History ~ Memorandum ~ Board of Management ~ Office Bearers ~ General Body

The year 1400 AH, was designated as " " the century of “purity and good”.

In the year 1401 AH, AL-Jame Ul Anwar at Al-Qaherah, renovated, refurnished and re-embellished, as an act of faith, by 52nd Dai al-Mutlaq, was reopened for prayers to muslemeen by His late Excellency Anwar al-sadaat, then president of Egypt.

More than ten thousand followers of Fatimi Dawat converged on Cairo, to witness and share this unique event. They re-lived the glory of the great Fatimi civilization and took pride in the indelible and lasting coat of glory that the refulgent Fatimi epoch of two centuries and imprinted on the fields of human Endeavour and well being: whether of faith and conduct ,science and literature, philosophy and art ,politics and administration and architecture and culture. Dai-z-zaman gave praise and fervent thanks to Allah subhanahu, that even after over eight centuries after the 21st imam chose seclusion, mumineen came back to the land of their forefathers, still cherishing, following and honouring the great Fatemi legacy of Deen and Endeavour so carefully defended, preserved and fostered by the noble doat Mutlaqeen in moulana Burhanuddin words :

That act of renovation and dedication by 52nd Dai-al Mutlaq, undertaken in the humble spirit of true service to Islam and its followers, has already become the harbinger of rich barakaat. It has also endangered a powerful force of pride loyalty and inspiration, to plan for the future of the fellowship. Verily, the re-dedication is justly recorded in the Dawat annals as a rare historic phenomenon, laden with rich consequences.

In 1400AH, Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin addressed an ijtema, convened in Nairobi, and gave a call for total commitment to deen-e-islam.Mumineen had to bear in mind, at all times, that they are a brotherhood whose aadab and tehzeeb, ideas and concepts, rules and regulations, values and criteria, are all derived from Islam. For, Allah has made Islam a universal message, ordained it as the religion of the whole of mankind, given it the status of the last Divine message for humanity, and made it a guide for all the inhabitants of the planet in all their affairs, until the end of the time. Al-Quran had to be the only source and the only mould in which to structure our life style. Al-Quran had to become part of the community ethos mingling with our lives and characters. That total commitment calls for cleansing of all admixture and impurities. We had to derive our concepts of the nature of the universe, the nature of human existence, the relationship of these two with the creator, and that lies between the heaven and the earth from the pure Islamic source and stand point. From it must come our notions of life, our principles of social and economic wellbeing, as also of all the aspects of life.

In the year 1403 AH, 52nd Dia-al-mutlaq, convened a special meeting of Anjumane Shiate Ali at Saifee Mahal, Bombay, and graciously bestowed irshadaat which stated:

“Bombay is the crown of cities and the eyes of the world look upon it. My father, Syedna Taher Saifuddin (AQ) chose Bombay as the seat of Fatimi Dawat. Your walayat khidmat and ikhlas brought barakaat and even today you continue to be the beneficiaries of sadaat and barakaat.

Accordingly, mumineen of this city carry a heavier responsibility and the need to ever remain alert befalls on you. It is your onerous obligation, to ensure, that the Dawoodi Bohra culture, tradition and way of life is preserved and protected. My father established the Anjuman-e-shiate Ali for the betterment, wellbeing and guidance of the Jamaat of Bombay. You have served well and must continue to do so, in keeping with my wishes and guidance”.

Continuing, Dr.Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin touched upon the various activities of the association and enumerated the various aspects of community life upon which attention had to be focused and action taken. He referred to rida, community libas, evil habits of consuming liquor and moharramat, gambling and attitudes and conduct which infringed on our culture and traditions, and exhorted the Anjuman-e-shiate ali to take responsibility for ensuring that Deen is practiced in its purity and its total commitment.

