WP:BLPGOSSIP applies to only BLP articles , this article itself is about the controversy. this was explained in talk , please desist from reverting before clarifying on talk page |
Matter written as reported, don't add your own research to divert/dilute the fact . |
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However, Muffadal Saifuddin's succession has not been accepted by [[Khuzaima Qutbuddin]], the second in command to [[Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin]], who claimed the title of the 53rd Dā'ī l-Muṭlaq of the Dawoodi Bohras. Khuzaima Qutbuddin claims that Syedna had performed nass on him in private nearly 49 years ago while appointing him as Mazoon, that is the second in line, after the Syedna.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/who-is-new-syedna-trouble-brews-as-half-brother-stakes-claim/|title=Who is new Syedna? Trouble brews as half-brother stakes claim|date=6 February 2014|work=[[The Indian Express]]|publisher=[[Indian Express Group]]|accessdate=11 February 2014|location=Mumbai}}</ref> |
However, Muffadal Saifuddin's succession has not been accepted by [[Khuzaima Qutbuddin]], the second in command to [[Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin]], who claimed the title of the 53rd Dā'ī l-Muṭlaq of the Dawoodi Bohras. Khuzaima Qutbuddin claims that Syedna had performed nass on him in private nearly 49 years ago while appointing him as Mazoon, that is the second in line, after the Syedna.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/who-is-new-syedna-trouble-brews-as-half-brother-stakes-claim/|title=Who is new Syedna? Trouble brews as half-brother stakes claim|date=6 February 2014|work=[[The Indian Express]]|publisher=[[Indian Express Group]]|accessdate=11 February 2014|location=Mumbai}}</ref> |
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Khuzaima Qutbuddin never claimed to be the successor of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin during last three years (after/when [[Mufaddal Saifuddin]] was declared as successor) as per Mohammed Burhanuddin's instruction to keep the [[Nass (Islam)|nass]] secret and not disclose it to general public <ref name="mumbaimirror">{{cite web|url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/mumbai/others/Qutbuddin-was-being-true-to-his-word-sons/articleshow/31860901.cms|title=Qutbuddin was being true to his word: sons - Mumbai Mirror|publisher=mumbaimirror.com|accessdate=2014-04-02}}</ref>, however on April 2,2014 Hidustan Times reported that former Chief Justice of India (CJI), [[AM Ahmadi]] wrote to Qutbuddin's family even before the demise about the historical documents they shared about the community and events since the Nass and believed that Syedna Qutbuddin’s stand of the 53rd Dai is principled in his personal stand as quoted below. |
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Former Chief Justice of India (CJI), [[AM Ahmadi]] expressed his support before the death of Burhanuddin: |
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{{quote| "Ahmadi, .... wrote to Qutbuddin’s family, even before the late Syedna’s demise this month, expressing his opinion and support, he told HT over the phone."<ref name="hindustantimes">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/dawoodi-bohra-succession-issue-former-chief-justice-pledges-allegiance-to-syedna-s-uncle/article1-1178939.aspx|title=Dawoodi Bohra succession issue: former chief justice pledges allegiance to Syedna’s uncle - Hindustan Times|work=Hindustan Times|date=2014-01-31|first=Mugdha|last=Variyar|location=Mumbai|publisher=HT Media |accessdate=2014-04-02}}</ref>}} |
{{quote| "Ahmadi, .... wrote to Qutbuddin’s family, even before the late Syedna’s demise this month, expressing his opinion and support, he told HT over the phone."<ref name="hindustantimes">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/dawoodi-bohra-succession-issue-former-chief-justice-pledges-allegiance-to-syedna-s-uncle/article1-1178939.aspx|title=Dawoodi Bohra succession issue: former chief justice pledges allegiance to Syedna’s uncle - Hindustan Times|work=Hindustan Times|date=2014-01-31|first=Mugdha|last=Variyar|location=Mumbai|publisher=HT Media |accessdate=2014-04-02}}</ref>}} |
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⚫ | {{quote| "Syedna Qutbuddin’s family had shared certain historical documents with me, some of which are written in Arabic, in which historical facts about the community and the events since the nass (choosing the successor) conferred by Syedna Burhanuddin on Syedna Qutbuddin in 1965 have been recorded. I examined the documents and believe that Syedna Qutbuddin’s stand of the 53rd Dai is principled-- Ahmadi, The former CJI".<ref name="hindustantimes"/>}} |
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And in his personal stand, believed that Syedna Qutbuddin’s stand of the 53rd Dai is principled: |
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⚫ | {{quote| "Syedna Qutbuddin’s family had shared certain historical documents with me, some of which are written in Arabic, in which historical facts about the community and the events since the nass (choosing the successor) conferred by Syedna Burhanuddin on Syedna Qutbuddin in 1965 have been recorded. I examined the documents and believe that Syedna Qutbuddin’s stand of the 53rd Dai is principled |
