Alavi Bohras

After the death of the legatee of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, Ali in 40 AH, his son Hasan became the first Imam and this institution of Imamat i.e. succession of al-A'immat al-Faatemiyeen-الائمۃ الفاطمیین continued from father to son till the 21st Imam. This 21st Fatimid Imam At-Tayyib Abu'l-Qasim went into seclusion from Egypt in 528 AH, in Yemen under the guidance of Al-Hurrah Al-Malikah Arwa bint Ahmad from 532 AH, one ''da'i succeeded another through the tradition of nass'': the exclusive spiritual appointment, until the 23rd Da'i i.e. from 1st Da'i Zoeb bin Saiyedi Moosa till 23rd Da'i Mohammad Izzuddin. In Sindh and India too Wali-ul-Hind ولي الھند were appointed by these Du'aat دعاۃ one after another until Wali-ul-Hind Ja'far, Abd ul Wahab and Qasim Khan bin Hasan (11th and last Wali-ul-Hind, d.950AH, Ahmedabad). The last three wali were of great help in the era of the 21st to 24th Da'i i.e. Husamuddin (921–932 AH), Shamsuddin (933 AH), Izzuddin (933–946 AH) and Najmuddin (946–974 AH). It was during this time when the seat of Da'wat e Haadiyah was transferred to India from Yemen, that the 23rd Da'i ul-Mutlaq الداعي المطلق Muhammad Izz al-Din I performed Nass (transfer of authority) on Yusuf Najmuddin I in Sidhpur, Gujarat, India. Due to constant harassment and persecution by the local Zaydi Shi'a ruler in Yemen, the 24th Da'i, Yusuf Najmuddin I (d.1567 AD), shifted the whole administration of the Da'wat Haadiyah (rightly guided mission) to India but continued to live in Yemen in the last years of his tenure and died there in Taibah. See Al-Mutahhar for further information. The 25th Da'i Jalal Shamshuddin bin Hasan (d.1567 AD) was first Da'i to die in India and he was torch-bearer in establishing the representation (نیابۃ) of the Imam of the Time (امام الزمان) from the progeny of Muhammad though he stayed for only 4 months on the Seat of Da'wat (عرش الدعوۃ); his mausoleum is in Ahmedabad, India. As mentioned his tenure as a Da'i al-Mutlaq was very short but he played a pivotal role as one of the most trusted person from Hudood and as a Mazoon during the period of 23rd and 24th Da'i. Following the death of the 26th Da'i Dawoodji Burhanuddin bin Saiyedi Ajabshah in 997AH/1591AD in Ahmedabad, there was a dispute as to who was to succeed him. Sulayman bin Hassan, the grandson of 24th Da'i Yusuf Najmuddin I, was wali in Yemen and claimed the succession, supported by the other Yemeni Bohra. However, the Indian Bohra denied his claim of nass, declaring supporting documentation to be forged. The two factions separated, with the followers of Sulayman becoming the Sulaymanis, and the followers of 27th Da'i Dawoodji Burhanuddin bin Qutubshah becoming the Dawoodi Bohra. After the death of the 28th Da'i, Sheikh Adam Safiuddin, in 1030 AH/1621 AD, a small faction of Alavi Bohra in Ahmedabad recognized his grandson Ali bin Ibrahim (1046 AH/ 1637 AD) who was Mazoon, Mansoos and treasurer of Kutub e Da'wat, as his successor and got separated in 1030 AH from the majority Dawoodi Bohra who believed in Abduttayyeb Zakiuddin I, followed a separate line of Du'aat residing mainly in Vadodara (Gujarat, India) where they have their own locality. Ali was supported by his uncle and secured very few followers. Ali never carried his protest to the court of Mughal Emperor Jahangir to declare him as a legitimate Da'i. Unverified accounts of this episode could be found in many publications. But Ali ordered his associate Hasan Badruddin in 1031 AH/1622 AD to go to the Mughal court in Lahore to meet Jahangir to complain on his behalf about the atrocities meted upon Alavis in Ahmedabad by their opponents. The help came and the lives of Alavis became better than before. This relief was short-lived and again the harassment sprung up more fiercely. Hasan Badruddin went again to Lahore for the same reason and then traveled to Kashmir to meet Emperor Shah Jahan in 1046 AH/1637 AD, the year of Ali's death. Hasan Badruddin was not present at the time of the burial of Ali. Ali, the 29th Alavi Da'i was born in the walled city of Vadodara in Fakhri Mohalla, when 27th Da'i Dawoodji bin Saiyedi Qutubshah was alive in Ahmedabad. His father Ibrahim died during his childhood. He was Hafiz ul-Qur'an in a tender age and when his grandfather 28th Da'i Sheikh Adam Safiuddin brought him to Ahmedabad for further studies in Uloom-e-Da'wat in the Majlis of 27th Da'i, by seeing face of Ali, 27th Da'i gave glad-tidings بشارۃ to 28th Da'i that, "This son will become the Light of your Eyes, so educate him as he is going to become the man of great acclaim" Holding that the era of Muhammad had come to an end, a group of Alavi Bohras seceded in 1178 AH/1764 AD during the da'iship of 36th Da'i Shamsuddin Hameeduddin in Vadodara. Because of their abstention from eating meat they were called Nagoshias (non meat eaters). They followed their separate line of leaders for the next 100 years. In 1310 AH/1892 AD, 41st Alavi Da'i Jivabhai Fakhruddin summoned their elders and after explaining them the realities of Shari'at he respectfully accepted them and took them into the fold of Alavi Bohras. ==Meaning and origin of Bohras==

