Religious council

It is time to think seriously in terms of setting up a religious council to guide us in religious matters. We are an intelligent community with religious fervor and if we go about it sincerely such a thing is possible. When we have a federation of punchayets to discuss and decide about problems of the anjumans, why can’t we constitute a religious leadership?

A dastur is a rainidar-rahber, a learned leader who can guide us on the righteous path because of his sound knowledge of the scriptures. He must have an unbiased opinion and spotless character. As a yozdathregar he must have the insight to perform the paav mahal rituals of spiritual status like hamayast, vendidad, nirangdin, etc.

A dastur is a rathestar, protector of our religious tenets with integrity. He should be an ardent administrator of religious institutions. He must exhibit moral behavior and rectitude. He should not be interested in earning more money, but should work for harmony in our community.

In India we do not have one high priest who is above the others, like the Pope in the Vatican who guides the Catholics. All our vada dasturs are nominated by the trustees of religious institutions, and their decision is respected by the anjumans. The high priests have limited powers to guide the community and to dictate to the clergy as they have different opinions.

The punchayet is not a religious body. Trustees are the administrators of funds, institutions and trust deeds. They cannot dictate in religious matters. At present we have liberals in our community who create problems and conflicts with the orthodox group. Under these circumstances, a religious council can be an arbiter for an amicable solution.

In the past the late Dastur Khurshed Daboo had initiated the formation of a confederation of 14 dasturs for common confirmation, salah namu, in religious matters. Such a united panel would have the authority to provide guidance. Unfortunately, the panel was dissolved. In Iran a dini majlis, religious council, guides the anjuman in religious matters. Why can’t we have something similar? Harmonious understanding brings about a peaceful cordial atmosphere, without needless clashing of egos. But who will take the lead in forming such a religious council? The Bombay Parsi Punchayet can do it, with the help of scholars, as an orthodox body. Let us decide and determine.

NOSHIR DABOO

Ahmedabad