If you want, I can:
The Arzi ends by praying for the long life and health of the Da'i. *
In the Dawoodi Bohra community, an Arzi (or Ariza) is a formal letter of request, gratitude, or petition addressed to the al-Dai al-Mutlaq (currently His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin). It serves as a vital bridge between a Mumin (believer) and the spiritual leader for matters ranging from personal life decisions to seeking spiritual blessings. The Art of the Arzi: A Guide to Seeking Raza and Blessings
Writing an Arzi is more than just a formal task; it is a spiritual practice rooted in Walayah (devotion). Whether you are seeking Raza (permission) for a business venture, a marriage, or simply expressing Shukur (gratitude), the way you structure your letter reflects your respect and sincerity. 1. Essential Components of a Bohra Arzi
A traditional Arzi follows a specific hierarchy of language and structure:
The Salami (Salutation): Every Arzi begins with a standardized Arabic salutation for the Syedna, often invoking his long life and health (e.g., Abadallaho Baqa'a...).
Araz (The Core Message): This is where you state your intent. In Lisan al-Dawat (the community's unique language), the writer refers to themselves in the third person as Aapno Ghulam (your servant) or Aapni Amat (your female servant) to maintain humility.
The Request: Be clear and concise. If seeking Raza for a specific date (like a wedding), mention the date and location clearly.
Khatimah (Conclusion): End with a prayer for the Syedna’s long life and a humble request for Dua-ul-Khair (blessings). 2. Digital vs. Physical Arzis
While handwritten Arzis on quality paper (sometimes featuring calligraphy) are still cherished for in-person Mulaqats, the community has modernized the process:
Hawaij Online: The Hawaij Portal allows community members to submit Arzis digitally using their ITS ID.
Tracking: Digital submissions allow you to track the status of your request through official channels like the ITS52 portal. 3. Etiquette and Language
Lisan al-Dawat: Using the community's language—a blend of Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and Gujarati—is preferred. It conveys a deep cultural connection and specific religious nuances.
Brevity: The Syedna receives thousands of letters; keep your "Araz" focused. Bullet points for complex requests can be helpful.
Attachments: If the Arzi is regarding a medical issue or a legal matter, mention that relevant documents are attached. 4. Why We Write Arzis
The practice of Arzi is tied to the concept of Mithaq (oath of allegiance) and the belief that the Dai is the spiritual father of the community. Seeking his guidance is seen as a way to ensure Barakat (blessings) in one's worldly and spiritual endeavors.
Are you preparing an Arzi for a specific occasion? I can help you refine the Lisan al-Dawat terms for a wedding, business opening, or health-related request. Lisan al-Dawat: The Dawoodi Bohra Language
The Arzi is a formal written petition or request used within the Dawoodi Bohra community to communicate with their spiritual leader, the al-Dai al-Mutlaq. This tradition allows community members (Mumineen) to seek guidance, spiritual blessings (du'a), or resolution for personal and professional matters. Writing an Arzi is considered a deeply respectful act, reflecting the community’s values of humility and tradition. Standard Dawoodi Bohra Arzi Structure
An Arzi follows a specific formal structure to ensure the message is delivered with the appropriate level of respect and clarity.
The Salawat: Every Arzi typically begins with the Salawat (e.g., “Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa Aal-e Muhammad”) to invoke blessings. dawoodi bohra arzi format
The Salutation: It is addressed with high respect, often starting with "Respected Dai-al-Mutlaq" or referring to His Holiness as "Huzurala".
Introduction of the Petitioner: The writer identifies themselves, often using humble language such as, "I, [Your Name], a humble and devoted member of the Dawoodi Bohra community...".
Purpose of the Arzi: A clear statement of why the letter is being written—whether for seeking blessings for a marriage, guidance on a business venture, or health concerns.
Details of the Request: A concise description of the specific issue or situation. It is recommended to be factual and brief while maintaining a tone of devotion.
