By MOBINA MARANI
Two years ago, I introduced a selection of my paintings on this website as part of its Artistic Expressions category, which encourages Ismaili Muslim artists to showcase their works of art. Among the paintings on the website was a portrait that I had painted of my aunt when she turned 100. The work was completed for her 100th birthday, celebrated on March 4, 2020.
Recently, I exhibited at the Illume Festival — an event showcasing talented Ismaili artists from across Canada — at both the regional and national levels. Out of the four paintings shown at the regional event, one was picked for display at the National Illume Festival held in November 2023 at the Ismaili Centre Toronto. It was that of my beloved aunt! This couldn’t have made me happier. My aunt, carrying a tasbih (rosary), honoured me by attending the event.
Nurbanu Esmail — popularly known as Nurumasi — was born in Uganda and married Haiderali Esmail, who passed away in Kampala on December 28, 1971, when she was only 51. All their children — daughters Khatoon, Parin, Firoza and Laila, and son Sultan — are still alive. She has 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Nurumasi, at 104, may be among the oldest living Ismailis in Canada.
My aunt dedicated her life to serving the Ismaili community, its institutions, and the Imam-of-the-Time, Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan. She has served as a congregational leader in an Ismaili Jamatkhana and held many voluntary positions in Ismaili institutions. She was also a member of the ghusal committee that oversees all the funeral arrangements and preparations for deceased Ismaili community members. This is one of the noblest services one can perform.
Nurumasi has also keenly followed all the worldwide Imamat projects and travelled widely to see them.
Nurumasi’s immense strength has come from regularly attending the Jamatkhana for prayers and services and her devotion and love for Mawlana Haza Imam. She has come to be adored by the community members who seek her out for prayers for strength in all aspects of their and their family’s lives.
It is a privilege for me and all the family members to have been blessed with an outstanding lady who has been with us for so long. Her presence and inspiration have been a source of strength and courage to all of us. Nurumasi is indeed one of the elders who has lived by Mawlana Hazar Imam’s guidance to both the young and older community members, in which he asked us to fulfill our material and spiritual responsibilities to the best of our abilities. He told the old that they were never too old and that as long as they were alive, every day must be lived, and we must seek to fulfill our responsibilities. That message has guided her throughout her life, leading to the age of 104.
May Allah, in His Infinite Mercy, continue to shower our beloved Nurumasi with strength, courage and faith and bestow her with the Light (Noor) of the Imam-of-the-Time in the days and weeks to come. Ameen.
Date posted: April 2, 2024.
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Is anyone in your family a centenarian? We would like to hear from you, with a story and a photograph or two! Please write to the editor Malik at mmerchant@simerg.com.
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Dear Mobina. Ya Ali Madad.
Amazing story of Nuru Masi Lots of Mubaraki to Nuru Masi for her excellent achievement.
I personally know Nuru Masi, a lovely lady. Her daughters Laila and Parin are my good friends.
Mowla bless her with good health, happiness and spiritual enlightenment. Ameen
From Mehrun Mitha
104 and as ‘rose-y’ as her rosary- radiating peace, love, hope and harmony as her tasbhi’s ennoble so many lives. May she live on in eternity through Aunty Mobina’s art and ability to capture Nurumasi’s spirit. May we all travel the pathway of Iman to 104!
Ameen. Thank you Aly. 🙏
And thanks to all of you who have commented on this post.
Nurumasi is very special to us and to a lot of people.
May she stay strong and healthy. Ameen.
We all love her.
Mobina
What a beautiful story!! Thanks so much for sharing. Wishing much happiness and good health to Nuru masi on her 104th birthday!!
Amazing painting. Looks so real and live.
This only happens when true artist paints of an amazing, beautiful lady.
I have known her for a long time since the days in Kampala.
Mobina you are a true artist.
Dear Mobina,
Mubaraki to you and Marani family for this beautiful portrait, and of course, for the illustrious life of the beloved subject, Nurumasi.
We wish her and extended family heartfelt congratulations. May you all continue to stay blessed. Ameen.
Happy Happy Birthday to Nurumasi!
-Naznin and Kurbanali
Excellent art, Mobina Marani.
Congratulations to Nurumasi for 104 years of a remarkable life.
Ya Ali Madad!
Beautiful picture. I have also always known her as NuruMasi. My family and hers originate from the same little town of Mitiyana in Uganda. She is a force of nature. May Moula grant her good health always!
My heartiest congratulations to the great artist Mobina Marani.
What a powerful painting!
I just love the way she has captured the facial expressions; especially Nurumasi’s eyes.
What a great honour that Mobina’s painting and her art has been honoured.
My heartiest mubarakis to Nurumasi. Happy 104th!
May Hazar Imam shower best blessings upon her for being an exemplary murid.
I wish her all the Best for her good health, happiness, safety, more inner courage, strength and peace.
May Nurumasi enjoy much happiness, laughter and smiles with her family.
What a lovely story!