While there is no singular "updated" public PDF labeled for 2026, the standard and most current format for submitting an (a formal petition or letter) to His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin (TUS)
follows a specific structure used across official community platforms like the ITS 52 Portal Hawaij.org Core Arzi Structure
An Arzi should be concise, respectful, and traditionally includes the following components: Address & Salutation Begin with:
“Abde Syedi wa Maula al-Dai al-Ajal al-Fatemi Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin (TUS) ni hazrat ma...” “Huzurala (TUS) ni Hazrat ma Araz che...” Personal Information Include your ITS ID (EJamaat ID) clearly at the top or within the introductory line. State your Jamaat/City The Body (Araz)
Clearly state the purpose (e.g., seeking Dua for health, business, Nikah, or a specific Keep the language humble, often written in Lisan al-Dawat (a mix of Gujarati, Arabic, and Urdu). The Conclusion End with a plea for Dua-e-Khaas and a wish for Maulana’s long life (
“Allah Ta’ala Aqa Moula ni umr shareef ne qayamat na din lag daraz ane daraz kare” Submission Channels Digital Arzi : Most modern submissions are now handled via Hawaij - Online Arzi . You must log in with your to track your request in one place. Niyyat Forms : For specific events like Ashara Mubaraka
, localized Jamaats often provide standardized checklists or forms where you mark your commitments and provide your ID. General Formatting Tips
: Ensure your core message is easy to read. If submitting physically, use clean, high-quality paper. Arabic Inscriptions : It is common to include calligraphic headers (like
) or specific devotional phrases if you are drafting a formal physical letter. The Dawoodi Bohras draft template
for a specific occasion, such as business success or seeking permission for a Nikah? Dawoodi Bohra Community - Vajiram & Ravi
For Dawoodi Bohras, writing an arzi (petition) is a sacred tradition of communication with the 53rd al-Dai al-Mutlaq, His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin. As of 2026, the process remains rooted in respect and humility, though digital platforms have modernized how these messages are delivered. Updated Arzi Structure
An arzi typically follows a formal structure in Lisan ud-Dawat, the unique language of the community.
The Address (Sadr): Begin with the traditional address to His Holiness, expressing devotion.
The Identity: Clearly state your full name and e-Jamaat ID for official identification.
The Purpose (Maqsad): State the reason for the arzi clearly—whether seeking a raza (permission), dua (prayers), or providing a shukur (thank you) update.
Closing (Khatema): Conclude with expressions of humility and a plea for the health and long life of Syedna. Digital Submission Guidelines
While physical letters are still common during travels and engagements, the community increasingly uses official portals:
Hawaij Online: Arzis can be tracked and submitted through the official Hawaij portal using your e-Jamaat credentials.
Official Website: For general inquiries or official resources, the community's Contact Page serves as a primary hub. Writing Tips for 2026
Conciseness: Keep the content brief and to the point. His Holiness receives thousands of petitions; clarity helps ensure your intent is understood quickly.
Tone: Use humble language, typically starting sentences with "Arz che..." (It is petitioned that...).
Context: If the arzi is regarding a specific project or initiative (like Qardan Hasana), mention it explicitly. Common Occasions for an Arzi dawoodi bohra arzi format updated
Life Milestones: Seeking blessings for marriages, births, or new business ventures.
Health & Well-being: Requesting shifa (healing) for illnesses.
Community Service: Updates on local socio-economic development or environmental initiatives.
Title: Tradition in the Digital Age: An Analysis of the Updated Dawoodi Bohra Arzi Format
Introduction
The Dawoodi Bohra community is distinguished by its unwavering adherence to Fatimid traditions, a central pillar of which is the concept of rusum (customs and etiquette). Among the most sacred of these customs is the Arzi, the formal audience granted by the Da’i al-Mutlaq (the spiritual leader) to his followers. Historically, the Arzi was a ceremonious physical gathering, governed by strict protocols of dress, posture, and speech. However, the advent of the digital era, catalyzed by global connectivity and the necessities of the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitated a profound evolution in this practice. The "updated" Dawoodi Bohra Arzi format represents a fascinating case study of how a conservative, tradition-bound community navigates the tension between preserving the sanctity of ancient rituals and adapting to the pragmatism of modern technology.
The Traditional Framework: Ritual and Protocol
To understand the significance of the update, one must first appreciate the rigidity of the traditional format. In the pre-digital era, the Arzi was a physical manifestation of hierarchy and devotion. Followers traveled to the seat of the Dawat (often Mumbai or specific centers during tours) to seek an audience. The protocol required men to wear the traditional libas (kurta and izar) with the topi (cap) and a flowing sayyi (cloak) for those initiated. Women adhered to the rida.
