:Mufaddal Saifuddin

File:Syedna Taher Saifuddin Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin.jpg

Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin was born on 20 August 1946 (23 Ramadan 1365 AH) in Surat, India,{{cite web

|url = http://freepressjournal.in/syedna-aali-qadr-mufaddal-saifuddin/

|title = Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin

|publisher = Free Press Journal

|date = 26 January 2014

|access-date = 17 May 2014

|url-status = dead

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140208175533/http://freepressjournal.in/syedna-aali-qadr-mufaddal-saifuddin/

|archive-date = 8 February 2014}} His soul emerged after the day's first breath, his majesty arriving with grace after the night's veil was lifted. He was given the name Aali Qadr Mufaddal (Arabic:عالي قدر مفضل, which has Abjad value 1365, the year of his birth) by his grandfather Taher Saifuddin. His kunya is Abu Jafar us Sadiq and his laqab is Saifuddin.{{Cite book |title=The 53rd al-Dai al-Fatimi: 75 Momentous Years in Retrospect |publisher=Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah Educational Trust |year=2019|location=Mumbai}} His full name, Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin, translates in English to 'Mufaddal of High Position, the Scimitar of Islam'.

During the era of his grandfather, he began the recitation of the Quran in Saifee Villa, Colombo{{r|knowsms1}}{{Cite book|title=The 53rd al-Dai al-Fatimi: 75 Momentous Years in Retrospect|publisher=Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah Educational Trust|year=2019|location=Mumbai|pages=57}} and later continued his Quranic education in Cairo, Egypt. He received his spiritual tutelage from his father and his father-in-law, Syedi Yusuf Najmuddinas stated in the official Nass Misaal issued by al-Vazarat-tus-Saifiyah in 2014.{{Cite web |title=Dr Shazāda Yusuf Najmuddin QR |url=https://jameasaifiyah.edu/dr-shahzada-yusuf-najmuddin-qr/ |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=Aljamea-Tus-Saifiyah |language=en-US}} who served as the Distinguished Rector of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah.

On 28th January 1969, when he was 22 years of age, his father Burhanuddin crowned him as his successor by performing nass (designation by divine inspiration) on him. Later that year, Saifuddin graduated from Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah in Surat with the al-Faqih al-Jayyid degree (the Distinguished Jurist). Burhanuddin reaffirmed this nass in 2005 and twice in 2011.Public discourse of Mufaddal Saifuddin at Saifee Masjid, Mumbai on 4 Rabi-al-Akhar 1435AH (4 February 2014)

Syedna Saifuddin married Jawharatusharaf Najmuddin, daughter of Syedi Yusuf Najmuddin, on 1 January 1970.{{r|knowsms2}}{{cite news |url=http://gulfnews.com/news/world/india/profile-of-syedna-mufaddal-saifuddin-1.1279387 |title=Profile of Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin |website=GulfNews.com |access-date=2 June 2016}}

Syedna Saifuddin was appointed Amirul Hajj by his father Burhanuddin in 1390 AH (1971 CE).{{r|knowsms1}} After completing Hajj, he travelled to Karbala, Najaf, Syria, Misr and Yemen. In Yemen, he laid the foundation for the 3rd Da'i al-Mutlaq Hatim's mausoleum. After that journey, Burhanuddin bestowed upon him the honorific title Aqeeq-ul-Yemen (translation: the Garnet of Yemen).{{cite book |title=نشر الخير |trans-title=Nashr al-Khayr |year=2015 |orig-date=1971 |last=His Holiness |first=Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin |publisher=Badri Mahal |location=Mumbai |page=524}}{{Cite web|last=Desk|first=India TV News|date=2014-03-13|title=Know more about Dawoodi Bohra chief Mufaddal Saifuddin|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/know-more-about-dawoodi-bohra-chief-mufaddal-saifuddin-34490.html|access-date=2021-06-26|website=www.indiatvnews.com|language=en}} He was conferred with the degree of al-Aleem al-Baari (the Outstanding Scholar) from Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah in Surat later in the same year.

Syedna Saifuddin has completed his secular education with first-class honours degrees from highly-regarded Indian and Arabic universities including Al-Azhar University, Mumbai University and Cairo University.{{Cite web |title=Chancellor {{!}} AMU |url=https://amu.ac.in/sub-page/chancellor |access-date=2022-01-12 |website=Aligarh Muslim University |language=en}} In the course of his academic studies, he became fluent in five languages: Lisan ud-Dawat, Arabic, English, Gujarati and Hindi. He is also highly proficient in modern and classical Urdu.

File:Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin with Narendra Modi and Devendra Fadnavis.jpg, Husain Burhanuddin, Ammar Jamaluddin, Qaidjoher Ezzuddin, Narendra Modi, Mufaddal Saifuddin, Idris Badruddin, Vidyasagar Rao, Devendra Fadnavis, Qusai Vajihuddin, Abdeali Bhanpurawala in Mumbai on 2 January 2015.]]

Syedna Saifuddin is responsible for the restoration of medieval Fatimid mosques in Egypt.{{r|dawattribute}} Projects include the restoration and revival of Al-Hakim Mosque (al-Jamea al-Anwar), the restoration of the masjid of Zoeb bin Moosa in 1406H,{{cite book |last= His Holiness |first= Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb |date= 1436H |title= رسالة اننعي المسماة - حكمة الغيبة القدسانية الابدية |publisher= His Holiness Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb, Badri Mahal, Mumbai, India |page= 593 }} the restoration of Aqmar Mosque in 1408H,{{cite book |last= His Holiness |first= Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb |date= 1436H |title= رسالة اننعي المسماة - حكمة الغيبة القدسانية الابدية |publisher= His Holiness Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb, Badri Mahal, Mumbai, India |page= 595 }} construction of the mosque of Abdullah ibn Muhammad ibn Ismail in Salamiyah in 1414H, restoration of the Lulua Mosque and Juyushi Mosque in 1416H, construction of the zareeh of Zaynab bint Ali in Cairo in 1416H,

Syedna Saifuddin is responsible for the restoration of the Mashhad Ras al-Husayn in Ashkelon in 1421H.

Syedna Saifuddin is responsible for the restoration of the Mazar and Mosque of Hatim bin Ibrahim in 1425H,{{Cite web|title=Profile of Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin|url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/profile-of-syedna-mufaddal-saifuddin-1.1279387|access-date=2021-06-26|website=gulfnews.com|date=19 January 2014 |language=en}} and the identification and ratification of the tombs of eight Da'i al-Mutlaq in Yemen.{{Cite web|title=Dawoodi Bohra Leader Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin Receives Warm Welcome from Thousands of his Followers on his Return from Historic First Pilgrimage as 53rd Dai Al-Mutlaq|url=https://www.businesswireindia.com/dawoodi-bohra-leader-syedna-mufaddal-saifuddin-receives-warm-welcome-from-thousands-of-his-followers-on-his-return-from-historic-first-pilgrimage-as-rd-daidheer-38705.html|access-date=2021-06-26|website=www.businesswireindia.com|language=en}}{{cite book |last= His Holiness |first= Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb |date= 1436H |title= رسالة اننعي المسماة - حكمة الغيبة القدسانية الابدية |publisher= His Holiness Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb, Badri Mahal, Mumbai, India |page= 613 }}

