Dawoodi Bohra Al Masjid Al Saifee Anjuman-e-Burhani

Could a handful of families envision building a vibrant community centered around faith? Here, before the Dawoodi Bohra Al Masjid Al Saifee Anjuman-e-Burhani, that vision took root. The first Dawoodi Bohras arrived in Toronto in the early 1960s. This small group, barely six families, laid the foundation for what would become a thriving community. Dawoodi Bohra Al Masjid Al Saifee Anjuman-e-Burhani stands as a testament to their perseverance and dedication. In 1975, they received a blessing from their spiritual leader to formalize their organization. By 1977, Anjuman-e-Burhani, with an 11-member board, officially represented the now thirty families. A pivotal moment arrived in 1978 with the first visit of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, the 52nd Dai al-Mutlaq, to Toronto. His guidance led to the appointment of the community’s first Aamil Saheb, a significant step in its organization. In 1982, land was purchased on Bayview Avenue in Richmond Hill. The Aamil Saheb resided in a cottage on the property, far from the city center, marking the Dawoodi Bohra community as one of Richmond Hill’s earliest ethnic pioneers. The dream of a dedicated place of worship began to materialize in 1986 with the commencement of the Masjid’s design. Its foundation was laid by Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, solidifying the community’s presence in Richmond Hill. On September 23, 1990, the Dawoodi Bohra Al Masjid Al Saifee Anjuman-e-Burhani was inaugurated by Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin. He received the Key to the Town of Richmond Hill from Mayor Bell, a recognition of the growing community now numbering around 100 families. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin visited Toronto five times, his last being in 2001. As the community expanded, so did the need for administrative space. In 2004, an office complex seamlessly integrated with the original Masjid design was added. The community continued to grow, requiring more space. Land was purchased in a Muslim cemetery on Leslie Street in 2012. By 2016, the Dawoodi Bohra community in the Greater Toronto Area had blossomed to 900 families, a remarkable journey from its humble beginnings. The Dawoodi Bohra Al Masjid Al Saifee Anjuman-e-Burhani isn’t merely a building. It’s the heart of a community, a symbol of resilience, growth, and unwavering faith. It stands as a testament to the power of shared vision and the enduring spirit of the Dawoodi Bohras in Toronto.