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they did not pass any claim as if he is dai. It is the media which reported. condolence is different from expressing support as dai, since he has acquired administration it does not mean he is the dae
Undid revision 605416894, News about support of dawoodi bohra, and news of FM having mention of 'accession to the 53rd Dā'ī office' is retained. Please don't attempt 3rd for complete matter removal.
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The [[Mufaddal Saifuddin]] succession controversy<ref name="Huff Post">{{cite news | url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rizwan-mawani/the-intricacies-of-succes_b_4687546.html | title=The Intricacies of Succession: Two Claimants Emerge for Dawoodi Bohra Leadership |work=Huffington Post | date=30 January 2014 | accessdate=11 February 2014 | first=Rizwan | last=Mawani}}</ref> refers to the ongoing crisis in the [[Dawoodi Bohra]] community where two rival claimants have emerged after the death of [[Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin]] to claim the title of 53rd Dā'ī al-Mutlaq of Dawoodi Bohra. Before the death of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin it was reported that Mufaddal Saifuddin would be the 53rd Dā'ī, but, after the death of Burhanuddin, this dispute surfaced due to a claim by Khuzaima the Mazoon, Burhanuddin's second-in-command, that the succession ceremony was performed on him 49 years ago in private and that the succession ceremony of Mufaddal was staged when Burhanuddin was suffering from a serious stroke which debilitated him to the extent he could not speak nor move.<ref name="mumbaimirrorill">{{cite web|url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/mumbai/others/Late-Syedna-too-ill-to-have-spoken-coherently/articleshow/33144765.cms |title=Late Syedna 'too ill to have spoken coherently' |work=Mumbai Mirror |date=2014-04-03 |accessdate=2014-04-04 |publisher=[[The Times Group]]}}</ref> Independent Medical Reports by experts also confirm that Burhanuddin suffered serious mental deficits<ref name="mumbaimirrorill"/> on account of debilitating stroke which made it impossible for him to speak anything. Khuzaima's sons claim that they uploaded a succession ceremony video showing that nothing conceivable was uttered in that ceremony and which shows that no formal announcement of succession had been made by the late Syedna.<ref name="mumbaimirrorill"/><ref name="mumbaimirror1">{{cite web|url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/mumbai/others/Dawoodi-Bohra-succession-battle-takes-legal-turn/articleshow/33092989.cms |title=Dawoodi Bohra succession battle takes legal turn |work=Mumbai Mirror |date=2014-04-02 |accessdate=2014-04-04 | publisher=[[The Times Group]]}}</ref>
The [[Mufaddal Saifuddin]] succession controversy<ref name="Huff Post">{{cite news | url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rizwan-mawani/the-intricacies-of-succes_b_4687546.html | title=The Intricacies of Succession: Two Claimants Emerge for Dawoodi Bohra Leadership |work=Huffington Post | date=30 January 2014 | accessdate=11 February 2014 | first=Rizwan | last=Mawani}}</ref> refers to the ongoing crisis in the [[Dawoodi Bohra]] community where two rival claimants have emerged after the death of [[Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin]] to claim the title of 53rd Dā'ī al-Mutlaq of Dawoodi Bohra. Before the death of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin it was reported that Mufaddal Saifuddin would be the 53rd Dā'ī, but, after the death of Burhanuddin, this dispute surfaced due to a claim by Khuzaima the Mazoon, Burhanuddin's second-in-command, that the succession ceremony was performed on him 49 years ago in private and that the succession ceremony of Mufaddal was staged when Burhanuddin was suffering from a serious stroke which debilitated him to the extent he could not speak nor move.<ref name="mumbaimirrorill">{{cite web|url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/mumbai/others/Late-Syedna-too-ill-to-have-spoken-coherently/articleshow/33144765.cms |title=Late Syedna 'too ill to have spoken coherently' |work=Mumbai Mirror |date=2014-04-03 |accessdate=2014-04-04 |publisher=[[The Times Group]]}}</ref>