Under his guidance two new campuses of Aljamea tus Saifiyah have been completed. The Nairobi, Kenya campus was inaugurated by Syedna Saifuddin and the President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta on 20 April 2017.{{Cite news|last=Shelar|first=Jyoti|date=2017-05-13|title=Studying the Koran, and also Einstein|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/dawoodi-bohra-studying-the-koran-and-also-einstein/article18447586.ece|access-date=2021-06-25|issn=0971-751X}}{{Cite web|date=2017-04-26|title=Campus of Dawoodi Bohra community's institute in Nairobi inaugurated|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1329303|access-date=2021-06-25|website=DAWN.COM|language=en}} The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi inaugurated the fourth campus in Marol, Mumbai on 10 February 2023.{{cite web | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/pm-modi-to-inaugurate-dawoodi-bohra-community-s-arabic-academy-in-marol-101675274301103.html | title=PM Modi to inaugurate Dawoodi Bohra community's Arabic academy in Marol | date=February 2023 }}

Syedna Saifuddin has led the Bhendi Bazaar Redevelopment Project, including the public charitable trust named the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust{{cite web |title=SBUT |url=http://www.sbut.com/}} was created on 23 January 2009 with an initial corpus provided by settlors Shahzada Qaidjoher Ezzuddin and Shahzada Abbas Fakhruddin.Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust Deed (clauses 2 and 3) dated 23 January 2009 The first phase was completed and inaugurated by Syedna Saifuddin on 18 May, 2016. About 250 dilapidated buildings in Bhendi Bazaar will be replaced with 17 new mega-towers with modern roads, infrastructure, efficiently opitimised residential spaces and densely networked commercial areas. The philanthropic enterprise "aims to rehabilitate 3200 families and 1250 businesses which are currently living in poor conditions."{{Cite web |last=Mumbai |first=Marcello Rossi in |date=2018-11-21 |title=Is India's biggest ever urban redevelopment too good to be true? |url=http://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/nov/21/is-indias-biggest-ever-urban-redevelopment-too-good-to-be-true-bhendi-bazaar |access-date=2021-06-25 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=2020-03-08 |title=Mumbai's Bhendi Bazaar takes a leap into future with redevelopment work |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/mumbai-s-bhendi-bazaar-takes-leap-into-future-with-mega-redevelopment-project-120030800234_1.html |access-date=2021-06-25 |work=Business Standard India |agency=Press Trust of India}} It is expected to be completed by 2030.Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust press statement, 26 June 2024

On 17 April 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a delegation of Dawoodi Bohra community members at his official residence in New Delhi, led by Husain Burhanuddin.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMJQDUzEG98&feature=youtu.be |title=LIVE: PM Modi interacts with a delegation of Dawoodi Bohra community |date=2025-04-17 |last=Narendra Modi |access-date=2025-05-03 |via=YouTube}} During the meeting, the delegation expressed appreciation for the enactment of the Waqf Amendment Act.{{Cite news |date=2025-04-17 |title=Dawoodi Bohra delegation meets PM Modi, lauds Waqf (Amendment) Act |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/dawoodi-bohra-delegation-meets-pm-modi-lauds-waqf-amendment-act/articleshow/120385053.cms |access-date=2025-05-03 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}} In his address, the Prime Minister commended Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin for his significant contribution to the development of the legislation, noting his involvement at every stage, including in the drafting process "down to commas and full stops."{{Cite news |date=2025-04-17 |title='Even down to commas and full stops...': PM Modi on how Bohra community helped shape Waqf Amendment Act |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/even-down-to-commas-and-full-stops-pm-modi-on-how-bohra-community-helped-shape-waqf-amendment-act/articleshow/120388645.cms |access-date=2025-05-03 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}} Community representatives shared how the amended Act would facilitate the management of Waqf properties, including a recently acquired sites by the SBUT in Mumbai's Bhendi Bazaar.{{Cite web |last=IANS |date=2025-04-18 |title=Modi Meets Bohra Leaders on Landmark Waqf Act Amendment |url=https://www.newkerala.com/news/o/bohra-community-acquaints-pm-modi-problems-erstwhile-waqf-act-824 |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=NewKerala.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=3 Dawood Ibrahim properties sold to Saifee Burhani Trust |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/3-dawood-ibrahim-properties-sold-2033315 |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}

Syedna Saifuddin is the incumbent 53rd Da'i al-Mutlaq of the Tayyibi Isma'ili Dawoodi Bohra community, appointed by his predecessor and father, Mohammed Burhanuddin II. He stands out among Dawoodi Bohra Dais for appointing such a large number of deputies during his term.

Within his first decade as Dai, he has honoured nearly all of his surviving paternal uncles and brothers by appointing each to serve as a deputy. Upon each deputy’s completion of their earthly journey, he named another successor from his close circle - reflecting his inclusive leadership and commitment to strengthening communal bonds.

On 18 Dhu al-Hijjah 1435 (12 October 2014 AD), Saifuddin elevated his uncle Husain Husamuddin to the rank of Mazoon al-Dawat and appointed his uncle Qasim Hakimuddin as Mukasir al-Dawat at a religious gathering held in Mumbai.Press Trust of India (PTI)

On 20 Rabi' al-Thani 1439H (7 January 2018 AD), Saifuddin elevated Qasim Hakimuddin to the rank of Mazoon and appointed his uncle Ali Asgar Kalimuddin as Mukasir at a religious gathering in Surat.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedawoodibohras.com/2018/04/05/obituary-mazoon-al-dawat-syedi-qasim-bhaisaheb-hakimuddin/|title=Obituary: Mazoon al-Dawat, Syedi Qasim bhaisaheb Hakimuddin. {{!}} The Dawoodi Bohras|language=en-US|access-date=2018-12-28|date=5 April 2018}}

On 27 Jumada al-Thani 1440H (4 March 2019 AD), Saifuddin elevated Aliasgar Kalimuddin to the rank of Mazoon and appointed his elder brother Qaidjoher Ezzuddin as Mukasir at a religious gathering in Ahmedabad.{{Cite magazine |title=Badre Muneer |url=https://www.magzter.com/IN/NEELAM-PUBLICATIONS/BADRE-MUNEER/Home/341228 |lang=GU |access-date=15 July 2020 |date=6 April 2019 |magazine=Badre Muneer |publisher=Neelam Publications |location=Mumbai |pages=20–24 |via=magzter.com}}

On 18 Dhu al-Hijjah 1445H (24 June 2024 AD), Saifuddin elevated his elder brother Qaidjoher Ezzuddin to the rank of Mazoon al-Dawat and appointed his younger brother Malik-ul Ashtar Shujauddin as Mukasir al-Dawat at a religious gathering held in Saifee Masjid, Mumbai. Both brothers are Distinguished Rectors of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah.