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Khuzaima and his sons based on a medical review report claims that the succession was not done in London as Mohammad Burhanuddin suffered from a full stroke at the age of 100 that made it difficult for him to write, speak, or move.<ref name="Huff Post"/><ref name="mumbaimirrorill"/><ref name="mumbaimirror1"/> A recent medical review report on the succession issue of Mufaddal <ref name="mumbaimirrorill"/> by Daniel Mankens, chairman of Neurology Beaumont Hospital, Michigan reviews that "It is inconceivable that someone his age and with neurological deficits would have such a profound, yet transient recovery". Mankens further said that family members usually report even the slightest improvement to medical staff: "It surprises me that such an event would not be documented in the medical record, much less reported to the medical staff". |
Khuzaima and his sons based on a medical review report claims that the succession was not done in London as Mohammad Burhanuddin suffered from a full stroke at the age of 100 that made it difficult for him to write, speak, or move.<ref name="Huff Post"/><ref name="mumbaimirrorill"/><ref name="mumbaimirror1"/> A recent medical review report on the succession issue of Mufaddal <ref name="mumbaimirrorill"/> by Daniel Mankens, chairman of Neurology Beaumont Hospital, Michigan reviews that "It is inconceivable that someone his age and with neurological deficits would have such a profound, yet transient recovery". Mankens further said that family members usually report even the slightest improvement to medical staff: "It surprises me that such an event would not be documented in the medical record, much less reported to the medical staff". |
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Abdeali Qutbuddin, son of Khuzaima Qutbuddin, claimed that they have around 4.5 [[lakh]] (450,000) followers.<ref name="MumabiMirror"/> |
Abdeali Qutbuddin, son of Khuzaima Qutbuddin, claimed that they have around 4.5 [[lakh]] (450,000) followers.<ref name="MumabiMirror"/> |
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== Statements of influential third parties on the controversy== |
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{{quote |"Meanwhile, the self declared new leader of the Dawoodi Bohras, the late Syedna's son, has asked all followers of the Islamic sect to not only declare their allegiance to him but abuse his uncle who the Syedna had anointed as his spiritual heir 50 years back."|[[Pritish Nandy]] in Bangalore Mirror [http://www.bangaloremirror.com/columns/views/The-Mad-Hatters-ball-begins--/articleshow/31003227.cms] }} |
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== Demands of Central Board of Dawoodi Bohras in wake of succession controversy == |
== Demands of Central Board of Dawoodi Bohras in wake of succession controversy == |
Revision as of 12:23, 14 April 2014
Mufaddal Saifuddin Succession Controversy[1] refers to the ongoing succession crisis in the Dawoodi Bohra community wherein two rival claimants emerged after the death of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin to dispute for the title of 53rd Dai al Mutlaq of Dawoodi Bohra.Before the death of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin it was reported that Mufaddal Saifuddin would be the 53rd Dai but after the death of Burhanuddin this dispute surfaced due to a claim by Khuzaima the mazoon or second in command of Burhanuddin that succession was performed on him 49 years ago in private and that the succession ceremony of Mufaddal was staged using the stroke ridden debilitated body of Burhanuddin.[2] The sons of Khuzaima claim a succession ceremony video was uploaded by them showing that nothing conceivable was uttered in that ceremony to prove that no formal announcement of succession had been made by the late Syedna[2][3]
Succession controversy
Burhanuddin did not publicly declare any successor as late as 2011 and there were fights between rival factions among Burhanuddin's several brothers and sons to succeed him as head of the vast empire he controls.[4] Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin suffered a stroke in a London hospital in year 2011, after which Mufaddal Saifuddin was proclaimed by his brothers as the successor in a London Hospital followed by a ceremony in Mumbai, while the Syedna was still in the state of full stroke.[5][6] It was reported that at home the Dawoodi Bohra community welcomed the name of Mufaddal as the successor.[7] However, Muffadal Saifuddin's succession has not been accepted by Khuzaima Qutbuddin, the second in command to Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, who claimed the title of the 53rd Dā'ī l-Muṭlaq of the Dawoodi Bohras. Khuzaima Qutbuddin claims that Syedna had performed nass on him in private nearly 49 years ago while appointing him as Mazoon, that is the second in line, after the Syedna.[8]
Khuzaima Qutbuddin never claimed to be the successor of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin during last three years (after/when Mufaddal Saifuddin was declared as successor) as per Mohammed Burhanuddin's instruction to keep the nass secret and not disclose it to general public [9], however on April 2,2014 Hidustan Times reported that former Chief Justice of India (CJI), AM Ahmadi wrote to Qutbuddin's family even before the demise about the historical documents they shared about the community and events since the Nass and believed that Syedna Qutbuddin’s stand of the 53rd Dai is principled in his personal stand as quoted below.
