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Haatim Zakiyuddin

Haatim Zakiyuddin saheb
45th Da'i al-Mutlaq and Saiyedna
of Alavi Bohra Muslim Community
Zakiyuddin in 2015
Born10 September 1959
Vadodara, Gujarat, India
CitizenshipIndian
EducationMA (Arabic Language and Literature)
Alma materUniversity of Bombay
Organizationad-Da'wat ul-Haadiyah il-'Alaviyah
TitleAqaa Maulaa, Saiyedna saheb
TermFrom 23-05-2015
PredecessorAbu Haatim Taiyeb Ziyauddin, 44th Da'i al-Mutlaq
SuccessorHis eldest son, Ma'zoon ud Da'wat Saiyedi Sa'eed ul Khayr Bhaisaheb 'Imaaduddin
Spouseal-Mo'azzamah al-Mohtaramah Husbaanah bu
Children3 sons, 2 daughters
Websitealavibohra.org

Syedna Haatim Zakiyuddin (Arabic: حاتم زکي الدین) (born 10 September 1959), is the 45th Saiyedna and Da'i al-Mutlaq of Alavi Bohras and Naa'ib (نائب) representative, vicar, legatee and deputy of the progeny of 21st Fatimid Isma'ili Imam Abul Qaasim at-Taiyeb during the time of his Concealment from Cairo in 528 AH/1132 AD which is called Daur us Satr (دور الستر). He is of the noble rank of Da'i al-Mutlaq or ad-Da'i ul-Mutlaq or Da'i-e-Mutlaq enjoying absolute spiritual and temporal authority under the secreted guidance (تأئید) of the Imam of Time (إمام الزمان). Anyone who gives him Oath of Allegiance and Covenant (بیعت، میثاق) on the name of Imam at-Taiyeb, then only he is regarded the member of Alavi Bohra Community. The chief jurist an-No'maan of the Fatimid court of Imam Mo'iz says in his work[1] that, As for the true followers, the members of the Ismaili community, they faithfully take the pledge of allegiance to the Imam.[2]

The present Da'i or Saiyedna is the 12th Saheb of Aal-e-Jivabhai.[3]

Majlis e Husaini
Aqaa Maulaa Saiyedna Haatim Zakiyuddin saheb on Takht e Taiyebi

Introduction, mission (Da'wat) and community

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The present 45th Da’i-e-Mutlaq or Da'i uz-Zamaan (the da'i of the present time) i.e. the representative (naa'ib) of Imaam uz-Zamaan (the imaam in the progeny of Imaam Taiyeb), Haatim ul-Khayraat, Rabi' ul-Barakaat [4] Saiyedna Abu Sa'eed il-Khayr Haatim Zakiyuddin Saheb (tus) has continued his predecessor's endeavors with particular emphasis on strengthening the community's relationship with other community leadership and by following Islamic practices by promoting and spreading awareness about the Fatimid identity and Isma'ili legacy.

His birthplace is Badri Mohalla, Vadodara, his birth date falls on 8th Rabi' ul-Awwal 1379 AH/10 September 1959 AD, Thursday. Under the graceful hands of his grandfather, the 43rd Da'i ul Mutlaq Saiyedna Yusuf Nuruddin saheb (d. 1394 AH) and Mukaasir ud Da'wat Bhaisaheb Nazarali (d. 1397 AH), he completed his formal religious education and then took special sessions of 'Uloom e Da'wat. For graduation and post-graduation he stayed in Mumbai for 5 years (1979-1984 AD) studying Arabic Language and Literature with Islamic Studies in Mumbai University. During his stay in Mumbai, he did all things possible to enrich the library of Da'wah Shareefah by acquiring Isma'ili-Taiyebi MSS[5] and rare Islamic books. He is instrumental in collating rare manuscripts and make it an integral part of Alavi khizana. He did tarbiyat and Taiyebi upbringing of Mumbai mumineen on the morals of Ahl ul Bayt (as) by fulfilling the responsibilities of Moharram and Shahrullaah.

During the Da’iship of his father, the 44th Da'i, Saiyedna Taiyeb Ziyauddin saheb, he being Ma’zoon, (a spiritual status after da’i) from 1984 AD, he shouldered the responsibility of educating people for the betterment of the community. Now that he is on a status of Da’i al-Mutlaq from 2015 AD, he sees to it that the 'Ilmi, Commerce and Social relations with other community members are maintained. He took very strong step and robust decision in 1423 AH/2011 AD by sending his eldest son Bhaisaheb Sa’eed ul-Khayr, who would be elevated to the status of Mazoon e Mutlaq,[6] to Qumm, Iran for graduation in Arabic Language and Literature. It is for the time that anyone from Qasr-e-‘Aali has travelled to the land of Iran for higher studies. It is the holy land of Du'aat who migrated to Egypt in the service of Fatimid (Faatemi) Imaam during 4th and 5th century AH. Knowing the importance of Education and this being the foundation of Da’wat e Haqq (divine mission), Saiyedna saheb took personal interest in educating and specializing the Abnaa (children) of Da’wat in various fields.

