Surti Sunni Bohras

The Surti Sunni Bohras are a distinctive Muslim community predominantly found in the city of Surat, in the Indian state of Gujarat. Their origins are rooted in a complex tapestry of religious, cultural, and economic shifts that occurred over centuries in India and the broader Islamic world. Known for their unique blend of Sunni Islam, vibrant commercial spirit, and deep-rooted cultural traditions, the Surti Sunni Bohras present a fascinating case of communal evolution.

The Sunni Bohras’ history is often linked to the larger Bohra community, which traditionally includes Shia (specifically Ismaili) and Sunni groups. The term "Bohra" itself is derived from the Gujarati word Vohra, meaning "to trade," reflecting the community’s historical occupation as merchants and traders. The Bohras are widely believed to be descendants of Hindu converts who embraced Islam between the 11th and 12th centuries, influenced by the arrival of Muslim traders and Sufi missionaries on the western coast of India.

The initial wave of Islamization in Gujarat saw the rise of the Shia Ismaili Bohra community, particularly under the influence of the Fatimid Caliphate and later the Dawoodi Bohra leadership. However, by the 16th century, religious divisions began to surface within the broader Bohra community. This schism was driven largely by doctrinal differences and evolving religious leadership.

It was during this period that a faction of Bohras in Surat and surrounding areas chose to align themselves with Sunni Islam, rejecting the Shia beliefs of their Dawoodi counterparts. This divergence laid the groundwork for what became the Sunni Bohra community. The transition to Sunni orthodoxy was largely influenced by the teachings of Sunni scholars and the growing influence of Sufi orders in Gujarat, who were instrumental in promoting Sunni Islam in the region.

Surat, as a key trading hub during the Mughal era, became the focal point for the Sunni Bohras. The city’s prominence in international trade attracted people from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. Sunni Bohras, in particular, capitalized on Surat’s flourishing economy, excelling in commerce, especially in textiles and precious gems.

Despite their differences with the Dawoodi Bohras, the Sunni Bohras maintained many of the traditional customs and cultural practices, including their distinctive dress, language, and food. However, they adhered to Sunni jurisprudence, following the Hanafi school of thought. The Sunni Bohra community thus carved out a unique identity, blending local customs with the broader Sunni Islamic traditions prevalent in South Asia.

Today, the Surti Sunni Bohras remain a vibrant community, still deeply involved in trade and business. Many members of the community have migrated to different parts of the world, including the Middle East, Africa, and Western countries, while maintaining strong ties to their homeland in Gujarat. Surat continues to be the spiritual and cultural center for the community.

The Sunni Bohra community is known for its emphasis on education and philanthropy. Many prominent Sunni Bohra families have contributed to the development of educational institutions, hospitals, and social services in Gujarat and abroad.

Estimating the exact population of the Sunni Bohras is challenging due to their integration into the broader Sunni Muslim community and their dispersion across the globe. However, a significant portion of the Sunni Muslim population in Surat and parts of Gujarat can be traced to Bohra roots.

According to some local estimates, the Sunni Bohra population in Gujarat is in the tens of thousands, though no official census data specifically distinguishes Sunni Bohras from other Sunni Muslims. Global migration has further diversified their presence, with sizable diaspora populations in countries such as the UAE, the UK, and Canada.

Sources for Further Reading:

1. Blank, Jonah. Mullahs on the Mainframe: Islam and Modernity among the Dawoodi Bohras. University of Chicago Press, 2001.

2. Asani, Ali S. The Ismaili Bohras: A Case Study of a Shia Sect in India. Oxford University Press, 1994.

3. Engineer, Asghar Ali. The Bohras. Vikas Publishing House, 1980.