"Ahmadi, .... wrote to Qutbuddin’s family, even before the late Syedna’s demise this month, expressing his opinion and support, he told HT over the phone."[10]
"Syedna Qutbuddin’s family had shared certain historical documents with me, some of which are written in Arabic, in which historical facts about the community and the events since the nass (choosing the successor) conferred by Syedna Burhanuddin on Syedna Qutbuddin in 1965 have been recorded. I examined the documents and believe that Syedna Qutbuddin’s stand of the 53rd Dai is principled-- Ahmadi, The former CJI".[10]
Khuzaima and his sons based on a medical review report claims that the succession was not done in London as Mohammad Burhanuddin suffered from a full stroke at the age of 100 that made it difficult for him to write, speak, or move.[1][2][3] A recent medical review report on the succession issue of Mufaddal [2] by Daniel Mankens, chairman of Neurology Beaumont Hospital, Michigan reviews that "It is inconceivable that someone his age and with neurological deficits would have such a profound, yet transient recovery". Mankens further said that family members usually report even the slightest improvement to medical staff: "It surprises me that such an event would not be documented in the medical record, much less reported to the medical staff".
Forced Allegiance
There are various reports that Mufaddal has taken over the administration using threats and intimidation.[11] Also the Bohras who support Khuzaima are being forced to swear allegiance to Muffadal using social boycott and threats of divorce between married couples:[11]
Sakina’s husband was okay with her belief in Qutbuddin, but the local jamaat insisted that she leave her marital home. Her in-laws and husband succumbed. The second woman, a professional, had just had her nikaah solemnised; now, her in-laws have told her to choose between her belief and her husband.
— Reported threats of divorce in Punemirror
Those who were vocal about their support to Qutbuddin claim they have faced tremendous harassment and social ostracism. “I had to move out of my house in [the Mumbai Bohra stronghold] Bhendi Bazar because I received a number of threat calls from community members when I went to visit Syedna Qutbuddin in Thane,” said a middle-aged businessman who did not wish to be identified. He now lives in a rented flat in Thane and claims that business at his shop, situated close to the Bohra-dominated Bhendi Bazar, is down to 30 per cent from three months ago.[12]
“But that’s not the only problem," added the businessman. "My family could not attend my father-in-law’s burial in January, because the community officials would have denied him a grave if they saw us. Two marriages in my family broke off because of the split and my friend’s son, who goes to a Bohra school, has been asked not to attend classes any more and come straight for the exams instead.”[12]
Ceremony Video
The video of the alleged succession (nuss) ceremony is available on YouTube.[3] The sons of Khuzaima claim the video was uploaded by them showing that nothing conceivable was uttered in that ceremony and to prove that no formal announcement to the effect had been made by the late Syedna.[2][3]
Court Case against Mufaddal Saifuddin
The late Syedna's half-brother Khuzaima went to the High Court claiming the position of 53rd Dai and to restrict Mufaddal from discharging the duties as the 53rd Dai. The prime contention of the 700-page petition to the High Court is to have Khuzaima Qutbuddin, the half-brother, legally declared as the 53rd Dai-al-Mutlaq of the 12-lakh strong Bohra community, and simultaneously to prevent his nephew, Mufaddal Saifuddin, from acting as the Dai.[3]
Several community members interviewed welcomed the court action on this issue saying, including an anonymous Bohra from Mumbai, who said “It is sad that we have to wash dirty linen in public, but the truth about the corruption in the community needs to come out.” A Surat-based Bohra who wished to remain anonymous because he has not overtly pledged his support for Qutbuddin also welcomed the legal development: “People are secretly happy about the High Court case because it will finally expose the corrupt practices that have been carried on by the late Syedna’s sons since the time he had fallen ill.”[12]
Justice SJ Kathawala of the Bombay high court on Monday recused himself from hearing a suit filed by Khuzaima Qutbuddin, claimant of the 53rd Dai al-Mutlaq as he had appeared for the late Syedna in the past in another matter citing conflict of interest. The suit will now be placed before another judge of the high court and will come up for hearing in due course of time.[13]
Khuzaima published a public affidavit on his website declaring his position and legal status of properties,[14][15] saying:
"I am the sole Trustee of all the Wakfs/Trusts of the Dawoodi Bohra Community including the Dawat-e-Hadiyah Trust, PTR No. B-729 in Mumbai. Let it be known to all not to deal with any of the Wakfs/Trusts of the Dawoodi Bohra Community in any manner whatsoever without my permission. Anyone dealing with the same shall do so at his/her own risk."
Abdeali Qutbuddin, son of Khuzaima Qutbuddin, claimed that they have around 4.5 lakh (450,000) followers.[14]
Demands of Central Board of Dawoodi Bohras in wake of succession controversy
A press conference was organised by Central Board of Dawoodi Bohra Community which is represented by intellectuals in the community recommended taking a neutral stance in wake of the succession controversy, not taking side of any of the claimants.:[16][17]
"Over the last ten days we have been witness to the ugly dispute over the right successor to the late Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin Saheb. This was not unexpected, as the late Syedna Saheb had been unable to clearly nominate his successor for nearly 50 years while he was alive. The claim of both his so-called successors is shrouded in mystery and ambiguity, as there are no reliable and disinterested witnesses to their nomination. The community is therefore both in a dilemma and distress, and is greatly agitated. For nearly 200 years there was no such problem, as the succession was monopolized within one family, with either the brother or the son being nominated by his predecessor. However, now, the stakes are quite high. An unbelievably large amount of wealth has been accumulated over the last hundred years through extortion and exploitation. The dispute is, therefore, not religious as claimed by both the claimants, but for the control of this wealth. Nathwani and Tewatia Commissions in the 1970s and 1990s have fully documented the various modes of this accumulation, and how this wealth is spent on the luxurious lifestyle of one family, and not for the benefit of the community. The Central Board warns both the claimants that if they do not change with the changing times, become liberal, stop malpractices and loosen their control over a docile and peaceful community, they will be consigned to the dustbins of history."
— Official statement of Central Board of Dawoodi Bohra Community
Also the Central Board of Dawoodi Bohras, high ranking intellectual dawoodi bohras like Professor Emeritus Ismail Poonawala and Prof Hamdani want the successor to be decided based on their requirements and they would accept any claimant which accepts their following demands,[18] to be accepted as a successor:
- that he is only a Nazim Da’i (administrator) and not a Da’i Mutlaq (with full powers)
- that he is prepared to accept all past and future charities as waqf properties of the community with an independent authority and financial transparency, and that he should not claim to be the sole trustee as claimed by Sayyedna Tahir Saifuddin and his successor;
- that he would accept democratic constitution of all the local jamats and for the Central Jamat Board to be elected directly by the community,and that this body should be consulted by him in all matters affecting the welfare of the community
- that he will abolish all non-Islamic collection of taxes called wajebat and several other taxes at the time of death, such as ruku’ chiththi (recommendation letter that the deceased has paid all his dues and should be welcomed to paradise), etc.;
- that there should be no baraat (excommunication) of an individual member or a family of the community, which is a form of religious tyranny… membership of a community is a voluntary thing;
- that he will put an end to conferring honorary titles based solely on payment of large sums of money;
- that the custom imposed by Tahir Saifuddin to obtain raza (permission) for each and every petty matter is against the teachings of Islam and should be abolished;
- that he should declare his predecessors’ claim to have authority over the jan (soul) or mal (property) of a member of the community as totally against the basic Islamic teachings and bring it to an end;
- that he should be easily accessible to any member of the community and listen to his/her complaint and access should not be controlled by a coterie of henchmen around him, in short, there should not be either an iron or bamboo curtain around him;
- that efforts should be directed towards building a civil society that not only includes the admirable charitable, educational, and social welfare organizations, but also an alternative religious or scholarly elite to prevent the attrition of Bohras to other branches of Islam, and provide the progressive spiritual guidance that is sorely needed.
