AZAD Issue 40.Qxd

So persevere in patience. For the promise of Allah is true and whether We show mercy in this life some part of what We promise them or We take thy soul to our mercy before that in any case it is to Us that they shall all return. Issue No. 40 January 2006 Eid Function 2005

■ Kuresh and Hanif stand up for the females

■ “It was never like this in my day!”

■ Looking good at the fashion show INSIDEINSIDE his year's Eid function was long time to come. The way Leicester has worked THIS ISSUE T organised by Leicester Branch. together could be seen on the day and for me It was a packed event with a variety of this is what really stood out. I could see how activities to entertain all and of course much work had gone into the function and I • Regional Committee a great time to meet up with friends think everyone involved deserves a pat on update and family. The youths did a magnificent the back. job with their fashion show. Little • Latest news from Sweden children were captivated by the clown They put on such a grand performance, the and Norway and of course we had the usual raffle fashion show, the hilarious karaoke, and how can prizes. Read on for Huma' impressions we forget our charitable nature when it came to • Report from Kenya of the function. sponsoring Zahir to shave his hair off to fund raise for the Pakistan Earthquake appeal. He Ramzan is over, Eid is gone, and so has the Eid turned from Vernon Kaye to Robbie Williams. • Latest news from Udaipur function in Leicester. The much-anticipated event this year was well worth the wait. Everyone had To the food…there was Biryani….what more • Friends UK anniversary their glad rags on and looked super, especially could Bohra's ask for? those who were involved in the fashion show, • International badminton although it may have been fun to see a few This function was a long time due and it really umpire ridahs and jhoris! I enjoyed every minute of it. showed how much our community could achieve Could I have heard anymore screams when Amir when people worked together. Well done to all • Majlis etiquette Kapasi and Zainab Vanak came on stage?…. involved. My my my what a gorgeous couple….oops… I meant what gorgeous outfits. Huma Vanat • Embryonic stem cell Birmingham, UK research - Allowed in Islam? There were so many highlights to the day that I don't think anyone will forget this function for a (More pictures on page 6) Regional Committee Update and Announcements

ur Regional Comittee members from the O U. S., Canada, the U.K., Kuwait and Kenya Country Year 1 Year 2 Year3-10 Collected met in Birmingham, U.K., in April 05. About a UK £50,523.33 £16,973.33 £28,853.33 £16,950 dozen persons attended at their own expense. USA $14,200.00 $11,700.00 $12,100.00 $14,200 CANADA $5,000.00 $2,000.00 $2,000.00 $2,000 • The R.C. has also had regular teleconferences INDIA 20,000 rupees 0 via the Internet. • We have been working on our short and long term goals. RC Contacts Country Email 1) A reminder to those who made financial Haki Kapasi UK [email protected] commitments at the last U.K. conference. Hatim Rajabali UK [email protected] Please make your donations now so that the Fazleabbas Kinkhabwalla UK [email protected] following conference mandates can be realised: Fazlehussein Kapasi UK [email protected] • Training individuals in religious matters Saifu Rajabali Canada [email protected] (long term goal) Naseem Jivanjee Canada [email protected] • We have identified some people and are Abdulla Zulfikar Canada [email protected] working on the difficult task of achieving Asrar Ahmed USA [email protected] this long-term goal. • A namaaz CD. Mansoor Haidary USA [email protected] • An Islamic / Bohra pocket calendar Aftab Jivanjee Africa [email protected] • Marsiyas and Duas translated into English • A booklet of Lailatul Qadr prayers • Further educational training • A world directory or contact details of Latest from Sweden and Norway reformist Bohras • Preservation of Islamic/Fatimid manuscripts he Bohri Jamaats of Sweden and somehow convinced the Kothar that a full (long term goal) T Norway until now had resident and time Aamil is required in Norway/Sweden - African Bohri patrongae Aamils stationed in although all his own immediate family from So far we have collected a total of £25,900 or Norway and Sweden.They performed all Kenya now reside in the UK - rumours are 23% of the pledges. The total for the conference the rituals, sometimes with the directives that he has a father and over 10 brothers pledges over 1-10 years is £122,000 (approx) from London, England. During Ramadhan and no sisters. and we have so far collected about 21% of the and Moharrum Kothar used to send pledges. somebody "educated" from either London, Sh.Zakir and family after spending a few We have spent $3250.00 Cdn on the Namaaz India or Pakistan. Most of the Bohris are months in Norway and Sweden at the weekend workshop in Canada attended by originally the refugees from Uganda - the mumineen's homes, directed that the 30 people. Swedish Jamaat members, most of them Swedish and Norway Jamaat now pay for being the ex-Ugandan Bohri dissidents who his and his family's full-time upkeep and 2) HAJ and UMRAH 06. The R.C. is going ahead have now crossed the floor, like some of maintenance. He immediately moved to a with plans for Umrah in Easter'06. Please the Udaipuris - but still very much luxurious villa costing over 10,000 Kroners contact us by end of December 2005 if you grudgingly autonomous or independent. a month and expected both the Jamaats to and your family are planning to join us. We There are about 25 Bohris in Norway and share his stipend and stay in Scandinavia. are hoping to reside at the same hotel for Umrah, the Hilton in Mecca and Medina. about 200 in Sweden (guesstimated) All was reasonably well until last month. The Swedish and Norwegian Jamaat Umrah date Inshallah is April 13 to 21st 2006. members are now up in arms and are The African Bohri Aamil (Shk Saifuddinbhai upset that they should maintain unneeded 3) The R.C. is planning a Youth camp in Kenya in Zakir- the Ja'amiya Mulla converted to full time Aamil who does not want to work Summer 07 courtesy of our Reformists in Sheikh)) who was the resident Aamil for outside the mosque but live off the ex- Nairobi and Mombasa. This will be open to Australia, New Zealand and Oceania-Fiji(no Ugandan refugees. youth and their families from other Reformist Bohris in Fiji though, but sounds sexy to the centres. Kotharis)was asked to leave the lucrative They hope that either London or Kothar do 4) OTHER UPCOMING ACTIVITIES of the R.C. in Australian Jammat after seven years or so. something about this appointment on the near future Inshallah are: He had built the mosque there and Aqua which they had no say or control. It was a • A namaaz C.D. Moula had opened it. He was posted to a unilateral Kothar appointment. Failing this, • An Islamic / Bohra pocket calendar little Jamaat near Mumbai . He has a wife they will have no alternative but to ask the • Marsiyas and Duas translated into English and four children. Swedish/Norwegian immigration • A booklet of Lailatul Qadr prayers authorities to send this Aamil and his family • Further educational training Sh.Zakir and his family did not like living in packing back to Mumbai or London. • A world directory or contact details of a Mumbai's village one bed sitter one bit. Perhaps he and the family are also reformist Bohras He had a brainwave. His wife is a Bohri Australian citizens as well. 5) The R.C. meets once a year for communication Swedish and her parents are from Sweden face to face. Inshallah, the next meeting will so he promptly moved to Sweden and Sent to AZAD by Isufali Kundwalla be in April 06 in Kuwait.

