Da'i al-Mutlaq

Da'i al-Mutlaq (Arabic: داعي المطلق, romanized: Dā'ī al-Mutlaq, lit. 'absolute, unrestricted, or missionary'; pl. دعاة مطلقون, Du'āt Mutlaqin) 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 21st Tayyibi Imam went into seclusion, 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 and his conduct infallible due to the divine support (Ta’yeed) he receives from the Imam. Unlike the Imam, who appoints a successor only from his lineal biological sons, the Da'i can appoint any believer as his successor when he is commanded to do so by Ta’yeed of the Imam.