Burhani Daur Ni Jalak

Glimpses of the Burhani Era

Both the Dai's on the same takht for vaaz

It is an irrefutable law of nature that the sun sets at night and the moon and the stars, shine brightly and spread the radiance inherited from the sun, to all mankind. In the same way, Allah Ta'alah has willed that the Duat-Qiram(RA) must follow each other in a chain of succession in the period of seclusion(Satr) and spread the radiant glory of Imam-uz-Zamaan( AS) to the world. When the 21st Imam went into seclusion, 50 Duaat(RA) devoted themselves, to spread the faith of Imam-uz-Zamaan to the Dawoodi Bohras. And then the 51st Dai, Syedna Taher Saifuddin(RA) attained the seat of Dawat. He always did Zikr(remembered) the Aale Mohammed with passion and fervour. In an age of materialism and disregard for religion and spirituality , he kept Mumineen adhered to the Tenets of Islam and bound them to the laws of the Sharia'h. He strengthened their faith in the Imam and Duat , spread the values of the Fatemi culture and kept the flag of Dawat flying high. In all his endeavours, he was always accompanied by his successor, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin( TUS). The 53 years of Syedna Taher Saifuddin's( RA) reign reflect Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin' s presence and the years of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin' s(TUS) life reflect the glory of Syedna Taher Saifuddin(RA) . Syedna Taher Saifuddin(RA) attained the 'Rutba' of Dai on the same day that Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin( TUS) was born. A fusion of both the eras is visible till this day. No other Dai has ever been able to raise and impart knowledge to his successor personally. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin( TUS) had the good fortune of gaining insight into even the minutest details, that he would require to successfully guide the community, from Syedna Taher Saifuddin(RA) . From his father, he acquired Ilm and Barakat and thus Syedna Taher Saifuddin(RA) said "This son is a reflection of myself" Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin( TUS) was very fortunate to sit on the same 'takht'(throne) as Syedna Taher Saifuddin(RA) and deliver a 'vaaz'(sermon) . The first half of the vaaz was delivered by Syedna Taher Saifuddin(RA) and the other half by Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin( TUS). With this resplendent gesture, he manifested that both Dais are the same, their conduct is the same and their eras are the same.

Syendna Mohammed Burhanuddin(TUS) under the 'Saaya' of Quran-e-Majid	After succeeding as 52nd Dai, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin( TUS), undertook the arduous task of building a memorial to the illustrious 51st Dai Syedna Taher Saifuddin(RA) , which would reflect the sublime vision and insight of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin( TUS) and honour the great personage of Syedna Taher Saifuddin(RA) . The mausoleum had to portray and represent the Fatemied culture, till the day of Qayamat. Thus was built the Raudat Tahera There have been many muslim kings who have built dynasties and many monuments, but none had the genius to incorporate the entire Quran-Majid in a monument. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin( TUS) is a 'Hafizul Quran'(one who memorises the entire Quran). He can interpret and understand it correctly. He has always had an affinity to the Quran. The Raudat Tahera, where the entire Quran is etched in gold on the walls, illustrates that love for the Quran. His Holiness(TUS) has always laid emphasis on Quran-Majid 'Tilawat'(recitatio n) and 'Hifz'(memorising) . He revealed the true greatness of the Quran to other muslims by participating in conferences and through radio broadcasts. He urged mumineen to pray the Quran regularly at home too. Some of the mumineen were sent to Cairo, to learn and excel in proper recitation. The 'Mahadus-Zahra' is a result of this everlasting love for the Quran. Under his guidance, even small children have undertaken to memorise sometimes one, two or even three siparas(chapters) of the Quran. These children will eventually grow up to be 'Hafizul Quran' themselves. Thus, inscribing the Quran-Majid on the walls of the Raudat resulted in the Quran being permanently etched in the hearts of the mumineen.

		Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin( T.U.S) on succeeding as 52nd Dai-ul-Mutlaq of the seclusion period, in 1385 H(1965 AD) -the 'satr'- had, as immediate priority, to fulfil the wishes of his revered father, the 51st Dai, Syedna Muqaddas Taher Saifuddin( A.Q) to install the zarih-mubarak at Rasul Hussain in Cairo. So, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin' s first engagement as a Dai was to travel to Cairo to dedicate the zarih to Imam Husain(A.S) and install it at Rasul Husain on behalf of Syedna Taher Saifuddin( A.Q). The government of Egypt, in awe of his enlightenment, conferred upon him a Doctorate from the Al-Azhar University. Thereafter, the iftetah of the zarih of Maulatena Zainab(AS) commenced amidst great joy and revelation. And then the difficult task of restoring the Jame-al Anwar was undertaken. Thousands of mumeneen flocked to Cairo to gather barakaat of iftetah of the newly renovated mosque. The miracle of this restoration brought barakaat and prosperity into the community. Al-Moizatul- Qahera was once again re-established. Many more masjids which lay desolate through the centuries, were once again restored. The masjid Al-Azhar, Al-Aqmar, Juyushi, Lulua, Babul Mukhalefat, the zarih of Maulatena Ruqayyah(AS) , the roza of Maulana Malekul Ashtar and many other buildings were built. The community prospered in Misr. Misr also gathered the barakaat of His Holiness's 70 visits to the city within a short span of 35 years.

The second journey after his accession as Dai, was to Aligarh. Aligarh University conferred upon him a Doctorate in theology. The respect and admiration for His Holiness(TUS) is evident to this date, when they recently appointed him Chancellor of the Aligarh University, and sought refuge under his leadership and guidance. Many International conferences have invited him to represent the Muslim community and speak on their behalf. One notable fact about His Holiness(TUS) is that he has forged closer ties within the entire Muslim community on one side and sowed the seeds of love and faith amongst Dawoodi Bohras on the other.

	In 1388 H, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin( TUS) invited representatives from all the world where Dawoodi Bohras resided, and conveyed the wish to build the Raudat Tahera. Then at the iftetah ceremony, His Holiness(TUS) called a conference (Ijtemah) by name of . All the town representatives were invited and there Syedna(TUS) urged them to follow the laws of Sharia'h. (Al Multakal Fatemi Al Ilmi) was established in Surat. There His Holiness(TUS) pointed out the effects of the evils of interest (Ribah). After this incident, there was a dramatic change in the mumineen's way of thinking. They rigidly started inculcating the laws of the Sharia'h in their daily life. Syedna (TUS) then invited mumineen to follow him to Misr. There he introduced them to the great heritage of the Fatemied Imams and their Dais through the ages. This set a precedent for mumineen to follow their Dai and attend the Ashara vaaz (10 days of mourning in Muharram). The tradition of mumineen gathering for the first Zikr on the first day of Shabaan was also established. This eventually resulted in mumineen coming closer to their Dai and built stronger ties within the community. Today, mumineen throng to their Dai , in hundreds and thousands. No one has to be invited or asked to come and pay their respects to His Holiness. Sometimes despite being told not to come, mumineen gather just to get a glimpse of their beloved Maula(TUS) . Thus, His Holiness has united the mumineen and forged closer ties within the community.

Toronto Masjid

Allah Ta'alah has said in the Quran-e-Majid, "Allah makes the land alive." This leads to questions like how can a land die? And then again, how can it be brought alive? These questions are aptly answered in the zaman of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin( TUS). Syedna Moid-us-Shirazi( RA) said "We are alive because of the Imam and to turn away from the Imam and do gunnah is to die spiritually. ". In many cities of the world, there was no Imaan. There were no mumineen. This land was dead. London was one such city.. Aqa Moula(TUS) gave London the barakaat of his visit and built a masjid there. He advised mumineen to settle there and follow the Sharia'h. The city of London was fortunate to have the sharaf of having the ziyaarat of Muqadassa Amatullah Aaisaheba. Representatives of His Holiness(TUS) were sent to reside in different parts of England, and bring mumineen closer to the Dawat. Thus, the lifeless lands of Europe were brought to life. Similarly, when Aqa Moula(TUS) visited the US of A, the land came to life. The radiance of Imaan was visible in the hearts and homes of mumineen. Today 5 cities have masjids. Another 6 masjids are under construction and 20 cities have representatives( 'Ummal') of His Holiness(TUS) residing there. Soon, the Australian continent followed suit. The Masjid in Sydney raised the flag of Dawat evn higher. In Cairo, there were many traces of the Fatemied heritage, but there were no Mumineen to reap the benefits of that Barakaat. Syedna(TUS) restored the Fatemi masjids in Cairo(Misr), helped Mumineen to reside there, and made the land of Misr alive again.

