The imam initially chose Yemen for the duʿāt as their seat of Dawat (daʿwa) and then in 946/1539 this seat was transferred to present-day India. Over the years, the community became known as Bohra. One meaning of the word Bohra is trader and refers to the community’s predominant occupation with trade and commerce. The appellation of Dawoodi comes from the 27th Dāʿī Syedna Dawood bin Qutubshah RA. Today, His Holiness Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS is the 53rd al-dāʿī al-mutlaq and heir to the noble heritage of the Fatimi imams and duʿāt.
Although the community is predominantly based in South Asia, over the years Dawoodi Bohras have established themselves in various regions across the globe, such as East Africa, The United Kingdom, France, North America and Southeast Asia. For more information regarding the Dawoodi Bohra community, please visit thedawoodibohras.com.
Caption: His Royal Highness Prince Charles addresses a gathering during a visit to the Dawoodi Bohra masjid complex in Northolt, London.