Egypt Daily News – President El-Sisi met on Monday with Sultan Dr. Mufaddal Saifuddin, the leader of the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community in India, along with his sons—Prince Jaafar Al-Sadiq Imaduddin, Prince Taha Najmuddin, and Prince Hussein Burhanuddin. The meeting also included Mufaddal Mohammed, the Sultan’s representative in Cairo.
According to the official spokesperson for the Egyptian presidency, President El-Sisi welcomed the Sultan as a cherished guest and praised the deep-rooted historical ties between Egypt and the Bohra community. He commended the community’s substantial efforts in restoring and renovating shrines of the Prophet’s family (Ahl al-Bayt) and several historic mosques in Egypt—efforts that align with the state’s broader goals of development and revitalizing historic Cairo.
President El-Sisi also acknowledged the Bohra community’s development and charitable initiatives in Egypt, especially their collaboration with the Tahya Misr (Long Live Egypt) Fund.
Presidency spokesperson Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that Sultan Mufaddal expressed his deep gratitude for the warm reception he always receives during his visits to Egypt and voiced his appreciation for President El-Sisi’s personal attention and hospitality. He also praised Egypt’s continuous development across various sectors and its commitment to principles of citizenship and tolerance.
Furthermore, the Sultan lauded Egypt’s regional leadership role in promoting peace, security, and stability, particularly its active efforts to de-escalate conflicts in the region, including its role in mediating a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
The Dawoodi Bohra community is a sect of Shia Islam with a strong global presence, particularly in India, but also in countries across the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The community is known for its distinct social, cultural, and religious practices, and it has been particularly active in supporting various development projects and humanitarian efforts.
In Egypt, the Dawoodi Bohra community has a long-standing relationship with the country, especially in terms of restoration and preservation of Islamic heritage. The community has contributed significantly to the restoration of several historic Islamic sites, including shrines of the Ahl al-Bayt (the family of the Prophet Muhammad) and important mosques.
This work aligns with Egypt’s broader initiative to revitalize its historical sites and preserve its Islamic heritage, particularly in Old Cairo, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Some of the key restoration projects that the Bohra community has supported or undertaken include:
- Restoration of Historic Mosques: The community has been involved in the conservation of important mosques in Egypt, ensuring that these places of worship maintain their historical and cultural significance.
- Renovation of Shrines of Ahl al-Bayt: The Bohra community has a special reverence for the descendants of the Prophet Muhammad, and they have taken on the responsibility of maintaining the shrines dedicated to these historical figures. This includes extensive efforts to preserve the architectural beauty and spiritual significance of these sites.
- Collaboration with the Egyptian Government: The Bohra community works closely with the Egyptian government, including the Ministry of Antiquities and other relevant authorities, to support these restoration initiatives. Their collaboration also extends to educational and cultural projects that promote awareness of Egypt’s Islamic heritage.
- Charitable Initiatives: The Dawoodi Bohra community is deeply involved in charitable work. In Egypt, they have partnered with the Tahya Misr Fund (Long Live Egypt Fund), which is a major initiative for national development, including projects related to health, education, and social welfare.
- Cultural and Social Integration: Beyond their restoration efforts, the Bohra community also engages in cultural exchange and supports social programs that contribute to the development of the broader Egyptian society. They emphasize interfaith dialogue and promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence among different religious and cultural groups.
This dedication to preserving Egypt’s historical and cultural heritage, combined with their contributions to social welfare, has earned the Dawoodi Bohra community significant respect in Egypt and other parts of the world. Their efforts are seen as part of a larger global mission to safeguard Islamic cultural heritage and promote social development.
