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Stewards of the Earth

Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin — along with the late His Holiness Pope Francis, His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb, His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, as well as other faith leaders — is a signatory of ‘The Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement for COP28’. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin’s son, Shahzada Husain Burhanuddin, attended the Faith Leaders Summit in Abu Dhabi and signed this statement on his behalf ahead of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2023.
The Quran calls on us to protect the earth and uphold it with care, for Allah’s ﷻ love rests with those who nurture rather than destroy. Let us, therefore, unite in our efforts to combat climate change, promote responsible consumption, and cultivate a culture of environmental consciousness, for in doing so, we seek the happiness and grace of the Almighty.
Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin meets Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi, regarding the community’s contribution of over 10,000 mangrove saplings to combat climate change (above).
A staunch advocate for environmental preservation, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin consistently underscores the collective obligation of every community member to act as a caretaker of the environment. He actively promotes heightened environmental consciousness through his sermons, and is a signatory of ‘The Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement for cop28’, a declaration uniting diverse faith leaders in calling for urgent climate action. He guides and funds the Burhani Foundation (India), a pioneering organisation founded by his father Syedna Burhanuddin in 1992 which mobilises faith for the betterment of the environment. It was established with the intent of safeguarding vital natural resources, developing responsible waste management, reducing plastic pollution, and creating green spaces. Syedna Saifuddin’s vision for a sustainable and eco logically responsible community is reflected in community-wide tree-planting efforts, cleanliness drives, and the preservation of natural habitats.

Taking Action on Climate Change

Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin recognises the crucial role of healthy environments in combating climate change and emphasises the importance of sustainable living and mindful consumption of resources. He actively champions tree-planting initiatives, mobilising the Dawoodi Bohra community to contribute to a greener and more sustainable planet. In 2017, he launched a global campaign through which community members planted 200,000 trees — an effort that has continued to expand every year. Through these actions, His Holiness not only improves living spaces and neighbourhoods but also addresses the urgent need to increase green cover and combat climate change through carbon sequestration and improved air quality. His teachings emphasise using resources economically and avoiding waste, promoting a lifestyle that minimises environmental impact.
A father and daughter plant a sapling under His Holiness’ tree drive initiative (left).
Dawoodi Bohras worldwide address plastic pollution through the ‘Turning the Tide’ initiative. Volunteers have cleaned beaches and creeks in California, assisted in large-scale beach cleanups in Mumbai, rejuvenated Nairobi’s Mbagathi River, and cleared plastic from Singapore’s natural bodies of water.

Turning the Tide on Plastic

Inspired by His Holiness’ teachings, the Dawoodi Bohra community actively combats plastic pollution through its ‘Turning the Tide Against Plastic Pollution’ project. Volunteers, alongside various ngos, work together to clean natural water bodies like Mumbai’s Mithi River and Versova and Dana Pani beaches, as well as Nairobi’s Mbagathi River. These efforts not only remove waste but also educate communities on the harmful impacts of plastic and promote sustainable practices. Collaborations with organisations like the Surfrider Foundation in Los Angeles and the National Parks Board of Singapore further extend the project’s reach. Additionally, community centres worldwide are actively reducing single-use plastic consumption and raising awareness about pollution. Committees within the community regularly organise clean-up drives to promote sanitation and environmental health in their neighbourhoods and cities.

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