page 2 paAZAD January 2006 1 Fund Raising Report from Kenya embers of our community have beenM busy fund-raising for natural disasters around the globe, the most he club premises need extensive and distributed prior to the majlis recent being Zahir Kaderbhai generously T repairs and redecoration and so that as many as possible of the offering to shave his head at this year's the committee has sent out appeals attendees can join in the recital. Eid function for the Pakistan Earthquake for funds. For those who do not victims. know, the club, called Sir Yusufali We had a very enjoyable 'Fungo' Thank you for everyone sponsoring me Sports Club is the Centre at which function on 25th September to £1,675.75 for Tsunami appeal. 2.5 days and our Group activities are carried out. welcome Ramadhan. This was very 60 hours - Aqeel Kapasi, Nuneaton, UK Aqeel informs me this was a really difficult well attended. After a sumptuous task for him!! Ed. At our majlis we started reciting 'Dua meal, games were played. Mangtihu'. We also started reading a Peterborough Jumaat members have raised just over £1100 via donations and a charity auction, few pages of Daimul Islam's Gujarati Aftab Jivanjee held on the 21st Ramzaan, for the earthquake version. Some of our marsiyas are Nairobi, Kenya appeal in Pakistan. The money has been sent to also written in the English Alphabet the Islamic relief appeal.

Naushad Chauhan, Peterborough, UK Sayedna attempts to take credit for Saifee Hospital oday Sayedna Burhanuddin Saheb is It was because then the Dawoodi Bohra Reform Court in Bombay and in Supreme Court at Delhi T taking undue credit for building a grand Movement was not strong enough. There was bearing themselves the entire high cost of the Hospital in Bombay. Actual credit for this non like Abid Merchant or Mansoor Jani to pull cases. They had the courage and dedication to Hospital today goes to two grandsons of Sir the Sayedna's trustees in the law courts and challenge mighty priesthood. They were alone in Adamji Peerbhoy namely, Advocate Abid Hatim compel them to built the technical institution as front of lawyers and solicitors army of Sayedna. Merchant and Mansoor Jaffer bhoy Jani. Let us it is done in the case of Saifee Hospital. They were cursed, humiliated and discouraged. understand this. But they stood firms. All the files brought from Strangely Mr. Ismail Kanga the son of the famous B.M.C., Judiciary, Charity Commissioner etc. were Similar to the land of Sir Adamji Peerbhoy reformist, late Khan Bahadur Mohammed Ali stolen from the court room. Sayedna's trustees Sanatorium Trust on which Saifee Hospital has Kanga, was pushed in June, 1965 as a trustee of tried to use Sir Adamji's private plot, backside now been built, the community's Abdul Kader E Sir Adamji Peerbhoy Sanatorium Trust with "a cemetary land, Sanatorium as Nursing Home etc. Ebrahim Trust and E.A. Currim Trust's land near proposal to construct a Residencial-cum-Hospital but Abid Merchant exposed them in the court Byculla in Bombay known as 'Dawood Baugh' Building" on G.S. no. 36 & 37 Maharishi Kurve and never allowed them to succeed. They were was 1130 square worth more than Rs. 300 Road (Charni Road) i.e. on Sir Adamji Peerbhoy also sucessful in insisting free beds in Saifee Crores. Sanatorium Trust land. This was quitely done Hospital for the Dawoodi Bohras and even for when Sayedna Tahir Saifuddin had died and reformist Bohras. They not only fought this case As in case of Sir Adamji Peerbhoy Sanatorium entire community was kept busy in mourning upto the Supreme Court but Mansoor Jani filed a Trust the original trustees of Dawood Baugh and breast-beating. case against the trustees with Charity were compelled to transfer the entire property in commissioner for unregistered Saifee Hospital the name of Sayedna Taher Saifuddin. The trustees by manauvoring the officials in Trust and for not submitting the audited Bombay Municipal Corporation got the plans of accounts for 13 years, criminal case with Bombay In 1963 two years before his death Sayedna "Residencial-cum-Hospital" passed. It will be a police for illegally transfering the trust money of Taher Saifuddin made an announcement to built shock to the Dawoodi Bohras in general and Sanatorium Trust in the personal accounts of Ali a 22 story "Saifee Jubilee Technical Institution" Muslims in perticular that in this plan a Bank Asghar Kalimuddin and Mudreka Zakiuddin. They to be constructed at the cost of Rs. 20 Crores. was shown in place of the existing mosque and caught the trustees on various fronts so much It was a biggest event in the Bohra Community. a ladies' lavatory in place of Sir Adamji's existing that the Senior Council of Dawat-Hadiya, The photographs of Sayedna with the President Darghah. Mudreka T. Zakiuddin came bagging to them for of India and other political dignitories were out of court settlement which they refused. widely publicised. New York times carried a full In order to demolish the existing structures of Inspite of all odds they saw to it that Sir Adamji page paid advertisement. But for years nothing Sanatorium buildings, which were registered Peerbhoy's name and memory remains and the happened and ultimately in 1984 the entire under Charity Commissioner, court's permission property is utilised for the benefit of the property was sold to one Amir Builders and was required. So when the trustees went to the Humanity. money pocketed by the Saifee Foundation Trust. court for permission Sir Adamji's grand son, Abid Merchant came to know about the devilish Posted on the Dawoodi Bohra Reformist How could the Sayedna's administration publicly scheme and halted the efforts of userpers. website www.dawoodi-bohras.com cheat a man of the strature of the President of by Saifudin Insaf, India India, the community and the public at large and Advocate Abid Merchant and Mansoor Jani get away with it? fought the case in City Civil Court and High

