Al Dai al Fatemi, Dr. Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin

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By: Qazi Dr.Shaikh Abbas Borhany
PhD (USA), NDI, Shahadat al Aalamiyah (Najaf, Iraq), M.A, LLM (Shariah)
Member: Ulama Council of Pakistan

Published on 25-04-2008 in the “Indo Gulf Global”, Mumbai

1. Another phase of the life of Syedna:
Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin is a well known Muttaqi personality of the Muslim Ummah, each breath of whose pious life is dedicated and devoted for valuable services to the cause of Islam. His eyes are concentrated on the cumulative benefits of the Muslim Ummah as much as the individual interest of his followers. He is the fifty second al Dai al Mutlaq during the period of Satar of the Fatemi Aimmat. According to the Aqidah of the followers of Dawat Fatemiyah the relation of al Dai al Mutlaq with Imam is that of the Moon with the Sun. When night befalls, the Moon takes the place of the Sun.

A narrator and historian find two phases in the life of Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin. The first that pertains to the fifty three years spent alongside the illustrious father, Syedna Taher Saifuddin. The second that relates to the period after the demise of his father, the fifty first al Dai al Mutlaq, on November 12th, 1965, 19th Rajab, 1385 (A.H). He proved a true successor to the legendary father as much as a source of the greater expectations of the followers.

The Ismaili Musta’alavi Dawoodi Bohra Muslims is a small Community. But in its context the size is not an index to the important position it occupies in the economic life of the country through enterprise, hard work and integrity under the sagacious guidance of Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin who with his intellectual spirit, Ruhani magnetism and pragmatic approach personifies the unique combination of a man of worldly and spiritual qualities.

2. Contribution towards Arabi Literature:
The pinnacle of his high excellence in Arabi Literature is that, he is a treasure of Knowledge, which is beyond the capacity of an ordinary person. His mastery over the Arabi Language has often let the Arabs dumbfounded. His authority in Arabi lore has been acknowledged through out the Muslim World. He is a gifted poet to whom the flow of imagery comes easily and naturally.

Syedna Burhanuddin excels in the prose and poetry of the Arabi Language. His Doa and Munaj’at, Hamd and San’a to the Creator, and his N’at to Rasulullah (S) and his numerous Manqabat, Marasi and Qasa’ed in praise of the Ahl al Bait, in both the genres form a very rich and valuable treasure in the Arabi Literature. His literary masterpieces appear as precious pearls woven into a rosary. People will benefit from these treasures for all times to come.

Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin is particularly famous for his Munaj’at i.e., an Arabi form of poetry in Doa. In preface to one of his Munaj’at, Dr. Yusuf Najmuddin describes the importance of this literary form. He says:
“The glory of Allah is wonderful in His creation. One of His glories is that He shows his divinity through his devotees. He has given them the dignity of Wasilah. Allah has ordered His slaves to do Doa to Allah by these Wasa’il. Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin’s Munaj’at is a source of Wasilah for those who love to do Munaj’at. For the Shaf’at of his followers, Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin writes Munaj’at every year in Ramazan al Muazzam”. “Allah raises the position when one recites Munaj’at. It is a weapon against the enemies. It is an instrument to sow the seeds of Aqidah and Im’an. It is the guide-way to Sirate-Mustaqim, and a path to provide peace in trouble”.

I am not mentioning this under the influence of love and not because I have been overpowered by an exuberance of devotion and faith, but because I have studied his works, and I am sure, all learned people with due research would endorse it too. Translation of two couplets from his Munaj’at is presented here, so that the characteristic of Fatemi Literature may come to light.

Offering Doa to Allah, he says:
“O Allah! Let all Muslims participate in my Doa. All these are very dear to us”. This kind of Doa is true obedience of Rasulullah (S) since he is including the entire Muslim Ummah in his Doa. “O Allah, bestow more abundant lively-hood to all the believers”.

The virtuous have a unique way of offering Doa. Their Doa is of a comprehensive nature. They do not simply ask for Rizaq but they implore for the Rizaq in this world and the next. He is offering Doa for Rizaqe-Halal and for an increase not only of profit but benediction therein.

