Delhi’s Jama Masjid Shahi Imam declares son as 'successor'

Syed Ahmed Bukhari, the incumbent Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid, declared his son "as his successor" in a 'dastarbandi' (investiture) ceremony held in the courtyard of the grand mosque.

In his address before making the formal declaration on Sunday, Bukhari traced the history of the mosque and said the first Shahi Imam was appointed by Emperor Shah Jahan, reports India Today.

The first Imam of Jama Masjid (Hazrat Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari, Shahi Imam) was appointed the Shahi Imam at the age of 63, Bukhari said.

Imams have formally declared their successors according to tradition.

So, in line with the over 400 years of tradition, from this Jama Masjid, "I declare that Syed Shaban Bukhari is my successor", Bukhari announced to a gathering of Islamic scholars and other dignitaries present on the occasion.

After the announcement, the tying of 'dastarbandi' (turban) on the head began according to the old 'riwaz' (tradition) associated with the investiture.

Syed Shaban Bukhari (29) was anointed as the mosque's Naib Imam in a 'dastarbandi' ceremony in November 2014.

In the event of Syed Ahmed Bukhari's death or ill-health, he will serve as the 14th Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, it was announced by his father.

The ceremony at the Mughal-era mosque built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century lasted more than an hour.

Several 'ulemas (Islamic scholars)' attended the ceremony for which the mosque -- a veritable symbol of old Delhi or Shahjahanabad and a celebrated landmark -- was decked up.

Some congratulatory posters bearing images of the Shahi Imam and his son have been put up along the street running in front of the mosque, whose architecture draws awe from both locals and foreign tourists.

Syed Ahmed Bukhari -- the 13th Imam in the line of descent -- is the son of Syed Abdullah Bukhari, the 12th Shahi Imam, who died aged 87 in 2009.

He succeeded his father in October 2000.