Our Identity : Bohras

The word ‘Bohra' or ‘Vohra' means to trade or to do business. Vohra means a merchant, businessman or a trader. The Faatemi Isma'ili Da'wat established its footprints around 467 AH during the time of Imaam Mustansir Billaah (AS) at the coastline of Gujarat and this land of India emanated the light and the jewels of faith. Blessed by the guidance and knowledge of Maulaai Abdullaah and Maulaai Ahmad (RA), large number of people embraced the divine principles of Faatemi Da'wat and pledged to become a true and staunch followers of Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS). Enlightened by the light of knowledge and wisdom, all of them collectively gave misaaq (covenant) of Imaam-uz-Zamaan (AS). Trade and business was the main source of income for them; this is the reason they got the name ‘Bohra' or ‘Vohra'.

‘Bohra' is a charming and pleasing word; associated more with the social relations than mere business. Bohras are outgoing and genial in the society; amiable and affable in the family relations; kind and tactful in their business matters; and undoubtedly they are more devoted and committed in religious obligations and spiritual beliefs. Allah Ta'aala has blessed us; the Bohras; with the precious qualities of intelligence and astuteness so that we become competent and proficient in all the worldly and religious undertakings and accomplishments; from the beginning till the end. We always start a business after considering the aspects of Halaal and Haraam in it. To keep our words and accomplish the undertaken task is in our blood. The most distinguishing quality of Bohras is; we pave the way through all the odds and hardships that come in the way and seeking the help of Allah we achieve our goal. The name of Bohra has gained an outstanding identity, credit and fame in the world of business and trade that even a dishonoured and incapable person gets a lift up with it. As a guide is, so are the people guided; as a teacher is, so are his students; as a leader is, so are his followers. The character, conduct, conversation and discipline of Bohras itself reflect the quality of Deeni administration and education. We are respected if we respect others; we sow what we reap; we get what we give. From these words of wisdom we get an idea that not only in the worldly matters but even in religious duties and in seeking the blessings and bounty of Allah, the Bohras lead all other communities.

Rasoolullah (SAWS) says in the Hadees-e-Shareef, “One who completes Wuzoo (ablution), has interest in Namaaz, gives the Zakaat of his wealth, controls his anger, thinks before speaking, spends on good things, seeks salvation from Allah, follows the advices of Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS) and remains faithful and loyal to them from his heart will gain the honour that the doors of Paradise will be open for him.” This Hadees had eight orders in it. The first three of them are the orders of Islaam which are obligatory and the last four are important for Believers and Bohras to obey and follow. The last order is the most important of all and is obligatory without which all others are nullified. This order is the blend and concoction of all seven orders and it is the supreme and greatest of all.

Allah Ta'aala has made us as an individual of Bohras. Truly, he is not a true mumin (believer, faithful) who does not abide to the previous eight orders of seeking the favor of Paradise blessed by Allah. The reward of Paradise is a surety for the one who conforms to these eight commandments. This reward is the greatest victory, advantageous issue and profitable trade for us. Allah Ta'aala has written Paradise in reward by purchasing the soul and wealth of mumin. This is the real righteous divine business over spilling with wisdom. If Allah Ta'aala rewards us with Paradise in return of the soul and wealth of mumin by making us Bohras then we have to beautify and purify our soul and wealth before giving to Allah; only then the divine deal is profitable or else it will run in loss. We pray Allah to accord us with His divine guidance so that we are successful in the deals of this world and are blessed with the favor of Paradise by character and deeds of Bohras under the dominion and headship of Aaqaa Maulaa Huzoor-e-‘Aali (TUS) who is our divine father and spiritual doctor. Ameen.