Anjuman-e-Saifee, Leicester
The Dawoodi Bohras of Leicester have lived and worked in the city since the 1960s, having migrated from East Africa, India and Yemen. Dawoodi Bohra families were welcomed and embraced by the local neighbourhoods of Leicester and have since lived in harmony with the wider community. Whilst being a diaspora rich in culture, the Dawoodi Bohras of Leicester also readily adapted to and accepted their home of Leicester with relish and zeal. Our masjid is located on Bath Street in the historic Belgrave district of Leicester. It is the heart of our community where over 140 families gather.
Acknowledging our entrepreneurial history, a vast majority of members in Leicester are involved in different types of businesses of various sizes integral to the city. Members of the community are also employed in various professions such as doctors, engineers, pharmacists, lawyers, teachers and many more, proudly serving the larger community.
In the early days, our religious congregations would be held in members’ homes. As the community grew, community centres were hired around Leicester, including Stocking Farm and Saffron Lane. Eventually, in 1986, a community hub was established with the acquisition of a property on Wellington Street within Leicester’s city centre. This was named Al-Markaz-Al-Badri by the Late Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, the 52nd Dai-al-Mutlaq and leader of the Dawoodi Bohras.
As our community grew and, after years of continued efforts from community members, the foundation for Leicester’s Masjid was laid in May 2013 and completed in July 2018. The masjid was inaugurated by His Holiness in September 2021 and is now home to Leicester’s Dawoodi Bohra community.
The masjid is a unique landmark in the city of Leicester, with its design based on Fatimid architecture and inspired by Masjids in Cairo, Egypt. The structure includes a blend of both Eastern and Western concepts, proudly standing as a symbol of the integration of Leicester’s Dawoodi Bohras into our city and country. The newly constructed masjid has been built as a multi-purpose and multi-functional place of worship, gatherings and community events.
Find us on Burhani Masjid, 10 Bath Street, Leicester, LE4 7QD