To ensure that not a single community member ever goes hungry, Saifuddin has expanded the worldwide community kitchen scheme,{{cite web|url=http://hillpost.in/2013/06/pitfalls-and-perils-of-politicized-food-insecurity/90451/|title=Food Insecurity|date=28 June 2013 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-bohra-women-get-respite-from-cooking-1659990|title=Community Kitchen|date=9 March 2012}} named Faiz al-Mawaid al-Burhaniyah{{Cite web|url=https://www.faizulmawaidilburhaniyah.com/|title=Welcome to Al Faizul Mawaid il Burhaniyah|website=www.faizulmawaidilburhaniyah.com|access-date=2019-11-20}} (Arabic:فيض الموائد البرهانية). Every day, a Tiffin or Thali consisting of a fully prepared and cooked meal is delivered to each and every Dawoodi Bohra community household worldwide.{{cite web|url=http://www.patheos.com/blogs/azizpoonawalla/2015/10/sustenance-for-the-soul-the-global-food-initiative-of-his-holiness-syedna-mufaddal-saifuddin//|title=Global Food Initiative|date=11 October 2015}}

To reduce food wastage, Syedna Saifuddin implemented a policy to strictly limit the number of dishes served in any community, social or personal gathering where Dawoodi Bohras are present.{{cite web|url=http://scroll.in/article/806488/to-battle-food-wastage-bohra-community-edict-puts-restrictions-on-wedding-feasts/|title=Reduce Food wastage|date=7 May 2016 }} Approximately 7,000 Dana Committee (literally "grain committee") volunteers world-wide are tasked with enforcing this directive to eliminate food wastage at all community events.{{Cite news |title=In holy Ramzan, Muslims urged not to waste food |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/only-7-insurance-claims-for-2017-kharif-crop-paid-in-maha/articleshow/64337029.cms |date=27 May 2018 |last1=Wajihuddin |first1=Mohammed |work=The Times of India|access-date=7 July 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200707152159/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/only-7-insurance-claims-for-2017-kharif-crop-paid-in-maha/articleshow/64337029.cms |archive-date=7 July 2020}}

In December 2016, Syedna Saifuddin initiated a social Upliftment Program, to improve the living conditions of the community.{{Cite web |url=http://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-dawoodi-bohra-community-launches-drive-to-uplift-their-own/996713|title=Mumbai: Dawoodi Bohra community launches drive to uplift their own|last=Swapnil|first=Mishra|website=www.freepressjournal.in|language=en-GB|access-date=2017-01-08}}{{Cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/dawoodi-bohras-initiate-community-welfare-project/1/847209.html|title=Dawoodi Bohras initiate community welfare project|access-date=2017-01-08}} The 5-day upliftment drive provided free services to community members: renovation of houses, planting of trees and shrubs, upgrading to squat toilets, building playground and sports facilities, dental hygiene, vaccination camps, a sports day and a community breakfast.{{Cite news|url=http://www.asianage.com/metros/mumbai/010117/mumbai-dawoodi-bohras-initiate-community-welfare-project.html|title=Mumbai: Dawoodi Bohras initiate community welfare project|date=2017-01-01|newspaper=asianage.com |access-date=2017-01-08}}

He has also launched a global initiative named Project Rise to help improve the lives of people that are marginalized, neglected or living in poverty. In partnership with government bodies and local organizations around the world, Project Rise's upliftment programs span a range of policy areas, including healthcare, nutrition, sanitation and hygiene, environmental responsibility and conservation, and education. These initiatives provide humanitarian aid during natural disasters and pandemics.{{Cite tweet |user=sardesairajdeep |author=Rajdeep Sardesai | author-link=Rajdeep Sardesai |number=1248153129587216384 |location=Delhi |date=9 April 2020 |access-date=1 June 2020 |url=https://twitter.com/sardesairajdeep/status/1248153129587216384 |title=Good to see these pics of the Dawoodi Bohra community orgns doing mass community kitchens that are providing 25,000 meals a day. Yday, they were part of a global initiative to distribute 500,000 meals in a day across their kitchens! Well done!}}

{{quote box

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|quote=By the grace of God, may doctors prosper in service [of humanity]. May God grant his believers and worshipers cure at their hands. May their numbers continue to flourish.

|author=Mufaddal Saifuddin

|source=Jumada 1436ھـ, Orange County.{{r|sbahlan}}

}}

Syedna Saifuddin, on a visit to North America, established Saifee Burhani Medical Association (America),{{Cite web |title=Ashara Scholarship Grant Program |url=https://sbmedical.org/ashara-scholarship-grant-program/ |date=13 September 2015 |archive-date=26 July 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200726003929/https://sbmedical.org/ashara-scholarship-grant-program/ |website=sbmedical.org |access-date=26 July 2020 |url-status=live }} on 14 March 2015,{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=https://sbmedical.org/about-us/ |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=Saifee Burhani Medical Association America |language=en-US}} chaired by his brothers, Qaidjoher Ezzuddin, Qusai Vajihuddin, Ammar Jamaluddin, and his son, Husain Burhanuddin. The charter of the association is to run free medical clinics, mentor students, facilitate professional development and support doctors in developing practice models that eliminate insurance billing while maintaining high-quality patient care.

Syedna Saifuddin espouses that charity comes not from public celebration but from the sincere desire to create positive change in the world, inspiring others through actions rather than words. He advocates a modest lifestyle, wearing simple white clothesthe [https://www.thedawoodibohras.com/libas-al-anwar-the-attire-of-the-dawoodi-bohra-community/ Kurta-Saya], the male dress of the Dawoodi Bohra community and personally embodies the wisdom that "the left hand should not know that the right hand is giving".{{Cite web |title=Bayaan from Urs Mubarak of Syedna Qutbuddin Shaheed 1441 AH in Shareqa, UAE |url=https://misbah.info/asharah/reflections-sqs-1441/ |access-date=2025-03-18 |language=en-US}} Commanding the substantial charitable resources of the entire Dawoodi Bohra community (conservatively estimated as an inflow of USD 230 millionBased on demographic data and the methodology outlined in [https://magical-cucurucho-f512da.netlify.app/ Economic contribution profile of Dawoodi Bohra community], the Dawoodi Bohra community generates an estimated USD 4.6 billion in annual economic output. per year), his approach to philanthropy reflects a deep commitment to helping others without seeking any recognition or acclaim,{{Cite web |title=Matthew 6:3 - Giving to the Needy |url=https://biblehub.com/matthew/6-3.htm |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=Bible Hub}} even community members are unaware of where his philanthropy is directed, highlighting the humility and discretion behind his generous efforts.

In 2014, Saifuddin met Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and donated {{EGP|10 million|link=yes}} to the Long Live Egypt Fund (Tahya Misr).

