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 Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.
UPDATE, JANUARY 19, 2024: I am grieved to learn — and inform readers — of the passing of Late Salim Harji’s son, Rahim, earlier today in Calgary at the age of 41 after a brief illness. We offer our prayers that his soul may rest in eternal peace. Ameen. We also offer prayers for the courage and fortitude of his mother, Shirin, and sister, Farah, to face this immense loss that takes place only six months after the demise of Salim.
Rahim’s funeral ceremonies will be held at noon on Thursday, January 25, at Calgary’s Westwinds Jamatakhana, followed by samar and zyarat (special prayers for the soul) the same evening at the Jamatkhana.
The following is the original tribute honouring Salim Harji shortly after he passed in Calgary on July 13, 2023, at the age of 70.
JULY 18, 2023: Just over 2 weeks ago, Salim and his wife Shirin had invited me to their place like they had done a number of times since my arrival in Calgary in 2022. My simple gift to them on that day was a booklet of Eid stamps that was released by Canada Post in May of this year.
Then, on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, on the auspicious occasion of Mawlana Hazar Imam His Highness the Aga Khan’s 66th Imamat Day anniversary, I was on my way to Headquarters Jamatkhana. It was around 7:15 pm. As I took the exit, just 500 metres from the Jamatkhana, I found myself unable to change lanes due to a traffic jam on McKnight Blvd. I had two lanes to cross and I did not take the chance. I hoped for a U-turn further away but I did not see one, and I drove to Westwinds Jamatkhana instead, ten minutes away.
After the lengthy Jamathana ceremony, that included a beautiful and inspiring Talika (written letter) of blessings from Mawlana Hazar Imam, along with new appointments to Ismaili Institutions across Canada, I saw Salim waving his hands to me through a large crowd in the Jamatkhana’s social hall, from about 7 metres. There, with his lovely wife Shirin, who had earlier recited the traditional Ginan Amar Te Ayo — it is recited whenever new appointments related to Jamatkhana officials are made — I finished my hot cup of chai. We talked about going to Kananaskis this week (week of July 17). Shirin mentioned she would prepare a picnic basket for the outing. But the trip was not to be. Forty-eight hours later, on Thursday night, July 13, Shirin called me: “I’ve very bad news. Salim just passed away”. I was speechless and in utter shock.
I owe it to the traffic jam, which forced me to drive to Westwinds Jamatkhana and meet him for the last time on Imamat Day. Apparently, he passed away inside the Jamatkhana with the paramedics unable to revive him. Earlier, that fateful evening, he had opened the Jamatkhana! He passed away serving the Imam-of-the-Time and his spiritual children, and just before his body was taken away, the key of the Jamatkhana was retrieved from his volunteer’s blazer.
Salim was a devout murid of Mawlana Hazar Imam and an exceptional volunteer. Over the last few days, since his death, the family has been receiving phone calls from around the world — even from individuals the family never met or knew — expressing their condolences; and many have mentioned how Salim had helped them out during his lifetime — hidden service that was not even known to his closest family members.
Shirin and her children are coping with the tragic death well. She is a woman of strength, courage and faith — she regularly attends Jamatkhana in the morning and evening. Her support for her husband over the years has been remarkable. I have watched their relationship since I was a young boy of 15; it blossomed into a happy marriage that lasted for more than 40 years! For the past couple of days, I have witnessed nothing but love between members of the family who have travelled from across Canada and abroad. The two children, Rahim and Farah, and their families have provided tremendous support to their mum.
Born on August 3, 1952, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (then Tanganyika), Salim completed his education at the Aga Khan School before proceeding to London, England in 1971/2, where he got married to Shirin. They migrated to Canada. While Shirin pursued her career in accounting, Salim went on to open a very successful business in printing. They raised two children, Rahim and Farah.
