Simerg’s Series on Books by Ismaili Authors: “SPARK: Journey from Success to Significance”, by Azim Jamal of Vancouver is a Pathway of Discovering the Significance of Life

17 July 2023

Azim’s message of SPARK celebrates the potential within all of us regardless of our circumstances — Harvey Mackay, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Swim With The Sharks

By MALIK MERCHANT

Simerg’s series entitled “Books by Ismaili Authors” continues with Azim Jamal’s “SPARK: Journey from Success to Significance.” We follow the same Q/A format as our earlier presentations of books written by Rozina Ramji (Edmonton), Shamim Murji (Brampton), Mahmoud Hirji (Toronto), Zul Premji (Calgary), Azim Jiwani (Vancouver), Naznin Rahemtulla Hébert (Montreal), Shairoz Lakhani (London, UK), Shelina Shariff Zia (New York), Ali Lakhani (Vancouver), Nizar Sultan (Toronto), Nargis Fazal (Vancouver), Nazlin Rahemtulla (Vancouver), Azmina Suleman (Calgary), Alnasir Rajan (Mississauga), Shafeen Ali (USA), Mansoor Ladha (Calgary), Zeni Shariff (Toronto) and Shamas Nanji (Edmonton). We encourage Ismaili authors from around the world to participate in this series, regardless of when their books were published. See details of the series HERE and submit your responses accordingly to Simerg’s editor, Malik, at mmerchant@simerg.com.

****************

Simerg’s Interview with Azim Jamal

Simerg: What is behind the naming of the title of the book?

Azim Jamal: In our all-out pursuit for success, we lose touch of what deeply ignites that drive. I refer to that ignition as the SPARK. Through the book, I share how the end game is not as much about Success, but more so about Significance. Hence, the title SPARK: Journey from Success to Significance. In some way, the motivation for the protagonist’s journey resembles my own personal journey when I made the shift from “accounting for business (Success)” to “accounting for life (Significance)”. This journey led to three powerful discoveries:

— How my vocation became my vacation
— The more I aspired, the more the universe conspired
— On my path to transforming other lives, my own life transformed

Simerg: Why would you want me or my family members to read the book, and what will we all learn from it?

Jamal: This book will offer all readers a visionary yet practical pathway to discovering an unwavering significance to life. SPARK is a beginner’s guide to finding the sense of purpose and passion which lives inside all of us.

Simerg: What inspired you to write SPARK: Journey from Success to Significance?

Jamal: During the pandemic being locked down for 2-3 years resulted in physical and mental fatigue. However, the pandemic pause made us question whether our pursuit for bigger and better was in fact what defined our happiness. It was clear to me really our desire for meaning (Significance), and not our motivation for profit (Success) that brought us the most fulfillment!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PRAISE FOR SPARK

All the elements Azim shares in his inspiring book are time tested, proven and indeed foundational principles that can ignite the SPARK within you — Dr. Nido Qubein, President of High Point University

This is a book for those who dare to search for answers, and who are unafraid to SPARK a change in their lives — Brian Tracy, author of # 1 international bestseller Eat That Frog

Spark by Azim Jamal Ismaili author series

If you would love to make a significant difference on the planet, doing exactly what you truly love, then Spark is the book to read — Dr. John Demartini, International bestselling author of The Values Factor

Designed for our increasingly uncertain world, SPARK is a reassuring guide to discover your purpose — Marshall Goldsmith, New York Times #1 bestselling author of Mojo

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Simerg: How can I purchase the book and what are its available formats?

The book is sold through Amazon Canada, Chapters-Indigo, Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. May I note that some of my other works are summarized at Amazon HERE.

Simerg: How did you find a publisher for the book?

Jamal: Over the years, I have self-published a few books and also worked with several publishers. For this book, I am taking a hybrid approach (partly self-published, and partly through selected foreign publishers). I’m hoping this will result in a win-win-win outcome for all parties — author, publisher and reader. My experience working with a major publisher began in 2005 when I co-authored The Power of Giving, which topped the Amazon charts. It was at that time Penguin showed interest. Soon after, the book went on to win the Nautilus Gold Award for books that inspire social change. The Power of Giving was translated in ten languages, which in turn triggered work with other foreign publishers. Overall, however the experience of working with publishers has been a difficult one and despite writing ten books, am still figuring out the book publishing journey!

Article continues below

Ismaili Author series by Simerg Azim Jamal's SPARK: Journey from Success to Significance — *Azim Jamal’s “SPARK. Journey from Success to Significance,” published by Tellwell Talent, November 2022, 230 pp. Available in Hardcover, Softcover and Kindle.*

Simerg: Did you hire an editor, an illustrator or did you do all the work by yourself?

Jamal: Yes, I did have lots of help in writing this book. From creating the fable to hiring copy editors and proofreaders. My family and team helped me tremendously in my journey. Writing a book is rarely, if ever, a one-person endeavour!

Simerg: Which was your first book and how many have you written?

Jamal: My first book, called 7 Steps to Lasting Happiness, was published on July 13, 1999. As mentioned above, SPARK: Journey from Success to Significance is my tenth book. All my ten books revolve around the synergy of Business, Balance & Beyond.

I hope to introduce the remaining of my earlier publications through this very useful and informative series that you have launched. It encourages Ismaili authors tremendously and informs the Jamat as well as members outside the Jamat about the literary scene in the community.

However, I would wish that books by authors you have featured so far as well as books by other Ismaili authors are made available at Jamati literature counters here in Canada and around the world. The Ismaili literary scene has become rich in the last two decades and Ismaili authors, established as well as new ones, deserve to be promoted within the community, just as there is so much institutional encouragement for artists in the community.

Simerg: I sincerely hope the situation will change and that a regular literary forum is created where Ismaili authors can engage with community members. Reading your profile, your own personal story about how you became involved in writing is fascinating in itself.

How long did it take you to write “SPARK: Journey from Success to Significance from start to finish and to begin marketing it?

Jamal: From concept to creation, it took me approximately 2 years. In comparison, the first book I ever wrote, 7 Steps to Lasting Happiness, took me 5+ years to complete. With every book I write, the timing and process gets better!

Simerg: Tell us something more about your book.

Jamal: In this inspiring fable you will meet Steve, a hotshot lawyer fighting to climb the corporate ladder. His life transforms seemingly overnight when he is sent to India for a task he considers pointless. Things quickly fall apart. Steve, forced to reconsider his path, realizes that the curveball life has thrown him is an opportunity to find his true purpose. This spiritual odyssey is about to transform him beyond his wildest dreams. A powerful lesson follows each chapter, making up the SPARK that transforms Steve’s life.

Date posted: July 17, 2023.

_______________

We welcome feedback from our readers. Please click Leave a comment. Your letter may be edited for length and brevity and is subject to moderation.

Buy Azim Jamal’s book at one of the following on-line booksellers: Amazon Canada, Chapters-Indigo, Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.

PROFILE

Portrait of Azim Jamal, an author and motivational speaker, wearing a suit and tie, smiling at the camera.

Azim Jamal is the founder of Corporate Sufi, a company dedicated to inspiring and empowering leaders at all levels to achieve material success, blended with a deep sense of purpose, passion, and fulfillment. Author of several highly-acclaimed books including, “What You Seek is Seeking You”, co-authored with Brian Tracy, Azim twice was a # 1 Amazon bestselling author, and in 2005 topped Harry Potter. He has also been a # 1 bestseller with Barnes & Noble with his co-authored book — “The Power of Giving”, which won the Nautilus Gold Award in May 2009 for books that change lives.

Once a highly successful accountant, he was moved by the plight and inner strength of refugees he went to serve; he was inspired to make a life-altering decision that transformed his mission from “accounting for business” to “accounting for life”. His dynamic, inspiring and thought-provoking message has been heard live by over 1 million people in more than 100 cities in five continents. His media message has reached more than 5 million people around the world. We invite our readers to listen to one of his podcasts HERE and watch his TEDx talk Live to Give.

Read more about Azim Jamal at his official website, Corporate Sufi.

