A Divine Designation

"Last night, I appointed you to the firmament of the Dawat as my successor. I know that the dark clouds of dissent hover above you but fear not - the guiding hand of the imam is upon you."

Syedna Abdullah Badruddin, 50th al-Dai al-Mutlaq

At the tender age of 28, he succeeded to the throne of Dawat, with a responsibility no less than to ensure that the faith received by mankind some 1400 years ago through Allah's noble messenger, Mohammed al-Mustafa (SAW) and interpreted by succeeding Fatimi imams over the centuries is preserved in pristine purity in his believers. An onerous task in the best of circumstances, 20th century modernism, with its direct assault on religion and tradition was not a conducive environment to carry out a divine duty. Besides, the community had undergone a painful period of internal dissent, with false beliefs having infiltrated and destabilised it. Destiny had intended that challenges of a difficult age be met by an equally capable leader. Syedna Taher Saifuddin, having inherited the qualities of 50 predecessors, set out with the courage and surety only a serene soul can command and effected a total transformation of his community, overcoming tides of obstacles and winning over wavering hearts, and providing a lasting upbringing to his spiritual children.