Moreover, Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin has elucidated the Tawhid of Allah in an attractive and captivating manner in Majalis, W’az, Khutub’at, Bay’an, in prose or in poetry, which impresses the students of ilahiy’at so much so that they soar to the world of Taharat. Like valuable gems Tanzil, Tafsir, Tawil, Haqiqat and Hikmat are as much apparent as hidden in his wordings. The principles of Deen and Laws of Shariat are found in abundance in his works. The excellence achieved in the Arabi literature is certainly because he was personally educated by his illustrious father who endowed him with the treasure of Fatimi Ilm as was destined by Divine Providence.

“Besides being himself a scholar, Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin is a patron of Talim, having been brought up in the traditions of his great father and has, therefore, both inherited and cultivated, a broad and liberal humanism. This quality permeates the conduct of his high spirit, his bearing as a person and his relations with the world at large”.

3. Born Orator:
He is well-known for his Balaghat and Fasahat, clarity of thought, graceful and lucid expression. He is a master of the telling phrases, apt illustrations and judicious display of wit and humor. He persuades rather than awes the audience and his golden words ring in the ears long after they have been heard. When he takes Asb’aq(plural of Sabaq-series of lectures on the Sciences of Islam ,on traditional manners) , it is the born teacher that is in command, putting everyone at ease and making the Sabaq a welcome treat in ilm. Nothing seems to give him so much joy as to keep repeating passages from the Sacred Books to himself while alone.

Once, when people had gathered in large numbers for the Urus of Syedna Qutbuddin Shaheed at Ahmadabad (Gujrat, India), Syedna Taher Saifuddin, to the pleasant surprise of the entire assembly, called upon Syedna Burhanuddin to take up the thread of the W’az that had been begun by his father. The son smoothly continued the discourse and unfolded the subject with deep emotion and thought the satisfaction of his father and the admiration of audience. This was in some measure due to the systematic training and discipline that he had gone through.

Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin is a person who is blessed with the ilm of Ruhaniy’at and Asrar ilahiyy’ah. He spreads Talim of Shariat according to the ability of the listeners to imbibe the knowledge. He always explains problems to people according to their capacity and grasp.

4. A Bird’s Eye View On Daily Engagements:
Every aspect of the life of Syedna Burhanuddin is exemplary to the inheritors of the Dawat Fatemiyah. It is not at all possible to bring under review the engagements of this pious personality, who remains busy throughout the year in the Dawat of Islam in the entire world. It is a miracle of spiritual strength rather than physical power that he remains so much devoted to the preaching of Islam in this old age of ninety eight years like a young man. However, I am taking the liberty of putting down the general daily engagements of one day. I am unable to decide whether I should begin with Sal’at al Fajr or the Tahajjud Sal’at.

However an ideal day with him starts with the Fajr Sal’at, Tilawat, Tasbih & Doa followed by a light breakfast. Then he turns to important matters which are addressed to him from all over the world by his followers. This is followed by the Tradition of Sabaq & Daras which had originally been founded by Rasulullah (S), and which had been the practice and the distinctive tradition of Fatemi dignitaries. Really lucky and blessed are those who get the chance of acquiring Knowledge directly from him. After this he comes to the visitor’s room where besides Executives, Administrators, Officers, Religious Scholars, respectable persons and a large number of followers are present to ask questions about Religion, Talim, Livelihood, Health, Politics and numerous other matters. The larger the number of people, the greater the number of problems. To give satisfactory answers to the numerous questions and to impart the lesson of eternal repose to the harassed and
worried people to whom nobody could satisfy even in hours and days, is not possible merely by means of intelligence and bookish Knowledge but with spiritual sagacity and ilm. He knows the truth as he is bestowed with spiritual benediction by Allah for the sake of sympathizing with people.

He has admiration and veneration of all those who have come in close contact with him. In short Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin remains busy in resolving a large number of multifarious problems of the people till the Zuhur Sal’at. When he goes to the Masjid for leading the Sal’at, a large number of people are also present there with their problems. Often the time for short lunch passes away. Since the word “short” does not sufficiently clarify the position, I am putting down what I have actually seen. If he takes only a few morsels after Fajr Sal’at and also just a few morsels at lunch, he does so merely with the intention that his body and soul should remain together and that he should be able to offer Sal’at, pertaining to Knowledge and Ibadat. Delicious-dishes of all sorts are present at meal times, but the practice of the slaves of Amir al Mumeneen, Ali is, that they do not live to eat but eat only to live.

