standards of community members.[44] Over 4,100[45] volunteers from India, East Asia, UK, USA and the Middle East were spread out over 200 towns and cities.[46] The 5-day upliftment drive consisted of renovation of houses in a dire state, work or reorganization, planting of trees and plants around community properties and private homes, clearing and cleaning of community properties and grounds, erection of playground and sports facilities, dental hygiene and vaccination for children and a sports day and breakfast on the Sunday morning of New Year's Day.[44][47]
Family tree Moulai Tarmal/Bharmal to Syedna Burhanuddin
The Misaq of Mufaddal Saifuddin was taken by his grand father Taher Saifuddin on the 27th of Zil al-Qa'da 1379H (22 May 1960 AD), during the 75th birthday celebrations of Taher Saifuddin.[48]
Mufaddal Saifudddin is a (Arabic: حافظ القران; Haafiz al-Quran ) (one who has memorized the entire Quran).[49]
Following his journey to Yemen, he was awarded the honorific title Aqeeq al-Yemen (Arabic: عقيق اليمنl translation: the agate of Yemen) on 12 Rabi' al-awwal 1391 AH/1971 AD.[50][51]:524
Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin conferred upon him the title of (Arabic: ثقة الدعوة الطيبية; Thiqat al-D'awat al-Tayyibiyah ) (meaning The Trusted of the Tayyibi Mission) and bestowed upon him the cognomen of "Saifuddin" (سيف الدين) on the 27th of Zil al-Qa'da 1385H corresponding to 18 March 1966.[52][53][54]
He was conferred one of the highest degrees of Al Jamea tus Saifiyah (Arabic: العليم البارع; al-'Aleem al-Baare'), (Translation: The Outstandingly Learned) on 20th Rabi al-Akhar 1391H corresponding to 14 June 1971.[52][55]
He was appointed rector of Al Jamea tus Saifiyah (Arabic: امير الجامعة; Ameer al Jamea)[52][56] on the 26th of Ramadan 1407H corresponding to 24 April 1987.[57]
Mufaddal Saifuddin has been presented the following resolutions and certificates of appreciation in The United States:[58][59]
United States: TAMPA, Florida - Certificate of Commendation - Dated 26 June 2014
United States: RESOLUTION CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE - Dated 3 March 2015
United States: Certificate of Appreciation - By the Mayor City of Bakersfield - Dated 6 March 2015
United States: SENATE CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION- For the inauguration of the Palo Alto Masjid in California - Dated 7 March 2015
United States: ONTARIO, California - Certificate of Appreciation - Dated 9 March 2015
United States: CERTIFICATE OF SPECIAL CONGRESSIONAL RECOGNITION by the U.S HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - Dated 12 March 2015
Madagascar: He was awarded the Grand-Croix de Ceuxième Classe in Madagascar on 23 June 2014.[76]
Egypt: On 18 August 2014, President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi received Mufaddal Saifuddin on his first visit to Egypt since he took office.[77] "The president hailed Bohra's efforts in restoring old Egyptian mosques, their prohibition of interest in bank dealings.[77] Saifuddin donated 10 million pounds for the Long Live Egypt Fund".[77][78][79]
India: He was awarded the "Global Peace Award" for 2015 "In recognition of his outstanding contribution in the promotion of human rights and social justice".[80][81] He was also awarded a Lifetime Global Patronship Of All India Council Of Human Rights, Liberties And Social Justice (AICHLS).[82]
India: He launched the poster of "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao"[83] under the theme "Mai Tulsi Tere Angan Ki" during his presence in Islamic Cultural Centre New Delhi[84] on 28 February 2016[85] and in Al Jamea tus Saifiyah University on 4 May 2016.[85]
Tanzania: During his visit to Moshi, Tanzania, Mufaddal Saifuddin was presented the "Key to Moshi - The Land of Kilimanjaro" by the Mayor Japhary R Michael on 29 August 2015.[86]
Egypt: In August 2015, on the invitation of the Government of Egypt, Mufaddal Saifuddin participated in inauguration ceremony of the new Suez Canal.[87] Saifuddin commented that "The Suez Canal is the miracle of mankind which should be venerated rightfully."[87][88]
Kenya: In 2017, he was awarded The Second class: Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart by President Uhuru Kenyatta on the innauguartion of the Al Jamea tus Saifiyah campus in Nairobi on 20 April 2017.[89]
Singapore: A new species of orchid was named as Dendrobium HH Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin on 30 April 2018.[90]
Ashara Mubaraka refers to a period of ten days of Muharram at the beginning of the Islamic year dedicated to the remembrance of Prophet Muhammad, specifically his grandson Imam Husayn ibn Ali. Although Dawoodi Bohra centres across the world hosts this event locally for members in their cities, the main gathering led by Syedna Saifuddin, varies from city to city each year, and attracts thousands of community members from across the globe.
