The Encyclopaedia of Islam is considered the most authoritative and comprehensive compilation of articles on the subject of Islam in the English language. The second edition of the Encyclopaedia was a 16 volume work that was the first port of call for any researcher in the field of Arabic and Islamic studies. Last year, the publishers began the third edition of the highly reputed encyclopaedia which is now also available electronically. For the article on ‘Bohras’ the editors invited Syedna Qutbuddin’s daughter Shz Dr. Bazat Tahera baisaheba, who is professor of Arabic literature at the renowned University of Chicago. The invitation by the editors of such a prestigious publication for the entry on our community is a noteworthy achievement. Tahera baisahebas’ strong foundation in our traditions at the hands of Syedna Burhanuddin and Syedna Qutbuddin, coupled with her strong academic credentials makes this a strong article that for the first time represents the community as it should be to 100s and 1000s of researchers and readers.

Following an introduction, the article is organized into these parts: 1-Nomenclature, 2-History, 3-Doctrines and Practice, 4-Language, 5-Literature and Learning, 6-the Central Role of the Dai and Dawat and 7-Schisms.