A Life-Changing Miracle
Narrated by Shabbir Bhai Ujjainy, this account recalls Syedna Burhanuddin AQ, the 52nd Dai al Fatemi of the Dawoodi Bohra community, intervening in a critical family moment. At 19, Shabbirâs 15-year-old sister, Ruksana, faced a severe health crisis where she was unable to urinate. Medical consultation recommended dialysis, a rare and challenging procedure at the time. Desperate, Shabbir sought blessings at Raudat Tahera, where Syedna advised him to rename his sister as "Fatema." Miraculously, Ruksana urinated for the first time upon returning to the hospital, surprising the doctors. This life-altering event solidified the family's faith and gratitude.
Divine Intervention
In another incident, Shabbir Bhai Ujjainy recounts his experience of divine protection through Syedi Mazoon Saheb, Qutbuddin. After giving charity upon Mazoon Sahebâs prompting, he avoided a severe bus accident on his walk to VT station. The next day, Mazoon Saheb revealed that his charitable act had shielded him. This revelation deepened Shabbirâs devotion, leading to his lifelong service.
Restoration of Voice
During a visit to Surat for a religious assembly, a father approached Syedna Burhanuddin with his 12-year-old daughter, who could neither speak nor hear. Syedna spoke to her, prompting her to respond affirmatively. Her miraculous ability to speak and hear again affirmed the power of divine intervention.
A Miracle of Healing
A friend of Hunaid Khorakiwala shares a remarkable story of his son, who was unable to walk. During a visit to the USA, they met Syedna Burhanuddin, who prayed over the child and removed his medical bindings. Soon, the boy began to walk, bringing tears of joy to his father.
Blessings of Inauguration
A businessman approached Syedna Taher Saifuddin for his factoryâs inauguration. Despite delays, Syedna guided him to seek the blessing of his successor, Syedna Burhanuddin. This act brought prosperity to the factory, emphasizing the value of divine blessings in business ventures.
The Wisdom of Adam
This narration reflects on the creation of Adam AS, endowed with divine knowledge and positioned as a figure of obedience among angels. When Iblis refused to prostrate, he was cast out, underscoring the principles of justice and wisdom that govern divine actions.
The Miracle of Divine Guidance
A believer approached Syedi Mazoon Maula Qutbuddin during Ashara vaez in Karachi, seeking a name for his new business. After prayers, the name was revealed through Syedna Burhanuddin, demonstrating the spiritual connection between the community and its leaders.
A Lesson in Intention
A woman approached Syedna Taher Saifuddin with two coins for Qadambosi. Syedna accepted one, illustrating that sincere intention surpasses material offerings in spiritual worth.
Reuniting Family Bonds
In this account, a woman seeking Syedna Taher Saifuddinâs blessings for a child was redirected to visit her estranged brother. This act led to reconciliation, family unity, and the fulfillment of her desire, underscoring the impact of divine guidance.
Prophet Noah AS and the Ark
Noah (AS), the second prophet after Adam, was instructed by Allah to build an ark in preparation for a great flood. As he worked, people mocked him and desecrated the ark. A plague then struck the people, and one afflicted man found healing after inadvertently falling into the ark's dirt. Recognizing the cure, others followed suit, purifying the ark and allowing Noah to resume his divine mission.
The Boy's Return: A Mother's Prayer Fulfilled
During a cruise with Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin to Southeast Asia, a Malay family sought the Bohra communityâs help when their son went missing. Through prayer and intercession, the boy returned safely. The next morning, he rushed to Syedna, saying, âHe was the one who brought me home,â affirming the power of spiritual intervention.
The Miracle of Healing Water
A man suffering from severe eye pain visited Syedna Burhanuddin in the USA. Syedna prayed over two bottles of water, instructing him to wash his eyes with one and drink from the other. The manâs eyesight was miraculously restored, leaving his doctor astonished.
The Return of Hussain: A Story of Faith and Intercession
Narrated by Farida Bhen Haidermota (Pune)
In the 1980s, an incident involving my uncle, Mulla Mustansir Lathiwala, unfolded in Mumbai. The owners of Sheetal Departmental Store, located near Minerva Cinema, sought to acquire my grandfatherâs spacious shop for a low price to expand their business. When my uncle refused, they resorted to extreme measures and abducted his son, Hussain.
