Glossary

The family and progeny of the Prophet Mohammed. Dawoodi Bohras believe they are the rightful heirs / successors of the Prophet.

Lit. "unrestricted missionary or summoner"; a rank in the religious hierarchy designated by the Fatimi Imam.The al - daʿi al - mutlaq is the representative of the imam who has been deputised for the role of leading the community through the times and administering their affairs, both secular and religious, during the Imam’s seclusion.Today, His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin is the 53rd incumbent to this august office.

An Arabic academy and premier educational institute of the worldwide Dawoodi Bohra community, with four campuses in India, Pakistan, and Kenya.

Leader of a local Dawoodi Bohra community appointed by His Holiness, who also acts as his representative.

Ashara Mubaraka, or the Blessed Ten, is a period of ten days at the start of the Islamic new year dedicated by Bohras to remembering the tragedy of Karbala and the plight of Imam Husain, his family and companions as well as their stand for Islam, justice, truth, and humanity.

The 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Muslim calendar; the day on which the martyrdom of Imam Husain occurred.

An environmental awareness and research organisation established by the late Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin in 1991.

An ornamental grillwork enclosure marking the burial place of a revered figure, often made with gold or silver which includes Quranic verses and other religious texts and symbolism.

During his seclusion, the Imam has entrusted the Dawat(mission) to the al - daʿi al - mutlaq who is the Imam’s representative and vicegerent leading and guiding his followers, the Dawoodi Bohras, to practice their faith in accordance with the principles and tenets of Islam.Dawat - e - Hadiyah is a registered Trust that administers the affairs of the community, safeguards its spiritual and cultural heritage, and works toward furthering the social, economic, and general well - being of humanity at large.

The Dawoodi Bohras are a Muslim community living in over 40 countries across the world.Guided by their leader, His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, Bohras are generally well - educated, business people, and qualified professionals in various fields.With a distinctive culture, they strive to embrace modernity while staying true to their traditions and are active, peaceful, and law - abiding citizens dedicated to the betterment of all humanity.

Also called Dawat-e-Hadiyah; Allah’s mission entrusted to the Fatimi Imam, the direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed.

The worldwide Dawoodi Bohra community kitchen initiative, the FMB programme was established to provide at least one nutritious meal every day to each community household.FMB also conducts food drives to benefit the wider community, and provides food relief during natural calamities.

An epithet of the Fatimi imams, descendants of Fatima al - Zahra, the daughter of the Prophet Mohammed, and the eponym of the dynasty.The time of their rule over North Africa, Egypt, and parts of Greater Syria and the Hijaz is named the Fatimi era.Persons, places, scholarship, work, and objects related to the Fatimi era or empire can also bear this epithet, such as Fatimi art, architecture, literature, and philosophy.

The lineal descendant of the Prophet who leads and guides the faithful, and whose existence and guidance in each age is believed to be necessary for salvation.

A local Dawoodi Bohra community.

Libas al-Anwar is the Dawoodi Bohra attire, inspired by Islamic principles; includes a white and gold topi(cap) and a white outfit called saya kurta for men and a two - piece dress called rida for women.

Lisan al-Dawat is the distinctive language of the Dawoodi Bohra community, which combines elements of Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and Gujarati.

An institute under the auspices of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah dedicated to Quranic education; facilitates learning the art of recitation and memorisation of the Holy Quran and provides training in Quranic arts and sciences.

A Dawoodi Bohra congregation, which can be either for celebratory or solemn occasions.

Mosque; a masjid is a local place of worship and the centre of most religious and educational activities of Muslim communities.

A community institute for primary and secondary education with 25 schools across India, Pakistan, East Africa, and the Gulf region.

Marriage ceremony according to Islamic rites.

The international Dawoodi Bohra philanthropic arm, dedicated to the service of humanity across five focus areas : food security, water and sanitation, environment, education, and healthcare.

A Quranic term for interest-free loans; literally, "a good loan".

The Epistles of the Brethren of Purity are a tenth - century philosophical compendium taking predominantly the essay form to engage with an extensive array of subjects and intellectual traditions in a total of 52 epistles.

Dawoodi Bohra women wear the rida, distinct from other forms of hijab due to its bright colours and patterns.It comprises two outer garments: a pardi, which covers the body from head to waist, and a ghagra, a loose, flowing skirt from the waist to the ankles.

A method of teaching religious texts and lore to groups of learners dating back to the beginning of Islam. (pl.asbaaq)

Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust; an urban redevelopment projectenvisioned by the late Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin in 2007 for the redevelopment of 16.5 acres of land in the heart of South Mumbai.It has been widely recognised as a first - of - its - kind redevelopment project in Asia.

Persian for ‘prince’ and ‘princess’, respectively. Used by Dawoodi Bohras as a title referring to sons and daughters of the daʿis.

The title by which Dawoodi Bohras refer to the Al-Daʿi Al-Mutlaq.

A crocheted white cap with a gold border, worn by Dawoodi Bohra men.

A visit to a sacred place, especially the burial place of the Prophet and his Ahl al - Bayt, as well the daʿis.