In India, during the time of the 18th Fatimid Imam, Al-Mustansir Billah around 486 AH/1093 AD, the designated learned people (wulaat - ولاۃ) who were sent from Yemen by the celebrated missionaries (''du'aat ul-balaagh'' in the region of Gujarat (Cambay or Khambhat). It was the result of their perseverance and efforts that people started believing and accepting the Isma'ili-Tayyibi principles and gradually the mission of Yemen gave birth to a new community in India – The Bohras. The succession of those designated learned people who worked as deputies of the missionaries of Yemen came to be known as Wulaat ul-Hind in India. They were all in close contact with the spiritual authority of Yemen i.e. the ''Da'i al-Mutlaq'' after the seclusion of the 21st Imam, At-Tayyib Abu'l-Qasim from Egypt. In Ahmedabad between 825 and 1050 AH/1422-1640 AD the mainstream Bohra community got divided into 3 major groups. Among them, Alavi Bohras, who are mainly traders and merchants, are patriotic, peace-loving and harmonious people. The word ‘Bohra-بھرۃ or Vohra or Vohorwu or Vyavahar' itself indicates maintaining healthy relations and is derived from the Gujarati word ‘vohorvu’ or ‘vyavahar’, which means "to trade". have adopted the name of Vohra or Vora, owing to the fame and respect of the "Bohra" name. But they do not follow the basic doctrines and customs of the Isma'ili-Tayyibi Bohras. The early Indian converts of the 11th century AD during the reign of 18th Fatimid Imam Al-Mustansir Billah consisted of a single group of '''Isma'ili' Bohras owing allegiance to the missionaries (du'aat ul-balaagh) who conveyed spiritual orders of manifest Imam (imaam-e-zaahir'') to common believers in Yemen and India. == Certain Isma'ili Tayyibi terminology ==

Spiritual mission • دعوۃ – Da’wat is a call, mission, invitation or summons related to divinity or spirituality towards the unity and oneness of Allah. The mission is of Truth and the truth could never be separated from the Almighty (''al-Qur'an'' ch.13 v.14). It existed before this material world and will be there after its annihilation. It is the Mission of Truth, the Bridge towards Salvation, an Arc of Guidance, the Light showing the Point of Return, the Way to Heavens, the Proof of Imamat-امامۃ and an institution to attain ranks as per the deeds. It also refers to the hierarchy of ranks (hudood-حدود) within the rightly guided religious organization called ad-Da’wat ul-Haadiyah-الدعوۃ الھادیۃ. The one who calls is called Da’i-داعي or Haadi-ھادي (missionary or guide) who is divinely appointed by his predecessor. Everyone who heads Da’wat right from the first prophet Adam until Muhammad, his progeny and their deputies are called Da’i with the same aim, guidance and directives. Da’wat is for Unity and Peace. Outwardly it is in the form of Islam and inwardly it is Imaan-ایمان (faith). Today, 45th Da’i al-Mutlaq Saiyedna saheb is the deputy of the Da’wat of Imaam uz Zamaan-امام الزمان, the hidden imaam from the lineage of 21st Imam Abul Qasim At-Tayyib. The Da'wat is organized hierarchically, in line with the particular importance accorded to hierarchism and step by step designation in Fatimid Isma'ili thought carried forward in its Tayyibi branch in Yemen and India called as Tayyibi Isma'ilism, continuing down to the present time. in Yemen al-Hurrah al-Malekah (d. 532 AH/1138 AD) appointed the first Da'i al-Mutlaq Zo'eb bin Moosa al-Waade’i. From this time onwards 532 AH/1138 AD the headquarters of Tayyibi Isma'ilism was established in Yemen where the development of Tayyibi Da'wah came under the powerful leadership of Da'i al-Mutlaq. He sits left to the Da’i al-Mutlaq during the religious gathering-Majlis. He is lower to the rank of Mazoon. He is well versed and well informed about the baseless beliefs of other sects for which he thinks as a threat to the faith of believers. His responsibility is to train the beginner – مستجیب مؤمن and win over the neophyte who is little aware of the overall understanding of Islamic Faith and by proper grooming he enters him into the fold of Isma’ilism by taking Oath of Fealty in the name of the present Da’i al-Mutlaq. He is quite expert in putting Rational and Logical arguments with necessary ideological and doctrinal proofs and healthy debates. On the death of Mukaasir, Da'i entrusts this rank to one of his close associates. In some cases, on the death of Mazoon, Da'i elevates Mukaasir