== Succession controversy ==
== Background ==
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.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rediff.com/news/special/special-bohra-dissenters-challenge-oppressive-priesthood/20110304.htm | title=Reformist Dawoodi Bohras raise voice against religious head | date=5 March 2011 | first=Yoginder | last=Sikand | work=Rediff.com}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rediff.com/news/special/special-bohra-dissenters-challenge-oppressive-priesthood/20110304.htm | title=Reformist Dawoodi Bohras raise voice against religious head | date=5 March 2011 | first=Yoginder | last=Sikand | work=Rediff.com}}</ref>
In 2011, [[Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin]] suffered a stroke in a [[London]] hospital, after which Mufaddal Saifuddin was proclaimed by his brothers as the successor, followed by a ceremony in Mumbai, while the Syedna was recovering from the stroke.<ref name="DNA Nass Article">{{cite web| url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_successor-to-syedna-mohammed-burhanuddin-named_1551640 | title=Successor to Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin named| date=6 June 2011 | work=DNA | author=<!-- Staff writer(s) --> | publisher=Diligent Media Corporation}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/mumbai/cover-story/A-perilous-transition/articleshow/29266169.cms |title=A perilous transition |work=Mumbai Mirror | publisher=[[The Times Group]] |date=2014-01-24 |accessdate=2014-04-04}}</ref> It was reported that at home the Dawoodi Bohra community welcomed Mufaddal as the successor.<ref name="hindustantimes Nass Article" >{{cite web | url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Dawoodi-Bohras-welcome-nomination-of-successor/Article1-706589.aspx | title=Dawoodi Bohras welcome nomination of successor | date=7 June 2011 | location=Mumbai | website=Hindustan Times | publisher=HT Media}}</ref>
In 2011, [[Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin]] suffered a stroke in a [[London]] hospital, after which Mufaddal Saifuddin was proclaimed by his brothers as the successor, followed by a ceremony in Mumbai, while the Syedna was recovering from the stroke.<ref name="DNA Nass Article">{{cite web| url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_successor-to-syedna-mohammed-burhanuddin-named_1551640 | title=Successor to Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin named| date=6 June 2011 | work=DNA | author=<!-- Staff writer(s) --> | publisher=Diligent Media Corporation}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/mumbai/cover-story/A-perilous-transition/articleshow/29266169.cms |title=A perilous transition |work=Mumbai Mirror | publisher=[[The Times Group]] |date=2014-01-24 |accessdate=2014-04-04}}</ref> It was reported that at home the Dawoodi Bohra community welcomed Mufaddal as the successor.<ref name="hindustantimes Nass Article" >{{cite web | url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Dawoodi-Bohras-welcome-nomination-of-successor/Article1-706589.aspx | title=Dawoodi Bohras welcome nomination of successor | date=7 June 2011 | location=Mumbai | website=Hindustan Times | publisher=HT Media}}</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 to become 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, Mufaddal 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 al-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 to become 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>


==Succession dispute==
Qutbuddin's sons claim that Khuzaima Qutbuddin did not disclose his private nass because he promised the Syedna to not do so, which is why his family was quiet when the Syedna pronounced his second son Mufaddal Saifuddin as Dā'ī when in hospital in 2011.<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|publisher=[[The Times Group]]|author=<!-- Staff writer(s) -->|date=2014-03-12|work=Mumbai Mirror|accessdate=2014-04-02}}</ref> However, the former Chief Justice of India, [[AM Ahmadi]], wrote to Qutbuddin's family, before the late Syedna's death, and said that they shared certain historical documents with him which persuaded him to support Qutbuddin's claim.<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> The journalist and editor [[Pritish Nandy]] described Mufaddal as a "self-declared leader" and that he asked members of the sect "to abuse his uncle who the Syedna had anointed as his spiritual heir 50 years back".
Qutbuddin's sons claim that Khuzaima Qutbuddin did not disclose his private nass because he promised the Syedna to not do so, which is why his family was quiet when the Syedna pronounced his second son Mufaddal Saifuddin as Dā'ī when in hospital in 2011.<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|publisher=[[The Times Group]]|author=<!-- Staff writer(s) -->|date=2014-03-12|work=Mumbai Mirror|accessdate=2014-04-02}}</ref> However, the former Chief Justice of India, [[AM Ahmadi]], wrote to Qutbuddin's family, before the late Syedna's death, and said that they shared certain historical documents with him which persuaded him to support Qutbuddin's claim.<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> The journalist and editor [[Pritish Nandy]] described Mufaddal as a "self-declared leader" and that he asked members of the sect "to abuse his uncle who the Syedna had anointed as his spiritual heir 50 years back".
<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bangaloremirror.com/columns/views/The-Mad-Hatters-ball-begins--/articleshow/31003227.cms | title=The Mad Hatter's ball begins...| first=Pritish | last=Nandy | date=25 February 2014 | work=Bangalore Mirror | publisher=[[The Times Group]]}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bangaloremirror.com/columns/views/The-Mad-Hatters-ball-begins--/articleshow/31003227.cms | title=The Mad Hatter's ball begins...| first=Pritish | last=Nandy | date=25 February 2014 | work=Bangalore Mirror | publisher=[[The Times Group]]}}</ref>


Khuzaima and his sons claim that the succession was not done in London as a medical report shows that Mohammad Burhanuddin was suffering from a full stroke that made it difficult for him to write, speak, or move.<ref name="Huff Post"/><ref name="mumbaimirrorill"/><ref name="mumbaimirror1"/> The report on the Burhanddin's health following the stroke says that "it is inconceivable that someone his age and with neurological deficits would have such a profound, yet transient recovery" and that family members usually report even the slightest improvement to medical staff.<ref name="mumbaimirrorill"/> Khuzaima filed a lawsuit against Mufaddal, attaching the opinion of three doctors from the U.S. to claim that the Syedna was unable to speak on the date claimed by Saifuddin.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/succession-battle-rages-in-dawoodi-bohra-community/article5913021.ece?homepage=true | title=Succession battle rages in Dawoodi Bohra community | first=Vinaya | last=Deshpande | work=The Hindu | date=16 April 2014}}</ref> Abdeali Qutbuddin, son of Khuzaima Qutbuddin, claimed that they have around 4.5 [[lakh]] (450,000) followers.<ref name=MumabiMirror>{{cite news|url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/mumbai/others/Sons-loyalists-knock-doors-at-night-for-support/articleshow/29369431.cms |last=Sadhwani |first=Yogesh |title=Son's loyalists knock doors at night for support |work=[[Mumbai Mirror]] |publisher=[[The Times Group]] |date=2014-01-25 |accessdate=2014-03-12}}</ref> Some Dawoodi Bohras alleged harassment, while they were to attend Qutbuddin's ''misaaq'' to swear an oath of allegiance to Khuzaima Qutbuddin. It is reported that guards outside the bungalow said there were only around 80 to 100 attendees.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://m.timesofindia.com/city/mumbai/Breakaway-Dawoodi-Bohra-faction-alleges-harassment/articleshow/29874753.cms |title=Breakaway Dawoodi Bohra faction alleges harassment|publisher=M.timesofindia.com |date=2014-02-05 |accessdate=2014-03-13}}</ref>
Khuzaima and his sons claim that the succession was not done in London as a medical report shows that Mohammad Burhanuddin was suffering from a full stroke that made it difficult for him to write, speak, or move.<ref name="Huff Post"/><ref name="mumbaimirrorill"/><ref name="mumbaimirror1"/> The report on the Burhanddin's health following the stroke says that "it is inconceivable that someone his age and with neurological deficits would have such a profound, yet transient recovery" and that family members usually report even the slightest improvement to medical staff. Khuzaima filed a lawsuit against Mufaddal, attaching the opinion of three doctors from the U.S. to claim that the Syedna was unable to speak on the date claimed by Saifuddin.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/succession-battle-rages-in-dawoodi-bohra-community/article5913021.ece?homepage=true | title=Succession battle rages in Dawoodi Bohra community | first=Vinaya | last=Deshpande | work=The Hindu | date=16 April 2014}}</ref> Khuzaima's sons claim that they uploaded a succession ceremony video showing that nothing conceivable was uttered in that ceremony and which shows that no formal announcement of succession had been made by the late Syedna.<ref name="mumbaimirrorill"/><ref name="mumbaimirror1">{{cite web|url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/mumbai/others/Dawoodi-Bohra-succession-battle-takes-legal-turn/articleshow/33092989.cms |title=Dawoodi Bohra succession battle takes legal turn |work=Mumbai Mirror |date=2014-04-02 |accessdate=2014-04-04 | publisher=[[The Times Group]]}}</ref>


==Support for the claimants==
=== Forced Allegiance ===
=== Saifuddin ===
In January 2014, the 52nd Syedna passed away. Mufaddal Saifuddin led the last rituals in which hundreds of thousands of Bohras joined.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?289229 | title=The Last Glimpse | first=Prachi | last=Pinglay-Plumber | work=[[Outlook (magazine)|Outlook]] | date=2014-01-18 | accessdate=2014-03-01}}</ref> It is reported that "When Mufaddal Saifuddin made his first public appearance on a temporary bridge connecting Saifee Masjid and Raudat Tahera mausoleum after Syedna’s demise, lakhs of Dawoodi Bohras standing on the streets of Bhendi Bazaar screamed “Maula” giving a clear indication of who they have believed to be their 53rd Dā'ī al-Muṭlaq. Many Bohras have accepted Burhanuddin’s second son Syedi Mufaddal Saifuddin as Syedna". <ref>{{cite web | 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 | location=Mumbai | date=6 February 2014 | work=The Indian Express | publisher=The Express Group | author=<!-- Staff writer(s); no by-line. -->}}</ref>


