8th al-Muharram al-Haraam

Al-Dai al-Ajal al-Fatimi Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS commenced today’s waʿz mubarak with the following ayat muneefa:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ اشْتَرَىٰ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَنفُسَهُمْ وَأَمْوَالَهُم بِأَنَّ لَهُمُ الْجَنَّةَ

“Allah has purchased Mumineen’s lives and their possessions, promising them jannat in return.” (9:111)

He congratulated Mumineen on this most profitable business wherein pledging mithaaq to Imam al-Zaman AS guarantees the reward of jannat. When Imam al-Zaman AS chose seclusion, he appointed the Duat Mutlaqeen AS as managers to tend to his affairs. Seeing their dedication and commitment, Imam al-Zaman AS is at peace. 

Business is a defining characteristic of the Dawoodi Bohra community. Numerous Aʾimmat AS and Duat AS personally engaged in business activities, teaching Mumineen to embrace a business-minded outlook. Syedna TUS stated that today’s waʿz mubarak would focus on the subject of business. He added that business comes instinctively to Mumineen, it runs in their veins just as the muhabbat of Awliya Allah AS does, both bringing immense benefit in this world and the next. He then retold the timeless tale of Bani Riyah na ghulam (the slave of the Bani Riyah clan). His declaration of love and fealty to Amirul Mumineen AS throughout his life resulted in the reward of Rasul Allah SAW, Amirul Mumineen AS, and innumerable malaaʾikat praying namaaz on his janaza. 

Imam Ali Zainulabideen AS states that of the ten portions of livelihood, nine are found in business and one in other forms of commercial pursuits. On the day of Amirul Mumineen’s AS shahadat, seeking inspiration from his practice of personally overseeing the cultivation of one thousand vigas (a unit of measure) of land, and using the proceeds from that undertaking to feed the people of Kufa, Syedna TUS stated that the waʿz mubarak would draw on the various names and alqaab (epithets) of Amirul Mumineen AS to expound upon nine aspects of business. 

1. Ali AS

Beginning first with the mubarak name of Amirul Mumineen– Ali AS (the lofty one), Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS spoke first of the resolve required to conduct business. Amirul Mumineen AS faced every challenge in Rasul Allah’s SAW khidmat with unwavering courage and confidence, placing his absolute trust in Allah Taʿala and His Rasul SAW.

In the context of business, if a Mumin merchant places his faith in Allah and trades in what is lawful and halal, he will not only earn a livelihood but will also receive the sustenance of barakat and will be held in high regard among people. Conversely, if one lacks trust in Allah and succumbs to the cowardice of choosing what is haram, then even if he secures a living, he will be deprived of the sustenance of Allah’s reward and will lose respect in the eyes of others.

Syedna TUS then referenced a hadith of Nabi Mohammed SAW explaining boht the simplicity of how livelihood is given and the importance of tawakkul and conviction. Nabi Mohammed SAW has said that if humans were to place their trust in Allah as they truly should, as haqq requires, He would provide for them just as He does for the birds who set out at dawn with empty stomachs and return at dusk with their crops full.

As an example of the courage and sincerity required to thrive in business, Mufaddal Maula TUS recounted an instance where Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA encouraged the Mumineen of Chechat to start an industry and even helped start funding for it. The Mumineen of Chechat stated then that they were unaware of the requirements of industry and appeared daunted by this prospect. Syedna Burhanuddin RA strengthened their resolve by offering this perspective, “How did you learn your trade? You will learn industry the same way.”

Tracing the spiritual and intellectual heritage of the Dawoodi Bohra community, Syedna TUS referenced a most unique work authored by Syedi Abdeʿali ʿImaduddin QS. The work is titled al-Tarjama al-Zahira li Firqat al-Bohra al-Bahira (The Radiant Biography of the Splendid Bohra Community). In this work, Syedi ʿImaduddin QR outlines the key characteristics of the Bohra community, stating that they are a trading community observant of the Shariat and good conduct, and guided by an exceptional haadi (guide) who keeps them on the right path. Syedi ʿImaduddin QR states that their growth in Hindustan was at the hands of Maulana ʿAbdullah QR, who learned from Syedna Lamak bin Malik RA, who in turn learned from Syedna al-Muʾayyad al-Shirazi RA, who learned from his forefathers, who trace their intellectual and spiritual heritage to Maulana Salman al-Farisi RA – the Salman RA of khair (good). 