During tours his schedule is tight because of decisions on Dawat-matters, orders and consultations. He replies to letters, Faxes, E-mails and Telex-messages, giving answers to the needy audience on various other matters. Then the time for Maghrib Sal’at comes. After offering the Faraz Sal’at he remains busy in offering Nawafil for a considerable length of time. In regard to dinner he normally blesses his followers who invite him on the Ziyafat for Sa’adat & Barak’at. Though rich dishes are served he just passes his hand gently over each of them and takes the simplest keeping up to the dictum of Amir al Mumeneen, Ali:
“One should stand up while there is still desire to eat”.

After dinner various matters and important problems of the present age are discussed. At this time various executives of the Jam’at seek guidance in regard to their departments. This process continues up to twelve at night. Then he turns towards his Residence where also a large number of people are present to gather benediction, and he blesses them all with words of Doa. Then after this when people go to sleep, Syedna Burhanuddin studies religious books and after taking rest for a few hours and acting on the way of Ibadehil Lazinastafa he gets the Sa’adat of Sal’at, Tahajjud and Nawafil. This is a brief summary of one day’s activities in the life of Syedna Burhanuddin. There are numerous aspects of his life which a humble person like me is quite unable to witness and where wisdom does not have any access. To give publicity to these things is greatly disliked by Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin; but I am taking liberty to do so because numerous people
are desirous of knowing these things.

People, who see him, do not forget him ever. His appearance generates a divine magnetism unmatched by anyone else on earth. To his followers, he is the best and the wisest adviser not only in spiritual affairs but also in temporal matters. Even on such questions as the best course to adopt in an illness, the feasibility of starting a new business enterprise or the scheme to reorganize an old one or the choice of a partner for Nikah, his judgment is solicited. The crowded day is absorbed in answering innumerable queries addressed personally to him or communicated through different media. He meets with people from all walks of life and from various parts of the world and discusses matters of general interest. He has enriched his cultivated mind and mature experience, for the advancement of social causes of humanity. He has captivated all those who have paid their respects to him, with his nobility of visage, solemnity of manners and the warmth of his
personality.

5. Reinforcement of Lis’an Al Dawat of the Indian Subcontinent
A great contribution in the transformation of the Gujrati language into Arabi script was done by the Ulama of Al Dawat al Hadiyah in the Indian Subcontinent, to carry on their Dawat activities safely. This language is known as Lis’an al Dawat, whose literal meaning is language of invitation. In the beginning the Ismaili Dawat (mission) in India faced difficulties. Later on two persons from India learnt Arabi language and accepted Ismaili Aqidah, and then they started preaching in local language. This language gradually accepted the influence of Arabi and then language of the Indian Courts, Farsi. The purpose of Fatemi Scholars who entered the Indian Sub-continent during this period was to spread the Dawat among the non believers. They wanted to appeal the population socially, culturally, politically, economically and to change their Aqa’id, not by force, but through inculcating a sense of understanding. They naturally wanted to go in extensive
details of Indian cultures and customs.

The natural outcome of this Arab-India interaction was a birth of a new language. This language is a bridge leading to the Arabi Language. The basic structure of the language, grammatically and structurally is Indian, mainly Gujrati. But only for its basic structure the language is otherwise Arabi. Entire lexical is made up of Arabi. In addition to this, many times the style and pattern of sentences too incline to Arabi patterns causing much confusion to persons not familiar with customs of Dawat which again are basically Arabi. The words of Gujrati, Hindi or Sanskrit are also made milder in their pronunciations and spellings. “Sh” has been turned to “S” and “Chh” to “Ch” and so on. There have been many Scholars of al Dawat al Hadiyah in India who have contributed to the language through their prose and poetry. The W’az and other Dawat processes of Nashr-e-Ilm as well as administrative affairs are done through Lis’an al Dawat. Thus,
this language has developed gradually.

