Syedna Qutbuddin’s response to the supposed reconciliatory message
07 February 2014
Syedna Khuzaima Qutbuddin TUS performing talaqqi ofr Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA
After the sad and tragic demise of our Beloved and revered Moula, Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin Saheb RA, 52nd Dai al-Mutlaq of the Dawoodi Bohra Community, Syedna Qutbuddin Saheb TUS revealed that Syedna Burhanuddin Saheb RA had anointed him as his successor on the 10th of December 1965, when he also anointed him as Mazoon, the spiritual position second only to the Dai.
However, Shehzada Mufaddal bhaisaheb (second son of Syedna Burhanuddin Saheb RA), his brothers and other family members, took advantage of a severe debilitating stroke that affected Syedna Burhanuddin Saheb RA following his 100th birthday in London. They immediately and unilaterally made the untenable and false claim that Syedna Burhanuddin Saheb RA in that condition had appointed Shehzada Mufaddal bhaisaheb as his successor.
Syedna Qutbuddin Saheb TUS, in accordance with Syedna Burhanuddin Saheb’s RA wishes, revealed that he was the chosen successor immediately after Syedna Burhanuddin’s RA sad demise. In his first day in office, Syedna Qutbuddin Saheb TUS offered to engage in a debate on the subject with Shehzada Mufaddal bhaisaheb. The offer was ignored.
On the other hand, Shehzada Mufaddal bhaisaheb, his brothers and families responded with abuse, intimidation and even violence. For nearly three weeks following Syedna Burhanuddin Saheb’s RA sad demise, Shehzada Mufaddal bhaisaheb presided over daily gatherings in Saifee Masjid ostensibly in remembrance of Syedna Burhanuddin Saheb RA, which however degenerated into hate-sessions where Shehzada Mufaddal bhaisaheb’s brothers and others were encouraged to pronounce curses (laanat) and abuse on Syedna Qutbuddin Saheb TUS, and his followers. At the same time they sought to force and coerce members of our community to swear allegiance to Shehzada Mufaddal bhaisaheb and sign declarations including signing on blank sheets of paper. In addition, Syedna Qutbuddin Saheb TUS’s followers were threatened and even women were assaulted by ‘Jehadi’ groups of the Burhani Guards. It is very sad and unfortunate that such measures have been adopted in our god-fearing and peace loving community. This is tearing at the very fabric of our faith and threatens to destroy the legacy of our Dai’s including Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin Saheb RA.
On the 4th of February, Shehzada Mufaddal bhaisaheb, obviously reacting to the backlash and revulsion these actions aroused in the community, suddenly made a reconciliatory gesture towards Syedna Qutbuddin Saheb TUS. He asked his brothers and uncles to approach Syedna Qutbuddin Saheb TUS and extend a message to him. At the behest of Shehzada Mufaddal bhaisaheb, his elder brother Shehzada Qaid Johar bhaisaheb called Syedna Qutbuddin Saheb’s TUS office for an appointment, which he later rescinded.
Syedna Qutbuddin Saheb TUS emphasises that he is at peace, and wishes the same for his community. He reiterates that the doors of forgiveness are always open for those who have resorted to defamatory practices out of fear and want to sincerely repent.
Syedna Qutbuddin Saheb TUS states that his assertion of being the 53rd Dai al-Mutlaq is one based on truth (Haq) and principle. Any offers of settlement of any form or kind from Shehzada Mufaddal bhaisaheb or his agents are outright rejected. Syedna Qutbuddin Saheb TUS demands that a public apology be issued by Shehzada Mufaddal bhaisaheb and others involved in this exercise of the basest form of defamation and slander.
Syedna Qutbuddin Saheb’s TUS primary and sole concern is for the spiritual and temporal well being of the Dawoodi Bohra community. His mission (Dawat) is to guide the community, as his predecessor Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin Saheb RA did, on the true path (Siratul Mustakeem) of a spiritual and moral life that leads to salvation (Najaat) in the hereafter (Aakherat).