Connecting the industriousness associated with the Bohra community to the actions of Maulana Salman RA, Syedna TUS stated that, despite being the governor of Madaa’in, near present-day Baghdad, Maulana Salman RA earned his own living, prepared his own food, and often slept under the shade of a wall or a tree on his own cloak. When asked why he chose this frugal lifestyle, especially since he was the governor, he said that he preferred to be self-sufficient and chose to be industrious. Maulana Salman’s RA spiritual descendants, the Dawoodi Bohra community, have proudly inherited the penchant for being industrious and self-sufficient.

When Maulana Salman RA was on the expedition of Seef al-Bahr — a military expedition dispatched by Rasul Allah SAW — the Muslims obtained considerable gains that filled them with joy. He counselled them: “You are pleased by what you have gained today, but when you sacrifice yourself in the service of Imam Husain AS and the Ahle Bayt AS — that is what will truly gladden you and be worthy of your elation.” Drawing from this counsel, Syedna TUS addressed Mumineen in a similar vein: “Prosper in your livelihoods, succeed in your endeavours, and be glad of it — but greater still is the elation you feel when you weep for Imam Husain AS, and when you see the tears fall from the eyes of your children. That is the truer bounty, and worthy of far greater happiness. May you never be deprived of it.”

2. Qaseem al-Jannat wa al-Naar

An epithet of Maulana Ali AS is qaseem al-jannat wa al-naar (the bestower of jannat and Hellfire). Amirul Mumineen AS, with utmost justice and wisdom, adjudicates each person’s trajectory according to their actions. Only he can maintain the balance and delicacy required for this divine task. In the context of business, a balance is required. On the one hand, business requires courage and faith in Allah, but on the other, it also mandates that risks have to be calculated so that a trader should be able to bear any loss that may occur. A balance has to be struck between bravery and tact.

For a Mumin, the guiding principle is this: when called to act, respond with swiftness and resolve, knowing that any risk undertaken in obedience to Allah is a calculated one — in His service, triumph is never far, and even hardship is a debt faithfully paid. For the Mumin merchant, true gain lies in seeking the pleasure of Wali Allah AS; whoever steers clear of usury will find lasting benefit, as has always been the case. It is equally essential to research thoroughly, weigh all options carefully, and act with courage. In doing so, success becomes second nature and enterprise takes root as an innate disposition — one that manifests not only in business, but in devoted service to the faith.

When opponents threatened al-Dai al-Ajal Syedna Mohammed Ezzuddin RA in Haraz, Yemen, Syedi Hasan bin Nooh QR embodied precisely this spirit. He was prepared to sacrifice his entire wealth for the protection of his Maula, reasoning that whatever he had accumulated until that day was worthless if not spent in the service of his faith. True gain, for him, lay only in khidmat — and he was willing to stake everything on it.

3. Al-Farooq al-Akbar

The third among Amirul Mumineen’s appellations is al-Farooq al-Akbar (the Prime Divider), one who separates haqq and batil. In business, one has to be able to differentiate between being confident, which is essential, and overconfident, which is detrimental. One manifestation of confidence is relying on Allah entirely, while overconfidence is relying solely on one’s own capacity. The Quran Majeed chastises those who erroneously believe that they are earning their own livelihood and that Allah is not the ultimate Provider by stating:

أَأَنتُمْ تَزْرَعُونَهُ أَمْ نَحْنُ الزَّارِعُونَ 

“Is it you who cause it (plantations) to grow or are we the cause of its growth?” (56:64)

This rhetorical question is posed by Allah to humanity, reminding them that despite their efforts in agriculture, it is ultimately Allah Who causes the seed to sprout and grow. It is a call to humility and tawakkul, acknowledging that human effort is merely a means, while the true power of creation and provision lies entirely with Allah. Because Allah provides through physical means and methods, humanity forgets that He provides rizq and assumes that their own prowess generates livelihood. Worse still, when livelihood is constrained, some then forget Allah and His zikr altogether, believing it to be useless and doubting His existence altogether. They fail to realise that it is this very remembrance and worship that will erase sins and open the doors of rizq for them.