The Indian Foreign Minister [[Salman Khurshid]] on 28 Rabi' al-thani 1435 AH (28 February 2014 CE) arrived to offer condolences to Mufaddal Saifuddin at the late Syedna's residence Saifee Mahal, Mumbai. It is reported that he "presented a letter of good wishes from Indian Congress President Sonia Gandhi as Mufaddal left for his first trip abroad to Iraq, after accession to the 53rd Dā'ī office".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.afternoondc.in/city-news/union-foreign-minister-salman-khurshid/article_104192 | title=Union Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid | date=28 February 2014 | author=<!-- Staff writer(s); no by-line. --> | location=Mumbai | work=Afternoon Despatch & Courier | author=<!-- Staff writer(s); No by-line. -->}}</ref> Around 50,000 followers of Mufaddal Saifuddin, gathered at a public ground in Mumbai to "endorse their solidarity and offer their condolences" to their "new spiritual leader". According to the General Secretary of Anjuman-E-Shaite Ale (an association handling the affairs of Dawoodi Bohras in Mumbai), Khuzaima's "wrongful claim has aggrieved community members", as they had witnessed the 52nd Dā'ī al-Muṭlaq publicly confer [[nass (Islam)|nass]] in 2011 in Mumbai which he had explicitly reaffirmed "on many occasions since".<ref name="Press Conference">{{cite web | url=http://afternoondc.in/city-news/50k-dawoodi-bohras-gather-at-azad-maidan/article_102015 | title=50k Dawoodi Bohras gather at Azad Maidan | first=Philip | last=Vargese | date=31 January 2014 | website=Afternoon Despatch & Courier | location=Mumbai | accessdate=28 February 2014}}</ref> Followers of Mufaddal Saifuddin staged peace marches and submitted a memos protesting his half brother's claim in Bhopal and Surat.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/Bohras-protest-Syednas-half-brothers-claim/articleshow/29391867.cms | title=Bohras protest Syedna's half-brother's claim | work=The Times of India | publisher=[[The Times Group]] | date=26 January 2014 | author=<!-- Staff writer(s). --> }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/Dawoodi-Bohras-express-solidarity-with-Dai-al-Mutlaq/articleshow/29484841.cms | work=The Times of India | title=Dawoodi Bohras expresssolidarity with Dai-al-Mutlaq | publisher=[[The Times Group]] | date=28 January 2014 | author=<!-- Staff writer(s). -->}}</ref>.
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There are claims that Mufaddal has taken over the administration using threats and intimidation, with Bohras who support Khuzaima being forced to swear allegiance to Muffadal through social isolation and threats of divorce between married couples.<ref name="Mumbai Mirror">{{cite web|url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/mumbai/others/Bohras-who-refuse-to-denounce-Qutbuddin-face-boycott-threats/articleshow/30661224.cms,http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Breakaway-Dawoodi-Bohra-faction-alleges-harassment/articleshow/29874753.cms?referral=PM |title=Bohras who refuse to denounce Qutbuddin face boycott, threats |work=Mumbai Mirror |date=2014-02-19 |accessdate=2014-04-04 |publisher=[[The Times Group]] |first=Jyoti | last=Punwani}}</ref>


=== Qutbuddin ===
=== Court Case against Mufaddal Saifuddin ===
Abdeali Qutbuddin, son of Khuzaima Qutbuddin, claimed that they have around 4.5 [[lakh]] (450,000) followers.<ref name=MumabiMirror>{{cite news|url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/mumbai/others/Sons-loyalists-knock-doors-at-night-for-support/articleshow/29369431.cms |last=Sadhwani |first=Yogesh |title=Son's loyalists knock doors at night for support |work=[[Mumbai Mirror]] |publisher=[[The Times Group]] |date=2014-01-25 |accessdate=2014-03-12}}</ref> Some Dawoodi Bohras alleged harassment, while they were to attend Qutbuddin's ''misaaq'' to swear an oath of allegiance to Khuzaima Qutbuddin. It is reported that guards outside the bungalow said there were only around 80 to 100 attendees.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://m.timesofindia.com/city/mumbai/Breakaway-Dawoodi-Bohra-faction-alleges-harassment/articleshow/29874753.cms |title=Breakaway Dawoodi Bohra faction alleges harassment|publisher=M.timesofindia.com |date=2014-02-05 |accessdate=2014-03-13}}</ref>
Khuzaima filed petitions pertaining the succession controversy in Bombay High court and Gujrat High Court. Gujrat high court restrained Mufaddal from acting as the 53rd Dai and issued an interim stay order prohibiting Mufaddal and his agents from dealing with the trust properties.