Salim was a jovial individual. He loved life. We called him Elvis in Dar es Salaam. In Calgary, he was known as “Stan the Man”. He participated and gave his support to Ismaili institutions as a volunteer in numerous capacities. He was also a Scout leader. He was passionate about serving and also, if my memory serves me right, helped in building award winning floats that represented the Ismaili Muslim community in the iconic world renowned annual Stampede Parade.
Predeceased by his parents Mr. Jadavji Harji and Mrs. Remti Harji and his older brother Amin, Salim leaves behind his wife Shirin and two grown-up children Rahim and Farah as well as his siblings Firoz, Shiraz, Shemim, Shanaz, Nasreen and Aziz and their families. His entire family and the thousands of friends he made throughout his life will deeply miss his joyful presence. They will be inspired by the wonderful memories of friendship and his genuine concern for everyone he knew.
For me personally, Salim and Shirin have offered me the best support I would wish for during my recent settlement in Calgary. Their home has always been open to me. My daughter Nurin recollects our stay at their home some 16 years ago during our holiday in Alberta, when the couple and their daughter Farah looked after us so well, and Farah treated her like her younger sister.
Salim and I were not yet teenagers when our parents, in a hat-drawn lottery process, were offered ownership to their respective apartments in a newly built Ismaili Housing Society, the Islamabad Flats, on Cameron Road (later changed to United Nations Road.) That was way back in 1963. Our friendship never faltered and we have loved each other for 60 years.
As is customary during any funeral, members of the community are asked to forgive any mistakes committed by the deceased person during his or her lifetime. I went through our friendship and could not recall one instance in his friendship with me when he made a mistake. As a cricketer, he dismissed me a few times but that was because of his superior bowling and my mistakes while batting! He never ever hurt me.
His funeral in Calgary on Monday, July 17, 2023, at the Westwinds Jamatkhana was attended by many hundreds including members of the local Ismaili leadership, the Ismaili scouts and volunteers. The burial took place at the Rocky View Garden of Peace Cemetery. The temporary plaque on his grave adorned with rose stems and the sweet and sacred smell of agharbati (incense sticks) read:
“Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. In Loving Memory of Salim Harji “Stan the Man”, August 3, 1952 — July 13, 2023. Innalilahi Wa Inna Ilahi Rajiun.”
Indeed, Salim’s beautiful soul has returned to its original abode — in the presence of Allah’s Noor (Light). May his soul rest in eternal peace, Ameen. And may his family have the courage and fortitude to face this immense loss. They are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Date posted: July 18, 2023.
Last updated: January 19, 2024 (announcement of the passing of Rahim Salim Harji)
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We invite you to submit your condolences and tributes to Salim Harji in the comments box below or by clicking on LEAVE A COMMENT.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Simerg invites Ismaili families to submit obituaries and tributes to deceased members of their families, whether they passed away recently or in the past. Please review PASSINGS on how to prepare and submit your tribute.
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May his soul Rest In Peace. Ameen
Rest in eternal peace.
Salim passed away doing what loved the most. Seva (service).
May his soul rest in eternal peace and may Mawla grant the family courage to bear the terrible loss.
Miss his mischievous comments and a dazzling smile every time I saw him at Calgary’s Westwinds Jamatkhana. What an amazing man and a great human being and a dedicated volunteer. May his soul rest in eternal peace and give his family strength to bear this great loss. Ameen 🙏🏼
Very sorry to hear about Salim Harji. What a big
loss for our Jamat.
We pray for his soul to rest in eternal peace. Ameen.
Our sincere condolences to you and the family.
The gifted poet Maya Angelou quoted:
“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”
That is exactly what Salim was, back in Upanga, London (with 3 close friends staying at Abingdon Villa) and of course in Calgary as Malik described.
Death in Islam is a blessing. We Ismailis believe that the departed souls are always happy. Only very pious people die in places of worship. What a lucky and blessed soul.
Salim was always pious, helpful, honest, respectful, compassionate, caring, understanding and loving.
