The Reform Movement

The reformist movement began in the 1970s and gained momentum in the 1990s. The movement is led by several prominent individuals, including Syedna Taher Saifuddin, who was excommunicated by the Syedna in 2014 for advocating for reform. The reformists have established independent mosques and religious institutions and have also created online platforms to raise awareness about their cause and connect with like-minded individuals.

Some of the key issues that the reformist Dawoodi Bohras advocate for include:

• Greater transparency and accountability in the community’s administration and finances
• More opportunities for women to participate in religious and community affairs
• The elimination of harmful practices such as female genital cutting (also known as female genital mutilation or FGM)
• Greater freedom of thought and expression within the community