_______________

Calling all Ismaili Authors

We encourage Ismaili writers to introduce their books in a similar format as has been done in the post above. Please also see the series launch article and submit your responses to Malik at mmerchant@simerg.com. All submissions will be acknowledged. If a writer has published multiple books, each book will be highlighted in a separate article, and not combined with other books into one post. All writers should include a brief profile with a portrait photo.

We welcome feedback from our readers. Please click . Your letter may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation.

_______________

Links to the Ismaili Authors’ Series (in chronological sequence, oldest article first):

“Justice Bertha Wilson Pushes the Boundaries of Humanity” by Shamas Nanji (series start, February 10, 2021)
“Little One, You Are The Universe” by Zeni Shariff (February 25, 2021)
“Memoirs of a Muhindi” by Mansoor Ladha (March 6, 2021, and see also 15, below, by the same author)
“To Be One With God: Seven Journeys to the Meaning of Life” by Shafeen Ali (March 25, 2021)
“Invisible Birthmarks” by Alnasir Rajan (April 13, 2021)
“IN THE NAME OF JUSTICE – Portrait of a ‘Cowboy’ Judge” by Azmina Suleman (April 28, 2021)
“RSVP Rice and Stew Very Plenty” by Nazlin Rahemtulla (May 28, 2021)
“Coughdrops” by Nargis Fazal (June 12, 2021)
“The Roots and the Trees” by Nizar Sultan (June 25, 2021)
“Faith and Ethics: The Vision of the Ismaili Imamat” by M. Ali Lakhani (July 4, 2021)
“Nairobi Days by Shelina_Shariff Zia (July 21, 2021)
“Shine Brighter” by Shairoz Lakhani (December 8, 2021)
“This is My Life” by Naznin Rahemtulla Hébert (February 26, 2022)
“Humanizing Medicine – Making Health Tangible” by Dr. Azim Jiwani (March 9, 2022)
“A Portrait in Pluralism: Aga Khan’s Shia Ismaili Muslims” by Mansoor Ladha (June 8, 2022, and see also 3, above, by the same author)
“Malaria Memoirs: My Life Journey as a Public Health Doctor in Tanzania” by Dr Zul Premji (June 30, 2022)
“Monkey Tales and Other Short Stories” by Mahmoud Hirji (September 10, 2022)
“Bloom! A Story of Diversity and Understanding” by Shamim Murji (October 27, 2022)
“Cooking with Mom” by Rozina Ramji (November 7, 2022)
“SPARK : Journey from Success to Significance” by Azim Jamal (July 17, 2023)

_______________________

Simerg’s editor may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com.

Religion News Service: Storytelling, Cooking Biryani – How Displaced Shia Ismaili Muslim Women Rebuilt Community

12 July 2023

Farah Tejani Presents a Thoughtful Poem for Eid al-Adha with a Lighthearted Story for Children

26 June 2023

9 Comments

Eid al-Adha is celebrated around the Muslim world on the 10th day of the twelfth month of ‘DhuI-Hijjah, after the culmination of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. The Muslim Association of Canada announced that in 2023 the Eid will be observed on Wednesday, June 18. The Canadian Ismaili Muslim community will also celebrate the Eid on the same day. It is customary, especially in Muslim countries, to celebrate the Eid for 3 to 4 days, after its first observance when special Eid Namaz (prayers) are offered.

In an earlier post we informed our readers of the new Eid stamp that Canada Post issued on April 3, 2023, in advance of the celebration of both Eid al-Fitr as well as Eid al-Adha (see featured image at top of this post). The stamp is only available as part of a beautiful booklet of six stamps and can be ordered on-line. The following is a brief presentation about the significance of the two Eid festivals and the image of the historic artistic bowl that is featured on the stamp.

We convey our heartiest felicitations to all our readers and friends on the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Adha and wish everyone Eid Mubarak. We offer our prayers for the fulfilment of all your wishes, for good health as well as for barakah (happiness) and success in your endeavours. We also pray for the eternal rest of all the deceased souls.

To mark the auspicious day, we present a thoughtful poem by Farah Tejani as well as a lighthearted story that she has written for children.

__________________

POEM

The Great Sacrifice

By FARAH TEJANI, B.A. and M.F.A.

Omnipotent and Merciful is He,
Allah knows what is best,
At certain times He chooses
To put us through certain tests

He observes our response
To His Rightful Command,
And on this He Judges,
Just exactly where we stand.

It is not meant to be easy,
What would be the purpose,
So we are challenged in truth,
Our response to Him defines us.

Reflect and recall a time when,
We chose not to obey His Laws,
He being of course, All-Forgiving,
No doubt, forgave us our flaws.

But what is to be said,
Of Hazrat Ibrahim, The One,
On the day he was commanded,
To take the life of his own son!

Put yourself in his place,
Could you do the same,
Take the life of who you hold most dear,
The ultimate sacrifice in Allah’s name.

Eid al-Adha celebrates Ibrahim’s loyalty,
To The Great and Loving Wise One,
Though surely riddled with fear and pain,
He placed Ismail, his most precious son,

In front of him, and said a prayer,
In the Name of Allah, Lord of All Things,
He swang the knife and opened his eyes,
And “Oh, But what Mercy God Brings.”

In the place of his very own son’s head
A miraculous goat’s head had fallen,
Allah rewarded Ibrahim’s obedience,
Without even a moment of stalling.

Try to imagine the emotions he went through,
Ibrahim was elated and held Ismail near,
Most Merciful is Our Most Gracious Creator,
Humbled by Allah’s Grace he held back a tear.

Abraham would we if we could,
Be as loyal as you are to Allah’s Laws,
You stand as a testimony of Great Faith,
Without even a moment to pause.

