Dawoodi Bohra

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Dawoodi Bohra 52 nd Dai Sayyedna Mohd. Burhanuddin,1965 AD onward

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Dawoodi Bohras (( Arabic/Urdu: داؤدی بوہرہ, [Hindi]]: दवूदि बोह्रा)) are the main branch of the Bohras, a Mustaʿlī subsect of Ismāʿīlī Shīʿa Islām. The subsect is based in India although the Dawoodi Bohra school of thought originates from Yemen under guidelines of Fatimid .

Today, there are close to 1 million Dawoodi Bohras worldwide. Dawoodi Bohras have a unique blend of cultures, including Yemeni, Egyptian, African, and Indian.

The word Bohra itself is derived from the Gujarati word Vehwahar, which is interpreted as "trading".

A member of the Dawoodi Bohra Community is called Bohra.

The spiritual leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community is called the Dāʿī l-Muṭlaq (Arabic: داعي المطلق‎ "Unrestricted Missionary"); Mohammed Burhanuddin is the 52nd and current Dāʿī l-Muṭlaq.

Dawoodi Bohras believe that the 21st Imām, Ṭayyib Abī l-Qāṣim, believed to be a direct descendant of Muḥammad through his daughter Fāṭima az-Zahra, went into seclusion and established the office of the Dā‘ī l-Muṭlaq as the Imām's vicegerent, with full authority to govern the Dawoodi Bohra community in all matters both spiritual and temporal, as well as those of his assistants, the Ma'dhūn (Arabic: مأذون‎) and Mukāsir (Arabic: مكاسر‎).

During the Imām's seclusion, a Dā‘ī l-Muṭlaq is appointed by his predecessor. The maʾḏūn and mukasir are in turn appointed by the Dā‘ī l-Muṭlaq. A fundamental belief of the Dawoodi Bohra is that the presence of the secluded Imām is guaranteed by the presence of the Dāʿī l-Muṭlaq.

Dā‘ī Muhammad Burhanuddin appointed Khuzaima Qutbuddin as his ma'dhūn and Husain Husamuddin as his mukāsir.

[edit] History

Dawoodi bohra believe that their imams are descedents of Nabi Muhammad by way of his daughter Fatima Zahra and her husband Ali-ibn-Abi Talib, the Wasi, Khalifah, and Brother of Mohammad.

Masjid Nabawi at sunset

Mohammad was returning from his first and last Haj (632CE),when he halted at a place called Ghadir-e-khum and declared, while raising Ali's hand in his: "For whoever I had been his Moula, (leader), now this Ali shall be his Moula. All Shia/ Ismaili/Mustali/ Taiyabi/Dawoodi regard this as proof of instituting Ali as his successor his ‘Wasi’. This is also as per saying of hadith of the pond of Khumm.

the final burial place of Ali,Najaf

At the time of Ali-ibn-Abitalib, Imamate and Caliphate united in the period from 656 to 661CE. (Previously, he had been the rightful imam and khalifa, but the actual zaahiri Caliphate was usurped by other successors, whom the Sunnis accept. After his time, his son Hasan the 1st Imam (Imam e Fatemi) Hasan, there was struggle for caliphate and finally there was a peacemaking and pact between Muawwia (the Umayyad) to keep Caliphate with him, to avoid bloodshed. The Imamate remained, of course, with Imam Hasan himself.

Zarih ,Imām Husayn ,Karbala,d.681AD

The first Imam Hasan to 5th Imam Jafar us Sadiq (765CE) are common, accepted Imams of all Shia as whole.

The 6th Imam Ismail bin Jafar's(775CE)followers are Ismaili and Bohras are amongst them. (Some Shia like the "Twelvers" believe that Musa Qazim was heir to imam Jafer; "Seveners" believe that after Imam Ismail the next went in Occultation)

After the death of 5th Imam Jafar,Ruler of Abbasid came in power in place of Ummayad and they were against the "Imamat" done by Imams and started opposing them. Due to strong suppression by the Abbasid Ruler, the true 7th Imam Mohammad went into concealment and a period of ‘Satr’ started. In this period their "Dai” ran movements to keep alive the Fatemid Imamat in the hearts of their followers.

Fatemid/Bohra believe that Imamat has continued one Imam after another. From the 7th Imam Mohammad onward, the name of some imam were hidden and not known to common, Dawoodi Bohra's religious book declares their names(they match with analysis of hidden names done in journal like, Quarterly Journal of the AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF BEIRUT^[1]).

The part of the Dua- Taqarrub (in which the names of all the Aimmat are recited) is as follows:"......moulana JAFFER(5)-ibne-Mohammad-nil-Sadiqil amin va moulana ISMAIL(6)-ibne-Jafer-in-sulalatil gurril mayamin va moulana MOHAMMAD (7)-ibne ismail-a-sabeil mutimmeen......moulana ABDILLAH (8) - ibne - Mohammad va moulana AHMED(9)-ibne-Abdillah va moulan HUSAIN(10)-ibne Ahmed....moulana ABDILLAH(11)-il-imamil Mehdi beka...."

Mukalafat-al-Rasool and burial place of 13 Fatimid Imams,Cairo,Egypt, era 909-1130AD,Decorated silver gate seen, made by Dawoodi Bohra

The 11th Imam Abdillah Al Mehdi emerged as Fatemid Imam/Caliph (Imamate and Caliphate united again after Ali-ibn-Abitalib) in 909 CE in Ifriqiya (present Tunisia) and first daur-us-satr ended. Then they extended up to central Maghreb (Now Morocco,Algeria,Libya). They entered and conquered Egypt in 969CE during the reign of the 14th Imam Maad‐nil Muiz, and made 'Qahira' - Cairo- as their capital.

