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.
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A TRIBUTE TO AHAMED ISMAIL
(1942 – 2025)
Prepared by MALIK MERCHANT
(The family of AHAMED ISMAIL and FAROUK VERJEE contributed to the tribute)
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ahamed Ismail of Vancouver, Canada, on December 5, 2025, at age 83. He is survived by his wife, Nasim; his son, Aly, and his wife, Sarah; his daughter, Feyzi, and his grandchildren, Adam, Alysa, and Latifa.
Ahamed was born on March 8, 1942, and grew up in Musoma, Tanzania. In 1956, he moved to Dar es Salaam for further studies. A defining moment during this period came when his religious education teacher, Karim Master, selected him to recite Qur’anic verses before Mawlana Shah Karim during the Imam’s second visit to Dar es Salaam in 1957, the first being for his ceremonial installation (Takht-nishini).
This event was a profoundly meaningful and happy moment in Ahamed’s life. When he shared his inspiring story with the editor, Malik Merchant, during their meeting in Vancouver, it left a lasting memory on him. Malik’s rich memory of Ahamed is that of a devout murid of the Imam-of-the-Time, demonstrating purity of heart and thought, and being very humble and sincere.
Upon completing his studies, Ahamed returned to Musoma, where he pursued a career in banking. He was then promoted and transferred to Dar es Salaam, where he married Nasim in 1970 in the presence of Mawlana Shah Karim.
In June 1972, Ahamed moved with his wife to Vancouver, where the Ismaili population was only 50 people at the time. Immigrants faced many challenges finding suitable jobs, but with his background in banking and a sound secondary education, Ahamed was able to secure a job with CIBC within a month and progressed in the banking industry to become the branch manager of Van City’s main branch, the largest credit union in Vancouver, where one of his roles was to approve mortgages. Highly regarded by his community, he was sought out for advice on financial and mortgage matters.
Seeing the potential of Ahamed as a highly motivated and talented individual who could serve the Ismaili community well in an administrative capacity, the newly appointed President of the Aga Khan Council for Canada, Farouk Verjee, and the Hon. Secretary, Bashir Jaffer, enlisted Ahamed into the Council for Canada, which at the time was headquartered in Vancouver. Ahamed did excellent work in his position under the Council’s inspiring leadership. Unassuming in his role, Ahamed played a vital role in the construction and opening phases of the Ismaili Centre in Burnaby. His dedication and efforts were instrumental in preparing for the momentous historic opening ceremony on August 23, 1985, which was graced by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and Mawlana Shah Karim. The same evening, Mawlana Shah Karim declared to the delight of the Jamath of some 20,000 at BC Place that it would henceforth be the Darkhana — the chief among all Jamatkhanas — of Canada.
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When Mawlana Shah Karim was departing Vancouver, President Farouk Verjee humbly requested that Mawlana Shah Karim formally appoint Ahamed as CEO of the Aga Khan National Council, highlighting the strategic importance of the role. Mawlana Shah Karim immediately agreed, making Ahamed the first CEO of the Aga Khan National Council of Canada, a milestone for the Ismaili institution.
At the end of Verjee’s term as Aga Khan Council President, Ahamed and Bashir Jaffer accompanied him to his final and most significant meeting at Aiglemont, France, with Mawlana Shah Karim, reflecting on the meaningfulness of their leadership and service. As Verjee notes, “We were very privileged to serve the House of Hazrat Ali during the early years of our settlement in Canada.”
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In May 1987, Mawlana Shah Karim made the significant decision to relocate the Aga Khan National Council’s headquarters to Toronto, marking a substantial shift in its history. A few months later, in August 1987, Ahamed moved there with his family. He worked tirelessly, sincerely, and with dedication. Still, his term with the Council ended in a major disappointment for him and his family, who had uprooted their lives in Vancouver to relocate to Toronto. He then joined Revenue Canada (now known as the Canada Revenue Agency or CRA) and, with his wife, became an Investment Executive at ScotiaMcLeod and an associate at First Associates.
In 2005, while still in Toronto, Ahamed was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, which led him to leave his job. His wife also left her position, and they began working as travel agents from home at a much slower pace due to his illness.
In 2011, Ahamed moved back to Vancouver with his wife to be with his son, Aly, and his first grandchild, Adam. His life was deeply rooted in family, and he cherished these moments, spending his last 14 years in peace and happiness, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. He managed Parkinson’s well and, with strength and grace, inspired everyone around him.
However, his health took a turn for the worse. On November 28, 2025, he experienced some severe internal bleeding, which damaged his intestines, and he left this world a week later, on December 5. The news of his passing saddened all those who knew him and worked with him. Abdul Rahemtulla, the Chair of the Edmonton Ismaili Administrative Committee in the 1980s, described Ahamed as a kind, calm, and intelligent gentleman, a good listener, and someone with whom he had the pleasure of working.
The Ismaili community has lost a giant of a leader, a pure-hearted, sincere, and humble individual whose qualities of compassion and humility left a lasting impression. His funeral at the Burnaby Lake Jamatkhana on December 11, attended by hundreds of community members and friends, and his burial at Victory Memorial Cemetery in White Rock, reflect the community’s respect and gratitude for his life.
We pray that Ahamed Ismail’s soul may rest in eternal peace and that his family continues to find strength and courage to face the significant loss of their beloved husband, father and grandfather. Ameen.
