Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah's
Mumbai Campus

Welcome to our page on the breathtaking architecture of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah, Mumbai. The story of this magnificent structure begins with the aspirations of Syedna Abdulqadir Najmuddin RA, who dreamt of building a campus of Aljamea in Mumbai. This dream was realised by his descendant and heir, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS, who made it his mission to turn this vision into a reality. The result is a stunning building that reflects the rich history and cultural heritage of the Dawoodi Bohra community, while also embodying a modern approach to education and learning. We invite you to discover the intricate details and fascinating history behind the architecture of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah, Mumbai, and how the vision of Syedna Abdulqadir Najmuddin RA was brought to life by his beloved successor, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS.

Legacy of learning

Salient Features of the Campus

Welcome to our page on the breathtaking architecture of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah, Mumbai. The story of this magnificent structure begins with the aspirations of Syedna Abdulqadir Najmuddin , who dreamt of building a campus of Aljamea in Mumbai. This dream was realised by his descendant and heir, Syedna Mufaddal SaifuddinTUS , who made it his mission to turn this vision into a reality. The result is a stunning building that reflects the rich history and cultural heritage of the Dawoodi Bohra community, while also embodying a modern approach to education and learning. We invite you to discover the intricate details and fascinating history behind the architecture of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah, Mumbai, and how the vision of Syedna Abdulqadir NajmuddinRA was brought to life by his beloved successor, Syedna Mufaddal SaifuddinTUS .

Prayer Hall

The prayer hall of the Mumbai campus replicates the design and architecture of al-Jāmiʿ al-Azhar. The high pointed arches and decorative grilles employed in the interior of the masjid have the effect of transporting one back to Cairo, where the community’s roots remain firmly established and evoke memories of the learning sessions conducted by the imam’s dais, at his behest, especially following friday prayers. Large parts of the prayer hall's interior and exterior are ornamented with the iconic lantern motif of al-Azhar. The columns of the interior cutout are further fitted with custom made glass lanterns which mirror those seen in the motif.

Paying homage to the foundational period in the history of the Dawoodi Bohra community in Yemen, the entirety of stone used in the construction of the Mumbai prayer hall has been brought in from quarries in Yemen. The stone used, is the same as the one used to construct the Masjid Mansoor al-Yemen in al-Hutaib al-Mubarak by the late His Holiness Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA which in itself was a historic undertaking and a testament to his and his successor’s efforts for the betterment and edification of the Yemeni Bohra community.

The mihrab (prayer niche) of the Mumbai campus prayer hall is also in the pattern of the mihrab of al-Jāmiʿ al-Azhar and is fashioned entirely out of pristine white Makrana marble, which is native to India and prized for its colour and clarity.

This, in addition to the location of the campus in Mumbai, which is the administrative headquarters of the Dawat and the largest settlement of Bohras in the world, signifies the role of the campus in celebrating the community’s Indian heritage and furthering its dedication to the growth and development of the nation that has been its home for many centuries and continues to be even today.

In this manner, the prayer hall brings together the entirety of the community’s history within its hallowed walls and embodies its aspirations for the future.

Ceremonial Hall

Īwān

The īwān is a large ceremonial hall which in a sense, embodies the academy’s very identity. Throughout the course of Aljamea’s history, the īwān has served numerous functions. It has been the location for classes, sermons, congregations as well as key community events.

The most important function of the īwān is that it serves as a receptacle for the blessings of past dais and the wisdom they imparted, as well as an avenue for the perpetuation of those blessings at the hands of the current dai.

To represent this continuity of the duat’s blessings and the echo of their voices, the īwān in Mumbai is infused with design elements from the mausoleum of three dais interred in the Indian city of Ujjain: the 39th Dai Syedna Ibrahim Vajihuddin RA, the 40th Dai Syedna Hebatullah al-Muayyad fi al-Din RA and the 47th Dai Syedna Abdulqadir Najmuddin RA.

The central double-heighted space of the īwān in Mumbai is supported by intricately ornamented pillars and scalloped arches which have their origins in Mughal architecture and are widely used in community structures across India, especially the mausoleums of past dais as well as the original īwān in Surat. The scallops in the arches originate from a single high point and cascade downwards on either side of the arch increasing geometrically in number. In a sense the continuity of the arches and their scalloped design illustrate the dissemination of divine knowledge which was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed SAW and through him, to his legatee, Imam Ali bin Abi Talib AS and their progeny the Fatimid imams AS and thereafter their dais AS, spreading far and wide and growing and flourishing with the passing of time. The scallop design also alludes to the echo of the voices of the dais, which originate from a single point and subsequently reverberate in all directions in a circular ripple like pattern.