At present Saiyedna saheb's eldest son Sa'eed ul Khayr Bhaisaheb 'Imaaduddin saheb DM is Mazoon al-Mutlaq[6] as well as Mansoos[7] who was elevated on 4th Rabi' ul Aakhar 1442 AH/19th Nov 2020 AD. Saiyedna saheb's younger brother, Mohammad Bhaisaheb Nuruddin saheb DM is on the status of Mukaasir al-Mutlaq[6] since 7th Rajab 1430 AH/29th June 2009 AD after the demise of Mukaasir al-Mutlaq Dr. Husain Mo’eenuddin on 13th Shawwaal 1429 AH/12th October 2008 AD. The status of Ra's ul-Hudood[6] is headed by his youngest brother Dr. Zulqarnain Bhaisaheb Hakeemuddin who was assigned this responsibility along with Mukaasir al-Mutlaq. When Saiyedna saheb did Nass-e-jali[8] and appointed-declared his eldest son as his successor 46th Da'i al-Mutlaq, Mukaasir al-Mutlaq was awarded a unique laqab as "Siqat ud-Da'wat il-Haadiyat il-'Alaviyah" (ثقۃ الدعوۃ الهادیۃ العلویۃ, SDHA) meaning the most trusted, and Ra's ul-Hudood was awarded a special laqab as "Naasir ud-Da'wat it-Taiyebiyah" (ناصر الدعوۃ الطیبیۃ, NDT) meaning one who assist in Da'wah affairs.

He played a pivotal role in revamping the syllabus of Madrasah Taiyebiyah by making the learning of Lisaan ud-da’wat compulsory for all pupils. He is always there to guide and give special inserts in publishing a number of books highlighting Alavi faith and practices. The time when the website[9] was conceptualized in 1425 AH/2004 AD along with bi-monthly deeni newsletter "Mishkaat ul-Haadi",[10] he took a forefront in vitalizing and providing subject matter as per the demand of time. Keeping pace with changing times and the World of Mobile Information, he envisioned the way to reach to the farest and smallest member of the community, by developing the Mobile App "Ahl uz Zikr".[11] He eased the matrimonial related complications by making al-Vezaarat ul-'Alaviyah (the office of ad-Da’wat ul-Haadiyah) the centre of all these activities, promoted youth activities, women welfare, medical centers and camps, educational skills for teachers, higher education, literacy, trade and business etc.

He offered Hajj e Tamatto’-Pilgrimage to Makkah-Madinah along with his beloved father 44th Da’i in 1412 AH/1992 AD with the group of 82 believers. It is after this Hajj, he compiled the book consisting of the Hajj arkaan and its manaasik. He himself took special sessions and prepared mumineen for how to perform proper and perfect Hajj. In 1420 AH/1999 AD, Saiyedna saheb with 44th Da’i, undertook long journey of 42 days for Ziyaaraat e Mubaarakah in Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Israel, Syria and Yemen. It is due to his efforts and encouragement, many more people are opting to go for the Ziyaarat in Karbalaa and Najaf instead of wasting money at some other tourists destinations. Extensive Sabaq with literature has been arranged for the people going for ‘Umrah Mufradah that has increased manifold by every passing year.

For every small or big spiritual or social occasion, printed literature is furnished by Saiyedna saheb's office giving appropriate instructions to the applicants. 24 Hudood (person with specifically assigned task) are there to perform the religious ceremonies as per guidelines defined since centuries and on Taiyebi Tenets. Be it at Devdi Mubaarak – Residence of Saiyedna saheb, masjid, community hall, private majlis, graveyard for the occasions pertaining to inauguration, sehra, birthday, marriage, misaaq (divine oath), roza-iftaari, ziyaafat, khatnah or deceased person's sadaqallaah. Saiyedna saheb and his close associates manages all these affairs. This is the reason that Devdi Mubaarak is abuzz every time with the spiritual proceeding of believers.

He has retained the amount of mehr of Rs. 1000/- fixed by his father al-Maulaa al-Muqaddas, which was previously Rs. 200/- during the time of 41st Da'i, for the marriage proposal given to the bride and it is on a discretionary power of an individual to give or not to give anything apart from mehr. There is no concept of dowry and one is free to arrange anything for the marriage of her daughter as per his financial condition, but under the pre-defined religious laws. His tenure as a Mazoon and now as a Da'i is marked by the constructions of new mosques, guest houses (musaafir-khaanas), mausoleums and community halls. His acumen in Fatimid architecture could be seen in the building constructed under his supervision. This has earned him an able designer and future planner as far as the space utility is concerned. Masjid-e-Faatemi, Masjid-e-Haatemi, Masjid-e-Shehaabi, Masjid-e-Bardi, Mazaar of Saiyedna Ameeruddin saheb in Pratapnagar, Saiyedna Nuruddin saheb in Wadi, Saiyedna Badruddin saheb in Bustaan e Badri are the master-pieces of his expertise.