4. Haider/Asad Allah

One of Amirul Mumineen’s AS names is Haider (lion) and one of his alqab (titles) is also Asad Allah (Allah’s lion). Just as a lion protects and safeguards its den, engaging in business according to the principles of the shariat, protects one from a litany of vices such as tyranny, injustice, immorality and frivolity. It also ensures that one’s respect and standing in society is safeguarded. It is said that; “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” Oftentimes, even though one dedicatedly tends to their business, they incur losses or fall short of their targets. During such times it is very important to persevere knowing that rozi (livelihood) is in the hands of Allah and if one adheres to the guidance of Awliya Allah AS, He will undoubtedly provide. Amirul Mumineen AS states:

لا يُعابُ المَرءُ بتأخيرِ حقِهِ إنما يُعابُ من أخَذَ ما لَيسَ له

"A man cannot be faulted if there is a delay in him receiving his due, the one to be faulted is he who usurps what is not his.”

When one adheres to the guidance of Awliya Allah AS, especially in matters of seeking a livelihood, he earns Wali Allah’s AS happiness and duʿa, both of which are a source of protection. Addressing Mumineen, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA would state that the reason behind their success in business, regardless of where they reside, is due to their acceptance of Mawali Kiraam’s AS guidance. He would remind them that their forefathers always sought the blessings of the Duat before undertaking any venture. They did not oppose and argue, rather they accepted willingly and acted in accordance with the directives of the Duat. 

Syedna Abdeali Saifuddin RA and successive Duat Mutlaqeen AS encouraged Mumineen to seek new opportunities outside of South Asia, giving their blessings for them to seek the coats of East Africa, the Far East, Europe, North America and the Middle East. They set course towards unknown lands, settled among new people yet they remained protected in their faith, their families and livelihoods. Today they lead lives comparable to those of muluk (kings and rulers) while their spirituality thrives like that of malaʾika (angels). 

Further elaborating on how being engaged in business safeguards one from sin, Syedna TUS related the following hadeeth shareef:

كفى بالمرء إِثماً أَن يُضَيِّعَ من يَعُول

“It is sin enough for a man that he neglects those in his care.”

Neglecting the needs of one’s dependents is a grave sin and therefore, by being engaged in seeking a livelihood to meet the needs of one’s family, one is safeguarded from this grave sin. Syedna TUS then beseeched Allah Taʿala to safeguard Mumineen from reprehensible practices, such as betrayal and cheating and from being disillusioned by fanciful thoughts of becoming overnight millionaires. 

5. Karraar

Amirul Mumineen AS is known as karraar — one who strikes relentlessly. He demonstrated this during the Battle of Khaybar in 7H. Rasul Allah SAW, who was prone to migraines lasting several days, was indisposed during the siege and unable to make a public appearance. The banner was entrusted to others on successive days, but each advance ended in retreat and Khaybar remained unconquered.

Rasul Allah SAW stated: 

لاعطين الراية غدا رجلا يحب الله ورسوله ويحبه الله ورسوله كرار غير فرار يفتح خيبر عنوة

“I shall hand the banner tomorrow to a man who loves Allah and his Rasul and is likewise loved by them both. He is karraar, never retreating, and shall conquer Khaybar in an instant.”

The next morning Rasul Allah SAW sought out Amirul Mumineen AS and came to know that he was suffering from an eye ailment. He found him kneading dough and preparing roti for the soldiers. Rasul Allah SAW cured Amirul Mumineen’s AS ailment and handed him the banner. Ali AS set forth and engaged Marhab in battle. Marhab struck first, causing Amirul Mumineen AS to drop his shield. Ali AS wrenched the fortress gate from its hinges and bore it as his shield. He retaliated, striking Marhab in one powerful blow, his sword lodging itself into the ground. He then flung the gate over his head and it landed seventy paces away. 

Amirul Mumineen’s AS resilience in battle teaches the businessman to persevere even into old age and not retire. It inspires him to continually seek new avenues and not to despair when met with challenges. 