AZAD January 2006 page 3 Latest news from Udaipur Reformists

he Bohra Youth Medical Relief Society has health awareness camps for diabetes, asthma, transforming this existing center into a full T come a long way in its endeavour to eye care, gynae and cardiology are notable fledged Hospital . We have already started provide succour and relief to the needy among achievements for the institution. working on this project and your support to this the Dawoodi Bohras and the suffering humanity cause will be highly appreciated. at large. We had recently organized a very succesful Free Medical Check-up Camp on 23rd Jan, 2005. with We, therefore earnestly request you to keep By the grace of God and with the support of our the help of a very efficient and dedicated team generously supporting us in our noble cause and valuable donors & well wishers, we have made of specialized doctors from Ahmedabad . Next we assure you that your contribution to this excellent progress in the last few years. Our we organized an Eye camp on 7th Aug, 2005 cause will be gainfully utilized by us. Your commitment to the suffering humanity at large registered a record no. of 1250 (one thousand commitment towards helping such poor & needy does not permit us to stop here. We got to move two hundred & fifty ) patients. Out of these, patients is really appreciable. on in a positive direction. We keep on adding to 102(one hundred and two ) were operated for our services and new expansions regularly come up. Cataract and other related diseases. Others who Thanking you and looking forward to your had minor problems were given free Medicines. mutual co-operation at all times. Organizing blood donation camps, establishment Besides, we distributed Free specs to around of a medicine bank to provide free medicines to 400(four hundred ) patients . Anees Meyaji, the poor, vaccinations for Polio, subsidized PRESIDENTA. T. Hassanally. vaccinations for Hepatitis “B”, Baby shows and Besides, we have a very ambitious plan of Honorary Secretary

Udaipur after the rains For those who were lucky enough to visit Udaipur in 2003, you will remember how dry it was due to the lack of rain. These photos show how wonderful the place can be when it does eventually rain.

page 4 paAZAD January 2006 1 Protests as wedding solemnised Friends UK is one by leader of different sect year old: Paper anniversary! ceremony. “They asked for Rs 71,000 which The friends UK website, designed to bring What's caused divide I could not afford, so I decided to call young Bohra friends around the globe between Alavi Bohras? Shehar-e-Qazi,” said Marchawala. together was launched at the World Conference in the UK in 2004. It now Ahmedabad Newsline On Tuesday evening, a section of community leaders met at the residence of Saiyedna Abu celebrates is first anniversary. adodara, September 6: WHEN Haji Mohsin Hatim Taiyyab and called for strict action against V Marchawala decided to get his son's Marchawala as well as Alavi Jamat Trust leaders. I'd like to wish everyone a happy first marriage solemnised by a religious leader who What they contested was that there were anniversary. I would send you all some is not from his community, little did he know allegations that payment was being forced, form of a paper gift..but then for those of aspersions on Saiyedna's office, and the support that his action would create dissensions among you who are reading this, then you already extended by Alavi Jamat Trust. members of the close-knit Alavi Bohra have it, its Azad! community. So much so that some conservative members of the community are now demanding Another thing that irks the conservative Marchawala's social boycott. members of the community is that the marriage After a successful World Conference last instead of being solemnised at Saiyedna's year, we launched our first progressive Community members say this is for the first time residence was done at the Alavi Jamaat mosque. friends website, in the 400 years of history of Alavi Bohras that “Our politeness is being considered as http://www.dawoodi-bohras.org.uk/friends. a call for ex-communication for somebody has weakness, a 400-year-old tradition has been been given. In Vadodara, live about 6,000 Alavi broken in such a manner for the first time...strict What a year it has been..in the first month Bohras. action should be taken against them,” said Mazun Halim Zakiudddin, Saiyedna's son. we had an incredible 55,000 hits on the site, this is the same as having For Alavi Bohras, the Saiyedna is the traditional approximately 1000 visitors to the site. religious leader and he holds an all-important At the meeting, the conservative members position in the community. For every religious called for a signature campaign to go for So thanks to everyone who's been looking and social occasion, his permission is sought and a social boycott. though the site. In September 2005 we had also an amount is offered to him as nazrana. about 200 people looking at the site, “We have never ex-communicated anyone so which is still quite an achievement! But what Marchawala did was that he far, but we will seek legal opinion as to what action can be taken,” said Zakiuddin. approached Shehar-e-Qazi for the solemnisation What is the site for?... Well basically it is to of his son's wedding, defying the Saiyedna. allow people to make friends whether they Shehar-e-Qazi usually solemnises marriages of But trustees of Alavi Jamat Trust are unfazed. married or NOT!! It provides a safe way to the mainstream Sunni community. They say that the marriage stands valid and that earlier too Shehar-e-Qazi had officiated over check someone out,and make a friend. Marchawala did this with the support of Alavi some Alavi Bohra marriages. Don't worry no ones looking at you! If you Jamat Trust which enjoys administrative powers don't feel comfortable giving out your over community affairs and properties. The trust They also rule out a case of ex-communication email address, to other people then don't takes a liberal approach to community affairs. or social boycott. worry it has a built in messaging system Marchawala claims that Saiyedna's officials had so all communications can be carried out given him the date for his second son's marriage Forwarded to AZAD by Yusuf & Farida Kundawala within a safe environment. We also have but were dilly-dallying over officiating the an online chat system so if you want to chat to a group of people then you can do that live. For those of you looking for a longer term partner, then we have a search The Rama Foundation, Thailand criteria that can match to your requirements... But remember, its not just he Rama Foundation has run by cost running the office. All works is carried on for those who want to get married!!! T Reformist, A.T. Hassanally in by volunteers. Thailand. If you are ever in that area, pay him a visit and you will be assured Nobody is paid for their time or knows how. If an aunty or your parents for that matter Our expenses occurred only for renting coach, to of the traditional, good, Bohra hospitality. have been pestering you in giving your reach rural areas, medicines and patients 'bio-data' otherwise known as your operation expenses as the case may be. Perhaps Dear Sirs, Assalamoalaikum. you man consider to join us in one of our trips personal stats and you've felt next year. You are most welcomed. uncomfortable with that, because you, In response of your e-mail under subject like most others, want to find that perfect "Ramazan Donation" we would like to explain I will send you our forth coming year's itinerary person all on your own, then this could regarding "RAMA Foundation" and our as soon as it will be available. be the way forward... activities. Since the formation of this Foundation we are having base at my home up till today, May Allah showers his blessings on you and where the Foundation has no overhead at all. your family in this Holy month and bestow upon Have fun and checkout No rent, no electric bills, no water supply you vigor and virtue with sound health and www.dawooid-bohra.org.uk/friends charges, no staff payment or whatsoever usually happiness throughout your long life. Aamin. Web team AZAD January 2006 page 5 Eid Function 2005 continued