Amid this distress, my aunt (Kaki) turned to the Vasila (intercession) of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (AQ), the spiritual leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community. She prayed fervently, seeking divine intervention for Hussainâs safe return.
After a day and a half, Hussain miraculously returned home. He later recounted that Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (AQ) appeared near the tree where he had been tied and guided him home.
Out of gratitude for this divine intervention, my uncle hosted a Ziyafat (honorary meal) for Syedna Burhanuddin (AQ) at Hassanpir, a revered Bohra pilgrimage site.
Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), Hussain is now a father of two children, and this incident remains a testament to the power of faith and the blessings of Syedna Burhanuddin (AQ).
Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim AS) and His Legacy
The Role of Prophet Abraham
Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim AS) is recognized as the third natik (a prophet tasked with spreading divine guidance). The lineage of seven natiks includes Adam, Noah (Nuh), Abraham (Ibrahim), Moses (Musa), Jesus (Isa), Mohammed (SA), and the awaited Qaim ala Zikrullah, who is prophesied to appear on the Day of Judgment. Other prophets serve as intermediaries between natiks, continuing the mission of divine guidance.
In the Quran, Abraham is titled Khalilullah (Friend of Allah). This title is echoed in the Bible, where he is similarly referred to as a âfriend of God.â His burial site in Hebron, also called Khalilee, is a testament to his revered status. The Quran states:
âIndeed, Allah chose Adam, Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of 'Imran above all people.â (Quran 3:33)
The Bible also affirms:
âI will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you... all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.â (Genesis 12:2-3)
This narrative aligns with the Islamic salawat, which invokes blessings upon the Prophet and his family.
Abrahamâs Descendants and Leadership
Abraham had two sons: Ishmael (Ismail) and Isaac (Ishaq). The descendants of Isaac were tasked with guiding the children of Israel, while the leadership among prophets was vested in the family of Ishmael. This hierarchy remained intact until Prophet Mohammed (SA), a descendant of Ishmael, unified the prophetic lineage.
The Prophetic Tree
- Ishmaelâs Lineage: Maintained spiritual leadership and granted permission for key decisions within Isaacâs lineage.
- Isaacâs Descendants: Prophets like Moses and Jesus emerged to guide their communities.
When Mohammed (SA) appeared, he inherited the Imamat from Abu Talib (Imran AS), merging both family lines. This Imamat continued through Ali (SA), Hasan, Hussain, and subsequent Imams, eventually entering a period of seclusion. The final Imam will reappear near the Day of Judgment.
Abraham and the Idols
Abraham lived in the kingdom of Nimrod, where idol worship was rampant. During a festival, Abraham broke all the smaller idols, leaving the largest intact. When confronted, he declared:
âAsk the largest idol; he must have destroyed the others!â
When the people responded that idols cannot act or speak, Abraham questioned why they worshipped lifeless objects. This enraged Nimrod, who ordered Abraham to be catapulted into a blazing fire.
The Quran recounts:
âWe said, âO fire, be cool and safe for Abraham.ââ (Quran 21:69)
Even when Angel Gabriel offered assistance, Abraham refused, saying:
âI submit to Allah and will not let my wish precede His will.â
Wisdom and Monotheism
Abrahamâs monotheistic message often challenged the prevailing norms. A narrative from Genesis Rabbah highlights his wit and wisdom:
- The Idol Shop Incident: When Abrahamâs father left him in charge of an idol shop, a customer sought to purchase an idol. Abraham mocked the absurdity of a man worshipping a statue younger than himself. Later, Abraham destroyed the idols and staged a mock argument among them. When his father confronted him, Abraham revealed the futility of idol worship.
This confrontation with Nimrod continued:
- Nimrod suggested worshipping fire, water, clouds, and wind. Abraham refuted each suggestion, emphasizing that none of these elements could claim ultimate power.
Conclusion
Prophet Abrahamâs legacy is one of unwavering devotion, profound wisdom, and a commitment to monotheism. His life serves as an enduring testament to submission to Allah, bridging the lineages of Ishmael and Isaac, and paving the way for future prophets. His faith continues to inspire millions, symbolizing the enduring guidance and blessings of the divine.