The Fatimid dynasty continued with both Imamat along with Caliphate till the 20th Imam Amir-ibn-Mustaali(1132CE) (after the 18th, Imam Mustansir, the Nizari/Agha Khani sect believe that his son Nizar is successor)(Ref:Fatimid Caliphate).

The Fatimid dynasty of Egypt defined themselves as hudat mahdiyeen, infallible and sinless, and divinely chosen perpetuators of the true form of Islam. The Dais continue this task with the Aimmat's order, and are of the same divine qualities.

As there was turmoil in the family for succession of caliphate in Fatimid,as per Fatemid/Bohra,20th Imam Amir has transferred Imamat before his assassination to his young son, the 21st Imam Tayyeb Abil-Qasim, who was then 2 years old and informed through epistle to Hurrat-ul-Malika Suleihid Queen Arwa(d.1137A.D.).(Caliphate was continued as imam Amir's brother Hafiz took over from him and ruled there later, but he is not recognized as an heir to Fatimid Imamat. After the rule of Saladin there, no traces of Hafizi are found.)

Molatena Arwa the Queen of Yemen, was appointed ‘hujja’ in Yemen long before at the time of 18th Imam Mustansir. She was given the highest rank in the Yemen da'wa, that of hujja, by al-Mustansir in 1084. This was the first time that a woman had ever been given such a status in the whole history of Ismailism. Under Queen Arwa, Dai (al-Balagh)(intermediatary between central H/Q of Imam at Cairo and local H/Q) Lamak ibn Malik and then Dai Yahya ibn Lamak were working for the cause of the Fatimid.

Mausoleum of 1 st Wali–ul–Hind:Moulai Abadullah,Khambat, Gujrat, era 1050-1100AD

Mausoleum of Moulai Nuruddin DonGaon, Aurangabad,India, era 1050-1100AD

Representatives of the Du'at like Moulai Abdullah(460 A.H. 1067 A.D.)(first Wali-ul-Hind ),Moulai Ahmed were also sent to Khambhat(Cam Bay),Gujrat, western India. Owing to this action of hers, Fatimid /Bohra community was established in Gujarat in the second half of the 11th century, which survives there today as Taiyabi/Dawoodi Bohra. Moulai Nuruddin(467A.H.) was sent to Deccan. (There is an interesting history told. Two travellers from India went to the court of Imam Mustansir. They were so impressed that they converted and came back to preach. One of them was Rupnath, whose new name was Maulai Nuruddin (Dargah at Don gaon, Maharashtra), and another is Moulai Abadullah(Baalam nath^[2]).

Kaka Akela well

Mausoleum of 3rd Dai Syedna Hatim, Hutaib, Yemen, era 1150-1200AD

Maulai Abdullah upon arriving in Khambhat came across Kaka Akela and Kaki Akela. As mentioned in history that a well in the farm of Kaka Akela and Kaki Akela had dried up. Maulai Abdullah performed a miracle and the dried well was full of water. Seeing this glory of Allah and his messenger through this great man, Kaka Akela and Kaki Akela were first person to accept Fatimid Islam in India.The origination of Bohra. ^[3]

It was understood that the second period of ‘satr’ would begin after Imam Tayyeb went into seclusion and queen Arwa would institute the office of “Dai-ul-Mutlaque”.

Syedna Zoeb bin Moosa(d.546 A.H./1151 A.D.) was 1st Dai-ul-Mutlaq instituted by queen Arwa. Dai Zoeb used to live in and died in Haus, Yemen. His Mazoon was Syedna Khattab bin Hasan.The 3rd Dai Sayedna Hatim d.1191 A.D.) was quite prominent amongst the Du'at of Yemen.

Dai Zoeb appointed Maulai Yaqoob (after death of Maulai Abadullah )who was second ‘Wali’("representative" or "caretaker") in India of the Fatimid dawat.Moulai Yaqoob was the first person of Indian origin to receive this honour. He was son of Moulai Bharmal, minister of Rajput King Siddhraja Jaya Singha(Anhalwara,Patan) (487-527 A.H. /1094-1133 A.D.). The King sent his soldiers to get Moulai Abadullah, but they couldn't reach him as they saw a fire wall created around him. Then, the King himself went to him and was so impressed with the latter' thoughts that he, along with Minister Moulai Bharmal, Tarmal and their fellow citizens accepted Islam and Iman (not a single drop of bloodshed or use of any force). Moulai Fakhruddin, son of Moulai Tarmal was sent to western Rajasthan, India.

Mausoleum of Moulai Fakhruddin, Ghaliakot,India, era 1050-1100 AD

Mausoleum of Moulai Hasan Feer, Denmal, Gujrat,India, era 1300-1400 AD

In the generation of Moulai Yaqoob, Moulai Ishaq, Moulai Ali, Moulai Hasanfir continued one after another as Wali-ul-Hind. Hasan Fir was fifth Wali in the era of 16th Dai Abadullah(d.809A.H./1406A.D.)of Yemen.

One Dai after another were continued till 23rd dai in Yemen. In India also Wali-ul-Hind were appointed by them one after another up to Wali-ul-Hind Moulai Jafer, Moulai Abdul Wahab and Moulai Qasim Khan bin Hasan(last,the 11th,d.950A.H., Ahmedabad). The last three wali were of great help in the era of 21st to 24th Dai, It was during this time when the Dawat was transferred to India from Yemen, when the 23rd Dai-al-Mutlaq Syedna Mohammed Ezzuddin performed Nass on Syedna Yusuf Najmuddin (R.A) in Sidhpur,Gujrat,India.