The Prayer/Request: A final respectful plea for the Dai's guidance or prayers.
Closing and Signature: The letter ends with a humble sign-off and the petitioner’s full name. Key Language and Etiquette
Lisan al-Dawat: While many Arzis are written in English or local languages today, they often incorporate terms from Lisan al-Dawat, the community’s unique language that blends Gujarati syntax with Arabic and Persian vocabulary.
Tone of Humility: The language used is deliberately modest. Mumineen often refer to themselves as "Abde Syedna" (servant of Syedna) to express their spiritual bond.
Brevity and Clarity: Given the high volume of correspondence the office receives, it is advised to keep the Arzi focused on the core issue without unnecessary length. Submission Methods Dawoodi Bohra Arzi Format ((top))
Subject: Rukhsat Sefer | Fatema bint Taiyeb | Chicago
Body:
BISMILLAH
Al-Hamdolillah
Salawat.
Janab al-Aali (Name of Syedna/Mazoon)
Dua talabi.
This is to humbly inform that my husband, Taiyeb bhai Saleh, has received a job transfer to Birmingham, UK. We require Rukhsat (permission) to relocate our family residence.
Misl (Members): 5 (Two adults, three children under 10).
Jinsiyat (Citizenship): USA.
Al-mas'alatu-du'a.
Please grant wasila and permission.
Faqira ilallah,
Fatema bint Taiyeb
Chicago Halaqa 12
Cell: 312-555-0199
The Dawoodi Bohra Arzi format is a living document of Islamic bureaucracy fused with Fatimid-era courtly etiquette. Whether you are writing on paper in Surat or typing an email in Detroit, the principles remain constant: Humility, clarity, adherence to the Basmala, and a sincere request for Dua.
By following the templates and rules outlined in this guide, you ensure not only that your petition is processed efficiently by the Dawat office but also that you have performed the act in the spiritual manner expected by the community’s Imamic tradition.
Final Checklist Before Submitting:
When you tick all these boxes, you have mastered the art of the Arzi.
Disclaimer: This article is a general guide based on common community practices as of 2025-2026. Specific wording for the current Dai (Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS) should be verified with your local Jamali office, as titles and postal protocols require precise honorifics.
Writing an Arzi (formal petition or letter) is a central part of communication within the Dawoodi Bohra community, typically addressed to the Dawat-e-Hadiyah or the Syedna (Moula) for seeking blessings, guidance, or permission for various life events.
While there is no single "one-size-fits-all" template, a proper Arzi follows a distinct structure rooted in Lisan ud-Dawat (the community's unique language). 1. Standard Structure of an Arzi An Arzi is generally divided into three main sections: Sadr (Header/Opening): Begins with highly respectful titles for the Syedna.
Common phrase: "Abde-Syedna [Your Name] ni Arzi che..." (This is the petition of [Your Name], the servant of Syedna).
It often includes expressions of devotion and a request for dua (prayers). Matan (The Core Message): State the purpose of your letter clearly and concisely.
Common Purposes: Seeking Raza (permission) for travel, marriage, starting a business, or asking for Shifaa (healing) for health issues.
Use humble language, often referring to yourself as "nacheez" (insignificant) or "ghulam" (servant). Khatimah (Conclusion):
Ends with a final plea for blessings and a prayer for the long life of the Moula.
Standard ending: "Moula aapni umar shareef ne qayamat na din lag daraz ane daraz kare" (May Moula's life be lengthened until the Day of Judgment). 2. Key Formatting Tips
Language: Most formal Arzis are written in Lisan ud-Dawat (Gujarati written in Arabic script) or Arabic. However, English Arzis are increasingly accepted, provided they maintain the traditional respectful tone.
Presentation: Historically, Arzis were handwritten on high-quality paper with specific margins (leaving the top and left sides wider as a mark of respect).