The structure of the Arzi itself was governed by the dastur (protocol). A mizan (attendant) regulated the flow, instructing followers on where to sit, when to stand, and when to recite the salam. The spatial arrangement was significant; the distance from the Syedna’s seat reflected rank and the occasion. The emotional weight of the Arzi lay in its physicality—the proximity to the spiritual leader, the hushed atmosphere of the hall, and the direct, eye-to-eye interaction. This format, unchanged for decades, was not merely a meeting but a spiritual pilgrimage in miniature.
The Catalyst for Change: Technology and Necessity
The transition to an updated format was inevitable but accelerated by two primary factors: the geographic dispersal of the Bohra diaspora and the global lockdowns of 2020. As the community grew in North America, Europe, and Australia, the logistics of traveling to Mumbai for a brief audience became increasingly difficult for many families.
However, the definitive shift occurred during the tenure of the 53rd Dai, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The cessation of travel and the closure of religious centers threatened to sever the vital link between the leader and the flock. The response was the institutionalization of the "Virtual Arzi" or "E-Arzi." While the community had utilized video conferencing for business and organizational meetings (Tanzimat) previously, applying it to the sacred Arzi was a paradigm shift that required a re-imagining of the dastur.
The Updated Format: Virtual Proximity and New Protocols
The "updated Arzi format" is a hybrid of maintained tradition and digital mediation. It typically involves a video conference via platforms like Zoom or dedicated community portals. Yet, contrary to the casual nature of standard video calls, the Arzi retains its solemnity through updated protocols.
In the updated format, the physical libas and rida remain non-negotiable. The "screen" becomes the new dastarkhan (threshold). Followers are instructed to sit at a respectful distance from the camera, ensuring their entire upper body is visible to replicate the perspective of a physical audience. Posture remains crucial; followers must sit with legs folded to the side, maintaining the humility required in the leader's presence.
The language and flow of the Arzi have also been adapted. In a physical setting, a mizan whispers instructions. In the updated digital format, the interface itself guides the process, or an administrator facilitates the transition from the "waiting room" to the "audience." Despite the digital barrier, the core linguistic components—the recitation of the Salam, the presentation of requests (araz), and the seeking of blessings—remain identical.
Implications of the Update
This update has democratized access to the spiritual leader. Previously, an Arzi was a luxury of time and means; today, a family in Toronto or a student in London can seek an audience with relative ease. This has strengthened the emotional bond between the global diaspora and the leadership, allowing for more frequent, albeit shorter, interactions.
However, the shift raises theological and sociological questions regarding the concept of hazri (presence). Does a pixelated image carry the same barakaat (blessings) as a physical presence? The community’s acceptance of the updated format suggests a pragmatic theological approach: the intent (niyyat) and the obedience to the Dai validate the ritual, regardless of the medium. The leadership’s endorsement of the digital format effectively sanctified the technology, transforming a secular tool into a vessel for religious continuity.
Conclusion
The updated Dawoodi Bohra Arzi format is not a rejection of tradition but a recontextualization of it. By retaining the sartorial codes, linguistic etiquette, and hierarchical reverence, the community has successfully transposed a medieval ritual into the 21st century. The "update" demonstrates that for the Dawoodi Bohras, technology is not a force that dilutes tradition, but a conduit that ensures its survival and accessibility. As the world continues to evolve, this updated format serves as a blueprint for how ancient religious institutions can maintain relevance and intimacy in an increasingly fragmented and digital world. While there is no singular "updated" public PDF
The traditional (petition or letter) is a vital means of communication for members of the Dawoodi Bohra community to seek the guidance, blessings, or counsel of the al-Dai al-Mutlaq , currently Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin
While the core principles of humility and devotion remain constant, the community has adopted digital platforms to streamline this process. Standard Arzi Structure An Arzi is typically written in Lisan al-Dawat
, the unique language of the community. It generally follows this updated sequence: Salutation and Devotion
: The letter begins with high-register honorifics expressing devotion to the Imam and his Dai. Modern Arzis often include standard opening phrases (Kalemaat) that reflect current community themes, such as those related to Ashara Mubaraka Identification : Clear identification of the sender is mandatory. ITS / E-Jamaat ID
: This digital ID is the primary way to verify the member's identity. Full Name and City : Essential for administrative tracking within the global community network The Petition (Hajaat)
: This section contains the specific request, whether it is for health, business, education, or spiritual guidance. Niyyat (Intention)
: Modern formats, especially for specific events, often include a "check-list" style section for (intentions for good deeds or
) as a way of expressing commitment in exchange for blessings.
