MUMBAI, Friday, January 17, 2014: The 52nd Dai al-Mutlaq of the world-wide Dawoodi Bohra community, His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin today expired at the advance age of 102 at his Mumbai residence at Saifee Mahal.

The sad occurrence happened due to sudden cardiac arrest this morning.

Born in Surat, Gujarat, Dr. Syedna was the leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community since 50 years after succeeding his father Syedna Taher Saifuddin in 1965. Under his leadership, the community has achieved remarkable social, economic and educational success across the world. Known as Ambassador of Peace and Goodwill, Syedna was highly respected by world leaders and governments for his endeavours in promoting international brotherhood and harmony. He was honoured with highest civilian titles like the Star of Jordan and Order of the Nile by the respective governments of Jordan and Egypt. Syedna was conferred Honourary Doctorates for his efforts in social and educational development by renowned institutes like Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Aligarh Muslim University and University of Karachi.

In Mumbai, the one of its kind Raudat Tahera mausoleum which has the entire Quran inscribed in letters of gold and bejeweled with precious stones; the world class Saifee Hospital; and the on-going ambitious Saifee Burhani Upliftment project of the redevelopment of Bhendi Bazaar are some of the major initiatives of Syedna in the city.

In 2011, Syedna had proclaimed Nass (investiture) upon his second son Syedna Mufaddal SaifuddinTUS in London. The 70-year-old successor is the rector of the community’s 200-year-old institution Jamea-tus-Saifiah, which has campuses in Surat, Karachi, Mumbai and Nairobi. He was closely associated with Syedna and has received much of his spiritual guidance under the tutelage of his revered father. Highly respected among the community members, Syedna Mufaddal SaifuddinTUS has travelled widely with Syedna and met heads of states and other distinguished personalities across the world. Among the many projects that Syedna Mufaddal SaifuddinTUS has worked under Syedna’s directions in the restoration of famous Fatemi Masjids in Egypt and other edifices in the Arab world.

The present 53rd Dai al-Mutlaq Syedna Mufaddal SaifuddinTUS shall lead the Namaz-e-Janaza of the late Syedna at Saifee Masjid at Bhendi Bazaar and shall be laid to rest at Raudat Tahera mausoleum in Mumbai.

Thousands of Dawoodi Bohras from all over India and from some 40 nations are converging to Mumbai to pay their last respects and homage to their beloved leader Syedna Moahmmed Burhanuddin.