That is why my dear cousin Shirin chose him as a soulmate. Shirin has similar values and ethics as Salim.
RIP dear friend🙏🙏🙏
Shamim and Vichi
Though I grew up in Nova Scotia, I was blessed to have many visits from Salim Uncle and his family over the years. Being here to celebrate his life has showed me how dedicated he was to community care, to sharing his wisdom and means, and how nobody felt alone in his presence.
I have fond memories of him attending my junior high science fair, laughing over video chats and most recently he attended my own father’s funeral in Halifax. He comforted me and my siblings and kept us laughing along the way. Calling him my uncle is an honour, and knowing him was a blessing.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
All my love to my family, as well as all his friends. Let us treat others the way Salim treated the world.
I am sorry to learn about Salim Bhai’s untimely passing.
Innanillahe-Wa-innalahe Rajeun,
My deepest condolences to his family.
May Allah swt grant Salim Bhai a place in Jannat al Firdaus.
Ameen 🙏🏼
Please see my article “An Islamic Perspective on Death” by clicking on https://ismailimail.blog/2021/03/13/chand-raat-of-shaban-1442-13th-march-2021/
What a beautiful way to leave this earth from the house of Allah to His Noor and merge back to the original home while doing sewa in full uniform. Salim’s dedicated, lifelong service to the house of the Imam and the Jamat is truly exemplary.
His wife Shirin, a wonderful person, recited the beautiful Ginan on July 11th, Amar te Ayao, meaning the command has arrived.
The legacy Salim leaves behind is one of spiritual elevation. No doubt he will be missed by those closest to him. His time on this earth has carved an imprint of commitment, dedication, humility and passion from which all those that have shared a part of his journey will reflect upon for many years.
As the soul embraces the divine, we shall pray for the eternal peace of Salim’s soul! We pray that Mawla accept all his sewa and bless his soul, Ameen.
May his soul rest in eternal peace, Ameen.
My sister is married to Salim uncle’s nephew Arif (son of Salim uncle’s predeceased brother Amin.) Since my arrival in Canada, Salim uncle and Shirin aunty have treated me like their family. I will dearly miss Salim uncle. I pray for his soul to rest in eternal peace. Ameen.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un – May Allah bless departed soul Jannah. Ameen.
Our deepest condolences to the families. May his soul rest in Eternal Peace. Ameen. All in Divine Oder; Shukar.
Stan buddy you will be dearly missed. All the good times we had during cubs for 17 plus years for me, longer for you, the camping stories, the fun at the meetings, the field trips we took with all the cubs and the fishing we all learnt will always be with us all. Even to this day, we talk about the camping.
Rest in eternal peace and put in a good word for us up in heaven.
Love you buddy
Alnashir (and Parvin) Rasul
Our sweet Salim chacha. He was a great husband, dad, brother and uncle to all his nieces and nephews.
We will miss you dearly ❤️❤️❤️.
Love you,
Your niece
Shelina
Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un.
My heartfelt condolences.
Met Salim a couple of times and was impressed by his generosity, kindness and smiles. He was indeed a man to look up to with respect and awe. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Ameen!
May his soul rest in eternal peace. Ameen.
Praying for Salim Bhai’s family to have courage strength and staunch faith to bear the loss. Ameen
“From Allah we come and to Him is our return”. Mowla bless Salim Harji’s ruh. Allah keep his ruh in His Loving presence eternally :).
After reading your article about this wonderful person and his dedicated service in Jamatkhana, he does reflect true volunteerism till his last breath. His passing away in Jamatkhana, our Imam’s house, a spiritual space shows that his ruh is blessed.
Mowla grant endurance to family and friends.
Salim, Stan the Man & me were scouting buddies & friends too for over 35 years. We both worked together to prepare for our Flags Breaking ceremonies during our Khushiali’s and for other celebrations when asked by our Institutions.
Salim was a very calm person and always had a smile on his face, always ready to help anyone who needed assistance.