The land of Yemen, which was the centre of Dawat many years ago, had been taken over by the enemies. The representative appointed by His Holiness(TUS) was an enemy of Dawat. He wiped out the name and love of Panjatan(AS) from people's minds. Imaan was dead in this place. The Qabr Mubarak of Duat Mutlaqeen(RA) were destroyed. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin( TUS) was the first Indian Dai to visit Yemen. He revisited the Qabr Mubarak of Duat(RA) and built tombs there. Tarmac roads and masajids were built. The radiance of Imaan shone brightly in Yemen again. In Africa, the tentacles of evil were viciously destroying Imaan. On the pretext of helping mumineen financially, enemies were gaining a foothold in their lives. They introduced mumineen to the vices of liqour, interest, gambling etc. They appointed themselves leaders of mumineen. The situation was so bad that Aqa Moula(TUS) was once deported from there. His Holiness(TUS) turned his benevolent gaze towards Africa. Imaan returned to the continent. Masjids were built. Love and faith for the dawat was strengthened in every mumin heart. The enemy perished. Just as Eesa Masi and Amirul Mumineen destroyed the enemies, so also Aqa Moula(TUS) followed in their shaan.

To humankind, these are but buildings of brick and stone. But in reality, these are stepping stones to a purer inner self, better and stronger souls. Just as the masjids are strong and beautiful, so also, the souls are strengthened with 'imaan', 'faith' and beautified with love for their Duat Mutlaqeen. His Holiness(TUS) has helped mumineen to free themselves from the evils of interestand selfish, harmful desires of the material world. The vast sums of money that Mumineen have started giving as Vajebaat is also a first in the history of Dawat. He inculcated the habit of mumineen spending money for social causes and betterment of fellow Mumineen. Such was the effect that an individual mumin is now ready to build a masjid for mumineen. Mumineen started lending money to each other under the Qarzan Hasana scheme. Trusts were appointed, schemes initiated to increase financial status of mumineen. With His Holiness(TUS) blessings and the barakaat of Qarzan Hasana scheme, mumineen have prospered tenfold.
	Prosperity is not just limited to finance and material gain alone. Mumineen have prospered spiritually too, under His Holiness(TUS) guidance. Masjids and majlis(religious gatherings), have multiplied in these years. The desire to gain knowledge(Ilm) of Aale Mohammed has increased tremendously. Teaching and spreading of the Imani knowlege is prevalent in every nook and corner of the Imaani towns. Mumineen have garnered knowledge from the Zahiri, Taavil and Haqiqat kitabs. Thus, mumineen are climbing higher on the ladder of spiritual awakening and knowledge. The number of Shaikhs and Mullahs in the Burhani era, have been higher than in any other era. In this way, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin( TUS) has strengthened and beautified the foundation of the mumin's spiritual self and made them carve a niche for themselves in heaven.

In the Quran-Majid, Allah Ta'alah says of Mohammed Rasullulah(SAW) , "Rasullulah and his followers are stern with kaferin('non- believers in Islam'), but merciful and compassionate towards the believers... Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin( TUS) is a Dai of the Prophet. He says "All, Ye Mumineen ! You love me. But my love for you is greater than your love for me. You yearn to do my 'deedar' but more than that I get happy on seeing all of you." Such is the love and compassion in his heart. If a mumin asks for water, he quenches their thirst with milk. But he is equally stern with the 'munafekin'. He has totally wiped out their entity from this world. The munafekin present in Jamea-Saifiyah, Yemen, Africa, India and Pakistan were overthrown by His Holiness(TUS) ... There were some towns in India, where the enemy had an unfavorable effect on mumineen and took pride in believing that those towns were their territory. Syedna (TUS) visited those towns, turned his benevolent gaze towards them, and the people in those towns returned to Imaan and under the love and leadership of His Holiness(TUS) . Today these towns belong to Imaan and Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin( TUS).

	Allah Ta'alah has willed for Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin( TUS) to have the good fortune of doing ziyaarat of all the 'Atbaat Aaliyaah' (Imaani members of the prophets family, martyrs of Kerbala and other holy personages who bore the dawat through time). His Holiness(TUS) has performed Haj 5 times, visited Kerbala and Yemen 8 times. Shaam(Damascus) , (Misr)Cairo, Baitul Muqaddas(Jerusalem) and (Urdan)Jordan have been blessed by his presence many times. While performing the ziyaarat of Duat Mutlaqeen(RA) and Avliyah, he has always prayed for mumineen. Mumineen accompany him in thousands, for all the ziyaarat trips and all their 'gunah'(sins) are washed away by His Holiness(TUS) prayers. Just as he promises Mumineen who accompany him, that he will pray for forgiveness on their behalf, so also, he has promised mumineen that he will lead them to the presence of Imam-uz-zamaan( AS). In many of the sermons('vaaz' ) he proclaims, "All ye mumineen! I will lead you into Heaven('Janat' ). I am your Father. I am here for you then why should you worry? I will lead you to your ultimate destination in the presence of Imam-uz-Zamaan( AS)." Along with the travels to the Islamic places, His holiness (TUS) has also graced the cities of residence of mumineen, even those places which have never had the good fortune of being visited by previous Duat. In this world, there is no other who is so well traveled. His Holiness(TUS) does not tire by the travels. Everywhere place he goes to, in every town that is blessed by his presence, he is always there to listen to the woes of mumineen and give them his blessings and pray for their welfare.