I have found a few manuscripts of earliest work, in the Khazanat al Kutub of al Dawat al Hadiyah, compiled in Gujarat, India, when the seat of Dawat was in Yaman. Syedi Aminji bin Jalal’s “Masail” and Syedi Shaikhadam Safiyuddin’s “Peli Mendi” are notable works, in regards to the later contribution in Lis’an al Dawat, with especial reference. A particular feature of this language is its broadness to adopt words and terms without hesitation. A foreign word to a language generally doesn’t fit well nor is it easily acceptable. This is not the case with Lis’an al Dawat. Farsi, Urdu, English, Hindi, and Sanskrit all sorts of language material fit into Lis’an al Dawat very easily. This has led to a very rich terminology and a varied style of expressions. Like Fatemi Arabi Literature, where we find the same linguistic and literary tone, throughout the time and space, Lis’an al Dawat has a definite and unchanging literary tone but with a
varying linguistic pattern.

It is, no doubt, a great and an unforgettable munificence of Syedna Taher Saifuddin upon the followers of the Dawat that he completely enforced Lis’an al Dawat immediately. Syedna Taher Saifuddin’s reign is most important in this connection as being the chief period in which Arabi and Farsi were targeted and were near to disappearance due to the malicious policy of the British Empire. Syedna Taher Saifuddin realized the situation and adapted a beautiful way to spread the Arabi language. Similar to Syedna Abu Talib, he not only spread the Talim of Islam but also spread the Arabi, language of the Qur’an. Followers of Al Dawat al Hadiyah learned by heart his poetry and thus Arabi words with original meanings are stored in the minds of the masses. Gradually people started to use Arabi words in their day to day conversation largely with its original meanings. Dawoodi Bohra Muslims are largely using Arabi words in their daily language of Gujrati.
These Arabi Dakhil words have now become the part of the Bohra Gujrati.

This fact cannot be understood, unless it is presumed that in the house in which a Bohra is brought up, influence of Arabi is a common feature due to the Im’ani-home, Masjid, Madrasah and Majlis. These are four institutions, but they are inter-linked with each-other. Life of a Mumin is largely spent in these institutions, so their influence is but natural. Influence of Syedna Taher Saifuddin’s Arabi style of Gujrati was so much embedded on his followers that they willingly adopted it without any compulsion. It is not possible for me to recount each and every brilliance, because he was such a “Ruby of Badakhsh’an”, whose rays and luster are like the rays of brilliant sun. He was like the Ring of Sulaiyman, in the finger of the Imam. Though the Ring of the Sulaiyman disappeared from the eyes of the world but the pious aura of his persona is profoundly emanating from his Successor in office till the day.

6. Renaissance in the Dawat:
Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin has got a deep and sincere desire to awaken the world’s Muslim community and make them realize the real values of human existence. In an address of International Colloquium on Muslim and Arabi Studies, in Mumbai, he expressed:
“We are witnessing a new wave of awakening among the Muslim societies, especially of Arab countries. The prophecy of the great Rasul is about to come true. The keys of strategic Gates of the Globe and the treasures of the earth are changing hands and reverting to those who were deprived of them. At this historic juncture, we have to extricate the present generation, and with it the successive ones from the entanglement of inferiority complex. The age-old but dust-laden treasures of our ancestors have to be brushed clean, burnished and re-installed on the crown of modern civilization”. On another occasion in a seminar he said:
“Our Deen, which Allah was pleased to choose for us, is Islam. The Deen was ordained by Allah for all Humanity without distinction or exception. It is the Deen for the whole of the world. The entirety of the world stands in need of it, so as to promote the good of the world and the betterment of its inhabitants”.

“The subject of the seminar, needs study from two angles.
“Firstly, it is a Deen for the whole world. Therefore, how should it be made available to and applied by all the people of the earth without any distinction and exception, as they are; living in a multitude of regions, and environments, speaking innumerable languages and dialects, and cast in a plethora of temperaments.

Secondly, it is a Deen to which the hopes of the world are raised as the means to solve problems, to establish an order of justice and mercy, and to promote the spread of all good and happiness.”