Let it be our endeavour, to faithfully honor,
The Words from Above they are in our best interest,
Take a moment to reflect this Eid al-Adha,
And we, too, will surely be at our best.

~~~~~~~

A STORY FOR CHILDREN

Oh, I Would Love To…But I Am Just So Totally ZOSTED!

By FARAH TEJANI, B.A. and M.F.A.

The sun was setting in Gifford Park and the air was still crisp; it was the birth of Spring. Tulips, Daisies, African violets, Daffodils and other beautiful flowers would wake from a Winter’s slumber, just like bears coming out of hibernation. The day was done, but for Siegfred squirrel, the day was just beginning. Siegfred excitedly waited every evening around this time for his Dad to come back from work at the Big Al’s Nut Factory.

Now, you have to understand, Siegfred was not your average run of the mill SQUIRREL. Yes, he loved to hunt and gather nuts and seeds like all the other squirrels, and then have competitions on who gathered the most in number, as well as the most in variety.

But Siegfred’s other true passion was fashion. And every single day meant a new chance to wear one of his own individual styles and creations.

On any given day, Seigfred would wear anything from cut off faded blue jean overalls with different colour and pattern bandanas tied in a knot to the side, with high cut sneakers with red laces loosely tied so he could just slip them on; to hawaiian short sleeve silk shirts with flowers, palm trees, and “Hang Loose” written on the back with dark black denim boot cut Levi’s, and shiny leather beatles boots and his hair either toselled in soft curls or held up in a no nonsense hair sprayed “mohawk.”

Today, Mom was preparing her famous specialty: Acorn and walnut salad with assorted green vegetation, topped with dressing made from conifer cones and finally sprinkled with pumpkin and sesame seeds.

Even though this was one of his favourite meals; Sig wanted to wait for his dad. Filled with excitement Siegfred went outside and climbed up the tree so he could see. And then, there he was; Dad’s big smiling face came around the corner, with his work bag slung over his shoulder.

“Here we go!” Sig squealed with joy, “Daddy!” Sig could not help but run to his Dad, while his Dad would also be running towards him. Same thing every day except Saturday and Sunday when he would have the day off; just like all the other Squirrels that were employed at Big Al’s Nut Factory.

Today was Friday, and this was what the whole family would wait for and enjoy. When Sig reached his Dad, his Dad would pick him up and spin him around and give him a big hug saying, “I sure missed you, Siggy.” That’s what he called Siegfred with so much love in his heart; And Sig would say, “Not as much as I missed YOU, Dad!!!” And then he would put Sig down and they would hold hands and walk towards their tree house.

And it was the same every evening. It was their father and son ritual. Siggy always knew he would NEVER EVER get tired of it.

“Come on , son”, he ruffled Sig’s stylish Mohawk. “Let’s go and see what Mom’s up to. Whatever it is, it sure smells good!” “Well, it always does now, doesn’t it ?” Siggy said.

After dinner, both Siggy and his dad rubbed their tummies…

“That was delicious, Mom!” Siggy said.”
Absolutely!,” said his father. “Thank you, Mom.”

After the food was put away, Siggy’s dad made his way to the big hammock they all shared and closed his eyes.

“No, Dad!,” Siggy said, “Wake up! Wake up!” Sigfreid climbed on top of his dad. “We always play cloud spotters!”

Cloud spotters was a game where you lie back on the grass and look up into the sky and see if you can find shapes of things in the clouds.

Siggy’s Dad opened his eyes very slowly, “Aw, Sig, I’d love to, but I am just so totally exhausted, let me just rest for a while.”

His eyes began to close again. “I promise I’ll read you your favorite bedtime story, okay?”

“I guess so…” Siggy was disheartened.

He went right up to his mom who was knitting him a scarf for the winter and asked, “Hey, Mom, what is “Zosted?”

“ZOSTED?!?” she furrowed her brows and scratched her head and repeated, “ZOSTED?”

“I really don’t have any idea, Sig,” she asked him bluntly, “Where on earth did you hear that?”

“Dad.” Siggy stated matter of factly. “When I asked Dad to come outside and play with me, he said, ‘he’d love to but he was so totally ZOSTED!'”

Mom let out a little giggle, ” Oh, EXHAUSTED!”

Siggy said abruptly, “Yeah, whatever! What does it mean?”

He was just letting you know that he was exhausted, meaning too tired, or worn out.

“Oh.” Siggy repeated to himself, “ZOSTED”

“Hey, Mom, can I go out and play?”

“Sure, but be careful and make sure you are home by seven.”

“Okay.” He said and he was out the door. Sig smiled to himself, he just got a great idea. Siggy was going to try out his new word with his buddies.

He was headed to Beatrice Bunny’s Mound. But before even getting close, he messed up his hair some more, rolled down one of his socks and let his eyes get droopy and heavy.

He walked slowly making sure to look tired and all tuckered out. Beatrice’s ears perked up and formed two coils facing straight up beside one another. This is what Beatrice Bunny did when she was curious or worried. And as Sig got closer, this is exactly what they did.

Sig made his eyes even heavier and slouched his back and walked even slower, almost falling over.

Beatrice Bunny squealed, “What is going on, Sig? Are you okay?”

Sig acted like he never even heard her, his eyes just barely open now.

Beatrice Bunnie’s ears dropped down at either side of her head now.

“Sig!” Nothing. “SIG!” she walked up to her dear friend and shook him gently, at which point Sig opened his just a tiny bit more.

“Yeah.” he mumbled, while still shuffling ever so slowly in no apparent direction.

“Hey, Seigfred, What on earth is going on? Are you okay?” Beatrice Bunny was genuinely concerned. “Talk to me!”

Sigfried took this as the perfect opportunity to use his new word and impress her with his ever-growing vocabulary.

He circled around and with heavy eyes, said, “Oh, I’d really love to, Beatrice Bunny but I am just so totally ZOSTED.” And with that he continued with his back hunched over and still shuffling.

Beatrice Bunny had never seen him like this before. “ZOSTED?!?” She repeated the word and called out to him, “ZOSTED?!?” I wonder what he means by that?

But Siegfred was already shuffling up the grass towards Ozzy Owl’s tree. And this time he was going to really lay it on thick.

Ozzy’s keen eyes spotted him right away, shuffling in small steps with his eyes barely open.

“What on Earth could you be up to now, Sig?!?”

Siegfried came almost to a full stop and then just flopped on the ground, and bent over. Now he was going to really try out his new word on Ozzy.

“Sigfried,” he called out loudly, “Snap out of it! Are you okay, was it something you ate? Tell me?”

At which point, Sig rolled over onto his back and began to snore softly.

“You have got to be kidding!” Ozzy flew down beside his friend and helped Sig get up. “Shake it off, little buddy! Just tell me how you got like this?”

And here was Sigfried’s chance to use the new word he learned from his father.

He opened his eyes a very tiny bit, and answered Ozzy, “Oh, I’d really love to, but I am so totally ZOSTED!”

“Zosted?” Ozzy repeated. And by then Beatrice made her way to them.

“Yeah,” she said to Ozzy, “That’s exactly what he told me!” Beatrice Bunnie’s ears formed a t.v. antenna on her head. This is what she did when she was looking for answers. She knew Ozzy Owl would solve this problem.

“Exhausted,” Ozzy smiled and with his wings fanned air onto Sig’s face. “The word is EXHAUSTED, Sig! Not ZOSTED! And how did you get so exhausted anyway?”

Sigfried was so excited to show off his new word and he blushed with embarrassment that it did not turn out as he had planned.

Ozzy Owl winked at Beatrice Bunny, “Well now, Beatrice, it looks like we will have to go to movie night without him…there’s just no way he will be able to make it, just look at him.”

Siegfred Squirrel had forgotten: “Wild Kingdom,” he had been waiting for a month for it to come out.

“Movie night?” he whispered, As his eyes began to open, one first and then the other.

“Wow! Look at that, guys! I am not ZOSTED after all!,”

Ozzy cleared his throat and fluttered his black, white, and golden wings and looked right into Siggy’s eyes with that piercing stare all owls have.

“Oh yeah,” Siggy kicked at the ground beneath his feet. And with a sheepish grin said, “I mean exhausted, anymore!…let’s go!”

Beatrice Bunny started hopping on the trail to the theatres, “I’ll pay for the tickets!” Her ears flopping up and down with excitement.

Ozzy confirmed, “Well there is no way I am paying for the popcorn! We all know it’s Sig’s turn. “Ain’t that right, Sigfried?”

“You got it! I can’t wait! It was so hard for me to keep that whole ZOSTED thing going!!!” He said, “I was so excited that I would be using a new word that no one knew.”

“Well, Siggy,” Ozzy Owl chimed in, “You’ve got to get up pretty early in the morning to pull a fast one on this owl! I eat dictionaries for BREAKFAST!”

And with that final note, the three friends made their way to the movies…neither one of them ZOSTED in the least bit, now!!!!

Date posted: June 27, 2023.

_______________________

Farah Tejani creative writer Vancouver — *Farah Tejani*