: Ends with a standard prayer for the longevity and health of the Dai (Syedna). Current Submission Methods There are two primary ways to submit an Arzi today:
Writing an Arzi (petition or letter) to the Al-Dai al-Mutlaq, currently His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, is a sacred tradition for Dawoodi Bohras. Whether you are seeking spiritual guidance, Raza (permission) for personal milestones, or reporting community matters, following the updated format ensures your request is handled with the appropriate respect and efficiency. Essential Components of a Modern Arzi
The format of an Arzi has evolved to stay concise while maintaining the traditional etiquette of Lisan ud-Dawat. 1. The Heading and Salutation
Every Arzi must begin with the proper spiritual titles for the Dai.
Standard Opening: Start with "Abdo-kum-ul-Mamluk" (Your humble servant) followed by your name and ITS ID.
Addressing His Holiness: Use the full titles such as "Al-Dai al-Ajal Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS". 2. The Subject Line (Clear & Concise)
With the high volume of petitions received at the official Dawat office, a clear subject line is vital.
Example: "Arzi for Nikah Raza" or "Arzi for Business Barakat." 3. The Body (Nass)
Language: While Lisan ud-Dawat is preferred, Arzis can be written in English or Arabic if needed.
Brevity: Be direct. State the purpose of the Arzi in the first paragraph.
Tone: Maintain a tone of extreme humility and devotion (Araz). 4. The Conclusion and Signature
Close by seeking the Dai’s Dua and Shifa. Include your contact details, current location, and your local Jamaat name. Updated Submission Channels
As of 2024–2026, the community has integrated more digital options for submission: Why the Arzi Format Has Been Updated Understanding
ITS Portal: Most Arzis, especially for routine permissions like travel or educational Raza, are now submitted through the ITS (Istibsharat) website.
Local Jamaat Office: For significant matters, submitting a physical copy through your local Amil Saheb or Jamaat office remains the standard procedure.
Direct Email: In specific regions, dedicated email addresses are used for administrative queries. Best Practices for 2026
Handwriting vs. Typing: While typed Arzis are acceptable for digital portals, many Mumineen still prefer hand-written Arzis for personal matters as a mark of devotion.
Verification: Ensure all personal details, especially your ITS ID, are 100% accurate to avoid processing delays.
Follow-up: Check your status on the official community resources or through the Dawoodi Bohra App notifications. His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin - The Dawoodi Bohras
Understanding the why behind the change is crucial. The Dawoodi Bohra leadership, under the current Dawat, has prioritized efficiency, accountability, and environmental consciousness. The older paper-based system often led to:
The updated format aims to solve these issues by standardizing data fields and integrating with the central IT Department of the Dawat. As of late 2024 and into 2025, the preferred method is a hybrid model: a structured digital form backed by a downloadable standardized PDF template for physical submission when necessary.
Every Arzi now requires a Misaal Number (the unique ID of the applicant) and a Local Aamil Reference. The Aamil (community priest) must co-sign or append a digital note verifying the applicant’s character and need.
The most significant update is the shift to email and WhatsApp submissions in many urban jamaats.
Important: Always confirm with your local Amil Saheb’s office whether they have moved to a fully digital or hybrid (digital + physical) system.
Let’s look at a completed example for a Nikah (Marriage) request.
Date: 05/05/2025 From: Mustafa Abbas Moosaji Ibn: Abbas Husain Moosaji Misaal No.: 8876543 Local Aamil: Qasim bhaisaheb Najmi Markaz: Houston, TX, USA
Subject: ROUTINE – NIKAH – Request for Noorani
Body: Salaam to Huzurala (TUS) & Qubool Maqbool.
This Arzi is humbly submitted for Noorani permission for Nikah with Maryam Taiyeb (Misaal: 7765432).
Details:
- Applicant Age: 28
- Occupation: Engineer
- Proposed Milaad date: June 15, 2025
- Status: First Arzi
- Attachments: ID copies (both), Local Aamil’s character certificate.
Justification: Both families have agreed; only Noorani remains pending.
Closing: In the shadow of your Duas, Mustafa, [email protected], +1-555-1234
Declaration: Signed – Mustafa Moosaji
The new system is strict. The Arzi Committee returns documents without review for the following reasons:
Misaal1234_Medical.pdf. IMG_0001.jpg will be ignored.Whether you are writing an Arzi for Taubah (repentance for missed fasts/prayers), marriage permission, or a general query, the updated structure is as follows: