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OUR HISTORY

More Than A Building. A Legacy.

For well over a century, Najam Baug has been a place of community, celebration and cherished memories.

1303H 1886

THE BEGINNING

A Place Created For The Community

Najam Baug draws its name from Syedna Abdul Qadir Najmuddin (AQ), the 47th Da'i al-Mutlaq. It was dedicated by Ebrahim Noordin in 1303H / 1886.

From its very beginning, Najam Baug was intended to serve the community. It was Ebrahim Noordin's wish that the building be used for community gatherings and that the proceeds generated from its use be dedicated to charitable purposes.

“ A place created not simply as a building, but as a centre for the community.

PEOPLE & LEGACY

Those Who Shaped Its Story

Syedna Abdulqadir Najmuddin (AQ)

47th Da'i al-Mutlaq

Najam Baug takes its name from Syedna Abdulqadir Najmuddin (AQ), to whom the building was dedicated by Ebrahim Noordin in 1303H / 1886. His name remains permanently connected with the story and identity of Najam Baug. It was the will of Ebrahim Noordin that Najam Baug be used for community gatherings, and that all proceeds generated from the use of that building be designated for charitable purposes.

For several years, a painting of Syedna Abdul Qadir Najmuddin (AQ) stood on one of the walls of Najam Baug. When Syedi Mohyuddin (QR) visited Mumbai (then Bombay), he requested Syedna Taher Saifuddin (AQ), the 51st Da'i al-Mutlaq, to accompany him to see the painting. Syedi Mohyuddin (QR) walked up close to the painting, remarked on how finely it was done, and said in an emotional tone, “If only you had seen Syedna Abdulqadir Najmuddin (AQ)!” Then, after a pause, with tears in his eyes, he exclaimed, “Maula, if only Syedna Abdulqadir Najmuddin (AQ) had seen you!”.

Syedna Taher Saifuddin (AQ)

51st Da'i al-Mutlaq

Syedna Taher Saifuddin (AQ) assumed the office of Da'i al-Mutlaq in 1333H / 1915 and initiated a period of modernisation while maintaining Islamic traditions. His work included education, medical relief, community infrastructure and technical training.

His watch-word was self-reliance. Not only did he reconstruct and expand existing structures such as masjids and rubaats, he also provided assistance and medical relief to the sick and the dispossessed, spread and enhanced education—both secular and otherwise, and disseminated technical training in schools and colleges, thereby enlarging the scope of occupations, crafts, trades and professional services into which his community might enter.

Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (AQ)

52nd Da'i al-Mutlaq

Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (AQ) succeeded his father in 1384H / 1965. In his fifty years of leadership, the community witnessed a powerful transformation —unified, uplifted, and for all its worldly ventures, wedded to the principles of Islam as never before. What has provided these blessings to his community are not just his tireless work, unfathomable zeal, and his encompassing vision of where the community has been, where it now is, and where it is headed—no, the ultimate source of that blessing is that which commands all: the nobility, grandeur, and grace of this Da'i's soul.

Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin (TUS)

51st Da'i al-Mutlaq

Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin (TUS) succeeded his father in 1435H / 2014. Under his kind and watchful guidance, Najambaug continues to flourish, preserving its rich heritage while serving generations of the community.

Seth Ebrahim Noordin

THE FOUNDER

Ebrahim Noordin was the builder of his family's legacy. He built Najam Baug as well as the Market Masjid, now known as Zainee Masjid. His commercial ventures extended from Mumbai (1840) to Canton (1840), Hong Kong (1842) and Shanghai (1844).

Mulla Abdeally Noordin

Mulla Abdeally Noordin protected and preserved the family's legacy through years of challenge and change. His determination ensured that the family's values and responsibilities continued to future generations. He bequeathed his sons — Ebrahim, Taher, Jaffer, Noordin and Abdulhusein—not just the business, but his persona as well, teaching them, by example, the old adage that ‘Character is Destiny’.

THE JOURNEY

Through The Years

1886

1303H

The Beginning

Najam Baug is built and dedicated by Ebrahim Noordin as a place for community gatherings and charitable purposes.

1953

AFTER THE WAR

A New Chapter

After being requisitioned during the Second World War, Najam Baug was returned to the community in 1953.

1955

FIRST RENOVATION

Restored For The Community

The first major renovation was undertaken under the guidance of Faiz C. Ebrahim and completed in 1955.

2003

15 MUHARRAM 1424H

A New Foundation

The foundation of the new Najam Baug was laid by Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (AQ) on 18 March 2003.

2005

12 RAJAB 1426H

The New Najam Baug

The newly completed Najam Baug was inaugurated on 15 August 2005, marking the beginning of its next chapter.

2026

16 RABI-AL-AAKHAR 1448H

The New Najam Baug Website

Najambaug has incorporated several new technologies to keep up with the times. On 20 Rabi-al-Aakhar, 1st October 2026, on the occasion of Milad of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (AQ) the new website was launched with additional features.

MORE THAN A BUILDING

A Place Of Memories & Blessings

Over the decades, Najam Baug became a familiar gathering place for Mumbai's Dawoodi Bohra community.

Weddings, religious celebrations, family gatherings and countless other occasions have filled its halls with memories.

Its structure may have changed with time, but the spirit of Najam Baug continues.

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THE PRESENT

A Legacy Continues

From its beginnings in 1886 to the Najam Baug of today, the story continues — bringing people together for celebrations, community occasions and cherished memories.

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