Mausoleum of Dai of Ahmedabad, era 1567-1657AD

Due to prosecution by local Zaydi ruler in Yemen the Dawat 24th Dai Yusuf bin Sulayman (d.1567 A.D.) shifted Dawat to India but he used to live in Yemen and died there. 25th Dai Jalal bin Hasan (d.1567 A.D.)was first dai to have his mausoleum in Ahmedabad, India .Dai Jalal's tenure as Dai was very short of few months but before that he was Wali-ul Hind(after moulai Qasim) for about 20 years under 24th Dai Yusuf when Dai used to be in Yemen.

In the time of the 27th dai Dawood bin Qutub Shah(d.1612A.D.)era, Sulemani Bohras (under Suleman bin Hasan, grand son of 24th Dai) separated, and the main Bohra section was renamed as Dawoodi Bohra (Suleman bin Hasan was wali (deputy)in Yemen of 25th dai,and wanted to become head after death of 25th Dai.As he was in command at Yemen majority of yemani Bohra went along with him, but in India he could get only minor support as his claim of "nass" was claimed forged and very evident to Indian Bohras).

Again in the period of 29th Dai Abdu-t-Tayeb zakiyuddin, a small group of Aliya Bohra separated under Ali bin Ibrahim (1034 A.H./1634 A.D.)(the grand son of 28th Dai Shiekh Adam Safiyuddin).

In India too, Bohras were under prosecution by the Mughal Rulers. The 32nd Dai Qutbuddin was prosecuted in 1645A.D.under Aurangzeb.

Mausoleum of Dai JamNagar, era 1657-1738 AD

Mausoleum of Dais of Ujjain, era 1738-1780 AD

Mausoleum of Dais of Surat, era 1787-1915 AD

34th Dai Sayedna Ismail Badruddin (son of Moulai Raj)(1657AD onward)who was first dai of Indian Gujrati origin. He shifted Dawat from Ahmedabad to Jamnagar. ^[4] During this period Dai also moved to Mandvi and last to Burhanpur.

Raudat Tahera, Mausoleum of Syedna Taher Saiffuddin, Mumbai, era 1915-1965 AD

In the era of 42nd Dai syedna Yusuf najmuddin(1787AD onward)Dawat office shifted to Surat.Educational institute 'Al-Darus-Saifee'(later renamed as Al Jamea tus Saifiyah)was built in the era by 43rd dai Abde ali Saifuddin, who has done extensive work in the literary field also.

During the period of 51st Dai Taher Saifuddin(1915-1965AD), dawat H/Q shifted to Mumbai and continued till now and presently headed by 52nd Dai Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin(pl.see article List of Dai of Dawoodi Bohra for the time period of individual Dai's).

[edit] Contemporary Dawoodi Bohras

While the majority of Dawoodi Bohras have traditionally been traders, it is becoming increasingly common for them to become professionals. Within South Asia many choose to become doctors, and in the Far East and the West, a large number now work as consultants or analysts as well as a large contingent of medical professionals. Dawoodi Bohras are encouraged to educate themselves in both religious and secular knowledge, and as a result, the number of professionals in the community is rapidly increasing.

Dawoodi Bohra believe that the education of women is equally important to that of men, and many Dawoodi Bohra women choose to enter the workforce. Al Jamea tus Saifiyah "The Arabic Academy" in Surat and Karachi is a sign to the educational importance in the Dawoodi Bohra community. The Academy has an advanced curriculum which encompasses religious and secular education for both men and women.

Today there are approximately one million Dawoodi Bohras. The majority of these reside in India and Pakistan, but there is also a significant diaspora resident in the Middle East, East Africa, Europe, North America and the Far East.

Besides speaking the local languages, the Dawoodi Bohras have their own language called Lisānu l-Dā‘wat "The language of the Dā‘wat". This is written in Arabic script but is derived from Urdu, Gujarati and Arabic.

Remembrance of the martyrdom of Husayn, grandson of Muḥammad, is an essential part of every Dawoodi Bohra community activity. Every year, the head of the community delivers religious discourses for ten days during Ashara Mubaraka|‘Āshārā, culminating in the 10th day of Muharram, ‘Āshūrā, and these are attended by a large number of community members.

[edit] Contributions to the community at large

The Dawoodi Bohras originated from Fatimid Egypt and thus their cultural mores are based on the practices of the Fatimid Imāms. This is further found in the myriad constructions that the Dawoodi Bohras have carried out around the world, all of which feature Fatimid influences from the masjids and buildings of Cairo.

Al Jamea tus Saifiyah is an Islamic Arabic Academy situated in the heart of Surat city, India which is a leading theological University for Dawoodi Bohras. It was founded in 1814 by the 43rd Dai Syedna Abdeali Saifuddin [R.A].In 1920, the late Dr Syedna Taher Saifuddin transformed this institution into a university that also promoted education for Bohra girls. With the present Dr Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin Saheb's vision, the university has seen tremendous expansion and now has state-of-the-art facilities and a competent International Baccalaureate Office (IBO) with acceptance worldwide.

^[5]

Students from all over the world are admitted here post-VII standard and are taught economics, politics, cultural tradition and philosophical thoughts amongst other subjects in English as well as Arabic.

Dā‘ī Mohammed Burhanuddin undertook the complete renovation and restoration of the Masjid of Imām al-Hakīm in Cairo, a project UNESCO had considered but did not undertake. Some of the most important Fatimid-era masjids were also renovated by his holiness in Cairo as a tribute to the vast and beautiful legacy of the Fatimid Imams, including Jāmiʻ al-Aqmar (built in 1125)^[6] and Jāmiʻ al-Juyūshī in Cairo.^[7][8]

Kufa masjid

Kibla masjid azam-Kufa

Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin has completed the task of renovation of the Masjid al-‘Azam in Kūfa, Iraq. This place is of historical significance to both the Islamic and the Pre-Islamic era. The masjid is also primarily significant to the shiahs as it is the place of martyrdom of ‘Alī ibn Abī Tālib. Another significant contribution in Iraq at the moment is the renovation of the shrines of Husayn in Karbala and that of ‘Alī in Najaf.

In June 2005, the Dawoodi Bohra community built Saifee Hospital in Mumbai, India. The hospital is one of the most technologically advanced hospitals in the entire country, and was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh on June 4, 2005. At the inauguration, the Dawoodi Bohra community was commended by the Prime Minister during a speech delivered by him..

Masjid Jame-ul-Anwar,Cairo

zarih of Raous-us-sohda -e-karbala,Damuscus,Syria

Zarih maulatena Zainab, Cairo

Raous-us-Husain,Cairo,Egypt

Dawoodi Bohra 52nd Dai Mohammad Burhanuddin has also been involved with several other notable projects of Shia Islam including:

1. The gold plating of Maulana Ali's Zaree in Najaf.
2. The gold plating of Maulana Abbas e Alamdaar's Zaree in Karbala.
3. The construction of Rasul Husain(Cairo)Zarih in Egypt.
4. The Mukalafat-al-Rasool next to Rasul^{[original research?]} Hussain, where some of the Imams are buried.
5. The construction of Maulatena Zainab's Zaree in Egypt.
6. The renovation of the masqurah (musoleam) of Imam Husain AS

Burhanuddin, who is known as Manṣūrul-Yaman, has turned his particular attention to his followers in Yemen. Under his reign, his followers in Yemen constructed the mausoleum of Hatim Saheb and a mosque in Hutaib Mubarak. He also undertook projects for providing water and electricity to the faiz and town. The roads to ziyarats in Yemen were made more accessible to vehicles by him.

[edit] Current notable official events

The first masjid (mosque) in the West was built in Farmington Hills, Michigan in 1988. Immediately thereafter, the first masjid for Canada was inaugurated by Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin in Toronto.

In June 2001 Masjid-ul-Badri in Chicago was inaugurated. In July 2004 the new masjids in New Jersey (Masjiduz-Zainy), Washington DC and Boston were inaugurated ^[9]

The following year, August 2005, the Dā‘ī l-Mutlaq inaugurated another new masjid in the United States in Fremont, California (metropolitan San Francisco) and was congratulated by various officials and dignitaries from local, state and the United States governments. President George W. Bush also sent a letter from the White House [1]. On July 8, 2007, Dr. Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin inaugurated a new masjid in Paris, France. [2]

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall visited the Dawoodi Bohra Mosque in London in 2009, and their web page comments about community as “community that has made a major contribution to British business and has patriotism at the heart of its faith”^[10].

[edit] Fundamentals of the faith

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Doctrine^[11]:

The Dawoodi Bohras follow Islam's basic seven principles, the 'seven pillars of Islam' in the tradition of Fatimid Dawa(t).

The first and most important of the seven pillars is Walaya(t)the love and devotion for Allah, through their Dai ,Imam , Vasi Ali and Nabi Muhammad. If Walaya(t) is not there, all other things are useless. Belief and commitment to them is foremost. It is same as of 'Integrity' in organisation, if your integrity is doubtful then it is a act, can not be excused ,same is importance of 'walayat' in front of Allah.

Mausoleum of 6 th Wali -ul- Hind Moulai Adam,Ahmedabad,d.836AH/ 1433AD

There is an incident famous of Indian Dawoodi Bohra Fatimid of their ‘walayat’. There was a ‘Farman’(order) from 19th Dai Syedna Idreesh to Wali-ul-Hind(6th) Moulai Adam that he has to follow a person named by "Sakka" (a very pious person but a ‘Bhisti’(water carrier) by profession, who has accepted Fatemid Dawat but new to it's tradition). Every one was surprised but they did not have any doubt in their mind and prepared "Sakka" ready to perform namaz /prayer, and Moulai Adam along with his associate performed namaz under "Sakka" (Actually there was a second ‘farman’/order to be open after few hours of the first, cancelling the first one and appointing back, Molai Adam as Wali).

When Dai Syedna Idris learnt that his orders had been accepted in this way, he was extremely pleased with 'Ikhlaas'(faith)and walayat of the Indian fatimid. Syedna Idris called all the ‘Hudud'(the noted pious personnel) of Yemen and told them about the incident and forecasted the possibility of relocating the dawat to India. ^[12]

Kalema –tut-Shahadat(Details given in the Kalema section below) make three Islamic teaching Tauhid, Nabuwat and Imamate together and devotion to god, his Nabi Mohammad and Imam are so linked together that these can not be viewed separately. One leads to other and finally to God the Allah almighty. This is achieved through Walayah.

The others Islamic principles followed are:

Tahara(t) -purity and cleanliness: Every Bohra prefer to remain in state of ‘Vojuh’(cleanliness activity performed before each “salah’ /namaz) to max. extent possible (It is felt that ‘Vojuh ‘condition is broken than he is not suitable to perform namaz). This makes Bohra neat and clean.