====Bombay High Court Case ====
=== In the community ===
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The late Syedna's half-brother Khuzaima went to the High Court claiming the position of 53rd Dā'ī and to restrict Mufaddal from discharging the duties as the 53rd Dā'ī. 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 Dā'ī al-Mutlaq of the 12-lakh strong Bohra community, while simultaneously preventing his nephew, Mufaddal Saifuddin, from acting as the Dā'ī.<ref name="mumbaimirror1"/>


⚫
There are claims that Mufaddal has taken over the administration using threats and intimidation, with Bohras who support Khuzaima being forced to swear allegiance to Mufaddal through social isolation and threats of divorce between married couples.<ref name="Mumbai Mirror">{{cite web|url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/mumbai/others/Bohras-who-refuse-to-denounce-Qutbuddin-face-boycott-threats/articleshow/30661224.cms,http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Breakaway-Dawoodi-Bohra-faction-alleges-harassment/articleshow/29874753.cms?referral=PM |title=Bohras who refuse to denounce Qutbuddin face boycott, threats |work=Mumbai Mirror |date=2014-02-19 |accessdate=2014-04-04 |publisher=[[The Times Group]] |first=Jyoti | last=Punwani}}</ref>
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Several community members interviewed welcomed the court action as they looked forward to corruption in the community being exposed.<ref name="scroll">{{cite web| url=http://scroll.in/article/660414 | title=As Bohra succession battle heads to court, support for challenger gathers steam | first=Aarefa | last=Johari | date=2 April 2014 | website=Scroll.in }}</ref>


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Due to the succession controversy, the shared grandchildren of Mufaddal Saifuddin and Khuzaima 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.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/mumbai/others/Dawoodi-Bohra-factions-now-fight-over-custody-of-9-kids/articleshow/31860902.cms | title=Dawoodi Bohra factions now fight over custody of 9 kids | first1=Yogesh | last1=Sadhwani | first2=Sharmeen Hakim | last2=Indorewala | website=Mumbai Mirror | date=12 March 2014 | publisher=[[The Times Group]]}}</ref>
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Justice SJ Kathawala of the Bombay High Court [[judicial disqualification|recused]] himself from hearing the suit filed by Qutbuddin as he had appeared for the late Syedna in the past, citing conflict of interest . This means the suit will now be delayed before being placed before another judge at the High Court.<ref>{{cite web|author=<!-- Staff writer(s) --> |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-bombay-high-court-judge-recuses-himself-from-hearing-syedna-successor-row-1976144 |title=Bombay high court judge recuses himself from hearing Syedna successor row |website=DNA |publisher=Diligent Media Corporation |date=2014-04-08 |accessdate=2014-04-09}}</ref>


⚫
A press conference was organised by the Central Board of Dawoodi Bohra Community where they took a neutral stance in wake of the succession controversy, citing the dubious claims of both the would-be successors and the wealth accumulated by the late Syedna's family. The Central Board warned the claimants that they will be 'consigned to the dustbins of history' if they do not adapt and act more fairly.<ref name="Press Conference"/><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dawoodi-bohras.org.uk/azad/azad56.pdf | title=Succession controversy of Sayedna | publisher=Dawoodi Bohra Welfare Society | work=Azad | date=March 2014 | accessdate=11 April 2014 | author=The Central Board of Dawoodi Bohra Community | pages=7 | format=PDF}}</ref>
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Khuzaima published a public [[affidavit]] on his website declaring his position and legal status of properties, claiming to be the sole trustee of all the trust in the Dawoodi Bohra community.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://fatemidawat.com/news-and-events/press/ | title=PUBLIC NOTICE: 17th January 2014 | work=Fatemi Dawat | date=17 January 2014 | author=Khuzaima Qutbuddin}}</ref>


====Gujarat High Court Case ====
==Court cases==


⚫
In January 2014, Khuzaima published a public [[affidavit]] on his website declaring his position and legal status of properties, claiming to be the sole trustee of all the trust in the Dawoodi Bohra community.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://fatemidawat.com/news-and-events/press/ | title=PUBLIC NOTICE: 17th January 2014 | work=Fatemi Dawat | date=17 January 2014 | author=Khuzaima Qutbuddin}}</ref>
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Gujrat high court restrained Mufaddal from acting as the 53rd Dai and issued an interim stay order prohibiting Mufaddal and his agents from dealing with the trust properties. Khuzaima filed eight writ petitions in Gujrat high court pertaining to the succession controversy.<ref name=gujcase>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Mumbai/Syedna-row-8-petitions-in-Gujarat-HC/articleshow/33834539.cms][http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/gujarat-hc-grants-injunction-on-dawoodi-bohra-trusts-wakfs-114041601405_1.html]</ref>

Khuzaima filed petitions against Qutbuddin concerning the succession controversy in Bombay High court and Gujrat High Court.

=== Bombay High Court case ===
⚫
The late Syedna's half-brother Khuzaima went to the High Court claiming the position of 53rd Dā'ī and to restrict Mufaddal from discharging the duties as the 53rd Dā'ī. 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 Dā'ī al-Mutlaq of the 12-lakh strong Bohra community, while simultaneously preventing his nephew, Mufaddal Saifuddin, from acting as the Dā'ī.<ref name="mumbaimirror1"/>

⚫
Several community members interviewed welcomed the court action as they looked forward to corruption in the community being exposed.<ref name="scroll">{{cite web| url=http://scroll.in/article/660414 | title=As Bohra succession battle heads to court, support for challenger gathers steam | first=Aarefa | last=Johari | date=2 April 2014 | website=Scroll.in }}</ref>


⚫
Justice SJ Kathawala of the Bombay High Court [[judicial disqualification|recused]] himself from hearing the suit filed by Qutbuddin as he had appeared for the late Syedna in the past, creating a conflict of interest. This means the suit will now be delayed before being placed before another judge at the High Court.<ref>{{cite web|author=<!-- Staff writer(s) --> |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-bombay-high-court-judge-recuses-himself-from-hearing-syedna-successor-row-1976144 |title=Bombay high court judge recuses himself from hearing Syedna successor row |website=DNA |publisher=Diligent Media Corporation |date=2014-04-08 |accessdate=2014-04-09}}</ref>
==Response from the Central Board of Dawoodi Bohras==
⚫
A press conference was organised by the Central Board of Dawoodi Bohra Community where they took a neutral stance in wake of the succession controversy, citing the dubious claims of both the would-be successors and the wealth accumulated by the late Syedna's family. The Central Board warned the claimants that they will be 'consigned to the dustbins of history' if they do not adapt and act more fairly.<ref name="Press Conference">{{cite web | url=http://afternoondc.in/city-news/50k-dawoodi-bohras-gather-at-azad-maidan/article_102015 | title=50k Dawoodi Bohras gather at Azad Maidan | first=Philip | last=Vargese | date=31 January 2014 | website=Afternoon Despatch & Courier | location=Mumbai | accessdate=28 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dawoodi-bohras.org.uk/azad/azad56.pdf | title=Succession controversy of Sayedna | publisher=Dawoodi Bohra Welfare Society | work=Azad | date=March 2014 | accessdate=11 April 2014 | author=The Central Board of Dawoodi Bohra Community | pages=7 | format=PDF}}</ref>


=== Gujarat High Court case ===
==Custody battle==


⚫
Gujarat High Court issued an interim stay order prohibiting Syedna Mufaddal (TUS) and his supporters from dealing with the trust properties. Khuzaima filed eight [[writ]] petitions before Gujarat High Court pertaining to the succession controversy.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Mumbai/Syedna-row-8-petitions-in-Gujarat-HC/articleshow/33834539.cms | title=Syedna row: 8 petitions in Gujarat HC | author=<!-- Staff writer(s) --> | date=17 April 2014 | work=The Times of India | publisher=The Times Group}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/gujarat-hc-grants-injunction-on-dawoodi-bohra-trusts-wakfs-114041601405_1.html | title=Gujarat HC grants injunction on Dawoodi Bohra trusts, Wakfs | author=<!-- Staff writer(s) --> | date=16 April 2014 | work=Business Standard}}</ref>
⚫
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.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/mumbai/others/Dawoodi-Bohra-factions-now-fight-over-custody-of-9-kids/articleshow/31860902.cms | title=Dawoodi Bohra factions now fight over custody of 9 kids | first1=Yogesh | last1=Sadhwani | first2=Sharmeen Hakim | last2=Indorewala | website=Mumbai Mirror | date=12 March 2014 | publisher=[[The Times Group]]}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==


{{reflist}}
{{reflist|30em}}


[[Category:Dawoodi Bohras]]
[[Category:Dawoodi Bohras]]

Revision as of 07:31, 23 April 2014

The Mufaddal Saifuddin succession controversy[1] refers to the ongoing crisis in the Dawoodi Bohra community where two rival claimants have emerged after the death of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin to claim the title of 53rd Dā'ī al-Mutlaq of Dawoodi Bohra. Before the death of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin it was reported that Mufaddal Saifuddin would be the 53rd Dā'ī, but, after the death of Burhanuddin, this dispute surfaced due to a claim by Khuzaima the Mazoon, Burhanuddin's second-in-command, that the succession ceremony was performed on him 49 years ago in private and that the succession ceremony of Mufaddal was staged when Burhanuddin was suffering from a serious stroke which debilitated him to the extent he could not speak nor move.[2]

Background

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.[3] In 2011, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin suffered a stroke in a London hospital, after which Mufaddal Saifuddin was proclaimed by his brothers as the successor, followed by a ceremony in Mumbai, while the Syedna was recovering from the stroke.[4][5] It was reported that at home the Dawoodi Bohra community welcomed Mufaddal as the successor.[6] However, Mufaddal 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 al-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 to become the Syedna.[7]

Succession dispute

Qutbuddin's sons claim that Khuzaima Qutbuddin did not disclose his private nass because he promised the Syedna to not do so, which is why his family was quiet when the Syedna pronounced his second son Mufaddal Saifuddin as Dā'ī when in hospital in 2011.[8] However, the former Chief Justice of India, AM Ahmadi, wrote to Qutbuddin's family, before the late Syedna's death, and said that they shared certain historical documents with him which persuaded him to support Qutbuddin's claim.[9] The journalist and editor Pritish Nandy described Mufaddal as a "self-declared leader" and that he asked members of the sect "to abuse his uncle who the Syedna had anointed as his spiritual heir 50 years back". [10]

Khuzaima and his sons claim that the succession was not done in London as a medical report shows that Mohammad Burhanuddin was suffering from a full stroke that made it difficult for him to write, speak, or move.[1][2][11] The report on the Burhanddin's health following the stroke says that "it is inconceivable that someone his age and with neurological deficits would have such a profound, yet transient recovery" and that family members usually report even the slightest improvement to medical staff. Khuzaima filed a lawsuit against Mufaddal, attaching the opinion of three doctors from the U.S. to claim that the Syedna was unable to speak on the date claimed by Saifuddin.[12] Khuzaima's sons claim that they uploaded a succession ceremony video showing that nothing conceivable was uttered in that ceremony and which shows that no formal announcement of succession had been made by the late Syedna.[2][11]

Support for the claimants

Saifuddin

In January 2014, the 52nd Syedna passed away. Mufaddal Saifuddin led the last rituals in which hundreds of thousands of Bohras joined.[13] It is reported that "When Mufaddal Saifuddin made his first public appearance on a temporary bridge connecting Saifee Masjid and Raudat Tahera mausoleum after Syedna’s demise, lakhs of Dawoodi Bohras standing on the streets of Bhendi Bazaar screamed “Maula” giving a clear indication of who they have believed to be their 53rd Dā'ī al-Muṭlaq. Many Bohras have accepted Burhanuddin’s second son Syedi Mufaddal Saifuddin as Syedna". [14]

The Indian Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid on 28 Rabi' al-thani 1435 AH (28 February 2014 CE) arrived to offer condolences to Mufaddal Saifuddin at the late Syedna's residence Saifee Mahal, Mumbai. It is reported that he "presented a letter of good wishes from Indian Congress President Sonia Gandhi as Mufaddal left for his first trip abroad to Iraq, after accession to the 53rd Dā'ī office".[15] Around 50,000 followers of Mufaddal Saifuddin, gathered at a public ground in Mumbai to "endorse their solidarity and offer their condolences" to their "new spiritual leader". According to the General Secretary of Anjuman-E-Shaite Ale (an association handling the affairs of Dawoodi Bohras in Mumbai), Khuzaima's "wrongful claim has aggrieved community members", as they had witnessed the 52nd Dā'ī al-Muṭlaq publicly confer nass in 2011 in Mumbai which he had explicitly reaffirmed "on many occasions since".[16] Followers of Mufaddal Saifuddin staged peace marches and submitted a memos protesting his half brother's claim in Bhopal and Surat.[17][18].

Qutbuddin

Abdeali Qutbuddin, son of Khuzaima Qutbuddin, claimed that they have around 4.5 lakh (450,000) followers.[19] Some Dawoodi Bohras alleged harassment, while they were to attend Qutbuddin's misaaq to swear an oath of allegiance to Khuzaima Qutbuddin. It is reported that guards outside the bungalow said there were only around 80 to 100 attendees.[20]

In the community

There are claims that Mufaddal has taken over the administration using threats and intimidation, with Bohras who support Khuzaima being forced to swear allegiance to Mufaddal through social isolation and threats of divorce between married couples.[21]

Due to the succession controversy, the shared grandchildren of Mufaddal Saifuddin and Khuzaima 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.[22]

A press conference was organised by the Central Board of Dawoodi Bohra Community where they took a neutral stance in wake of the succession controversy, citing the dubious claims of both the would-be successors and the wealth accumulated by the late Syedna's family. The Central Board warned the claimants that they will be 'consigned to the dustbins of history' if they do not adapt and act more fairly.[16][23]

Court cases

In January 2014, Khuzaima published a public affidavit on his website declaring his position and legal status of properties, claiming to be the sole trustee of all the trust in the Dawoodi Bohra community.[24]

Khuzaima filed petitions against Qutbuddin concerning the succession controversy in Bombay High court and Gujrat High Court.

