Taher Fakhruddin

Fakhruddin leads the Dawoodi Qutbi Bohra community from his headquarters in Thane, near Mumbai, India. He is recognized by his followers as the spiritual and temporal leader of their community, with authority derived from the Shia concept of "Nass"{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLoYKJ1IUTM6peAezs6wWpfyHnAUQv1cbs&v=W6vK5r-CjHQ&feature=youtu.be |title=10th Majalis al Hikma {{!}} "Nass - How Do You Recognize the Ordained Leader? And Who is He?" {{!}} Syedna |date=2020-05-07 |last=Fatemi Dawat |access-date=2025-01-03 |via=YouTube}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=3751&v=vZklE3M8xSA&feature=youtu.be |title=Syedna Khuzaima Qutbuddin RA Urus Mubarak 1446H Waaz - Naseemu Barakaatil-Ursil-Mubarak |date=2024-12-24 |last=Fatemi Dawat |access-date=2025-01-03 |via=YouTube}} (spiritual designation) by his predecessor.

Nass refers to the appointment of a successor, who is integral to the faith's continuity. Community history shows that there is no rigid method for conferring Nass.Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, Surat Ashara Waaz sermon on 2nd Moharram 1426 AH. The key requirement is that the incumbent leader must communicate the nass, there must be a positive statement or indication. The method of Nass for appointing the next Dai al-Mutlaq mirrors that of the Imams; however, in the case of a Da'i al-Mutlaq, the successor is not required to be the consanguineous son of the appointer.

Nass is a manifestation of Allah's will. It can be declared openly and publicly, communicated privately or it can be documented in authenticated written form by the appointer. External validators (such as witnesses) are not required to testify to the Nass because the Imam's authority and decision-making power is not dependent on external validation. The Imam's infallibility precludes the need for fallible witnesses to confirm or validate his choice: it would be contradictory for the appointment of an infallible Imam to be subject to the testimony or approval of fallible witnesses.

Examples: Nass by private communication include the 12th Imam privately conferring Nass on the 13th Imam, and the 20th Imam conferring Nass in written form via a letter (Sijill ul-Bisharah) to Hurrat al-Malika, a single woman, declaring her the witness to the appointment of the 21st Imam.

Once conferred, Nass is final and irrevocable.{{Cite news |date=2017-12-09 |title='Conferment of succession is irrevocable' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/conferment-of-succession-is-irrevocable/articleshow/61989980.cms |access-date=2024-11-27 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} This aligns with the Fatemid belief system which asserts that the Nass signifies divine will of Allah, communicated to the Imam, and cannot be altered or revoked.{{Cite web |last=Ghosh |first=Labonita |date=8 Dec 2019 |title=A difficult and tricky test: Ismaili scholar Devin Stewart describes his five day testimony in the Bombay High Court |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/a-difficult-and-tricky-test/articleshow/72421406.cms |access-date=2024-11-27 |website=Mumbai Mirror |language=en}} The appointment is guided by the Imam’s inspiration (ta'yeed), ensuring the appointee aligns with divine preordination, and therefore, it is considered perfect and beyond human interference or improvement.

Fakhruddin's teachings emphasize living life in accordance with the teachings of Ahl al-Bayt including:

1. Seeking knowledge and practicing good deeds{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=PkHCvNa5zn9knhNa&v=X4aSn2gH_08&feature=youtu.be |title=19th Majalis al Hikma {{!}} "Why is Virtue Compulsory?" {{!}} Syedna Taher Fakhruddin TUS |date=2020-07-09 |last=Fatemi Dawat |access-date=2024-12-26 |via=YouTube}}
2. Striving for spiritual{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=nIgXgbxQgvMS8G4R&v=qOMKZp-rgOI&feature=youtu.be |title=2nd Majalis al Hikma {{!}} "Do We Have Free Will?" {{!}} Syedna Taher Fakhruddin TUS |date=2020-03-12 |last=Fatemi Dawat |access-date=2024-12-26 |via=YouTube}} and material progress{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=YSgwNgdUpAoA2sm5&v=9ybGmmieJ00&feature=youtu.be |title=30th Majalis al Hikma {{!}} "How Do You Earn a Living?" {{!}} Syedna Taher Fakhruddin TUS |date=2020-10-08 |last=Fatemi Dawat |access-date=2024-12-26 |via=YouTube}} in one's own life
3. Living a life of gratitude{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6_tv5b6ahM&feature=youtu.be |title=Shukr ni Zindagi {{!}} A Life of Gratitude - Syedna Taher Fakhruddin TUS - Anwaar-ul-Qur'an Sabaq 1443H |date=2022-04-15 |last=Fatemi Dawat |access-date=2024-11-28 |via=YouTube}} and the importance of intellectual pursuits{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyow12WsGBk&feature=youtu.be |title=4th Majalis al Hikma {{!}} "What is the Origin of the Intellect?" {{!}} Syedna Taher Fakhruddin TUS |date=2020-03-26 |last=Fatemi Dawat |access-date=2024-11-29 |via=YouTube}}
4. Preservation of Fatimid philosophy, heritage and traditions{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=PNS8aH5xyMzeXEgM&v=cx-El0nDNzQ&feature=youtu.be |title=5th Majalis al Hikma {{!}} "What is the Philosophy of Dawatul Haqq?" {{!}} Syedna Taher Fakhruddin TUS |date=2020-04-02 |last=Fatemi Dawat |access-date=2024-12-26 |via=YouTube}}
5. Gender equality,{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x52dEuzoJhg&feature=youtu.be |title=Does the Qur'an say men are better than women? {{!}} Ashara Mubaraka 1446H Excerpt |date=2024-11-23 |last=Fatemi Dawat |access-date=2024-11-26 |via=YouTube}} interfaith harmony and coexistence

Fakhruddin advocates for a progressive interpretation of Islam that balances traditional values with modern education and scientific advancement. He teaches that the essence of being a Muslim is to follow the middle path{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kL87NZevuA&feature=youtu.be |title=28th Majalis al Hikma {{!}} "What is the Wisdom in Walking the Middle Road?" {{!}} Syedna Fakhruddin TUS |date=2020-09-24 |last=Fatemi Dawat |access-date=2024-11-26 |via=YouTube}} which is in effect, the 'straight path' towards Allah almighty.

The [https://www.mazaar-e-qutbi.org/ Mazaar-e-Qutbi] is a religious complex built by Fakhruddin and located in Thane, India, situated near the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The centerpiece of the complex is Raudat-un-Noor,{{Cite news |date=2024-09-02 |title=Thane mausoleum opens doors to visitors of all faiths |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/thane-mausoleum-opens-doors-to-visitors-of-all-faiths/articleshow/113000007.cms |access-date=2024-11-27 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}{{Cite web |date=2022-04-07 |title=About Raudat-un-Noor - Mazaar-e-Qutbi |url=https://www.mazaar-e-qutbi.org/about-raudat-un-noor/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |language=en-US}} a mausoleum built in honour of Syedna Khuzaima Qutbuddin RA, in which the entire Quran is engraved in gold on its inside marble walls, creating a stunning visual representation of Islamic scripture.

The complex also includes a Community Hall and serves multiple purposes beyond being a place of reverence and prayer. The adjoining Social Welfare Center is open to all, regardless of caste or creed, providing three free meals a day, services such as women's vocational training classes and children's tuition classes.

The succession to the position of Dā'ī al-Muṭlaq has been disputed since 2014, leading to a split in the Dawoodi Bohra community. Fakhruddin's challenges Mufaddal Saifuddin, who is recognized as the leader by a larger portion of the community. The Bombay High Court on 23rd April 2024 dismissed Taher Fakhruddin's lawsuit, directing that Mufaddal Saifuddin is the leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community.{{Cite web |date=23 April 2024 |title=No change in Dawoodi Bohra leadership, High Court settles succession dispute | India Today |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/law/story/bombay-high-court-to-deliver-verdict-on-landmark-dawoodi-bohra-sucession-case-2530427-2024-04-23.cms |website=India Today}} Taher Fakhruddin has appealed the judgement.{{Cite news |date=2024-04-26 |title='Will continue legal battle over Syedna succession' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/will-continue-legal-battle-over-syedna-succession/articleshow/109604715.cms |access-date=2024-11-26 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00XJQo5X45s&feature=youtu.be |title=Syedna TUS' message of Himmat after the Bombay High Court Judgement |date=2024-04-23 |last=Fatemi Dawat |access-date=2024-11-26 |via=YouTube}}

