In recognition of his global contributions toward academic excellence, cultural preservation, and social welfare, the University of Kufa has conferred an Honorary Doctorate upon Sultan al-Bohra Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, leader of the worldwide Dawoodi Bohra community.

A distinguished Iraqi delegation, led by Prof Hayder Abed Dhahad, Senior Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Prof Alaa Naji Almawla, President of the University of Kufa, conferred the degree upon Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin at a ceremony held in Surat.

“The Diamond City of Surat serves as a fitting venue to honour Sultan al-Bohra,” stated Prof Haider Abed Dhahad. “As his ancestral home and the principal seat of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah, which for centuries has stood as the premier educational hub of the Dawoodi Bohra community, Surat embodies a rich legacy of scholarly excellence. Conferring this honorary doctorate here underscores our shared dedication to knowledge, culture, and humanitarian values.”

Echoing these sentiments, Prof Alaa Naji Almawla said, “Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to education, heritage preservation, and global social upliftment. This doctorate honours his efforts in connecting higher learning with selfless social service, offering an inspiring model of compassionate and visionary leadership to our institution and academic communities worldwide.”

He added, “By presenting this honour to Sultan al-Bohra, the University of Kufa recognises the enduring bond between classical scholarship and global humanitarian action.”

Sultan al-Bohra has consistently emphasised the role of education as the cornerstone of societal development. He has served as Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University and is the present Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia and the patron of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah, the community’s premier Arabic academy; he champions a holistic educational framework integrating classical humanities with modern science.

Beyond academia, Syedna’s leadership spans extensive environmental stewardship, healthcare access, and community development initiatives across the globe.

Located in the Najaf Governorate of Iraq, the University of Kufa is a prominent seat of higher learning and academic research operating under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Republic of Iraq. The university, with 40,000 students, encompasses diverse faculties across medicine, humanities, jurisprudence, and natural sciences.