Renowned philanthropist and a leader of the Bohra Reform Movement in India, Zainuddin Wali, passed away on 23 December at the age of 90.  Wali, who served humanity all his life, not only maintained the spirit of social service but also set an example in the Dawoodi Bohra community, by donating his body after his death. In 2018, his wife, Zubeida Wali, also donated her body to the service of mankind after her death. They are the first couple from the Dawoodi Bohra community who have donated their bodies.

Zainuddin Wali, who has been associated with the Bohra Reform Movement all his life, also held the position of Vice Chairman and Zonal Secretary of the Central Board of Dawoodi Bohra Community.  After the death of his wife Zubaida Bai Wali in 2018, he went ahead of religious beliefs and social traditions and donated her body. Today, after his demise, as per his wish, his family has set an example by donating Zainuddin Wali's body.

Dr. Sarwar Wali, son of Zainuddin Wali, said that since there was no cold storage facility in Godhra Medical College and Hospital, the body of late Zainuddin Wali was donated to Zydus Medical College and Hospital at Dahod.

Born on 20 March 1933 in Godhra (Gujarat), Zainuddin Wali was the first person from Godhra to join the Bohra Reformist movement. A businessman by profession, Dr Wali had to face the brunt of social boycott after joining the Bohra Reform movement. He and his family faced restrictions on marriages in their family and were boycotted and were prevented from attending all kinds of religious and social functions.

Irrespective of all this, the social worker, Zainuddin Wali, bearing the brunt of social boycott, continued working in Godhra not only for the Bohra community, but also for the people of other communities and deprived classes. Since 1975, he joined the Lions Club of Godhra and did many social works. He has also been running a school in Godhra, by the name of Navrachna Middle and Secondary School for poor and deprived children for the last 25 years, informed Dr. Shujaat Wali, son of Zainuddin Wali. Around 1,200 children are currrently studying in this school. Similarly, Zainuddin Wali has also educated about 600 women from Godhra and nearby areas. Apart from this, he was a member of the Muslim Education Society in Godhra, which plays an important role in educating the children of Muslims and from other communities.

Dr. Sarwar Wali, son of Zainuddin Wali, informed UdaipurTimes that his father was the founder member of Janseva Society Trust. At the same time, he had also established Hydari Cooperative Housing Society, which helped the middle class in getting houses and apartments. Late Zainuddin Wali was one of the life members of the Red Cross Society of Godhra. Apart from this, he was a lifelong member of Panchmahal Muslim Rescue Society of Gujarat. By joining this organization, he greatly helped the Muslim families displaced during the 2002 Gujarat riots.

From time to time, he continued to guide the people associated with the Bohra Reform Movement and whenever the Reform Movement was in need, he also provided financial assistance.  Anees Miyaji, President of Udaipur's Bohra Youth Medical Relief Society, said that Zainuddin used to donate a fixed amount every month to the Society and was associated with the Bohra Youth Movement of Udaipur from day one. Due to his demise, there is a wave of mourning among the people associated with the Bohra Reform movement.