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To ensure that not a single [[Dawoodi Bohra]] community member goes hungry, Mufaddal Saifuddin initiated a “community kitchen”<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-bohra-women-get-respite-from-cooking-1659990|title=Community Kitchen|publisher=}}</ref> scheme<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hillpost.in/2013/06/pitfalls-and-perils-of-politicized-food-insecurity/90451/|title=Food Insecurity|publisher=}}</ref> named Faiz al-Mawaid al-Burhaniyah (Arabic:فيض الموائد البرهانية).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.faizulmawaidalburhaniyah.com/|title=FMB|publisher=}}</ref> Everyday, [[Tiffin]] & [[Thali]] of home-cooked meals are delivered community homes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.patheos.com/blogs/azizpoonawalla/2015/10/sustenance-for-the-soul-the-global-food-initiative-of-his-holiness-syedna-mufaddal-saifuddin//|title=Global Food Initiative|publisher=}}</ref>
To ensure that not a single [[Dawoodi Bohra]] community member goes hungry, Mufaddal Saifuddin initiated a “community kitchen”<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-bohra-women-get-respite-from-cooking-1659990|title=Community Kitchen|publisher=}}</ref> scheme<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hillpost.in/2013/06/pitfalls-and-perils-of-politicized-food-insecurity/90451/|title=Food Insecurity|publisher=}}</ref> named Faiz al-Mawaid al-Burhaniyah (Arabic:فيض الموائد البرهانية).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.faizulmawaidalburhaniyah.com/|title=FMB|publisher=}}</ref> Everyday, [[Tiffin]] & [[Thali]] of home-cooked meals are delivered community homes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.patheos.com/blogs/azizpoonawalla/2015/10/sustenance-for-the-soul-the-global-food-initiative-of-his-holiness-syedna-mufaddal-saifuddin//|title=Global Food Initiative|publisher=}}</ref>

His father, Syedna [[Mohammed Burhanuddin]] initiated the [[Bhendi Bazaar]] Redevelopment Project under the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT).<ref>{{cite web|url=www.sbut.com/|title=SBUT|publisher=}}</ref>


Through the Burhani Foundation<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.burhanifoundationindia.org|title=Burhani Foundation|publisher=}}</ref> [[Mufaddal Saifuddin]] has launched environmental awareness campaigns<ref> {{cite book |last= |first= |date= September 2015 |title= His Holiness Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin – A brief profile |url= |location= |publisher= the Department of Statistics & Informai, Dawat-e-Hadiyah, Badri Mahal, Mumbai, India |page= 16 |isbn=}} </ref> such as the tree-planting<ref>{{cite web|url=http://islamicvoice.com/tree-planting-drive-by-burhani-foundation/|title=Tree Planting|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://issamichuzi.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-dawoodi-bohra-leader-arrives-in-dar.html|title=Tree Planting Africa|publisher=}}</ref> and bird feeding campaigns such the “Save our Sparrows” initiative.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.burhanifoundationindia.org/projectsos.html|title=Save our Sparrows|publisher=}}</ref>
Through the Burhani Foundation<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.burhanifoundationindia.org|title=Burhani Foundation|publisher=}}</ref> [[Mufaddal Saifuddin]] has launched environmental awareness campaigns<ref> {{cite book |last= |first= |date= September 2015 |title= His Holiness Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin – A brief profile |url= |location= |publisher= the Department of Statistics & Informai, Dawat-e-Hadiyah, Badri Mahal, Mumbai, India |page= 16 |isbn=}} </ref> such as the tree-planting<ref>{{cite web|url=http://islamicvoice.com/tree-planting-drive-by-burhani-foundation/|title=Tree Planting|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://issamichuzi.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-dawoodi-bohra-leader-arrives-in-dar.html|title=Tree Planting Africa|publisher=}}</ref> and bird feeding campaigns such the “Save our Sparrows” initiative.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.burhanifoundationindia.org/projectsos.html|title=Save our Sparrows|publisher=}}</ref>

