Transparency in the management of administrative and religious affairs will help the Dawoodi Bohra community and reduce fear and insecurity among its members, spiritual leader Syedna Taher Fakhruddin Saheb said here today.
"I want the Dawoodi Bohra community to live in peace and harmony," said Syedna Fakhruddin at his first press conference after he was anointed as the 54th Dai al-Mutlaq of Dawoodi Bohra Community on November 8, 2015 by his father and the then spiritual leader.
Syedna was speaking on the alleged growing disharmony within the community regarding the succession of the religious head of the community.
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The Bombay High Court had recently allowed the plea by Syedna Taher Fakhruddin Saheb seeking to continue the succession battle initiated by his late father Syedna Khuzaima Qutbuddin Saheb against Shahzada Muffadal Saifuddin over the title of Dai al-Mutlaq or Syedna -- the religious leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community.
Speaking about the division of loyalties among the community members, Syedna Fakhruddin said, "My community members understand what we stand for -- our morals, ethics and principles. I trust them to make an informed decision as to their faith and leadership."
Syedna Fakhruddin said, "We have full faith in Indian courts and believe that they will rule in (favaour of) the truth, in the interest of the community. We would like to expedite the matter in the court in the best interests of the community."
"Following the footsteps and principles of my father and the 53rd Syedna, I am renewing the call for a debate with Shehzada Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb. This is an important aspect of our culture but if Shezada Saifuddin choses not to respond, I am confident that our Judiciary will give justice," he said.
To a question on the issue of 'triple talaq', Syedna Fakhruddin said, "This is a very complex issue and I hope it gets resolved soon. Rights of women should be considered and everyone must be given a fair chance."
"My effort would be to bring all the people of the community together and propagate that Dawoodi Bohra members are part of India. My father did the same and I would continue to follow suit," Syedna Fakhruddin said.
He said members of the community are very progressive and the had highest literacy rate compared to other communities. Women had 92 per cent literacy rate and the men accounted for 88 per cent, he added.
"We (members of the community) are very progressive and I want them to be ahead of time," the Syedna said.
Syedna Qutbuddin Saheb passed away on March 30 last year. However, before that, on November 8, 2015, he conferred 'nass' (title of Syedna) upon his son, Syedna Taher Fakhruddin Saheb to succeed him as the 54th spiritual head.
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