Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un
“Surely we belong to God and to Him we return” — Holy Qur’an, 2:156
“Life is a great and noble calling, not a mean and grovelling thing to be shuffled through as best as we can but a lofty and exalted destiny.” — Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, His Highness the Aga Khan III (1877-1957), 48th Ismaili Imam
By MALIK MERCHANT
It is with deep sadness that I am informing readers that Alwaeza Raisaheba Maleksultan Jehangir Merchant passed away peacefully at around 11:30 pm on Thursday, January 21, 2021, at the age of 89 from COVID-19 and pneumonia. She was predeceased by her late husband Alwaez Rai Jehangir Merchant on May 27, 2018. Alwaeza is survived by her sons Malik (publisher and editor of this website), Fahar and his wife Nina, Alnoor and his fiance Shellina; grandchildren Naim and Nurin, and sisters Shahsultan Bana and Shakerkhanu (Sakuma) Vazir Ghulam Hussain Alinani.
With her husband of 66 years, Alwaeza Merchant devoted her life to the service of the Imam of the Time and the Jamat as a religious education teacher to the youth of the Jamats in Mozambique, Tanzania and the UK. She was a truly exceptional teacher and she treated each student as her own child. Her co-teachers in London would recall that during a single weekend she would take the underground to visit seven Ismaili religious education centres across London. In both her hands she would be carrying bags of religious education notes and material for distribution to students. At home, she would spend hours on the phone listening to the students’ rehearsing of Dua, Quranic verses, Ginans and Waezes before their recitations in Jamatkhana.
Her oratory as a missionary (waezin) inspired Jamats around the world, enhancing their understanding of the ethics and principles of Islam and the Ismaili Tariqah. A particularly memorable period in her lifetime was when she and her husband undertook a year long Waez tour of the newly settled Jamats in the UK, Europe and North America at the behest of the Supreme Council under Diwan Sir Eboo’s leadership.
Outside her religious duties, her honorary work with the social welfare board in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, uplifted and transformed the lives of many in the Ismaili community who were facing poverty, unemployment and other challenging family circumstances.
Alwaeza and Alwaez were remarkable partners who worked hand in hand and supported each other throughout their years of service. The president of the then Ismaili Association for the UK (now ITREB) Dr. Aziz Kurwa remarked “…..with you Malekbai, I had a formidable team. Both of you supported my work and guided me all the time. The knowledge that Alwaez and Malekbai spread amongst young students in UK and abroad lives in the heart of thousands. There was not a situation where Malekbai and Jehangirbhai did not have the right guidance to offer. Diwan Sir Eboo always admired their devotion and knowledge.”
Alwaeza Maleksultan had remarkable strength of faith and always sought inspiration and strength from her beloved Imam throughout her life, and especially during the 30 month period since the passing of Alwaez in May 2018. Not a moment passed by in her life without acknowledging that Mawlana Hazar Imam was always by her side.
Like her husband, whose mentor was the great Fatimid da’i Al-Mu’ayyad al-Shirazi, Alwaeza’s mentor was Varas Ismail Gangji. As a teacher of Ginanic literature, she would often recount his life and works. In a piece dedicated to Ismaili Gangji she noted: “I have had the immense happiness of teaching and explaining Ginans to my students and members of the Jamat alike. With zeal, enthusiasm and conviction we acknowledged the profound ethical and spiritual truths contained in Ginans, which provide guidance and inspiration in our daily lives. I would like to share one incident that I have narrated frequently during the course of my career. It was an evening that became a turning point in the life of Varas Ismailbhai Gangji.” (Read article)
The passing away of Alwaeza Maleksultan Jehangir Merchant is a difficult moment for the family. Today, the family would like to celebrate an outstanding murid of the Imam who most nobly and sincerely dedicated her life to the Imamat and the Ismaili Jamats worldwide, and we express our shukrana to Mawlana Hazar Imam for the special opportunity given to her to serve the House of the Imam in a special and unique way.
Date posted: January 22, 2021.
Last updated: December 28, 2021 (typo(s) and new links added, see below).
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Mrs. Merchant’s funeral will be held on Thursday, February 4 (see new post Mrs. Merchant’s Tribute Excerpts and The Ismaili iiCanada announcement).
Condolences: We invite you to submit your condolences, memories and tributes to Mrs. Merchant by completing the feedback form below or by clicking on Leave a comment. Your comment may also be submitted to simerg@aol.com. Here is a tribute from several we have so far received.
‘Mrs. Merchant’ has passed? I am ever so sad!
By IZAT VELJI
No matter which way you cut the pie, whenever parents pass on, they leave such a huge void in our hearts that all you can possibly do is pray for their souls’ freedom in Mowla’s Light. May Mowla shower His Noor ke barish (showers of Light) on her and give her soul eternal peace and rest – Ameen.
I have such fond memories of her in my upper primary at Aga Khan Girls School in Dar es Salaam. Her trademark warm and affectionate smile coupled with the sparkle in her eyes endeared her to every student who had the good fortune to be in her class. She taught in an unconventional but a very effective way. She told enthralling stories. The dates and facts were picked up from a vast plethora of books and Quran and her favourite ginans. It was like a beautiful tapestry being woven with reds and greens and golds and silvers! It was done with such joy and passion that we remembered them like children’s stories. It was Mrs. Merchant who introduced us to figures in our history like Gazi Jawhar, Hasan bin Sabah, the development and spread of the Fatimid Empire, the establishment of Alamut – o boy, did the Ismaili history ever come to life when she handled it – hats off to her!
Her own affection and love for her Mowla became very evident in one class when she started her lesson on Hazrat Aly and by the time she came to Mowla Aly’s assassination, she could not control her tears. The pain and hurt were so real for both her and ‘her kids’ that when the bell rang, not one kid twitched. There was pindrop silence in class. Not a single other teacher could command that kind of control over a class like ours – rambunctious and high achievers. But she loved each and every one of us.
She became a pivot in our young lives because she took RI teaching and learning to a whole new level. It was a class you really looked forward to. Bravo and merci beaucoup, Madame Merchant! You have left warm and fond memories behind. With your passionate and selfless seva, I daresay, you will soar like a falcon and rest on Mowla’s glove!
Shukhar! Thanks.
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You may leave a tribute to Maleksultan Jehangir Merchant by completing the feedback form below or by clicking on Leave a comment. Your comment may also be submitted to simerg@aol.com.
Related pieces:
- A Poem in Memory of Mrs. Merchant;
- Alwaez Rajwani’s Very Special Bond with Mrs and Mr Merchant;
- Mrs. Merchant (d. January 21, 2021): Reflections on a Funeral During the Year of Covid-19 as Ismaili Community Bids Goodbye to a Very Popular Teacher and Missionary;
- Mrs. Merchant: Excerpts From Tributes Celebrating Her Life;
- Alwaez Jehangir Merchant (1928-2018); and
- “Life of Jehangir” – includes historical photographs of Mawlana Hazar Imam
Simerg - Insights from Around the World 
Your mum was a respected teacher and a respected Alwaeza, and it has been interesting to read what others have said in their warm tributes to her. My responsibility in ITREB was with manpower training and Alwaez Jehangir specialized in Ismaili fundamental concepts, while Alwaeza lectured on our religious rites and ceremonies with knowledge, conviction and loving emotion. In 1985 when we conducted religious teacher training programme in Lisbon, the love and respect they were shown by their former students from Lourenco Marques was indeed very moving, They had really earned this in Mozambique! Of course your mum spoke to me about your parents service in Mozambique and Tanzania.
May their souls rest in eternal peace. Ameen.
Mr. and Mrs. Merchant were my Religious Class teachers and both of them taught us ginans, firmans, Dua and its meaning and much more! They instilled in us Ismaili values and ethics. Mrs. Merchant and I met in Darkhana Vancouver numerous times and always sat together a while to touch base and spend some quality time together. We had a special bond!
They were both astounding teachers! Both were real gems! Mr Merchant was kind and calm and could answer questions with such clarity no doubt remained. Mrs Merchant had a dynamic personality who loved us and taught us like we were her children.
Mowla forgive all their sins, grant them His Noorani Didaar and usher them in eternal peace! Ameen.
I will miss you both a lot. Mowla give all the family members courage and strength to bear the loss! Ameen.
My Dear Malik and the Merchant Family
Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilahi Rajiun
The news of Mum’s passing caused me great sadness. But it also gave me an opportunity to reflect upon her life and achievements. Your Mum was a remarkable lady – a spiritual person with wisdom, love, compassion, and empathy, who was always ready and willing to give of herself to anyone who sought her assistance. I am speaking from experience as I was fortunate to benefit from her generosity and knowledge. She was an angel, and now, she is one in heaven.
I am most grateful for the opportunity you gave me to participate in her funeral online. I offer my deepest condolences to you and the family and pray Mawla Bapa blesses Mum’s soul with eternal peace and rest and gives you courage and fortitude to bear her loss.
In her memory and as a comfort to all of you I want to quote two well-known poets.
Rabindranath Tagore
“Let it not be death but completeness. Let love melt into memory and pain into songs. Let the flight through the sky end in the folding of the wings over the nest. Let the last touch of your hands be gentle like the flower of the night. Stand still, O Beautiful End, for a moment, and say your last words in silence. I bow to you and hold up my lamp to light you on your way.”
Extract from “When I Die” by Mewlana Jalaluddin Rumi
When I die
when my coffin
is being taken out
you must never think
I am missing this world
don’t shed any tears
don’t lament or
feel sorry
I’m not falling
into a monster’s abyss
When you see
my corpse is being carried
don’t cry for my leaving
I’m not leaving
I’m arriving at eternal love
When you leave me
in the grave
don’t say goodbye
remember a grave is
only a curtain
for the paradise behind
you’ll only see me
descending into a grave
now watch me rise
how can there be an end
when the sun sets or
the moon goes down
With sympathy,
Mohamed Bhimji
UK.
Ya Ali Madad Malik,
We convey our condolences to the family for the sad news of Alwaeza.
We pray Mawla bless Ruhani soul in eternal peace and Mushkil Asaan for the family. Ameen
Rafique & Jasmine Pirani
Dear Malik and family,
Shukr
May the soul of your mother rest in eternal peace. Ameen
Condolences to the family. May Hazar Imam grant you courage and strength to bear this loss.
Ashifa Asaria, Calgary
Dear Malik, Nurin and the Merchant Family:
We, Parin and Amir Kassam knew both your lovely parents. They were a beacon of light to the jamats world-wide and to so many murids they were a source of guidance, comfort and hope.
We remember how helpful your parents were in the seventies to all our brothers and sisters arriving in the UK from Africa. Both your mum and dad would visit the scattered jamats and give them guidance and hope. We lived near Derby and the tiny jamat met only at the week-end but your mum and dad would pay us a visit.
Also, the publication ‘Ilm’ your dad edited and wrote in was a pure joy and source of priceless information and knowledge. Not many are capable of offering such exceptional ‘seva’.
We pray that their souls may rest in eternal peace. Shukher!
Kind regards.
Amir and Parin Kassam
Both alwaez and alwaeza have played a very large and an important role in preparing me as an honorary alwaez serving now for many years. Their kindness, generosity, patience and understanding encouraged me to dedicate myself to the services of the Imam and his Jamat. It is something I will never forget in my life. Their knowledge and the the method of parting it was unique that you will never feel belittled or ignorant. May Mowla bless them both.
I’m from the Aga Khan Girls School, Dar es Salaaam, Class of 1967.
What wonderful memories we have. The religious education instilled into us at our tender age has for me sustained for my entire life. I then met Mrs. and Mr. Merchant in London at 5 Palace Gate. We developed a deep friendship. I was in the Council and they were in Ismailia Association until Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Didar of 1979. The demographic of UK Jamat changed significantly with migrations to USA and Canada.
I went to Australia and lost contact with a lot of my friends and colleagues. I’ve so much religious material hand written by Raisaheba Maleksultan which has been a treasure for me.
I pray may her soul rest in eternal peace and she rests in abode with One who IS above all Else. Ameen
Shamim Khawaja (née Mohamed)
May ALLAH rest Alwaeza Maleksultan Jehangir Merchant’s SOUL in ETERNAL PEACE ameen, Ameeeeen.
We humbly pray that your dearest Mother’s rooh ko jannat naseeb ho & unki rooh asal mai waasal ho jaye, ameen, Ameeeeen.
We pray that MOWLA grants you & your family the strength to bear this phenomenal loss, ameen, Ameeeeen.
My dear Malik,
It was with great distress I heard of the sad news of the passing of your mother. As you can no doubt imagine, that triggered off many feelings and emotions which I am still processing.