	Looking into the Burhani Era, at every turn of His Holiness's(TUS) life, in every facet of his personality, a great amount of inner strength, determination, foresight, realisation of goals, love for mumineen and kindness towards Muslims is visible. He is the owner of a very strong and charisamtic personality . A radiance is visible on his forehead, looking at which all heads respectfully bow down to him. In awe of his magnificence, emperors and rulers of dynasties bow down to him. Rasullulah(SAW) has reaped the blessings of all the Anbiyas. Just as he has performed the miracles of all the prophets preceeding him, so also Syedna Mohammed Burhanudin(TUS) has preformed all the miracles, that have ever been performed by preceeding Duat Mutlaqeen. Syedna(TUS) has brought alive many lands, many lives, made the blind see and the lame walk. With his blessings, rain has fallen in dry and parched lands giving rise to the title of "Rainmaker". At the same time, with one look of mercy, he has stopped the clouds from lashing out their fury on flooded lands. With the benedictions of his name, wishes are fulfilled , prayers are answered, from troubles mumineen are freed and illnesses are cured. These miracles are a daily occurrence in the presence of His Holiness(TUS) . One particular miracle which has never taken place before in the times of other Duat, was when the stones wept tears of blood at the name of Imam Husain(AS) in Kerbala. The stones have always shed tears at the martyrdom of Imam Husain(AS), but the mumineen were fortunate to witness it only in the times of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin( TUS).
			With Minister Aukaf of Baghdad

The Fatemied Imams settled in Cairo(Misr) and established the Dawat from there. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin( TUS) represents the Dawat and the lineage of the Fatemi Imams. He rules on the heart of the mumin, on the heart of the muslim and on the heart of the geographical leaders of the world. Who dare say that the reign of the Fatemied Imams is no more? How can it be said that Syedna(TUS) has no ruling today? It is sacrilege to mention that Syedna (TUS) is not the king of the world. He has a spiritual ruling from the east to the west. The middle-Eastern countries refer to him as their Sultan. He is always welcomed as their guest of honour. Kings of the world salute and bow to him. Some of them have conferred upon him the title of Visha-Hun-Neel, others the Star of Jordan, yet others have awarded him with the Golden Apple medal and others a Doctorate degree. Citys vie with each other to award citizenship status to His Holiness(TUS) . Some Presidents address him as 'Brother', some as 'Father'. Others pay their respects by kissing his hand, others his feet, yet others treasure the mementoes of the handkerchief and 'tasbih'(prayer beads) for life. Some call him an 'Angel' and others a messenger of God. Whatever be the means and the medium, the entire world acknowledges the glory of His Holiness(TUS) .

	Syedna Mohammed Burhanudin(TUS) is our spiritual Father, the rightful heir to the Fatemi Dawat. Moral courage and physical strength are his recognisable traits. Truth , acute foresight and determination are visible in his every action. Because of his blessings, mumineen are free from worldly troubles and fear of the day of Qayamat. In gratitude for all these blessings and ne'mats recieved from His holiness(TUS) , one feels that one should pray for His Holiness(TUS) . But then again, one feels that what can one pray for someone who has come to pray for us? With one prayer of whose, all our troubles vanish... The overwhelming feelings of gratitude cannot be expressed on paper and in words. The best way to express our gratitude and pray for His Holiness(TUS) would be in the words of Syedna Taher Saifuddin(RA) , who said:"

 

Hazaron khwaaishen aisi ki har khwaaish pe dum nikle par aisi koi khabar hi nahi joh humse bach nikle.

  "O Allah!
Keep me alive as long as life is better for me,
and let me die if death is better for me'."

I thank God I'm rich not with money but with people like you.

 I may not have the most expensive things but I've got a most precious gems, a friend like you.