To the inaugural session of the 15th century (A.H.) international seminar on “Universality of Islam” on Friday 26th March 1982 at B.M.I. conference Hall Colombo-Sri Lanka, Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin in very clear terms explained to the Ummah how to rejoin the Road of progress:
“Learned and Distinguished Gathering”!

“The first aspect needs a thorough and all encompassing study of -The essence of Islam and its Everlasting Values. Its noble and all inclusive view of Existence and Creation. Its philosophy pertaining to Reason and Thinking. Its thought pertaining to system and order in Ibadat and Muamal’at. Its Ethical principles as distinguished from others. Its Unique Economic system to be viewed differently from other known systems. Its concept of spiritualism which ensures, in perfect harmony, the unity of the perfect individual and the unity of the noble human society-.

He ordered to his followers on the beginning of 15th century (A.H.) to follow fully the commandments of Islam. On Friday, the 30th Muharram 1399 (A.H.), at the great gathering of his followers, where delegates from the entire world were present, he said:
“It is incumbent on us that we smash those idols which have been built by Ins’an”. The real meaning of idols is most comprehensive. Idols include both obvious and hidden idols. Idols further imply all sorts of Munkar’at and Bid’aat which have formed part of Aqidah, Idols stretch to forbidden acts also.

On the 25th year of his ascension to the Spiritual Throne and a gathering of Muslim brotherhood during Shab’an 1410(A.H), he particularly advised his followers to act upon certain things.

1. Wear the armor of Shariat, because it is the fountain-head and goal of Sa’adat and Barak’at for a pious life. It is that very way of life which leads to an eternal life.
2. Acquire ilm from a ‘True Teacher’. Every branch of ilm which Hikmat does not vouchsafe and Shariat does not recognize is Shait’ani in nature and it does neither reveal any insight nor purifies the soul.
3. To get to reality always strive for exploring the secrets of ilm because by doing so one gets conviction and consolation and doubts and misgivings are removed.
4. Get rid of discourtesy because the Shait’an and his powers attract person towards it. Hence acquire excellent-morals as it is also a kind of Ibadat. The basis of Aakhirat is on four things, Sincerity, ilm, Amal and Akhl’aq, which should be so high that it affects Aakhirat also.

One, who practices upon these principal points of Amal, not only can save himself/herself from the Evil, but can also bring up his family on the accredited principles and lines of Islam. The life of Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin has a Divine Mission, the sum total of which is to exhort doing the Halal and to refrain from committing the Har’am. As he is the custodian of a splendid tradition, inheritance, culture and social order, his orations have infused a new life in the Ummah. It is the effect of his orations that not only his followers but his admirers in the World have begun to follow his Talim and instructions which under the corrupt thinking of the Jews and the Christians are regarded as worn out.

In the age of materialism when arrows of Kufur, Kharijiyat and Yazidiyat are being shot out and all the cursed Evil Powers are acting as arch enemies of Islam, he is telling the people that all those who raise the slogan of Allahu-Akbar and all those offering Doa for Al Sir’at al Mustaqim; may bring about a pious society, by means of spiritual values by transcending over the conditions and changes of prevailing time. The origin of this social order is linked with Rasulullah’s order of Madinah, the fifteen hundred years old golden example, which had been nourished by Rasulullah (S) and his Ahl al Bait and nurtured by his Ash’ab. It is the effect of these pious teaching that the followers of Syedna Burhanuddin have discarded practices repugnant to the injunctions of Shariat and adopted to act upon the Shariat. If the society wholly acts upon the Shariat, it would be immune from all subversive activity.

7. Opinion on Talim:
"You and your children are acquiring ilm and studying various disciplines. The Aimmat have declared:
“We bear no enmity to any knowledge and we bear no prejudice against any religion. However, our ilm is such that it overwhelms all others.”

This ilm encompasses all other types of knowledge and indeed, gives perfection to them. Learning and ilm should be gained, but its acquiring must be from the standpoint of Islam and perceptions of Qur’an. O Mumeneen! “I have said this often; that you should always recite the Qur’an by day and by night. Your children should also do so. Islam is the best of religions and Qur’an the most excellent of all creation.” Amir al Mumineen Ali has said:
“The standpoint of Islam and the perception of Qur’an are supreme and most excellent.”

If you accept this view of supremacy and excellence, you will attain distinction and dominance in all your knowledge and deeds. Children attend Madaris in good numbers and their Talim and Tarbiyat is well taken care of. But those children who do not attend Madrasah remain deprived of Deeni Talim. You are the beneficiaries of this Talim so why should your progeny be denied this Barakah? It is the responsibility of the Madrasah committee and of ‘Amil’ to ensure that not a single child is without Deeni Talim. Parents residing in foreign lands are under obligation to strictly ensure that their children attend Madaris and that their Talim is augmented at home. They should be nurtured on Im’an with purity of intention and purpose.

Those parents who cannot ensure Deeni Talim for their children and are unable to practice their Deen are caught up in an atmosphere where they are only able to reap material benefits and earn money - for them it is better that they return to their homeland. Keenly interested in the T’alimi advancement of his community, he has followed with great interest and devotion the activities of the Dawat’s Talim Department, which directs hundreds of Madaris in their policies and activities. The Department also aids and fosters their growth. Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin has personally conducted and supervised the Talim and Tarbiyat of his family members, and today they carry on their assignments and fulfill religious and Talimi needs of the Dawat by seeking directions and guidance from Him.

Who can deny that Talim is not a very useful thing? But what kind of Talim? Does Talim mean the acquisition of what makes a person go astray and lets him/her grope in the darkness like one lost? Or by Talim it is meant to acquire that Knowledge which strengthens his/her Aqidah? Which Muslim would like the first kind of Talim? Hence Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin is not against acquiring Talim by modern means, while remaining within the folds of Shariat. But he disapproves of Talim which makes one indifferent to Shariat. He has always advised that one should not be swept away by the tide of irreligiousness or in the current of world affairs, and that one should not forget the Daras of Shariat in the pride of the modern Talim.

The world of Muslim brotherhood ushered in the 15th century A.H. in a mood of great expectations. A great awakening has taken place. One realization is common to all Muslim countries that there is grave need for a way of Muslim life, the return to the purity of Islam and a total commitment to their great Deen.

But the question now arises as to how to achieve a return to the purity of islam? There is only one way that Muslims can be free from the bondage of the present T’alimi system designed by colonialism, and in its place, substitute the Muslim system of learning. Syedna Burhanuddin gave a new dimension to Talim of Islam.

He also emphasized that Muslim Ummah should consider changing their T’alimi-system which is under Western-domination. An important task undertaken by Syedna Burhanuddin is the establishment of many thousand Deeni Madaris, where children from the very outset, are taught teachings of Qur’an and Sunnat along with other religious sciences, So that they may remain immune from the evil effects of the present time. Every wise person knows that children are the most valuable assets of society. They are the builders of the future.

It is the result of the infinite insight and discernful comprehension of the Syedna Burhanuddin that he has turned his special attention to the most valuable asset of the human race for withstanding the onslaught of the future, by means of higher Talim and Training, which may be inspired by a religious passion. In regard to modern Knowledge his viewpoint is quite clear that he does not regard Islam as subservient to modern ideas, but regards modern Knowledge as subservient to Islam. And on this very basis he discards those ideas which clash against the spirit of Islam. Syedna Burhanuddin has emphasized that Muslim Ummah should consider changing their Talim system which is still under Western domination. The Dai with changing times, has incorporated with great emphasis in the Talimi movement providing facilities for Talim.

8. Revival of The Fatemi Tradition:
The modern historian while codifying History of Islam would surely record this achievement of Syedna Burhanuddin that he has deep pivotal in the revival and beautification of all the Masajid which the Fatemi Aimmat had built thirteen hundred years ago. Hence his role is not only important from the point of view of their renovation and revival, but also from the viewpoint of modern architecture. Not only in the Muslim countries but in the Western Countries also the Masajid and Mashahid built in the Fatemi style are renovated in the modern style. This is definite proof of the fact that the Dai pay great attention to the revival of the culture and civilization of Islam.