The main wall of the iwan, which is the location of the ghurfa and adjoining balcony, is adorned with a hand carved wooden bethak, a traditional seating arrangement found in the residences of past dais from where they presided over the dissemination of knowledge to their pupils. This particular bethak is a composite of design elements from the mausoleum of Syedna Abdulqadir Najmuddin RA in Ujjain. One of the more noteworthy patterns to be found on the bethak is that of the grape and vine. In Fatimid philosophical traditions, grapes signify knowledge. A similar grape and vine motif is found both on the holy sepulchre of Amirul Mumineen Imam Ali bin Abi Talib AS who is designated by the Prophet Mohammed SAW as the gateway to all knowledge as well as the mausoleum of Syedna Najmuddin RA who is renowned for his literary works in praise of the Prophet’s legatee and who as dai, is himself considered a gateway to the knowledge of the imams.

A Beacon of Quranic Learning

Mahad al-Zahra

Since the Quran is considered the fountainhead of all knowledge, Mahad al-Zahra buildings hold a place of prominence across all the campuses of Aljamea. In Mumbai, the Mahad building, the iwan and the masjid are interconnected through a series of doors and walkways and thus form one continuous space allowing for both the fluid motion of people as well as the continuity of symbolic significance across all three buildings. The octagonal structure of the building is inspired by the Quranic verse which depicts the throne of Allah as being borne by eight and is topped with an imposing dome which signifies the all encompassing nature of the Quran and how its study and appreciation influence all academic and cultural activity both within the academy as well as across the community.

The interior of the dome, which superimposes the qāʿat (recitation hall), is ornamented entirely with the muqarnas motif, an intricate Islamic design known as stalactite or honeycomb vaulting which was introduced to Egypt by the Fatimid Imams and is found in many of their masjids. In addition to bringing a richly nuanced and textured appearance to the dome, the muqarnas also serves a functional purpose in enhancing the acoustics of the recitation hall where students recite the Quran out loud in melodious renderings known as tajwīd and tartīl. At the base of the dome, twelve of Amirul Mumineen Imam Ali bin Abi Talib’sSA sayings pertaining to the Quran, its lofty stature and its inexhaustible treasure trove of meaning and blessings are etched into the dome, each in ornate calligraphy within the borders of a shubbāk (grille) motif. The sayings, which in themselves are replete with meaning and shed light on the profound inner meanings of the Quran, serve as a constant reminder to students of the Quran’s centrality and inspire them to continue its memorisation and study with diligence and commitment.

Architectural Significance

The Mahad building, the Architectural Significanceiwan, and the masjid are interconnected, forming a continuous space. This design might be intended to facilitate movement and interaction, or to create a particular aesthetic effect. The building also has an octagonal design, which is inspired by a verse from the Quran. The eight-sided structure is symbolic, signifying the throne of Allah. This could be a way of incorporating religious beliefs and symbolism into the physical structure of the building.

Educational Impact

The Mahad al-Zahra appears to be an educational institution that focuses on Quranic learning. It facilitates the memorization of the Quran and provides instruction in Quranic sciences and arts. The institute integrates modern technology into its curriculum. The use of a Quranic voice lab suggests a focus on the oral recitation and pronunciation of the Quran, which is a significant aspect of Quranic studies. The e-learning programme indicates that the institute is leveraging digital platforms to deliver its educational content, possibly allowing for remote learning and a wider reach.

Cultural Elements

The building you’re referring to seems to have a rich historical and cultural significance. The inscriptions on the walls include the names of Fatimid imams and bismillah’s, written by past dais. The building also offers a serene environment for Quran memorisation. The campus includes a walkway area with koi ponds and gardens, providing a peaceful and tranquil setting for study and reflection. This suggests that the design of the surroundings is intended not just for aesthetic appeal, but also to support the spiritual and educational activities taking place within its walls.

Entrance

Bab Zuwayla

The main entrance to the Mumbai campus is a replica of Bab Zuwayla, which was built by Maulana Badr al-Jamaly RA the vizier of Imam al-Mustansir bi Allah AS in 1091 CE and is one of the four surviving gateways to the Fatimid city of al-Qahera known today as the old city of Cairo. Al-Qahera, the walled city built by al-Imam al-Muizz AS following his conquest of Egypt, was accessible through a number of gateways, each with its own special significance, name, purpose and place in the rituals of the state.

The entrance of the Mumbai campus is not only reminiscent of the resplendence of the Fatimid era and its architectural glory, but more importantly alludes to the academy being a repository and safekeep of the intellectual and cultural heritage of the Fatimid Imams and their dais.

Fatimid jāmiʿ masjids

Central Courtyard

The vast open sāhat, or central courtyard, is a mainstay of Fatimid architecture. Jāmiʿ masjids in Cairo feature extensive and imposing open courtyards that maximise natural light and facilitate the flow of air while at the same time filling all those who enter the masjid through the relatively narrow doorways with a sense of awe. In the Mumbai campus, as in other campuses, this journey from the comparative constraint of the entrance to the vastness of the courtyard is symbolic of the academic journey each student undertakes and marks the sea change they witness in every aspect of their lives after entering the academy.

The sāhat in Mumbai features a step garden consisting of eleven levels signifying the maximum of eleven years which students spend at the academy, ascending in ranks of knowledge and discernment. The step garden is further accentuated by a water feature reminiscent of the four rivers which are described in the Quran as ever-flowing through the heavens. During the foundation laying ceremony for the new masjid of the Surat campus in 1377 H, His Holiness Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA compared Aljamea to an estuary stating: ‘This ideology makes Aljamea an estuary towards which the streams of different knowledge and the rivers of varied arts flow from all directions and mix together. Then the channels flow forth each according to its measure.’ The water feature in the sāhat draws from four primary sources which come together in a central pool and thereafter diverge again into four streams, visually depicting the founding ideology behind Aljamea as illustrated by Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA.

The minaret of the Mumbai masjid which is an exact replica of the western minaret of al-Jāmiʿ al-anwar, stands in the middle of the courtyard like a towering beacon, clad in brown stone and decorated with gilles and iconic fatimid design elements.

On either side of the minaret is a circular landing area which provides breathtaking views of the entire courtyard and from where, one can begin to descend an array of streps that pass by the water features and eventually terminate at the base of the courtyard near the main entrance and adjacent corridor.

state-of-the-art

Auditorium

The design of the Mumbai campus’ state-of-the-art auditorium is inspired by a parable narrated in the Rasail Ikhwan al-Safa wherein a wise and kind king constructs a palace for the edification of his beloved children. The palace is modelled after creation and contains references to all beings and the most beneficial disciplines of knowledge that humankind must pursue. The wise king signifies Allah the Almighty Creator, his children represent all of humankind and the splendid palace symbolises the entirety of Creation from the highest of the celestial spheres to the core of the Earth.

The auditorium is envisioned as a space for academic discussion in all fields of knowledge, encompassing the entirety of creation. Most notably, it is the venue for the dissertation defence proceedings held each year for students in year eleven in the presence of faculty members and students, another distinction of Aljamea. It is also one of Aljamea’s primary avenues for cultural exchange and sharing with the wider community. As such, key elements from the parable have been incorporated into the interior design of the building and make reference to the four categories of creation: minerals, plants, animals and human beings.

Dining Hall

Mawaid

The Mawaid in Mumbai, like the one in Nairobi, pays homage to Syedna Ismail Badruddin RA. It replicates design elements from one of his surviving havelis (residences) in Jamnagar in intricate hand carved wood work including; a central wooden panel, intricately carved pelmets atop windows, ornate wooden cross beams and pillars as well as wooden storage niches found on both floors of the Mawaid.

Quranic verses which refer to Allah’s sending down of māʾidat upon His beloved as well as traditions and poetic verses extolling the blessings and bounties inherent in coming together to partake of a meal, adorn the walls of the central cutout. The walls of the Mawaid on both floors are further decorated with artistic renderings of prophetic traditions, the sayings of the imams and references from seminal jurisprudential texts like the Daʿāim al-Islam, regarding certain beneficial and blessed foods such as dates, apples and onion seeds.

The Mawaid has a combined seating capacity of about 550 and its state of the art kitchen prepares the same number of meals twice on a daily basis, once for lunch and once for dinner. In addition it also prepares, packages and delivers 160 meals twice daily to the households of all faculty members.