Bombay High Court case

The late Syedna's half-brother Khuzaima went to the High Court claiming the position of 53rd Dā'ī and to restrict Mufaddal from discharging the duties as the 53rd Dā'ī. 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 Dā'ī al-Mutlaq of the 12-lakh strong Bohra community, while simultaneously preventing his nephew, Mufaddal Saifuddin, from acting as the Dā'ī.[11]

Several community members interviewed welcomed the court action as they looked forward to corruption in the community being exposed.[25]

Justice SJ Kathawala of the Bombay High Court recused himself from hearing the suit filed by Qutbuddin as he had appeared for the late Syedna in the past, creating a conflict of interest. This means the suit will now be delayed before being placed before another judge at the High Court.[26]

Gujarat High Court case

Gujarat High Court issued an interim stay order prohibiting Syedna Mufaddal (TUS) and his supporters from dealing with the trust properties. Khuzaima filed eight writ petitions before Gujarat High Court pertaining to the succession controversy.[27][28]

References

  1. ^ a b Mawani, Rizwan (30 January 2014). "The Intricacies of Succession: Two Claimants Emerge for Dawoodi Bohra Leadership". Huffington Post. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
  2. ^ a b c "Late Syedna 'too ill to have spoken coherently'". Mumbai Mirror. The Times Group. 2014-04-03. Retrieved 2014-04-04.
  3. ^ Sikand, Yoginder (5 March 2011). "Reformist Dawoodi Bohras raise voice against religious head". Rediff.com.
  4. ^ "Successor to Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin named". DNA. Diligent Media Corporation. 6 June 2011.
  5. ^ "A perilous transition". Mumbai Mirror. The Times Group. 2014-01-24. Retrieved 2014-04-04.
  6. ^ "Dawoodi Bohras welcome nomination of successor". Hindustan Times. Mumbai: HT Media. 7 June 2011.
  7. ^ "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.
  8. ^ "Qutbuddin was being true to his word: sons". Mumbai Mirror. The Times Group. 2014-03-12. Retrieved 2014-04-02.
  9. ^ 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.
  10. ^ Nandy, Pritish (25 February 2014). "The Mad Hatter's ball begins..." Bangalore Mirror. The Times Group.
  11. ^ a b c "Dawoodi Bohra succession battle takes legal turn". Mumbai Mirror. The Times Group. 2014-04-02. Retrieved 2014-04-04.
  12. ^ Deshpande, Vinaya (16 April 2014). "Succession battle rages in Dawoodi Bohra community". The Hindu.
  13. ^ Pinglay-Plumber, Prachi (2014-01-18). "The Last Glimpse". Outlook. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  14. ^ "Who is new Syedna? Trouble brews as half-brother stakes claim". The Indian Express. Mumbai: The Express Group. 6 February 2014.
  15. ^ "Union Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid". Afternoon Despatch & Courier. Mumbai. 28 February 2014.
  16. ^ a b Vargese, Philip (31 January 2014). "50k Dawoodi Bohras gather at Azad Maidan". Afternoon Despatch & Courier. Mumbai. Retrieved 28 February 2014.
  17. ^ "Bohras protest Syedna's half-brother's claim". The Times of India. The Times Group. 26 January 2014.
  18. ^ "Dawoodi Bohras expresssolidarity with Dai-al-Mutlaq". The Times of India. The Times Group. 28 January 2014.
  19. ^ Sadhwani, Yogesh (2014-01-25). "Son's loyalists knock doors at night for support". Mumbai Mirror. The Times Group. Retrieved 2014-03-12.
  20. ^ "Breakaway Dawoodi Bohra faction alleges harassment". M.timesofindia.com. 2014-02-05. Retrieved 2014-03-13.
  21. ^ Punwani, Jyoti (2014-02-19). "Bohras who refuse to denounce Qutbuddin face boycott, threats". Mumbai Mirror. The Times Group. Retrieved 2014-04-04.
  22. ^ Sadhwani, Yogesh; Indorewala, Sharmeen Hakim (12 March 2014). "Dawoodi Bohra factions now fight over custody of 9 kids". Mumbai Mirror. The Times Group.
  23. ^ 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.
  24. ^ Khuzaima Qutbuddin (17 January 2014). "PUBLIC NOTICE: 17th January 2014". Fatemi Dawat.
  25. ^ Johari, Aarefa (2 April 2014). "As Bohra succession battle heads to court, support for challenger gathers steam". Scroll.in.
  26. ^ "Bombay high court judge recuses himself from hearing Syedna successor row". DNA. Diligent Media Corporation. 2014-04-08. Retrieved 2014-04-09.
  27. ^ "Syedna row: 8 petitions in Gujarat HC". The Times of India. The Times Group. 17 April 2014.
  28. ^ "Gujarat HC grants injunction on Dawoodi Bohra trusts, Wakfs". Business Standard. 16 April 2014.
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