The Appeal is being heard by a Division Bench of the Bombay High Court. At the time of admitting and expediting the appeal on December 17, 2024, objections were raised by the Respondent that innocent or impressionable members of the Dawoodi Bohra community might be confused by the Appellant’s claims. In response to these objections, the court directed that during the pendency of the appeal, the Appellant must refrain from publicly stating that he is the "54th Dai al-Mutlaq of the Dawoodi Bohra Community worldwide". The court also directed and clarified that while specific restrictions applied solely to the Appellant as an individual, the Appellant’s followers and others remain free to express their own views and that certain qualifying wording should be added to the website and social media platforms of the Appellant.Taher Fakhruddin Saheb v. Mufaddal Burhanuddin Saifuddin, Appeal No. 139 of 2024, High Court of Judicature at Bombay, Ordinary Original Civil Jurisdiction, order delivered December 17, 2024. Bombay High Court CNR No. HCBM020217942024.{{Cite web |date=Dec 28, 2024 |title=HC restrains Bohra leader Taher Fakhruddin from presenting himself as 54th Syedna |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/hc-restrains-taher-fakhruddin-from-presenting-himself-as-54th-syedna-101735324163516.html |access-date=Dec 28, 2024 |website=The Hindustan Times}}

Fakhruddin regularly delivers sermons{{Cite web |date=2021-11-29 |title=Words of Wisdom - A selection of 56 quotes of Syedna Taher Fakhruddin on the occasion of 56th Milad by Fatemi Dawat - Issuu |url=https://issuu.com/fatemidawat/docs/words-of-wisdom-56-quotes-syedna-taher-fakhruddin |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=issuu.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-10-29 |title=Words of Wisdom Vol II by Fatemi Dawat - Issuu |url=https://issuu.com/fatemidawat/docs/words_of_wisdom_vol_2 |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=issuu.com |language=en}} and publishes religious texts{{Cite web |date=2023-04-20 |title=Wisdom of the Prophet Muhammed SA {{!}} Lessons for the Twenty-First Century by Fatemi Dawat - Issuu |url=https://issuu.com/fatemidawat/docs/wisdomofprophetmuhammad_website_issuu |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=issuu.com |language=en}} for his followers. In his regular Majalis al-Hikma{{Cite web |date=2016-07-12 |title=Today in history: A majlis al-hikma was delivered at the Fatimid palace |url=https://ismailimail.blog/2016/07/12/today-in-history-a-majlis-al-hikma-was-delivered-at-the-fatimid-palace/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=Ismailimail |language=en}} (Sessions of Wisdom) series, he addresses topical questions and provides contemporary guidance to his community in three languages: English,{{Cite web |title=Majalis al Hikma Series - English - Syedna Taher Fakhruddin TUS |url=https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoYKJ1IUTM6peAezs6wWpfyHnAUQv1cbs |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=YouTube |language=en}} Lisaan ud-Da'wat{{Cite web |title=Majalis al Hikma - Dawat ni Zabaan - Syedna Taher Fakhruddin TUS |url=https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoYKJ1IUTM6qnfj_4oAo9w4kUJMHXPx_t |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=YouTube |language=en}} and Arabic.{{Cite web |title=مجالس الحكمة لسيدنا طاهر فخر الدين ط ع |url=https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoYKJ1IUTM6qCLmFCyhbHeDpiH8KAZ0k5 |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=YouTube |language=en}}

Fakhruddin has also engaged in interfaith dialogue{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa8EdNEP6b4&feature=youtu.be |title=Glimpses from the Taqreeb Conference 2017 - Ideas of Harmonious Coexistence |date=2018-01-07 |last=Fatemi Dawat |access-date=2024-11-26 |via=YouTube}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBPqBH8GE4U&feature=youtu.be |title=Syedna Taher Fakhruddin TUS Address: World Peace Through Non Violence |date=2018-11-18 |last=Fatemi Dawat |access-date=2024-11-26 |via=YouTube}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mwAu4kFjog&feature=youtu.be |title=Syedna Taher Fakhruddin TUS: Visit to Indore - June 2018 |date=2018-07-25 |last=Fatemi Dawat |access-date=2024-11-26 |via=YouTube}} and participated in academic discussions{{Cite web |title=Taqreeb - Propagation of Harmonious Relations in Mughal, British and Independent India - two day seminar at the University of Calcutta, Department of Arabic and Persian |url=http://taqreeb.org/2016-conference/ |access-date=2024-11-27 |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Ideas of Harmonious Coexistence: Religions and Philosophies of India, 27-28 December, 2017 at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India |url=http://taqreeb.org/2017_conference/ |access-date=2024-11-27 |language=en}} on Islamic history and theology.

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Category:Living people

Category:1968 births

Category:Dawoodi Bohra da'is

Category:20th-century Ismailis

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