Birmingham

We are the Dawoodi Bohra community of Birmingham

The Dawoodi Bohra families of Birmingham have lived and worked peacefully in and around Birmingham since the 1970s. Our masjid – or mosque – is called Saifee Masjid and is a central meeting point for over 160 families in our community.

Who We Are

In 1970, a group of Dawoodi Bohras, predominantly from East Africa, chose to settle in Birmingham. In 1975, they formed the jamaat (the officially registered local community) of Birmingham Dawoodi Bohras. In the beginning, there were 30 members belonging to 12 families, working hard in local factories, retail outlets and the NHS.

Weoley Church Hall in Selly Oak was the community’s first home. Facilities were limited, but the community grew and, following a few relocations, found a more permanent home in the early 1990s in Oldbury. With a solid foundation, the community attracted more Dawoodi Bohras to settle in Birmingham and, year on year, numbers have continued to grow. We currently number around 490 members from 160 families.

Our Masjid

Saifee Masjid – our mosque – is in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham. Today, we have one of the most beautiful masjids in the UK, unique in that it comprises a school and can accommodate over a thousand people, with two car parks and a large sports hall used for major activities.

The history of our masjid starts in 2007 when the land was purchased. After securing planning permission and raising funds, construction started in May 2010. In August of 2017, the leader of the Dawoodi Bohras, His Holiness Syedna Muffadal Saifuddin, formally inaugurated the masjid and named it Saifee Masjid.

Our Community

The Bohras of Birmingham’s strength is its people. The community is a mix of many nationalities and languages. Over 70% of our members are professionals and business owners, including teachers, medics, doctors, nurses, dentists, opticians, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers and many more who proudly work for the NHS and provide an essential service, not just to their community, but to the nation as a whole. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, these tireless women and men have been unparalleled in their work.

The community also has professionals in other sectors, including civil service, marketing and PR, banking, travel, and food.

Community News

Dawoodi Bohra community members and hospital staff at the ribbon cutting of the Sensory and Therapy Room at MMUH

A quiet space for healing: Birmingham community donates a sensory space for children at new Midlands Hospital

This story was covered by BBC News For many children, a hospital admission brings more than just medical...

18
May

Why I am embracing AI to teach Biology

By Tasneem Ebrahim Tasneem Ebrahim is a UK secondary school biology teacher based in Birmingham with over a...

23
Apr

Volunteers at Dawoodi Bohra community bake sale in the UK supporting Macmillan Cancer Support for World Cancer Day

UK Dawoodi Bohras come together with bake sales and awareness talks to mark World Cancer Day

The Dawoodi Bohra community across the United Kingdom marked World Cancer Day with a series of campaigns spanning...

10
Feb

Dawoodi Bohras of Birmingham host Warm Welcome event

Birmingham Dawoodi Bohras host Warm Welcome networking event

The Dawoodi Bohras of Birmingham hosted a networking event at their community centre in collaboration with Thrive UK...

27
May

The Dawoodi Bohras of Birmingham collected toys to bring smiles to the vulnerable this winter

Compassion in action: Dawoodi Bohras of Manchester and Birmingham reach out to provide warmth and hope this winter

This winter, the Dawoodi Bohras of Manchester and Birmingham undertook several initiatives to provide warmth and relief to...

23
Jan

Senior members of the Dawoodi Bohras of London enjoy a fun day out in the sun

Dawoodi Bohra communities across the UK host wellness events for seniors

The Dawoodi Bohra communities in Leicester, Birmingham, and London recently organised wellness-focused events for their senior members, emphasising...

26
Nov