Syedna title claimant, Khuzaima Qutbuddin laid to rest

Khuzaima Qutbuddin, the claimant to the title of Syedna, or the spiritual leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community, who passed away in California on March 31, was on Sunday laid to rest here.

His son Taher Fakhruddin will be his successor.

Leading the funeral rituals on the grounds of Qutbuddin's residence at Darus Sakina near Yeoor Hills here, Fakhruddin recalled the services of his father to the community, his blessings and how he would remain the guiding spirit for the people for future generations.

He also announced he would lead the community in prayers and majlis during the 40-day long mourning period in memory of his father.

Earlier, Qutbuddin's coffin was taken in a helicopter to circle around the Raudat Tahera - the mausoleum of his half-brother, late Syedna Moahmmed Burhanuddin and their father, Syedna Taher Saifuddin, in south Mumbai. It was his deepest wish to pray and pay respects at the mausoleum, but he was prevented from going there since the passing away of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin.

After the demise of his elder half-brother, Qutbuddin was subsequently embroiled in a bitter legal battle of succession after his nephew, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin also claimed that his father, the late Syedna, had anointed him as the successor.