Lisan al-Dawat, the communal language of the Dawoodi Bohras, is embossed by the rich literary heritage of the Indian subcontinent. Developed in parallel with Gujarati, Lisan al-Dawat's vocabulary is infused with plentiful impressions of Arabic and Persian in its script and grammar.

The deep incorporation of Arabic into Lisan al-Dawat tells of the community's extended sojourn in Yemen before its transfer to the sub-continent where the community was active since the period of Fatimid Caliph-Imam al-Mustansir.

With the advent of Mughals in the sub-continent from Iran, Persian language began seeping into Lisan al-Dawat which was already closely associated with the Gujarati vernacular. The influence of Urdu was later added to this mix.

Lisan al-Dawat, the linguistic expression of the Dawoodi Bohras, is therefore a fusion of various languages, including Arabic script, Gujarati syntax, Sanskrit, Persian, Urdu, and English vocabulary. It is a dynamic element of the Dawoodi Bohras that continually evolves, incorporating new words and ideas that reinforce the community's principles and beliefs.

This project, named Lafzi Mana, which literally means "word meaning, » attempts to appreciate the influence and contribution of the Persian language to Lisan al-Dawat: a unique identity of the Dawoodi Bohras.