■ Kuresh provides a Canadian flavour

■ Kalim Vanat, President of Leicester Branch, welcomes everyone to the function

■ Zahir comes clean for the earthquake fund raiser

■ Murashia from the children

■ “This is the way it should look!”

■ Everyone is offered the traditional delicious sev khurmo, the perfect antidote for a month of fasting

page 6 paAZAD January 2006 1 International Badminton Umpire ur community has many hidden to other destinations in the USA for a short O talents in the arts, science, business, holiday or visit friends and family education and sports fields. Rizvan Sadikot from Birmingham, UK, is a well established I personally would not say this was one of the badminton referee (and a volleyball umpire). best-organised tournaments I have attended, He is good enough and lucky enough to but what the heck, I made new friends, travel world-wide refereeing or umpiring. renewed old acquaintances and enjoyed myself Read his account of his recent trip to the whole heartedly USA and Canada.

I was selected by the International Badminton WORLD BADMINTON JUNIOR Federation to go to Anaheim, California CHAMPIONSHIPS (USA) as a Technical Official. I had to help Richmond Canada organise a group of International and Local 21st-30thOctober 2004 Line Judges and work as an adviser to the Line Judge management team of Carol Bryan and I was invited by the Badminton Line Judges Lily Lei. Association at the request of Badminton Canada to the championship as a Line judge. I I arrived in Anaheim on the Saturday evening, was part of a team of ten Line judges from the in time to attend an initial introduction and U.K. and because a fellow team member was line judges briefing the following day. There unable to attend. I was asked and honoured to were 14 International line judges from around be the team leader. the world, two of them from England plus about sixty local volunteers for the We arrived at our destination on various dates tournament. and times before the event. We stayed at the 4 star Executive Inn near the venue, The Everyone was asked to work on a rotating Minouri Arena. The day before the start of the basis, such as the next available court, not event the manager of line judges, Mr Abdul assigned to a court. I think most of the Sheik and Chief executive of Badminton international and local LJs felt this was a fair Canada Mr Ajay Patel, requested a meeting system so that no particular team worked on with the group from U.K. They felt that as the the "television court". The groups changed to most experienced group at the tournament, a pool of 8 LJs in 3 Teams during the we would be able to assist them and their quarterfinal on Friday and the semi-final on fellow organisers. I think they were overawed Saturday because only two courts were used by the total years of experience of the group as on those days. For the finals on Sunday the line judges. organisers reduced the groups to 2 teams. The championship consists of the national As we all know that all the best-laid plans team event followed by the individual event. sometimes don't work, so I also had to work On the first morning we were met at hotel as a line judge to make up a team. I didn't reception and taken to the arena where we mind because it gave me an insight into how were introduced as International line judges, the line judging duties worked. because I believe Abdul and Ajay felt as we had attended so many events worldwide as There were some minor problems at the line judges. We were asked to be court beginning of the event, which the experienced captains and not line judges, look after the LJs helped to resolve without great difficulty. local volunteer line judges and make sure all As the tournament progressed all the LJs the matches were line judged. We were also started to enjoy the routine of the day. The requested by the Championship Referee to first 4 days' duties were divided into 2sessions line judge the team and individual finals which meant most of us had some time off to enjoy the local attractions and go sight seeing When we were not on duty the organisers had around Anaheim and Los Angeles. arranged sightseeing trips to Vancouver, which is very close to Richmond and also not On Saturday evening, after the end of play, forgetting shopping trips to bring back most of the officials and organisers went for a souvenirs. celebratory dinner at J T Smiets, a local restaurant. At the dinner Lily Lei on behalf of The one thing we are all proud of is making the Line Judge Team presented all the new friends wherever we attend any International Line Judges and Technical tournaments. This Championship was no officials with a thank you gift bag. The Int LJs different. before the Finals reciprocated this gesture. Watch out for my next instalment of the On Monday morning, after the tournament, badminton world ■ Zubeda and Ruky sell the annual calendar most of us said our goodbyes to each other and started making our way home or travel on Rizvan Sadikot, Birmingham, UK