Mufaddal Saifuddin appointed Syedi Husain Husamuddin as Mukasir on 4 Rabi' al-Thani 1435H. On 18 Dhu al-Hijjah 1435, he appointed Syedi Husain Husamuddin as Mazoon and Syedi Qasim Hakimuddin as Mukasir. On 20 Rabi' al-Thani 1439H, he appointed Syedi Qasim Hakimuddin as Mazoon and Syedi Ali Asghar Kalimuddin as Mukasir.
[121]
Succession
The 52nd Da'i al-Mutlaq of the Dawoodi Bohras, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, died in January 2014.[122] As per the tenets of the sect[123] each predecessor is required to nominate his successor prior to his death.[124][125] His death sparked a succession crisis where a rival claimant emerged for the title of 53rd Dā'ī al-Mutlaq:[126] against Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, Khuzaima Qutbuddin[127] of the Dawoodi Bohra.[128]
The challenge created a divide in the community with the vast majority aligning with Mufaddal Saifuddin[129][130] whilst a small number aligned with Khuzaima Qutbuddin.[131] Mufaddal Saifuddin assumed control of the Dawoodi Bohra administration and infrastructure. He is largely accepted as the Bohras' leader[3] by government and other public bodies.[132] The UK Charity Commission[133] has stated in writing, that "our view is that His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin is the current incumbent of the office of Dai al-Mutlaq."[134]
His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin belongs to family of Moulai Fakhruddin and Moulai Hakimuddin. Family tree is shown as above. He also has link with Mohammad Rasulullah family and many noted Dawoodi Bohra Duats including Syedna Qutubuddin Shaheed[135] as indicated above.
^Blank, Jonah (2001). Mullahs on the Mainframe : Islam and Modernity Among the Dawoodi Bohras. University Of Chicago Press; 1 edition (15 April 2001). p. 334. ISBN978-0-226-05676-0.
^Magazine Name: الشبان المسلمين , Edition No. 14 - of Rabi al Awwal 1397H (February 1978). Article Title هذه هي الاصول التاريخية لطائفة البهرة , Author: Abd al-Raheem al-Jawhari
^His Holiness Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin – A brief profile. the Department of Statistics & Informatics, Dawat-e-Hadiyah, Badri Mahal, Mumbai India. September 2015. p. 4.
^His Holiness Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin – A brief profile. the Department of Statistics & Informai, Dawat-e-Hadiyah, Badri Mahal, Mumbai, India. September 2015. p. 16.
^His Holiness, Syedna Taher Saifuddin Saheb (1390H). الرسالة الشريفة بركات اصحاب التطهير. His Holiness Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin Saheb, Badri Mahal, Mumbai, India. p. 399.
^His Holiness, Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb (1437H). نشر الخير 1391. His Holiness Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb, Badri Mahal, Mumbai, India.
^ abcHis Holiness Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin – A brief profile. the Department of Statistics & Informai, Dawat-e-Hadiyah, Badri Mahal, Mumbai, India. September 2015. p. 5.
^His Holiness, Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb (1436H). رسالة اننعي المسماة - حكمة الغيبة القدسانية الابدية. His Holiness Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb, Badri Mahal, Mumbai, India. p. 552.
^His Holiness, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin Saheb (1434H). الرسالة الشريفة فيوضات الجنة. His Holiness Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin Saheb, Badri Mahal, Mumbai, India. p. 375.
^His Holiness, Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb (1436H). رسالة اننعي المسماة - حكمة الغيبة القدسانية الابدية. His Holiness Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb, Badri Mahal, Mumbai, India. p. 574.
^His Holiness, Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb (1436H). رسالة اننعي المسماة - حكمة الغيبة القدسانية الابدية. His Holiness Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb, Badri Mahal, Mumbai, India. p. 559.
^His Holiness Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin – A brief profile. the Department of Statistics & Information, Dawat-e-Hadiyah, Badri Mahal, Mumbai India. September 2015. pp. 31–32.
^ abA Legacy of Knowledge - A Collection of Speeches by His Holiness Dr Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS - Head of the Dawoodi Bohra Community. Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah, Badri Mahal, Mumbai, India. 2016. p. 136.
^Blank, Jonah (2001). Mullahs on the Mainframe : Islam and Modernity Among the Daudi Bohras. University of Chicago Press; 1 edition (15 April 2001). p. 135 & 165. ISBN978-0-226-05676-0.
^Daftary, Farhad (2007). The Isma'ilis: Their History and Doctrines. Cambridge University Press. p. 275. ISBN1-139-46578-3.
^Daftary, Farhad (2011). A Modern History of the Ismailis: Continuity and Change in a Muslim Community. I. B. Tauris. p. 333. ISBN1-84511-717-4.
^Waring, Kate (15 August 2014). "UK Charity Commission's View regarding The Dawat-e-Hadiyah Trust". Herbert Smith Freehills Solicitors and Nabarro Solicitors (Charity Commission).
^Family tree available at Risalah no.SMS00 His Holiness, Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb. رسالة النعي المسماة - حكمة الغيبة القدسانية الابدية Hikmah al-Ghaybah al-Qudsāniyyah al-Abadiyyah., Year: |1435H|1436H|2016|-
Family Tree linking Dawoodi Bohra Dai with some noted Duats