Farah Tejani is a creative writer based in Vancouver. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English Literature and her Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia in May of 1997 and earned top Honors for her Thesis on Short Fiction. Farah then went on to publish a collection of short stories published by Trafford, called, “Make Your Own Chai, Mama’s Boy!” — ten short stories dealing with different dilemmas South Asians face. Farah also wrote and co-directed her stage play, “Safeway Samosas,” which won “The Best of Brave New Playwrights Award” in July 1995. Her short story, “Too Hot” won third place in the “Canada-Wide Best Short Fiction Award” and was read at The Vancouver Writers Festival. She has been contributing poems and stories for Simerg and its sister website Barakah since 2020. We invite our readers to read some of Farah’s poems by clicking on Elastic Embrace; The Fragrance of Spring, “In Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Eyes” and her story Mr. Sneaky Peeky and the Two Red-Tailed Monkeys.

We welcome feedback from our readers. Please complete the LEAVE A REPLY form or click Leave a comment. Your letter may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation.

_______________

Ode to the Ismaili Imam of the Present Time, Mawlana Shah Karim, His Highness the Aga Khan

17 December 2022

2 Comments

[Ismaili Muslims around the world celebrated the 86th birthday of their 49th Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, on December 13, 2022. The following beautiful ode was submitted in our comments section by France’s Moez Nato as his feedback to Simerg’s article entitled Ismaili Muslims Celebrate 86th Birthday of Mawlana Shah Karim Al Hussaini Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan. We feel that the ode deserves a post in its own right and we are pleased to publish it as submitted by Moez, with minor editorial changes related to capitalization and spelling — Ed.]

By MOEZ NATO, France

In the name of Allah the Most Clement, the Most Merciful,

At the first hours of this blessed day of your birthday oh Beloved Khudavind, millions and millions of voices of your murids of your globalized Jamat, will invoke the Grace, the Mercy of Allah so that you have a good health, a long life, a serene family happiness and that all your dear wishes are realized.

And may you always remain this Bright Lighthouse in this world which is going through a deep sanitary crisis, accompanied by climatic disturbances, wars and the noise of boots, socio-economic troubles in a world in full geopolitical changes.

And we will also have, on this happy day, affectionate thoughts filled with gratitude, esteem and sincere recognition for all the members of your Noorani family for their tireless commitment to make radiate throughout the world all your wishes, projects and who present your Jamat, as Muslims Shia Ismaili Imami Nizari responsible, worthy and bearers of values and humanistic projects with universal scope.

On this happy anniversary day, we will renew as your spiritual children bound by the Bayat, our unwavering attachment to your Spiritual Authority. We humbly express our sincere shukranas for your high benevolence, your Hidayats, your Farmans to always protect us, guide us to the right path of Sirat al-Mustaqim and encourage us for the spiritual quest.

With your constant Guidance, O Being of Light, we seek, as murids living a faith of conviction, as ambassadors of Islam, as worthy and responsible dais, to apply the precious precepts of the ethics of our faith. And as you advice us, we never forget to always remember the presence of Allah in our life journey.

And in this troubled world, we seek, thanks to your vision of a contemporary enlightened Islam, to extend these precepts in our daily commitments as loyal, responsible and committed citizens in the pluralist, tolerant and generous civil society.

Good health and long life to our Imam of the Present Time!

Date posted: December 13, 2022.
Last updated: December 17, 2022.

__________________________

FEEDBACK

Simerg welcomes your feedback. Please click Leave a comment. Your letter may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation.

REVIEW SIMERG’S TABLE OF CONTENTS AND VISIT ITS SISTER WEBSITES

Before departing this website, please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought-provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and Simergphotos. The editor may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com.

Simerg’s Series on Books by Ismaili Authors: “Cooking with Mom,” by Rozina Ramji of Edmonton Honours Her Mom’s Mouth Watering Recipes

11 November 2022

2 Comments

By MALIK MERCHANT

Simerg’s series entitled “Books by Ismaili Authors” continues with Rozina Ramji’s “Cooking with Mom.” We follow the same Q/A format as our earlier presentations of books written by Shamim Murji (Brampton), Mahmoud Hirji (Toronto), Zul Premji (Calgary), Azim Jiwani (Vancouver), Naznin Rahemtulla Hébert (Montreal), Shairoz Lakhani (London, UK), Shelina Shariff Zia (New York), Ali Lakhani (Vancouver), Nizar Sultan (Toronto), Nargis Fazal (Vancouver), Nazlin Rahemtulla (Vancouver), Azmina Suleman (Calgary), Alnasir Rajan (Mississauga), Shafeen Ali (USA), Mansoor Ladha (Calgary), Zeni Shariff (Toronto) and Shamas Nanji (Edmonton). We encourage Ismaili authors from around the world to participate in this series, regardless of when their books were published. See details of the series HERE and submit your responses accordingly to Simerg’s editor, Malik, at mmerchant@simerg.com.

****************

Simerg’s Interview with Rozina Ramji

“Be it briyani, masala fish, kuku paka (from main dishes), dal, moong curry, sonia (from basic recipes), or dhokra, fried masala cassava, chicken samosas (from snacks), you will now be able to make these from the step-by-step method given. Mom’s Caramel Pudding is delicious and worth attempting” — Excerpt from back cover, “Cooking with Mom”, by Rozina Ramji

Simerg: What is behind the naming of the title of the book?

Rozina Ramji: To leave a legacy of my Mom’s cooking which the family has enjoyed for decades. Cooking has been a big part of our family culture and I have memories of the ladies (Grandmas, Aunts, and Mom) all cooking together, sharing techniques and conversing with each other. The cookbook was to cook with Mom and sharing time with her. I didn’t want to lose Mom’s recipes. The book is a great way to thank Mom and honour her and, thus, the title “Cooking with Mom.”

Simerg: Why would you want me or my family members to read the book, and what will we all learn from it?

Rozina: You’ll learn about the key recipes from African/Indian blend as well as common foods that are usually served in most homes that come from East Africa. With the step-by-step method to the recipe and the photos, anyone wishing to cook will easily create it.

[The editor recommends that readers read Rozina Ramji’s beautiful and inspiring introduction to “Cooking with Mom” – see image, below, and click on it for enlargement]

Rozina Ramji's introduction to "Cooking with Mom." Photograph: Rozina Ramji, Edmonton. Books by Ismaili authors by Simerg. — *Rozina Ramji’s introduction to “Cooking with Mom.” Photograph: Rozina Ramji, Edmonton. Please click on image for enlargement*

Simerg: What inspired you to write Cooking with Mom?

Rozina: I remember my son and daughter asking me to make chicken samosas and shrimp curry that my Mom makes. I realized that it didn’t turn out like Mom’s. It’s at that point I decided I wanted to cook with Mom and learn about the ingredients, the steps to each recipe and any tips and tricks she could share.

In this way and with the backing of my children and other younger members of my family, I decided to write Cooking with Mom. It is fully illustrated, and I think even novices and those who find cooking somewhat daunting will be inspired to start cooking with the recipes I have provided in the book. I also invite expert cooks who specialize in other forms of cooking — Canadian, North American as well as ethnic — to explore and to try some of recipes that I have provided.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Article continues below

Rozina Ramji's book “Cooking with Mom.” Published by Litfire, Books by Ismaili authors, simerg series — *Cover page of Rozina Ramji’s book “Cooking with Mom.” Published by Litfire, September 2018, 122 pp. Available as paperback and hardcover.*

Praise for Cooking with Mom

“The Cooking with Mom cookbook is one of the most interesting in my home library! The recipes are easy to understand, and the pictures are very helpful; they depict not only the finished dishes but also key steps in the preparation process. Packed with 41 recipes, the book is divided into 7 categories covering the gamut of Indian cuisine: main dishes, curries, rice dishes, east Indian bread, snacks, sweet things and drinks. I love the chicken biryani and my husband is wild about this particular recipe. My husband is not the most proficient person in the kitchen, but he did a credible job with the kheer (rice pudding.) We both enjoy Indian food and can’t wait to try out more of the recipes. Whether you’re an accomplished meal maker or a just a novice starting out in Indian cuisine, you won’t go wrong with this book!” — Joan Sinclair

Cooking with Mom by Rozina Ramji, cookbook, African Indian and fusion, Simerg Ismaili authors series — *A 2-page spread from Rozina Ramji’s “Cooking with Mum” illustrating how to make the famous East African kachori (potato balls). Photograph: Rozina Ramji, Edmonton.*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Simerg: How can I purchase the book and what are its available formats?