AZAD January 2006 page 7 Some personal stories of growing up in Reformism Munajaat (Dua) One of the tasks set by the World conference in 2004 for the lived in Bombay, in Nagpada - the centre of Regional Committee was to develop a collective identity. To help us I "pragati mandal" reformist friends and met do this, we are proposing that all the majlises end with this dua with my grandfather Kamruddin Kapasi (Ghadakwalla). world-wide. We hope you find it a suitable way to end our I was a kid and I gained a lot of knowledge about the gatherings. Please keep this and pass it on to as many people as Reformist movement and the several personalities who you know. sacrificed their time and worked really hard to preserve our human rights against Kothar's dictatorship. Karam mangtey hai(n), dua mangtey hai(n), Ilahi hamai(n) shaado-masrur rakhna llahi hum tujh sey dua mangtey hai(n) O Allah keep us happy and contented They fought for progress, welfare, a better Islamic We ask for your generosity and blessings, education system and more. There were no medical O Allah, we pray to You for your blessings. Balaao(n) se humko sadaa duur rakhna clinics or hospitals for the Dawoodi Bohra community. Keep calamities at bay from us, always I will never forget these personalities who are no more, Ata kar tu shaan-e-karimi ka sadqa may Allah bless their souls with peace, ameen. These Bless us with Your bounties Pareshaniya(n) ham ko gherey hui hai(n) people are as follows: Worries have overtaken us Dila dey llahi rahimi ka sadqa Grant us forgiveness and mercy, O Allah • Family members of Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy Rafiuddin Pareshaaniyo sai riha mangtey hai(n) • Mullah Abbas Aurangabadi We pray for freedom from our worries • Fazel Abbas Lakdawala (Headmaster) Na mangengey tujh sey to mangengey kis sey Only You can we turn to O Allah • Nazimbhai Karam mangtey hai(n), dua mangtey hai(n), • Zaitoon Kapasi (Bhavnagar) state of Gujrat Terey hai(n) hum tujh sey dua mangtey hai(n) llahi hum tujh sey dua mangtey hai(n) • Rasool Kaka Sulemanji (Leicester) We ask for your generosity and blessings, • Ismail Luqmani (But I never met him) Shower us with Your kindness O Allah, we pray to You for your blessings. Karam mangtey hai(n), dua mangtey hai(n), Fazleabbas Lakdawala was my Headmaster when I was llahi hum tujh sey dua mangtey hai(n) Huwa hei na maayus tere sawali studying at Dhroll boarding school, also recognised as We ask for your generosity and blessings, No one has come away from You the Curimjee Jeevanjee Mauritiuswalla D boarding in O Allah, we pray to You for your blessings. disappointed Dhroll in the state of Gujrat. I am really proud to say that the the boarding school was built and donated by Ilahi tujhey wasta panjatan ka Nahi terey dar sey phira koi khaali Curimjee Jeevanjee (Mauritius) for poor Dawoodi O Allah we implore you for Panjatan's sake Nor returned empty handed from Your Bohra people. Unfortunately the Kothar proclaimed doorstep baraat on all those who studied there. This boarding Ho shaadaab ghuncha dilon key chaman ka school has now changed its name to Sir Adamjee That our hearts bloom with goodness Peerbhoy Rafiuddin Yatim Khana in Dhroll in the state Nahi lltija ek hamari hi khatir We do not plead just for ourselves of Gujrat. Ye daaman hamara murado(n) se bhar do Fill our coffers with our hearts' desires The very first reformist newspaper, the "Bulletin", was Hum sabke liye muddua mangtey hai(n) published and edited by our great strong leader late Karam ki nazar sey dua mangtey hai(n) But we pray for all others too O Allah Mr Norman Contractor who was so popular and the We pray that You grant us generosity biggest manufacturer of ink and colour paint in the Karam mangtey hai(n), dua mangtey hai(n), state of Maharashtra. I am proud of him because he Karam mangtey hai(n), dua mangtey hai(n), llahi hum tujh sey dua mangtey hai(n) was a noble man of peace and was given an award by llahi hum tujh sey dua mangtey hai(n) We ask for your generosity and blessings, the Maharashtra Government. The Bulletin Newspaper We ask for your generosity and blessings, O Allah, we pray to You for your blessings. was officially sold in Bombay and I used to deliver it O Allah, we pray to You for your blessings. door to door to earn some pocket money. Ba haq'qai payambar, wa ba haq'qai Ali Jo muflis hai unko tu daulat ata kar By the Grace of The Prophet and Ali (SAW) The DBWS Reformist Conference 2004 was a success Bless those who are poor with wealth and I was pleased to meet many guests from abroad. Ba haq'qai Batul aur Shabbaro-Shabbir Thanks to DBWS's members and everybody who Jo bimar hai(n) unko sehat ata kar By the Grace of Batul and Shabbir (AS) participated in carrying out our conference with joy. Grant good health to those who are sick Ba haq'qai Imamuzzaman ya llahi Thank you especially to Mr Fazel Hasanali Kapasi of Garibo pey tu reham kar ya llahi By the Grace of The Imam in seclusion Birmingham whose speech touched and surprised me Shower Your grace on those who are poor because he reminded me of my oldest thoughts and Hum tujhse dili muddua mangtey hai(n) Marizon ki khatir shifaa mangtey hai(n) also of more recent matters. He talked about truth and Our hearts seek Your blessings O Allah We implore You to heal the sick O Allah wrong, which the wrong believe we should not follow. I hope and wish that we all, especially the youth, Karam mangtey hai(n), dua mangtey hai(n), Karam mangtey hai(n), dua mangtey hai(n), follow his guidelines for the progress of our DBWS llahi hum tujh sey dua mangtey hai(n) llahi hum tujh sey dua mangtey hai(n) welfare. Thank you very much my most dear Fazel We ask for your generosity and blessings, We ask for your generosity and blessings, Kapasi of Birmingham and everybody who shared with him. O Allah, we pray to You for your blessings. O Allah, we pray to You for your blessings. Abbas Kapasi, Grenoble, France

page 8 AZAD January 2006 Three Bohra Scholars who have contributed greatly towards recent progress in Ismaili studies

Zahid Ali (1888-1958) Al-Hamdani received his early education from his Asaf Ali Asghar Fyzee (1899-1981) Born in Hyderabad, Deccan, to a distinguished father Shaykh Fayz Allah and obtained an MA in Born in Matheran, near Poona, to a well-known family. His father was a learned shaykh and a Arabic from Bombay University. He then traveled Tyabjee family of Sulaymani Bohra. His prominent leader in the community. He received to England and received his Ph.D. from the grandfather Tyabjee, the merchant prince of his early education in the Dar al-Ulum madrasa School of Oriental and African Studies, University Bombay, visited Europe in 1853, and was one the in Hyderabad and later in Saify Daras, Surat. of London. After his return he joined M. T. B. first Muslims in Bombay to send his sons to After obtaining D.Phil. in Arabic from Oxford College in Surat and then was appointed England for education. University he joined Nizam College, Hyderabad, Professor of Arabic at Ismail Yusuf College, as a professor of Arabic and later became vice- Following the family tradition Fyzee studied at Bombay. He taught there from 1932 to 1948. Principal of the College. Cambridge University and was then called to the Then, he moved to newly- created Pakistan and bar. On his return to India in 1926 he practiced was appointed Cultural Attache at the Embassy He was fluent in Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and law in the Bombay High Court. In 1938 he was of Pakistan in Cairo, Egypt. English. His access to an extensive range of appointed the Perry Professor of Islamic Ismaili primary sources (in manuscript form) Jurisprudence and Principal of the Government enabled him to produce three widely acclaimed In 1950 he was appointed Professor of Persian Law College, Bombay. works of research. and Semitic philology at the College of Dar al-Ulum in Cairo by the renowned scholar Taha In 1949 he was appointed as India's ambassador 1 A critical edition in Arabic with commentary Husayn, then the minister of education. Soon he to Egypt. The last public office held by him was of the Diwan of the famous Fatimid poet Ibn was appointed Cultural Attache of the Yemen that of vice-chancellor of Jammu and Kashmir Hani' al-Andalusi (Cairo, 1933). Embassy in Cairo, and was honored by the then University. In recognition of his long and Imam/ruler of Yemen with Yemeni citizenship. innumerable public services the Indian 2 History of the Fatimids in Egypt, written in government honored him with the title"Padma Urdu (Hyderabad, 1948). Bhusan" in 1962. He was fluent in English, Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Gujarati, German, and French. Besides those 3 The True Nature of Our Ismaili Faith and its He started his scholarly career with the languages he had acquired good knowledge of Organization, in Urdu (Hyderabad, 1954). It is publication of Introduction to the Study of ancient Semitic languages and pre-Islamic a compendium of Ismaili doctrines as Muhammadan Law in 1931. The first edition of South Arabian script. professed by the Bohras. his Outlines of Muhammadan Law, published in 1949 and followed by several subsequent Zahid Ali published these works at a time when His numerous articles, such as "The Life and editions, still remains the best introduction to the the Bohra religious establishment ruled with an Times of Queen Sayyeda Arwa," "History of the Anglo-Muhammadan law of the Indian iron fist and maintained very strict control of Ismaili Da'wat and its Literature during the Last subcontinent. However, it should be noted that doctrinal secrecy from the community. As a result Phase of the Fatimid Empire," "Some Unknown the first chapter entitled "Introduction to the he encountered great hostility and was Isma'ili Authors and Their Works," "The Letters study of Muhammadan law," is dated as it was excommunicated. of al-Mustansir bi'llah," "A Compendium of written almost half a century ago. Isma'ili Esoterics," were pioneering works as Husayn al-Hamdani (1901-1962) they introduced the whole range of secretly His various articles on Isma'ili law and its founder Qazi Nu'man were pioneering. Da'a'im Born in Surat to an illustrious family of scholars preserved Ismaili literature, once thought to have al-Islam, the most important Isma'ili law book, whose genealogy goes back two centuries to the been destroyed, to modern scholarship. renowned scholar Shaykh Ali b. Sa'id al-Hamdani was edited by him (Cairo, 1951-61). The fruits of of Haraz, Yemen, who was invited to India by the his research are summed up in Compendium of Among his major works is The History of the thirty-ninth da'i Ibrahim Wajih al-Din. Shaykh Ali Fatimid Law (Simla, 1969). He was a great Sulayhid Dynasty and its Doctrines in Arabic brought with him from Yemen a large collection advocate of change in Muslim personal and (Cairo, 1955). During the last years of his life he of Isma'ili manuscripts. family law. was engaged in preparing a critical edition

Since then the family has continuously of Razi's Kitab al-Zina, a dictionary of On reinterpretation of Islam his short volume A maintained its scholarly tradition and its private Arabic-Islamic terms. Before he died he had Modern Approach to Islam (Bombay, 1963) is collection of Ismaili manuscripts, one of the finished one fourth of it and it was published quite remarkable. He is considered an eminent finest, has benefited innumerable scholars. in two parts (Cairo, 1957-58). scholar of Muslim law in the Indian subcontinent.

AZAD January 2006 page 9 Majlis etiquette Three Bohras die in Iraq e have found some useful information W on how Bohras in the moti jamaat are From the London Evening Standard I have been told not to speak to journalists supposed to behave when attending majlises and I will not risk my standing in the and when in the presence of our Sayedna Three British pilgrims killed in Iraq community." Saheb. Some uncomfortable reading… were sent there to pray for the ailing leader of controversial religious sect. Britain's Bohra community is divided When a mumin enters the royal court of the between those who follow its traditions Dai iz Zaman (tus) for Qadambosi (kissing his The Evening Standard has learned that they by paying "taxes" to the leader's local hands and feet) he should bear in mind that it were told to go to the war-torn country representatives and reformist disillusioned as though he is in the Imam's court, rather he despite Foreign Office advice that it is too with what they perceive to be corruption at is standing before the Panjatan Paak (a.s). dangerous. the heart of the sect. Thus he should maintain its dignity and bow Seffudin Makai, 39, Yahya Gulamali, 50 and Dr. Ali Asghar Engineer, a leading down in a sajdah and kiss the ground in Husein Mohammedali, 50, all from London progressive based in India, told the reverence. He should appear with a died after a bus they were travelling in was Standard that followers were encouraged contemplation and knowledge of the ambushed by Sunni gunmen in Baghdad. to go to Iraq and visit the shrines in Karbala Dai iz Zaman's (tus) standing and glory. and Najaf. Mr Makai, a travel exchange owner In accordance with the guidance of the Hudat from Streatham and Mr. Gulamali from "This has continued despite the war and the Kiram (a.s) a mumin appearing before the Dai Greenford, and Mr. Mohammedali from group is likely to have business interests in (tus) should pay heed to his Taharat and Harrow, who both ran double glazing sending people to Iraq", he said. "The cleanliness. He should come in a state of wuzu, companies were on a pilgrimage with relatives will be angry that their loved ones donning good clothes, wearing a fragrance and Zehra Jafferji, 60, from Wimbledon and were endangered and killed, but they will adorned with the beauty of Iman. Ali Qiayoom, 46, from Harrow, who were not speak of fear of the Syedna". both wounded. Bearing in mind the glory of the Dai (tus) and He said the Syedna had a representative conducting himself with due decorum he should The dead men worshipped at the known as an Amil in each town and city attain the honour of Qadambosi and the sawab Al Husaiyni Mosque in Northolt and who issues orders in his name, including the belonged to the Dawoodi Bohra community, instruction for the families not to talk of Haj and Umrah. He should know that an off shoot sect of Shia Islam led by the to the press about the shootings. "We have performing Qadambosi is equivalent to kissing 93 year old Syedna Mohammed been campaigning for several years to end the Haja re Aswad.·He should stand slightly in a Burhanuddin from a palatial estate in this totalitarian regime which controls so calm, composed and dignified manner. Voices Mumbai. many Bohra people all over the world", said should not be raised. Talking amongst each Dr. Engineer. other should be avoided. It is improper to laugh There are about a million Dawoodi Bohras or merry make in any form. One should look at in the world, with at least 3,000 living in "It has been reduced to a cult. Most Bohra the Dai (tus) with reverence bearing in mind Britain, half of them in London. Families still have to pay seven taxes a year that even looking at Aqa Maula (tus) is a form and when marriage and funerals take place of Worship (Ibadat). The pilgrims' friends and relatives are angry they have to bed authorised by the Syedna's with community leaders who advised the people and a payment must be made." One should not ill treat anyone, in the glorious group to go to Iraq to pray for the benefit of presence of the Dai (tus). Even if he is ill treated the Syedna after he visited the capital last "Each year the taxes go up. Those who are by some one he should tolerate it and endure, month and said that their families have good and pay get a green card which gives not rebel and fight back. Any perfume or been told to stay silent. them access to community events, and fragrance displeasing the Dai (tus) should not those are in arrears or are suspected of be applied. When a person leaves the presence A relative of Mr Makai said, "The mosque having reformist sympathies are given a of the Dai (tus) after performing Qadambosi, he has hijacked everything since the incident. red card." should not show his back to the Dai (tus), We are not allowed to talk to the media - instead walk backwards or side wards and only they even decided what photographs should "The group have spread their influence in after one leave's the Hall (Bethak) should he be given out, without consulting. India. They are above the low. They..have turn completely. given to Indian politicians and senior police This control over our lives is the way it is in officials to make their activities immune The Tashrif (Gift) that the Dai (tus) bestows by our community - we cannot say anything or from scrutiny." his grace should be accepted with gratitude and we will face sanctions." should not be lessened and measured with Dr. Engineer added, "These families have Another relative of one of the man said, probably paid thousands of pounds to the worldly riches. He should value it as Barakat "We have lost three wonderful, loving Syedna but I have my doubts as to whether and see it as Maula's (tus) grace - not his right. fathers and we are expected to hide. the mosque will give them money." When doing Araz or asking Aqa Maula (tus) anything, one should first say Joil to fidaq or Ja a la nil laho fidaq. page 10 paAZAD January 2006e 1 Embryonic Stem Cell Research - Allowed in Islam? In the last several years there has been It is these extra embryos that are used for Governments' stand on the issue: much discussion about the use of research purposes. United States, England, and Canada all allow embryonic stem cells for research embryonic stem cell research. However, in purposes. I undertook this limited What is the controversy? Canada and the US only embryos that are excess research to determine what is Islam's from IVF cycles can be used. In England, perspective on this topic as it is a highly The source of the cells is embryos. By removing embryos can be created specifically for the controversial area of research. Opinions cells from these embryos, scientists are purpose of this type of research. This type of and laws on this topic vary from religion essentially destroying the embryo, which could cloning to generate embryos for the express to religion and country to country. By no have otherwise gone on to develop into a child. purpose of research only is called therapeutic means is this an extensively researched cloning. Islam's stand on therapeutic cloning is paper, with the opinions of all schools of Religious stand on the issue not clear from the research I have done as some Islamic thought included, but it is enough scholars are in favour of it and some are against it. to get those interested in the subject Catholicism - forbids this type of research started on their own quest. Some ethical questions that arise: Protestants - depends on the church Although embryonic stem cell research is allowed in Islam, there still remain some ethical What are embryonic stem cells? Judaism - allows this type of research questions to consider. For example, women may Hinduism - not clear be over stimulated for their IVF cycle to produce Embryonic stem cells are cells from a newly more embryos without them been aware of it. formed embryo resulting from conception (a Buddhism - allows this type of research Women may undergo this type of procedure for successful meeting of the egg and a sperm). Islam - allows this type of research monetary reasons. They have the potential to become any cell in the body they want to, e.g. liver cell, brain cell, Doctors may use extra embryos for research kidney cell, skin cell, etc… The arguments used to validate Islam's position without the consent of patient. These are some on embryonic stem cell research. of the questions that need to be discussed. Why are they important to research? Depending on the source you read, life begins Because they have the potential to become any after 40 days of conception. Therefore, before Alternatives to embryonic stem cells cell in the body, embryonic stem cells can be this period, the embryo is not considered to be made into any cell in the body that is required. living. Some sources say that life begins after 1 Adult stem cells. Scientist can use adult stem For example, for a person suffering from liver 120 days (4 months). This is the time when the cells but there are limitations to these types of failure, the cells can be made into liver cells and soul enters the fetus (Imad-ad-Dean Ahmad, Ph.D. cells. For instance, they exist in small amounts transplanted into the patient. For diabetics, the http://www.islam-online.net/english/Views/2001/ throughout the body and therefore they are cells can be created to produce insulin; for 08/article6.shtml). Therefore, it is at this time more difficult to isolate. They do not grow Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, they can that the fetus is considered to be human. It is well in the lab and therefore are limited in replace malfunctioning brain cells; for spinal cord also argued that an embryo formed by IVF "is their use, and more importantly, they are injury, they can replace damaged cells. not in its natural environment.... If it is not programmed already to be a specific type of placed in the womb it will not survive and it will cell. They have lost the ability to become any Where do they come from? not become a human being." And lastly, "it is cell that is desired. obligatory to pursue this research, [which] has All embryonic stem cells used for research come great potential to relieve human disease and 2 Cord blood stem cells. Cord blood stem cells from in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF is a medical suffering," (Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, are isolated from the umbilical cord. They are procedure that is used to help infertile couples http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0622/ harvested during the birth of a child. The have a baby. p15s02-wogi.html). limitation to these cells is that they can and The IVF procedure consists of the following: have been used to treat blood related disease 1 The female is stimulated with hormones to A panel, consisting of medical doctors, scientists, such as leukemia, cancer, clotting disorders, produce maximum number of eggs in the and Islamic scholars, was brought together to immune system disorders. They cannot be ovary. deliberate all aspects of this topic at length, in used to treat liver dysfunction, diabetes, or order to develop an Islamic perspective on stem- brain cell dysfunctions, etc... 2 The eggs are retrieved from the ovaries cell research. The penal represented members (usually between 10 -30 eggs) and placed in from The Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA), And finally, a word of caution: a plastic dish. North American council of Islamic jurisprudence, A study published earlier this year [Nature Graduate School of Islamic and Social Sciences Medicine 11, 228 - 232 (2005)] found that most 3 The sperm (from the male) are added to the (GSISS), and The International Institute of Islamic human embryonic stem-cell lines may be useless dish to allow for fertilization. Thought (IIIT). The panel concluded the for therapeutic applications. The body's immune following: The Islamic Institute supports stem-cell defenses would probably attack the cells. Why? 4 Each fertilized egg results in an embryo. research on these spare embryos from in-vitro The cells are grown and maintained in the lab in Typically one procedure will yield 3-15 fertilization. Under the Islamic principle of the a plastic dish containing nutrient broth (usually "purposes and higher causes of the shariiah contains animal serum) and other cells embryos. (Islamic law)", we believe it is a societal (embryonic cells from mice). The stem cells may 5 Approximately 2-4 embryos are put back in obligation to perform research on these extra acquire some of these foreign proteins. Once the female to allow them to grow in the hopes embryos instead of discarding them placed in the human body, they are recognized of a baby resulting. (http://64.233.161.104/search?q=cache:lr- as foreign cells and the body rejects them. 2WuVZ_5QJ:www.islamicinstitute.org/i3- 6 All extra embryos from the procedure are stemcell.pdf+islam+and+stem+cell+research Kubra Kapasi-Khandwala either frozen or discarded. &hl=en). Toronto, Canada

AZAD January 2006 page 11 Young volunteers 1986 BOHRA needed! Is that you? Umrah trip REFORMIST TRUST April 13th - 21st June DBWS has always organised lots of events such Registered office: as Sports Day, walking in the hills, Eid functions, 18 Limes Avenue London N12 8QN UK The Regional Committee is organising an fund-raising events and events for young, single UK Registered charity No 298730 international Umrah trip for you in April 2006. people. We need to keep the momentum going but we need volunteers. The 1986 Bohra Reformist Trust is a UK This is the first time that Dawoodi Bohra Registered charitable organisation. Reformists will gather from globally and Do you have some time to give to organise an perform Umrah and you can be part of it. event to help bring our community together, Its objectives are to promote religious share food (of course!), and for maximum education and to support the Reform Everyone will stay in the same hotel giving us enjoyment. Let's build bridges through movement in the Dawoodi Bohra plenty of time to get to know each other and volunteering. Community. the Umrah ceremonies will be led by a suitably qualified community member. We will visit both If anyone is willing to help then please get in Applications are invited from Reformist Mecca and Medina. touch with me, that is Huma Vanat either by Dawoodi Bohra Organisations for financial email on [email protected] or by assistance in pursuance of the above If you are interested in joining us on the Umrah telephone: 07970 896 708. objectives. trip, then please let us have your details as soon as possible and definetly by the end of It would be great experience for any youngsters, Applications should include as much December 2005. We will then send you or any adults who want to help out. information as possible of the applying information when we have some more details. organisation and give full details of the project and its objectives. Please send your contact details to Huma Vanat at [email protected] or Haki Kapasi at Address book Please apply to: [email protected] addressing the subject as 1986 BRT, Umrah 2006. You can phone Haki on 0121 429 Salim Vanak has created an on-line form 9 Anstruther Road, Edgbaston 3202 day time. for you to complete for inclusion in the Birmingham B15 3NN, UK International Bohra Reformist Directory. Don't miss out on meeting Reformists from If you want to be included or change your around the world and participating in this current (for the UK) details in the address ground-breaking event! book, visit the site: Logo competition We look forward to meeting you in Mecca. www.salim.me.uk/addressbook/ Are you a talented graphic designer? Can you design an eye catching, suitable logo that tell the world that we are united collective fighting for justice and accountability? Obituary Be informed! The world conference in the UK in 2004 agreed Fizzabai Yusufali Mamujee Anyone who wants to receive information about that all Reformist branches around the globe should have a common identity. To achieve this, youth activities and are over the age of 19 and Our beloved Fizzabal passed away peacefully on all branches will endeavour to be known as: above. Please send me their email address by 12th September 2005. emailing [email protected]. Dawoodi Bohra Reformist Jamaats of (insert the We thank Allah for blessing her wlfh a long life. Anyone who thinks they already on the data country's name). and have not received any inforatiomation We will miss her warmth and kindness, her please email me with their info again so that We need a logo that Reformist jamaats all over lively and playful spirit and her love. We pray I can update my list. the world can use. that her soul will rest in eternal Peace. Ameen. The next event will be sometime in April 2006 If you can rise to the challenge and design a We thank all our relatlves and friends for their we will be organising a fancy dress party. logo, then send you entries to Naseem Jivanjee in Canada on [email protected] prayers and very warm support which has The other one I am planning is a trip to Spain greatly helped us in our time of grief. to see all the Islamic historical buildings and We look forward to receiving some creative architects. Date to be confirmed in 2006 solutions! Mamujee Family

Anyone with an idea of an event please let me know - Nasreen Rajabali, Birmingham, UK Visit the Dawoodi Bohra Reformist website for news and views on Reformist activities: http://www.dawoodi-bohras.com and friends: http://www.dawoodi-bohras.org.uk/friends

AZAD is a self financing newsletter. It is published by the Dawoodi Bohra Welfare Society (registered charity no. 272508). Editor: Haki Kapasi, 25 Abbey Road, Smethwick, West Midlands B67 5RA. Telephone 0121 429 3202 Fax 0121 429 8835 E-mail [email protected]. The views expressed are entirely those of the authors and may not reflect those of the editor or publisher.

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