Mumbai: Khuzaima Qutbuddin, claimant for the position 'Dai Al-Mutlaq' (head of Dawoodi Bohra community), today told the Bombay High Court that his half- brother and late 52nd Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin had appointed him as 'Mazoon' (second in command) before he died.

"The late Syedna had also issued a sermon at that time that I was a beloved son....this signifies that I was his successor," said Qutbuddin who has challenged the succession of Muffadal Saifuddin, Syedna's son, as the 53rd Dai. Qutbuddin (74), who has filed a suit seeking that he be declared the 53rd Syedna, was being cross-examined by the lawyer of present Syedna, Muffadal Saifuddin. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin died on January 17, 2014.