Khambhat – A Historic Center of Dawat Taiyebiyah in India
Khambhat – A Historic Center of Dawat Taiyebiyah in India
Introduction to Khambhat’s Spiritual Legacy
Khambhat, a historic city in Gujarat, India, holds immense significance in the history of Islam and the Dawoodi Bohra community. Known as a pillar of Imamat, Khambhat became a center for the spread of Dawat Taiyebiyah.
In 468 H, Imam Mustansir Billah (A.S.) sent three distinguished Dais – Maulaya Ahmed (A.Q.), Maulaya Abdullah (A.Q.), and Maulaya Nooruddin (A.Q.) – to the Indian subcontinent (Jaziratul Hind) to guide people towards the truth.
Maulaya Abdullah (A.Q.) – The Luminary of Khambhat
Date of Demise: 1st Muharram ul Haram
Era: Imam Mustansir Billah (A.S.) [427–487 H]
Maulaya Abdullah (A.Q.) was among the two Dais sent by Imam Mustansir Billah (A.S.) to India. In 467 H, he settled in Khambhat and began spreading the message of Islam with wisdom and miracles.
Major Contributions:
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Debated with Jain and Hindu scholars, demonstrating miracles and inviting thousands towards Islam.
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It is said that around 50 kg of sacred threads (janoi) were removed from new converts as a symbol of abandoning idol worship.
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The light of Dawat Taiyebiyah spread from Khambhat to Patan, Sidhpur, Kauka, and Pisawara, with nearly 25,000 people accepting Islam.
First Converts – Kaka Akela & Kaki Akela:
The first to embrace the faith were Kaka Akela and Kaki Akela, farmers from the Kunbi caste. Their acceptance marked the beginning of a mass movement in the region.
Miracles and Protection:
When an army came to capture him, Maulaya Abdullah (A.Q.) miraculously surrounded himself with a ring of fire, saving the mission of Dawat.
Legacy & Resting Place:
Maulaya Abdullah (A.Q.) passed away on 1st Muharram and rests in Khambhat. His Urs is commemorated on 16th Muharram each year.
He appointed Maulai Yaqub, son of Vizier Maulaya Bharmal, as the guardian of Hind. The center of Dawat later moved to Patan.
Notable descendants include Dail Ajal Syedna Qasim Zainuddin (R.A.) – 31st Dai, Maulai Hasan Fir bin Ali, and other distinguished Hudud.
Maulaya Ahmed (A.Q.) – A Pillar of Dawat in India
Maulaya Ahmed (A.Q.) arrived in India with Maulaya Abdullah (A.Q.) and Maulaya Nooruddin (A.Q.) to spread Iman.
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He took his sons, Baalamnath and Roopnath (Abdullah & Nooruddin), to Egypt for education under Imam Mustansir (A.S.).
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Upon returning to India, he resumed Dawat activities in Khambhat.
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Eventually, both Maulaya Ahmed and Maulaya Abdullah passed away in Khambhat, leaving behind a legacy of faith and dedication.
Kaka Akela & Kaki Akela – The First Believers of Khambhat
Date of Demise: 14th Safar ul Muzaffar
Era: Imam Mustansir (A.S.) [427–467 H]
Near Sakarpur village, 7 km from Khambhat, lived Kaka Akela. When the Dais arrived, their fields were barren, and their well had dried up. Upon Maulaya Abdullah’s (A.Q.) prayer, sweet water miraculously gushed forth, leading to their conversion.
Today, their mausoleum (Qubba Mubaraka) stands as a symbol of faith, surrounded by gardens, with the well’s water still believed to have healing properties.
Conclusion
Khambhat’s role in the spread of Dawat Taiyebiyah remains unmatched in history. The contributions of Maulaya Abdullah (A.Q.), Maulaya Ahmed (A.Q.), and Kaka Akela (R.A.) continue to inspire generations.
