bohra

Bohra is an umbrella term for several Ismaili Shia Muslim communities that trace their origins to the Indian subcontinent. The largest group is the Dawoodi Bohras; others include the Sulaymani (Sulaimani) Bohras and the Alavi Bohras. All Bohra communities are part of Ismaili Islam, but they are organized separately under distinct living lineages and leadership structures, each led by a Dai al-Mutlaq, a hereditary-appointed spiritual head who acts in the Imam's absence.

Historically, Bohra communities formed among merchants and artisans who migrated and settled in western India and other parts of the Indian Ocean world. They trace their religious identity to Tayyibi Ismailism, a branch of Ismaili thought that recognizes a living Imam through the Dāʿī al-Maʿṣūmīn. The Dawoodi Bohras constitute the largest group; Alavi Bohras and Sulaymani Bohras maintain separate lineages and rituals.

Beliefs and practices center on devotion to the living Dai and adherence to Ismaili doctrine. Communal life emphasizes education, charitable endowments (waqf), and ethical conduct. Worship takes place in purpose-built prayer halls called Jamaatkhanas, alongside mosques, with calendars and rites administered by community authorities. Daily prayer, almsgiving, and moral discipline are emphasized.

Culturally, Bohras are known for distinctive dress, strong community organization, and an emphasis on family life and business networks. They are dispersed globally, with significant populations in India, Pakistan, East Africa, the Middle East, and Western countries, where they maintain schools, hospitals, and cultural centers such as educational and charitable institutions.