Updated — Dawoodi Bohra Arzi Format

To, The respected Amil Saheb, [Name of the locality / Masjid / Markaz], [City, State, Country].

Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

Subject: [Brief purpose – e.g., Request for Nikah / Ilm / Hidayat / Ruksat / Wasiyat / Ta'leef / General Hidayat]

Mast-o-Marak (Respectful Submission):

This humble Arzi is submitted with the Wasila (tawassul) of Aqa Maula (TUS) and the Duat Mutlaqeen (RA).

Applicant Information (MIS / ID No.):

Details of Request:

Dua Request: Kindly do dua for [purpose / problem / family]. Please grant necessary permissions/dua as per Shariah and the guidance of our beloved Maula (TUS).

Jazakallah.

Your humble servant, (Signature) [Your Full Name] [Your MIS/Talab-e-Dua No.] [Date]

Declaration: I confirm that all information above is accurate. I have informed my Local Aamil. This Arzi has not been submitted elsewhere in the last 15 days.
(Signature/Thumbprint)

For clarity, here is a simplified, valid example of the current format:

(On official letterhead or digital PDF with QR code)

To: His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS, through Aamil Saheb, [City Name]

Subject (Code 112): Permission for Naming Ceremony (Aqeeqa)

From: [Full Name], Misaaq ID: DB-xxxx-xxxx

Body:

Iltemas-e-Dua,
[Signature in Arabic script]
Mobile: +XX-XXX-XXXX
Email: name@example.com

Witness 1 Signature & ID
Witness 2 Signature & ID

(QR code and barcode at bottom right)

| Old Practice | Updated Requirement | | :--- | :--- | | No HOF/Misal number | Mandatory HOF & Misal numbers | | Only handwritten on any paper | Use plain A4 white paper (or digital PDF) | | Missing contact details | Mobile number and email required | | Vague subject line | Clear, specific subject line | | Sending directly to central Dawat without Amil | Always route through local Amil |

The Dawoodi Bohra Arzi format updated represents a harmonious blend of centuries-old religious etiquette and 21st-century data management. For community members, staying informed about these changes is not just a matter of convenience—it is a mark of respect for the systematic approach of the Dalat-il-Mutlaqah.

Always consult your local Aamil or the official community portal before drafting an Arzi, as minor format updates may roll out after each Majlis-e-Shariah session. By following the updated guidelines—using bilingual structured fields, QR codes, and Misaaq IDs—you ensure that your petition receives swift, accurate, and blessed consideration.

Remember: In the Dawoodi Bohra tradition, a correctly submitted Arzi is not just a form. It is a Dua wrapped in ink, seeking barakat at every administrative step.

Disclaimer: This guide is based on publicly circulated guidelines as of 2024–2025. Specific requirements may vary by region. Always verify the latest Dawoodi Bohra Arzi format with your local Jammat office.

An Arzi is a formal petition or letter of supplication addressed by a member of the Dawoodi Bohra community to the al-Dai al-Mutlaq (currently His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin). It is a sacred medium used to seek spiritual guidance, permission (raza), or blessings (du'a) for personal, professional, or religious matters.

The updated format for 2026 emphasizes clarity, humility, and adherence to traditional linguistic protocols. 1. The Header: Tasleem and Titles

The Arzi must begin with the traditional Fatemi protocol. This section is never omitted and is written with extreme reverence.

Abadat/Tasleem: Use the standard phrase: "Abdu Syedna (TUS) [Your Name] tasleem arz kare che." (The servant of Syedna [Name] offers his salutations).

Addressing His Holiness: Refer to Syedna using his full titles, typically: "Bawa Shafiq His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin (TUS)." 2. The Core Message (The "Arz")

Contemporary guidelines suggest keeping the body of the Arzi concise and structured to ensure it can be processed efficiently by the Office of the Al-Dai al-Mutlaq.

Purpose First: Clearly state why you are writing (e.g., Nikah raza, starting a new business, health issues, or seeking a name for a newborn).

Personal Details: Always include your ITS (Information Technology Services) ID. This is the primary identifier for all community members in the global database.

Current Context: If the Arzi is regarding a business or a new venture, briefly mention your current occupation or location. 3. Language Protocols

While Lisan ud-Dawat (the unique language of the community) is preferred, modern Arzis can be written in English or other languages if the individual is more comfortable, provided the opening and closing follow the traditional format.

Tone: The tone must be "Khuzu" (humble). Avoid using "I" or "me" excessively; instead, use "Aqa Moula no adna mureed" (this humble follower of Aqa Moula).

Specific Requests: Be specific in your request for du'a. For example, instead of "Please pray for me," use "Requesting special du'a for Shifa (healing) from [specific illness]." 4. Closing: Intezar-ul-Amr

The conclusion of the Arzi signifies your submission to the Dai’s guidance.

Standard Closing: "Je amr thaase emal karees." (I will act according to whatever command is given).

Final Salutation: End with a prayer for Syedna’s long life: "Allah Ta'ala Moula ni umr shareef ne qayamat na din lag daraz ane daraz kare. Ameen." 5. Submission Channels

Digital Submission: Most Arzis are now submitted via the official ITS portal or local Jamaat apps. This ensures they are tracked and reach the relevant department (Daftar).

Physical Arzi: If handing a physical copy during a Ziyarat or Bethak, ensure it is on clean, high-quality white paper, preferably placed in a simple, respectful envelope. Official Website of the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim Community

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. dawoodi bohra arzi format updated

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

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 single "official article" titled exactly "dawoodi bohra arzi format updated" for April 2026, the community standard for submitting an Arzi (a formal petition or letter) to His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin has evolved to prioritize digital submission through official portals like ITS (Its52).

Below is the current best practice and updated format for writing an Arzi based on community guidelines: 1. Submission Methods

ITS Portal (Preferred): Most Arzis are now submitted digitally via the Its52 portal

. This ensures the Arzi is linked to your official ITS profile and is tracked by the Huzurala (TUS) Secretariat.

Physical Arzi: While digital is preferred, physical copies are still accepted at the Devdi Mubarak or through the local Amil Saheb 2. Updated Arzi Format & Structure