Rozina: First of all, Cooking with Mom can be ordered directly from the publisher Litfire. You can also acquire it from major on-line stores such as Amazon, Indigo and Barnes and Nobles, among many other booksellers. The book is available both in paperback and hardcover.

Simerg: How did you find a publisher for the book?

Rozina: I was making inquiries about publishing and happened to talk to someone from LitFire publishing. They were very encouraging and told me about the support they provide. I felt comfortable.

Simerg: Did you hire an editor, an illustrator or did you do all the work by yourself?

Rozina: While I was cooking with my Mom, I took photos of everything and wrote down every recipe. Then the family tried to create food while following the recipe and asked questions. In this way, I tried my best to perfect the steps. My sister Bilkis along with my husband Alnasir helped with the book’s editing.

Simerg: Which was your first book and how many have you written?

Rozina: Cooking with Mom is my first book. I would love to write a sequel with other delicious recipes not included in the first.

Simerg: How long did it take you to write Cooking with Mom from start to finish and to begin marketing it?

Rozina: It took a year. I had been wanting to write a cookbook with Mom for several years but this dream only materialized in 2018.

Simerg: Tell us something more about your book.

Rozina: The cookbook has mouthwatering recipes that are not difficult to make like biryani, masala fish, dal, vegetable curries and then snacks like chicken samosas, dhokras, kebabs, sweet thaplas etc. Some drinks that are popular like kadho, lassi, sherbets and masala chai are also included. This is a book everyone will be able to follow, and those who do not cook will say that they now love to cook.

Date posted: November 11, 2022.

_______________

Get your own copy of Rozina Ramji’s Cooking with Mom. Order it from the publisher Litfire or other major on-line stores such as Amazon, Indigo and Barnes and Nobles. We welcome feedback from our readers. Please click LEAVE A COMMENT. Your letter may be edited for length and brevity and is subject to moderation.

_______________

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rozina Ramji Cooking with Mon, books by Ismaili authors, special series Simerg — *Rozina Ramji (left), and sister Bilkis Jiwa with their mom Gulshan Jiwa (centre).*

Born and raised in Uganda, Rozina Ramji was pursuing her higher secondary education in the UK, when her parents, Pyarali and Gulshan Jiwa, were forced to flee Uganda following Idi Amin’s 1972 decree expelling South Asians from the country. Rozina’s parents settled in Edmonton and went on to open grocery stores that, among other items, sold ethnic groceries from around the world. Rozina joined her parents in Edmonton in 1973 and pursued a degree majoring in Education at the University of Alberta. She then commenced a long career in teaching with the Edmonton Public School Board, where she taught general subjects as well as math/science to students from SK to Grade 12. At the same time, she became engaged within her Ismaili Muslim community by volunteering in Ismaili institutions in numerous capacities, including giving Baitul Ilm (BUI) classes to Ismaili children and youth. Also, Rozina and her husband Alnasir were appointed to officiate as Kamadiani and Kamadia of the Edmonton Ismaili Headquarters Jamatkhana. She has two children; her son is a doctor while her daughter has completed her master’s program in Dispute Resolution. Indeed, it was at her children’s insistence that Rozina decided to write “Cooking with Mom” and she remains grateful to them for their inspiration.

______________

Calling all Ismaili Authors

_______________

Links to the Ismaili Authors’ Series (in chronological sequence, oldest article first):

“Justice Bertha Wilson Pushes the Boundaries of Humanity” by Shamas Nanji (series start, February 10, 2021)
“Little One, You Are The Universe” by Zeni Shariff (February 25, 2021)
“Memoirs of a Muhindi” by Mansoor Ladha (March 6, 2021, and see also 15, below, by the same author)
“To Be One With God: Seven Journeys to the Meaning of Life” by Shafeen Ali (March 25, 2021)
“Invisible Birthmarks” by Alnasir Rajan (April 13, 2021)
“IN THE NAME OF JUSTICE – Portrait of a ‘Cowboy’ Judge” by Azmina Suleman (April 28, 2021)
“RSVP Rice and Stew Very Plenty” by Nazlin Rahemtulla (May 28, 2021)
“Coughdrops” by Nargis Fazal (June 12, 2021)
“The Roots and the Trees” by Nizar Sultan (June 25, 2021)
“Faith and Ethics: The Vision of the Ismaili Imamat” by M. Ali Lakhani (July 4, 2021)
“Nairobi Days by Shelina_Shariff Zia (July 21, 2021)
“Shine Brighter” by Shairoz Lakhani (December 8, 2021)
“This is My Life” by Naznin Rahemtulla Hébert (February 26, 2022)
“Humanizing Medicine – Making Health Tangible” by Dr. Azim Jiwani (March 9, 2022)
“A Portrait in Pluralism: Aga Khan’s Shia Ismaili Muslims” by Mansoor Ladha (June 8, 2022, and see also 3, above, by the same author)
“Malaria Memoirs: My Life Journey as a Public Health Doctor in Tanzania” by Dr Zul Premji (June 30, 2022)
“Monkey Tales and Other Short Stories” by Mahmoud Hirji (September 10, 2022)
“Bloom! A Story of Diversity and Understanding” by Shamim Murji (October 27, 2022)
“Cooking with Mom” by Rozina Ramji (November 11, 2022)

_______________________

The editor may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com.

Simerg’s Series on Books by Ismaili Authors: “Bloom! A Story of Diversity and Understanding,” by Shamim Murji of Brampton Aims to Teach Ismaili Muslim Children About Their Identity Through Storytelling

27 October 2022

1 Comment

By MALIK MERCHANT

Simerg’s series entitled “Books by Ismaili Authors” continues with Shamim Murji’s book “Bloom: A Story of Diversity and Understanding.” We follow the same Q/A format as our earlier presentations of books written by Mahmoud Hirji (Toronto), Zul Premji (Calgary), Azim Jiwani (Vancouver), Naznin Rahemtulla Hébert (Montreal), Shairoz Lakhani (London, UK), Shelina Shariff Zia (New York), Ali Lakhani (Vancouver), Nizar Sultan (Toronto), Nargis Fazal (Vancouver), Nazlin Rahemtulla (Vancouver), Azmina Suleman (Calgary), Alnasir Rajan (Mississauga), Shafeen Ali (USA), Mansoor Ladha (Calgary), Zeni Shariff (Toronto) and Shamas Nanji (Edmonton). We encourage Ismaili authors from around the world to participate in this series, regardless of when their books were published. See details of the series HERE and submit your responses accordingly to Simerg’s editor, Malik, at mmerchant@simerg.com.

****************

Simerg’s Interview with Shamim Murji

Ismaili author Shamim Murji, Bloom! — *Shamim Murji*

Simerg: What is behind the naming of the title of the book?

Shamim Murji: The word “Bloom!” in the title provokes the idea of growth and fits nicely with self-discovery and learning. In this story a young girl learns about her identity as a Shia Ismaili Muslim.

Simerg: Why would you want me or my family members to read the book, and what will we all learn from it?

Shamim: I think this picture book will be appreciated by both Ismaili Muslim children specifically but also children of diverse faiths and cultures. We live in a diverse and pluralist world where teaching young children to appreciate and celebrate diversity is incumbent upon all parents and schools. Often, a fun and age-appropriate way to introduce difficult concepts is by observing nature. In this beautifully illustrated book with a clear and thought-provoking message for young readers, young girls learn that we are different, but we also have plenty in common and it’s the differences that make this world a special place. It is a heartwarming tale of identity, friendship and self-acceptance.

Simerg: What inspired you to write Bloom! A Story of Diversity and Understanding?

Shamim: I have often been disappointed not finding books relevant to or about Ismaili children either in the libraries or in my educational resources. As a secular teacher with the Peel Board of Education for 30 years, one of my favourite strategies to engage children into reading was through Readalouds. I think my picture book is an excellent Read Aloud story about inclusion and appreciation of diversity which are fundamental values for a peaceful environment in the classrooms but also in our shrinking world. This book also gave me an opportunity to explain my own faith not only to other Muslims but also non-Muslims.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Grade 5 Teacher Praises Shamim Murji’s Story Book

Thank you so much for your amazing book. I love how you used nature to convey the message of diversity. My class thoroughly enjoyed your wonderful, enlightening book. Some comments from my class include, “I love how she used the rainbows and flowers,” another student said, “I didn’t know there were different types of Muslims.” My students also enjoyed the illustrations/pictures by your illustrator. My students were all extremely engaged when I was reading the book — Tom Vozinidis, grade 5 teacher.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bloom a story of diversity and understanding, books by Ismaili authors, Simerg — *Shamim Murji’s “Bloom! A Story of Diversity and Understanding.” Illustrations by i Cenizal. Published by Tellwell Publishing, Victoria, British Columbia, August 2022, 26pp. Softcover*.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ismaili Mother Praises Shamim Murji’s Story Book

