It was founded as a theological University for Dawoodi Bohras in 1810 AD by the 43rd Dai Abdeali Saifuddin who named it Dars-e Saifee. The 51st Dai al-Mutlaq, Taher Saifuddin introduced secular and scientific subjects in the and gave it the present name of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah. Its doors were later opened for Bohra girls. The academy, since then, has had separate hostel facilities for boys and girls. The 52nd Da'i al-Mutlaq, Mohammed Burhanuddin oversaw a complete rebuilding and expansion of the campus buildings. In 2011, during centennial celebrations, Mohammed Burhanuddin established Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah in Nairobi, Kenya. The construction of this 14-acre campus that commenced in 2013 was completed by Mufaddal Saifuddin and inaugurated by the President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, on 20 April 2017.
Curriculum
Its educational focus is the Quran, Islamic sciences, Islamic Jurisprudence, Arabic language, and Literature. Students are sent around the world for religious duties during the Ashara Mubaraka and Ramadan. As per tradition, these graduates invite the Da'i al-Mutlaq for a ziyafat. An eleven-year course of study is divided into three phases: The first phase is four years and involves 55 courses, the second phase is five years, subdivided into three years with 75 courses and two years with 90 subjects, and the final two-year phase focuses on specialization and advanced studies in Islamic and Arabic sciences. At the end of the eleven-year course the students graduate with the degree of Al Faqih Al Jayyid, and are sent on khidmat to hajj and other pilgrimages at full cost to the office of the Da'i al-Mutlaq. The final degree is considered equivalent to the Masters of Arts from Aligarh Muslim University, recognized by Al Azhar and Cairo University. 4 years of study at the university is equivalent to secondary education whilst 7 years is equivalent to Higher Secondary post which the students qualify to test for an International Baccalaureate, recognized by Oxford University and others.
Campus
The principal university campus is situated in Surat with three sister campuses in Karachi, Nairobi, and Marol.
Surat
Mohammed Burhanuddin renovated the Surat campus : The aesthetics of the new buildings complement the purpose of their existence: to provide an inspiring and highly conducive environment for learning and nurturing. The academic block north houses classrooms, administrative offices, Ewaan, and Al-Masjid al-Fatemi. Opposite to the Academic block is a library that houses more than 150,000 books and subscribes to more than 100 periodicals. The Masakin and Rabwat blocks are adjacent to the academic block. Next to the campus towards south is Devdi Mubarak, Da'i al-Mutlaq's residence, at the end of which is Mahad al-Zahra: An institute for memorization and recitation of Quran, and for Quranic arts and sciences. Further south are Mazar-e Saifee and Masjid-e Moazzam.
Rectors
Following the death of its first rector post-renovations, Yusuf Najmuddin in 1987, Mohammed Burhanuddin appointed four rectors in his place: His two brothers Qasim Hakimuddin, Abbas Fakhurdddin, and his two sons Qaidjoher Ezzuddin and Mufaddal Saifuddin. Mohammed Burhanuddin instructed the newly appointed rectors that in the event that there was a difference of opinion amongst them, then Mufaddal Saifuddin's opinion should take precedence. Following the death of Mohammed Burhanuddin, on 16 Rabi al-Awwal 1435 ھ, and Mufaddal Saifuddin's succession as 53rd Dai al-Mutlaq, he appointed his son Jafar us Sadiq Imaduddin as Aljamea's fourth rector. After the death of Abbas Fakhruddin on 14 February 2018, and of Qasim Hakimuddin shortly thereafter on 5 April 2018, Mufaddal Saifuddin appointed Aliasgar Kalimuddin and Malik-ul Ashtar Shujauddin as rectors.