In October 2016, Syedna Saifuddin donated US$53,000 to Tanzanian public schools.{{Cite news |date=9 October 2016 |title=Magufuli praises Bohra community, calls for investments |url=https://www.ippmedia.com/en/news/magufuli-praises-bohra-community-calls-investments-0 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200705191842/https://www.ippmedia.com/en/news/magufuli-praises-bohra-community-calls-investments-0 |archive-date=5 July 2020 |website=ippmedia.com |location=Dar es-Salaam |agency=The Guardian}} The same month, a local community led by Saifuddin donated TSh 545 million toward earthquake relief efforts in Tanzania.{{Cite web |date=14 October 2016 |title=Tanzania: Bohra Community Aids Quake Victims |url=https://allafrica.com/stories/201610171157.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221223454/http://allafrica.com/stories/201610171157.html |archive-date=21 December 2016}}

On 27 April 2017, Saifuddin donated KSh {{shilingi|5,200,000}} for Beyond Zero initiative towards maternal and child health to Margaret Kenyatta, First Lady of Kenya.{{Cite web |date=27 April 2017 |title=Kenya's First Lady visits Nairobi Jamea Campus |url=https://www.thedawoodibohras.com/2018/02/05/kenyas-first-lady-visits-nairobi-jamea-campus/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200703190106/https://www.thedawoodibohras.com/2018/02/05/kenyas-first-lady-visits-nairobi-jamea-campus/ |archive-date=3 July 2020 |access-date=5 February 2018 |website=thedawoodibohras.com |location=Nairobi}}{{Cite web |date=27 April 2017 |title=First Lady Receives Sh 5.2 Million From The Dawoodi Bohra Community Towards The Beyond Zero Initiative |url=https://www.president.go.ke/2017/04/27/first-lady-receives-sh-5-2-million-from-the-dawoodi-bohra-community-towards-the-beyond-zero-initiative/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903234437/https://www.president.go.ke/2017/04/27/first-lady-receives-sh-5-2-million-from-the-dawoodi-bohra-community-towards-the-beyond-zero-initiative/ |archive-date=3 September 2019 |website=president.go.ke}}

On 19 July 2018, Saifuddin met Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and expressed interest in investing in Egypt. Saifuddin also donated {{EGP|10 million|link=yes}} (US$621,553) to the Long Live Egypt Fund (Tahya Misr),{{Cite web |title=Egypt's Sisi meets with Dawoodi Bohra community leader - Politics - Egypt - Ahram Online |url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/233616/Egypt/Politics-/Egypts-Sisi-meets-with-Dawoodi-Bohra-community-lea.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200622204417/http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/307046/Egypt/Politics-/Indian-leader-of-Dawoodi-Bohra-sect-donates-EGP--m.aspx |archive-date=22 June 2020 |access-date=19 July 2018 |website=english.ahram.org.eg}} matching his own donation from 2014.{{r|egpro}}

In September 2019, Saifuddin met with President Maithripala Sirisena of Sri Lanka and donated Rs 10 million/- (US$53,553) to National Kidney Fund of Sri Lanka to enhance facilities and improve welfare and preventive care for patients impacted by chronic kidney disease.{{Cite web |date=2019-09-18 |title=Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin contributes LKR 10 million to National Kidney Fund of Sri Lanka |url=http://bizenglish.adaderana.lk/syedna-mufaddal-saifuddin-contributes-lkr-10-million-to-national-kidney-fund-of-sri-lanka/ |access-date=2019-11-20 |website=Adaderana Biz English {{!}} Sri Lanka Business News |language=en-US}} In the same month, Syedna Saifuddin made a "significant contribution" to the Relief Fund of Chief Minister of Maharashtra to aid with rehabilitation efforts post 2019 Indian floods.{{Cite news |last1=Sadriwala |first1=Murtaza |date=12 September 2019 |title=Dawoodi Bohras Support Flood Victims in India: Spiritual Leader of Bohras Makes Significant Contribution to Relief Fund |url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/09/12/1915145/0/en/Dawoodi-Bohras-Support-Flood-Victims-in-India.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617152045/https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/09/12/1915145/0/en/Dawoodi-Bohras-Support-Flood-Victims-in-India.html |archive-date=17 June 2020 |work=thedawoodibohras.com |via=globalnewswire.com}} In October 2019 Syedna Saifuddin donated Rs.5 million/- to National Cancer Institute, Maharagama towards infrastructure and capacity expansion of its Bone Marrow Transplant Unit.{{Cite news |date=7 October 2019 |title=Head of Bohra community donates to National Cancer Institutes' Bone Marrow Transplant Unit |url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=211746 |website=island.lk |publisher=The Island (Sri Lanka) |quote=The donation given by Syedna will provide the much needed superior stem cell transplant procedures and care for patients with life threatening blood conditions such as leukemia and thalassemia said Mufaddal Adamjee, local public relations co-ordinator.}}

In October 2019, Syedna Saifuddin donated 60,000 seed balls to Kenya, and a month later, on the occasion of his 76th birthday per the Islamic calendar, he donated 76,000 more which were utilized to grow over 35,000 indigenous tree species at Amboseli National Park.{{Cite news |last=Shelar |first=Jyoti |date=24 January 2020 |title=Syedna donates seed balls to re-green Kenya |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/syedna-donates-seed-balls-to-re-green-kenya/article30638140.ece |access-date=1 July 2020 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}

In May 2021, Syedna Saifuddin donated INR {{INR|link=yes}}1 crore/- towards the purchase of medical equipment for the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital at Aligarh Muslim University during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite news |date=May 22, 2021 |title=Aligarh Muslim University chancellor gives Rs 1 crore to varsity's medical college |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/amu-chancellor-donates-rs-1-crore-to-varsitys-medical-college/articleshow/82838359.cms |access-date=2021-07-12 |newspaper=Times of India |language=en}}

In March 2025, on behalf of Syedna Saifuddin, His Excellency Kinana Jamaluddin (the Head of the Dawoodi Bohra community in Dubai) donated AED 1 million (USD 272,054) to the Father's Endowment campaign which honors fathers through an endowment fund to provide healthcare for the poor and needy.{{Cite web |last=Newspaper |first=Aletihad |date=2025-03-25 |title=Dawoodi Bohra Community in UAE contributes Dh1 million to Fathers' Endowment |url=https://en.aletihad.ae/news/uae/4561843/dawoodi-bohra-community-in-uae-contributes-dh1-million-to--f |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=Aletihad Newspaper |language=en-EN}}

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Syedna Saifuddin has been a strong advocate for Islamic finance principles,{{Cite web |title=Dawoodi Bohra Financial Practices & Guidance |url=https://drive.proton.me/urls/FH9FAVZK70#31JSNVqSsgav |access-date=2024-08-01 |language=en}} particularly the practice of Qardan Hasana (interest-free loans). Saifuddin has actively promoted and expanded the Burhani Qardan Hasana Trust,{{Cite web |title=Burhani Qardan Hasanah Scheme |url=https://www.burhaniqardan.org/ |access-date=2024-12-27 |website=www.burhaniqardan.org}} which freely offers generous interest-free loans to community members. Under his leadership, the Qardan Hasana system has continued to play a crucial role in the economic development of the Dawoodi Bohra community.

Syedna Saifuddin has forbidden community members from bank saving, time deposits or borrowing, [https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/equated_monthly_installment.asp EMI finance schemes], overdrafts, contributing to or accepting money from insurance schemes, investments in commodities and stock markets, cryptocurrency, pension, mutual or retirement [https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/investment-fund.asp fund investments] or use of credit cards: deeming them haram (forbidden) in Islam.Munajaat of Mufaddal Saifuddin, Mumbai, India on 23 Ramadan 1446 AH (22 Mar 2025). The munajaat (Arabic: مناجاة) is a form of supplication or intimate prayer in Islamic tradition, where the devotee engages in spiritual communion with God. Instead, he encourages strict adherence to traditional Islamic financial principles, urging followers to rely on community-based support systems rather than conventional financial instruments which are speculative in nature (gharar, maisir) or interest-based (riba). This approach has led to the development of numerous financial structures within the community, giving community members financial flexibility and integration with modern economic systems.