Salim & I worked together until around midnight of July 10th to prepare the setting up of Flags for the ceremony next morning, where Salim was a very active participant in the march past ceremony.
May his Soul Rest In Eternal Peace; I truly will miss my buddy.
My deepest condolences to Salim’s wife, children and all family members, as well as his friends. May Allah always grant him Janaatul Firdaus [Garden of Paradise]. Ameen.
This is a beautiful write up. Thank you so much! God bless you and may Salim’s soul rest in eternal peace.
I will miss my brother terribly. His passing away in Jamatkhana where he loved to be doing seva is what keeps me going on. Rip Salim, love you so much h🙏❤️🙏.
Ya Ali Madat,
Sincere condolences to all the family and friends of Salim.
I always have a deep respect, a sincere gratitude and a real esteem for the sevadari of Salim’s quality. Our Jamat certainly needs Leaders but also drivers of Senior Salim’s quality!
May his soul rest in peace and may the Kingdom of Light be his final destiny.
My heart, prayers and thoughts go out to Salim’s family and his many friends who are going through this painful time.
Mohez Nato
Paris, France.
Pray he rests in eternal peace in Mawlabapa’s kingdom and his family gets the strength and courage to face this enormous loss. Ameen. He will be greatly missed by the entire Jamat, Shukhar.
Very sad indeed. May Mawla rest his soul in eternal peace. Ameen.
May his soul rest in eternal peace. Ameen.
Praying for Salim’s family to have strength to bear his loss.
The traffic jam you encountered was God’s way for you to meet him for the final time. God knows best. May Salim’s soul rest in eternal peace. Ameen.
Mowla rest his soul in eternal peace. Ameen
A selection of condolences posted in the social media:
Shenaz Devji: RIEP 🙏🙏
Ali Khimani: Rip
Naznin Dosani: 🙏🙏🙏
Nadir Jeraj: RIP
Naznin Hajee: May his soul rest in eternal peace 🙏
Karim Ismail: Shukar! May his soul rest in eternal peace, Ameen!
Aneesha Kavanaugh: May his soul rest in eternal peace Ameen 🙏
Mahvash Pour: His soul rest in peace.🙏🏻🙏🏻.I knew him when my son was in the scout where he was leader.
Laila Versi: May his soul rest in eternal peace. Ameen
Fatimah Kassam: 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Yasmin Karim: Rest in eternal peace pure soul
Zery Mitha: REST IN PEACE.
Tazim Mawji: May his soul rests in peace
Nizam Nasser: May his soul rest in eternal peace Ameen 🙏🙏You will be missed… my friend. A kind gentle soul.
More condolences: Click https://www.facebook.com/malik.merchant.31/
An amazing human being and a fantastic sevadari. May his soul rest in eternal peace He received an appropriate send off at his funeral.
Moula janat nasib kara.
Inna Lilahi wa Inna Ilayhi Rajiun!
I am so sorry to hear about the sad demise of your friend Salim Harji. Mawy Mawla grant the departed soul an abode in Heaven and may the soul rest in eternal peace. Ameen.
Salim: Let your soul forever be calm and let the door of paradise be discovered for you.
I convey my deepest condolences to the Harji family.
I am very sorry for the loss of Salim. May his soul rest in eternal peace, Ameen.
May his soul rest in teternal peace. Ameen.
May his soul rest in eternal peace. Ameen.
Very saddened to hear of the passing of your friend Salim Harji. My most sincere condolences to you and the Harji family. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Ameen
May his soul rest in eternal peace. Ameen.
Very sad and it happened so suddenly. Pray his soul RIP.
So sorry to hear about the loss of your friend Salim. May his soul rest in eternal peace, Ameen 🙏
Salim was a genuine, authentic and a loving soul. A family man, sevadari who gave full-heartedly of his time, resources and wisdom to one and all! He was one of the nicest persons you will come across.
Deep prayers for his soul rest in eternal peace and strength for the family! Ameen.