This special report has been compiled and is solely attributed to the life and works of the His Holiness the Spiritual Leader of the Dawoodi Bohra Community, the 52nd Dai-Al-Mutlaq, Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin Saheb (TUS), the leader of the more than one million Muslim believers of the Bohra brotherhood.

His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin Saheb (TUS) was born on March 6th 1915 (20th Rabi-Ul-Akhar 1333 Hijri) in Surat, the State of Gujarat, India. He received his early education from his father, the scholar and poet, Dr. Syedna Taher Saifuddin Saheb (RAS), the 51st Dai.

A True World Icon

Through his tour de force in the fields of education, health, architecture, Islamic theology and clear vision in recognizing the value of mankind through Islam, His Holiness has been honored by governments as well as local and international instituitions in that endeavor.

A revisitation of his international honors indicates that he received an Honorary Doctorate of Islamic Science and Theology from Al-Azhar University, Cairo Egypt and a Doctorate in Islamic Theology from Aligarh Muslim University, India.

In recognition of his broad knowledge, piety and unwavering contributions to Islam, the late Egyptian president Anwar Sadaat awarded him the title of 'The Star of the Nile' in the 70's. The late King Hussein of Jordan conferred upon him the 'The Star of Jordan'.

In recognition of His Holiness' high value to mankind, he has been awarded honorary citizenship by various governments and international cities. Such honorary citizenships have been awarded to His Holiness in the United States of America by the city of Farmington Hills. Michigan and more recently by the city of Houston, Texas and in Canada, by the city of Richmond Hill, Ontario.

With special leadership and rightful guidance, His Holiness is the Spiritual and Temporal Head of the Dawoodi Bohra Community of one million strong, spread over countries and continents. It is due to this speciality, his unique character, pious intents and so comprehensive and purposeful dimensions, which dazzle and awe the understanding of many.

His special qualities can be depicted in his well fathomed theological and highly thought philosophical expressions found in a number of statements made by Him in various places of the world.

It is due to the foresight of His Holiness' leadership in managing the Temporal affairs vis a vis the Terrestrial ones, those of the Islamic world and Western world in the other that has earned Him recognition in those areas.

Among the Western world leaders who came out to recognize His Holiness' contributions is Prince Charles of Great Britain as depicted in one of his speeches. His concern for a better understanding between the worlds of Islam and the West moved him to make declarations that were enjoyed heartily by the Dawoodi Bohras.

In particular, they were moved by his concern for the safety of the shrines of Kerbala and Najaf in Irag that are important sites of pilgrimage.

More vividly was his speech on Islam and the West at the Oxford Center of Islamic studies in 1993, where he declared "Islam is part of our past and our present, in all fields of human endeavors, It has helped to create modern Europe. It is part of our inheritance, not a thing apart."

Architectural Achievements

In recent years, 1996 to be specific, His Holiness inaugrated the Bohra community's most exquisite and biggest masjid in Asia at Devdi Mubarak, Zampa Bazaar in Surat, Gujarat India. Fitted with intricate ceilings and exotic chandeliers, sophisticated video and audio equipment with a sprawling mansion in wood work, the structure occupies two acres also enclosing two Mausoleums.

The Raudhat Tahera in Bombay, the place whee 51st Dai-Al-Fatemi, has been laid to rest is another architectural marvel that has earned the reputation of being a unique mausoleum. It has ever since been a world tourist attraction and thousands of people visit every day. It is conceived of the late Dai's great personality and his scholarship in Islamic chore.