What can one say, what can one do, at a time like this? It is sad, and I share your sadness with you. To lose anybody is hard, but to lose such a one as your mother must surely be one of the most painful moments – not only in your life, but also in the lives of those whom she touched.
And yet, to paraphrase Gibran, we grieve not, for what is best in her can be seen clearer from a distance, as the climber sees the mountain from the plains. For what is it to die, but to be able to soar to the firmaments, with the soul unencumbered? Is it not the moment we become fanna fi Allah? The moment of the annihilation of the self, the moment we return to the Source, and are we not at one with the Maker?
No, indeed we grieve not for the departed, but for the void she has left behind. I lost my mother over 45 years ago. The thought of not being able to see her again is indeed heart wrenching; and yet over time, I am left with wonderful memories of her, and there is a warm glow inside me. I am at peace, and I am thankful indeed that I was able to share a part of my life with her. Over time you, too, will find that inner peace, Insh’Allah. You may take solace in in knowing that your mother was a GOOD woman who unselfishly served the Jamat and the Imam all these long years. I had the pleasure of meeting her, and listening to her wisdom.
It is good moment to reflect, to reflect on our role in life, to reflect upon our relationships in life, to take, as it were, a ‘stock’ of our lives, and then to find solace in Zikr. And don’t ever underestimate the Power of Prayer.
Prayer, Bandagi, and Zikr, indeed are great healers – and I have no doubt you will find peace as she already has. But you should also know that you are not alone in your worldly grieving – we are all there for you, and I am only a phone call away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and pray for Eternal Peace for the departed Soul.
Please tell your whole family we are thinking about them in what is no doubt a difficult time, and we pray with you that the Almighty, in His Immense Bounty, grant us all peace and strength. Ameen.
With much love, as always,
Nazir
Dear Malik, Alnoor and Family
It is terribly sad to hear of Mrs Merchant’s demise. May her soul rest in eternal peace and may Mawla give strength to the family to bear this huge loss. Ameen
I have had the privilege of being under Mrs Merchant’s relevant tutelage during my formative years at Aga Khan Girls School, Dar-es-Salaam. Her pedagogy of religious teaching has been splendid and indeed she imbued in us the relevance of being a good Ismaili murid.
I was deeply touched during the Diamond Jubilee Padhramni in Lisbon whereby I heard someone calling “Yasmine” and it was Mrs Merchant who recognised me after over 30 years! What an honour this was! Incredible memory and still so jolly and cheerful!
May I take this opportunity to express my deep respect and admiration also for Alwaez Jehangir Merchant who had a special relationship with my father. This was when my father was bestowed with the honourable seva of President of The Ismailia Association for Tanzania (now ITREB) in the 1960s.
Alwaeza Mrs Merchant and Alwaez Mr Merchant were pillars of our community and will be tremendously missed by the global community.
Shukhar
Yasmine G B Janmohamed
London, UK
It is with sadness I learn of the passing of Alwaeza Raisaheba Maleksultan Jehangir Merchant. A noble lady who dedicated her life to the House of the Imam and to service of Jamat around the globe. It is with fondness I remember working with her at 5 Palace Gate, London, in religious education. She was inspirational and wealth of knowledge and we learnt so much from her. May her soul rest in eternal Peace.
Ya Ali Madad Malik,
I was extremely sad to hear about your beloved mom Alwaeza Raisaheba Maleksultan Jehangir Merchant suddenly passed away last week on January 21, 2021. Please accept my sincere condolences and sympathies. We pray to our beloved Mawlana Hazar Imam for His special blessings and grant the departed Soul His Noorani Didar and may her Soul rest in eternal peace. Aameen.
It has been great pleasure and honour to have known Alwaeza Raisaheba Maleksultan Merchant. She was my religion teacher briefly in Dar es Salaam and I loved her. She was my favourite Alwaeza too. Your beloved mom was a special Soul. Shukhar!
May Mawla give you and your family strength and courage to bear this great loss. Aameen.
With Prayer and Sympathies,
Roshan
We, the “Class of 1967” of Agakhan Girls’ School, Dar es Salaam, say a mournful goodbye to our dear teacher Mrs. Merchant. Mournful, because with her passing, we say goodbye to someone who represented a life of unconditional and generous giving, sacrifice, integrity, humility. She imparted with such patience and understanding of her teenaged students, her wealth of knowledge and wisdom, as she tried to instill in us the values and ethics of our faith.
But our hearts simultaneously smile and are filled with gratitude, that we can claim to have been touched and influenced by one so profoundly wise and good, so loving and kind. We are richer for it, our world is warmer for it, and we pray that we can pass on a little bit of that richness and warmth. We express our gratitude once again, for our other teacher and mentor, dear Mr. Merchant. Together, the two gave immeasurably to the entire community, in many different parts of the globe.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. And so we humbly accept the will of Allah as He takes our beloved teacher home for eternal rest.
To Mr. and Mrs. Merchant’s immediate family, we send you our sympathies and sincerest prayers for your strength and courage. May the memory of your parents bring a smile to your faces and warmth in your hearts.
Dear Malik and family,
My family and I were deeply saddened to learn that your beloved mom has passed away. While we did not have the honour to know Alwaeza Raisaheba Maleksultan Jehangir Merchant the way so many people here did, I recall having the opportunity to meet your mom and dad one time. Their examples of such devoted service to the Imam and the Jamat are truly inspiring! We pray that your beloved mom’s soul rests in eternal peace. Ameen. May she be blessed with Noorani Deedar and return to the Noor of Allah. Ameen.
Ya Ali Madad to you and your family.
Dear Malik,
When I learnt of your beloved Mum’s passing, I experienced mixed emotions. On the one hand, I could relate very much to the void left in your, Fahar’s, and Alnoor’s lives and yet also had the satisfaction of knowing that her soul is very much with your beloved Dad and in the Noor of Allah. Ameen and Shukhar.
As neighbours growing up in beautiful 1960’s Dar, I have very fond memories of our time playing together and of your Dad and Mum. They were such wonderful people and showed kindness and affection towards everyone they met and interacted with, especially the kids. I remember them always patting mine and my brother’s head and saying “Acha Bacha”.
Obviously, this is a very difficult time for all of you but fortunately, you have many great memories that reside in you to help you through this time. They are never truly gone as they are always in that wonderful place we call the ‘thinking brain’ and that helps to sustain us. So, in the coming days remember the good times, the love, and their teachings, and hopefully, it will help you overcome your sorrow.
Please convey my kind regards and affection to Fahar and Alnoor.
Karim Akber Hassam Ladha
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mrs Merchant. She was a wonderful, inspirational and exceptional lady. Mrs Merchant was my Baitul Ilm teacher and mentor; she always encouraged and supported me in Ginan recitation in Jamatkhana. She filled me with confidence and was always there for me. I will really miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. May Mrs Merchants’s soul rest in eternal peace.
More comments from social media:
Sumaira Allibhoy: So sorry to hear about Mrs. Merchant – she was my religious class teacher and principal for many years in London – Mr. Merchant was a teacher in later years. She was an icon and I have many fond memories of her 😊 May her soul rest in eternal peace and may the family be blessed with strength and peace to bear this great loss (Aameen 🤲)
Shirin Dhanani: May the beautiful soul rest in eternal peace. Ameen 🙏🙏🙏
Zeenat Momnani: Rip🌹
Ĥuśśíŋ Ĥwặíjěĥ:📌 flares of light do not go out, Imam protects you, walk forward📎
Aly Khan: Amazing seva- RIEP ❤️
Rustam Kassam: My family and my thoughts and prayers for mum and you your family . May her soul rest in eternal peace. 🙏🙏🙏
Shaherose Shiwani: Your mother, Maleka Merchant was my teacher in Tanzania. Rai Gulamali Rawjee, the person you are looking for, and the person who looked after you when there was Citizenship crisis, in Mozambique (Lourenco Marques) happens to be my Uncle, real brother of my mother Maleksultan Rawjee Babool. Small world.
Nadir Walji: Mowla rest the soul in eternal peace and bless the soul with His Noorani Didar 🙏
Karamand Yasmeen Moolji: Ya Ali Madad. Alwaeza Maleka Merchant & Jehangir Merchant both were my teachers in Pakistan in earlu 70’s. May their souls rest in eternal peace. Aameen
Naznin Hajee: Mrs. Merchant was my religion teacher in Dar es Salaam late 60s. She was instrumental in instilling love of faith in me. Forever indebted to her memory. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Amira Tharani: I remember both of your parents from my visits to Putney Jamatkhana where they would give classes after Jamatkhana. We were all in awe of your mum especially – the last thing you wanted as a child was to be told off by ‘Mrs Merchant.’ May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Abdul Sacoor: as minhas condolencias a familia e ao Malik Merchant….from Portugal abdulsacoor
Shaheen Chino Khan: Respect and gratitude for all your teaching over the years. Rest in peace 🙏 innalillahi wa inna illahi rajeun
Gulnar Hemani: We pray that may Mowla protect Alwawza s beautiful soul on her journey to eternity and rest his soul in eternal peace. Ameen. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your entire family and we pray that may Mowla grant you all peace, calmness, understanding, compassion, tolerance and love at this difficult juncture in your lives. Ameen
Yasmin Pradhan: May Alwaeza’s soul rest in eternal peace. My deepest condolences to the family
Naznin Jiwa: May Alwaeza’s soul always rest in eternal peace. Deepest condolences to the family.
Zulfikar Ali: Allahumma sali ala MUuhammediw wa aale Muhammed aameen Rest in Eternal Peace aameen
Anaar Shivji: May Allah rest her soul in eternal peace. Ameen. Verily to Allah we Belong and unto Him shall we Return. Ameen.
Nazish Alinani: May the departed soul rest in eternal peace and grant the family strength to bear this irreparable loss… Ameen
Alwaeza My Mum
Your death took away joy from my life but will Hold on to the Beautiful Memories of times Spent with you.
I will forever Love ❤️ and Adore You Mom for everything you taught me in Life. In our Hearts 💕 you hold a place no one else will ever fill. I cried endlessly but I promise I won’t let that tears mar the smiles you have given. I know you will always listen from above.
Remembering You is Easy I will do Everyday but there will be an ache within my heart ♥️ that will never go away.
Mother my Angel God has given you your Assignment
“AlWAYS my MOTHER
“FOREVER My ANGEL
Mowla Rest Her Soul in Eternal Peace Amen 🙏 ♥️👏🙏
Ash Bharmal: Great service to Community. Allah rest her soul in eternal peace. It was privilege to know her
You will always be my Eternal Angel
God made a Wonferful Mother
He made a Smile of Sunshine and He moulded her Heart of Pure Gold
In her eyes He placed bright shining stars
In her eyes he placed bright shining stars
In her cheeks fair roses and He gave that Mother to us.
Dear Malik, Alnoor, Fahar & family
Extremely sad to hear about the demise of your mum.
Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajiyun
Shukar Alhamdulilah
Both mum and dad’s untiring and relentless sewa to Mowlana Hazer Imam will be etched in our hearts forever. The commitment and dedication to the teachers and students in the UK was exemplary. Both your mum and dad had been my mentors in London and I have learnt so much from them. We feel very privileged to have them as part of our lives.
I have vivid memories of our dinner with mum when she was visiting London in 2018 and I feel so blessed to have met her then after many years.
We pray Mawla bless the soul of the Ruhani in eternal peace and grant the family with strength and forbearance. Amen
Warm Regards
Rozmin & Mehboob Fazal
Ya Ali Madad Andulmalik/Alnoor
We were sad to learn of the passing away of your beloved mother Raisaheba Alwaeza Maleksultan. On behalf of our family, please accept our heartfelt condolences on her passing away. We pray for the eternal peace and rest of her soul. May Allah give you all strength and courage during this difficult period. She was a humble and dedicated member of our Jamat. She had a very good knowledge of our faith which she shared with the Jamat through her very inspiring waezes. She will be missed by the Jamat.
Mohamed
Dear Malik and Alnoor and family,
Hearing about Alwaeza passing away brought a flood of memories with emotions of the wonderful souls that both your parents were and what a privilege it was to have them so much as part of our lives. They were not only instrumental in working day to day with them as we launched the Bait-ul-ilms in the UK, a global name now but they taught us so much about faith, resilience, forgiveness and how to navigate through tests with sense of faith.
Their unquestioning dedication to serve generations of children, and teachers and the Jamat with love through their knowledge and wisdom were a source of comfort to so many of us. They always listened and never judged and I can remember so many times when I thought one thing and they gave us different perspectives to think of that made far more sense.
