Da'i al-Mutlaq
The term Da'i al-Mutlaq (
According to Tayyibi Isma'ili tradition, in the Imam's absence, the Da'i al-Mutlaq is the faith's highest authority; i.e., the Da'i al-Mutlaq holds the same authority as the Imam. Before the seclusion of al-Tayyib, the Da'i al-Mutlaq operated under the direct orders of the Imam and his trusted associates in regions where Isma'ili faithful were present, either living openly propounding their faith, or secretly due to fear of persecution.
In
History
Part of a series on Islam Isma'ilism |
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According to
Dawat-e-Hadiyah Act 1993 | |
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Act of Parliament | |
Long title | An Act to incorporate the Dai al-Mutlaq as a corporation sole; and for related purposes. |
Citation | 1993 c. x |
Dates | |
Royal assent | 1 July 1993 |
Status: Current legislation | |
Text of the Dawat-e-Hadiyah Act 1993 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk. |
The Dā'ī al-Mutlaq is recognised in English law as a corporation sole, by a private act of Parliament passed in 1993.[3]
Tradition of Nass governing the Appointment of Saheb-i-Amar
Nass-نص is the basis of Shia beliefs, it ensures the succession (Silsila). It is a declaration and designation through
The tradition stems from the events of
Deputies
The Da'i al-Mutlaq has the authority to appoint, at his discretion, a trusted individual to each of two ranks: Mazoon al-Da'wat and Mukasir al-Da'wat.
Mazoon al-Da'wat
- المأذون الدعوة - al-Mazoon al-Da'wat, Mazoon e Dawat: The Licentiate, Authoritative Rank, the most trusted associate in Da’wah ranks whose traditional role includes taking Bay'atfrom his subjects by the orders of Da’i al-Mutlaq. He is on a Spiritual Rank in the Isma’ili Taiyebi Da’wah hierarchy immediately below the authority of Da’i and sits to his right, and who carries out the religious activities as per the regulations of Da’wah organization. At any cost he always assists and obeys his superior and his Master, the Da’i al-Mutlaq. In the absence of the Da’i he acts as his legatee. The Da'i al-Mutlaq's successor is often appointed to the rank of Mazoon; however, this is not the rule and the Da'i's successor has often been someone other than the Mazoon. Upon the death of the Mazoon, the Da'i selects a new trusted associate to fill the position.
Mukaasir al-Da'wat
- المکاسر الدعوة - al-Mukaasir al-Da'wat, Mukaasir e Dawat - The second deputy rank to the Da'i proscribed in Isma’ili Taiyebism.[38] He sits to the right of the Mazoon during religious gatherings (Majalis). In the absence of both the Da'i and Mazoon, the Mukaasir acts as their legatee. Upon the death of the Mukaasir, the Da'i selects a new trusted associate to fill the position.
Incumbents
Since the establishment of the office of Da'i al-Mutlaq following the death of the Fatimid Caliph-Imam
Dawoodi Bohras
The
Within the Dawoodi Bohras, the current Da'i al-Mutlaq is Mufaddal Saifuddin. The last Da'i was Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, who died in 2014. The vast majority of Dawoodi Bohras recognize Saifuddin as the 53rd incumbent.
The current seat of the Dawoodi Bohra Da'i is in Mumbai, India.
Alavi Bohras
The Alavi Bohras are a smaller group of Tayyibi Ismailis, who followed Ali Shams al-Din V as the successor to Sheikh Adam Safiuddin, thus deriving their name from him.
The Alavi Bohras use the title of Dai al-Mutlaq in its Persian form "Da'i-e-Mutlaq". The current incumbent is
The current seat of the Alavi Bohra Da'i is in Vadodara, India.
Sulaymanis
The
Starting from 1677, Sulayman's successors almost always came from the Makrami family. The Sulaymani Du'at made Najran their headquarters and ruled the area, supported by the Banu Yam, until their power waned under the successive rules of the Ottomans and Saudis.
