Ko wai tatou
Who are we
The Dawoodi Bohras are a religious denomination within the Ismā'īlī branch of Shia Islam that trace their heritage to the Fatimi Imams, the direct descendants of the Prophet Mohammed, in Egypt. Aggregating to around two million members, the Dawoodi Bohras are spread across 40 countries around the globe including New Zealand. Hailing predominantly from the Indian Subcontinent, over a 100 families have settled in Auckland as early as fifty years ago.
Phil Twyford - Member of New Zealand Parliment
Community members with Chris Carter - Member of New Zealand Parliment
To Tatou Whakapono
Our Faith
Practicing 'Monotheism', the Bohras strongly believe in 'Allah Taʿala' (one true God) and in the Holy Quran as the word of Allah. The basis of their faith lies on the 'seven pillars of Islam'; the most important being 'Walayah' which is devotion to the prophet Muhammad and his descendants. They strive to always adhere to religious practices ordained by the sharia which include reciting the Holy Quran, praying five times a day and fasting during the month of Ramadan.
United in thought and action, the community is guided by the 'Dai al-Mutlaq' who is the sole representative of the Imam. Their current leader is the 53rd al-Dai al-Mutlaq, His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS, who resides in India. His Holiness is constantly touring the globe to mentor and inspire his followers while administering the community's affairs, both secular and religious.
Our spiritual leader and 53rd Da'i al-Mutlaq - His Holiness Syedna Abu Ja'farus Sadiq Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb (T.U.S.)
To Tatou Ahurea me nga
Our Culture and Traditions
We are a blend of Yemeni, Egyptian, African, Pakistani, and Indian cultures. Our common tongue, Lisan al-Dawat deriving from Arabic, Urdu, Persian, Sanskrit, and Gujarati.
We wear a distinct form of attire. The men traditionally dress in a predominantly white, three-piece outfit with a white cap (topi) usually laced in a golden arabesque design. The women wear a two piece dress called rida - the bright colors, patterns and lace, and the fact that it does not cover a woman's face are its distinguishing features.
We have a unique system of communal eating in groups of eight or nine people seated around a 'thāl' or a particularly large metal plate. Each course of the meal is served around the thal for people to share fostering a sense of solidarity and unity among the people eating together.
A traditional Bohra thaal
To Tatou Takoha
Our Contribution
We today are a thriving, tight-knit, through service, highly educated, business-minded and qualified group with expertise and experience in various walks of life. Love and loyalty towards one’s country is an integral part of our faith. We actively contribute to the societies where they live and work by participating in community projects and interfaith associations.