Electronic Submission: Today, many community members use the official ITS (Idara-e-Taiyebat) portal to submit Arzis digitally for various administrative or spiritual requests. 3. Common Phrases to Include
For seeking Raza: "Aqa Moula (TUS) ni Raza ane Dua Mubarak chahu chu." For Health: "Shifaa na kalimaat ane Dua Mubarak farmave."
For Thanksgiving: "Moula aapna ehsanat no shukr ada karu chu."
For more detailed guidance on community traditions and official communication, you can visit the official Dawoodi Bohras website. Official Website of the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim Community
Writing an Arzi (a formal petition or letter) to the Dai al-Mutlaq is a deeply spiritual act for a Dawoodi Bohra, representing a direct bridge of communication for seeking guidance, blessings (duas), or permission (raza).
A "deep" Arzi is more than just a request; it is an expression of aqeeda (faith) and humility. The Spiritual Significance
In the Dawoodi Bohra tradition, the Arzi is a manifestation of the belief that the Dai al-Mutlaq is the spiritual father. Whether it is for a milestone like a wedding, a business venture, or a personal struggle, the Arzi is written with the intention of aligning one's life with the khushi (pleasure) of the Moula. Traditional Arzi Format A formal Arzi generally follows this structure: If you want, I can:
Sadr (Heading): Begins with "Abdu Syedna (TUS)" (the slave of Syedna) followed by the name and ITS ID.
Salutations: High honorifics for the Dai, acknowledging his spiritual status. The Core Content:
Shukur: Expressing gratitude for past blessings and the nemat of being in the fold of Dawat.
The Request: Stating the purpose clearly but humbly (e.g., seeking shifa for health, barakat for business, or raza for an event).
Araz: Explicitly asking for duas for iman (faith) and khidmat (service).
Closing: "Araz Karanaar" (The one making the petition) followed by your name. Deep Post Template: "The Ink of Intention" Headline: More Than Words: The Soul of an Arzi
"Writing an Arzi is not just about putting pen to paper; it is about pouring the heart into a vessel of hope. When we begin with ‘Abdu Syedna,’ we aren't just using a title—we are defining our identity through our connection to the Wali of Allah. Every line in an Arzi is a conversation.
The Shukur: We realize that even before we ask for more, we have been given everything.
The Araz: We lay down our worries at the feet of the one who prays for us more than we pray for ourselves.
The Raza: We seek a path that isn't just successful, but blessed.
Next time you write your Arzi, take a moment of silence. Let the ink carry your ikhlas (sincerity). Whether it’s a digital upload on the ITS Portal or a handwritten note placed in the Arizat box, remember: the answer lies in the dua that begins before you even finish writing."
#DawoodiBohra #Aqeeda #SyednaMufaddalSaifuddin #Arzi #SpiritualGrowth Key Tips for Writing
Keep it Concise: While the emotions are deep, the petition should be clear.
Use Lisan al-Dawat: If possible, include traditional phrases like "Maula ni Khushi" or "Dua ni iltemas."
Purity of Intent: Ensure your request aligns with the ethical and spiritual values of the community.
The Arzi is a formal written application or petition submitted to the Da'i al-Mutlaq (the spiritual leader) of the Dawoodi Bohra community. It is a means for a mumin (believer) to seek guidance, blessings, permission (Raza), or remedies for personal, medical, or financial difficulties.
Because the Arzi is a representation of your needs before the highest authority in the faith, it follows a strict, traditional format rooted in respect and adab (etiquette).
Here is a comprehensive guide to the Dawoodi Bohra Arzi format.
The Dawoodi Bohra community is a subsect of Ismaili Shia Islam known for its distinct religious practices, organizational structure, and strong emphasis on community discipline and communication. An "arzi" in many South Asian Muslim contexts refers to a formal written petition or request submitted to a community leader, administrative office, or mosque committee. Within the Dawoodi Bohra community, an arzi follows respectful, concise norms reflecting Islamic etiquette, cultural conventions, and the community’s administrative practices. The Arzi ends by praying for the long