Personally as a family, we will also cherish their insights to all our struggles. We pray that she is now at peace with Alwaez and showered with blessings and prayers from all those they have touched. Amen
With fondest regards
Azim and Tasneem Virani
Ya Ali Madad Malik
It with great sadness I have learned of the passing away of your dear Mum and our precious Alwaeza and teacher without whom we and our children would not be where we are now. Shukhar. Please accept our family’s condolences and we all pray her soul rests in eternal peace under Mawlabapa’s care where Dad is. Inshallah.
We pray you, Fahar, Alnoor and the family get the strength and courage to bear this great loss Ameen.
With love and prayers.
Asif, Elhaque, Yasmin and Nizar Dhanani.
Ya Ali Madat Malik,
Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajiun.
Extremely sad to hear about your Mother’s passing away. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
May Mowla Bapa forgive her sins, bless the departed soul with Noorani Didar and rest her soul in Eternal peace.
May Mowla Bapa give the family the strength and courage to bear this loss. Ameen!
Please pass our condolences to your entire family.
Regards,
Chhotu & Salma Rajwani Family
Dear Malik:
Our deepest condolences on the sad demise of your Mother (our dear teacher). We pray that her soul rest in Eternal Peace. We also pray that you and all family members be blessed with the strength of coping with the loss of a loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Regards,
Yasmin and Zul Jiwani
Dear Malik
Very sad to hear of mum’s passing away from her physical abode. A truly great teacher who was not only inspirational in her imparting her religious knowledge to the Jamat from Africa to Canada but she was a truly motivating individual who had a very positive attitude and a cheerful personality.
Mum was instrumental in my foundational knowledge of our faith since Dar es Salaam, she used to be the main judge at our Dua and Ginan competitions and in London, visited the various mobile Mission classes, using the public transport, whatever the weather, to motivate the administrators and teachers. Mum’s memories will always be alive in our hearts.
Her Religious Knowledge Books 1-4 will always remain alive in our hearts as we embedded our faith through her. I recall as a child in Upanga where whenever mum used to give her waez, our Jamatkhana used to be packed and people who listened to her waez used to have tears in their eyes as she brought alive the historical events in our faith. God bless her and pray for the forgiveness of her sins and for the eternal peace and rest of her soul, Amen.
We miss dad too and hope they will both be united in their spiritual abode, Amen.
We pray for the family’s mushkil ahsan, Ameen.
Shenie and Roshanbai Dhanji
Dear Malik
Our family joins numerous mourners who have paid glowing tributes to your mother and to your father, as they were a formidable couple, whose seva laid the foundation of religious education in different parts of the world.
Unfortunately I was not amongst the students or the jamats who so enormously benefited from their religious and secular knowledge they imparted over several decades. I salute you for keeping alive their legacy, of spreading knowledge, through Simerg and Barakah.com which have become dynamic and encyclopedic.
Dear Malik Saheb,
I was very sorry to hear the sad demise of your dear mother, Alwaeza Raisaheba Maleksultan Jehangir Merchant on 21st January. My condolences to you and your families . I knew both Alwaez Jehangirbhai and Alwaeza Maleksultanbai very well from London UK. I used to meet them often at the entrance of the London Darkhana. I can never forget Alwaeza’s happy and lovely smile on her face when greeting me with Ya Ali Madad.
Later in life, I met them a few times during my frequent visits to Vancouver at Barnaby Darkhana as well. She really liked being in Vancouver. She was a fine lady and will be greatly and dearly missed by us.
May Mowla Bless her soul to rest in eternal peace and give family the strength to bear the great loss – Ameen
Gulshan Jamani
Dear Malik:
We pray for you and your family’s mushkila shant, and comfort during this difficult time. Your beautiful mum, you introduced me to her once at yoga class, is at peace with her beloved Mawla whom she served so lovingly and diligently all her life. Her service is her legacy to the jamat and the family.
Shukhar,
Sultan Somjee
The passing ons of one’s parents are always sad moments. If there is any consolation, in both their cases they lived a life to the fullest, in piety and care for the people. If there is consolation for you in your mother’s passing it must be in the messages you have received and are receiving here and on your social media platforms showing the lives she touched.
I being Ugandan and not having been in London during her times cannot recall any personal contacts but see how profound they were for 100s of our people of all classes. I found the poems the most touching. Both your parents were well versed in ginans and several lines can be quoted for them: “sarag bhawan thi maati mangawi…”
Vali IV Jamal,
Kampala, Uganda.
My dear friend Malik,
Sorry to hear about your Mom. She was just like your Dad an Angel and a great sevadari of our community. A humble, gracious, highly spiritual and pure soul.
May her soul rest in eternal peace! She has completed her mission wonderfully! Ameen
Dear Malik,
We are all very grieved to hear about your beloved mom’s passing so suddenly. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and we pray to Mawla to grant her His Noorani Deedar and rest her soul in eternal peace. May He also grant you and your family courage and inner peace to bear this great loss. Ameen.
How can we forget your mom? She was the beacon of all Ismailis around the world. I have no words to describe her love for the Jamats and dedication in the service to our Imam-e-Zaman.
We knew your mom very well as she worked (honorary seva) with my late father, Master Abdul Jaffer Devani in the Social Welfare Board in late 1960’s in Dar es Salaam. I don’t remember ever missing any of Mrs. Merchant’s Waezes in Dar! She was one of a kind and will always be remembered fondly as the best Waezin of our time!
The contribution made by both your parents as religious educators for all Ismailis, young and old is immeasurable and unforgettable.
Malik, when we spoke on Thursday evening, a few hours before she passed away, we were praying for a miracle. Perhaps, the miracle is that her soul departed peacefully and is now with His Noor. Shukhar!
“Remember, those we hold closest to our hearts never truly leave us. They live on in the kindness they have shared and the love they brought into our lives.”
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Take care and Best wishes
Shah and Shiraz Abdulla and
the Devani Sisters
Ya Ali Madad and Greetings, Malik.
I read about your mother’s passing with deep sadness. Both your parents embodied what it means to live a life of service to the Imam and the jamat, and you are continuing that tradition.
May Mawla bless both their souls, bring succour to you and your family, and bless you and your family with joy, health, wisdom, prosperity, gratitude, and well being, ameen.
My heart goes out to you in your time of grief and loss as you celebrate the lives your parents led.
Zayn
Dear Malik,
So very sorry to hear about mum’s passing. A noble, humble, pious, gentle lady.
Dad and mum were my mentors, very very committed Murids. Pioneers of the UK religious education system.
Our prayers for their souls.
Prayers for all your family, Al Noor I knew well also.
Hope family tradition will continue in serving the Imam of the time.
I see your wonderful work
With prayers and love
Amina and Anil Ishani
Inna Illahi wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon.
Alhamdullilah, I treasure very fond memories of beloved Mrs. Merchant as we knew her during our days in London UK . She was a very valued member of our Putney and Tooting jamats during our term of office as Jamati Kamadiasaheb and subsequently Mukhisaheb.
She was a mentor for the young students in the Jamat. Indeed a gracious lady of high caliber and integrity. She holds a candle in my heart.
May her noble soul rest in Eternal Peace. Ameen. 🙏
Ya Ali Madad Malik, Fahar and Alnoor
We convey our condolences to the family for the sad news of Alwaeza.
She was a pillar for the Jamat and we will always remember her for the foundations she built for the Jamat
We pray Mawla bless Ruhani soul in eternal peace and Mushkil Asaan for the family. Ameen
Regards, Nazir and Farida
I am saddened on Malek aunty’s passing away. Mowla Ruhani kay Assal Mubarak Mein Waasal Kare ….Aameen!!
Malek Aunty was a childhood friend of my dad and Fuima and was often remembered warmly by both of them. She and Jehangir Uncle were both Alwaezins of the highest caliber & served MowlaBapa and the Jamat all their lives. Shukhar!!
We convey our condolences to all members of the family. Bearing the loss of such a loving mother is definitely going to bear heavy. May Mowla grant patience and forbearance to you and the family. Aameen!!
Warm Regards and
Ya Ali Madad!!
Mom and Tazal
Dear Malik,
Tazim, my wife and some of my family members were so blessed and fortunate to have had an opportunity to cross path for a brief but memorable occasion with your mum during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in Lisbon, Portugal.
As the global event was so unique, we were giving mubaraki to whomever we were meeting of the global Jamat, and we happened to be with your mum on a shuttle together, on our way to one of the great Jubillee events. She was dressed so well, glowing and was with Shams Surani, who was assisting her.
We had heard about your mum Rai Saheba and your dad Late Rai Saheb Merchant from our parents, but first time saw her in person your mum. She was truly lighted with Noor.
Your mother being so spiritual, unique and ahead of her time was happy sharing with us, in the brief encounter we had with her, her excitement and experience having witnessed all previous Jubilees of our present Imam including Jubilees of Mawlana Sultan Mohamed Shah.
May your mum’s soul rest in eternal peace. May your family have strength at this difficult time. May Mawla accept your and all family’s seva in looking after your dad and her.
You have taken over the mantle from your parents in continuing your family’s exemplary tradition of intellectually educating the global Jamat through your brilliant Simerg publications with your unequivocal passion and hard work. You are also a true Da’i in your own way.
Your mum like your dad had prepared her journey with all her lifetime selfless seva for our Imam and the Jamats across the world.
Mawla will sure receive her with open arms and she will join your dad soon.
May Mawlana Hazar Imam rest her soul in eternal peace. Ameen.
Shiraz Nasser
Our deepest condolences on the passing away from this life of your beloved mother. May her soul rest in eternal peace. Amen.
Our lives are but a drop in the ocean of eternity and Raisaheba’s life was one well lived, and she now continues her journey to her final destination.
Our prayers and sympathies are sent out to you and the Merchant family.
Yasina Ismaily and Shiraz Mawani
Dear Malik,
We were deeply sorry to learn about the passing away of your mother. INA LI LAHI WA INA ILAHI RAJIYUN
We humbly pray that may her soul rest in eternal peace.
Our lives are but a short passage in eternity. The departed soul, as our Imam has explained, is on its next stage of the journey, a new beginning rather than an end in any manner. We can take solace from the fact that the departed soul is happier than what we might conceive.
May Mowla grant you the courage to face your loss with inner strength and fortitude, and take comfort in the in the following words :
God looked around his Garden
And found some empty space
God then looked down upon the earth
And saw your tired face
He put his arms around you
And lifted you to rest
God’s garden must be beautiful
For He only takes the best
At this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with you, and the entire family.
We fondly remember your mother……….ever so gracious, gregarious, warm and loving. Her commitment and love for the Imam were extraordinary, and her desire to share her knowledge and wisdom, one-on-one or during her waezes was unconditional.
We will all miss her.
With kind thoughts and much love,
Shamshad and Jalal
A wonderful and touching tribute to your Mother, a lovely lady indeed. May her soul rest in eternal peace with your Father. Deep condolences for your loss, you have shown a fantastic example of both your Parents, carry on, carry strong!
Dear Malik:
I was saddened to hear of the passing of your mum. We pray for eternal peace, rest and batuni noorani deedar for the soul of your mum. At the same time, we offer prayers for mushkil asan for all your family members.
The life-long devoted services rendered to Mawlana Hazar Imam and the Jamath by both your mum and dad were an exceptional example for the Jamath.
Please let us know if we can assist with any of the required arrangements in the coming days.
Warmest wishes,
Ameer
Dear Alnoor, Malik and Family,
Our heartfelt condolences to you on the passing away of your beloved Mum, Alwaeza Raisaheba Maleksultan J Merchant.
Along with thousands of others, we learnt a lot about our faith from Alwaeza and your late father, Alwaez Jehangir Merchant.
We were very fortunate to have met Alwaeza at the Diamond Jubillee Darbar in Lisbon. We will cherish those happy memories.
It is so gratifying to see that your Family is continuing to serve our Community.
We pray that Alwaeza’s soul may rest in eternal peace and that Mawla grant the family strength at this sad time. Ameen
Ya Ali Madad,
Fidahusein and Rozina Rahemtulla Family
Dear Malik,
May Allah give you and your family Sabr, on the death of your Mom, such an inspiring Lady. May Allah bless her soul with peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and the departed soul. Ameen
Salma & John Rahim
My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Your mum was truly a wonderful woman. I will always remember how amazing she was. My deepest sympathies on her death.
May Allah rests her soul in peace and guide her path in Jannah. May Allah (SWT) give you and your family strength to overcome this loss. Ameen.
INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAYHI RAJIOON.
The Prophet declared that the path to Paradise begins from a mother’s lap. I can see her wonderful influence in the people she has touched, and am truly grateful for the kindness of her example.
Inallilahi wa ina illayhi rajaun
Thinking of you all upon hearing of auntie’s passing. She was a beloved figure in our lives. We loved spending time with her because she was persistently a wealth of knowledge.
The Bana and Pradhan family are sending their heartfelt condolences. May Mowla grant you all the strength to bear the loss and may the Ruhani find everlasting peace.
Dear Malik and Alnoor,
I was greatly saddened to learn of passing away of your beloved mother Al-waeza Maleksultanbai. May Mawla grant her soul eternal peace. May Mawla grant you and your family, courage and fortitude to bear this great loss.
I had a great honour to work with both your parents both in Dar es Salaam as well in Europe on many occasions. Their continuous support made my work easy in my new challenge when I came to Paris in 1970s.
The late Al-Waez Rai Jehangir and Al-Waeza Rai Saheba Malekbai’s selfless seva will be remembered by many. Students, religion teachers, colleagues as well as members of the Jamat all over the world.
Dear Malik Bhai,
Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illayhi Raji’oun
With great sadness we have heard demise of your loving mother and a great dedicated servant of Mowlana Hazar Imam who with your late father have dedicated the life to serve Mowla and the Jamat worldwide. We earnestly pray for her soul to be laid in eternal peace and her soul attain noorani and Batini deedaar….amen.
Furthermore our humble prayers for the family to have courage and strength to bear this great loss……..amen
Dear Malik,
Very sorry to hear about the sad demise of your Mom.
Both Mom and Dad were well respected, admired and loved by their students, peers and the Jamat in general. They lived an exemplary life and served the Imam and community with humility, dignity and sincerity.
May their souls rest in eternal peace
May Allah grant you peace and courage to face your loss. Amen
Best regards
Firoz Ismail
I knew Malek and Jehangir Merchant from Dar es Salaam time from the early 1960’s and then of course they were in London from 1975 onwards.
They rendered great seva for the Jamat and the Imam over many decades. Malek taught my daughters their Dua and Ginans. I grieve with you Malik. This is a big loss for all of us. My thoughts are that Malek has gone to the other shore to meet with her Maker where she will rest in eternal peace.
May her soul rest in eternal Peace.
Warmly
Amir Bhatia
We had the opportunity to work with and admire the huge contribution Alwaeza and Alwaez made to the UK in the late 1980’s and early 1990s. Their dedication built a solid foundation for the UK Jamat. We pray for the soul of the Ruhani.
Yasmin & Mehboob Neky
Malik Merchant Ya Ali Madad,
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family and to your mother’s other relatives and their families and friends. May God give you all patience, strength and courage to bear this loss. Losing a mother is the situation of deep grief as many of us have experienced. I have fond memories of hearing the Waezs of Raisaheba Maleksultan as indeed your father Jehangir Merchant, as I used to live in London, England through the 1970s. May her soul rest in eternal peace. Amen.
Barkat Moosa
Toronto.
Dear All
I heard with sadness the passing away of your mum. Please accept my family’s condolences. I remember very well both your dad and mum during their first years in London. Their contribution was phenomenal.
May her soul always rest In eternal peace, continuously surrounded by Mowla Bapa’s Infinite Nur …….Ameen. Mowla Rhuani Ja Kul Guna Mafe Kare, Noorani Deedar Naseeb Kare, Ruhani ke assel me vaasel kare, Amar shanti bakshe. Ameen.
May Mowla Bapa give the family strength, ability to bear the loss……. Ameen.
Take care, be safe and be Infinitely blessed…….Ameen
Ya Ali Madad dear Malik.
We are very sorry for the loss of your mother. Shukar! Innallillahi wa inna illahi rajeun. Our sincere condolences.
Both Raisaheba & Rai saheb have served the Imam & Jamar selflessly. You’ve done a lot of seva for your parents. Both your mother and father were my mentors and teachers in London UK and I have very fond memories of them in Canada too.
May their soul rest in eternal peace, Ameen! Keeping you in our prayers and thoughts at this difficult time. Nashir & Rosemin Abdulla, Ottawa
Dear Anoor and family
Condolences for passing away of Alwaeza Maleksultan Merchhant. Her great service will always be remembered. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
May you all have strength and courage at this difficult time.. Shukhran
Khatoon Sidi and family
May Your Soul Rest Forever in The Eternal Abode of Janaat. Rest Now For You Have Reached Your Manzil. AMEN
MalekSultan and Jehangir Merchant will always be remembered fondly. I knew them from London and also last met them in Vancouver. They will be missed immensely. . May Mowla Bless them. Ameen.
Dear Malik,
Nadia and I are deeply saddened by the passing of your beloved mother, Alwaeza Raisaheba Maleksultan Jehangir Merchant.
We are among the generation of the Jamat who recall with gratitude the immense contribution that Maleksultanbai and your late father made to our development during our formative years in Dar-es-Salaam. They laid in our minds a strong foundation of Ismaili history and principles, as well ethics and values, which sustains to this day. From those early days, both your parents went on to serve with distinction the cause of the Imamat and Jamat in many countries around the world.
We pray that may the late Maleksultanbai’s soul rest in eternal peace, and may you and the entire Merchant family be granted comfort and strength in your bereavement.
With sympathy,
Vazir Shafik Sachedina and Vazirbanoo Nadia Sachedina
Ya Ali Madad, Malikbhai,
We were very sorry to hear the sad news of your mother’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. We pray that may her soul rest in eternal peace and may Maula grant her loved ones strength to bear this lose. Ameen
Kind regards,
Roshan and Noorallah,
Ottawa
Dear Malik,
Giap and I are so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I know how you tried to manage your commitments between eastern and western Canada to be able to help her after your father passed away. And now she’s gone too.
Inna lillahi wa inna illayi raji’un.
After all the sewa she gave and wisdom she provided to so many people in the Jamat, I pray that she may rest in eternal peace.
I am thinking of you and your family as you endeavour to fill the void that she has left in your lives.
With prayers and warmest wishes,
Salma
Alwaeza Maleksultan Merchant’s journey is to be celebrated..
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un”
Alwaeza has gifted a legacy to her students spanning multiple decades, across many lands.
We, her students have been nourished with Alwaeza’s example of fidelity, selflessness, and clarity.
Be it in classrooms, JamatKhana’s, and even in intimate surroundings, her heart and mind were habitually in the moment.
We all have truly been blessed to have had a glimpse of Alwaeza’s path, for she has planted seeds of understanding, morality and empathy.
Reflecting upon our discourse over the years, it was intriguing how every topic was rooted with wisdom from the divine.
Dearest Alnoor, Malik & Fahar, we thank you, and your entire families for sharing the journey of your parents with us, their students and the entire Jamat. The sacrifices of Alwaez Jehangir and Alwaeza Maleksultan have been profound.
We hold them both in high esteem ~
May there Soul’s attain Spiritual Salvation..
May the entire family remain steadfast and united..
🙏🏽 A’AMEEN
I am very sad to learn about the demise of your dear mother. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace. Ameen.
May your beloved mother’s soul rest in eternal peace 🙏
My mother Sakar Amersi in Los Angeles and I are much saddened to hear of the passing away of Alwaeza.
My mother gained all her religious knowledge from Alwaeza in Lourenco Marques. There was always a very strong bond between them. Master Jehangir, as my parents always called him, was a family fixture when we were in Nairobi. Meherbanu aunty also was very saddened to learn we have lost them both. May they always rest in Allah’s eternal realm.
May Allah rest her soul in eternal peace Ameen
O Malik, ‘Mrs. Merchant’ has passed? I am ever so sad!
My deepest condolences to you and your whole family. No matter which way you cut the pie, whenever parents pass on, they leave such a huge void in our hearts that all you can possibly do is pray for their souls’ freedom in Mowla’s Light. May Mowla shower His Noor ke barish on her and give her soul eternal peace and rest – Ameen.
I have such fond memories of her in my upper primary at Aga Khan Girls School in Dar es Salaam. Her trademark warm and affectionate smile coupled with the sparkle in her eyes endeared her to every student who had the good fortune to be in her class. She taught in an unconventional but a very effective way. She told enthralling stories. The dates and facts were picked up from a vast plethora of books and Quran and her favourite ginans. It was like a beautiful tapestry being woven with reds and greens and golds and silvers! It was done with such joy and passion that we remembered them like children’s stories. It was Mrs. Merchant who introduced us to figures in our history like Gazi Jawhar, Hasan bin Sabah, the development and spread of the Fatimid Empire, the establishment of Alamut – o boy, did the Ismaili history ever come to life when she handled it – hats off to her!
Her own affection and love for her Mowla became very evident in one class when she started her lesson on Hazrat Aly and by the time she came to Mowla Aly’s assassination, she could not control her tears. The pain and hurt were so real for both her and ‘her kids’ that when the bell rang, not one kid twitched. There was pindrop silence in class. Not a single other teacher could command that kind of control over a class like ours – rambunctious and high achievers. But she loved each and every one of us.
She became a pivot in our young lives because she took RI teaching and learning to a whole new level. It was a class you really looked forward to. Bravo and merci beaucoup, Madame Merchant! You have left warm and fond memories behind. With your passionate and selfless seva, I daresay, you will soar like a falcon and rest on Mowla’s glove!
Shukhar! Thanks.
My warm wishes and prayers,
Izat Velji (nee Koorjee).
May Mowla forgive all her short comings and may her soul rest in eternal peace. Aameen.. Please accept our condolences..
Shukar. Alwaeza will be greatly missed. I was fortunate to speak to Alwaeza day before she passed away on behalf of The Care For The Elderly. She showered me with lot of Dua.
Please accept my sincere condolences and I pray Mowla Rest The Soul of Alwaeza in eternal Peace. May Mowla Grant the Family strength to Bear this loss.
Farida Alimohamed Raghavji
My dear Malik, Alnoor and Fahar,
My sincere sympathies in your loss. Your mother was very blessed to have you support in the last years of her life. She had a lifetime of Seva, and I pray for her peaceful abode in the next world with your departed father.
What a lovely picture of her with Hazar Imam and your Dad, and also with Begum Salima.
I pray for her Amar Shanti Amen
Ya Ali Madad
Farouk Verjee
Our condolences to you and family, Pray for departed soul to rest in eternal peace, Ameen.
Malik Merchant and family,
My wife and I are very sad to learn about the passing away of your dear mother. We are praying Mawla to rest her soul in eternal peace and grant your family strength to bear this great loss. Amen
S.M.Mitha
My wife Roshan and I are very sad to hear of the passing of Alwaeza Raisaheba Maleksultan Jehangir Merchant.
May Mowla rest her soul in eternal peace and bless the family with strength and fortitude to face this immense loss, Ameen.
I have known Alwaeza for over 50 years. She was my religion teacher and mentor during the last two years of my high school in Dar es Salaam. I fondly remember the religion discussion sessions we had with Alwaeza and her late husband Marhum Alwaez Jehangir Merchant at their home. They were instrumental in my (and my close friend’s) desire to pursue university education in Islamic Study. They were intending to have the Ismaili Association sponsor this education and I actually obtained admission to the American University in Beirut. Unfortunately this sponsorship fell apart due to the intervention of the Agakhan Education Board and I ended up studying engineering…long story.
I, with Roshan, again met Alwaez and Alwaeza when they moved to Toronto. After they moved to Vancouver, I always try to see them whenever I attended the Ismaili Centre Jamatkhana in Burnaby while visiting Vancouver .
Finally, we were greatly honoured by their presence at the wedding of my son Amin in Vancouver in 2010.
Alwaeza has left a lasting impression in my upbringing and will be greatly missed.
Dear Malik:
May her soul rest in eternal peace and may Mowla give yo and the family strength and courage to bear this sad and untimely demise of your mother. Ameen.
Habiba and Sultan Allidina.
Deepest condolences, Malik, in which I am joined by my Mum (Khatoon).
Your Mother & Father alike were milestones in the shared socio-intellectual growth of our community, notably in East Africa. Let me share a personal memory.
As an early teen in Dar-es-Salaam, your Mother was my coach for the first wa’ez contest that I ventured into, reckoning it would be an extension of the school talks & debates that relished. Visits to your home were encounters with a teacher who exuded a unique coupling of passion and discipline; no, a wa’ez was no ordinary talk, certainly not a debate. Patiently, she teased out and fostered the keys: pace, clarity, command of material, sincerity, lightness … The lessons remained long after the contest (yes, I won) — not just for wa’ez but for wider communication.
