Ahmedabad Part-01: Lives and Legacy of the 25th–29th Dai al-Mutlaq
Ahmedabad Part-01: Lives and Legacy of the 25th–29th Dai al-Mutlaq
This blog presents a detailed historical account of the 25th to 29th Dai al-Mutlaq of the Dawoodi Bohra community in Hind, focusing on their leadership, contributions to Dawat, trials, and spiritual legacy. This series aims to preserve the richness of history while providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of each Dai’s life.
25th Dai al-Mutlaq: Syedna Jalal Shamsuddin RA
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Vafaat: 16th Rabi-ul-Aakhar 975H
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Ayyam ud-Da'wat: 4 months
Succession and Spiritual Status
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Syedna Jalal Shamsuddin RA ascended as the 25th Dai following the demise of 24th Dai, Syedna Yusuf Najmuddin RA.
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Known for his purity, sincerity, devotion, and piety, he was a model for the community.
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Imam uz-Zamaan AS appeared to him in vision twice:
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Once to announce his Nass and future succession.
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Another to convey the news of his eventual passing, showing the divine connection and affirmation of his leadership.
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Contributions and Challenges
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Syedna RA migrated from Yemen during the era of the 23rd Dai, Syedna Mohammed Ezzuddin RA, acquiring knowledge under Syedi Hasan Bin Nooh Bharuchi QR.
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Upon arriving in Ahmedabad, under Sultan Mahmood III, he faced severe political and religious challenges, yet focused on propagating knowledge, establishing Dawat centers, and strengthening the community.
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Despite opposition, he ensured the continuity of Da'wat and spiritual education, earning respect even from adversaries.
Nass and Final Days
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He conferred Nass upon Syedna Dawood Bin Ajabshah RA, stating:
“Do not worry about succession, for I have chosen a noble and capable successor for you, blessed by Allah.”
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Syedna Jalal RA passed away in 975H, and his burial took place at Sheikhamujaal’s garden, leaving a legacy of steadfast faith and guidance.
26th Dai al-Mutlaq: Syedna Dawood Bin Ajabshah RA
Viladat & Wafat
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Viladat: 11th Moharram-ul-Haram 930H
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Wafat: 27th Rabi-ul-Aakhar 998H
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Umre Shareef: 68 years
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Ayyam ud-Da'wat: 23 years
Spiritual Excellence
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Ascended as the 26th Dai after Syedna Jalal Shamsuddin RA.
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Praised by contemporaries for spiritual knowledge, humility, and deep devotion.
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Known for mastering inner and outer sciences, safeguarding hidden treasures of knowledge, and nurturing a spiritual generation.
Service to Dawat
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Supported the community during political unrest and internal disputes.
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Introduced structural and administrative reforms to strengthen Da'wat-e-Haadiyah in Ahmedabad and surrounding regions.
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Oversaw religious, educational, and spiritual initiatives, ensuring propagation of faith despite external threats.
Leadership and Guidance
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His era witnessed fitnas and challenges from local rulers and opponents.
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Provided protection, guidance, and mediation among believers, resolving disputes and maintaining unity.
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Expanded Dawat’s reach to Sind, Deccan, and distant regions, ensuring adherence to correct practice and spiritual growth.
Passing and Legacy
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Syedna RA passed away in 998H, leaving behind a strong, organized community with enhanced spiritual and social infrastructure.
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His Nass was given to Syedna Dawood Bin Qutubshah RA, ensuring continuity of leadership and preservation of the Dawoodi Bohra tradition.
27th Dai al-Mutlaq: Syedna Dawood Bin Qutubshah Burhanuddin RA
Viladat & Wafat
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Viladat: 23rd Rabi-ul-Awwal 946H
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Wafat: 15th Jamadil-Akhar 1021H / 1612 AD, Ahmedabad
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Umar-e-Shareef: 75 years
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Ayyam ud-Da'wat: 22 years, 1 month, 17 days
Early Life and Education
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Born to a scholarly family, his mother Gauribu Binte Aliji was a Hafiza-e-Quran.
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Memorized the Quran at a young age and mastered Arabic language and literature, along with deep study of Ahl-e-Bayt’s teachings.