The concept of pre-wedding religious counselling and personal consultation was initiated some years back and now, one can find positive results out of it as the instances of marital discord and divorces has considerably decreased. In the majlis known as Dhaaru-Fixing of the date of marriage and the day when wedding cards are distributed in the community, the to be-couple sits in front of Saiyedna saheb and he himself explains the realities of married life, its responsibilities and sacrifices. Likewise by the Razaa-permission of Saiyedna saheb, the training sessions of the Baaligh children-the children who has attained the age of puberty and has to give to Saiyedna saheb the Oath of Loyalty (Misaaq) which is meant for the Imaam of the time from the progeny of Mohammad known as "Imaam uz Zamaan (as)", is regularly conducted before the majlis of Misaaq. The children are educated with the pillars of Islam and faith, their responsibilities of being an Alavi Bohra, their obligatory deeds as per the Canonical Law of Islam from dawn to dusk, their relationship with their family members, relatives, neighbours, employees and community members. One who gives misaaq enjoys all the spiritual attachments and absolute guidance from Saiyedna saheb. This gives him the identity of being an Alavi.

During the turbulent time of the pandemic and the fear of the infection of Corona virus (COVID-19) worldwide, there was a global lockdown and economical slowdown.  In every nook and corner of the world people were confined to their homes for months together and a new normal was initiated to Work from Home.  This all started in Rajab 1441 AH/March 2020 AD when it started spreading in almost all the countries.  All social and religious gatherings were restricted and rescheduled.  During this time in Shahrullaah 1441 AH and Moharram 1442 AH, all the prayers, majaalis, wa’az and du’aas were broadcast, or pre-recorded, at Devdi Mubaarak.[12]  Then through Zoom and YouTube it was made available to mumineen.  It was Saiyedna saheb's willingness and guidance to keep pace with the demanding time, this facility could be made possible.

Publications meant for religious knowledge and awareness (deeni ma’lumaat) is his prime objective. Knowing that the books are the mother of development and discipline, he always emphasized in reading good things for fruitful results. Several books highlighting Isma’ili-Taiyebi faith and facts were published to make his followers make aware of their religious and social duties. Books such as:

Literary works in manuscripts

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Q&A of Ta'weeli Bayaanaat
A MSS on the List of Realities of Isma'ili-Taiyebi Faith
Esoteric meaning of the pillar of Islam-hajj
A Manuscript having various Q&A on the Hajj Pilgrimage
Traditions of Religion
A Manuscript covering the Q&A on the Esoteric meaning and traditions in Shari'ah

Further reading

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Notes and references

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  1. ^ an-No'maan bin Mohammad, Qazi. Kitaab ul Himmah fi Aadaab e Atbaa' e A'immah. Cairo.
  2. ^ Hamdani, Sumaiya A. (2006). Between Revolution and State: The Path to Fatimid Statehood (Ismaili Heritage). New York: I.B. Tauris & The Institute of Ismaili. p. 117. ISBN 978-1850438823.
  3. ^ the holy progeny or descendants of the 32nd Alavi Da'i al-Mutlaq Saiyedna Jivabhai Ziyauddin in Vadodara
  4. ^ A title given to the present Da'i al-Mutlaq meaning he is benevolent like the 3rd Da'i Saiyedna Haatim and he is the Spring of Gracefulness
  5. ^ Hand-written old and reliable books called manuscripts pertaining to the time of Fatimid Caliphs or their representatives in the 4th-5th-6th century after Hijrah
  6. ^ a b c d Mazoon is the spiritual status below Da'i al-Mutlaq then comes Mukaasir and Ra's ul Hudood. After all these ranks begins the ranks of close assembly members of Da'i called Hudood
  7. ^ He is the person on whom Da'i al-Mutlaq does "Nass" and appoints him as his successor. The one who does Nass is called Naas and on whom it is propagated is called Mansoos
  8. ^ Through this tradition Da'i al-Mutlaq appoints his successor in front of the whole community and from the pulpit declares him as the next Da'i
  9. ^ "Welcome to the Official Website of Shi'a Isma'ili Musta'alavi Taiyebi Alavi Bohras - Home page". alavibohra.org.
  10. ^ "About". alavibohra.org.
  11. ^ App-Ahl uz Zikr
  12. ^ The official residence of Da'i al-Mutlaq
  13. ^ Compulsory and traditional things performed by the Hajj pilgrim during the 5 days of Hajj in Mecca in the last month of Islamic Year, Zul Hijjah
  14. ^ The missionaries during the time of a Manifest Imam (Imaam e Zaahir) who is responsible in disseminating the Isma'ili Faith among the common people and likewise spreading the words of Imam
  15. ^ During the time of Hidden Imam i.e. Dawr us Satr, the missionaries who work independently by the hidden guidance of Imam of the time and appoint one after the other through the tradition of Nass and propagate the holy message of the mission of 21st Imam at-Taiyeb and act as a deputy for his progeny.
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Preceded by 45th Dā'ī al-Mutlaq of the Alavi Bohras
2015 - present 		Succeeded by
incumbent