Salat (namaz/prayers); Five times salah/namaz /prayers to Allah in a day. As per old tradition ,these has to be done in five time intervals specified as Fazr, Zohr, Ashr, Magrib and Ishah. Zohr and Ashr are having overlapping period , same is Magrib and Ishah. Hence they are combined together and Bohra perform these five Salat in three intervals. Fazr in morning, Zohr & Ashr in afternoon, and Maghrib & Ishah in the evening, making convenient to perform. Salah is supposed to be compulsory act, and to be compensated if skipped.

The chief purpose of prayer in Islam is to act as a person's communication with God. By reciting "The Opening"("Al-hamdo lilah....."), the first surah of the Qur'an, as required in all prayer, the worshipper can stand before God, thank and praise Him, and to ask for guidance along the Straight Path.

In addition, the daily prayers remind Muslims to give thanks for Allah's blessings and that Islam takes precedence over all other concerns, thereby revolving their life around Allah and submitting to His will.

In the Qur'an, it is written that: "The true believers are those who feel fear in their hearts (of the consequences of violating the commands of God) when God is mentioned. And when His Revelations are recited to them, they find their faith strengthened. They do their best and then put their trust in their Lord." ^{[Qur'an 8:2]}

"To those whose hearts, when God is mentioned, are filled with fear, who show patient perseverance over their afflictions, keep up regular prayer, and spend (in charity) out of what We have bestowed upon them." ^{[Qur'an 22:35]}

Prayer is also cited as a means of restraining a believer from social wrongs and moral deviancy. ^{[Qur'an 29:45]}

It is generally felt that the purpose mentioned above is not known/clear to most of muslims/Bohras; specifically those who are not conversant with arabic language. They just know that it is compulsory to offer namaz and it will take them to heavens, and if not done in time it will be treated as a sinful act. Although faithful recitation itself gives a lot of peace of mind and self satisfaction, but it's real impact and all other related benefits are not achieved till one understands & feels the real message within.

Most of the salat/namaz purpose mentioned above will be clear if one understands the meaning( if not of all surah read in namaz ) , at least of surah 'Fatiha' ("Al-hamdo lilah.....")(which is mostly recited)( for meaning ,may pl. refer article 'Fatiha').

Zakah (purifying religious dues); This should be paid min.2.5 % of earnings. This is done during Month of Ramzaan, This is organized and collected by central authority Dawat–e-Hadiyah in such a fashion, that no Bohra is left out. Every year this amount is increased. This money is used to help the people in need to help them come at par with the rest of the society.

Sawm (fasting); roja the fasting is compulsory in the month of Ramazan.

Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca); is compulsory if one has capacity to do it.

Jihad (holy war). ; To come out against evil to protect Islam & it’s principles. This is supposed to be mostly by your deeds .

The Dawoodi Bohra Dais are appointed one after other in the same philosophy /Faith of “nass’ as done by earlier Imams. Fatemid/Bohra believe that the god representative will be always there on earth as his Imam and can not die before appointing his true successor.

This faith can be seen in case of 3rd Imam Ali ibn Husayn .Strong army of Yezid also could not think of killing him, when he was with his father Imam Husain in battle of Karbala. They could have killed him also easily when they did not spare even a 6 month child of Husain, the Ali Asgar. But the Yezid also could not think of removing the only single male The Ali (Zainul Abedin)left of Ahl al-Bayt the heir of Imamat.

Similar is the fact(narrated by Bohras) of one of their Dai( 33rd Dai Syedna Feer Khan) , who was prisoned by moughal ruler in India and kept in the horses stable area . Fire broke in the area, the complete surrounding area was burnt but the Dai was intact, fire could not reach his place. This has impressed the ruler so much that he has released the Dai and shifted to Ahmedabad with full honour. This also show that he was true representative and god saved him.^[13]

On the similar belief ,Bohra think and their Dai claim, that one day their Imam Tayyab’s heir will again reappear as Imam(as happened with 11th imam ABDILLAH who appeared after period of 150 years since 6th imam Ismail).

Under 15th Imam Aziz (5th Fatimid Egypt calipha) religious tolerance was given lot of importance. As a small shia group ruling over major sunni population with Christian minority also. The fatemid caliph were careful to sentiments of people. One of the Vazir of Imam Aziz was Christian ,and high office were held by both shia and sunnis. Fatimid advancement in state offices was based more on merit than on heredity.^[14]

Imam Aziz rebuild church of Mercurius near Fustat and encouraged public theological debate between Chief Qazi and Bishops in order that the ideas of their religions could merge. Hence the members of this Islamic sect were inclined to be tolerant.^[14]

Bohras have same tradition and respect and tolerance for other religion and believe in brotherly co existence. This is respected by all and this is all due to true following of their Fatimid imam. They are so peace loving and law abiders that there will be hardly any cases in the courts of justice, criminal case never.

On the view of Caliphate, Dawoodi Bohra believe in Imamate principle( as of other shia groups) of “nass’ as done by earlier Imams mentioned above, but they need not be ruler. To safe guard divine authority of Allah the "Din" from politics of World "Duniya" the 'external World', they have instituted office of Dai al-Mutlaq even from the era of their 21st Imam Tayyab (1130A.D.), under jurisdiction of Suleyhid Queen, as Imam was under seclusion.