I think for us it helped give the kids a language that is age appropriate, and a concrete example that they can use with friends moving forward. Our children hear the words diversity and pluralism all the time but often find these concepts are too complex for a child to be able to successfully articulate and fully understand — your book helps so much with that. All in all, we really love the book and again I am very impressed by how you found a gentle, inclusive and respectful way to tackle what I think is a very big problem that certainly affects the way Ismaili children self-identify. — Rishma Somji, a young Ismaili mother.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Simerg: How can I purchase the book and what are its available formats?

Shamim: The paperback book is available from numerous online booksellers including Amazon, Indigo, Barnes and Nobles and Book Depository. I am pleased to say that the book can also be purchased from the gift shop at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto.

Simerg: How did you find a publisher for the book?

Shamim: I found Tellwell Publishing online.

Simerg: Did you hire an editor, an illustrator or did you do all the work by yourself?

Shamim: Tellwell Publishing provided me access to all their editors and illustrators. They are a comprehensive publishing company and provide continuous support to the writer through the publishing journey.

Simerg: Which was your first book and how many have you written?

Shamim: This is my first published book, and it is aimed at children. As a teacher, I wrote numerous articles for school newsletters. One piece that I wrote recently for the AKU/IED may be of interest to many of your readers and I invite them to click on Embracing Pluralism: Curriculum paving the way for an inclusive tomorrow.

Simerg: How long did it take you to write “Bloom! A Story of Diversity and Understanding” from start to finish and to begin marketing it?

Shamim: The idea of the book had been brewing in my head for a few years. However, when I retired from my full-time teaching, I had more time to work on it, polish it and get it ready for the publisher. It was published in August 2022.

Date posted: October 27, 2022.

_______________

We welcome feedback from our readers. Please click Leave a comment. Your letter may be edited for length and brevity and is subject to moderation.

_______________

Shamim Murji found her experiences as a classroom teacher for 25 years (KG — Grade 8) most enjoyable as a teacher, mentor and learner. She also had opportunities to travel as a volunteer teacher and mentor to Liberia, Ghana and Uganda as a participant and team leader for Project Overseas, which is a Canadian Teachers’ Federation and Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario joint venture to provide free quality professional development to teachers in the developing countries. From 2016–2017 she was seconded by the Ontario Ministry of Education to the Aga Khan Academy in Maputo, Mozambique. Her work in the summer of 2018 with street kids in Jeevapur, a small village in Gujarat, India, also confirmed to her the importance of English literacy as a life skill. Shamim lives with her husband in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

_______________

Calling all Ismaili Authors

We welcome feedback from our readers. Please click Leave a comment. Your letter may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation.

_______________

Links to the Ismaili Authors’ Series (in chronological sequence, oldest article first):

“Justice Bertha Wilson Pushes the Boundaries of Humanity” by Shamas Nanji (series start, February 10, 2021)
“Little One, You Are The Universe” by Zeni Shariff (February 25, 2021)
“Memoirs of a Muhindi” by Mansoor Ladha (March 6, 2021, and see also 15, below, by the same author)
“To Be One With God: Seven Journeys to the Meaning of Life” by Shafeen Ali (March 25, 2021)
“Invisible Birthmarks” by Alnasir Rajan (April 13, 2021)
“IN THE NAME OF JUSTICE – Portrait of a ‘Cowboy’ Judge” by Azmina Suleman (April 28, 2021)
“RSVP Rice and Stew Very Plenty” by Nazlin Rahemtulla (May 28, 2021)
“Coughdrops” by Nargis Fazal (June 12, 2021)
“The Roots and the Trees” by Nizar Sultan (June 25, 2021)
“Faith and Ethics: The Vision of the Ismaili Imamat” by M. Ali Lakhani (July 4, 2021)
“Nairobi Days by Shelina_Shariff Zia (July 21, 2021)
“Shine Brighter” by Shairoz Lakhani (December 8, 2021)
“This is My Life” by Naznin Rahemtulla Hébert (February 26, 2022)
“Humanizing Medicine – Making Health Tangible” by Dr. Azim Jiwani (March 9, 2022)
“A Portrait in Pluralism: Aga Khan’s Shia Ismaili Muslims” by Mansoor Ladha (June 8, 2022, and see also 3, above, by the same author)
“Malaria Memoirs: My Life Journey as a Public Health Doctor in Tanzania” by Dr Zul Premji (June 30, 2022)
“Monkey Tales and Other Short Stories” by Mahmoud Hirji (September 10, 2022)
“Bloom! A Story of Diversity and Understanding” by Shamim Murji (October 27, 2022)

_______________________

The editor may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com.

Simerg’s Special Series on Books by Ismaili Authors: “Monkey Tales and Other Short Stories” by Mahmoud Hirji of Toronto; Author is Featured on CTV’s Your Morning Show

10 September 2022

6 Comments

By MALIK MERCHANT
Publisher/Editor Simerg, Barakah and Simergphotos

Simerg’s series entitled “Books by Ismaili Authors” continues with Toronto based Mahmoud Hirji’s book “Monkey Tales and Other Short Stories.” We follow the same Q/A format as our earlier presentations of books written by Zul Premji (Calgary), Azim Jiwani (Vancouver), Naznin Rahemtulla Hébert (Montreal), Shairoz Lakhani (London, UK), Shelina Shariff Zia (New York), Ali Lakhani (Vancouver), Nizar Sultan (Toronto), Nargis Fazal (Vancouver), Nazlin Rahemtulla (Vancouver), Azmina Suleman (Calgary), Alnasir Rajan (Mississauga), Shafeen Ali (USA), Mansoor Ladha (Calgary), Zeni Shariff (Toronto) and Shamas Nanji (Edmonton). We encourage Ismaili authors from around the world to participate in this series, regardless of when their books were published. See details of the series HERE and submit your responses accordingly to Simerg’s editor, Malik, at mmerchant@simerg.com.

****************

Simerg’s Interview with Mahmoud Hirji

Simerg: What is behind the naming of the title of the book?

Mahmoud Hirji: I have two stories out of the fourteen, anchoring the book of short stories. One of them, called “Monkey Tales” is about a French expatriate working on a project in Africa, in the fictitious land of “Nyani” (which means monkey in Swahili ) where he experiences riotous encounters with the police (which I’m sure many of your readers originally from the southern hemsphere, will identify with ) and with a troop of baboons. Another reason is because many of my stories also speak to “monkey business” between humans.

Simerg: Why would you want me or my family members to read the book, and what will we all learn from it?

Hirji: My stories are full of humor, suspense, poignancy and a-twist-in-the-tale that audiences will love to read. To lend authenticity to the places, period and construction industry they are set in, I write about racism, sexism, exploitation, greed and attitudes of the time — sentiments that we have all at one time or anther encountered as immigrants to western countries.

I also think these stories are important for present day and next generations to read and learn about their parents’ and grandparents’ struggles as new immigrants.

However, I want readers and especially young parents to realize that this is not a story book for their children due to strong language and content to be authentic in describing the times, places and workplaces in my stories. I recommend a rating of 18+ for readers.

Simerg: What inspired you to write Monkey Tales?

Hirji: I have always been a story teller and an essay writer — perhaps a little long winded, some may say — and the pandemic gave me the chance to devote time to this endeavour, working from home.

Article continues below

Monkey Tales and Other Short Stories by Mahmoud Hirji Ismaili author series Simerg — *Cover page of Mahmoud Hirji’s book “Monkey Tales and Other Short Stories.” Published by Friesen Press, Altona, Manitoba, July 2022, 248 pp. Available as hardback, paperback and Ebook*.

Simerg: How can I purchase the book and what are its available formats?

Hirji: My book is available through the publisher Friesen Press — in soft cover, hard cover and Ebook formats. They are also available through Amazon, Chapters Indigo (as a Kobo Ebook), Barnes & Noble (Nook) among many other on-line bookstores worldwide.

Simerg: How did you find a publisher for the book?

Hirji: A good family friend, Nizar Sultan, author of the recently published epic tale, The Roots and the Trees, reviewed options with me and recommended Friesen Press as my best choice. And I must say, I have been very pleased with their work.

[“The Roots and the Trees” has been featured in Simerg as part of our Ismaili authors’ series. Please click HERE for our interview with Nizar Sultan – Ed.]

Simerg: Did you hire an editor, an illustrator or did you do all the work by yourself?

Hirji: I self-published through Friesen Press who provide coaching and a menu of services at different levels that one can use, enabling creative control on my part. I opted to consult with and use Friesen’s editor services, graphic design services, print layout and publishing services — and of course coaching on pricing and promotions.

Article continues below

