Da'i al-Mutlaq

The term Da'i al-Mutlaq (Arabic: الداعي المطلق, romanized: al-Dā'ī al-Mutlaq; pl. دعاة مطلقون, Du'āt Mutlaqūn) literally meaning 'the absolute, or unrestricted, missionary', is the most senior spiritual rank and office in Tayyibi Isma'ilism. The Da'i al-Mutlaq has headed the Tayyibi community since the seclusion of the 21st Tayyibi Imam, at-Tayyib Abu'l-Qasim, traditionally placed in 528 AH/1134 AD.

According to Tayyibi Isma'ili tradition, in the Imam's absence, the Da'i al-Mutlaq is the faith's highest authority; i.e., the Da'i al-Mutlaq holds the same authority as the Imam. Before the seclusion of al-Tayyib, the Da'i al-Mutlaq operated under the direct orders of the Imam and his trusted associates in regions where Isma'ili faithful were present, either living openly propounding their faith, or secretly due to fear of persecution.

In Yemen, after the seclusion of the Imam, the Da'i was given the authority of Itlaaq (إطلاق),^[1] or free conduct, and absolute religious and social authority, under the governing principles of the Tayyibi Isma'ili faith. His command is regarded as a final decree guided by the divine support of the Imam. Unlike the Imam, who appoints his successor only from his sons (with one exception), the Da'i can appoint anyone as his successor whom he deems trustworthy, pious, and capable of conducting Da'wah (missionary) affairs with wisdom and proficiency. The current Dai of the Dawoodi Bohras is Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin.