Category: Shia Community

Continuing to talk about the traditions of the Isma’ili Khojas, we reach their divorce, organization, and ‎business that we are going to discuss in this article. ‎   Divorce ‎ In the Isma’ili Khoja community, divorce is not allowed without the jamaat’s permission, and the ‎jama’at usually requires the consent of both parties to permit […]

The History of Twelver Khoja (part 2) In the previous article, we discussed the Isma’ili and Sunni Khojas. In this article, we are going to learn more about the Twelver Shi’a Khojas.   Twelver Shi’a Khojas After the conflict between some of the Khoja families and the Aga Khan, some dissidents in the Khoja groups, […]

The History of Khoja Muslims (part 1) Originating from India, Khojas were initially converted from Hinduism to the Isma’ili branch of Islam. Later communal fighting split this group even further. Known for their sense of discipline and organization, the diverse Khoja groups are now well set up all through the world.    The Early Khojas […]

‘Raudat’ means garden while ‘Tahera’ means pure. Raudat Tahera is a white marble mausoleum that houses the tombs of two spiritual leaders of the Dawoodi Bohras, Taher Saifuddin and his son and successor Mohammed Burhanuddin, the 51st and 52nd Dāʿī al-Mutlaqs of the Dawoodi Bohra Ismaili Shia Muslims[1]. Opened in 1975, this Dawoodi Bohras holy […]

Continuing to talk about the culture and traditions of the Dawoodi Bohra Shia Muslims, we reach their food and business and some important religious rituals that matter among the community members: Cuisine The Dawoodi Bohras are famous for their culinary reputation. Joining one another for meals is a particularly well-known Bohra custom and therefore they […]

Dawoodi Bohra Shia Muslims trace their heritage to the Fatimi Imams, direct descendants of the Prophet Mohammed, in Egypt and this fact affects the cultural aspects of the Dawoodi Bohras life significantly. The Dawoodi Bohras all through the world are guided by their leader called “al-dai al-mutlaq” (unrestricted missionary), who first operated from Yemen and then, […]

Imam Ali’s martyrdom as the First Muslim, an intimate associate of the Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH&HF) in his life and holy Islamic mission, the Immediate Successor to the Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH&HF) and the First Holy Immaculate Imam of the Shi’a Muslims. On the 19th day of Ramadan in 661, Imam Ali (PBUH) […]

In the previous article we talked about the three first ranks in the organization of Dawoodi Bohras, as the da’i mutlaq, ma’dhun and mashayikh. Next rank in the da’wa hierarchy comes the ‘amil or agent, who is the head of any local Da’udi congregation or jama’at. Addressed as Bha’i Sahib or Miyan Sahib, the ‘amils […]

The Dawoodi (Da’udi) Bohras are a religious sect of the Isma’ilis who are the second biggest branch of Shia Islam. The organization of the Dawoodi Bohras is affected by the fact that they are typically self-reliant traders, businesspersons, and entrepreneurs who have their specific hierarchy for managing their community. The organization of the Da’udi Bohras is based on the pattern […]

The Iftar traditions among Dawoodi Bohras is unique and different from many other customs during the month of Ramadan. While most Muslims break their fast with dates and water, the Bohra community starts all edibles – even sweets – with a little salt which they believe gives protection from numerous illnesses. Each year and every […]