Take the case of Imam Hasan, After Ali ,Imam Hasan was his successor. It is told that there was power struggle between Imam Hasan and Muawwia , finally agreement reached between them. As Hasan was more interested in safeguarding Islam, he has kept the 'Din' with him and sacrificed Caliphate to Muawwia. One thing is very clear that Imamat need not have power of ruler , but there cannot be two representative of Allah at one moment, hence to have two Imam at a time is ruled out. Even a small organization have clear hierarchy, a clear cut single line of downward delegation, how come the almighty organisation of Allah be governed in anarchy.

The same was philosophy of Fatimid, and same being literally followed by Dawoodi Bohra's Dai in absence and on behalf of their hidden Imam. Their further downward delegation system is also so well structured that in absence of their Imam ,Dai is taking care of on his behalf, and he has further appointed his nominee right up to grass root level. An Amil (usually a graduate of the order's institution of higher learning, Al Jamea tus Saifiyah) who leads of the local congregation in religious, social, and communal affairs, is sent to each town where a sizable population exists. Such towns normally have a mosque and an adjoining jamaatkhanah (assembly hall) where socio-religious functions are held (even for Village with 4-5 Bohra families, Nominee can be appointed from amongst themselves also).This is to ensure that his message reaches to each individuals ,and direct link to god is established. This seems a very unique and great thing. Walayat reaches up to direct root level, an ordinary Bohra think his village representative as representative of his dai/Imam/Vasi/Nabi/Allah.

The local organizations which manage these properties and administer the social and religious activities of the local Bohras report directly to the central administration of the Da'i based in Bombay, called al-Dawah al-Hadiyah and close link is maintained for all Bohra all over the world. This is the result that Bohra have unity amongst them all over the world. There is universal brotherhood amongst them, a same culture, same habits of living, togetherness for the cause of Islam and same time dedication to the land they live. This was the Islam and Fatimid's true dream, and the Fatimid/Dawoodi Bohra seems champion to this cause.

There is a quote from web ^[15]:

"...All five of us had different nationality passports. 1 Kenyan, 1 British, 1 Yemeni, 1 Indian passport issued in Egypt & another Indian passport issued in Nairobi . The Jordanian Immigration officer did not have to be explained why such a mixed group. He knew & he smilingly made a statement, that was actually a stunner. He jokingly said, “Why don’t you have a Bohra Passport? It will make things so much more easier for you, & us too.”

"....We .. people .. do not have a nation .. treated like a single nationality, do not have a kingdom, but are treated royally. From Japan in the East to he West Coast of USA, .. have a common bond, a unique culture, a common language, a standard calendar, a uniform code of conduct that..defines the rights & the wrongs, one goal, one platform & one base of knowledge..Our geographic existence might be checkered, but the entire mosaic of our community is a beautiful picture of harmony, painted by a divine hand,..Our Tryst with destiny begins & ends in the same spiritual allegiance,..loyal to the country reside in,.. contributing to..socio-economic progress and prosperity of the country, .. peace loving community,..and yet in spite of all diversities, we are one. What really makes us..special? We have a Maula, ..given us an identity, .. no other government in the world can provide."

Their Present Dai Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin,composed recently one recitation in Arabic, which emphasis on "mulk-ul-husain" means state of Imam Husain ,removing boundaries between countries, making mankind united.Isn't some thing great in present circumstances.

[edit] Kalema-tut-shahadat

Shia/ Fatimid/Ismaili/ Dawoodi Bohra recite the kalema as below ,there is some exception ,the last phrase about Ali is not common, the details are as follows:

“Ash-hadu -an-la-ilaha illal-laha, wa ash-hadu anna Mohammad-an Abdo-hu wa Rasulo-uhu wa ash-hadu anna moulana Ali-un –vasi-un wa vazir-ah.” Means: I bear witness that there is no God but Allah, and I bear witness that Mohammad is Allahs servant and His Messenger and Ali is his successor ’vasi’ and minister ‘vazir’.

First part of this Kalema up to ‘--rasul-al-lah’ is common amongst all Muslim as whole. Addition of last phrase’ Ali –un- Wali -ul –lah’ is tradition of shia/Fatemid/ismaili/bohra.

photo of qiblah of imam Mustansir in Fatemid masjid of Cairo showing Kalema-tut-shahadat 'la-ilaha-'

photo of kalema at Bab al-Nasr Fatimid Cairo

This is right from Fatemi Imam’s era.In one of the Qiblah of Imam Mustansir of Fatemi era masjid of Qahira (Mosque of Ahmed-ibn-tulun) engraved his name and “kalema‐tut‐sahadat"(photo as above) as ‘La ‐ilah‐ ilal‐lah, Mohamad‐un‐ rasul‐al‐lah Ali –un‐ vali ‐ ul –lah’. The same Kalema exist at Gate ' Bab-al-Nasr" built by minister Badr-al-Jamali at northern wall of Fatimid Cairo(Photo as above). Dawoodi bohra also have same tradition and read 'kalema' in same fashion.

Fundamental first phrase "La- ilaha-ill-al-lah” is foundation stone of Islaam the belief that “there is no god but Allah”. This is confession of “Tauhid”.

The second phrase "Mohammad-un –rasul-al-lah” fulfill the requirement that there should be some one to guide in the name of Allah, which tells ”Mohammad is Allah’s "Rasul", "Nabi", the Messenger ,Apostle”. This is acceptance of “Nabuvat” of Mohammad.

