project Rise

Advancing Well-being through Healthcare

Established by his grandfather and rebuilt by his father in 2005, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin oversees Saifee Hospital in Mumbai, a testament to his commitment to providing quality healthcare to society.
The Prophet Mohammed has enjoined us to seek treatment for what ails us, for the One who has sent down the illness has also sent down its cure. By establishing medical facilities and mobilising our healthcare professionals, we follow this guidance and demonstrate our trust in the Almighty’s mercy.
A rendering of the interior courtyard of the His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin School of Pharmacy at Aligarh Muslim University currently under construction, reflecting Syedna’s commitment to the growing need for quality healthcare.
Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin’s concern for improving quality of life encompasses efforts to enhance physical well-being and provide access to comprehensive, affordable healthcare. Through the establishment of hospitals, clinics, medical camps, ambulance services, and charitable trusts for medical aid, Syedna Saifuddin upholds the fundamental human right to accessible healthcare for all. His vision has led to the creation of modern medical facilities, as well as the mobilisation of a dedicated network of community medical professionals volunteering their expertise to serve those in need both within the Dawoodi Bohra community and beyond.

Hospitals and Medical Facilities

More than two dozen hospitals and clinics across the world operate under the patronage of His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin. A notable example is Saifee Hospital in Mumbai, which was originally founded by Syedna’s grandfather and was completely rebuilt and equipped with modern medical facilities in 2005 by Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin. The design of the hospital seamlessly incorporates contemporary elements with traditional religious architecture, symbolised by three iconic domes, reflecting the significance of faith in providing compassionate medical care. Beyond Mumbai, hospitals have been established in locations such as Dahod and Surat, India; Karachi, Pakistan; and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Additionally, existing hospitals under the community’s management in cities like Surat and Karachi have undergone renovations and refurbishments at Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin’s instructions. A large outpatient clinic network also sees continued expansion and growth.
Syedna visits a patient at a community-run hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.
Dawoodi Bohras in the UK participate in awalk to raise awareness for diabetes.

Promoting Healthy Lifestyles

Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin adopts a holistic approach to nurturing the Dawoodi Bohra community, addressing the physical, mental, and social dimensions of life across all age groups. He has encouraged an active way of life by supporting the establishment of recreational centres in various locations, offering gymnasiums, swimming pools, and playing fields that promote exercise and create opportunities for social connection. He has consistently advocated the benefits of walking and urged community members to incorporate movement into their daily routines. His vision also extends to nutrition, with community gardens, cooking classes, and educational programmes that promote balanced diets.
In his guidance, Syedna also draws attention to patterns of consumption that undermine both body and mind. He cautions against excessive screen time and unrestrained digital media use, particularly among children and adolescents, and warns of the dangers of intoxicants, including the often-overlooked risks of vaping and other modern addictive substances. Both, he explains, cloud judgment, weaken discipline, and erode health, leaving lasting effects on individuals and families alike. Attentive to the needs of the elderly, he has directed for the organisation of special events and programmes designed to support their social engagement and overall well-being. Through these initiatives, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin fosters an environment that empowers Dawoodi Bohras to lead wholesome, purposeful lives across generations.

Community Medical Professionals

The Dawoodi Bohra community boasts a high percentage of medical professionals who volunteer time, resources, and expertise to healthcare initiatives both within and beyond the community. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin often speaks about the connection between faith and medicine in his sermons, encouraging doctors to actively engage in community discourse and activities. He emphasises their role in ensuring not only physical well-being but also mental and spiritual health. Inspired by these expectations, Dawoodi Bohra doctors volunteer their time and expertise, organising free medical camps under Project Rise and collaborating with local authorities and medical institutions in the Global South to deliver quality healthcare to underserved communities. To facilitate knowledge exchange and resource mobilisation, a virtual international platform managed by the Syedna’s administration expands healthcare outreach. Regional organisations, such as the Saifee Burhani Medical Association America (S B M A A), hold annual gatherings to enhance medical competency and share best practices among its members. These coordinated efforts reflect the community’s commitment to integrating professional medical expertise with faith-based service, fostering a holistic approach to healthcare that extends far beyond their day-to-day patients and immediate circles.
Students participate in a sports competition at a community school in Madagascar encouraging healthy, active living from a young age (above). Founded by Syedna, members of the Saifee Burhani Medical Association America (SBMAA) convene annually to enhance medical competency and share best practices within the Dawoodi Bohra community (bottom).

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