The current seat of the Sulaymani Da'i is in Najran, Saudi Arabia.
The current incumbent is Mohsin bin Ali al-Makrami.
Atba-e-Malak Badar
The Atba-i-Malak community are a branch of Musta'ali Isma'ili Shi'a Islam that broke off from the mainstream Dawoodi Bohra after the death of the 46th Da'i al-Mutlaq, under the leadership of Abdul Hussain Jivaji in 1840. They have further split into two more branches. The
Atba-e-Malak Vakil (Muslim-Shia-Ismaili-Tayyebi-Dawoodi-Malak-Vakil Bohra)
The
Qutbi Bohra
One of Taher Fakhruddin's first major decision was regarding the burial arrangements of his father and predecessor in office, Khuzaima Qutbuddin, who died on 30 March 2016. It was decided to bring Qutbuddin's body to India for burial.[11] Qutbuddin was buried at his residence Darus Sakina in Thane on 10 April 2016, after it was arranged for his body to make an overflight circumambulating Raudat Tahera by helicopter in order to pay respects at the mausoleum of his father, the 51st Dai Syedna Taher Saifuddin and the 52nd Dai Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin his predecessor and his half-brother.[12]
Khuzaima Qutbuddin had filed a case at the Bombay High Court against Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin in 2014 alleging that only Qutbuddin had received a valid appointment of succession from Syedna Burhanuddin.[13] Taher Fakhruddin has continued his father's efforts against Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin at the Bombay High Court. Later it was found out that Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin has all relevant documents and witnesses that prove his rightful succession as the Dai-al-Mutlaq and various courts recognised after presentation of all the relevant proofs, against just verbal arguments and lack of evidence on behalf of Taher Fakhruddin.[14][15]
See also
- List of Dai of Dawoodi Bohra
- Alavi Bohras
- Succession to 52nd Dai al-Mutlaq
References
- ^ Aqeedat ul-Muwahhedeen wa Muzehato Maraatib Ahl id-Deen: 8th Da’i-e-Mutlaq Saiyedna Husain bin Saiyedna Ali bin Mohammad al-Waleed (d. 667 AH/1269 AD)
- ^ "The Dawoodi Bohras - The Dal Al Mutlaq". thedawoodibohras.com. Archived from the original on 2016-07-31. Retrieved 2016-07-27.
- ^ Dawat-e-Hadiyah Act 1993 (c. x) at Legislation.gov.uk
- ^ Tohfat ul-Quloob wa Farjat ul-Makroob: 3rd Da’i-e-Mutlaq Saiyedna Haatim Mohiyuddin (d. 596 AH/1199 AD)
- ^ Taaj ul-‘Aqaa’id wa Ma’dan ul-Fawaa’id: 5th Da’i-e-Mutlaq Saiyedna Ali bin Mohammad al-Waleed (d. 612 AH/1215 AD)
- ^ "Dawoodi Bohra succession case: Taher Fakhruddin cross-examined in Bombay court". Business Standard India. 2019-01-30. Retrieved 2019-12-03.
- ^ "Dawoodi Bohra succession case: Taher Fakhruddin cross-examined in Bombay court". aninews.in. Retrieved 2019-12-03.
- ^ "Dawoodi Bohras - Home".
- ^ "Farewell, Mr People". Mumbai Mirror. April 2, 2016. Retrieved 2019-11-20.
- ^ "Syedna's death won't affect succession row in High Court". 8 April 2016.
- ^ "Rival Bohra leader to be buried in India | Mumbai News - Times of India".
- ^ "Khuzaima Qutbuddin laid to rest, body flown over Raudat Tahera". 11 April 2016.
- ^ "Bombay High Court to hear Syedna successor case on April 29". 8 April 2014.
- ^ "Rival Dawoodi Bohra leader may fight on | Mumbai News - Times of India".
- ^ "Leadership Battle Splits Dawoodi Bohras | Outlook India Magazine". Outlook (India). Retrieved 2019-11-20.