Al-Sheikh al-Fadil Dawood Bhai
A life of devotion, scholarship, and service as the Saheb-e-Dawat in Limbdi
Introduction
Al-Sheikh al-Fadil Dawood Bhai (الشيخ الفاضل داود بهائي) was a revered and prominent scholar of the Dawoodi Bohra Dawat. Appointed to the prestigious rank of Hudood in the spiritual hierarchy, he was sent as a representative (Saheb-e-Dawat) to the city of Limbdi in Gujarat, where he served the community faithfully and eventually passed away. His shrine (Qabr Mubarak) remains a focal point of peace, blessings, and Ziyarat.
Lineage & Family Tree
Tracing the noble lineage and relations of Shk. Dawood Bhaisaheb
Brothers of Mulla Abdul Rahim
Shk. Dawood Bhaisaheb was blessed with a highly distinguished family tree. He was the grandson of the renowned Syedi Jiwanji Saheb (QR), one of the pillar scholars of Dawat whose children and descendants went on to serve the highest positions of leadership.
He was the nephew (bhatija) of two consecutive Duat Mutlaqeen:
- The 44th Dai al-Mutlaq, Syedna Mohammad Ezzuddin (QR)
- The 45th Dai al-Mutlaq, Syedna Tayyeb Zainuddin (QR)
This rich lineage placed him in close proximity to the guides of the community, nurturing his scholarship and administrative virtues from a very early age.
Historical Timeline
Key spiritual milestones in the life and legacy of Shk. Dawood Bhaisaheb
Elevation to the Rank of Hudood
On the auspicious day of Eid al-Fitr, the 45th Dai al-Mutlaq, Syedna Tayyeb Zainuddin (QR), recognized his immense learning and character, elevating him to the rank of Hudood (a high spiritual office).
Appointment as Saheb-e-Dawat in Limbdi
During the era of the 47th Dai al-Mutlaq, Syedna Abdul Qadir Najmuddin (QR), Shk. Dawood Bhai was selected as the Saheb-e-Dawat (official representative) of Limbdi, Gujarat. He moved there to guide the local community.
Passing and Mazaar in Limbdi
On the 23rd of Zil Hijjah al-Haram, 1284 AH, Shk. Dawood Bhai passed away. He was buried in the local graveyard of Limbdi near National Highway 8. His resting place (Qabr Mubarak) has since been a source of blessings.
Royal Visit by Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin
The current Dai al-Mutlaq, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin (TUS), visited the Mazaar in Limbdi. He arrived on the 5th of Rabi ul-Awwal and performed Ziyarat on Thursday morning, the 6th of Rabi ul-Awwal.
Historical Book Mentions
📖 Salsabil Rawd al-Quds (1393 AH) — Page 253
"The jurist, the administrator, the virtuous Sheikh, Dawood bin al-Majid Mulla Abdul Rahim, may Allah preserve him; he is the one who was appointed by our Master Zakiuddin."
This text highlights his combined virtues of deep jurisprudence (Fiqh) and administrative capabilities, noting his official appointment by Syedna Tayyeb Zainuddin.
📖 Anhaar Fuyood al-Fatimiyyeen (1384 AH) — Page 532
Shk. Dawood Bhai is recorded in official chronicles as being part of the elite inner circle of scholars and administrators. The 47th Dai, Syedna Abdul Qadir Najmuddin (QR), included his name in the official registry of the eminent Hudood of his era, honoring his service to the Dawat in Gujarat.
Royal Ziyarat Visit
A major event in the recent history of the Limbdi Mazaar occurred during the era of the 52nd Dai al-Mutlaq, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (QR). His successor and the current leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin (TUS), paid a special visit to Limbdi.
Ziyarat Schedule (1434 AH)
- 5th Rabi ul-Awwal, 1434 AH: Royal arrival of Syedna in Limbdi.
- 6th Rabi ul-Awwal, 1434 AH (Thursday morning): Syedna visited the shrine of Al-Sheikh al-Fadil Dawood Bhai, performing Ziyarat and offering prayers.