In a visionary and laudable move, Syedna Saifuddin has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to safeguard the well-being of the community's youngest members. With the wisdom of a sage and the foresight of a futurist, he has decreed a complete ban on mobile phone usage for children under the age of 15, a policy that has been embraced with fervour across the global Dawoodi Bohra community.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-02 |title=Melbourne Dawoodi Bohras Host Picnic to Address Concerns of Mobile Phone Addiction among Children {{!}} The Australia Today |url=https://www.theaustraliatoday.com.au/melbourne-dawoodi-bohras-host-picnic-to-address-concerns-of-mobile-phone-addiction-among-children/ |access-date=2025-01-02 |language=en-AU}}{{Cite web |last=Dolare |first=Rahul |date=2024-12-27 |title=Pune: Dawoodi Bohra Community Bans Mobile Phones For Children Under 15 In Revolutionary Move |url=https://www.punekarnews.in/pune-dawoodi-bohra-community-bans-mobile-phones-for-children-under-15-in-revolutionary-move/ |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=Punekar News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2025-01-08 |title=Dawoodi Bohra Community Launches Global Campaign to Combat Mobile Phone Addiction in Children {{!}} THE DAILY TRIBUNE {{!}} KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN |url=https://www.newsofbahrain.com/bahrain/107051.html |access-date=2025-01-26 |website=DT News |language=en-US}} This enlightened edict, announced during a sermon in Mumbai in December 2024, serves as a beacon of hope in an increasingly digitized world, where the siren call of screens threatens to ensnare young minds.{{Cite web |last=Punepulse |date=2024-12-29 |title=Dawoodi Bohra Community Bans Mobile Phones for Children Under 15 to Safeguard Their Well-Being - PUNE PULSE |url=https://www.mypunepulse.com/dawoodi-bohra-community-bans-mobile-phones-for-children-under-15-to-safeguard-their-well-being/ |access-date=2025-01-02 |language=en}} By championing this revolutionary measure, Syedna Saifuddin has not only demonstrated his profound understanding of the perils of modern technology but has also reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to nurturing the physical, mental, and emotional health of the community's children. This bold stance against the tide of technology addiction has ignited a global campaign within the Dawoodi Bohra community, fostering a renaissance of traditional values to cultivate a generation of well-rounded, mindful individuals.{{Cite news |date=2024-12-31 |title=Kolkata's Dawoodi Bohras ban mobile use by community kids below 15 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/kolkata-dawoodi-bohras-ban-mobile-use-by-community-kids-below-15/articleshow/116819777.cms |access-date=2025-01-02 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}

Syedna Saifuddin supports the practice of female circumcision, which the Dawoodi Bohra community refers to as khatna or khafz.{{Cite web |date=2016-06-09 |title=Female Genital Mutilation - Hansard - UK Parliament |url=https://hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2016-06-09/debates/7C5BE3EB-5B69-4190-B407-E1FE6EE5FDBA/FemaleGenitalMutilationhighlight=mufaddal#contribution-0261EAB2-EBA9-4A00-91FD-0ED2144DDF2F |access-date=2023-08-24 |website=hansard.parliament.uk |language=en}} In a sermon delivered in Mumbai in April 2016, Syedna Saifuddin stated that circumcision "must be done" for both men and women,{{Cite AV media |url=https://vimeo.com/732021983 |title=Public Sermon encouraging female circumcision |language=en |access-date=2024-09-11}} though for women it should be performed secretly.{{Cite news |date=2016-04-29 |title=Bohra cleric urges female genital mutilation? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/bohra-cleric-urges-female-genital-mutilation/articleshow/52031699.cms |access-date=2025-01-03 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} The [https://dbwrf.org/ Dawoodi Bohra Women's Association for Religious Freedom (DBWRF)] advocates the practice, arguing that female circumcision (khatna / khafz) is a minor religious procedure{{Cite web |date=2018-08-25 |title=Bohra women's group defends 'khafz', says Female Genital Mutation should be banned |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/Aug/25/bohra-womens-group-defends-khafz-says-female-genital-mutation-should-be-banned-1862685.html |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}} involving only a small nick or excision on the clitoral hood or prepuce, which does not cause harm. The DBWRF position is that khafz is a centuries-old religious freedom and rite of passage for religious purity,{{Cite web |title='Religious freedom' claims used to defend FGM in courts in four countries |url=https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/5050/religious-freedom-claims-used-defend-fgm-courts-four-countries/ |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=openDemocracy |language=en}} comparable to male circumcision, and is not intended to control female sexuality. However, this position is contested by some members of the Bohra community{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eouLHP3cx8E |title=A pinch of Skin |date=2016-05-29 |last=Goswami |first=Priya |language=English |access-date=2025-01-03 |via=YouTube}} and activists who oppose the practice.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N5qGBmxPeU&feature=youtu.be |title=The Stream - Female cutting among the Bohra community |date=2017-04-26 |last=Al Jazeera English |access-date=2025-01-03 |via=YouTube}}{{Cite news |title=Protests at Birmingham mosque over controversial cleric |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-birmingham-40831992 |access-date=2025-01-27 |language=en-GB}} Syedna's Saifuddin's administration has actively supported community members in their legal battles to exercise their religious freedoms, his UK-registered charity spent more than £800,000{{Cite news |last=Johnson |first=Sarah |date=2022-07-29 |title=Bohra imam's visit puts British girls at risk of mutilation, warn FGM campaigners |url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/jul/29/dawoodi-bohra-imam-mufaddal-saifuddin-visit-uk-british-girls-risk-mutilation-warn-fgm-campaigners |access-date=2025-01-03 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}Dawat E Hadiyah (United Kingdom) Trust, Financial Report and Statement for financial year ending 31 Dec 2017, see Nominees Report Page 2. on “costs incurred in defending four members of the Dawoodi Bohra congregation in Sydney{{Cite news |date=2019-10-16 |title=High Court upholds female genital mutilation conviction of Dawoodi Bohras |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-10-16/high-court-rules-female-genital-mutilation-illegal-in-all-forms/11606396 |access-date=2025-01-27 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}} in connection with female circumcision”. The community has successfully defended an indictment{{Cite web |date= |title=Indictment, United States of America vs Jumana Nagarwala, Fakhruddin Attar, Farida Attar, Tahera Shafiq, Farida Arif and Fatema Dahodwala |url=https://drive.proton.me/urls/7PW6ADGR38#e0ZJaXyz98UM |url-status=live |access-date=2024-06-01}} brought against the practice by the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation{{Cite web |date=2017-04-12 |title=Office of Public Affairs {{!}} Detroit Emergency Room Doctor Arrested and Charged with Performing Female Genital Mutilation {{!}} United States Department of Justice |url=https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/detroit-emergency-room-doctor-arrested-and-charged-performing-female-genital-mutilation |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=www.justice.gov |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2017-04-21 |title=Office of Public Affairs {{!}} Detroit Doctor and Wife Arrested and Charged with Conspiring to Perform Female Genital Mutilation {{!}} United States Department of Justice |url=https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/detroit-doctor-and-wife-arrested-and-charged-conspiring-perform-female-genital-mutilation |access-date=2024-06-04 |website=www.justice.gov |language=en}} by arguing that the US federal statute was unconstitutional.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=98&v=AWAzogpOrPo&feature=youtu.be |title=Female genital mutilation case in Detroit federal court |date=2018-04-06 |last=Click On Detroit {{!}} Local 4 {{!}} WDIV |access-date=2025-01-03 |via=YouTube}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8KNdAX9U90&feature=youtu.be |title=US drops appeal dismissing female genital mutilation charges; no charges for Detroit-area doctor |date=2019-04-12 |last=WXYZ-TV Detroit {{!}} Channel 7 |access-date=2025-01-03 |via=YouTube}} Syedna Saifuddin and Dawat E Hadiyah were advised by constitutional law scholar Alan Dershowitz, a professor emeritus of Harvard University, on this landmark judgement.{{Cite web |last=Snell |first=Robert |title=Dershowitz joins genital mutilation case defense team |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2017/06/01/dershowitz-genital-mutilation-case/102378354/ |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US}}