9. Beloved Father of the Followers:
Soon after he took over the charge of the office of Al Dai al Mutlaq he turned his attention towards the isolation and lukewarm attitude of Children of the Dawat residing in Yaman and guided them with love. The greatest obstacle to change would come from one who was the Dai’s deputy in Yaman. Although the Zaidi regime was overthrown and a new Revolutionary Republic established, the deputy and those around him refused to move with the new situation and continued in practices totally unwarranted in the changed circumstances. Syedna Burhanuddin took a bold decision and took away the authority of the deputy.

Earlier he sent his son, Shahzadah Mufaddal Saifuddin to Yaman with specific instructions that after obtaining the permission of the new Government, he should start the rebuilding of the Shrine of Syedna Hatim, 3rd al Dai al Mutlaq at Hutaib. This construction was a signal for the truthful followers that their affairs would now take a positive turn. There was great jubilation over the dedication of the rebuilt Shrine. Shahzadah Saifuddin was given the title of “Aqeeq al Yaman”. In this way the ravages of dilution and pollution of faith taking place for over a century, were checked.

10. Advice to the Muslim Ummah:
Few years back when Syedna Burhanuddin visited Karachi for a short duration the writer of these lines along with the Senior Judge of the Federal Shariat Court, Mr. Justice Ibadatyar Khan, had the privilege of meeting him. While talking about the present problems in the context of the present dangerous situation for the Muslim Ummah, Syedna Burhanuddin said that the policy of the Forces inimical to Islam has been that, they plan out things by a show of pious intentions and well meaning intents and enter the fold of the Muslims by befriending them. Today the Muslim Ummah is in dire need of unity. On his saying so I was instinctively reminded of the divine order,
“Never make the Christians and the Jews your friends”.

It has been our misfortune that internal disunity among the Ummah has humiliated us in this world, and we, now consider the Christians and the Jews, as our friends. In fact we conceal our heads in the sand like an Ostrich, even though we clearly see a storm brewing before us. Present crisis for Ummah created by forces of the Shait’an is never acceptable to us. Solution for the crisis of the Ummah is only that we totally accept the golden Laws of Islam and follow them. It contains the secret of the good of both the worlds- the Dunya and the Akhirat.

11. Guardian of the Zikr al Husain:
It was the mission of Syedna Taher Saifuddin too, to explain the Talim of Imam Husain to the Ummah. For this purpose he organized Majalis al Az’a, during the month of Muharram with grace and discipline, in which he himself delivered W’az, wherever he was at that time, irrespective of the state of his health, for over fifty hours during Aasharah. Today the same practice is continued with an organized and improved way, by his illustrious successor and fifty-second Fatemi al Dai al Mutlaq, Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin.

Once a year, Dawoodi Bohra Muslims commemorate Aashurah, the day the Rasulullah’s (S) grandson Imam Husain offered a great sacrifice, in Karbala. All over the world Dawoodi Bohra Muslims meet to recount the narrative that moves the hearts even fourteen centuries after the event. Thousands other choose to gather around Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin, wherever he may be and listen to his W’az, which is often relayed live to community centers all over the world.

This day’s Barakah illuminates every day of the calendar for the devout in the same way as each night of his entire year is radiated by the blessings of Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin that he sends in Munaj’at every year, in the month of Ramazan, for the especial occasion of Lailat ul Qadar. His Munaj’at as said earlier are the great source of inspiration not only to the students of Fatemi Literature but to all who recite it. This Munajat brings to light unexplored shades of meaning and sublime values underlying Imam Husain’s Shahadat. May Allah bestow a long and healthy life to Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin for communicating the Daras of Imam Husain’s Wasiyat and cause of his great Shahadat at Karbala. May Allah grant more courage and strength to Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin to fulfill the wish and will of his illustrious father, Syedna Taher Saifuddin, forcefully repeated in every stanza of the Marsiyah, “Y’a Sayyedash-Shohadai” - “I will weep upon Husain for very long period”.

9th Muharram 1422 (A.H.) Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin remembered Moula Husain in Majlis al W’az at Houston, America in these words and addressed his followers:
“O gathering of Mumeneen!
Allah has bestowed upon you many Barak’at. You have been given the boon of Im’an. For that reason, you are chosen to be addressed as follows. Your Moula, my Moula, Husain has made many sacrifices for your return (to the hereafter). When Husain did not forget you in his last Sajdah, how could you forget his grace? Imam uz Zaman has assigned me this Khidmat - that I remind you of Aqa Husain. There should not be a day or a night when Husain has not been remembered. Asharah Mubarakah are the days of remembering Husain - these hours are passing by. Now there is just one day left. This whole night, Imam Husain stayed up in vigil.