Alwa’eza Raisaheba Maleksultan Merchant: may her soul repose in peace.
Our heartfelt condolences on the demise of Alwaeza Malikbai. We pray for her maghferah and solace to the family members. We are from Allah and to Him shall we return. Al Fateha.
Dear Alnoor, Malik and Fahar.
Our heartfelt condolences. We are so sad to hear about the sad demise of our beloved religion teacher, Mrs Merchant. May Mawla bless her soul to rest in eternal peace. Ameen. May Mawla bless all ruhani souls to rest in eternal peace. Ameen.
May Mawla bestow her children and family courage and strength to bear this irreplaceable great loss. Ameen.
I have very fond memories of my religion teacher, Mrs Merchant, in Dar es Salaam’s Aga Khan Girls school.
Mrs. Merchant was always smiling, kind and hardworking. She was instrumental in instilling faith in us and making religion an important part of our life, and taught us that without it there was no foundation. — just like how our parents & grandparents taught us. She is now smiling from above as her goals and dreams remain fulfilled. Shukar.
Please take good care of yourself and your brothers. Stay Blessed. Be safe.
Mawla Accept all Seva and Bless everyone. Ameen.
With Ya Ali Madad and best wishes.
Sincerely
Shamin Rahim and family.
I was saddened to hear that your mother passed away. My thoughts are with you and your family, May Mawla rest her soul in eternal peace. Ameen
Ya Ali Madad Malik.
Liaquat, Hafeez, Jamil and I were deeply saddened to hear about your mum’s passing. She will always be remembered as our religion teacher, imparting knowledge to all of us while in Mowla’s seva. What an honourable service she was blessed with! We pray that may Mowla forgive her sins and grant her eternal peace, Amen.
Regards,
Gulla
Very sad to hear the news on 22nd but remember your mother was a mother and pillar to many murids including our Imam.
We pray for her safe abode above the clouds and be our guiding angel. Her duty was finished and her soul was ready to join her beloved. It’s very easy to say but the pain of having to let go physical of mother is never replaced NEVER! My prayers and deep condolences to the family.
Sincerely
Nazfren Damji/Bhanji
“Life is a great and noble calling, not a mean and grovelling thing to be shuffled through as best as we can but a lofty and exalted destiny.” — Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, His Highness the Aga Khan III (1877-1957), 48th Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.
This above beautiful quote was instilled in me by my religion teacher in the 60s known to me as Mrs. Merchant. I will forever be indebted to her as the first religion teacher who impacted my life in such an enlightening way. May her soul rest in eternal peace and may you all have the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss.
Dear Malik
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear mother. Our condolences to you and your family. May Mowla rest her soul in eternal peace. Ameen
In Sorrow
Bud & Yasmin
Sukhar. Please accept our sincere condolences on the sad demise of your mother. May Maula rest her soul in eternal peace and grant family strength to bear this immense loss.
Ya Ali Madad Malik,
We mourn the loss with you and your entire family and friends. We pray for the souls to rest in eternal peace and tranquility in the gardens of heaven. May Hazar Imam bestow his blessings and grant the family with strength and solace through prayers.
Anis & Naj Hirani, Toronto
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. We were so lucky and blessed to have been taught by her in Dar es salaam.
May her soul rest in eternal peace. Ameen
Mehbub and Tazim Kara
Dear Malik.
MAY HER SOUL BE IN THE NOORANI ABODE IN PEACE. Ameen. Both your parents were true momins and devoted their lives to the Imam for the sake of betterment of the jamat. Their selfless service to the house of IMAM-E-ZAMAN & JAMAT will remain an everlasting memory throughout the world-wide jamat. They were true momins & fidai! We knew them both personally & they are close to our hearts & thoughts.
They are not with us physically but always with us eternally. When a momin passes away they are are in one Noor of Imamat.
May their ideals be a source of Inspiration to global jamats. We love you.
Mansoor & Gulshan Charania families.
Ottawa
Dear Malik,
Sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved mother. We pray that Mowla hold her hand across the ocean of mercy and rest her soul in eternal bliss.
May He give you all the fortitude to bear this loss and continue her legacy for generations to come. Amen. Shukar.
Amin Kassam and Nafisa Shariff-Kassam.
North Vancouver, BC
Dear Malik Bha,
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un
May Mawla Bapa rest her soul in eternal peace, Ameen. I pray to Mawlas Bapa to give strength to your familly in this difficult situation. Ameen…Ameen
Heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved mother. She was loved and respected and she will be remembered with affection and admiration by all who knew her.
May her soul rest in eternal peace and happiness. Ameen. We pray for the families strength to overcome this difficult time.
Dear Malik,
I was saddened to hear of the passing of your mum. Our sincere condolences to you and the whole family.
We pray that her soul rest in eternal peace, Ameen.
We also pray that Mowla bless the family with the strength to cope with the loss of a loved one and for Mushkil Asaan, Ameen.
Malik, Please let us know if we can assist with anything.
Warm Regards,
Kabir
Heartfelt condolences on the passing of your mother, Mrs Merchant. She was a special soul. Much loved and respected and she will be remembered with affection and admiration by all who knew her. May her soul rest in spiritual peace and happiness.
Noor and Simin Dewji
May her soul rest in eternal peace amen. She was a lovely soul.
Our most sincere condolences Malik to you and your family. We pray that Mom’s soul rests in eternal peace. May Mowla give you all strength during this difficult time. Ameen.
Malik… So very sad to hear about your mum. Praying for her soul to rest in eternal peace. Both your parents were icons in our Ismaili community.
Very sad to hear about the loss of your mum especially in this difficult time. Our deepest condolences to the whole. May her soul rest in eternal peace. Ameen. Salim & Rukhsana
Our heartfelt condolences. May Mawla Bless her soul to rest in Eternal Peace. Ameen. I have fond memories of our Beloved Religion Teacher, Mrs. Merchant in Dar es salaam at the Aga Khan Girls school. Always smiling, kind and hardworking. She was instrumental to instill faith and religion to all her Students. Prayers for Mawla to Bestow Courage and Strength to her family to bear this irreplaceable great loss.. Ameen. Take dearest Alnoor, Malik, Fahar.
Ya Ali Madat Malik,
Shukhar to you and your family on the loss of your beloved mum. May Mowla rest her soul in eternal peace. Ameen.
Alwaeza Mrs Merchant was my teacher in Aga Khan Secondary School in Dar es Salaam. She was a great teacher & patient with her students. Learnt a lot from her and also from the many waezes she did in London Jamatkhanas.
Take Care
With Warm Regards
Ishrat Hirjee
Ya Ali Madad
Malik I am so touched by the heartfelt tribute you have posted on Simerg about your beloved mom and previously when dad passed away.
She was a person that lived in and for faith and was such a blessing with whoever she interacted with. A caring wife, a loving mom, a sweet aunt, a dedicated waezin, a wise teacher but above all a humble murid of our Beloved Imam.
When ever I spoke to Aunty, it was such a pleasure as she was so knowledgeable in different topics and time just flew. She bought smiles on my face and faith in my heart and showered so much Duas that filled my being with peace. She was so happy and full of shukarans for your dedication and commitment in sharing priceless articles of faith for so many to understand on Simerg that Inshaallah will help on Spiritual Jorney.
Thank you. Stay strong celebrate the blessings and memories of mom and dad’s life. May Mowla guide and shower His Blessings 🤲🙏
Your cousin Feriyal Merchant 🌹
May her soul rest in eternal peace (Ameen). Heartfelt condolences and prayers that you and family find strength during these difficult times.
May You Now Rest In Eternal Peace.
My dear Malik
It was with great sadness we read the news of the passing of our beloved “Maleka Ben”. We pray Mowla grant eternal peace to her soul and give you all courage to deal cope with the sad loss.
The Jamat of Lourenço Marques loved Maleka Ben and Master Sahib Jehangir. May Mowla bless their souls forever with eternal peace. Amen
Innanillahe-Wa-innalahe Rajeun, My deepest condolences to your Family. may Allah grant your beloved mother Alwaeza Maleksultan Merchant a place in Jannat al Firdaus.
Ameen 🙏🏼
Dear Malik,
We are saddened by the passing of your beloved mum, and will miss her warmth and wisdom in both, her personal interactions and sewa to the Imamat and Jamat.
We pray that the late Raisaheba Malek’s soul rests in peace in Mawla’s grace, love and protection, and also that you and others of the family are granted comfort and solace at this time of the loss of your deeply loved parent.
With sympathy,
Yasmin and Eqbal Rupani
Our dear Malik and Family,
Shah Begum and I are most saddened to read about your dear Mother Alwaeza’s
passing.
We send our deepest sincere condolences to all of you and pray for eternal peace and rest of the Ruhani and at this time also pray for the Ruhani of your dear Father
Alwaez….May all of you be Blessed with courage and fortitude for the losses.
Your Family and also the Global Jamat will dearly miss the enormous knowledge and deep understanding of our Tariqah so eloquently shared by both your Parents with the Jamat. Indeed it is a rare gift they have left with you, your Family to continue which your are doing as well. May you succeed in your most noble endeavours.
A deep loss nonetheless, be brave and have courage.
With affection and prayers from both of us,
Amir Rashid
Mowla rest her soul in eternal peace. Ameen.
May Mawla rest her soul in eternal peace and gives strength to the family members to bear the unbearable loss. Ameen.
Deeply grieved to learn that your beloved mother has passed away but like you we all are relieved from the firmness of our Iman that her soul rest blissfully in the Mubarak presence of our Mawla!
My family join me in our humble prayers that may Mawla reward her and her family in both worlds amply for her and your father’s long and noble seva in the service of din. Amin
May her soul rest in peace. Those of us who remember her waez were taken to our deeper self. Some rated her waez better than that of her husband and he was good.
As a teenager both these remarkable people helped me to see life in the bigger picture. They taught me that being spiritual was bigger than anything else.
May they rest in peace. Ameen.
Dearest Merchant family
We were very sad to hear this news. We have lovely memories of her and dad from Putney Jamatkhana. Learnt a lot from her and Mr Merchant.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi Rajiun. May Mawla rest her soul in eternal peace, and bless her soul with spiritual happiness. Ameen.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Ameen. Love and prayers
Amir Nurmohamed and family
Dear Malik,
I am very sad news at the passing of your beautiful and kind mother, Maleka Bhen. She was a beautiful human being and a great teacher to so many of the Portuguese Ismailis in Lourenço Marques.
In the name of all the Ahamad Keshavjee family – a family that was so fortunate to have them not only as mentors but as family, too – we want to present you, and to your brothers Fahar and Alnoor, our most heartfelt condolences and say that our prayers are for the soul’s eternal peace and rest, under our Mawla’s infinite rahma! We also pray that you, your siblings and family find the courage and the strength to face these painful times. Maleka Bhen will always be remembered with love and affection by this family.
Mawla ruhani né assalma waassal kare!
Faranaz Jaherali Ahamad Keshavjee
Selected comments from social media page(s) – with regular updates.
Aniza Meghani:: The best « mission class » teacher. May her soul rest in peace in God’s arms. ❤️
Naznin Meghji: Condolences to you and your family. May her soul rest in eternal peace Ameen.
Dosti Khushi: May her soul rest in peace, Ameen. Condolences to your family.
Aladdin Hussen: My favourite Gujarati and Dharmic teachers. May her soul Rest In Peace Ameen
Narm Jamal: Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un📿May Allah rest her soul in eternal peace. A”ameen
Shamim Sivani Merrigan and Shenaz: We convey you our deepest condolences on the passing of your mum…she was a sweetheart!🙏🙏
Munira Amin: Special condolences to your family. May her soul rest in eternal peace
Shirin Dharani: May Mawla rest her soul in eternal peace. Ameen
Yasmin Rajan: RIP Aameen Salwat
Shamim Esmail: RIP
Mirza N Zubaida Karim: May her soul rest in eternal peace Ameen
Parviz Gangji-Kassam: May her soul rest in peace. Ameen.
Shamy Kara: Accept my sincere condolences. May her Soul rest in Eternal Peace. Ameen! Sabr to you and your family!
Shahida Mamdani Sunderji: Our prayers for the ruhani. May her soul rest in eternal peace. Ameen
Gulzar Kanji: Rest in peace
Shaheen Sajwani: May her soul Rest in eternal peace Aameem
Yasmin Ramji: May her soul rest in eternal peace. Ameen.