Library

Qaat al-Zawaya al-Fatimiyyah: 
The hall of Fatimid corners

Taking into consideration the different levels of study students are engaged in at Aljamea, the Mumbai library has been divided into three floors each catering to a specific level of academic maturity with both dedicated as well as shared sections for male and female students.

In addition to books and periodicals, students are also provided access to a wide variety of online resources and institutional subscriptions which they can access from the computer lab located within the library as well as portable tablets placed throughout the library. Rooms for collective discussion as well as spaces for individual reading are provided across the library along with information bays which make it easier for students to search for particular titles through the extensive digital catalogue.

Like the libraries of all other Aljamea campuses, the Mumbai library features a special section known as Qāʿat al-Zawāya al-Fatimiyyah (the hall of Fatimid corners) which is the most privileged part of the library and can only be accessed by senior students and members of faculty. A zāwiya denotes both a place for silent contemplation and prayer as well as a corner. The structure of the Zawāya is such that the different sections intersect to form corners symbolising the intersections between science and religion, reason and tradition, theory and practice as well as varied disciplines and periods of history. Each of the six corners is dedicated to a period of significance in the history of Islam and the Dawoodi Bohra community and their point of convergence is at the very centre of the Zawāya which is dedicated to the Quran, the fountainhead of knowledge in every epoch.

The library also contains a rare books section as well as an exhibition space where various artefacts of historic, cultural and academic significance are put on display alongside prized manuscripts that date back centuries.

Academics and Administration

Infrastructure and
Educational Philosophy

The administrative offices of the Mumbai campus along with student classrooms and the library are all part of the same 8 floor building. The first 2 floors of the building house administrative and faculty offices which are arranged according to the academy’s numerous departments in such a way that they facilitate an exchange of ideas and enable the seamless flow of personnel across offices and departments thereby increasing inter-departmental cooperation and efficiency.

Classrooms are distributed across 3 floors and feature state of the art interactive screens connected to a central server through a fibre optic backbone. This enables teachers to utilise a wide range of media and digital resources to supplement their in-class teaching. The back walls of the classrooms are decorated with soft sound absorbing textured panels which feature a hexagonal pattern in light pastel colours. Hexagons are reminiscent of beehives and prompt students to consider Allah’s imperative to the honeybee in the Quran to draw from a range of flowers and fruits and subsequently produce honey which is beneficial to all mankind. Similarly students engage with a range of subjects, disciplines, skills and characteristics in class over the course of their studies at Aljamea and are expected to assimilate and synthesise what they learn to serve the community and humanity at large and to produce original and beneficial academic output.

Residences

Student Residences at the Mumbai Campus

The student residences comprise two 8 floor buildings, one for male and the other for female students. Each building can house a total of 260 students. Rooms can accommodate 8 students and each student is allotted a personal bed, study table and cupboard. The residences are not merely dormitories but are envisioned as comfortable and cosy spaces where students can unwind after a long and demanding day of academic pursuits. They also function as an avenue where students can socialise and put to practise the numerous values, skills and character traits they assimilate during class.

The 6th floor of the residential building is connected to the 6th floor of the academic building through a glass bridge which provides students residing on the top floors of the building easy access to classrooms while those on lower floors can access them through the ground floor, thereby aiding in flow and avoiding congestion.

Students are required to prepare their own breakfast. As a result, each floor is equipped with a fully functioning kitchen and an adjoining pantry area outfitted with a television where the entire floor can come together for breakfast as well as evening snacks and other informal gatherings. Students organise themselves into groups tasked with the responsibility of preparing breakfast for the entire floor and draw up a rotating schedule for the same. In addition to the cooking aspect, they also take care of budgeting, planning, menu preparation and procurement which further equips them with necessary life skills while allowing them to pursue diverse interests.

Both residences are equipped with gymnasiums and swimming pools for student training and recreation. The girls’ residence building features a rooftop swimming pool which incorporates design elements from the surrounding hills that define the topography of the Saifee Park locality. The boys’ swimming pool is located in the basement of the boys’ residence building and is inspired by Juhu beach, another iconic landmark found near Marol.

Celebrating Heritage & Community

Grand Opening of Marol
Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah

The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi inaugurated Aljamea's fourth campus in Marol on February 10, 2023.

Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah's
Mumbai Campus

Salient Features of the Campus

Prayer Hall

Īwān