Date posted: December 26, 2025.
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We invite our readers to express condolences and tributes to Ahamed Ismail. Please click LEAVE A COMMENT.
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Malik,
Thank you for this moving and beautifully written tribute to the late Ahamed Ismail. Your remembrance does far more than announce a passing — it restores to the collective memory of the Jamat a life of quiet devotion, principled leadership, and selfless service that many, especially the younger generations, may never have fully known.
Through your words, we come to appreciate Ahamed’s remarkable journey: from a young murid in Tanzania, blessed with the honour of reciting before Mawlana Shah Karim, to a pioneer in the early settlement of the Ismaili community in Canada. Your narrative captures not only his impressive professional accomplishments, but more importantly, the purity of his intention, humility of character, and unwavering commitment to serving the Imam and the Jamat — qualities that defined him throughout his life.
Your account of his instrumental role in Vancouver, particularly during the formative years of our institutions and the historic establishment of the Darkhana, offers a valuable snapshot of a period that shaped the future of the Canadian Jamat. It is especially meaningful to read how his appointment as the first CEO of the Aga Khan National Council of Canada came about — a testament to the trust placed in him and the calibre of his service.
At the same time, Ahamed’s story also reminds us that sincere service does not always end in recognition or ease. His relocation to Toronto, undertaken in good faith and at great personal cost to his family, followed by a deeply disappointing conclusion to his Council tenure, reflects a sacrifice that deserves to be remembered with honesty and compassion. That he continued to live with dignity, humility, and grace — never allowing disappointment to diminish his loyalty or values — speaks volumes about the strength of his character.
You have given us more than an obituary; you have given us a lesson in service without bitterness, leadership without ego, and faith anchored in sincerity. For that, the Jamat owes you gratitude.
May Ahamed Ismail’s soul rest in eternal peace, and may his life continue to inspire all who serve our institutions — reminding us that true service is measured not by outcomes, but by intention, integrity, and steadfast devotion.
Malik, thank you very much for penning this article of our dear friend Ahmed. It sure is a big loss not only for his family and friends but also for the Ismaili community with his great work and contribution. He was the CEO of the Council for Canada in Vancouver, B.C. Canada and then in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
My wife Anar and I knew his wife Naseem and Ahmed from Dar es Salaam. Later we were together for some years in Vancouver as both our families were living in Richmond BC. He was the bank manager working for Van City of BC at that time. He then moved to Toronto
We want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Ismail family. We pray for his soul Rest In Peace. Amen
Dr. Mohamed(Mo) F. Manji
It was such a pleasure to read the excellent tribute to Ahamed Ismail, a dear friend and a remarkably humble human being. Our memories go far back when we lived in Richmond, a suburb of Vancouver. Our children grew up up together and this bond continues to this day.
Ahamed was well versed in the study of Ginans and he shared his knowledge freely. He also was lover of music, particularly ghazals, (especially Talat Mahmood) and we recall numerous music parties that we would hold at both our homes in Vancouver and later in Toronto and back again in Vancouver upon his retirement.
He was a devoted husband to Nasim and between them they shared an enviable quality of love and kindness
At his passing, we have lost a true friend who will be dearly missed.
We pray for his soul to rest in eternal peace and for courage and strength to the family at this difficult time.
Mohamed & Zubeda Virjee
I remember Ahamed Ismail well when he was CEO of Council for Canada. I had the pleasure of serving with him when I was Q & M Council Hon. Sec. (1984-1990). A pillar of strength and support for the Council during those early settlement years, he rendered outstanding & exemplary services to the Jamat and the Imam of the time.
We pray that may Al-mighty Allah in His infinite grace & mercy forgive all sins of late beloved Ahamed Ismail and rest his soul in eternal peace – Amen. At the same time we pray that may Mawlana Hazar Imam shower His best loving blessings on Ahamed’s family for strength, fortitude, solace & forbearance to overcome this great loss and usher the departed soul in the abode of tranquility – Amen.🙏
I got the news about passing away of a great gentleman Ahamed Ismail and I wrote the following message to my family and friends across the world, as soon as I received this well deserving tribute on simerg.com. The following is a copy of what I wrote to family & friends:
“It is with a very heavy heart that I am informing all my family and friends about the passing away of this great gentleman in Vancouver, B.C., Canada at the age of 83.
“In this regard, I enclose herewith a very detailed posting of today’s date about a well deserving tribute to this fine gentleman. Let us all pray that his soul rests in eternal peace. Ameen.
“I had the opportunity to work with him when he was the CEO of the Council for Canada in Vancouver, B.C. Canada and then in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I was with the Ismaili Council for Ontario in Toronto, Ontario as Executive Officer during his tenure. I must admit that I gained a lot of wisdom and experience working with him. Shukhar Alhamdulillah.”
Kamrudin A. Rashid,
Toronto,
Ontario, Canada.
December 26 2025.
May Mawlana Hazar Imam bless his soul and give it eternal peace.
Ya Ali Madad
Our heartfelt condolences for the sad demise of Late Ahamed.
Mowla rest his soul in eternal peace and give strength to the family to bear this big loss. Ameen Ameen Shukhar Mowla.
I have grown up in Musoma, Tanzania with Ahamed.
He was a beautiful Soul.
WITH prayers
From
Mehrun Mitha and Family (TORONTO)