Mirza N Zubaida Karim: May her soul rest in eternal peace Ameen
Nasim Nazarali: May her soul rest in eternal peace🙏
Shanaz Makhani: We pray your mom’s soul rests in eternal peace .🙏🙏🙏
Tazmina Crisp: I remember them so well. May her soul Rest In Peace. Ameen.
Ya Ali Madad Malik.
Please accept my deep felt condolences on the passing of Alwaeza. May her soul rest in eternal peace. Ameen.
Alwaeza was my religion teacher in Dar es Salaam. I remember her teaching the Ginan Ya Ali Khub Mijalas. Every time I sing that Ginan during Imamat Day I always think of her and her teaching the Ginan.
The last time I met your mom was at Lisbon airport during Diamond Jubilee. If you recall you asked me to go in to check if she had arrived, as you flew into Lisbon in two separate flights.
May Mowla rest her soul in eternal peace. Ameen
Stay strong.
Regards
Azmina Bandali
May Mawla rest her soul in eternal peace. May Mawla give you and your family courage and strength to bear the loss.
With regards
Taj Kothari
Our deepest condolences to your all family. Alwaeza and Alwaez were both were very dedicated in their service to our Imam. May their souls rest in eternal peace, Ameen 🙏🙏
May Mowla give you and your family the strength to bear such a loss.
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the passing of your dear mother. Both your parents had spent their entire lives serving the House of Hazar Imam and the Jamat. Often they had to make lots of sacrifices to fulfill their duties.
May Allah generously reward them for their seva and grant them eternal peace. May He keep them both in His Noorani fold.
Amin Karmali
Malikbhai
Very sad to hear news of your Mum.RIP.
Our heartfelt condolences to you and all.
Our prayers are with you.
Mowla give you strength.
Take care of yourself and all.
If there is anything we can do for you
please let us know.
Take care ❣
Amir
Dear Malik
It was with much sadness that I received the news about passing away of your beloved mother Alwaeza Maleksultan Merchant, Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un.
I express to you and to all members of your family my deepest condolences with prayers that her soul may rest in eternal peace and for the strength to bear this great loss with courage and fortitude, Ameen.
Her and your late father’s devoted and exemplary services to the Imam and the Jamat will always be remembered.
With prayers and sympathies,
Mohamed Manji
Inallilahi wa ina illayhi rajaun
Thinking of you all upon hearing of auntie’s passing. She was a beloved figure in our lives. We loved spending time with her because she was persistently a wealth of knowledge.
The Bana and Pradhan family are sending their heartfelt condolences. May Mowla grant you all the strength to bear the loss and may the Ruhani find everlasting peace.
It has been a great pleasure and honour to have known your mom and dad.
They have always been our great mentors guiding us to draw inspiration from our faith. We often talked to our kids regarding their exemplary service. Just few days ago before her passing mom talked to me giving us Dua. She was in good spirits and very proud of her family.
She will always be in our hearts and prayers, shukhran.
So sorry to hear about the sad demise of your beloved mother.Prayers for eternal peace of her soul.May Mowla give the family strength and courage at this difficult time. Ameen. Sending you love & kind thoughts.
Dear Malikbhai,
Please accept our deepest condolences to all the Merchant family for the sad demise of your beloved Mom. May her soul rest in eternal peace. Ameen
She was my Religion Teacher at Aga Khan Girls School in Dar es Salaam. I will always treasure the fond memories of ‘Mrs. Merchant’ – as she was known- in my heart. A beautiful soul, always smiling. Bless her! She will be dearly missed.
It’s a great loss to bear but alas! she had to go ‘home’ where she will be in Khudavind’s tender care, engulfed in and by His Noor….. Aameen
Mowla grant you courage and fortitude to bear the loss. You are so fortunate to have such exemplary Parents. May Mowla grant you more opportunity to do the Seva that you are doing. Ameen
With warm regards,
Anwarali and Layla Moledina Family
Vancouver
Ya Ali Madad
With love !
Dear Malik,
Very sorry indeed to get the sad news of your Mum’s passing away. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. May god grant you and family to bear this loss. Praying for eternal peace of departed soul.
Ya Ali Madad Malik,
Malik, it is with sadness that we learnt the passing away of your beloved Mother Alwaeza Raisaheba Maleksultan Jehangir Merchant, Shukhar.
I have known your late parents from the early 70s when I was in Birmingham UK. The jamat loved their waez. They spent their lives performing sewa for our beloved Imam.
Noorza and I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathy.
Mowla Marhuma ja Kul gunah Maaf Kare, Noorani deedar nasib kare, Asalme Wasal kare. Ameen.
Mowla family jee Kul Mushkeel Asaan Kare. Ameen.
We pray to Khudavind Mawlana Hazar Imam to rest her soul in eternal peace and give you & your families, courage and fortitude to bear the loss, Ameen.
These are already difficult times, loss of a loved one makes it much harder without having family and friends around to comfort, Inshallah, her fond memories will.
Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you all during this difficult time, please call upon us if there is anything we can do.
With best wishes and prayers,
Noorza and Nazib Moledina
Ottawa
Dear Malik
Sad to hear about your Mother passing away, she and Alweez Mr. Merchant were very devoted Murids of The Imam e Zaman and they performed excellent service, May her Soul be Blessed Eternal Pease, and Imams Didar, and give courage to bear the loss.
Regards
Ali
Dear Malik
Please accept our family’s deepest condolences for your loss. Thank you for sharing the wonderful life of Seva that both your parents undertook
In the service Of Hazar Imam and His Jamat. I followed your articles every time you shared them with us.
Their contributions will live on, in the hearts and memories of so many families. The lives of so many were enriched by the decades of service rendered by your parents. They were indeed exceptional murids. What a journey.
May Moula rest their souls in Eternal Peace. Ameen. May Moula give you and your families, the courage and strength to bear this loss and a purposeful guidance to glorify their lives by sharing their contributions even more with the rest of the Jamat and humanity at large.
They were indeed a great part of the Jamat and they will be missed dearly and remembered by many.
On Behalf of my mother and father Shirinkhanu and Late Abdulkarim Kassam Rajan and family.
Sincerely
Alnasir Rajan
Dear Malik and Alnoor,
It was with great sadness that we heard about the passing of your dear mother Raisaheba Al-wa`iza Maliksultanbai. She was an immensely blessed lady who with her husband served the Imam of the Time and his Jamat in various parts of the world with great dedication and qurbani.
Personally for Al-wa`iz Faquir Muhammad Hunzai and myself we spent many years as colleagues in ITREB, U.K. and through them we have also come to know you and your services, al-hamdu li’llah!
We pray that may Mawla Khudawand receive her in His nurani Darbar and bless her and your late father with His luminous tajalliyyat, amin! We pray too that may Khudawand bless you both and other members of the family with patience and the ability to follow in their mubarak footsteps, amin!
Ya Ali Madad,
Rashida & Faquir Hunzai
Dear Malik:
It is with a sense of deep sympathy and tremendous sorrow that we convey to you all and all the members of your family, our sincere and heartfelt condolences on the passing away of your beloved mother, Al-Waeza Rai Saheba Maleksultan Merchant, on January 21, 2021. (21st day of the 21st year of the 21st century!). A teacher par excellence and an Al-Waeza, she served with utmost diligence and distinction initially in Mozambique and Tanzania and later in the U.K. The glowing tributes that are being paid to her today is an attestation of her many years of dedicated services to the Imam and the house of Imam-e-Zaman. She will indeed be dearly missed.
We pray that may Al-mighty Allah in His infinite grace & mercy forgive all sins of your late beloved mother and rest her soul in eternal peace. At the same time we pray that may Mawlana Hazar Imam shower His best loving blessings on you and your family for strength, fortitude, solace & forbearance to overcome this great loss and usher the departed soul in the abode of tranquility – Amen.
Our fervent prayers, thoughts & humble supplications are with you at this very difficult time.
With our most affectionate regards & Ya Ali Madad
Sultan Somani
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un: Surely we belong to Allah & to Him we shall return
Dear Malikbhai,
It is a great loss. It is our Dua her Soul Rest in Eternal Peace. An exception and a remarkable person she was. An elevated soul imparting knowledge all her life. Sincere condolences to the family.
Nizar Harji
Richmond
BC
Sorry to hear about your Mum’s passing away. We pray her soul rest in eternal peace. Ameen.
When one time she was waiting for replacement of her knee, with her intense desire to serve she told me, I will start running after the knee replacement. In the mean time she did waezes even while she had to use her walking aid.
Wishing you and your family strength to bear the loss of such a dear mum.
Best regards
Ya Ali Madat
We are saddened to hear about your mum passing away, and we pray her soul may rest in eternal peace. Ameen.
We were very fortunate to gain knowledge which your parents sustained during their lifetime. Yaseen and myself had great times in personal level discussions and sharing knowledge. We were indeed blessed. Shukar.
Such sadness to hear of Mrs Merchant’s passing. A selfless, determined, committed, hard working, teacher, who was so focused in her pursuit of the education of the young in particular. I recall on some weekends, she would start off in Ilford BUI and then travel by the underground to teach us at Harrow BUI as it was known then, before heading home in the evening. I learnt so much, and was humbled by her dedication, knowledge, courage, and love for Mawlana Hazar Imam. Quite incredible. All our prayers for her soul.
Ya Ali Madad Malik,
I just read about the passing of your mother, Alwaeza Maleksultan, and pray that Mawlana Hazar Imam grants her soul eternal peace. Ameen.
My wife Květoslava and I met your parents only once in London, Ontario in the 1970s when your brother Fahar and Nina attended the UWO, however, my sister Noorkhanu Rahemtulla met often with them in Vancouver.
Our deep condolences to you, Alnoor, Fahar, and your families.
May Mawla grant you strength and courage to bear your loss.
Both your parents were truly outstanding members of our jamat. They served the Imam with deep love and kindness. I shall never forget them teaching us at “mission class.” Our thoughts and prayers for you all during this difficult time.
Love Aniza
Please include us in your grief on passing of your dear mum.We pray that God Almighty make her final journey easy.
Dear Malik.
Please accept our heart felt condolences on your mum’s sad and sudden demise. I have great memories of them which I would like to share with you and the Jamat.
In 1962, one day after morning prayers, the then President of Ismailia Association Rai Shamshudin Tejpar told me and two other boys to accompany him. We went to Dar es Salam harbour and boarded a ship from Mozambique sailing to India. On this ship were Mr and Mrs Jehangir Merchant with their three sons, Malik, Alnoor and Fahar.
After some discussion, President Saheb told us to take all their luggage off board the ship and the Dar Jamat thus was lucky to have two new religious education teachers who were also waezins.
Both of them taught at Aga Khan Girls Secondary School for many years. Alwaez Jehangir then went on to become the inspector of Ismaili religious schools in Tanzania, and left the school, although he would take classes in several schools from time to time. They worked with meagre pay without complaining and served the Jamat and the Imam whole heartedly. Mrs. Maleksultan Jehangir was an excellent Waezin in Gujarati whom people listened for hours at a time. Mr. Merchant did Waez in sweet Hindi. Both of them did great seva which may Mawlana Hazar Imam reward them in their after life. AMEEN.
It was with heavy heart that we heard of the sad demise of your dear mum.
Our thoughts and prayers for the departed soul.
May Mowlabapa forgive her sins, grant her His mubarak didar and keep her soul in his abode.
Mowlabapa grant your family strength at this particularly difficult time.
Warmest regards
Rashida and Salim J Kanji
Toronto.
Dear Malik and family:
I was so very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing.
I had heard her on occasions, and had met her a couple of times when your parents visited my mum (Khatija Zavahir Zaver) when they were in Toronto.
Your mum was very much in the present, quick witted and very very knowledgeable, it was such a pleasure listening to her.
I was also very happy to learn from Shams that she had accompanied your mum to Portugal to celebrate Hazar Imam’s Diamond Jubilee.
She lived her life to the full and we need to learn a lot from her.
May Mowla shower His choicest blessings upon her and May her Soul rest in Eternal Peace. Ameen.
May Mowla also grant you and your family strength and fortitude to bear this loss.
My heartfelt condolences to you all.
With prayers in my heart,
Zarina
Heartfelt condolences, I will always remember your mum teaching us at mission class; she was that lady you never forget. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
So sad to hear the news. Our prayers are with you and your family,
Regards
Allaudin
Very sorry to hear of the passing of your dear mother. Malekaben was my teacher in Lourenco Marques ….I have very fond memories of my time there. We pray Mowla give you strength at this difficult time and that her soul rest in eternal peace. AMEEN
Dear Malik,
Ya Ali Madad
Please accept our heartfelt sympathies and condolence for the sad passing away of your beloved Mother.