to the rank of Mazoon. A Beginner in Isma'ili Tayyibi Faith • مؤمن مستجیب – Mu'min Mustajeeb – A Believer or a Beginner in Isma'ili Tayyibi Faith who pure-heartedly, respectfully, devotionally and uncondionally accepts the guidance from Mukaasir e Mutlaq and gives Oath of Obedience to all the Eight Spiritual Ranks viz. from Mukaasir to Nabi (prophet). After giving oath he initiates his long journey of learning, piety and salvation. With every passing day he only learns and acquires the articles of faith which his Superiors think beneficial for him. As he is a beginner, as per Isma'ili Faith, he cannot doubt or question a little bit on any command of his Masters (صاحب مقام). Salaam and Qadam-bosi • سلام – Salaam – Salutation, Safety, Greeting, Peace or Respect of a person with Spiritual status or a general believer of ''Da'wat ul-Haqq'' (mission of truth). It is one of the beautiful attributes of Allah the Almighty. This term is used 19 times in the Qur'an and it is equal to the letters if "Bismillaah ir Rahman ir Raheem", the beginning of the Qur'an and the most recited verse in the Islamic World. The completion of any supplication (''du'aa-دعاء) is endorsed with the Salaam (salawaat''-صلوات) on the Prophets and their households. It also refers to the prescribed Islamic voluntary or compulsory monetary payments done by a believer throughout the year to the Da'i (missionary). It is the basic element of Islamic etiquette and ethics. It is regarded as good practice to start any talk with "as-salaamo 'alaykum"-السلام علیکم (peace be upon you). The greeting of the people of Paradise-اھل الجنۃ is Salaam. The faith of Islam is nothing but Salaam. The core of Islam is to remain in Peace and to make others feel Peace. A believer must do salaam & qadam-bosi-قدم بوسي (to kiss right knee of an Imam) after every prayer (namaaz). Salaam is that a believer bows down in front of an Imam then holds his right hand while keeping his right eye first then left eye then forehead and at the end kisses his hand. This he does 2 times. Then at the end kisses his right knee and does request for ''Du'aa and blessings. This refers to the Prophetic tradition that, "Paradise is underneath the Feet of Mothers," Mothers here means the Imam or his representative (da'i) from the progeny of Muhammad.The Heart of the Qur'an is its Chapter Yaa Seen (36). The heart of this chapter is its verse "Peace is the word from a Merciful Lord" (58). The heart of this verse is Salaam. So truly speaking the essence of Qur'an is Peace. The first sign of hypocrisy and enmity is to stop offering Salaam''. Prophetic Traditions: 1. Offering the peace-greeting and speaking with kindness will assuredly win God's mercy. 2. Call out the peace greeting and you will know peace. 3. Show concern for your relatives, even with a greeting. 4. The greeting of our people is "Peace", our subject's security. 5. Greet before conversing. 41st Indian missionary Saiyedna Jivabhai Fakhruddin (d. 1347 AH/1929 AD) says in his poetic verses, "Khuda ne kaha jinko har dam Salaam, Kalaam unka hai goya Haqq ka Kalaam", God has offered Salaam to the ones whose dialogue and words are the words of Truth (God). Shajarah • شجرۃ - Shajarah - Tree. Tree means the spiritual hierarchy within the Tayyibi Da'wat. It starts from the first prophet of Islam Maulaana Adam who conveyed the core message of the oneness of Allah till the Last prophet of Islam Muhammad al-Mustafa who is the Seal of Prophethood. After him his progeny became the guardian of Islam and this will continue till the Last day of Judgement. This holy tree will never die and it will provide the cool shadow of peace and progress to the travellers in this world in the form ''Du'aat''-missionaries. In Qur'anic verses the Holy Tree-شجرۃ طیبۃ is referred to the Light of Allah which means keeping faith in Aal e Muhammad and their ''Da'i and this faith gives Noor'' to the heart of the faithful (ch. 24 v. 35). This Holy Tree is also related to the Good Utterance-کلمۃ طیبۃ i.e. the Imam from the Pure Progeny-ذریۃ طیبۃ of prophet Muhammad who will remain all the time for the guidance of humanity. The roots of this holy tree is very strong and spread across the land and its branches have gone high in the heavens (ch. 14 v. 24). Muhammad says in one of his Hadees: "I am in this world like a traveler who takes a nap in the shade of a tree on a hot day, then continues on his way." == List of missionaries ==