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Received training under Miya Sham’oon Bin Ja’fer, gaining recognition for exceptional spiritual and intellectual abilities.
Pilgrimages and Spiritual Excellence
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Performed Hajj at age 21, visited the holy sites of Rasulullah SAW, and traveled to Yemen to learn under Syedna Yusuf Najmuddin RA.
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Excelled in hidden knowledge and esoteric sciences, nurturing a generation of learned and devout followers.
Challenges and Service
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Faced Suleiman’s fitna, enduring trials, imprisonment, and hardship with patience and unwavering faith.
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Ensured propagation of Dawat amidst political unrest and persecution in Ahmedabad, managing followers and resources efficiently.
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Expanded community services, educational centers, and spiritual assemblies.
Nass and Succession
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Gave Nass to Syedna Abdul Taiyeb Zakiuddin RA, continuing the line of Dai al-Mutlaq.
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Passed away in 1021H, leaving a spiritual legacy that strengthened Dawoodi Bohra identity and devotion.
28th Dai al-Mutlaq: Syedna Shaikh Adam Safiyuddin RA
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Viladat: 6th Jamadil-Akhar, Baroda
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Vafaat: 7th Rajab-ul-Asab 1030H, Ahmedabad
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Umar-e-Shareef: 75 years
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Ayyam ud-Da’wat: 9 years, 22 days
Early Training and Knowledge
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Learned under Syedna Jalal Shamsuddin RA in Baroda, later advancing studies in Ahmedabad.
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Acquired mastery in religious sciences, administration, and community leadership.
Leadership and Service
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Served under four preceding Dai, gaining experience in governance, spiritual guidance, and conflict resolution.
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Faced political and social challenges in Gujarat and Deccan, safeguarding followers and preserving Dawat’s teachings.
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Promoted unity, resolved disputes, and strengthened communal bonds.
Passing and Legacy
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Syedna RA passed away in 1030H, having ensured smooth succession to the 29th Dai, Syedna Abdul Taiyeb Zakiyuddin RA, and continued spiritual growth among followers.
29th Dai al-Mutlaq: Syedna Abdul Taiyeb Zakiyuddin RA
Viladat & Wafat
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Viladat: 8th Safar-ul-Muzaffar 972H
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Vafaat: 2nd Rabi-ul-Awwal 1041H
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Umar-e-Shareef: 70 years
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Ayyam ud-Da’wat: 10 years, 8 months
Early Life and Training
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Born to a pious family, trained under Syedna Dawood Bin Ajabshah RA and mentored by Syedna Shaikh Adam Safiyuddin RA.
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Assisted in administrative and spiritual duties, learning the art of leadership and community service.
Service and Challenges
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Actively contributed during Suleiman’s fitna, defending the Dawoodi Bohra community and ensuring their safety.
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Maintained ties with rulers, resolved legal and social disputes, and promoted education and Dawat propagation.
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Recognized for eloquence, wisdom, and steadfastness during political turbulence.
Nass and Final Days
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Received Nass from Syedna Shaikh Adam Safiyuddin RA and later conferred Nass on Syedna Ali Shamsuddin RA.
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Passed away in 1041H, leaving behind a strengthened, organized, and spiritually enriched Dawoodi Bohra community.
Conclusion
The 25th to 29th Dai al-Mutlaq played a pivotal role in preserving, propagating, and strengthening Dawat-e-Haadiyah in Hind. From Syedna Jalal Shamsuddin RA to Syedna Abdul Taiyeb Zakiyuddin RA, their lives were marked by:
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Steadfast faith and devotion
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Intellectual and spiritual excellence
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Resilience in the face of persecution and political challenges
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Propagation of knowledge, education, and unity among followers
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Succession planning ensuring continuity of Da’wat
Their legacy continues to inspire Dawoodi Bohra communities worldwide, reflecting a tradition of devotion, wisdom, and unwavering service to Allah and His Ahl-e-Bayt.
Read Full Blog:
The 29th Dai al-Mutlaq, Syedna Abdut-Taiyib Zakiyuddin R.a