Custody battle
Due to the succession controversy, the shared grandchildren of Mufaddal Saifuddin and Khuzima Qutbuddin have been sent abroad as their mothers have backed their father Qutbiddin over their husbands' relation Saifuddin. Zara Qutbuddin, head of Qutbuddin's public relations team, said the children had been sent overseas to prevent Mufaddal's side from tracing them.[19]
References
- ^ a b Mawani, Rizwan (30 January 2014). "The Intricacies of Succession: Two Claimants Emerge for Dawoodi Bohra Leadership". Huffington Post. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
- ^ a b c d e "Late Syedna 'too ill to have spoken coherently'". Mumbai Mirror. The Times Group. 2014-04-03. Retrieved 2014-04-04.
- ^ a b c d e "Dawoodi Bohra succession battle takes legal turn". Mumbai Mirror. The Times Group. 2014-04-02. Retrieved 2014-04-04.
- ^ Sikand, Yoginder (5 March 2011). "Reformist Dawoodi Bohras raise voice against religious head". Rediff.com.
- ^ "Successor to Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin named". DNA. Diligent Media Corporation. 6 June 2011.
- ^ "A perilous transition". Mumbai Mirror. The Times Group. 2014-01-24. Retrieved 2014-04-04.
- ^ "Dawoodi Bohras welcome nomination of successor". Hindustan Times. Mumbai: HT Media. 7 June 2011.
- ^ "Who is new Syedna? Trouble brews as half-brother stakes claim". The Indian Express. Mumbai: Indian Express Group. 6 February 2014. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
- ^ "Qutbuddin was being true to his word: sons - Mumbai Mirror". mumbaimirror.com. Retrieved 2014-04-02.
- ^ a b Variyar, Mugdha (2014-01-31). "Dawoodi Bohra succession issue: former chief justice pledges allegiance to Syedna's uncle - Hindustan Times". Hindustan Times. Mumbai: HT Media. Retrieved 2014-04-02.
- ^ a b Punwani, Jyoti (2014-02-19). "Bohras who refuse to denounce Qutbuddin face boycott, threats". Mumbai Mirror. The Times Group. Retrieved 2014-04-04.
- ^ a b c Johari, Aarefa (2 April 2014). "As Bohra succession battle heads to court, support for challenger gathers steam". Scroll.in.
- ^ "Bombay high court judge recuses himself from hearing Syedna successor row". DNA. Diligent Media Corporation. 2014-04-08. Retrieved 2014-04-09.
- ^ a b Sadhwani, Yogesh (2014-01-25). "Son's loyalists knock doors at night for support". Mumbai Mirror. The Times Group. Retrieved 2014-03-12.
- ^ "Succession war breaks out in Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin's family". DNA. Mumbai: Diligent Media Corporation. 2014-01-21. Retrieved 2014-03-23.
- ^ Vargese, Philip (31 January 2014). "50k Dawoodi Bohras gather at Azad Maidan". Afternoon Despatch & Courier. Mumbai. Retrieved 28 February 2014.
- ^ The Central Board of Dawoodi Bohra Community (March 2014). "Succession controversy of Sayedna" (PDF). Azad. Dawoodi Bohra Welfare Society. p. 7. Retrieved 11 April 2014.
- ^ Poonawala, Ismail K.; Hamdani, Abbas H. (March 2014). "A Manifesto on behalf of the Bohra Community" (PDF). Azad. Dawoodi Bohra Welfare Society. pp. 6–7. Retrieved 11 April 2014.
- ^ Sadhwani, Yogesh; Indorewala, Sharmeen Hakim (12 March 2014). "Dawoodi Bohra factions now fight over custody of 9 kids". Mumbai Mirror. The Times Group.