Nabi Mohammad declared Ali bin Abu Talib as his successor at a place called “Ghadir -al-Khumm” ( Ref: Hadith of the pond of Khumm), which was required for the continuation of His guidance, that’s why he told that "for whoever I am a 'Moula’ of them Ali is his ‘Moula’”. Hence, the kalma required further confession the third phrase “Ali-un- vali-ul-lah” ,means “Ali is his(Mohammad’s) “Wali" ,"vasi" , the real care taker, stressing the need that for continuation of faith there is requirement of “Wali” , which is one and only “Imam after Imam ” ,which are really taking care of Islam, hence this is also known as the confession of "Imamat".

Kalema –tut-Shahadat make three Islamic teaching "Tauhid", "Nabuwat" and "Imamate" together. In this devotion to god, his Nabi Mohammad and Imam are so linked together that these can not be viewed separately. One leads to other and finally to God the "Allah" almighty.

Shia/Fatimid/Ismaili/Dawoodi bohra's thinking is exactly on same line. Their further downward delegation system explained above from down the Dai fulfill 'Imamate' principle.

[edit] Azaan

According to Fatimid/Ismaili/Dawoodi Bohra Ashhadu ana Moulana Aliyan waliullah ("I testify that Ali is the vicegerent of God ") is part of Azaan (but not of iqamah) and they recite it twice after third part of the Azaan. namely 'Ash-hadu anna Muhammadan-rasūlu llāh'

They also recite"Muhammadun -va- Ali-un khayr-ul- bashar va itrat-o- homa khayr-ul-itar " (Mohammad and Ali are the greatest of all men and their descendants are the greatest of all progenies ) twice after 7th part "Hayya 'ala-khayril-amal". This is continued from the time of the Aimmat Fatimiyyeen (In the Iqama(h)t they recite 'Qad qamatis Salat" in place of this). Also, Hayya ala khairil amal, which had been dropped from the Azaan since after Rasulullah, is prayed, loud and clear, according to Nabi's sunnat.

The complete Azaan they recite is as follows:

[edit] Bohra Zakat

Zakat and Khumus is been paid to our Imam / Dai as a Tax in the way of ALLAHA, For ALLAHA and by ALLAHA. 20% Khumus and 2.5% Zakat on our income.

[edit] Imams of Dawoodi Bohra

1. Hasan ibn Ali
2. Husain ibn Ali
3. Ali ibn Husain
4. Mohd. ul Bakir ibn Ali
5. Jafer us Sadiq ibn Mohd ul Bakir
6. Ismail ibn Jafer
7. Mohammad ibn Ismail
8. Abdullah ibn Mohammad
9. Ahmed ibn Abdullah
10. Husain ibn Ahmed
11. Abdullah Al Mehdi ibn Husain
12. Mohammed ul Qaim ibn Abdullah
13. Ismail Al Mansoor ibn Mohammed
14. Maad‐nil Muiz ibn Ismail Al Mansoor
15. Nizare nil Aziz ibn Moad‐al Moiz
16. Husainil Hakim ibn Nizare‐al Aziz
17. Ali‐al Zahir ibn Husain‐al Hakim
18. Maad‐al Mustansir ibn Ali ai Zahir
19. Ahmed al Mustali ibn Maadenil Mustansir
20. Mansuril Amir ibn Ahmed Al mustai
21. Tayyeb ibn Aamir

Table of Imams

Table showing all Shia/Ismaili/Dawoodi bohra imam along with Islam Historic personnel and caliphate of time and where the Dawoodi Bohra stands now:

[ Ismaili Imam ]

[Fatimid Chaliphat]

Bohra ,India (1567 Onward)

Dawoodi Bohra

[edit] Dais of Dawoodi Bohra

37th Dai Syedna Nurmohammad Nuruddin,Mandvi,India, era 1700AD

Mausoleum of 41st Dai Abduttayyab and Sayyedi Hakimuddin,Burhanpur, era 1780-1787 AD

In the tradition ,Dais of Dawoodi Bohra are being continued as follows;

1. Syedna Zoeb bin musa
2. Syedna Ibrahim Bin Husain
3. Sayedna Hatim bin Ibrahim
4. Syedna Ali Bin Syedna Hatim
5. Syedna Ali Bin Syedna Mohd. Bin Waleed
6. Syedna Ali Bin Hanjala
7. Syedna Ahmed Bin Mubarak
8. Syedna Husain Bin Syedna Ali
9. Syedna Ali Bin Syedna Husain
10. Syedna Ali Bin Syedna Husain
11. Syedna Ibrahim Bin Syedna Husain
12. Syedna Mohd Bin Sayedi Hatim
13. Syedna Ali Shamshuddin Bin Syedna Ibrahim
14. Syedna Abdulmuttalib Syedna Mohd
15. Syedna Abbas Bin Syedna Mohd.
16. Syedna Abdullah Fakhruddin Syedna Ali
17. Syedna Hasan Badruddin Syedna Abdullah
18. Syedna Ali Shamshuddin Bin Syedna Abdullah
19. Syedna Idrees Bin Syedna Hasan
20. Syedna Hasan Badruddin Syedna Idrees
21. Syedna Husain Husamuddin Syedna Idrees
22. Syedna Ali Shamshuddin Syedna Husain
23. Syedna Mohd. Ejuddin Syedna Hasan
24. Syedna Yusuf Najmuddin Bin Sulemanji
25. Syedna Jalal Shamshuddin Bin Hasan
26. Syedna Dawood Bin Ajabshah
27. Syedna Dawood Bin Qutubshah
28. Syedna Sheikh Aadam Safiuddin
29. Syedna Abduttayyeb Zakiuddin
30. Syedna Ali Shamshuddin Bin Molai Hasan
31. Syedna Kasimkhan Zainuddin Bin Feerkhan
32. Syedna Qutubkhan Qutubuddin Shaheed
33. Syedna Feerkhan Shujauddin Bin Ahmedji
34. Syedna Ismail Badruddin Bin Molai Raj Saheb
35. Syedna Abduttayyeb Zakiuddin Syedna Badruddin
36. Syedna Musa Kalimuddin Bin Syedna Zakiuddin
37. Syedna Noor Mohd. Nuruddin Syedna Kalimuddin
38. Syedna Ismail Badruddin Bin Sayyedi Sheikh Aadam
39. Syedna Ibrahim Wajiuddin Bin Sayedi Abdul Qadir
40. Syedna Hibtullahil Moiedy Syedna Vajiuddin
41. Syedna Abduttayyeb Zakiuddin Bin Syedna Badruddin
42. Syedna Yusuf Najmuddin Bin Syedna Zakiuddin
43. Syedna Abdeali Saifuddin Bin Syedna Zakiuddin
44. Syedna Mohd. Ejjuddin Sayedi Jivanjee
45. Syedna Tayyeb Zainuddin Bin Sayedi Jivanjee
46. Syedna Mohd. Badruddin Bin Syedna Saifuddin
47. Syedna Abdulqader Najmuddin
48. Syedna Abdul Husain Husamuddin
49. Syedna Mohd. Burhanuddin
50. Syedna Abdullah Badruddin Bin Syedna Husamuddin
51. Syedna Taher Saifuddin
52. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin(T.U.S)