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Syedna Saifuddin is a direct descendant of the Islamic Prophet Mohammed,Barakat Bayaan Fadleel Kabir. Mumbai: Alvazaratus Saifiyah, Badri Mahal. 2011. p. 14. who was himself a descendant of the Prophet Abraham, through an unbroken chain of noble and august ancestry. His heritage to the Prophet Mohammed traces back through the Prophet's daughter, Fatima al-Zahra, and her husband Ali ibn Abi Talib. From Fatima and Ali, the line continues through their son, Imam Hussein, and the subsequent Imams in the Ismaili tradition up to the fifth Imam, Ja'far al-Sadiq. Mufaddal Saifuddin's ancestors include Mir Mahamad Ali, Fakhr al-Din Shaheed, Abd al-Qadir Hakimuddin, Khanji Pheer and Syedi Lukman who were direct descendants of Ja'far al-Sadiq.

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Syedna Saifuddin is a perpetual voyager, travelling to Dawoodi Bohra community centers year-round to meet his followers, deliver sermons, organise local communities, launch social projects, curate communal generosity and commemorate important religious functions.{{Cite news|title=Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin bestowed with 'Global Peace Award'|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/syedna-mufaddal-saifuddin-bestowed-with-global-peace-award/articleshow/49103750.cms|access-date=2021-06-26}}{{Cite web |title=Akhbar Archive {{!}} Huzurala (TUS) |url=https://www.zeninfo.in/akhbar-archive?type%5B%5D=1&date%5Bmin%5D=&date%5Bmax%5D= |website=zeninfo.in |access-date=8 July 2020 |url-access=subscription}}

During his travels, politicians and leaders from every corner of the globe seek audiences with Syedna Saifuddin, asking his wise counsel.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X__JhDWERgo&feature=youtu.be |title=Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin with World Leaders & Dignitaries |date=2019-06-24 |last=The Dawoodi Bohras |access-date=2025-01-05 |via=YouTube}} Over his more than 75 years, he has imparted his wisdom to numerous senior politicians, who regard him not merely as an advisor but as a friend and confidante.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NH8gBINF4B8&feature=youtu.be |title="I'm your family member…" PM Modi at Dawoodi Bohra Institute inaugural event in Mumbai |date=2023-02-10 |last=ANI News |access-date=2025-01-05 |via=YouTube}} In this capacity, they approach him seeking solutions for some of the most intricate challenges confronting humanity, valuing his clear insights amidst the difficulties of global governance.

Surat, the erstwhile seat of Dawat and home to the original Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah campus, and Mumbai, the current seat of Dawat and home to Raudat Tahera, are host to most events. Karachi, owing to a large presence of followers outside India, sees more visits from Saifuddin than average. Colombo, Tanzania, and Kenya are other rather smaller community centers to which Saifuddin travels often. Syedna Saifuddin finds particular delight in visiting London, Houston and Paris, cities that hold cherished memories of vibrant community gatherings he attended with his father Burhanuddin.

Syedna Saifuddin visits regularly visits congregations in Yemen, Egypt, and Iraq for their religious and historical importance. Saifuddin also often travels to various places of pilgrimage within India like Taherabad in Rajasthan; Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Mandvi, and Delmal in Gujarat; Burhanpur and Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh; especially to commemorate annual remembrance of the Duaat and Hudood Kiram buried there.{{r|zeninfoakhbar}}

On 27 April 2022, Syedna Saifuddin, with President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El Sisi, inaugurated Imam Al-Hussein Mosque in Cairo after renovation works to the mosque and the area surrounding it, including the new lounge of the holy shrine of Imam Al-Hussein.{{Cite web |date=2022-04-27 |title=Sisi Inaugurates Imam Hussein Mosque - Sada El balad |url=https://see.news/sisi-inaugurates-imam-hussein-mosque/ |access-date=2022-04-30 |language=en-US}}

In July 2024, His Excellency Kamran Tessori, the Governor of Sindh, Pakistan sought the counsel of Syedna Saifuddin regarding the nation’s pressing debt challenges. Acknowledging the situation, Syedna Saifuddin said he stood together with Pakistan and gave his blessings for Pakistan's speedy economic recovery.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lHGTVN72b4&feature=youtu.be |title=Bohra Spiritual Leader Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin Talks Debt Solutions for Pakistan |date=2024-07-27 |last=Kamran Tessori |access-date=2025-01-05 |via=YouTube}} Syedna Saifuddin also committed that the Dawoodi Bohra community would provide global Karzan Hasanah funds to the government of Pakistan on an interest-free basis,{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=339&v=Ts7LYaN-CeA&feature=youtu.be |title=Spiritual Leader Of The Dawoodi Bohra Jamaat Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin Arrived At The Governor House |date=2024-07-23 |last=Kamran Tessori |access-date=2025-01-05 |via=YouTube}} aiming to alleviate the debt burden and restore strength to the economy.

File:El_Hakim_Mosque.jpg

Mufaddal Saifuddin's path of recognition began in his youth. During his early studies in Cairo, he achieved the distinguished status of Haafiz al-Quran (حافظ القران) by memorizing the entire Quran, earning him recognition in Egypt as the Shaykh al-Ma'arif (Master of Knowledge).

When he was 13½ years old, his grandfather Taher Saifuddin took his Misaq on May 22, 1960 (27th of Zil al-Qa'da 1379H), during his 75th birthday celebrations.{{cite book |last=His Holiness |first=Syedna Taher Saifuddin Saheb |title=الرسالة الشريفة بركات اصحاب التطهير |date=1390H |publisher=His Holiness Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin Saheb, Badri Mahal, Mumbai, India |page=399}}

On 18 March 1966 (27th of Zil al-Qa'da 1385H), Mohammed Burhanuddin bestowed upon him two significant honors: the title of Thiqat al-D'awat al-Tayyibiyah (The Trusted of the Tayyibi Mission) and the cognomen "Saifuddin" (Scimitar of Islam).{{cite book |title=His Holiness Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin – A brief profile |date=September 2015 |publisher=the Department of Statistics & Informai, Dawat-e-Hadiyah, Badri Mahal, Mumbai, India |page=5}}{{cite book |last=His Holiness |first=Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb |title=رسالة اننعي المسماة - حكمة الغيبة القدسانية الابدية |date=1436H |publisher=His Holiness Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb, Badri Mahal, Mumbai, India |page=552}}{{cite book |last=His Holiness |first=Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin Saheb |title=الرسالة الشريفة فيوضات الجنة |date=1434H |publisher=His Holiness Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin Saheb, Badri Mahal, Mumbai, India |page=375}}

In January 1969, he was crowned as successor-designate by nass (divine appointment) by his father Mohammed Burhanuddin. In 1971 he was appointed Amirul Hajj by his father Burhanuddin. Following his completion of Hajj, he embarked on a significant journey to Yemen, after which his father honored him with the illustrious distinction Aqeeq al-Yemen (The Agate of Yemen).

His academic achievements were again recognized in June 1971 when he received one of Al Jamea tus Saifiyah's most prestigious degrees, al-'Aleem al-Baare' (The Outstandingly Learned). His connection to this institution deepened when he was appointed its Rector (Ameer al Jamea) in April 1987.

Syedna Saifuddin's influence in academic leadership continued to grow when he was elected Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University in April 2015,{{cite web |date=11 April 2015 |title=Chancellor |url=http://twocircles.net/2015apr11/1428763650.html#.VStUhvmUfjW/ |access-date=13 April 2015}}{{cite web |title=Aligarh Muslim University -- AMU News |url=http://amu.ac.in/about3.jsp?did=7908}}{{cite web |date=11 April 2015 |title=Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin is new VC of AMU |url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/uttar-pradesh/syedna-mufaddal-saifuddin-is-new-vc-of-amu_1577191.html |work=Zee News}}{{cite web |title=Aligarh Muslim University -- AMU News |url=http://www.amu.ac.in/about3.jsp?did=7908}} a position to which he was re-elected in December 2018.{{Cite web |title=Aligarh Muslim University {{!}}{{!}} AMU News |url=https://www.amu.ac.in/about3.jsp?did=4093 |access-date=2018-12-28 |website=www.amu.ac.in}}{{Cite web |last=Tajbhai |first=Mustafa |date=2 December 2018 |title=Syedna Elected for Second Consecutive Term as AMU Chancellor {{!}} The Dawoodi Bohras |url=https://www.thedawoodibohras.com/2018/12/02/syedna-elected-for-second-consecutive-term-as-amu-chancellor/ |access-date=2018-12-28 |language=en-US}} His academic leadership expanded further when he was unanimously elected Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia University in March 2023 for a five-year term.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-13 |title=Jamia gets new Chancellor - The Okhla Times |url=https://www.theokhlatimes.com/jamia-new-chancellor/ |access-date=2023-03-14 |language=en-US}}

His contributions have been recognized internationally through numerous honors and awards. The University of Karachi awarded him an honorary doctorate in September 2015. From 2014 to 2025, he has consistently been named among The 500 Most Influential Muslims. He received the Grand Cordon of the National Order of Madagascar in June 2014, and various other honors including the Key to Moshi (Tanzania) in 2015, Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart from Kenya in 2017, and the Key to Karachi in September 2017.

In a unique recognition, a new species of orchid was named "Dendrobium HH Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin" in Singapore in April 2018. His more recent honors include the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart from Kenya's President William Ruto in December 2022, Egypt's Grand Cordon of the Order of the Nile in August 2023, and Pakistan's Nishan e Pakistan in December 2023 for his social services contributions.

In recognition of his environmental leadership, his special representative, His Excellency Kinana Bhaisaheb Jamaluddin, represented him at the Global Faith Leaders COP29 Summit in Baku, where he made an appeal on behalf of Syedna for global leaders to take meaningful action in addressing the climate crisis.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXJjQT6aASs&feature=youtu.be |title=The Dawoodi Bohras Joined Global Religious Leaders in Baku to Address Climate Change at COP29 |date=2024-11-13 |last=The Dawoodi Bohras |access-date=2024-12-30 |via=YouTube}} On hearing his heartfelt and eloquent call to action, many leaders commented that the uniquely Islamic perspective was both refreshing and deeply resonant.

As the Chancellor of numerous Islamic Institutes of Higher Learning, Syedna Saifuddin is a distinguished figure renowned in global academic circles not only for his scholarly prowess but also for his prolific contributions to the literary and academic realms. The compilation of works listed below includes those started by his predecessors, Syedna Taher Saifuddin and Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, but only able to be brought to fruition and completed by Syedna Saifuddin. His writings, characterized by their eloquent prose and deep theological insights, reflect a remarkable synthesis of classical Islamic tradition and thought. Each Risalah serves as a testament to his commitment to advancing knowledge within the Dawoodi Bohra community and beyond. Through these treatises, he enriches the community heritage by adding his unique perspectives and insights:

Source:{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcFFLDdmdP8&feature=youtu.be |title=PM Shri Narendra Modi attends Ashara Mubaraka, organized by Dawoodi Bohra community |date=2018-09-14 |last=Bharatiya Janata Party |access-date=2025-02-03 |via=YouTube}}

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| footer = Left: Saifuddin at an Ashara Mubaraka gathering at Mohammedi Masjid (Houston). Right: Masjid e Moazzam, the venue of Saifuddin's first Ashara Mubaraka (Surat).

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{{trim|{{#section: Mohammed Burhanuddin|asharasmb}}}}

File:Dai Burhanuddin and his son Muffadal Saifuddin.jpg on his son Saifuddin at a gathering at Raudat Tahera, 2011.]]The 52nd Da'i al-Mutlaq of the Dawoodi Bohras, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, died on 17 January 2014.{{Cite web |date=17 January 2014 |title=Leader of Bohra community Dr Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin dead at 102 |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/660017/leader-of-bohra-community-dr-syedna-mohammed-burhanuddin-dead-at-102/ |website=The Express Tribune}} As per the tenets of the faith{{cite book |last=Blank |first=Jonah |title=Mullahs on the Mainframe : Islam and Modernity Among the Daudi Bohras |date=2001 |publisher=University of Chicago Press; 1 edition (15 April 2001) |isbn=978-0-226-05676-0 |page=135 & 165}} each predecessor must nominate a successor during his lifetime.{{cite book |last=Daftary |first=Farhad |title=The Isma'ilis: Their History and Doctrines |date=2007 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-1-139-46578-6 |page=275}}{{cite book |last=Daftary |first=Farhad |title=A Modern History of the Ismailis: Continuity and Change in a Muslim Community |date=2011 |publisher=I. B. Tauris |isbn=978-1-84511-717-7 |page=333}} His demise sparked questions about the line of succession{{cite news |last=Mawani |first=Rizwan |date=30 January 2014 |title=The Intricacies of Succession: Two Claimants Emerge for Dawoodi Bohra Leadership |work=The Huffington Post |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rizwan-mawani/the-intricacies-of-succes_b_4687546.html |access-date=11 February 2014}} when Khuzaima Qutbuddin{{Cite news |date=2 April 2016 |title=Farewell, Mr People |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/Farewell-Mr-People/articleshow/51654644.cms |access-date=2019-11-20 |newspaper=Mumbai Mirror |language=en}} asserted his right to succession against Mufaddal Saifuddin.