Please convey our condolence to the entire family members as well.
We pray before Mawlana Hazar Imam for the eternal peace and Nurani Deedar for the soul of the deceased and also pray to grant you and the family courage and fortitude to bear this immense loss.
I have known your Parents very closely. They have severed Mawla and the Jamat well they both will be missed by all of us.
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Rajeun.
With Prayers,
Amin Karsan & Karsan Family.
Ya Ali Madad,
Such is life, but blessed are those who have lighted the path of others – akin to your mom and dad. We pray in humility for the blessed souls of your mom and dad, and for their journey to eternal peace. Ameen
I feel much less to fathom the immense brightenss of truth without sacrificial, wonderful works of our missionaries – without their sacrifices to so many this much difficult passage of our existence would be unbearably dark.
Shukar and Mubarak to both your mom and dad for their lifetime of missionary work – Alhamd-u-llilah. May their spirit and knowledge continue to serve our jamats, through you and many of their students Ameen
With peace, happiness and Iman – Shukar
I had the fortunate experience and honor of spending many hours with both Alwaez Jehangir and of course Alwaeza Maleksultan during the past 10 years or so during my tenure as visitation member of CFTE care for the elderly It was my pleasure to have the privilege of visiting both Alwaez and Alwaeza
Unfortunately I was unable to visit Alwaeza since last year due to Covid-19 restrictions but kept in touch via email and telephone, the last one being 2 days before she passed away. I will certainly miss her terribly and pray that she rests in eternal peace, amen. I remember every time I spoke with her she expressed regrets that we, my wife and I were unable to visit.
Once or twice I remember spending hours with her listening to her wonderful stories during her teaching years in Mozambique as well as UK and East Africa. Rest in peace Alwaeza Raisaheba
Prayers for the family too for sabar and munji shanti during this period of bereavement. A humble request for Malik and family : If you are planning a virtual for Alwaeza’s mayat I would be honored to be part of it as I know due to strict restrictions only y 10 persons are allowed to participate
Thank you
Inna lillahi wa Inna ilayhi raij’un
I am truly sorry for your loss. I would like to offer you my deepest and most sincere condolences and may the soul of your mother rest in eternal peace.
Our sincere condolences to you and your dear family. She leaves behind a great legacy and she will be be greatly missed not only by her family but the community at large.
Innal lillahe wa inna illahi raajeoon.
Dear Malik:
My heartfelt condolences for the earthly loss of your dearly beloved Mother. Shams has told me so much about Aunty, her knowledge, her khidmat and her experiences, I feel honoured to have known that aspect of Aunty. Thank you for sharing your dear Mother with me.
Here is a poem of Aunty conversing with you, your brothers and all other loved ones all:
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free
I’m, following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I’ve found that peace at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah, yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’ s been full, I’ve savored much,
Good friends, good times,
a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me.
God wanted me now; He set me free.
“The faith of a mortal does not hold true until one is more sure of what is in the hand of God that one is of what is in one’s own hand.” – Living and Dying with Grace, Counsels of Hadrat Ali r.a.
Shall definitely pray for the assal mein vassal of the pure soul. Ameen.
Be well and be blessed
Shahnaz Suteria
Ya Ali Madad Malik,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your mum. She was an amazing teacher whose passion for imparting religious education was evident in every lesson!
We pray that her soul may rest in eternal peace. Ameen.
Azizeh and Gulam
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.
This is a cruel time, made more cruel by the separation from our loved ones. May Mowla give you and your families the strength to face this great loss. Alwaeza Raisaheba Maleksultan Merchant dedicated her life to the Imam and the community. We pray that her ruh be blessed with amar shanti.
Dear Malik
So sorry to hear about your Mom. Please accept our deepest condolences.
May Allah give your whole family sabar at this time. Ameen
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies on the passing of your Mum. I remember her very well from the few months I stayed as a boarder with your family in Dar-es-Salaam in 1963. I remember vaguely your family visiting Nairobi later in the 1960’s. My Mum and I met her again, with your Father, in Canada in the early 1980’s, when they were on a waezin tour. She was a good and kind lady like so many of her generation. . May Her Soul Rest in Eternal Peace. Amen.
Ya Ali Madad Malik, Fahar, Alnoor and families,
I was deeply saddened to hear about mum’s passing on. She was like a mother figure to me. She was our religious teacher and laid a strong foundation for us. Mum and dad gave us a lot of strength when they visited us in Brighton, England.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences and we pray that Mowla forgive all her sins, bless her with Noorani Deedar and rest her soul in eternal peace and happiness. Amen.
The loss of a mother at any age is a huge blow to the family but Mowla has welcomed a beautiful soul home. Be sure that she will be watching over you all and that her duas will always remain with you all.
We pray that May Mowla give you and all the family members the courage and strength to accept this tremendous loss of your beloved mum and strength to move on. Amen.
With many prayers and loving thoughts,
Azy (Yasmin) and Zain
Shukar alhamdullilah 🙏 It has been an honour and privilege to have known Mrs Merchant for many years in Dar es Salaam where she was my religion teacher. So very knowledgeable. She gave me a grounded foundation of our Ismaili tradition from an early age. She was warm and caring.
Indeed she will attain Jannah. May her soul rest in eternal peace. Ameen
Prayers for family to be granted strength and sabr to bear this loss
So sorry to hear – had lots of respect for this lovely lady. May Malek aunty’s soul rest in eternal peace; may Mowla give her family strength to cope with their very sad loss. Ameen.
Jenny Jetha
(UK)
Very sad to hear the passing away of your dear mum. We pray her soul rests in eternal peace and give you and your family strength and courage to overcome this great loss.
Amin and Habiba Manji
Our deepest condolences on passing away of Alwaeza Malek Bai Jehangir Merchant. May Mowla rest her soul in eternal peace. Ameen.
Ya ali Madad Malik, Fahar and Alnoor
So sorry to hear about the sad demise of mom. Will be deeply missed. May mowla rest her soul in eternal peace and give you all the courage to bear this loss. Ameen.
Alnar and the Rawjis. Your neighbour in Dar es Salaam
Dear Alnoor and Malik,
Naznin and I (and in fact our entire family, including Naznin’s dad) would like to offer you and your families our heartfelt condolences. Shukr. Please know that we consider you among our kith and kin. We hold all of you in our prayers: may Mowla grace all of you with the inner strength to face the loss of your mother and find closure in these difficult times. We also pray that may Mowla cocoon Maruma’s ruhani with his Light and Love, and guide her to His Abode of Peace. Personally we cannot see any other outcome given your mum’s legacy of service to the Imamat and the Jamat, and the Imam’s promise.
As part of that legacy, you may get a kick in knowing that Naznin vividly remembers your mother from her childhood, as does her dad. We were just talking about her two weeks ago. Naznin attended international school in Dar and your mother used to regularly visit the school, dressed in a white “farak” to teach them Religious Education. Naz adored her as a teacher.
Naznin’s dad credits your mum for pushing him to take up the challenge of public speaking that in turn was a foundational component of his long and successful career. Alwaeza roped him into agreeing to be a judge for a Du’a competition at Karimabad Jamatkhana, declared him the chief judge and announced that he would have to stand up and speak to the participants before declaring the winner. He was terrified but she would not let him off the hook. There you have it. Ripples your mum set in motion turned into impactful waves over the years. You should be proud and happy. We hope she felt peaceful satisfaction at what she had accomplished as she left with Mowla to go home.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do. I know that travel to Vancouver at this time is challenging. So call on me. That’s what family is for.
Once again our sincerest thoughts and prayers.
Best regards
So sorry to hear about mum. Mowla bless her soul in eternal rest and peace always. Ameen
Inshallah, ruhani is in eternal bliss, protection and deedar. Ameen
Prayers for the family to bear this huge loss and give you much strength and courage. Shukran mowla
Indeed “she treated each student as her own child” and ours is an incalculable loss. Alwaeza was an extraordinary and effective teacher of religious knowledge. To myself as well as others, she was an example, a beloved role model and a beacon that shone brightly, guiding our values during the formative period of our lives. Since those days of primary and secondary school, there has forever stayed in my memory a debt of gratitude for her outstanding and exemplary dedication to her vocation.
The impact that she leaves behind is profound and no words can do justice except to recall her encouragement, kind and gentle disposition, generosity of spirit. I would say that Alwaeza (and Alwaez Jehangir Merchant for that matter) stood out in an academic world that felt sometimes harsh or intimidating compared with today. Her gift and excellence lay not in compulsion and harsh discipline but in noble character and conduct, leading by example. That, more than strict reward or punishment, imprinted in us the ethics of the faith that shaped our values in life. May our humble prayers and remembrances reach her companionship On High. May Allah grant her soul eternal rest. May Allah grant her family solace and fortitude to bear their grief.
Yes, so agree …. thank you for reflecting beautifully!! People of her nature, were role models, and sorely missed now.
Rest in peace Mrs Merchant. Rest in peace, kul Ruhani.
Shukhar. May Mowla rest her soul in eternal peace.
Mrs Merchant, as Rai Saheba was then known, was my religious education teacher in Dar-es-Salaam, in the early seventies. Later I met her in 1975 in England where she was instrumental in helping me start religious education classes for the small Jamat living near Huddersfield where I was studying.
Her long service to the Jamat was exemplary. She will be dearly missed.
Inna lillahi wa Inna ilayhi raij’un.
May Alwaeza’s soul rest in eternal peace. May Mowla grant the family courage and strength to bear this loss.
Beautiful life lives in service of Jamat and Imam. Family should take solace in wonderful memories of such a blessed soul.
May ” Mrs. Merchant’s” soul rest in eternal peace, Ameen.
Very sad to know she is not here physically. Small in stature, she radiated a huge presence; always did. Though some of us gave her a tough time in mission class, she persisted. I can still remember her teaching, as if she were right there in front of us in one classroom at Palace Gate, sharing Prophet Muhammad’s life and history, history of our imams, of different majalis , teaching us ginans and a clearly, recited dua with its meanings Her voice and laugh remains. Yes, now that you’ve written it, she would come with her books and satchel I remember.
Please accept our sincere condolences for your great loss. I could see when I spoke to her, or was present during phone calls when she was at the other end that her concern and interest in the jamat and her will to serve the Imamat were ever strong, ever passionate.
Your father’s publication, Ilm, was something we enjoyed, would read cover to cover and look forward to the next publication. Blessed to be one of her students and to know her. She loved us ,we could tell.
I am grateful she is not suffering and pray that her children and grandchildren find strength and comfort in having been hers.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un
Deeply saddened to hear about this tremendous loss.
She was a mother figure to a lot of us and has a very special place in our hearts. Mowla has received home a very dear soul!
I hope these words will give you all some comfort.
To those I love and those who love me
When I am gone, release me, let me go…
I have so many things to see and do
You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears.
Be happy that we had so many years.
I gave to you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown
But now it’s time I travelled on alone.
So grieve a while for me if grieve you must.
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It’s only for a while that we must part,
So bless the memories within your heart.
I won’t be far away, for life goes on;
So if you need me, call and I will come,
Though you can’t see me or touch me,
I’ll be near
And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear
All of my love around you, soft and clear.
And then, when you must come this way alone,
I’ll greet you with a smile and say,
“Welcome Home”.
Many prayers for both of them and your entire family,
Azy Kassam and family
Dear Malik, Alnoor and Fahar: May Mawla rest both the ruhani’s soul in eternal peace-Ameen.. Our deepest condolence to you and your family. May Mawla give you the strength and patience to bear this loss . Your parents were responsible for building the foundation of our religious education. We cherish their memories. All the girls at The Aga Khan Girls school were very fond of them. They were our role models. They will be missed by many whose lives they have touched! Malik you have certainly followed the two great Al waez’s footsteps and carried forward the torch. Sending lots of hugs to you all and your family.
Deepest dympathies on the sudden demise of Alwaezs Raisaheba Maleksultan; May her soul rest in eternal peace. Amen. *Remember her presentation on the Indian missionaries saheeds buried in my birth town of Kilosa,Tanzania and her waezes in Dar es Salaam. May she reap the benefits of her services in life hereafter (akirah). Amen.
I am deeply saddened by the loss you and your family has encountered. My condolences.
Dear Malik,
On behalf of our entire family, please accept heartfelt condolences to the Merchant family for the passing of your beloved mother Alwaeza Maleksultan Jehangir Merchant.