Yemen - يمن During the time of 18th Fatimid Imam Al-Mustansir Billah and his son, 19th Fatimid Imam Al-Musta'li, four important personalities strengthened the foundation of Fatimid Da’wat in Yemen. They were Saiyedna ‘Ali bin Muhammad as-Sulayhi, Saiyedna Ahmad al-Mukarram, Saiyedatona Hurrat ul-Malekah Arwaa binte Ahmad and Saiyedna Lamak bin Maalik. They injected new life in the Walaayat of Imaam uz-Zamaan and guided the faithful to the Path of Truth and Justice. Faithfuls were in peace and harmony under their leadership. After the demise of Maulaana Imam Musta'li, his son, 20th Fatimid Imam Al-Amir bi-Ahkam Allah, ascended to the throne of Imamat on 17th Safar 495 AH/1101 AD. His period of Imamat is 31 yrs. He was martyred by his enemies in Cairo on the night of 4th Zul Qa’dah 526 AH/1132 AD and died on the same night. Maulaatona Hurrat ul-Malekah, who was in Yemen during all these hard times, was preparing to establish firmly the institution of Fatimid Tayyibi Da'wat in Yemen in the name of the 21st Fatimid Imam At-Tayyib Abu'l-Qasim who was born to 20th Imam Aamir on 4 Rabi' al-Aakhar 524 AH/1130 AD in Cairo. She acted as Hujjat-proof of Imam during this period. She came to know the fate of Fatimid Caliphate through the signs sent to her by 20th Imaam. Saiyedna Lamak bin Maalik and Saiyedna Yahya bin Lamak learned the knowledge of Da’wat from Maulaatona Hurrat ul-Malekah that helped her by all means in the administration of Da’wat. This was a crucial time when there was an imminent fall of Caliphate in Cairo and simultaneous reinforcement and establishment of Fatimid Da’wat in Yemen. There were numerous Hudood Till the time of 19th Da'i Idris Imaduddin (832-872 AH/1428-1468 AD), due to the efforts of Adam Shujaa’uddin sizable Bohras migrated from Patan to Ahmedabad. So this was the period of the first Bohra settlement in Ahmedabad as it proved to be a safe haven for the peace-loving community scattered in the other towns surrounding Ahmedabad. At that time sizable Bohra population could be found at Patan, Khambhat, Siddhpur, Nadiad, Kapadvanj, Bharuch, Vadodara, Umreth, Mehsana, Dholka etc. Bohras prospered in Ahmedabad but it was overshadowed with some brutal and gruesome attacks now and then by the Muslim Sultanate. The Bohras of Gujarat and their ''da'is'' were not persecuted by the local Hindu rulers, who did not feel endangered by their activities. The community thus developed without any hindrance until the Muslim conquest of Gujarat in 697 AH/1298 AD, when the Da'wat's activities came under the scrutiny of the region's Muslim governors, who recognized the suzerainty of the Sultans of Delhi, who belonged to the Khalji and Tughluqid dynasties. were martyred or jailed. Ahmedabad became called "Nani Karbala" (small karbala) because of the large number of martyrs buried there and also "Baagh-e-Aal-e-Mohammad" (paradise of Ahl e Bayt). 28th ''da'i al-mutlaq Sheikh Adam Safiuddin (d. 1030 AH/1621 AD) held the key leadership and played pivotal role in managing the internal community matters and external political affairs in Ahmedabad during the time of various da'is, he studied with 24th da'i in Yemen and was authorized to propagate the mission-da'wat'' in the Deccan. (d. 986 AH/1578 AD) of Vadodara was martyred in the Mandvi gate when he invited Saiyedna saheb to inaugurate the mosque which he had built after returning from Hajj, avoiding Salaahuddin the then governor of Muzaffar Shah III. The mosque named Fakhri masjid is the oldest Bohra mosque in Vadodara where Alavi Bohras today offer daily prayers. After unbearable oppression meted upon Alavi Bohras during the time of 31st Da’i al-Mutlaq Saiyedna Hasan Badruddin bin Wali in Ahmedabad, he ordered 32nd Da’i al-Mutlaq Saiyedna Jivabhai Ziyauddin bin Noohji to migrate along with the community to Vadodara. He spearheaded the cause of migration and in 1110 AH/1699 AD he established a new locality for the community where he built Ziyaai Masjid and Badri Mohalla. Badri Mohalla proved a cradle of progress and prosperity for the entire community. An Alavi Bohra who resides anywhere in the world and he visits Vadodara has to come to Badri Mohalla as the residence of Saiyedna saheb is located right in the middle of it. Since 328 years (1110–1438 AD/1699-2017 AD), Vadodara has remained the centre and the seat of modern Alavi Bohras (ad-Da’wat ul-Haadiyat ul-‘Alaviyah to Saiyedna saheb. Surat city became the centre of Alavi Bohras, though for a short period of time i.e. 19 years was only because of the pure heartedness and trustworthiness of Noorbhai Nuruddin, the 35th Da'i of Alavi Bohras. This was the time when Surat witnessed the transition period from Mughal rule to British dominion and the place where Saiyedna Noorbhai Nuruddin lived in the railway station area near Tapti River is considered the oldest area of the city and it is from here that the development of the city started in the early 20th century AD. After his death in 1178 AH/1764 AD, his son Shaikh Adam stayed in Surat and looked after the community like his father and grandfather. During this time there were around 50 Alavi Bohra families staying in Surat. The centre again got transferred to Vadodara and majority of Alavi Bohras migrated there along with their identity and surname as “Surtis”. Today the tomb of Saiyedna Noorbhai Nuruddin is the most revered place where mosque, community hall and musaafir-khaana are situated. For divine blessings every Alavi Bohra visit this place once in a year. Every year on the occasion of ‘Urs Mubaarak (death anniversary) of Saiyedna Noorbhai Nuruddin in Moharram a grand function is held in Surat where Alavi Bohras participate with great fervor and faith. == Reasoning and Religiosity of Esotericism ==

