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.
A PERSONAL TRIBUTE TO A FANTASTIC AND TALENTED WRITER, AND A PURE SOUL
UPDATE, DECEMBER 21, 2025: Dilsoji (condolences to family members) at Richmond Jamatkhana on Monday, December 22, after evening prayers; Funeral ceremonies at Burnaby Lake Jamatkhana on Wednesday, December 24, from 10 am; samar and zyarat (special prayers for the departed soul), December 24, Richmond Jamatkhana.
My heart is sunk and deeply saddened as I announce the death of Farah Tejani in Vancouver on December 17, 2025, conveyed to me by her loving mother, Rashida Tejani, the noblest of souls I have met in my life. Farah earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia in May 1997, earning top Honours for her thesis on Short Fiction, reflecting her dedication and talent.
Farah was brought to my attention by her family friend in Montreal. I was amazed and convinced by what I read and felt that Farah’s writings deserved recognition, hoping that sharing her creative pieces would inspire readers and warm their hearts. I began introducing her work to Simerg readers by first publishing a series of poems titled Elastic Embrace. Shortly thereafter, I got to know her loving mother, Rashida. Her care and concern for her daughter were remarkable, and I had never seen anything like it before. There was nothing she wished more than to remain hopeful and pray for her daughter’s resolution of her challenges. Rashida’s dedication and struggle — and never losing hope — continued unabated until Farah left this world.
However, Farah’s creative writing, storytelling, and inspiring poetry has brought immense joy to her and our readers. She gained a large readership across Canada and around the world. Above all, Farah was thrilled when Mawlana Hazar Imam, then Prince Rahim, recognized her talent by leaving a comment on one of her poems. It made her feel genuinely appreciated and valued. I personally felt deeply humbled and blessed by Mawlana Hazar Imam’s support for Farah on Simerg. Farah passionately pursued writing and contributed the following excellent pieces for Simerg and its sister website, Barakah:
- Ya, Hazar Imam, Please Accept My Devoted Allegiance (reposted in Barakah as Mawlana Hazar Imam: A New Era for Ismaili Community)
- Behold, the Light of Ali
- “In Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Eyes”
- Dare to Dream
- Mr. Sneaky Peeky and the Two Red-Tailed Monkeys
- Celebrating the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre in Toronto
- In Memory of Mrs. Merchant
- The Fragrance of Spring
- The Great Sacrifice
- Remembering Jehangir Tejani
- Elizabeth the Ladybug: A Heartwarming Tale of Friendship
- Mystic Moon
Just a few days before her passing, I spoke with Rashida, who had earlier had a very happy and fulfilling conversation with Farah. I suggested that Farah consider writing a piece for Mawlana Hazar Imam’s first Imamat Day, on February 4, 2026, an idea she said she would pass along to her daughter. Rashida indicated Farah would be thrilled to follow up on the suggestions. Alas, this would never be realized anymore, with Farah’s death. Rashida was devastated. She knew that her daughter’s dreams and hopes had remained unfilled. For years, she had looked after Farah single-handedly and sought to uplift her. I personally witnessed this dedication throughout Farah’s journey of writing for Simerg.
With the passing of Mawlana Shah Karim and the succession of Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Rahim as the 50th Ismaili Imam, Farah submitted a meaningful and inspiring poem titled Ya, Hazar Imam, Please Accept My Devoted Allegiance, which we reposted again as Mawlana Hazar Imam was nearing his three-day visit to Lisbon from December 3. The piece was read widely.
Sadly, Farah died in very challenging circumstances, bereft of the support she deserved beyond what her mother offered, and the blessings of the Imam-of-the-Time that she had received and carried in her heart for the rest of her life. We did our best to support her writings and thank the many readers who responded with so much affection and love for Farah and her contributions.
As I think of Farah and meeting her with Rashida over breakfast at an IHOP restaurant in Vancouver, some three years ago, and presenting her with Gary Otte’s pictorial volume of Mawlana Shah Karim, Depth of Field: The Aga Khan Beyond the Lens, I saw a delightful twinkle in her eye expressing her love for books and writing, but above all, her unbounded love and faith in the Imam-of-the-Time, then Mawlana Shah Karim.
At this time of bereavement, we sincerely extend our condolences to her mum, Rashida, and share in her grief. We pray for the eternal peace of Farah’s soul. This talented and passionate writer could have continued writing for years with better external help and gratitude beyond what her mother provided, which many may not be aware of. Her creative works for Simerg will inspire readers to cherish her memory and budding writers to draw inspiration from her. In my conversations with her, I found excitement and passion in her voice, “Malik Bha” as she worked toward completing a piece. Her faith, devotion and love for Mawlana Hazar Imam were enormous. I saw that devotion in her face, heard it in her voice and felt it in my heart. To Rashida, I say: Bravo for your support for your daughter. You were a fantastic mother, like none I have seen. Your daughter has left a lasting legacy on this website. She was a pure soul and is at peace surrounded by Nur.
Date posted: December 19, 2025.
Last updated: December 21, 2025 (added funeral information, see top).
