This story was reported by Udaipur Times
Thousands of Dawoodi Bohras from Udaipur and neighbouring towns welcomed His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the 53rd al-Dai al-Mutlaq and leader of the worldwide Dawoodi Bohra community on his arrival to the city on 12th August 2025.
Syedna arrived at Maharana Pratap Airport Udaipur from Mumbai and was warmly greeted by Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Punjab & Chandigarh; Tara Chand Jain, MLA; Dipti Maheshwari, Udaipur MLA; Rajsamand, MLA, and senior members of the Dawoodi Bohra community.
His visit coincides with the commemoration of Chehlum, the 40th day after the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed’s grandson, Imam Husain, in Karbala, Iraq.
“Syedna’s visit reminds us that faith is not only about prayer but also about living with purpose — contributing to our city’s growth, caring for our neighbours, and working for the common good," said Ali Kauser Kurawarwala, community coordinator. "Seeing him here after ten years renews our commitment to these values."
On 14th August, Syedna delivered a sermon at Burhani Masjid where he used the metaphor of "Udai", meaning sunrise, to highlight how a virtuous start and a purposeful life inevitably lead to a positive conclusion. He emphasised that, just as the sunrise brings with it the promise of a new day, every noble intention and good deed is a beginning that sets a person on a path to righteousness and success.
Addressing the younger members of the audience, Syedna stressed the importance of education, discipline, and physical well-being as cornerstones of a successful life. He also mentioned the physical, emotional and psychological benefits of viewing the sunrise.
He concluded with an emotive remembrance of Imam Husain and the enduring relevance of his stand against injustice.
Throughout his travels, His Holiness delivers sermons in which he addresses both global concerns and the specific issues faced by local community members, integrating traditional beliefs with contemporary relevance. He directly engages with the attendees, particularly children, who are seated up front.
Home to around 15,000 Dawoodi Bohras, Udaipur’s community is deeply woven into the city’s fabric. Known for their entrepreneurial spirit, many are engaged in trading, retail, and medium-sized enterprises, alongside contributing actively to civic welfare, healthcare, and environmental stewardship. Through global initiatives like Project Rise, they work shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow citizens and local authorities to improve quality of life, reflecting the community’s ethos of progress, peace, and harmony.