O children of my Dawat. Heed the advice of your Dai, your benign father. Tomorrow, perform Matam devotedly; shed many tears. Let no one lapse in this, whether they are old or young, whether they are children, or even newly born, they should all partake the blessing of Matam. For small children, let their mother make them do Matam. My message is for every Mumin in the world and for every Muminah.

I am not saying this to others. I am saying this only to Mumeneen. I am saying it because you are born in the home of a Mumin. If one is born in a Mumin’s house but has become distant, then let them remember Husain and they will be given Tawfiq. You are my children that is why I am telling this to you. My message to all Mumeneen may be downloaded all over the world. And my Irsh’ad (instruction) to those doing W’az, is this:
“Call such people (those who have distanced themselves)”.

O Creator and Sustainer!
Make them return. How much their parents must feel (their loss). I, Mamluke Ale Mohammad, am your spiritual father and your mother. Imagine my pain. O gathering of Mumeneen, my Doa is this that may Allah guide you all. Let there not be even one Mumin who fails to remember Husain on the Day of Aashoorah. May Allah make these people come tomorrow. Even after this irshad’at, I am worried for those who don’t come tomorrow. What will happen on their return to the hereafter? I am the Dai of Husain. I beseech (Allah) for this - that may Allah, by Buk’a and Matam of Husain, grant you prosperity on earth and the hereafter. May He keep you happy and contented. Except for the grief of Maula Husain, let no grief touch you”.

12. Doa of the Well Wishers:
Syedna Burhanuddin has a joy of seeing his followers closely knit and better organized than ever before and fully equipped with Talim and training. The happy compliance to the laws and traditions of the country in which the community is settled, is the result of the existence and the uninterrupted functioning of a historical central organization known as Al Dawat al Hadiyah. It has over a period of eight centuries been able to provide spiritual and moral cohesion as also practical guidance to foster and strengthen unobtrusively but effectively the fundamental unity of purpose which is the keystone of human progress and stability. While Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin has completed ninety eight years, he is looked upon with great respect in all the countries particularly in the Muslim World. He is still working more than twenty hours everyday, in Ibadat, discussions, holding classes in lore of Islam for Scholars of the community and receiving distinguished callers.

His followers also preserve their traditional identity, culture and above all traditional life style of a Muslim and it is just because of the guidance of their spiritual leader. Why should not Syedna Burhanuddin have the joy of seeing his followers closely knit and better organized than ever before, equipped with Talim, and having ample resources to forge ahead and achieve a status of unparalleled prestige and prosperity. He is respectfully welcomed with all the protocols and official honors, because his services transcend those of his community and extend to the cumulative interest of the entire Muslim Ummah, for which he strives day and night. So he must be loved by the people. The arena of his love must be quite wide.

It is now more bond-full on the affluent members of the community to come forward in their individual capacity to contribute in the fields of Health and Education especially for the less fortunate and deserving members of the community at large. The Dai has done a lot for them to bring them to their present position, and its now their turn in their own capacity to individually raise the status of the less fortunate.

One to one help, higher to lower support, strong to weak care are the need of the hour. The world has become a big village, people are scattered all over the land. Life has become fast and full of hustle and bustle. Behaviors are mechanized and emotional ties are getting loose. The world talks loudly about human cause, humanity and unity of mankind but who cares even for closest of his kith and kin. People preach to form groups and committees for social activism but they end up with realizing self interests. No sooner one wields slightest power than he becomes high-handed. So it is not through organizational units only that the cause of humanity could be bettered. Individual’s heart needs to be lit up, his passion for the well being of brothers and sisters be inspired and his voluntary contribution in pursuance to irshad'at of Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin be encouraged and welcome. One to one services in emulating the exemplary works of the Dai would in
my view pave the way to the realization of common good and cumulative well being. Qur'an says:
"In Rasulullah(S) you have the best example for you.”