Dawoodi Bohra Tayyibi tradition

Names and abbreviations on this page

USA — United States of America. The country referred to here, including in an organisation’s name.

Basic concept

The Dawoodi Bohras identify their faith with the Fatimi Ismaili Tayyibi tradition. Their own account describes an Imam who is concealed and a dai al-mutlaq who guides the community during that concealment. This distinguishes the tradition from the visible Imamat structure associated with Nizari Ismailis. [1]

A term to understand

Dai al-mutlaq names the leadership office described in the community’s account of the concealed Imam. This differs from a local prayer leader’s role. Understanding the claimed religious office helps explain the structure without requiring a reader to accept its theological claims. [1]

Supporting structures

Religious leadership, local congregations, mosques and community centers provide practical structures. The community’s United States website identifies local congregations and explains its understanding of education, service and citizenship. These statements describe the institution’s presentation of its values; they should not be treated as independent evaluation of every activity. [2]

Understanding its public relevance

American community centers offer a concrete example of religious institutions existing within broader civic life. To examine a particular project, look for records identifying its location, organizers and activities. The existence of shared religious leadership is insufficient evidence that every member shares a party preference, donates to the same causes or takes the same position on public policy.

Connections and questions

Read the Nizari and Twelver pages to compare different arrangements of religious authority. The labels overlap at the broad Shia level but refer to distinct community histories and leadership structures. Ask whose authority is being described and whether a claim concerns doctrine, congregational organization or a specific public action. Each question calls for its own evidence.

Related learning

Nizari Ismaili tradition

Twelver Shia tradition

Sources of authority & interpretation

Religion, public law & the state

External Resources