The accolades, tributes and acknowledgement of your parent’s contributions to our community can never be overstated. My family and I just recently felt your mother’s humanity and consciousness show in the trouble she took to comment on her positive experience on our family history, and that of the Ismaili community of Iringa, Tanzania. Her thoughtful encouragement will, forever, be etched in our memory.
MAY HER SOUL REST IN ETERNAL PEACE.
Mohamed Hamir
Mrs Merchant was my religion teacher at Aga Khan Girls school in Dar Es Salaam in my high school years. The foundation of my faith that I have personally to this day was all due to her teachings. She was also a beautiful, gentle but a strong soul and helped us get through whatever issues we would be having.
Later in my years I met her again in Burnaby, BC where she would come to Jamatkhana with a big smile in her face.
We will miss you Mrs Merchant, May your Soul Rest in Eternal Peace Amen!
Dear Malik
Thank you so much for sharing the above article on your dear Mother Alwaeza Maleksultan Merchant . I am sure you are so proud of both Mom & Dad Alwaez Jehangir Merchant serving the Imamat for over 30 years.
My sincere Condolences for your parents. May their Soul Rest In Eternal Peace..Ameen
And pray for Strength for a Great Loss. Ameen 🤲
Ya Ali Madad
Saddened to hear passing of your Mom. May her soul rest in eternal peace Ameen. We offer our prayers and Shukharna.
Warm wishes
Abdul Remtulla
Edmonton
Ya Ali Madad,
I am deeply sorry for the sad demise of your mother. May she rest in eternal peace.
Kindly forward my condolences to all your family. We all pray for her . Ameen.
Regards,
Ismat, Zain and the Joosab family.
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raje’oon.
May Al-Waeza Rai Saheba Malek Sultan Merchants soul be granted Asal May Wasal and Noorani Didar. May the family be granted solace and courage.
Sakina Mohamed Ismail,
Toronto
“INNA-LILLAHI-WA-INNA-ILAIHI RAJI-UN”
“From God we are and unto Him, we shall return”
Please accept our heartfelt condolences for the sad Demise of your mother. We were blessed to know your mother. She was a good person, murid, teacher and Alwaeza. She taught my wife Shan at Aga Khan Girls School. Class of 68 Girls School is praying for her soul to Rest In Peace.
May Allah rest her soul in eternal peace. May Allah give strength and courage to the family to bear this loss.
Abu & Shan Hussein, (Bhanji) Family.
May Her Soul Rest in Peace. Ameen
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajeeon
Dear Abdulmalik, Alnoor, Shelina,
My prayers for the soul of Alwaeza Malek Sultan who alongside alwaez Jehangir served the jamat and Imam e zaman well. May their souls rest in eternal peace.
Hanif Virani
Ya Ali Madad Malik & Alnoor & all the family members,
I was very sad to hear about Mom’s passing. Both your Mom & Dad were my teachers in Aga Khan Girls Secondary School in Dar es Salaam. Most of my religious education was imparted by them which has stayed with me to-date & have passed it on to my children & grandchildren. This will continue for generations to come. Shukhar.
What an impact your parents have made in our lives. Very grateful indeed. May Mowla accept their seva and grant them eternal peace. Ameen.
My family, Salim’s family & I pray that Mowla forgive all their errors and rest them in eternal peace & may Mowla grant you all solace and fortitude to endure this great loss. Ameen & Shukhar
Fatma Premji ( Salim Dawoods sister) & Aly and Jamiel Dawood ( Salims sons)
Dear Malik,
Sorry to hear about the passing of your dear mother. She lived a long useful life in the service of jamats all over the world and will be remembered for her great contributions.
We pray that her soul rests in eternal peace.
Please accept our condolences and prayers to bear this loss.
Warm regards,
Ahamed
Ya Ali Madad,
We have read of the passing of your mom.
Inna lillahi wa Inna elaihi rajiun. Ameen Mawla bless the departed soul with his Noorani Didar and rest her soul in eternal peace. Ameen.
Rizwan and Almas
Sincere prayers for the soul of our 2 teachers who laid our religious foundation. Sending strength and courage to Family to bear this great loss.
Sincerely
Gulshan Meghji
Atlanta
May her soul rest in eternal peace, Amen.
I knew both Alwaez and Alwaeza Merchant when they taught at the Aga Khan Schools in Dar es Salaam and continued with educating the jamat in Vancouver with their vast knowledge in religious matters.
Even as an adult, I used to attend Mr. Merchant’s religious classes in Vancouver, whenever possible. To this day, I treasure the material he distributed and my notes from those classes – particularly the ones on the 4 Jugs which I use as a reference material when reading some of the ginans.
Heartfelt condolences to all in the Merchant family.
Ya Ali Madad Malik, Fahar and Alnoor;
I am very disheartened to hear the sad news about your mom. She was my best teacher and tutor for ginans and other religious general knowledge. She delivered great waez’s during Lailtul Qadr nights and other occasions. Always smiling, sincere and humble lady.
She is in a great place and will be missed by our community.
Our heartfelt condolences on your loss. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
My condolences to the family. I pray that her Soul rests in Eternal Peace.
She was a very special person and had significant impact on the lives of many many people. For me — as she called me her son – she played many roles. She nurtured me and supported my health and nutrition in my teenage years.
She and Mr Merchant built the foundational knowledge of our faith. That role continued as an Alwaez and her visits to our home when she came to give waezes or visits for her health care.
The last 3-4 decades the role changed, to me now looking after her cardiac health as my patient and being involved at various times starting from while they were in England even before they came to Canada.
I consider myself very fortunate to have had her in my life and for the opportunity I got to talk with her on Dec 24th 2020 – just recently for more almost 2 hours on the phone. Could not visit because of COVID
She will always remain as one of the most loving persons in my life and and one that played a critical role at a particular time in my life.
Best teacher, best al waezine who could inspire the new generation with practical examples combining science and the spiritiual world together.
We are sorry for your loss, may she Rest in Peace.
Our family expresses our heartfelt condolences for Late Raisaheba’s sad demise. Mowla rest her soul in eternal peace. Ameen
Mowla give courage and strength to the family for this big loss. Ameen
Our heartfelt condolences Malikbhai to you and your family. May your mom’s soul rest in eternal peace. Amen. Such a great devotion by your family to our Hazar Imam.
Shirin and Denis Laviolette
We all pray, Nasim, Shamshad Karima, and Nuryn Hudani, pray may Mawla rest Malekbai’s soul in eternal peace Amen. We hope to be able to participate in the last respects to our cousin and friend for so long. She will be greatly missed with all her Dua’s and prayers to us sister’s esp Nasim.
Yal Ali Madad Nuryn
She was one teacher that always came to mind when we remembered Dar, Aa beautiful person inside out. The ginans we learnt from her, we can still sing without requiring a ginan book.
Love you Mrs Merchant I can see you are smiling at us. May you rest in eternal peace. Ameen 🙏
In loving memory of a life of service, we offer our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your mother, fondly known as “Mrs. Merchant” to all her students.
Thoughts and prayers for the departed and strength for the family she leaves behind. May her soul rest in eternal peace. Ameen
Very sad to hear of your loss, May Mowla rest her in Peace.
Amen.
I remember the days back in Dar when your parents gave excellent waezes to the jamat and their guidance on our faith and our daily living. Shukar.
Our heartfelt condolence to everyone in the family. Mawla rest her soul in eternal peace and give the family the sabhar during these difficult times. Ameen
From Allah we come and to Allah we return. Shuhkar Alhamdullilah Ya Rabb Aalameen. She was a great teacher
To Malik, Alnoor, Fahar and families,
Indeed – your post expresses our sentiments exactly about your distinguished parents who live on in our hearts and we know they are, and will always be, in Khudavind’s tender most care being engulfed in and by His Noor …
Aameen
Very sorry to hear about the sad news, may Mawla grant manrooma eternal peace and a place with him. Ameen
Dear Malik,
Ya Ali Madad.
I received a message just now from a friend informing me that your beloved mother has passed away.
Please accept my condolences.
Alwaeza, like your father, was a true authentic alwaeza. She devoted her entire life, tan man and dhan, in service of the Imams and the Jamat.
May her soul rest in peace.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.
Mohamed
Karimshah bless her soul in Eternal peace, condolences to each and everyone individually in the family,
May her soul rest in eternal peace and May Mawla grant the family courage and fortitude to bear the loss.
Dear Malik,
Our deepest condolences on the sad demise of your beloved Mom, may her soul rest in eternal peace and may her journey back to Allah be a peaceful one. Ameen.
She was my religious teacher in Aga Khan Girls school, a beautiful soul!
Our thoughts & prayers are with you & family.
Mohamed & Shanaz Moloo
My dearest Malikbhai,
The news of Maa’s passing has made us desolate with grief. We cannot imagine the depth of yours. May Allah grant you and the family with sabr, strength and fortitude to bear this huge loss
May Allah receive her in grace, mercy and eternal peace. May the doors of paradise be flung open in her honour and the angels receive her in loving arms.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Nevin & Muslim Harji
A little Rumi to Console the family.
I AM FREE
Don’t grieve for me, for now, I am free.
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard him call, I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work or play.
If my leaving has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savoured much, good friends, good family, a loved one’s touch. Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free
May her soul rest in eternal peace, and her sins be forgiven, A’ameen.
Condolences to the family.
Dear Merchant Family. Shukur. May Mowla rest her soul in eternal peace. Ameen.
Shukr
May the soul of Alwaeza rest in eternal peace Ameen
Condolences to the family. May Hazar Imam grant you courage and strength to bear this loss. Ameen You are so blessed to have had such sevadaaris as your parents. May you be blessed to continue your seva as Editor and much more!
Ya Ali Madad
Dear Malik
Just received news of your dear mum’s demise from Islamshah. Our hearts are filled with sadness.
We knew your mum very well having worked with her as we did with your dad too. Both of them had dedicated their lives in service of Hazar Imam. There are so many occasions we remember having worked with them.
Please accept our sincere condolences and we pray for Mawla to grant her soul eternal peace and rest. We also pray for Mawla to grant you and your family courage and fortitude to suffer this loss.
Inna lillahi wa Inna illayhi rajeun.
With love and affection
Firoz & Zubeda Bhagat
Please accept our heartfelt condolences and prayers for the great sevak of Hazar Imam, may the soul be granted the closest proximity in Huzur. Parents’ legacy is seen continued in their next generation and may parents’ inspiration continues guiding family and friends in the field of knowledge and wisdom, InshaAllah. Praying for sabr in this difficult times.🙏🏽 Ameen.
Nurjehan and I are most saddened to hear of the passing of your dear mother, but also a dear mother of hundreds of Imam’s murids.
In recent days, when I have been in contact with Alnoor I have fondly thought of Mr and Mrs Merchant and the incredible sacrifices they made over so many years for the jamat in the UK. They struggled and suffered a lot of hardships in their work when travelling on public transport over long distances and late at night often in the cold and not having had dinner.
And yet both your parents hardly complained. They both truly served the Imam. We will rejoice their achievements and dedication and lovingly remember them.
May Mawla Bapa grant them the best abode in His Garden in Eternal Peace Ameen
Most affectionately
Fida
Ya Ali Madat Malik, Fahar and Alnoor
In hearing about your mum’s demise, I was was taken back, as you know yaseen myself were very close to your parents, They have left us all with lots of knowledge and Memories. We pray that may her soul rest in eternal peace, Ameen. We pray for the families strength to overcome this difficult time.
Regards
Adil
Dear All:
It is with great sadness that we just heard about the passing away of Alwaeza Raisaheba Maleksultan Jehangir Merchant last night.
We earnestly pray that may Mawla rest the departed soul of Alwaeza in eternal peace and spiritual happiness. Ameen. We also pray that may Mawla grant courage and fortitude to her sons Alnoor, Fahar and Malik and the entire family to bear this great irreplaceable loss. Ameen.
Late Raisaheba’s beloved husband Rai Saheb Jehangir Merchant passed away on May 27, 2018 – a little under 3 years ago.
Both Late Raisaheba and Late Raisaheb devoted their lives to the Imam and the Jamat. Alhamdulillah. They both were personally known to me for over 50 years from the time they were in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. In fact Late Alwaez Raisaheb Jehangir Merchant was instrumental in the success of the publication of my booklet on “Essays on Prophet Muhammad and Islam” published by Ismailia Association for Tanzania (now Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board for Tanzania) in 1967. Both Late Alwaeza and Late Alwaez will be dearly missed by hundreds of family members and friends around the globe. Once again, our heartfelt condolences to the entire family. Ameen.
INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAYHI RAJIOON.
Kamrudin A. Rashid
On behalf of my wife Zarina and our entire family.