~~~~~~~~~

MONKEY TALES: “A MOST PLEASANT READ”

The ease with which Monkey Tales and Other Short Stories transitions from one setting to another is fascinating. There is no constant. You don’t know if you should expect to be scared, excited, or amused when you finish one and start the next one. The only constant is the superb writing style and the details that can come only from intimate knowledge of the settings or from sound research. Each story is unique, interesting, informative, and entertaining. A most pleasant read — Nizar Sultan, author of The Roots and the Trees

~~~~~~~~~

Simerg: Which was your first book and how many have you written?

Hirji: “Monkey Tales and other Short Stories” is my first book and I am now writing a sequel — my second book called “Monkey Business.”

Simerg: How long did it take you to write “Monkey Tales” from start to finish and to begin marketing it?

Hirji: Approximately two and a half years.

Simerg: Would you like to offer further thoughts about your book?

Hirji: There are 14 short stories, and the genre is autofiction. A central character that runs thorough many of them is Aziz, born and raised in Tanzania, then emigrating to Canada and about his adventures studying and working here and abroad as an expatriate, sprinkled with lots of mirchi masala! I cannot tell all here, so will mention 4 stories:

In my first story, “When the Sun comes Up,” inspired by my favorite author Jefferey Archer, I have challenged myself to write a story that is exactly two hundred words in length.

In my title story, “Monkey Tales,” you will read about the daily conflicts between man and animal, among peoples and races, about greed and corruption, and sadly, about the way our world turns.

In “Churro,” I have attempted to shock and entertain the reader at the same time, sprinkling it with macabre humour in the style of another great author, Steven King.

And finally, in “La Colorada,” my most ambitious and complex short story — a novella, really — I have written about a family’s sad, poignant history, switching back and forth across almost two centuries, with threads of love, romance, terror, the supernatural, and the omnipresent greed and savagery of mankind running through it.

Date posted: September 10, 2022.

_______________

We welcome feedback from our readers. Please click Leave a comment. Your letter may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation.

~~~~~~~~~

Mahmoud Hirji’s Book is Featured on CTV’S “Your Morning” Program: Watch Short Clip

“Monkey Tales” was featured on CTV’s “Your Morning” show that was aired across Canada on September 6, 2022. You can watch the full episode by clicking on CTV: Your Morning Show; Mahmoud’s interview with the host, Anne Marie Mediwake, begins at around the 1:14:09 mark. Below, we provide our readers with the clip that was aired on CTV.

https://videopress.com/v/9BYyVlb1?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true

Mahmoud Hirjis’ interview with Your Morning host Anne Marie Mediwake. Video Credit: CTV and Mahmoud Hirji

_______________

Mahmoud Hirji, Osmaili author Monkey Tales Simerg — *Mahmoud Hirji*

Mahmoud Hirji grew up in Moshi, Tanzania and finished his high schooling in Canterbury, England before moving to Vancouver, BC, Canada. Mahmoud studied Civil Engineering, and worked on several remote area construction projects around BC. Mahmoud later moved to Toronto, where he worked on a multitude of engineering and construction infrastructure projects in Canada and overseas as an expatriate. Now a professional construction consultant, the globe-trotting Hirji has lived on four continents, worked on projects in 23-countries and travelled to 46-countries.

Mahmoud lives in Toronto with his wife and daughter. They enjoy a shared passion for travel and the outdoors — hiking, canoeing, cottaging, skiing. They currently actively volunteer within and outside the Ismaili community.

Monkey Tales and other Short Stories is Mahmoud’s first book. His next book, Monkey Business, which he has begun writing, will be out next spring.

_______________

Calling all Ismaili Authors

We welcome feedback from our readers. Please click Leave a comment. Your letter may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation.

_______________

The Ismaili Authors’ Series so far (in chronological sequence, oldest article first):

“Justice Bertha Wilson Pushes the Boundaries of Humanity” by Shamas Nanji (series start, February 10, 2021)
“Little One, You Are The Universe” by Zeni Shariff (February 25, 2021)
“Memoirs of a Muhindi” by Mansoor Ladha (March 6, 2021, and see also 15, below, by the same author)
“To Be One With God: Seven Journeys to the Meaning of Life” by Shafeen Ali (March 25, 2021)
“Invisible Birthmarks” by Alnasir Rajan (April 13, 2021)
“IN THE NAME OF JUSTICE – Portrait of a ‘Cowboy’ Judge” by Azmina Suleman (April 28, 2021)
“RSVP Rice and Stew Very Plenty” by Nazlin Rahemtulla (May 28, 2021)
“Coughdrops” by Nargis Fazal (June 12, 2021)
“The Roots and the Trees” by Nizar Sultan (June 25, 2021)
“Faith and Ethics: The Vision of the Ismaili Imamat” by M. Ali Lakhani (July 4, 2021)
“Nairobi Days by Shelina_Shariff Zia (July 21, 2021)
“Shine Brighter” by Shairoz Lakhani (December 8, 2021)
“This is My Life” by Naznin Rahemtulla Hébert (February 26, 2022)
“Humanizing Medicine – Making Health Tangible” by Dr. Azim Jiwani (March 9, 2022)
“A Portrait in Pluralism: Aga Khan’s Shia Ismaili Muslims” by Mansoor Ladha (June 8, 2022, and see also 3, above, by the same author)
“Malaria Memoirs: My Life Journey as a Public Health Doctor in Tanzania” by Dr Zul Premji (June 30, 2022)
“Monkey Tales and Other Short Stories” by Mahmoud Hirji (September 10, 2022)

_______________________

The editor may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com.

Salim Rahemtulla’s “90 Days” is Set for World Premiere September 8 in Vancouver – the Play Tells the Story of an Ismaili Muslim Family’s Forced Exodus from Uganda 50 Years Ago

8 September 2022

A Brief Statement on “90 Days”

By SALIM RAHEMTULLA

“I started writing the play three years ago and my goal was to have it completed and performed for the 50^th anniversary of the Uganda Expulsion. The play is set in 1972 in Kampala, and Idi Amin, then President of Uganda, has had a dream he should expel all Asians from the country and give them 90 Days to leave. Yusuf Rahim, a Kampala shopkeeper, is disbelieving of the order and refuses to uproot his wife and two children. He decides to stay. As the family navigates the uncertainties of the ninety days that follow and come into conflict with each other about what to do, the dangers of staying in Kampala become too clear to ignore. As the family makes hard choices about whether to seek asylum in countries that do not want them, the traumatic expulsion is brought to life through the lens of a modest Ismaili family grappling with the pains of separation and tearing themselves away from a country they thought was home.”

Writing to his friends around the world, Salim says:

“I hope you can come to Vancouver and celebrate the play with me and my family and all the wonderful people at Western Gold Theatre and the very talented and experienced cast, the director and all others involved in the staging of this play.”

For more details and to purchase tickets please visit the website: www.westerngoldtheatre.org. The Western Gold Theatre focuses on sharing and celebrating the talents of senior professional theatre artists. In conjunction with the performances, the theatre is also presenting a series of supplementary educational and social activities under the umbrella term, Recounting 90 Days.

Date posted: September 8, 2022.

_______________________

As a note to our readers, Salim Rahemtulla and his daughter Zahida worked together to prepare The Aga Khan’s View of the World for our sister website Barakah during the Diamond Jubilee of Mawlana Hazar Imam.