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Farah was much more then any will ever know. She is safe now. My friend, my muse. kimo
Ya Ali Madad Rashida Bahen. My name is Taz Noor & I want to share my Heartfelt Sincere Condolences for your great Loss. May Your Daughter’s Soul Rest in Eternal Peace Ameen. May Allah give you Spiritual Strength & Courage at this difficult time of Farewell to her. I didn’t know her until I read Malik’s Tribute for her. It was very touching. I lost my Mother in a Tragic Car Accident back home in Kenya at a very young age & I truly understand the Love & Support of a Mother.
You were your Daughter’s PILLAR OF STRENGTH & only a Mother can do what you did for her. You gave her Hope & Faith in a journey she was destined to follow with you by her side guiding & loving her unconditionally. She will always be with you in Spirit and love you always.
You deserve to be recognised just like your daughter for you showed a Mother’s True Love for her daughter. Be blessed always. Remember her in good faith & fond Memories as you say farewell to her. Know in your heart that she will always be with you too as your Guardian Angel. Ameen.
Taz
A soul like hers is where it deserves to be – in oneness with Allah. My prayers for her family for the strength and courage to bear her loss and the faith to believe that Inshallah, we will all be one again, Ameen.
Farah was a sweet and vivacious soul. She loved with all her heart , especially animals. She had many struggles and faced them with courage and strength. She will be missed. I have many fond memories from childhood and will cherish these. Rest in eternal peace dear Farah.
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Inna lillahi wa Inna Lillahi Raji’oon.
Very sad to learn of Farah’s passing. Indeed we have lost a gem of a writer and a sweet human being. May her soul rest in eternal peace and tranquility. Ameen.
Rashida has been an incredibly strong and supportive mother. She tried everything possible to help her daughter. May she be blessed with solace and fortitude during this time of loss. Ameen.
May her soul rest in eternal light and spiritual bliss!! Amen!! She was a rare gem and a beautiful soul. Rest in peace, Farah. Love, light and lits of prayers for Mushkil asan for Rashida. We have come to go, let’s live in that reverence and surrender to it, always.
Farah was a free and generous spirit she loved animals dearly. She battled hard through many, many struggles with grit and perseverance. Farah was a gift given to us in trust by Allah. She has now gone back to the Source.
Rashida as a mother you gave your whole life to her including seeking all the help you could. I pray that Allah give you and your family the strength and courage to bear this enormous loss. It is deeply sad that we have lost such a great talent and creative soul. May her soul rest in eternal peace and may Allah forgive her all her sins and accept your enormous sacrifice to keep her as happy as you could.
Inna lillahi va inna ilayhi raji’un. “Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we will return!”
Rashida is my favorite beloved Masi and I feel her pain deeply and pray for her and her family.
May Mowla Bapa Bless you all With The Time, Strength, Ability And Courage To Go Through This Difficult period Ameen.
Farah was a great soul and she will be loved and remembered forever and her words of wisdom will be missed. We Love you.
May Our Dear, Dear Farah’s Soul Rest In Eternal Peace, Continuously Surrounded By Mowla Bapa’s Infinite Nur…….Ameen.
Mowla Rhuani Ja Kul Guna Mafe Khare, Noorani Deedar Nasib Kare Usl Me Vasl Kare Amar Shanti Bakshe…….Ameen.
May Mowla Bapa Continue To Give your Family The Strength, Ability And Courage To Deal With Dear Farah’s Loss…… Ameen.
Innaillahi Wa Innaillahi Rajiyun. Ameen
Farah J. Tejani, beloved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend, passed away on December 17, 2025. Farah was a pure soul—gentle, loving, and deeply compassionate—whose presence brought warmth to the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.
Farah loved fiercely and wholeheartedly. She carried a rare sensitivity to the world, always feeling deeply and caring profoundly for her family and loved ones. Her love was sincere, selfless, and enduring, and it will continue to live on in the memories she leaves behind.
A gifted and creative writer, Farah had a remarkable ability to express emotion through words. Her writing reflected her inner world—thoughtful, imaginative, and beautifully honest. Through her creative achievements, she gave voice to feelings many struggle to name, leaving behind work that stands as a testament to her talent and her heart.
Farah lived with courage through her struggles, including PTSD, facing battles that were often unseen. Though her journey was not an easy one, her strength and resilience were undeniable. Now, free from pain, she flies like a butterfly—at peace, light, and unburdened—soaring in Heaven.
She has taken a piece of my heart with her, but she has also left behind something priceless: precious memories filled with love, laughter, and moments that will be cherished forever.
Farah will be deeply missed and eternally loved. May she rest in peace, wrapped in light, and may her soul finally know the freedom it so deserves.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un
“Surely we belong to God, and to Him we return” — Holy Qur’an, 2:156
May you rest in peace.
My Dearest Rashida (Patki),
We are sorry to hear about Farah’s passing. It is deeply saddening news and I cannot imagine how difficult it must be for you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this tough time. May the Lord provide you with the strength, patience, and courage to cope with this immense loss. Farah will always be remembered fondly, and we pray that the Lord receives her with grace and mercy and grants her eternal peace. Our community has lost a prolific writer whose words enriched us all. With love and light,Nevin & Muslim HarjiMontreal
I have known Farah for a long time. Alas it is too late to comment on many of her challenges that were ignored. May her soul rest in eternal peace.. Ameen