Taher Saifuddin

Who was Taher Saifuddin?

Syedna Taher Saifuddin was an Indian-born leader, the 51st Da'i al-Mutlaq of the Dawoodi Bohra sect. He was the son of the 49th Da'i al-Mutlaq Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, whose family lineage can be traced back to Syedi Fakhruddin Shaheed. Syedna Taher Saifuddin became the 51st Da'i al-Mutlaq in 1915. He was known as the shams amongst the Da'i al- Mutlaq. He was chosen by the Imam in seclusion to be his saif to fight the enemies. That is the reason why he was named 'Saifuddin' which means, 'the sword of Deen.

Syedna Taher Saifuddin, being born in the house of Da'i al-Mutlaq, was closely associated with the members of the Dawoodi Bohra sect from a very early age. His father became the 49th Da'i al-Mutlaq when he was very small. From his childhood he always remained with his father helping him and learning from him the intricacies of the customs, traditions and culture of the Dawoodi Bohra sect. His father also entrusted Syedi Abdeali Moiyuddin to teach him certain knowledge imparted by the 43rd Da'i al-Mutlaq Syedna Abdeali Saifuddin.

Syedna Taher Saifuddin married Aaisaheba Husaina Aaisaheba and settled in Surat.