We welcome feedback/letters from our readers. Please click on Leave a comment. Your feedback may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation. We are unable to acknowledge unpublished letters. Simerg’s editor Malik Merchant may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com

Forthcoming Book: “Gifts From Amin – Ugandan Asian Refugees in Canada” by Dr. Shezan Muhammedi

14 August 2022

“Memories of a Ugandan Refugee: Encounters of Hope from Kampala to Vancouver” by Jalal Jaffer; Reviewed by Atlanta’s Nizar Motani

30 July 2022

1 Comment

________________________________________________

Memories of a Ugandan Refugee: Encounters of Hope from Kampala to Vancouver By Jalal Jaffer, Q.C.
336 pp. FriesenPress, 2022
US$ 29.99 (Hardcover), US$ 19.99 (Paperback) and US$ 6.99 (eBook) as listed on the publisher’s website FriesenPress; also available at Amazon.ca (Hardcover, C$ 33.70; Paperback, C$ 26.57; Kindle C$ 8.91); and at Indigo.ca (as a Kobo Ebook for C$ 8.99). Note: Various formats of the book may sell for less. Please also see Jalal Jaffer’s website for more options to purchase.
________________________________________________

[Nizar Motani’s review of Jalal Jaffer’s Memoirs comes to us for publication close to the 50th anniversary of the announcement on August 4, 1972 by Idi Amin to expel Asians from Uganda; the decree took effect on August 9th. The early major settlement of the first group of Ugandan Asians in Canada has been listed by Carleton University’s special Uganda Asian’s project as follows: Vancouver (1,034); Montreal (480); Toronto (440); Winnipeg (205); and Ottawa (124) — Ed.]

BOOK REVIEW BY NIZAR MOTANI, PhD

Being a diarist since his schooldays; a gifted writer and a poet; a voracious reader; a disciplined life of service, gratitude and contentment with its rewards; and a firm belief that the Divine hand has always been on his shoulder, Jalal Jaffer would be expected to chronicle an exceptional memoir. And he has done it splendidly!

His life story is centered on three overlapping, intertwining, love stories, which beautify and fortify each other. The first love story is about the wonderful family he was born into and his abiding deeply reciprocal love for his parents and eight siblings.

Besides his biological family, he developed a special bond with his spiritual father, the present 49^th hereditary Shia Imami Ismaili Muslim Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan IV. However, its foundation was serendipitously laid in his predecessor’s spiritual rein, when the 48^th Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan III, named him Jalaluddin, at age sixteen days, during his visit to Kisumu, Kenya, in 1945!

The final love story is about his own biological family, in Vancouver, Canada, after his marriage with Shamshad P.K. Pirani, which remarkably was performed by the 49^th Imam, in February 1972, at Kampala, Uganda, Jamatkhana — just six months before Idi Amin’s mass Asian Expulsion order of August 4.

Jalaluddin’s name got shortened to Jalal, who has “tried to traverse through life with prayers and conviction that the Divine hand is, and has always been, on my shoulders to help me, guide me and protect me” (p. 1X). The Divine hand can be seen throughout his autobiography. It came to his rescue when he seriously injured his left hand in an accident, at age six, helping to turn this tragedy into a lifelong triumph, which enabled him to excel at everything; it was at the hotel in Bangkok where two young students he kindly invited into his hotel room to learn about their lives and dreams for the future, instead they drugged and robbed him but could not kidnap or kill him; it was evident at the beach in Karachi where he and his young son, Jamil, could have drowned; and throughout his and his family’s lives.

The Foreword by Dr. Farouk Mitha and The Prologue by the author whet the readers’ appetite for the thirty-three chapters that follow. In the interest of brevity this review will highlight only the most salient aspects of the three love stories, mentioned earlier.

His abiding love for his families (parents’ and his own) is poetically portrayed in Chapter 29: Loving Family and Friends, and Chapter 32: Encounters. ”My encounter with my parents must rank as the most impactful experience and the highest form of learning in my life” (p 299). His biological father passed away at the age of 96. At the lunch after the funeral, Alwaez Sultanali Nazerali delivered a poignant eulogy describing Ali Jaffer Esmail as a saintly person: “an angel in human form”. Jalal has beautifully translated and summarized it in English (p. 297).

Memoirs of a Ugandan Refugee Jalal Jaffer — “Memories of a Ugandan Refugee” by Jalal Jaffer, 336 pp., FriesenPress, First Edition 2022. Amazon.ca (Hardcover, C$33.70; Paperback, C$ 26.57, Kindle C$ 8.91); and at Indigo.ca (as a Kobo Ebook for C$ 8.99); book may sell for less. *Also, visit the website of Jalal Jaffer.*

Since their auspicious February 20, 1972 marriage, Shamshad, his beloved “Sham”, and the author, Jalal, have been on many adventurous honeymoons. In a poem titled The Lioness’ Journey, he shares his special love and appreciation for Sham, his bride, wife and partner (p.178-180). Such poetic expressions of his love, for all, appear frequently enhancing the value of this alluring autobiography.

An equivalent of a professional knighthood, Queen’s Counsel (Q.C.), was conferred on him in 2016. It was a great honor and he can and does proudly exhibit it. However, his heart was given to seva (service), in any capacity, at any level, to his murshid (his spiritual leader, the Aga Khan) and to his fellow murids (devotees).

To his amazement, he was blessed with eighteen years of seva at local, national, and international levels (1987-2005). “I was far from exhausted, but my cup was full. I had been blessed to have had these enormously important leadership positions for such a long period…shukar” (p. 210).

For his seva in “these enormously important leadership positions,” which were Imamat-appointed, he reaped enormous “once in a lifetime” meva (reward/blessing, recognition): an invitation to the majestic Diamond Jubilee Homage Ceremony at Aiglemont, France, on July 11, 2017, followed by special seating at the Darbar in Lisbon, Portugal, on July 11, 2018. Both these historic events inevitably moved Jalal to capture his feelings and thoughts in two trademark poems.

Chapter 24: Politics, describes his “insatiable appetite for world affairs and politics” from his childhood days. Of all the conflicts and turmoil engulfing the world, he was sufficiently outraged by the Israeli brutality and inhumanity towards the defenseless Palestinians in the Israeli-blockaded Gaza Strip. This led him to chide the “chosen people’ in a “short poem” called I Wonder (p. 220-221). It is a subtle poem but readers will judge its “length” as Jalal’s concept of “short” and “a few words” is uniquely his own!

Two paragraphs to indicate his and his bride’s love, friendship, and respect for their friends will end this not-so-short a review. Chapter 31 captures the astonishing natural beauty of Khorog, Tajikistan, and the surrounding Pamir Mountains and some of its inhabitants. They were guests of Shamim and Iqbal Talib who for almost a decade were engaged in boosting the local economy and had established a spacious second home with ideal accommodation for the rare guests who venture out to Khorog. The Talibs’ unforgettable hospitality competed with the high mountains, and the Jaffers left with fabulous memories and new knowledge of this exotic Ismaili enclave.

However, on another occasion of honoring friendships, he was distinctly derailed when some friends asked him to emcee the wedding of their children. He remembers saying “a few words” that he has recounted over seven meandering pages (271-278)! His captive audience may have endured or even enjoyed his “few words” but his readers could skim through this aberration and enjoy the rest of this memorable memoir.

Date posted: July 30, 2022.
Last updated: July 31, 2022.

Correction: In our earlier version of this post, the title of the book was incorrectly referred to as “Memoirs of a Ugandan Refugee….”; the correct title is “Memories of a Ugandan Refugee….” which is now reflected in this latest update of the post.

________________________

Contributor

Portrait of Nizar A. Motani, a middle-aged man with gray hair and glasses, wearing a black suit and striped tie, smiling at the camera.

Nizar A. Motani has a doctorate from the University of London (SOAS) in African history, specializing in British colonial rule in East Africa. He has been a college professor at Bowdoin College (Brunswick, ME) and Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo, MI). He was the first Publication Officer at the Institute of Ismaili Studies (London, UK). He now lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Motani’s previous pieces on Simerg and its sister website Barakah are:

_____________________

Feedback

Simerg welcomes your feedback. Please complete the LEAVE A REPLY form below or click Leave a comment. Your letter may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation.

_____________________

Please visit Simerg’s Table of Contents and its Sister Websites

Simerg’s editor may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com.