Revision as of 08:51, 21 June 2016

Mufaddal Saifuddin
Claimant to the title of 53rd Da'i al-Mutlaq
of the Dawoodi Bohra community[1][2]
Saifuddin during Moharram 1437 Waaz in Houston.
Born (1946-08-20) 20 August 1946 (age 78)
Surat, Gujarat, British Raj
Alma materAl-Azhar University, Al Jamea tus Saifiyah
Spouse(s)Jawharatusharaf (nee Najmuddin)
Bazat Saifiyah Qutbuddin (divorced)
ChildrenJafar us Sadiq Imaduddin (b. 1973), Taha Najmuddin, Husain Burhanuddin
ParentMohammed Burhanuddin
RelativesKhuzaima (half-uncle)
Taher (cousin)

Mufaddal Saifuddin (Arabic: مفضل سيف الدين; Abu Jafar-us-Sadiq Mufaddal Saifuddin) is a claimant[1][2] to the title of 53rd Dā'ī al-Mutlaq (highest spiritual authority) of the Dawoodi Bohra.[2] The Dawoodi Bohra are a sub group[3] within the Mustaali, Ismaili Shia branch of Islam. He is the 2nd eldest son of the 52nd Dai Mohammed Burhanuddin. He succeeded,[4] not without dispute, to the office after his father, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, who passed away in 2014[5] and is the spiritual leader of 2.5 million people living in 100 countries.[6][7]

Personal life

Early life

Mufaddal Saifuddin was born on 20 August 1946, corresponding to 23 Ramadan 1365 A.H. in Surat, Gujarat,[8] and was given the name Aali Qadr Mufaddal (Arabic:عالي قدر مفضل) by his grandfather Taher Saifuddin. He received much of his spiritual guidance from his father, Mohammed Burhanuddin [9][10] and devoted most of his time to strictly religious pursuits.[11] He graduated from The Institute of Islamic Studies at Al-Azhar University.[12][13]

Marriages

Mufaddal Saifuddin married Jawharatusharaf Najmuddin, daughter of Yusuf Najmuddin, the erstwhile rector of Al Jamea tus Saifiyah on 1 January 1970.[14][15] His second marriage was to Bazat Saifiyah Qutbuddin, eldest daughter of Khuzaima Qutbuddin, who holds a Ph.D in Islamic History[16] from the University of Oxford. Both marriages were solemnised by the 52nd Da'i Mohammed Burhanuddin but the second marriage to Bazat Saifiyah Qutbuddin ended in divorce.[citation needed]

Travel

Mufaddal Saifuddin often accompanied his father Mohammed Burhanuddin during the latter's travels across the globe, meeting heads and states and other notable personalities during such trips.[10]

Mufaddal Saifuddin was appointed Amirul Hajj by his father Burhanuddin in 1390 AH (1970 CE). After Hajj, he travelled to Karbala, Syria, Misr and Yemen. During his trip to Yemen, he laid the foundations for the construction of the 3rd Da'i al-Mutlaq's Hatim's mausoleum. After that journey Burhanuddin bestowed upon him the honorific title Aqeeq-ul-Yemen in 1391 AH/1971 AD.[14]

On 28 Rabi' al-thani 1435 AH (28 February 2014 CE), the Indian foreign minister Salman Khurshid accompanied Saifuddin to Mumbai airport to see him off for his first visit abroad after the passing of his father Burhanuddin in January of that year. Khurshid presented Mufaddal with a letter of good wishes from Sonia Gandhi, the president of the Indian Congress, before departed to Najaf and Karbala in Iraq for a pilgrimage to the shrines of Imam Ali and Imam Husain.[17]

Narendra Modi met Mufaddal Saifuddin in Mumbai

Later on, in Pakistan, he was received with state protocol and was welcomed at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah.[18]

According to one of Mufaddal Saifuddin's followers in Ontario, California who gave a press interview during a March 2015 visit of Mufaddal Saifuddin, the main message that Saifuddin hopes to instill on the community is that of loyalty to wherever people live, to follow the rules and be a good citizen, live in peace and make an honest living.[19]

Leadership

Following the death of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, on his posthumous 103rd Birthday, Mufaddal Saifuddin donated INR 103.50 crore ($15.5 Million) to the Qardan Hasana Scheme[20] (interest free loan fund) for the Dawoodi Bohra community.[21]

