Introduced by MALIK MERCHANT

I first became aware of Salma Jadavji’s fascinating artwork when she and her husband, Taj, invited me to their Calgary home. I humbly gifted them several back issues of Ilm magazine published by the Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board for the UK under my late dad Jehangir’s editorship, which I had as duplicates, which they graciously accepted. After a fantastic meal, I was privileged to get a closer look at Salma’s incredible and inspiring works of art. The Jadavji home is genuinely artistic! The visit was not just enjoyable but also a memorable experience. I am thrilled that she accepted my invitation to present a selection of her artwork for Simerg’s series on Ismaili Artistic Expressions.

Salma was born and raised in Pakistan. She was always interested in arts and crafts but ended up in medical school and became a doctor in 1975. She got married to Dr. Taj Jadavji and moved to Canada in 1976. In 1992, Salma discovered she had a hidden talent: She could paint. This discovery opened a new chapter in her life. She started experimenting with different mediums and styles and has never looked back. Salma loves to paint, especially Islamic calligraphy. She has taught calligraphy to Ismaili Muslim students attending the Baitul Ilm (BUI) program, and her passion for art inspires others. Salma’s art has catalyzed the Ismaili community unity by curating art exhibitions that have benefited various charitable causes, making a tangible difference. Notably, her contributions to the Aga Khan Foundation exhibitions have been significant, raising funds to address the root causes of poverty and inequality.

Through her career as an artist, Salma has also sought to bring together the South Asian community and the broader Calgary community, fostering a spirit of philanthropy and cultural appreciation. This has promoted a deeper understanding and celebration of South Asian art and culture, creating a sense of belonging and inclusion for all.

Aside from her artwork, Salma has been a radio host for the last 12 years for a weekly radio show, Salaam Namaste Calgary. She has broken many traditional gender barriers as a woman of colour in the media and art world and paved a pathway for many females to come forward.

Salma’s art is not just a form of expression but a powerful tool that has connected her with the community on many different levels. Her Islamic Calligraphy and the message of peace Islam promotes, as well as her works of the Rockies and picturesque landscapes around Alberta, have left a lasting impact. This post showcases Salma’s passion for art, through which she inspires the community as an artist and a great art leader. Once you have viewed her paintings on this page, please visit her website with the theme, “Let me take you on an artistic journey.” Indeed! Click Salma Jadavji.

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Beautiful names of Allah

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Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim

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Mawlana Hazar Imam

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Nad-e-Ali

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Heavenly Abode

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Lost in Spiritual Galaxy

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My Paradise

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Three in a Row

Date posted: November 21, 2024.

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We invite you to visit Salma Jadavji’s Website to view more of her artwork. We welcome feedback/letters from our readers. Please click LEAVE A COMMENT. Your feedback may be edited for length and brevity and is subject to moderation. We are unable to acknowledge unpublished letters.

The editor invites Ismaili artists to submit a selection of their paintings and other works of art for publication in Simerg. Please submit images of no more than 8 objects in Jpeg (1200 x 900) and your profile to the editor, Malik, at mmerchant@simerg.com.