In the same year, to help Anjuman-e-Shiate Ali to carry out pragramme envisaged by 52nd Dai al- Mutlaq, fourteen Mohallah tanzeem committees were constituted. These fourteen Committees would function under the aegis of the Anjuman-E-Shiate Ali. In 1408 AH, the scope of khidmat delegated to the mohallah Tanzeem Committees was increased so as to make the administration of Anjuman-e-Shiate Ali more beneficial and rewarding. In this way the Jamaat of Bombay, which was looked upon as the crown of the Dawoodi Bohra world, was strengthen to facilitate its work.

In the year 1405 AH, the auspicious year of Al-Munasabatain al-karimatian , 52nd Dia-alMutlaq, enunciated a five usool programme known as Mirath ul-barakaat.

That programme had its object, comprehension of the rich blessings that flow out of legacy of obedience to nabi Mohammed, aal-e-mohammad and the duat Mutlaqeen. That legacy had to be understood, its worth respected, in its pure form, to the coming generations. A term of four years was fixed for the followers to implement the five usool of that programme ,viz:

• Total commitment to shariat Mohammediyah and cohesive taat of Vali-ul –amr.
• Islamic education.
• Practice Al-quran’s injunction of qarzan hasana
• To strive for rizq-e-halal.
• To do virtuous and charitable deeds for ibadullah.

In the same year, Dia-zaman, addressing an ijtema held at Dar-e-slaam stated:

“The expression multaqa signifies, to be with aimat tahereen and duat Mutlaqeen, to live and die like them, to think and act likes them, to follow and obey them, and to make obedience and submission to them, the foundation of the mumins life and lofty ideal. Multaqa thus is a continuing process. Every munaadi of iman calls for piety and to tread in the steps of the true guides, for they guarantee your return with them.”

52nd Dia-al-mutlaq alerted the followers that they had to carefully reflect to 2 questions of supreme importance and vital to their continuance as mumineen, viz:

“With whom do you opt to associate?
And
Whose example will u follow?”

Upon their correct determination would follow the conditioning of their personalities, homes, society and lives; indeed their Akhirat.

In the year 1406AH, 52nd Dai al-Mutlaq bestowed Irshadaat at surat delineating the basic precepts of the fatema philosophy and spelt out the characteristics of every society or body that is established to serve the community of believers. That society or body must be one:

- Whose every activity policy and existence must be founded on the will and pleasure of al-dial al-Mutlaq and to be in conformity and Aqeedah of a mumin

- Whose constitution and aims and objects and in conformity with the shariat of Islam;

- Whose policy gives paramount importance and pride of place to al-Quran and arabi , the sacred language of al-Quran ;

- Whose members and office bearers are committed to Islam and the way of life prescribed by it;

- Whose members, office bearers, executives, employees and workers are ready and willing to honour and respect6 the faith ,culture and heritage of the community;

- Whose institutions provide an environment for iman;

- Whose administration and management reflect the spirit and the word of Islam and is conducive to the culture and heritage of the community and their practice and observance.

In 1408 AH 52nd dia-al-mutlaq, bestowed guidance based on the ayay of Al-Quran:

“Truly Allah loveth those who turn to him (for forgiveness) and
loveth those who have a care for cleanliness”.
Surat Ul-Baqarah Verse: 222

Cleanliness (taharat) was loved by Allah and therefore had to be the essence of mumins way of life. That concept of cleanliness had to be enshrined in our hearts and minds, together with decency, morality and immaculacy and honoured in our acts, deeds and conduct.

In the year 1408 AH,52nd Dia-al-mutlaq, gave a crystal clear clarion call, and conveyed an inzar under the aegis of “ijtama ul-jameiyat is saifiyat il-markazayah” convened at Karachi.dai-zaman in his “Al-khutbat ul-jalilat ul-mubarakah” declared:-

“Man needs a system to order his life. Allah is the best Provider of such a system. That system is Islam’s Shariat. Every Mumin is bound to follow that composite system in its Entirety. He has no choice. He cannot pick and choose.

A long period of nine years has elapsed since the first Call for Islamic amal and Islamic purity was given at Surat. This Ijtima, therefore, is not for the purpose of debating Any issue or for reconsideration. It was to take stock of How far along the road of Tahera the community has Traveled and the impediments in the way of a smooth Mutation.

Riba is like blood cancer. It pollutes the good. It Paralyses and destroys. It keeps man away from good deeds. He who does not cease from the evil of riba, I warn him; His barakaat will diminish and cease altogether.

It is the responsibility of the Jamaat, the Ummal and the Parents to ensure that the process of purification is Undertaken and my call implemented and made a reality. Disciplinary action may be necessary against those, who After comprehending what was required, failed to co-operate And join in attaining the noble aim of an Eemani life based On the sure and only foundation of the noble ethnics and Principles of Islam.”

To further promote the sacred process of Taharat i.e. Islamic And Islamic purity, Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, Bestowed Irshadaat and delineated the further discipline and ways By which the process was to be strengthened and widened in scope. During Asharah Mubarakah 1409 AH, 52nd Dai al-mutlaq, made public
His concern for the better administration and management of the Affairs of the Dawoodi Bohra Jamaat of Bombay. In the course of His address to the followers, on the 5th day of al-Moharrumum-Haram 1409 AH, 52nd Dai al-Mutlaq stated:-

“Bombay is a very large city. Its population too is large. It is deemed Overpopulated and overcrowded and the numbers keep growing. For Allah’s Creation the doors of employment are ever open in this city.
Migrants come into it and find their bread and butter.The number of Mumineen living here too is substantial. Within Bombay and the suburbs there are over 50.000 in number. In Bombay there are fourteen Masjid. With each Masjid is associated a congregation making fourteen mohallahs. In the suburbs there are five masjids and five mawaze.

The position of Bombay, in the Dawoodi Bohra world, is that of a crown. Mumineen from many towns and of many stations live in Bombay. They live in the cool shade of Rudat Taherah and before my very eyes.

Five years ago, for the administration of mohallahs, under the aegis of Anjuman-e-Shiate Ali, Tanzeem Committees were constituted. Last year, the responsibilities of khidmat on the Mohallah Tanzeem committees were
widened and made stricter, so that the administration could be made more Efficient and forceful. In this way the Anjuman-e-Shiate Ali was provided with more hands and strength, to make its work facile and enable it to look
right down to the individual needs of the followers.

Mohallah Tanzeem Committee will serve as arms and instruments of Anjuman-e-Shiate Ali. The responsibility now is great, for Taharat has to be implemented and the affairs of the Mohallahs placed on a correct and firm foundation. The dictates of Shariat had to be made unforgoeable and inescapable and corrective and strong steps had to
be taken against those who act contrary to the Shariat. For this, there will be need for a spirit of endurance. And, guidance will have to be provided so as to wean offenders through persuasion and firmness consistently with leniency. Allah grant them the courage, sagacity and determination, and help them to render khidmat, tactfully and with wisdom.

The members of the Anjuman-e-Shiate Ali resigned enmasse on 6th June 1988. Thereafter, the Association was managed, under an adhoc arrangement, by the outgoing committee of Management, pursuant to Directive issued at London, dated June 15th, 1988.By a further Directive dated 4th Rabiul Akher 1409 AH, (13th November 1988), the membership of the Anjuman-e-Shiate Ali was reconstituted and it held a Special General meeting, at Ewane Qutbi, on 26th Rabiul AKher 1409, AH (5th December 1988) and and elected a new committee of management whose names re as set out in Annexure ‘B’. That inaugural meeting of the Anjuman also unanimously resolved that 52nd Dai `al-Mutlaq may be graciously pleased to bestow a revised Constitution on the Anjuman-e -Shiate Ali to enable it to serve the Jamaat of Bombay better and following the wishes of His Holiness.

