His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin visited Ahmedabad between 15 to 17 December 2025 to mark the urs, or the death anniversary of Syedna Qutubkhan Qutbuddin, the 32nd Dai and leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community.
The annual observance draws thousands of Dawoodi Bohras from across India and overseas to Ahmedabad, where they gather to pay respects at Mazar-e-Qutbi, a white-marble mausoleum complex in the city’s old quarter. The site houses the tombs of several past leaders and members of the community, and is one of the most frequented sites for the Dawoodi Bohras within India.
“Syedna’s visit elevates the commemoration, reinforcing its importance for those gathered to continue to honour the community’s past leaders,” said a local community member.
On 17th December, His Holiness delivered a sermon at the historic Tajpur masjid in the Astodia neighbourhood. During the nearly three-hour address, Syedna recounted the community’s steeped history in the city and spoke about the humility of Maulaya Adam, a revered community leader, whose conduct exemplified the values that define true leadership.
Ahmedabad has been home to several past leaders of the Dawoodi Bohra community and therefore holds deep significance. By recounting their history, Syedna’s sermon served as a reminder for the community to cherish this proud legacy and pass it on to the younger generation.
Later that evening, the Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, paid a courtesy visit to His Holiness at the Mazar-e-Qutbi complex. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the welfare and development of the state, with Syedna commending Ahmedabad’s progress in recent years. The Chief Minister, in turn, acknowledged the Dawoodi Bohra community’s longstanding contributions to the city and paid respects at the tomb of Syedna Qutubkhan Qutbuddin.
As part of the visit local community members undertook a tree-planting initiative and donated essential stationery items to a nearby municipal school. The outreach activities were carried out under Project Rise, the Dawoodi Bohra community’s philanthropic initiative focused on improving the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities.