To ensure that not a single Dawoodi Bohra community member goes hungry, Mufaddal Saifuddin initiated a “community kitchen”[22] scheme[23] named Faiz al-Mawaid al-Burhaniyah (Arabic:فيض الموائد البرهانية).[24] Everyday, Tiffin & Thali of home-cooked meals are delivered community homes.[25]

His father, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin initiated the Bhendi Bazaar Redevelopment Project under the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT).[26]

Through the Burhani Foundation[27] Mufaddal Saifuddin has launched environmental awareness campaigns[28] such as the tree-planting[29][30] and bird feeding campaigns such the “Save our Sparrows” initiative.[31]

In battle to reduce global food wastage especially within community feasts Mufaddal Saifuddin introduced regulation on the quantity of dishes served per meal. This was launched under the moto of “ek kharaas, ek mithaas, no israaf” (one savoury, one desert and no wastage).[32]

Recognition & Awards

  • Mufaddal Saifudddin is a (Arabic: حافظ القران; Haafiz al-Quran ) (one who has memorized the entire Quran).[33]
  • He was appointed rector of Al Jamea tus Saifiyah (Arabic: امير الجامعة; Ameer al Jamea)[34][35] on the 26th of Ramadan 1407H corresponding to the 24th April 1987.[36]
  • Governor of Sindh Dr Ishrat-ul-Ibad Khan conferred an honourary doctorate degree upon Mufaddal Saifuddin in a convention organized by University of Karachi (KU) at Governor House.[37][38]
  • Mufaddal Saifuddin, was elected as Aligarh Muslim University's new Chancellor on April 11, 2015.[39][40][41][42]
  • Mufaddal Saifuddin was named one of The 500 Most Influential Muslims in the years 2014,[43] 2015[44] & 2016.[45][46]
  • Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin conferred upon him the title of (Arabic: ثقة الدعوة الطيبية; Thiqat al-D'awat al-Tayyibiyah ) (meaning The Trusted of the Tayyibi Mission) and bestowed upon him the cognomen of “Saifuddin” (سيف الدين) on the 27th of Zil al-Qa'da 1385H corresponding to 18 March 1966.[35][47][48]
  • He was awarded the “Global Peace Award” for 2015 “In recognition of his outstanding contribution in the promotion of human rights and social justice”.[49][50] He was also awarded a Lifetime Global Patronship Of All India Council Of Human Rights, Liberties And Social Justice (AICHLS).[51]
  • He launched the poster of “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao”[52] under the theme “Mai Tulsi Tere Angan Ki” during his presence in Islamic Cultural Centre New Delhi[53] on 28 February 2016[54] and in Al Jamea tus Saifiyah University on May 4, 2016.[54]
  • During his visit to Moshi, Tanzania, Mufaddal Saifuddin was presented the “Key to Moshi - The Land of Kilimanjaro” by the Mayor Japhary R Michael on 29 August 2015.[55]

Succession controversy

Main article: 53rd Syedna succession controversy (Dawoodi Bohra)

Succession controversy aroused after the demise of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin in January 2014, Mufaddal claimed the office of Dai[56][57][58] Khuzaima also took the office as the Dai, claiming to have been appointed heir 50 years earlier in secrecy,[57][59][60] challenging Mufaddal's right to be Dai in court.[61]

After Burhanuddin suffered a stroke in June 2011 in London, Mufaddal Saifuddin was declared as his successor by Muffadal's brothers.[61] The Dawoodi Bohra community was reported of the succession by Mufaddal's brothers[62][63] a group formed in 2013 in support of Burhanuddin's half-brother Khuzaima Qutbuddin, who was Mazoon, serving second under Dai al Mutlaq.[56]

The faction of Dawoodi Bohras led by Qaid Johar Ezzuddin the brother of Mufaddal who follow Mufaddal Saifuddin supports Mufaddal Saifuddin as Dai,[64] and it is alleged that they have excommunicated Qutbuddin and his faction.[65] However, there is no official confirmation from Dawoodi Bohra community on the alleged ex-communication and progressive members have called a banned on this practice citing it as illegal.[66]

Dissenters claim that Burhanuddin did not publicly declare any successor as late as 2011 and there were fights between rival factions of Burhanuddin's family over who should inherit control.[67]