6. Al-Anzaʿ

Al-Anzaʿ is yet another of Amirul Mumineen’s AS alqaab. Although its literal meaning denotes one who does not have hair on his head, it signifies that Amirul Mumineen AS was unadulterated by shirk (assigning partners to Allah). The Arabs had a custom, whereby a newborn baby would be anointed with the dust of an idol as a source of blessings. When Amirul Mumineen AS was born, Abu Jahal neared him bearing the idol dust in an attempt to anoint him. Despite his tender age, Amirul Mumineen AS struck him on his face with such might that it became distorted for the rest of his life. 

Amirul Mumineen’s AS purity in all aspects of life, counsels Mumineen to likewise seek purity in their commercial ventures. When conducting business they should firmly hold that doing so is a form of ʿibaadat and taaʿat (worship and obedience to Allah). To illustrate this point, Syedna TUS related the well known exchange between Mohammed bin al-Munkadir and Imam Mohammed al-Baqir AS where Ibn al-Munkadir sought to counsel the Imam about his engagement in worldly affairs but instead went away having learnt that seeking a livelihood is an act of ʿibaadat and not something to be ashamed of. To illustrate how seeking a livelihood, which is conventionally understood as a worldly pursuit, can be an act of worship, Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA would draw on the example of a running car engine which simultaneously charges the battery. In the same manner, striving for a livelihood accrues thawab and hasanaat in the hereafter. 

7. Ameer al-Nahl

Ameer al-Nahl (Commander of the Bees) was the seventh epithet of Maulana Ali AS and relates to the sweetness of his character. A Mumin businessman should likewise be sweet in character: liked by his fellow man and loved by Allah Taʿala. One expression of this is being sahl al-bayʿ, sahl al-shiraʾ — easy to trade with and easy to deal with. 

Maulana al-Minʿaam TUS illustrated this through the example of Dai Abu Sufyan QR, who offered to loan or sell a camel to a man who had lost his own. The man chose to buy it, promising payment upon reaching home, and when asked for a guarantor, he said simply: “Allah.” The dai agreed without hesitation. The man, however, returned home and failed to send payment, avoiding the dai’s town of Majjana while using the camel in the surrounding areas. One day the camel broke free and found its way back to the dai, laden with dates — Allah’s fulfilment of the guarantee. The man then arrived, contrite, with the payment in hand, and asked the dai to keep the dates as well. Even then, Dai Abu Sufyan QR remained true to his easy character: he traded the dates for wheat, as was their custom, giving it to the buyer, and retained only the payment owed for the camel.

Whilst the trait of being easy-going in trade is commendable, there should be no compromise in matters of faith. One must not delay prayers to entertain clients.

8. Ali AS Muʾaddi Dayni wa Munjezo ʿIdaati

The eighth trait was based on Rasul Allah’s SAW statement for Maulana Ali AS:

علي مؤدي ديني ومنجز عداتي

 “Ali is the one who will repay my dues, and fulfill my promises.” 

Among the dues incumbent upon us to fulfil are those owed to Allah Taʿala and in doing so one can hope for recompense. Thus Amirul Mumineen AS prescribes: 

إذا أملقتم فتاجروا الله بالصدقة

“When in dire financial straits, engage in trade with Allah through the giving of sadaqa (zakat).” 

Similarly, giving wajibaat is also a major form of trading with Allah and, in fact, the loftiest and most honourable intention one could have in conducting business would be to give as much wajibaat as possible.

9. Hallaal al-Mushkelaat

The ninth trait derives from Maulana Ali’s AS  designation as hallaal-e-mushkilaat (the one who alleviates all difficulties). One aspect of this is to maintain a business-minded ethic in all matters. Syedna TUS spoke about Kitab al-Najah which expands on the chapter on nikah (marriage) from Kitaab Daʿaim al-Islam. Nikah is similar to business in many respects. For example, one should not propose to a woman who has already given her consent to another. 

Marriage should be approached in the same manner as one approaches business; with confidence and courage. Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA once asked a young man when he would marry? He replied, “When I am standing on my own two feet,” Syedna RA remarked, “What are you standing on now?”