Knowledge (‘ilm-علم) and wisdom (hikmah-حكمۃ) are, according to Isma’ili belief, eternal gifts from God, revealed to humanity through His prophets. God has successively dispatched six prophets bearing a law (shari’ah): Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus Christ and Muhammad. These prophets are ‘speakers’ (naatiq-ناطق), because they talk to men, proclaiming to them a shari’ah, an exoteric (zaahir-ظاهر) law with its commandments and prohibitions, its ritual obligation and legal definitions. By the side of each prophet-speaker stands an authorized representative (wasi or asaas-وصي، اساس) who knows and teaches eternally immutable ‘esoteric meaning’ (baatin-باطن) of all these prescriptions and regulations-though only to a small number of the elect. Thus, Adam and his son Seth at his side, Noah and his son Shem, Abraham's wasi was his son Ishmeal, Moses's wasi was his brother Aron, and Jesus Christ's was Simon Peter. The speaker-prophet of our era is Muhammad. His wasi or asaas is his cousin and son in law ‘Ali ibn Abi Taalib. The latter's descendants are the true imams of Islamic community (ummah); they alone know and transmit the ‘esoteric meaning’ of the divine revelation proclaimed by Muhammad. The imams, whose succession continued with the Fatimid caliphs in Cairo till the 21st imam Abul Qaasim at-Taiyeb and their succession is in its place till date though in seclusion, are thus the repositories of the divine message; they are the upholders of ‘Knowledge’ and ‘Wisdom’, which they transmit to their followers, they are the ‘friends of God’ (awliya Allah-أولیاء الله). In the Isma’ili-Taiyebi gnosis the word baatin goes hand in hand with ta’weel and it exclusively denotes the method of inducing the baatin for the allegorical, symbolic and esoteric interpretation or spiritual-hermeneutic exegesis of historic events and the world of nature as described by the sacred Islamic texts. (al-Qur'an 57–3) • But those who are twisted of mind look for verses metaphorical, seeking deviation and giving to them interpretations of their own; but none knows their meaning except God; and those who are steeped in knowledge affirm: "We believe in them as all of them are from the Lord." But only those who have wisdom understand. (al-Qur'an 3–7) This type of allegorical interpretation is applied on the Hadith of Mohammad: • Unity is mercy, dissent punishment. Thus the twelve letters, which are al-rahmaan al-raheem, that arise from the seven lettered bismillaah, together become nineteen letters. This signifies that from the naatiqs – after each naatiq – seven imaams and twelve hujjats arise, which makes nineteen. The same is the case with pillars of Islam, in which there are seven pillars each having twelve traditions." == Library ==

The Personal Alavi Library, housed in the Residence of Saiyedna saheb is the centre of Isma'ili Studies with special reference to the Taiyebi Branch of Literature. There are various Academic and Research Institutions which carry out studies on Isma'ili Taiyebi Literature basically starting from 225 AH (c. 840 AD) until the present based on Ahaadees, Akaaleem, Riwaayaat and historic events with the assistance of renowned and experienced scholars in their respective fields. Specifically the study of Isma'ili Literature is part and parcel of the studies of Near-Eastern Languages and Culture. Generally every University that carries out these studies also includes the study of Arabic Language which is fostered by Isma'ili scholars. These specific, selective, and special studies are centered in a very few Institutions which house Isma'ili Taiyebi Manuscripts (MSS) found in Arabic. During the second half of the 20th century AD and in recent years scholarly, critical, and significant research work is being carried out in European, American, and Middle-Eastern Universities. But it always requires second thought and important inputs based on Isma’ili dogmas from the authoritative seat of Da’wat. Scholars who are not at all in the system of Isma’ili Faith lack that special touch while dealing or summarizing or translating texts of Core Beliefs. It is because these Isma’ili literary gems had been written by Du’aat in the presence of an Imam or by his commands. It contains an Oath for the Imam on which its reader must follow and without which one is not supposed to even open a book. As these books which were guarded in the private possessions made their way to Scholars and Researchers, the central point of the Oath was mindlessly neglected and anyone who had an access to these books started their work. No doubt great efforts and hard work have been carried out by the researchers but still there remains always a dot of doubt. The Institutions which possess rich and periodically diversified Isma’ili manuscripts have now become epicenter of scholarly activities and academic journalism. The centre of ad-Da’wat ul-Haadiyat ul-‘Alaviyah houses several hundred manuscripts which is managed, preserved, conserved, and enriched by the 45th Da’i al-Mutlaq Saiyedna saheb. This personal library contains some of the rare Islamic and Isma’ili titles and with every passing day newer titles are added. This collection is under the direct access, supervision, and control of the Da’i al-Mutlaq and therefore the nature and process of addition to the collection is also noteworthy and the fact is that the Da’i being the sole authority of Isma’ili-Taiyebi learning is cognizant of the contents of each and every manuscript, old as well as recent ones. It has been observed that due to the maintenance of secrecy of Isma’ili Literature, the private family collections in Yemen, Sindh, and Hind are never in direct access to the public domain nor are the manuscripts lent or shared to any aspirant of the study. But, regarding the ad-Da’wat ul-Haadiyat ul-‘Alaviyah collection, despite its original and unique source, the Da’i is lenient in sharing the manuscripts after thoroughly assessing the just and critical way of translating, editing and publishing. Though the centre of ‘Alavi Da’wat does not directly invite scholars or researchers from foreign universities, time and again many interested foreign scholars have come straightforwardly and studied Isma’ili titles with the Da’i himself from Iran, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Europe. At times, when the scholars who worked for the critical study and edition of any Isma’ili title might be having only two to three manuscripts from different origins, i.e. where the writer, place and period differ, there arose the demand for the consultation of more manuscripts. For this purpose, the manuscripts of the ‘Alavi Da’wat collection, because of its Indian origin, proved more fruitful for better text reading and editing. The other salient feature of the ‘Alavi Library is that it is housed at the Da’i's residence and most of the manuscripts are copied by the Du’aat from those which were brought to Vadodara when the Da’wat headquarters were shifted from Ahmedabad. It has been well-preserved and well-maintained by the Da’i's great efforts. Like many other places where such manuscripts were bundled for centuries and remained under lock-and-key and were never referred to or studied, the case is entirely different here. At the ‘Alavi Library, the Da’i consults and refers to these manuscripts and accordingly copies its texts in individual papers for lecturing purposes and hands over certain old manuscripts to his close aides to make a fresh copy by penning the entire text. With age-old methods the preservation of the manuscripts is carried out. As the Da’i personally handles all library affairs, the question of precaution, curing, or fumigation never arises. But the Du’aat felt it compulsory to make a copy of every manuscript as there was a constant fear of a single copy being damaged by any unexpected accident or worm attack. Every year more and more manuscripts are added to the collection and also they are copied as and when required. The manuscripts copied by the 45th Da'i al-Mutlaq Saiyedna Haatim Zakiyuddin saheb since 1405 AH/1985 AD: == Islamic calendar: occasions and commemoration as per the calculation of Fatimid imams ==

The City of Vadodara The Peaceful City of Vadodara (Gujarat, India) is the Centre of Da'wah Haadiyah 'Alaviyah الدعوۃ الھادیۃ العلویۃ (Alavi Bohras, Alavi Da'wat) since 1110 AH/1698 AD when 32nd Da'i e Mutlaq الداعي المطلق Saiyedna Jivabhai Ziyauddin migrated along with community members to Vadodara due to persecution and tyranny of other Muslim and Bohra communities. Saiyedna helped each and every Alavi Bohra migrant to get settled in Wadi area gifted by the Shi'a benevolent person Miya Mahmood. He constructed a Mosque, named Ziyaai Masjid at the entrance of the Mohalla (locality) called Badri Mohalla. Du'aat (missionaries) after migration Alavi Bohras have all the Du'aat دعاۃ from 32nd till the 44th Da'i e Mutlaq Saiyedna Taiyeb Ziyauddin buried in Vadodara except 35th Da'i whose grave is in Surat. So