The rival claimant to Mufaddal saifuddin is now succeeded by Taher Fakhruddin who was appointed by Khuzaima Qutubuddin as the 54th Syedna.[68]

Burhanuddin's now deceased brother Khuzaima Qutubuddin also claimed to be the successor of Burhanuddin after his demise. The legal team of Khuzaima has expressed to continue fighting the case, even though the cross examination dates for the other claimant has been cancelled.[69] The high court has not passed any order for abatement of the suit and the case still continues in the court.[70]

There are various reports that Mufaddal has taken over part of the administration using threat and intimidation.[71] Also the Bohras who support Khuzaima are being forced to swear allegiance to Muffadal using social boycott and threats of divorce between married couples.[71] It is alleged that Mufaddal Saifuddin and his representatives are resorting to threats and social pressure to maintain their control over the community[72]

Sakina’s husband was okay with her belief in Qutbuddin, but the local jamaat insisted that she leave her marital home. Her in-laws and husband succumbed. The second woman, a professional, had just had her nikaah solemnised; now, her in-laws have told her to choose between her belief and her husband.

— Reported threats of divorce in Punemirror

See also

Part of a series on Islam
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References

  1. ^ a b "A perilous transition – Mumbai Mirror". Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  2. ^ a b c Rizwan Mawani (30 January 2014). "The Intricacies of Succession: Two Claimants Emerge for Dawoodi Bohra Leadership". Huffington Post. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
  3. ^ Gnostic, Ismaili (5 July 2014). "What is Shia Islam? A Visual Chart of Different Shia Communities". Ismaili Gnosis. Retrieved 15 June 2016.
  4. ^ "500 muslims" (PDF).
  5. ^ "Syedna suffers stroke, names son successor - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  6. ^ "TheMuslim500-2016v009" (PDF).
  7. ^ "m500-2014-low" (PDF).
  8. ^ "Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin". Free Press Journal. 26 January 2014. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
  9. ^ "Bohras' thumbs up for Syedna's successor". Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  10. ^ a b "Syedna suffers stroke, names son successor". Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  11. ^ Blank, Jonah (2001). Mullahs on the Mainframe : Islam and Modernity Among the Daudi Bohras. University Of Chicago Press; 1 edition (April 15, 2001). p. 334. ISBN 978-0-226-05676-0.
  12. ^ Magazine Name: الشبان المسلمين , Edition No. 14 - of Rabi al Awwal 1397H (February 1978). Article Title هذه هي الاصول التاريخية لطائفة البهرة , Author: Abd al-Raheem al-Jawhari
  13. ^ His Holiness Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin – A brief profile. the Department of Statistics & Informai, Dawat-e-Hadiyah, Badri Mahal, Mubai India. September 2015. p. 4.
  14. ^ a b "Profile of Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin". GulfNews.com. Retrieved 2 June 2016.
  15. ^ "Profile of Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin". wonderfulinfo.com. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
  16. ^ "A Modern History of the Ismailis: Continuity and Change in a Muslim Community". Retrieved 2 June 2016.
  17. ^ "Union Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid". Afternoon Dispatch and Courier. 28 February 2014. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
  18. ^ Hasan, Shazia (28 February 2014). "Saifuddin receives warm welcome on brief visit". DAWN.com. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
  19. ^ "Ontario mosque inaugurated by spiritual leader".
  20. ^ "Burhani Qardan Hasana".
  21. ^ "103cr Interest free loan".
  22. ^ "Community Kitchen".
  23. ^ "Food Insecurity".
  24. ^ "FMB".
  25. ^ "Global Food Initiative".
  26. ^ [www.sbut.com/ "SBUT"]. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  27. ^ "Burhani Foundation".
  28. ^ His Holiness Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin – A brief profile. the Department of Statistics & Informai, Dawat-e-Hadiyah, Badri Mahal, Mumbai, India. September 2015. p. 16.
  29. ^ "Tree Planting".
  30. ^ "Tree Planting Africa".
  31. ^ "Save our Sparrows".
  32. ^ "Reduce Food wastage".
  33. ^ "Haafiz al-Quran".
