Reform is not active

The one and only free public forum for Bohras. The focus of this forum is the reform movement, the Dawoodi Bohra faith and, of course, the corrupt priesthood. But the discussion is in no way restricted to the Bohras alone.
hur
Posts: 166
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 2003 5:01 am

Re: Reform is not active

#31

Unread post by hur » Fri Jul 09, 2004 9:20 pm

Universal,
You comment relay the underlining problem I see throughout bohras, ortho or progressive. There is lack of wanting to learn the knowledge and understanding of the true Ismaili/Fatimi doctrines. Orthos reveal in the sayings of the Dai and the teaching related to the Imams...yet they themselves put little effort in learning the teachings. Progressives argue they like this and that and the Ortho are just caught on the Dai...well this is not what the Dai teaches...and part of the effort must be from the receiver side to.

Let ask you a question...if the hidden Imam revealed himself tomorrow..who will you follow..the Dai or the hidden Imam. I will follow the hidden Imam..and so will the Dai. But most bohras are caught on the now and not reflecting on the true nature of their faith...respecting the hidden Imam as though he were sitting next to you. So if the Dai is the rightful representative of the Imam...I respect him and at least don't mock him like most progressive do..including my progressive friends. I also try to listen to the Dai teaching of the Imams and research for myself the religious and historical guidance from the Imam of past. If you take this total view of the faith...then you are acting in the nature that the Imams taught. The Dai doesn't say he is a icon to be glorified...though many polarized bohras do. You must be objective in taking the message.

universal
Posts: 15
Joined: Mon Jun 21, 2004 4:01 am

Re: Reform is not active

#32

Unread post by universal » Fri Jul 09, 2004 9:42 pm

Br.Hur
__________________________________________________
Let ask you a question...if the hidden Imam revealed himself tomorrow..who will you follow..the Dai or the hidden Imam. I will follow the hidden Imam..and so will the Dai.
__________________________________________________

Now it is quite evident that you are a Bohra which you have denied earlier, to make your case stronger by pretending being an outside admirer..

Africawala
Posts: 173
Joined: Tue Jun 15, 2004 4:01 am

Re: Reform is not active

#33

Unread post by Africawala » Fri Jul 09, 2004 9:51 pm

Dear Muslim,

Your response to Hur is excellent. This has been my argument with Hur, who has failed to explain why Bohoris are forced to pay, pay, pay, until they are buried.

hur
Posts: 166
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 2003 5:01 am

Re: Reform is not active

#34

Unread post by hur » Fri Jul 09, 2004 10:03 pm

"It is not a question of verdict, but a question of acknowledging the fact that a Dai is not blame-free. The orthodoxy for obvious reasons are not even prepared to accept this fact."
-from what I know the Dai has not state he is infalliable...but that the knowledge he references and quotes is.

"Hujjah is different from Dai. Dai is a much lower rank. The elaborate hierarchy had not been drawn up until imam hakim's time. A dai cannot have the same authority as Ahlul Bayt who are infallible."
--Actually the orgazination was documented in the time of Imam Jafar Sadiq. Maulana Ali was the Prophets Dai in Yemen as well. And the position of Hujjah can be a Dai. In the satr of the Imam...the Hujjah takens on the authority of the Imam...and this is documented in many theological works of the Fatimi Imams.

"I agree that one should not make a judgement with limited information. However, if you directly experience or witness injustice you have no choice but to take a stand, see Quran 4/135."
--I agree..but again when do you know you are in the right. Many people argue about pay taxes and in their mindset they believe they are correct. But if you look at what they don't want to pay (zakat, sabil, khums, etc) all are required whether by the Dai or by the Imam. I don't argue that there are some bad people out their...but it is wrong to assume or make general statements.

You quoted a passage from Najhul Balagha. and then said "Total opposite from how kothar behave! But the injustices you refer to by opportunistic clerics is majority the fault of the laymen not doing anything and accepting it, and murmuring about under their breath."
--Do you know this for a fact and based on what? My friends who are members of various jamat in the US say the opposite. They say they haggle because they don't want to pay what they would..and the amil is not harsh on them. And believe me, my friends are from being the lovely "chamchas". And let face it...no amil could go to everyone's house in this day to collect zakat. I would also remind you that zakat was important enough to Maulana Ali that he did send a collector door to door to collect it...not a general call for bohras to pay by this day as is done today.

"Let me ask you a similar question. As an extreme example: if you caught the dai commiting adultery, would you claim some "hikmat" in it and ignore it?"
--no..because if he is confirm on this by islamic law he has wronged. And again I pose the same question...if your Imam was caught commiting adultery? What would you do? Rhetoric to a degree...but in the end you would say it is to Allah decision..and not your's.

"When the Quran calls on people to stand up for justice and to distinguish right from wrong - this is call not just for imams and dais but all of humanity."

-Shariat also calls for confirmed proof of wrong doing before making a judgement.

"I think its important for you to realise exactly what is being objected to. For example matam as weekly ritual frenzy vs genuine reflection of what imam husain died for - i.e. oppression and injustice! It is quite hypocritical when the man who calls himself 'dai of husain' lives a life of yazid. "

---I go to a bohra mosque often for salat...and do matam after salat and dua. It seems like a good practice...one that Imam Zaynul Abidin did. If a man takes nothing from Ashura or matam...how are you to judge them...you are in the wrong. It is by God's grace you understand the meaning of Imam Hussein sacrifice and the barakat of matam and rememberance...but to scold someone else for not understanding is worse. Is doing matam, remembering shahadat, etc. a good or bad thing for our current lives? And what has the Dai done to be hypocritical in this matter?? How does he lead a life like Yazid...do he drink, sleep with unwed women, imprison unjustly, lie, cheat, does he eat or dress extravagently? I don't see the resemblance.

serendipity
Posts: 145
Joined: Wed Jun 05, 2002 4:01 am

Re: Reform is not active

#35

Unread post by serendipity » Fri Jul 09, 2004 10:04 pm

Humsafar,

My concerned brother, I haven’t been the only one to employ sarcasm in the dialog between us. Nor are the "progressives" you speak of the only ones taking hits from the establishment today (though I can guarantee you that "yours" are the only ones receiving any publicity, which is perhaps a benefit of some of you being here in the West).

To the extent I have been "cryptic" as you put it, it is because one (formerly) active member of this board has ALREADY paid the price for putting me in touch with some honorable folks who are waging "another" fight besides the one you are now engaged in. As is true for YOU, there are no guarantees of the outcome at this time. But I have ample reason to believe that the one who "is taken as a hidden, nameless, faceless scapegoat for every act of corruption perpetrated by the Dai" (to quote br. africawala) is NOT a willing accomplice in this. Unfortunately, most of you will find it easier just to SCOFF at this.

Of COURSE you can preach to me about the good you are doing "inside" the community, because I have been forced to remain outside....although I DID ask at the start of this thread ARE THERE ANY progressives here in my locale?

I can guarantee that I’m "persona non gratis" with the amil; and after the eerily SIMILAR dismissal received from you, I’m beginning to think maybe this is just the way bohras here in the West KEEP others from getting involved!

All I can do is keep my own counsel and honor the efforts of others I am aware of by remembering them in my prayers. Salaam

hur
Posts: 166
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 2003 5:01 am

Re: Reform is not active

#36

Unread post by hur » Fri Jul 09, 2004 10:13 pm

Universal,
To admire a ethos doesn't mean one is a part of it. I admire the Ayatuallah Sistani and Agha Khani greatly for their religious insight and contributions to shiah around the world. Doesn't mean I believe either are representatives of God. I do believe in the Fatimi Imams and in the hidden Imam. Why does that make me a bohra..though I see nothing wrong with being a bohra? The Dai claims to be a Dai of the hidden Imam. You as bohras believe he is a representative of the Imam. I am trying to figure out why you act the way you do...both progressive and ortho.

Humsafar
Posts: 2623
Joined: Sat Dec 16, 2000 5:01 am

Re: Reform is not active

#37

Unread post by Humsafar » Sat Jul 10, 2004 2:10 pm

Serendipity,

Again you're speaking in parables.
First, you refuse to answer the question I asked: What is it that you want progressives to do to satisfy your pan-isamili (or pan-whaterver) vision.

Second, you introduce new elements (to thicken the plot) about "formerly active member", "waging another battle". What are you talking about? Can you spell it out in clear, lucid terms?

And, pls stop playing the martyr.

SFA
Posts: 22
Joined: Tue Jul 06, 2004 4:01 am

Re: Reform is not active

#38

Unread post by SFA » Tue Jul 13, 2004 8:07 pm

Bros,

Why are we debating on Dai and Imam viz-a-viz current Dai...... Sooner, he will declare himslef as Imam and hence will SAVE all of us from this agony - to follow Dai or Imam .... he will be ALL HIS HOLINESS .... end of story.