Marriage bolsters confidence in both partners and need not hinder career or education. More importantly, it shields one from grave sin — extramarital relations rank second only to shirk in severity. Rasul Allah SAW has explained that where no mehram bond exists, propriety demands that a man and woman never be without a third present — for in that absence, Shaytan finds his opening. This counsel was for Mumineen the world over.

Another must in business is the need to keep fostering and nurturing relationships. The same applies to marriage. A husband and wife must work on their relationship, navigate through their difficulties and even offer one another the benefit of the doubt. Divorce should only be an absolute last resort. Business and marriage are both forms of worship and are subjected to certain obligations. Whenever Rasul Allah SAW  came to know of one’s marriage he would state:

كمل دينه

 “Their faith is complete.”

Through his sacrifice in Karbala, Imam Husain AS redeemed a debt of immeasurable weight, and in doing so secured a return beyond all reckoning. The qualities enumerated above are manifest in the gathering of Mumineen during the days of Ashara Mubaraka. The attendance of a Dawoodi Bohra Mumin during this time exemplifies the very qualities of a true businessman.

  1. Just as business requires uplifting determination, it takes mettle and spirit to close down businesses during Ashara, and that too without worry or stress about the consequences. 
  2. A businessman is able to temper his ambition with understanding. A Mumin understands that even though the doors of trade may be closed, the doors of barakat are opened wide these days. 
  3. Just as a businessman knows full well that Allah Taʿala is his provider, he is equally resolved in his belief that the zikr of Imam Husain AS will make him prosperous. 
  4. In the same way that commerce provides protection from misdeeds, this zikr will act as his armour, preserving him from every angle. 
  5. Like the businessman who perseveres and repeatedly tries, a Mumin never ceases to remember Imam Husain AS and his teardrops flow in succession. 
  6. Similar to the pure intentions of a Dawoodi Bohra entrepreneur who recognises his pursuit of wealth as an act of faith, a Mumin understands that the zikr of Imam Husain AS is the essence of all knowledge and action, and hence is the total sum of ʿibaadat. 
  7. Akin to the easygoing quality of a businessman, a Mumin easily cries on Imam Husain AS , enabling him to seek forgiveness with ease. 
  8. Like the businessman whose ultimate aim is to offer zakat through his livelihood, the zikr of Imam Husain AS becomes the principal objective of his annual endeavours. 

Thus, Ashara Mubaraka becomes the most successful material and spiritual endeavour a Mumin engages in. 

In the nawha, Syedna al-Dai al-AjalTUS referenced an expression used by Syedna al-Muʾayyad al-Shirazi RA . He described what transpired in Karbala as baliyyat baaliya. This connotes a tradition which was in place in the pre-Islamic age of Jahiliyya. When a man died, his camel would be tied near his grave and denied food and water until it finally succumbed to death through thirst and hunger. In the aftermath of Rasul Allah’s SAW passing, his Ahl Bayt AS were confined and bound in Karbala, and denied access to water and food. Whatever possessions they had were looted. 

Syedna al-Mifdaal TUS spoke of a heartrending conversation between Imam Husain AS and his executioner. In his final moments, he asked for some water reasoning that such a small amount would hardly diminish a river. In a fit of rage, Shimr retorted that even if he possessed hundreds of waterskins filled with water, he would empty them on to the ground before he let Imam Husain AS have a single drop!

Today was the 8th of Muharram. Syedna al-Minʿaam TUS reminded Mumineen that twenty four hours had passed since Ahle Bayt AS had been denied food and water and then emphatically proclaimed: “Today is Karbala! Tomorrow will be Karbala! Ashura will be Karbala! Every day will be Karbala!”

The wa’z mubarak culminated in the shahadat of Amirul Mumineen AS. In describing his measured actions as he entered the masjid in Kufa, Syeda TUS spoke of Amirul Mumineen’sAS azaan. He proceeded to ascend the meʾzanat, where he delivered such a poignant and sweet azaan that every brick and stone in the masjid quivered and trembled in agony. Amirul Mumineen AS then headed towards the mihrab where his shahaadat was destined. 

May Allah Taʿala bless Syedna al-Dai al-Ajal al-Fatimi TUS with a life filled with health and happiness until the Day of Qiyamat.