The Dawoodi Bohra community members are celebrating the 104th birth anniversary of their spiritual leader, the Late 52nd Dai al-Mutlaq, His Holiness Dr Syedna Mohammed BurhanuddinRA on Monday, 9th February, 2015.
His son and successor, the 53r Dai al-Mutlaq, Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS will celebrate the auspicious occasion at Udaipur, Rajasthan.
Thousands of Dawoodi Bohras from all over of India, USA, UK, Canada, France, Australia, Sweden, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt, Japan, China, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Maldives, Myanmar, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, Madagascar and Reunion shall come on the occasion to greet and seek blessings of their beloved leader.
In light of the remarkable strong bond of love between the 52nd Dai al-Mutlaq and his followers, the 53rd Dai al-Mutlaq has expressed his desire that, the community celebrate his birthday on the same day i.e the 20th Rabi ul-Akhar of the Islamic calendar every year.
Marked by a celebratory procession on the auspicious birthday of Prophet Mohammed,{peacebeuponhim} the Dawoodi Bohras have been engaged in various social development and spiritual enlightenment activities since the last forty days which will culminate on Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin'sRA birthday on Monday.
Dawoodi Bohras in over 700 community centres all over the world have undertaken projects designed to enhance their social, educational and economic stature. This year a cleanliness drive has been undertaken by the community in over 500 villages, towns and cities across India where they have pledged to maintain a clean environment at Dawoodi Bohra masjid complexes, community centres and in surrounding neighbourhoods with the assistance and guidance of the local municipal authorities.
Ceremonies of mass marriages known as Rasme Saifee, trade-fairs, business seminars and various self-development programs have also been organized during this period. Special Quran memorization workshops and competitions for adults and children have been held across the world.
As the Late Syedna's message of patriotism and international peace, public functions are being held in various cities wherein dignitaries, politicians, government officials, prominent citizens and members of other communities attend the gatherings.
On Syedna Burhanuddin'sRA birth day, the community members will gather at their respective masjids and community centers to hear a discourse of Syedna's successor, Syedna Mufaddal SaifuddinTUS.
He will deliver a sermon in remembrance of his illustrious father and offer prayers for Dawoodi Bohras and all mankind. The discourse will be broadcast live at all Dawoodi Bohra centres worldwide, so that the one million Dawoodi Bohras can collectively partake in this remembrance.
His Holiness shall recall his revered predecessor's message of love and advice the followers to abide by the Islamic social values and to be law abiding and faithful citizens. On the joyous occasion, His Holiness shall also pray for international peace and harmony.
The community members will specifically pray for the long life of their beloved leader Syedna Mufaddal SaifuddinTUS and also pray for the progress and prosperity of their respective nations.
In Mumbai, thousands of Dawoodi Bohras will gather to pay floral tribute and respects at Raudat Tahera, the mausoleum of the 51st Dai Syedna Taher SaifuddinRA and Syedna Mohammed BurhanuddinRA.