To me - all this Imamat etc is too complicated. I just donot understand - Why God had to do all this - if He intended to send the Messangers and Leaders, He could have continued the Prophethood. WHY...?? Silsela-e-Imamat ...?? that too from Mohammed' daughter and Ali..?? And you all know Bohras talk of Hazer Nabee and Ghaeb Nabee .... Lately I learnt that that Ali's forefathers were Hidden Nabees and that there were two parallet Nabowats going on .... When Mohammad asked Ali for Islam - he said 'brother it is now time to pay back all what declared prophets have done for hidden prophets' and Ali by accepting Islam on Mohammed's hands paid back.... that is all to confusing and this confirms my thoughts that Bohra cult is just out there to befool the community and grab whatever....

As far as religion is concerned I tend to agree with Average Bohra ..... (I know Anajami is gonna shout ...!!!) but don't u all think religion should be seen in light with the ground realities of the age ....???

Keep it up folks...

jinx
Posts: 254
Joined: Wed May 09, 2001 4:01 am

Re: Reform is not active

#39

Unread post by jinx » Sun Jul 18, 2004 2:25 pm

Most of the complicated things were added by later day followers(for all religion in fact). In the begining, Islam was simple. Too simple for some ppl. And you cant really manipulated simple thing cause even the average joes understands it.

So, to spice up the religion, we have this fake hidden Imam who talks only to some selected ppl.

Mamluk-E-Syedna
Posts: 31
Joined: Sun Jul 18, 2004 4:01 am

Re: Reform is not active

#40

Unread post by Mamluk-E-Syedna » Sun Jul 18, 2004 6:29 pm

I remind you all so-called "Reformists" that the topic on this thresd is "REFORM IS NOT ACTIVE."

Now you morons should know why. Rather than sticking to the topic, you guys gyrate till there is no end, and finally gravitate to nothing but revealing your true colors as "Dai Na Dushman."

Let me bring you guys down to earth:

Why do you think reform is not active?
Because, it was DOA -- Dead On Arrival.

May all the Dushmano of our beloved Dai burn in hell forever.

Syedna Mohammed burhanuddin Saheb (TUS) Zindabad!

mumineen
Posts: 494
Joined: Sun Dec 10, 2000 5:01 am

Re: Reform is not active

#41

Unread post by mumineen » Sun Jul 18, 2004 8:41 pm

If the Progressives or Reformists were NOT so active, why the Kothari's all the fuss about keeping the Progressives/Reformists out by IDs, Red Chitthis, incessant L'aanats on the so-called D'ai na Dushmans, asking the Kotharis to keep away from the Progressives/Reformists.? Why spend so much of Bohris moneys (Baitul-Ma'al) to keep out or weaken the Progressives/Reformists by bribing the Government Bureaucrats and politicians, judges etc.?

The little honey-producing bee must be stinging the wild fat elephant quite a lot!! They must know about how David defeated the mighty Goliath.
Truth must and will triumph and oppression will be wiped out....Amen.

SFA
Posts: 22
Joined: Tue Jul 06, 2004 4:01 am

Re: Reform is not active

#42

Unread post by SFA » Wed Jul 21, 2004 8:48 pm

Mamluk,

We are active and open and thats the damn reason u r here and can talk and argue. We will let u talk and argue. This site and forum is here and will stay.

Your Dai is coward .... there is none who can speak a word against even his Chawkidar, everybody in his family and around him is 'sacred' - may i ask WHY, Dai is not the Nasal of Imam .... so why on earth all this tamasha, every tom, dick and harry of his family lives and acts like KING, why, only zindabad will not help, there are hundreds who think and think, few speak up. Everybody has his or her limitations - social and family pressures and alike, but the day is near when Reform will be so visible that ur Kothar will shaken - u all keep on talking of Munafiks and that rubbish - and u say DOA .... no man, call us whatever, we are here ... and have come to stay, call us Munafiks, but people like me are all around u Mamluks and time is very near when u will be shocked to find out how many are there who are fed up with ur Dai and his henchmen.

May God give u all Hedayat and may He have mercy on ppl like u. My salams.

Africawala
Posts: 173
Joined: Tue Jun 15, 2004 4:01 am

Re: Reform is not active

#43

Unread post by Africawala » Thu Jul 22, 2004 12:45 am

I have always wondered Why are the Dai's (in my book a missionary) children Shezadas and Shezadees? Even his brothers' and sisters' children are referred as shezadas and shezadees. What title does he possess? If he has any title that Makes his kids Princes and Princesses, please let me know. I am just curious. Salaams.