[edit] Other Fatimid contributions

• Renovated Lulua Mosque,Cairo
• Renovated Aqmar Mosque ,Cairo
• Renovated Juyushi Mosque,Cairo
• Mosque Imam Abadullah, Salamia, Syria
• Zarih Ja'far at-Tayyar
• Zarih, Sayyeda Ruqayya, cairo

Renovated Lulua Mosque,Cairo

Name plate Lulua Mosque

Renovated Aqmar Mosque

Renovated Juyushi Mosque,Cairo

Mosque Imam Abadullah, Salamia, Syria

name plate,Mosque Salamia ('mim'=Mohd.,'bey'= Burhanuddin)

Zarih Ja'far at-Tayyar,Jordan

Name plate,Ja'far at-Tayyar

Sayyeda Ruqayya, cairo

Name plate,Ruqayya Zarih

[edit] Further reading

• The Dawoodi Bohras: an anthropological perspective, by Shibani Roy. Published by B.R. Publishing, 1984.
• Mullahs on the mainframe: Islam and modernity among the Daudi Bohras, by Jonah Blank. University of Chicago Press, 2001. ISBN 022605676.Excerpts
• A Short History of the Ismailis, By Farhad Daftary
• The Ismaili,their history & Doctrine, By Farhad Daftary
• Medieval Islamic Civilisation,By Joseph W. Meri, Jere l.Bacharach
• Sayyida Hurra: The Isma‘ili Sulayhid Queen of Yemen,By Dr Farhad Daftary
• Cosmology and authority in medieval Ismailism,By Simonetta Calderini
• Religion, learning, and science in the ʻAbbasid period,By M. J. L. Young, John Derek Latham, Robert Bertram Serjeant

[edit] References

1. ^ http://www.ismaili.net/Source/0910.html/ Quarterly Journal of the AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF BEIRUT, Vol. XXI. Nos. 1 2, Edited by MAHMUD GHUL, THE HIDDEN IMAMS OF THE ISMAILIS,Sami N.Makarem
2. ^ dawoodi-bohras.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000620.html, Historical fact and Inner history (a continuation)
3. ^ http://rangwalatravels.com/khambhat.html
4. ^ The Ismaili, their history and doctrine by Farhad Daftary(Chapter -Mustalian Ismailism-p.300-310)
5. ^ http://www.sigatuljamea.org/ Official web site
6. ^ "Al Aqmar Masjid". IslamicArchitecture.org. http://www.islamicarchitecture.org/architecture/alaqmarmosque.html 
7. ^ Saifuddin, Ja'far us Sadiq Mufaddal. Al-Aqmar: A Living Testimony to the Fatemiyeen. Graphico Printing Ltd (published 2000). ISBN 0-9539270-0-8 
8. ^ Saifuddin, Ja'far us Sadiq Mufaddal. Al Juyushi: A vision of the Fatemiyeen. Graphico Printing Ltd (published 2000). ISBN 0-9539270-1-6 
9. ^ Anjuman-E-Burhani
10. ^ TRH visit the Dawoodi Bohra Mosque in London http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/
11. ^ http://www.associatepublisher.com/ Doctrine
12. ^ http://rangwalatravels.com/ahmedabad09.html/ Ahmedabad Ziyarat
13. ^ http://www.thelinksworld.com/ Ahmedabad na Doat Kiram,33rd Dai Syedna Feer khan
14. ^ ^{a b} Mullahs on the mainframe: Islam and modernity among the Daudi Bohras, page-29, By Jonah Blank
15. ^ http://hikmah.ekhwan.com/index.php/category/the-world/ The beauty of being a dawoodi bohra
16. ^ Adapted from: Adhan and Iqamah

[edit] External links

• Mumineen.org - A community web portal
• Dawoodi Bohra Da'i al-Mutlaq, Mazoon, and Mukasir
• Another web-portal for the Dawoodi Bohra community
• Dawoodi Bohra Search Engine of all Authentic sites.

[edit] See also

• Dawoodi Bohras
• Ismaili
• Shia
• Islam
• Mustali
• Taiyabi
• Fatimid