An Arzi is a formal petition or letter written by a member of the Dawoodi Bohra community ( Mumin ) to the spiritual leader, the Dai al-Mutlaq (currently His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin
), or his representatives. It is a traditional and deeply spiritual practice used to seek guidance, blessings ( Raza ), or provide updates on personal and family matters. Structure and Formatting
An Arzi is typically written in Lisan ud-Dawat , the community’s unique language that blends Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and Gujarati.
Salutation: It begins with traditional Arabic greetings and titles of respect for the Dai al-Mutlaq, often including prayers for his long life ( Umr Shareef ).
Identification: The writer must include their full name, ITS (E-Jamaat) ID , and location.
Body Content: The message should be concise and respectful. Common topics include: Seeking Raza for business, travel, or weddings. Requesting prayers for health or academic success.
Providing updates on religious milestones, such as Quran memorisation.
Conclusion: The letter ends with a humble closing, often using terms like Araz (submission) and expressing total devotion. Modern Submission Methods
While handwritten Arzis remain a valued tradition, the community has transitioned largely to digital platforms for efficiency and tracking.
Hawaij (Online Arzi): The primary official portal for submitting digital Arzis. Users log in with their ITS ID at hawaij.org or through community-linked portals.
ITS52 Portal: Used for updating personal information or submitting specific administrative requests to Al-Vazarat .
Local Jamaat Office: For certain local matters, an Arzi may be submitted through the local Amil Saheb (head of the local congregation). Key Etiquette (Adab)
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.
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))
Dawoodi Bohra Arzi Format — Informative Essay
Introduction
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.
Purpose and Context
Common uses: personal requests (marriage approvals, nikah arrangements), community services (donations, housing, burial arrangements), administrative matters (name changes, membership queries), and special permissions (event approvals, travel for religious duties).
Recipients: local masjid committee (majlis), community office (maktab), or a designated administrative officer; in rare cases, a higher religious authority may receive an arzi. dawoodi bohra arzi format
Tone and Etiquette
Respectful and humble: Begin with appropriate salutations and blessings (e.g., invoking Allah, salutations on Prophet Muhammad and the Ahl al-Bayt) per community custom.
Concise and clear: State the purpose early; avoid unnecessary detail.
Formal language: Use polite Urdu, Gujarati, or English depending on local custom and the recipient’s preference.
Deference to authority: Use honorifics and titles when addressing officials or religious leaders.
Typical Structure (Suggested Template)
Header/Date
Date (day/month/year) at top-right or top-left.
Salutation
Religious opening phrase (e.g., “Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem”) and respectful greeting.
Recipient Line
An Arzi is a formal petition or letter written by a member of the Dawoodi Bohra community ( Mumin ) to the spiritual leader, the Dai al-Mutlaq (currently His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin
), or his representatives. It is a traditional and deeply spiritual practice used to seek guidance, blessings ( Raza ), or provide updates on personal and family matters. Structure and Formatting
An Arzi is typically written in Lisan ud-Dawat , the community’s unique language that blends Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and Gujarati.
Salutation: It begins with traditional Arabic greetings and titles of respect for the Dai al-Mutlaq, often including prayers for his long life ( Umr Shareef ).
Identification: The writer must include their full name, ITS (E-Jamaat) ID , and location.
Body Content: The message should be concise and respectful. Common topics include: Seeking Raza for business, travel, or weddings. Requesting prayers for health or academic success.
Providing updates on religious milestones, such as Quran memorisation.
Conclusion: The letter ends with a humble closing, often using terms like Araz (submission) and expressing total devotion. Modern Submission Methods
While handwritten Arzis remain a valued tradition, the community has transitioned largely to digital platforms for efficiency and tracking.
Hawaij (Online Arzi): The primary official portal for submitting digital Arzis. Users log in with their ITS ID at hawaij.org or through community-linked portals.
ITS52 Portal: Used for updating personal information or submitting specific administrative requests to Al-Vazarat .
Local Jamaat Office: For certain local matters, an Arzi may be submitted through the local Amil Saheb (head of the local congregation). Key Etiquette (Adab)
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.
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))
Dawoodi Bohra Arzi Format — Informative Essay
Introduction
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.
Purpose and Context
Common uses: personal requests (marriage approvals, nikah arrangements), community services (donations, housing, burial arrangements), administrative matters (name changes, membership queries), and special permissions (event approvals, travel for religious duties).
Recipients: local masjid committee (majlis), community office (maktab), or a designated administrative officer; in rare cases, a higher religious authority may receive an arzi.
Tone and Etiquette
Respectful and humble: Begin with appropriate salutations and blessings (e.g., invoking Allah, salutations on Prophet Muhammad and the Ahl al-Bayt) per community custom.
Concise and clear: State the purpose early; avoid unnecessary detail.
Formal language: Use polite Urdu, Gujarati, or English depending on local custom and the recipient’s preference.
Deference to authority: Use honorifics and titles when addressing officials or religious leaders.
Typical Structure (Suggested Template)
Header/Date
Date (day/month/year) at top-right or top-left.
Salutation
Religious opening phrase (e.g., “Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem”) and respectful greeting.
Recipient Line