SFA
Posts: 22
Joined: Tue Jul 06, 2004 4:01 am

Re: Reform is not active

#44

Unread post by SFA » Thu Jul 22, 2004 12:04 pm

Africawalla

It is the Superiority Complex.........
They want to identified separately with dignity and honour ....!!!! Imam is 'suppose' to be King, since he is in Parda, Dai is King, doesnot matter he doesnot have a land or country but he has 'subjects', right ......... if someone has subjects then he is King and King's children are Prince and Princess.

His relatives are also that, or Bhai Sahabs and then it goes on - Shaikh, Mia Saheb, Mulla Saheb. You see in this small community of ours we have 'caste system'.

This system is gonna come down very soon - and all these guys will be remembered as erstwhile or ex so-called Royal Family.

Humsafar
Posts: 2623
Joined: Sat Dec 16, 2000 5:01 am

Re: Reform is not active

#45

Unread post by Humsafar » Thu Jul 22, 2004 12:54 pm

One of the Dai's title is: Sultan of Bohras. That explains the lifestyle, the titles and all the royal frippery that goes with it.

In these enlightened times, one would have thought that they would desist from casting themselves in this medieval mode and acting in such outdated manner. But this does not mean they are out of touch. On the contrary it shows their arrogance, and indifference to the values of our time.

Africawala
Posts: 173
Joined: Tue Jun 15, 2004 4:01 am

Re: Reform is not active

#46

Unread post by Africawala » Thu Jul 22, 2004 7:28 pm

Sultan of Bohoras?? Who bestowed that title upon him? I do not think he has subjects. Subjects would rise against him, in a democratic society. What he has, are blind slaves who cannot see their way. Well good luck you guys.

mumineen
Posts: 494
Joined: Sun Dec 10, 2000 5:01 am

Re: Reform is not active

#47

Unread post by mumineen » Sun Jul 25, 2004 6:10 pm

1. Apparently Kothar has hoodwinked the stupid Arabs (no wonder the Israeli Zionists and U.S.A.are taking advantage of the Arab's studpidity and taking them for a ride of their life time and hereafter)that "Bohra" is a kingdom somewhere on this earth or in this universe (or within the figment of their (Kothar's) corrupt and grandoise imagination and delusion of grandeur) and that Aqa Moula is the Sultan of this Utopia. Some of the Arabs believe the country is Brunei Darussalam - the oil rich country in the Malayan Peninsula.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, is the 29th of his line, which dates back to the fourteenth century.

Being the eldest son, he became Crown Prince in 1961 and ascended the Throne on 5th October 1967 following the voluntary abdication of his father, Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien.

Aqa Moula's Father was also Saifuddifn.

2. The other misconception with the Arabs is:

Burhanuddin (R) saint whose name is associated with the Muslim conquest of Sylhet. There is a hearsay that he was involved in a conflict with Gour Govinda, the king of Sylhet, over the sacrificial slaughter of cows on the occasion of his son's Akika (an Islamic naming ceremony). When the infant son was killed at the order of the king, the father immediately appealed to the then Sultan of Bengal, Shamsuddin Firuz Shah, for redress. Burhanuddin himself showed the army sent by the Sultan and led by Sikandar Khan and Nasiruddin the way to Sylhet. Hazrat shah jalal (R.) also took part in the conquest of Sylhet, which came under the control of the Muslim in 1303 AD. In his later life, Burhanuddin (R.) became an Oliye Kamel (successful saint). His tomb is located at Kuighat in the Tultikar Mahalla of Sylhet town. [M Sahul Hussain].

3. However, the other contemporary Burhanuddin is:

LtCol (Cav) Burhanuddin Siagian

District military commander for Bobonaro, based in Maliana

LtCol Burhanuddin Siagian has been twice indicted in absentia with crimes against humanity before the Dili special panel. One indictment dated 3 February 2003 is known as the Cailaco indictment,[1] the other dated 10 July 2003 is known as the Maliana indictment.[2] These detailed documents have done much to open the curtain on how the military organised militias.

Siagian's subordinate officers mainly responsible for organising militias in Bobonaro military district were Lt Sutrisno and Sutrisno's deputy Sgt Asis Fontes (see Sutrisno). Both have been several times indicted in Dili for crimes against humanity. Siagian’s chief of staff (kasdim) was Capt (Inf) Rosidin.

Unamet political affairs officer in Bobonaro, Peter Bartu, said LtCol Burhanuddin Siagian 'oversaw the creation of the militia system in his district.... The militia structure in Bobonaro district was the most developed in terms of organisation and funding.... Bobonaro would appear to have been the subdistrict [sic - district] of greatest repression. One resident described the situation there as the worst it had been since 1975.'[3]

So there we have it - eveything you wanted to know but afraid to ask, pertaining to "Sultan-ul-Bohra".