  34. ^ "Ameer al-Jamea".
  35. ^ a b His Holiness Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin – A brief profile. the Department of Statistics & Informai, Dawat-e-Hadiyah, Badri Mahal, Mumbai, India. September 2015. p. 5.
  36. ^ His Holiness, Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb (1436H). رسالة اننعي المسماة - حكمة الغيبة القدسانية الابدية. His Holiness Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb, Badri Mahal, Mumbai, India. p. 559.
  37. ^ "Doctorate degree conferred upon Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin".
  38. ^ "Leader of Bohra community awarded honorary degree". The Express Tribune. 9 September 2015.
  39. ^ "Chancellor". Retrieved 13 April 2015.
  40. ^ "Aligarh Muslim University -- AMU News".
  41. ^ "Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin is new VC of AMU". Zee News.
  42. ^ "Aligarh Muslim University -- AMU News".
  43. ^ The Muslim 500: The World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims, 2014/15. The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre. 2014. p. 133. ISBN 978-1-4679-9976-2.
  44. ^ "The Muslim 500: Most influential Indian Muslims in the world".
  45. ^ The Muslim 500: The World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims, 2016. The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre. 2015. p. 139. ISBN 978-1-4679-9976-2.
  46. ^ "The 500 Most Influential Muslims 2016" (PDF).
  47. ^ His Holiness, Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb (1436H). رسالة اننعي المسماة - حكمة الغيبة القدسانية الابدية. His Holiness Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb, Badri Mahal, Mumbai, India. p. 552.
  48. ^ His Holiness, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin Saheb (1434H). الرسالة الشريفة فيوضات الجنة. His Holiness Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin Saheb, Badri Mahal, Mumbai, India. p. 375.
  49. ^ "Global Peace Award".
  50. ^ "AICHLS Award".
  51. ^ "Human Rights".
  52. ^ "Beti Bachao".
  53. ^ "IICC".
  54. ^ a b A Legacy of Knowledge - A Collection of Speeches by His Holiness Dr Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS - Head of the Dawoodi Bohra Community. Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah, Badri Mahal, Mumbai, India. 2016. p. 136.
  55. ^ "Key to Moshi".
  56. ^ a b "Talk of rift among Bohras over Syedna's successor". Hindustan Times. 15 April 2013.
  57. ^ a b "Bohras protest Syedna's half-brother 's claim". The Times Of India. Retrieved 26 March 2014.
  58. ^ "DNA India: Latest News Headlines, Breaking News & Live Updates on Politics, Business, Sports, Bollywood at Daily News & Analysis". dna. 12 March 2014.
  59. ^ "Talk of rift among Bohras over Syedna's successor". Retrieved 26 March 2014.
  60. ^ "The Intricacies of Succession: Two Claimants Emerge for Dawoodi Bohra Leadership". Huffington Post. 30 January 2014.
  61. ^ a b "Claimant to Syedna seat declares official challenge". dna. 12 March 2014.
  62. ^ 'With prayers and quiet celebrations at home, the Dawoodi Bohra community had welcomed their community leader’s choice of Mufaddal Saifuddin as his successor'
  63. ^ "Dawoodi Bohras welcome nomination of successor". Hindustan Times. Mumbai: HT Media. 7 June 2011.
  64. ^ "How is Syedna chosen? HC wants to know". The Indian Express. 30 April 2014.
  65. ^ "Bohras make anti-Syedna faction's ex-communication official, stick by Mufaddal Saifuddin". Daily News and Analysis. 31 January 2014. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
  66. ^ "Social boycott of Khuzaima Qutbuddin oppressive, say progressive Bohras seeking its complete ban". dna. 23 January 2014.
  67. ^ "bohra-dissenters-challenge-oppressive-priesthood/". Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  68. ^ "Khuzaima Qutbuddin, who claimed Dawoodi Bohra leadership, passes away". The Indian Express. 1 April 2016.
  69. ^ "Bombay High Court cancels cross examination of Khuzaima Qutbuddin due to his death". dna. 7 April 2016.
  70. ^ "Syedna's death won't affect succession row in High Court". The Asian Age.
  71. ^ a b "Bohras who refuse to denounce Qutbuddin face boycott, threats". Mumbai Mirror.
  72. ^ Shelar, Jyoti (26 December 2014). "Battle for Bohra spiritual head's seat splits families". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 6 January 2015.
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