during these 3 centuries 12 Du'aat have their mausoleum at a single place i.e. Vadodara. Da'i knows everyone 8000 believers of Well-Knit, Educated and Organized Alavi Bohra Worldwide Community has a distinction that their Saiyedna saheb known popularly as Aqaa Maulaa knows each and every of the community by his Name, Family, Social Status, Education and Occupation. He directly meets everyone and resolves issues with his own capacity be it Spiritual, Social, Financial, Marital or Personal. He is surrounded by his Ashaab اصحاب or believers wherever he goes and doesn't need any security. Asbaaq Asbaaq of Faith: For years together, Da'i, Mazoon, Mukaasir and Ra's ul-Hudood impart Religious Knowledge centred on Isma'ili Taiyebi Literature, dealing with Aqaa'id-عقائد (dogmas, beliefs), Sunan-سنن (traditions), Rusoomaat-رسومات (customs), Aa'maal-اعمال (deeds), Zamaan-e-Haal-زمانۂ حال (current affairs) by conducting Special as well as General Daras-درس (learning classes) weekly. Alaviyeen-علویین i.e. Believers from all walks of life come to acquire knowledge directly from Da'wah Central Authority to enhance their Intelligence and Wisdom. ‘Urs Mubaarak ‘Urs Mubaarak-عرس مبارک is the auspicious and historic day commemorating the Death Anniversary of the holy personalities of Ahl ul-Bayt, Missionaries (Du’aat-دعاۃ) or the Deputies (Walis) of the missionaries in India during the period of Da’wat when it was in either Misr or Yemen. After the prayer of sunset (maghrib-مغرب) people gather in a mosque or in a mausoleum in the presence of Da’i al-Mutlaq to pay respect in the form of sweets, chaadar (flowery sheet), ghilaaf (decorative drape). It is a unique socio-religious festival in which Da’i al-Mutlaq (Saiyedna saheb) addresses people and makes them aware about the simple and pious life of Du’aat-دعاۃ, their works and sacrifices, their prayers and admonitions. Tenets of Isma’ili-Taiyebi faith are dealt with in detail in such gatherings such as salvation, life after this world, accounts and answers to be given to angels, paradise and hell, good and bad deeds and its reward or punishment, the day of qeyaamah (یوم القیامۃ), the proceedings of the deceased in his grave, supplication and prayer for the pardon of evil actions etc. In the gathering eulogy of the deceased holy personality (Da’i) is recited by the Zaakireen. A feast is arranged for all of them present in the majlis and Supplication of Purity (Faatihah-فاتحۃ) is recited before taking the food. In the morning, the next day after offering prayer of dawn (fajr-فجر) the same type of majlis is held but a special supplication called “Sadaqallaah-صدق اللہ” is recited for the deceased and then after paying respects a special dish called Malida is arranged for all the participants. This is the unique way to offer tribute to the deceased who had laid their lives for the Truth and Justice and to commemorate their true stories of piety and strive to get the best in the Hereafter. Ten days of Moharram Moharram ul-Haraam-محرم الحرام is the first month of Islamic Lunar Year and its first ten days have a great significance in Shi’i world. When New Year is celebrated with merriment and joy, Alavi Bohras have a total different course of traditions to greet the gracefulness of the New Year. The first ten days are called ‘Asharah Mubaarakah-عشرۃ مبارکۃ as it is marked with weeping and mourning on the Martyrdom of the 2nd Imaam Abu ‘Abdillaah Husain, grandson of Muhammad in Karbalaa. 72 martyrs laid their lives for Truth against the demand of Bay’at-Oath of Allegiance on the first night and first day of a New Year and it is kept in a big platter-Thaal is cooked for the whole community at different places to commemorate the martyrdom of Maulaana Imaam Husain. ==Community at a glance==

Status , the great martyr Saiyedna Ali Shamsuddin and the Court of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir This is the Nano-Minority Community of Gujarat- In the world Muslims are in Minority. Among Muslims Shi'a are a Minority. Among Shi'as Isma'ilis are a minority. Among Isma'ilis, Bohras are a minority. Among Bohras Alavi Bohras are a minority. Meaning Alavi Bohras are a minority (Bohras) within a minority (Isma'ilis) within a Minority (Shi'a) within a Minority (Muslims). Language Lisaan ud-Da'wat il-'Alaviyah (LDA) لسان الدعوۃ العلویۃ is the Unique language spoken by Worldwide Alavi Bohras. It is basically Gujarati Language but it is embellished, supported and structured by Arabic, Persian and Urdu words, idioms, phrases, adverbs, proverbs or sometimes the whole sentence. was conceptualized and launched with the sole aim of making the community and World aware of the History, Practices, Customs, Events, News, Principles, Calendar, Literature, Prayers, Business, Family and Social life, Education, Occupation etc. of Alavi Bohras. It has been controlled, edited and promoted by the office of Saiyedna saheb. Hence there remains no need to confirm any information and news of the community. It can be said that, the World gets the first-hand information directly from the Da'i himself. Since its launch it caters to each and every aspect of the community. If any layman who doesn't know the ABC of Alavi Bohras, then by visiting the website no question of his will remain unanswered. Every scholar or a researcher who is doing work on Alavi Bohras will dedfinitely have to go through this community website. Mobile app Exclusive Mobile Application "Ahl uz Zikr" was launched in June 2016 on Android as well as on iOS platform. This application has now become the main medium of connectivity between Da’wat e Haadiyah-Chief Religious Authority and the community members. Office of Da'i saheb is gradually updating and adding all required features for community learning and development. Ahl uz Zikr has become the prime source of all Divine Knowledge apart from the community website. Looking at the wide acceptance of mobile phones among the youngsters, it is time to have an acceptable platform for the propagation of Right Ideas. It includes News, Events, Farmaan, Conversation, Audio, Video, Classifieds, Calendar, Date Conversation, Namaaz Timings, History, Qiblah Direction, Supplication, Hadees, Tasbeeh counter, etc. Bank Alavi Bohras have a leading co-operative bank in the city of Vadodara named as 'Alavi Bohra Co-operative Bank'. It is a very popular bank among the city residents and serve as good employer for the Alavi Bohra community and its people. == History of the Imāmī-Alāvī Bohras ==

File:Huzoor e aali saiyedna saheb.jpg|44th and 45th Da'i at the residence on Vadodara called Devdi Mubaarak - 11 Nov 2013 File:Tree shia islam n3.pdf|Alavi Bohras are marked as dark blue File:Ilmi discussionwith dr daftary devdi.jpg|Renowned Isma'ili Scholar Dr. Farhad Daftary meets Saiyedna saheb on 26 Oct 2007 at Devdi Mubaarak, Alavi Library, the then Mazoon al-Mutlaq File:Mehfil at masjid e faatemi saiyedna ziyauddin saheb.jpg|Late 44th Da'i Saiyedna Taiyeb Ziyauddin saheb in the newly constructed Masjid e Faatemi in Nadiad during its inauguration - 9 Sep 2007 File:Rawzah badruddin saheb.jpg|The holy tomb of 31st 'Alavi Da'i Saiyedna Hasan Badruddin saheb at Saraspur, Ahmedabad - 24 Apr 2008 File:Maulaa and duaa.jpg|44th 'Alavi Da'i Saiyedna Taiyeb Ziyauddin saheb reciting Du'aa near Shehaabi Masjid, Pratapnagar, Vadodara - 16 Dec 2008 File:S Fidaali Badruddin Hajj procession.jpg|42nd Da'i al-Mutlaq Saiyedna Fidaali Badruddin going for Hajj Pilgrimage on 1-10-1947 from Badri Mohalla, Vadodara File:Mausoleum of Saiyedna Ali Ahmedabad.jpg|On 29-6-2009, the day when 29th Da'i Saiyedna Ali saheb became Da'i al-Mutlaq before 400 years, Alavi Bohras gathered in large numbers near Saiyedna Ali's tomb in Ahmedabad and 45th Da'i addressing the gathering File:Syedna yusuf nuruddin saheb moharram waaz.jpg|43rd Da'i al-Mutlaq Saiyedna Yusuf Nuruddin saheb delivering Moharram lecture in Vadodara - 5 Apr 1968 File:Saiyedna saheb procession in badri mohalla.jpg|Procession of 44th Da'i Saiyedna T Ziyauddin saheb during his birthday celebration on 25 Nov 1987 File:Middle mehrab of masjid e ziyaai.jpg|Middle Mehraab of Masjid e Ziyaai having Qur'anic inscriptions constructed by 32nd Da'i Saiyedna Jivabhai Ziyauddin saheb in 1110 AH/1699 AD in Badri Mohalla File:Madrasah place of mukaasir saheb.jpg|Mukaasir Saiyedi Nazarali Bhaisaheb used to teach his pupils besides Masjid e Ziyaai in Badri Mohalla that proved to be the cradle of learning - 1381 AH/1961 AD File:Darwaza of badri mohalla.jpg|An Iconic gate called "Darwaza" of Badri Mohalla which was demolished to give a way for the construction of new mosque - 1389 AH/1969 AD File:Alavi bohras urs syedna ali ahmedabad 389 mazoon saheb.jpg|The place covered with flowers is the flattened grave of 29th 'Alavi Da'i Saiyedna 'Ali saheb - 1435 AH/2014 AD File:Badri mohalla nooraani masjid layl e qadr.jpg|The outer view of Nooraani Masjid in Badri Mohalla - 1430 AH/2009 AD File:Bayat imam e zamaan alavi 1430.jpg|At the age of puberty, to become an Alavi Bohra, boys-girls offering oath of loyalty to Saiyedna saheb at his residence - 1430 AH/2009 AD File:Aqaa maulaa in computer education class.jpg|Saiyedna saheb operating a computer after inaugurating a Computer Class and always of the opinion to learn it at the earliest - 4-2-2018 File:Alavi bohras in QJSP seminar new delhi JNU.jpg|The representatives of Alavi Da'wat participated in the seminar organized by QJSP-Qutbi Jubilee Scholarship Program under the title "Ideas of Harmonious Coexistence - Religions and Philosophies of India" in New Delhi - 27-12-2017 ==See also==