Mumbai: Taher Fakhruddin is a 54th Da’i al-Mutlaq of the Dawoodi Bohras and the eldest son of Khuzaima kutbuddin, is the claimant to the position of 53rd Da’i al-Mutlaq. Speaking of the case, Syedna Taher reposed confidence in the Indian Judiciary.
The Bombay High Court recently allowed the plea by Syedna Taher seeking to continue the succession battle initiated by his late father Syedna Khuzaima Qutbuddin Saheb against Shahzaada Mufaddal Saifuddin, over the title of Dai al-Mutlaq or Syedna – the religious leader of the Dawoodi Bohra Community.
Addressing the media, Syedna Fakhruddin said, “We have full faith in the Indian courts and believe that they will rule on the truth, in the interest of the community. We would like to expedite the matter in the court in the interest of the community.”
He admitted that the Bohra community stands divided over the issue of the succession as two claimants have emerged, Mufaddal Saifuddin and Khuzaima Qutbuddin. Taher Fakhruddin’s father, Khuzaima Qutbuddin died on 30 March 2016 and he applied to contest the claimant Syedna Mufaddal.
He admitted the entire community has been divided since then but is confident of highlighting his vision for the community. “Divisions and ambiguity exists. The fact is families are torn apart and fear exists. I wish to highlight my vision for our community,” said Syedna Fakhruddin. He added, “Transparency in how administrative and religious affairs are managed will help the community, and also reduce the prevailing fear and insecurity amongst people,” added Syedna Fakhruddin regarding the ongoing disharmony in the community regarding the succession of the religious head.
Syedna clarified his stand on the female genetic mutilation issue saying it should not be made compulsory to the young girls, but allow then to decide once they reach adulthood. “Khatna is a practice condemned in the law of Islam, in our faith it is different from FGM, but it was misused, like many who wrongly used the oral triple talaq. We follow the law of the land and this law must prevail,” said Syedna Fakhruddin. He added, “Women can reach adulthood and do as per their choice. Any surgical procedure done by choice as an adult is not illegal as per Sharia law.”
Syedna Fakhruddin appreciated the role of women within the Bohra community and said that the survey conducted a few years ago showed that 92 percent women of their community had passed tenth grade, though a lot needs to be done to increase the number of higher education among women. As compared to women, 88 percent males