The challenge created a divide within the community,{{Cite web |last=Kappal |first=Bhanuj |date=2019-07-28 |title=The battle for the leadership of the Dawoodi Bohras |url=https://www.livemint.com/mint-lounge/features/the-battle-for-the-leadership-of-the-dawoodi-bohras-1564140215359.html |access-date=2019-11-21 |language=en}} with the majority aligning with Mufaddal Saifuddin{{cite web |title=Dawoodi Bohras stage a peace march |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2014-01-29/pune/46781344_1_pune-cantonment-peace-march-dawoodi-bohras |work=The Times of India}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite web |date=31 January 2014 |title=Bohras make anti-Syedna faction's ex-communication official, stick by Mufaddal Saifuddin |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-bohras-make-anti-syedna-faction-s-ex-communication-official-stick-by-mufaddal-saifuddin-1958375}} and a smaller number aligning with Khuzaima Qutbuddin.{{Cite web |title=Leadership Battle Splits Dawoodi Bohras {{!}} Outlook India Magazine |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/india-news-dirty-leadership-battle-splits-dawoodi-bohras/301708 |access-date=2019-11-20}} Mufaddal Saifuddin took control of the Dawoodi Bohra administration and community infrastructure. In March 2014, Qutbuddin filed civil suit 337/2014 in the Bombay High Court against Saifuddin in which he sought a declaration that he was validly appointed as the 53rd Dai al-Mutlaq.{{Cite web |last=Shukla |first=Ashutosh M. |date=2014-04-29 |title=Dawoodi Bohra succession battle in Bombay High Court today |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-dawoodi-bohra-succession-battle-in-bombay-high-court-today-1983113 |access-date=2019-11-26 |website=DNA India |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Dave |first=Sachin |date=2017-03-09 |title=Bombay High Court allows Taher Fakhruddin to be substituted in Dawoodi Bohra community suit in place of his father |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/bombay-high-court-allows-taher-fakhruddin-to-be-substituted-in-dawoodi-bohra-community-suit-in-place-of-his-father/articleshow/57555049.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2019-11-26}} After hearings spanning ten years, on 23 April 2024 the Bombay High Court dismissed the suit that challenged Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin's position. The court dismissed Khuzaima Qutbuddin's claim, which was pursued by his son and successor Taher Fakhruddin in 2016 after Qutbuddin passed away. It upheld Syedna Saifuddin as Dai al-Mutlaq of the Dawoodi Bohras.{{cite web | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bombay-high-court-rejects-dawoodi-bohra-succession-suit-101713852817458.html | title=Bombay high court rejects Dawoodi Bohra succession suit, upholds Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin's claim | date=23 April 2024 }} Taher Fakhruddin has appealed the judgement,{{Cite news |date=2024-04-26 |title=‘Will continue legal battle over Syedna succession’ |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/will-continue-legal-battle-over-syedna-succession/articleshow/109604715.cms |access-date=2024-11-26 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} but legal observers believe it faces challenges in succeeding given the court's judgementHigh Court of Judicature at Bombay. Taher Fakhruddin Saheb v Mufaddal Burhanuddin Saifuddin, Suit No. 337 of 2014, decided 23 April 2024. https://indiankanoon.org/doc/47458418/ Accessed 3 March 2025. and the Indian government's strong alignment with Mufaddal Saifuddin.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=348&v=aUbepGeSWZg&feature=youtu.be |title=Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin appreciates PM Modi |date=2018-09-14 |last=Narendra Modi |access-date=2025-03-03 |via=YouTube}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lKXSivXqWnM |title=Bohra community gentleman welcomes PM Modi in France |language=en |access-date=2025-03-03 |via=www.youtube.com}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nfCHY4b3cG0 |title=See how much love and respect Bohra Muslims give Narendra Modi in Egypt |language=en |access-date=2025-03-03 |via=www.youtube.com}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lKXSivXqWnM |title=Bohra community Welcomes PM Modi in France |language=en |access-date=2025-03-03 |via=www.youtube.com}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCETky8KH5Y&feature=youtu.be |title=Sydney Indian High Commission invites 100 Dawoodi Bohras to Modi event |date=2014-11-16 |last=Headlines Today |access-date=2025-03-03 |via=YouTube}}

Saifuddin has not made any public announcement regarding his successor. However, following the Ismaili tradition like his father, Saifuddin is likely to have privately designated a successor early in his tenureSyedna Burhanuddin appointed Mufaddal Saifudidn as his successor-designate in January 1969, in private, very early in his term as Dai al-Mutlaq. to ensure seamless continuity of spiritual leadership.

Community observers believe that Husain Burhanuddin is the likely successor-designate, citing his prominent role at public events,{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMJQDUzEG98&feature=youtu.be |title=LIVE: PM Modi interacts with a delegation of Dawoodi Bohra community |date=2025-04-17 |last=Narendra Modi |access-date=2025-05-03 |via=YouTube}} exceptional command of Quranic sciences,{{Cite web |title=About Us (see tab on Shahzada Husain BS Burhanuddin DM) |url=https://www.mahadalquran.com/about-mahad/ |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=Mahad al-Zahra |language=en-US}} and comprehensive understanding of community affairs{{Cite web |title=Shahzada Husain Burhanuddin |url=https://dawatehadiyah.org/executive-council/shahzada-husain-burhanuddin/ |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=Dawat-e-Hadiyah |language=en-GB}} — qualities that distinguish him. He devotes himself primarily to religious pursuits, displaying a notable detachment from worldly concerns and material interests.

His appointment as the Chairman of the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust{{Cite web |title=Shahzada Husain Burhanuddin |url=https://dawatehadiyah.org/executive-council/shahzada-husain-burhanuddin/ |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=Dawat-e-Hadiyah |language=en-GB}} and as the Syedna's representative to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi{{Cite web |date=16 Aug 2019 |title=Prince H. Hussain Bhaisaab Burhanuddin son of H.H. Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin calls on the PM, in New Delhi (August 16, 2019) |url=https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/eventgallery/prince-h-burhanuddin-son-of-h-h-dr-syedna-mufaddal-saifuddin-calls-on-the-pm-in-new-delhi-august-16-2019/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200706022102/https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/eventgallery/prince-h-burhanuddin-son-of-h-h-dr-syedna-mufaddal-saifuddin-calls-on-the-pm-in-new-delhi-august-16-2019/ |archive-date=6 July 2020 |access-date=6 July 2020 |location=New Delhi |institution=PMO India}} and at Imam al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo further suggest his special standing, as such significant responsibilities would typically be reserved for the Syedna himself.

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{{s-hou| Dā'ī al-Mutlaq||20 August 1946}}

{{s-bef|before = Mohammed Burhanuddin }}

{{s-ttl|title = 53rd Dā'ī al-Mutlaq
2014–present}}

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{{Dā'ī al-Mutlaq}}

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Category:Dawoodi Bohras

Category:1946 births

Category:Living people

Category:Dawoodi Bohra da'is

Category:Indian Ismailis

Category:People from Surat

Category:Indian spiritual teachers

Category:Indian philanthropists

Category:21st-century Ismailis

Category:Recipients of orders, decorations, and medals of Madagascar