Again, in 1409 AH, 52nd Dai al-Mutlaq, to mark his 77th Salgirah Mubarak, bestowed on the followers a rare and rich gift of action and conduct to raise Mumineen in the darajah of Eeman. In a memorable khutbah, delivered within
the precincts of Saifee Masjid, Bombay, 52nd Dai al-Mutlaq, drew attention to the fact that the four year term fixed for Mirath ul-Barakaat had ended. Yet, the force of that beneficial five usool movement would be kept alive by a new programme of five cardinal rules of conduct, enunciated on 77th Salgirah day.

By a felicitous coincidence, five multiplied by five, gave a figure of twenty-five, happily commemorating the silver jubilee in the august office of al-Dai al-Mutlaq of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin.

The five rule Salgirah day programme was based on the ayat of Al-Quran:

“For Allah is with those who restrain themselves, (from evil) and who are beneficent.”
Surat-un-Nahl Verse : 128

     and beckoned the abid to :

• Taat meticulously carried out in obedience to the command of Allah.
• Discipline the soul through conduct pleasing to Allah.
• The adornment of the soul through noble acts and deeds pleasing to Allah.
• Bejeweling of the soul through ilm and amal.

These five rules represented an extension of the five points of Mirath ul-Barakaat and together must provide the strength, will and means for the attainment of the noble and desired goal of Taharat.

The ancient and historic city of Surat was given the honor to organize Asharah Mubarakah 1410 AH. It earned this distinction, as 1410 AH, marked the completion of two hundred years of Surat being chosen as the seat of the Fatimi Dawat and, by a happy coincidence, followed the fiftieth year of the Fatimi system of examination at Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah (Arabi Academy). That felicitous 50th year is now known by the historic name of “Nawal ul-Imtihan-il-Khamseen.”

On the 7th day of al-Moharram ul-Haram Dai-z-zaman succinctly summarized the manifold achievements of his incumbency of twenty five years , as the vicegerent and naib of Imam-iz-Zaman. The bayan, thought provoking and
spiritual, outlined the great metamorphosis engendered in the fellowship of Eeman; in their herats and minds, bodies and souls, behavior and manners, language and dress, culture and traditions.52nd Dai al-Mutlaq expressed the great
hope that what was witnessed must verily serve as a spring—board for better, higher and more rewarding accomplishment in the future.

This bayan also inaugurated the barakaat of the 25th year of Istiwa, entitled “Jawame un-Niam-is-Sabighah” to focus on its all inclusive bounty, and also designated “Azamato-Nur-il-Haq” to signify the righteousness manifest in the great metamorphosis.

52nd Dai al-Mutlaq, on this historic and Mubarak occasion, announced a VASSIYAT JAMEAH of five dimensions. Mumineen were earnestly counseled and urged to:

• Make Shariat the foundation of every act and conduct.
• Total commitment to Al-Itrat Al-Tahirah.
• Learn from the true Moallim (the mentor).
• Endeavour to achieve the comprehension of realities.
• Discard arrogance and jealously to build a noble character.

In the premises, 52nd Dai al-Mutlaq, Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, is graciously pleased, in pursuance of the unanimous resolution of the Association so to do, to bestow a revised constitution on the Anjuman-e-Shiate Ali, for the better administration and management of Association, enabling it to give practical effect to the policies and irshadaat of Dr.Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin as enumerated in the Preamble to this amended constitution, as also to place the affairs and institutions of the Dawoodi Bohra Jamaat of Bombay in the hands of committed and mentally motivated loyal followers who will strive with a sense of dedication, devotion and sacrifice of person, time and means to
serve the community, in accordance with the wishes of Dai al-Mutlaq, and who will themselves bear in mind, at all times, the characteristics that must govern the activities of the Association and themselves.

The revised Constitution shall take effect from the auspicious day of Milad-un-Nabi (AS), viz. the 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awwal 1410 AH, corresponding to the 12th day of October 1989 and is set out in the schedule thereafter.

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