Al-Dāʿī al-Ajal Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin ^RA

HIS HOLINESS DR SYEDNA MOHAMMED BURHANUDDIN ^RA

1333/1915-1435/2014

His Holiness Dr Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin ^RA succeeded his father as the 52nd al-dāʿī al-mutlaq in 1385/1965. Syedna Taher Saifuddin ^RA had personally tutored his heir, keeping him by his side throughout his life.

At the age of 20 Syedna Burhanuddin ^RA memorised the Holy Quran in its entirety. Syedna has authored a number of Arabic literary works as well as treatises on Islamic theology and philosophy and has made significant contributions to the study of North African Fatimi history during his extensive travels there in 1969. Syedna has received multiple honours from governments and institutions world over in recognition of his scholarly achievements and was the chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, India from 1419/1999 to 1422/2002.

Like the duʿāt before him, Syedna had ensured that Aljamea’s goals remain relevant. By providing various facilities and a range of resources, he has cultivated the mindset, skills and expertise required to assess and benefit from developments in all disciplines. The campus redevelopment in Surat, the inauguration of a new campus in Karachi along with the construction of two new campuses in Nairobi and Mumbai, the establishment of Mahad al-Zahra and the infusion of information technology into teaching and learning reflect Syedna’s efforts in ensuring the continuous fulfilment of Aljamea’s objectives. Likewise, faculty professional development and participation in international conferences along with scholarships for post-graduate education reiterate his belief in the utilisation of all means for the betterment of the institute.

The following words of His Holiness Syedna Burhanuddin ^RA from 1988 are a fitting summary of Aljamea’s development over the last two centuries and reflect his aspirations for Aljamea’s future and its students:

Jamea Saifiyah’s blessings continue to reach us till this very day. It is a benevolence of Syedna Abdeʿali Saifuddin; and one hundred years later, Syedna Taher Saifuddin led Aljamea to greater heights. He let flow from within it the rivers of barakāt (blessings) and nurtured souls with the knowledge of Āle Mohammed (the progeny of Mohammed, i.e. the Fatimi imams). How many students have been prepared over these several years! … It is my prayer that Allah Taʿāla guide them so that they act in accordance with what they have learned, for action is obligated with knowledge. Through action and knowledge combined are all aspirations achieved…. There is a Jamea Saifiyah in Surat, and likewise on its basis, one in Karachi. Seekers of knowledge, both male and female, come here and learn. I further pray that more are inspired and the number of male and female students grows. May young men and women come here to Surat and upon the completion of 11 years of care and nurturing, graduate fully prepared for service [to the community and society].