Simerg is an independent platform that focuses on the dissemination of knowledge about the faith, culture and news pertaining to the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims led by their Hereditary Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, through literary readings as well as artistic and textual expressions. It also brings to its readers news, events and programs that are of interest to all readers, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Simerg supports 2 more independent initiatives, Barakah.com and Simergphotos.com
In a spontaneous moment, Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, 49th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and the direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad — may peace be upon him and his family — walks towards his Ismaili followers and gives them blessings for everything they wish for. Please click MORE or on photo below to read stories and photographs from 1979 (London, England) and 2016 (Naryn, Kyrgyzstan.)
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, blesses a crowd during his visit to Naryn, Kyrgyzstan, in October 2016. Please click on photo for inspiring stories from 1979 and 2016
Featured image at top of post: A snapshot from a digital portrait rendition of His Highness the Aga Khan by Toronto’s Ismaili artist Akbar Kanji that, through hundreds of thumbnails, features the Ismaili Imam’s contribution to his community and the world at large. The work is dated 2011. For the artist, the concept is to “portray our Imam’s entire life and his dedications at a glance which we cannot imagine until we come closer to him.”
Date posted: January 27, 2023.
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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.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Uganda’s former dictator, Idi Amin, expelling the 80,000-member Asian community. Vancouver’s Salim Rahemtulla, who never set out to be a playwright, is releasing a special play “90 Days” that tells the story of an Ismaili Muslim family’s forced exodus from Uganda in 1972. Salim Rahemtulla’s father waited until two days left before the deadline before getting the remaining family members out of the country. He made this decision after Amin signalled his intention to disperse all Asians left in Kampala to other parts of the country. It was a harrowing experience for his father and mother. “They didn’t even know where they were going,” Rahemtulla says. “They were told on the plane…and they ended up in Malta — my parents and my two younger brothers. One brother ended up in Austria” — PLEASE READ MORE IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT
Poster announcing the world premiere in Vancouver of a new play 90 Days.
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 50th 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.
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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
“I know welcoming me into your homes every night is not a right; its a privilege. I will work hard with our team to earn and build your trust for that continued privilege. That’s my commitment to you.” — Excerpt from Omar Sachedina’s message to CTV viewers, September 5, 2022 ( see link to full message, below.)
SEPTEMBER 6, 2022: This is an updated version of our recent piece on Omar Sachedina’s appointment to top position at CTV News, Canada’s Most-Watched National Newscast (please see text of original post published on August 27, following this September 6 update.)
On Monday September 5, 2022, Sachedina delivered a welcome message to all viewers of CTV News as he assumed his role as its chief anchor. To view his message, please click A MESSAGE FROM OMAR SACHEDINA.
Upon the announcement of his appointment to the position in late August, Sachedina had given an interview to one of his colleagues, Angie Seth, at CTV News providing his perspectives on his new role at CTV as well as his personal memory of a specific tragic refugee situation of the war in Ukraine that he said would always remain etched in his mind. In the interview, he recounted a similar situation from his own parents experiences who were expelled from Uganda in 1972 along with thousands of other South Asians, and were compassionately welcome into Canada. Please watch his interview with Angie on the YouTube link below or by clicking HERE.
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Ismaili Journalist Omar Sachedina Moves into a Top Position at CTV News, Canada’s Most-Watched National Newscast
AUGUST 27, 2022: Omar Sachedina is one of a growing number of Ismailis who’ve become high-profile journalists, writes Georgia Straight’s editor Charlie Smith in a story related to Sachedina’s recent appointment as anchor of CTV news. Other Ismailis include CTV Vancouver anchor Nafeesa Karim, CBC foreign correspondent Salimah Shivji, CBC reporter Zahra Premji, former Breakfast Television host Riaz Meghji, Overstory Media CEO Farhan Mohamed, and MSNBC host Ali Velshi. Sachedina is expected to replace veteran journalist Lisa LaFlamme on September 5….Read More at GEORGIA STRAIGHT.
The official CTV news release of Omar Sachedina’s appointment states:
“As a veteran journalist who brings years of experience to his new role as anchor, Omar Sachedina is the ideal choice to lead the coverage being delivered by CTV NATIONAL NEWS each and every day across a variety of platforms,” said Karine Moses, Senior Vice President, Content Development & News, Bell Media and Vice Chair, Québec, Bell. “For more than a decade, he has played a key role in keeping Canadians informed of breaking news unfolding across Canada and around the world. Omar is a skilled anchor who connects with our viewers, and with him at the helm, we’re excited to maintain the status of CTV NATIONAL NEWS as Canada’s most-watched national newscast.” — READ MORE ON CTV NEWS and also see his CTV PROFILE.
There has been a backlash to Bell Media’s decision to end Lisa LaFlamme’s contract. Daily Hive notes that there is a petition growing to reinstate LaFlamme as CTV’s news anchor. And in a column for the Toronto Star, Amira Elghawaby writes, “Angry reactions to the sudden ousting of decorated broadcaster Lisa LaFlamme from her job as CTV’s chief news anchor and senior editor haven’t abated” — READ MORE (subscription may be required).
Date posted: August 27, 2022. Last updated: September 7, 2022 (Omar Sachedina starts his new role as CTV News anchor, and typos)
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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.
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 (see historical photo, below). This year (2022) the Eid will be celebrated by the Canadian Ismaili Muslim community on Saturday, July 9. Numerous Muslim Mosques in Canada have also announced that the Eid al-Adha Namaz prayer will be offered on July 9. In Calgary, Canada, the Eid al-Adha prayers at the Ismaili Headquarters Jamatkhana will be followed by a special free Calgary Stampede/Eid al-Adha breakfast starting at 11 AM (see details HERE).
Between 1909 and 1919. Muslim Pilgrims at the Kaaba in holy city of Mecca. Photo: US Library of Congress.
In addition to the Eid, Ismailis around the world will gather in their Jamatkhanas on Monday, July 11, to celebrate the 65th Imamat Day of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, who succeeded to the 49th hereditary throne of Imamat at the age of twenty by the will of his grandfather, Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, His Highness the Aga Khan III. The reign of the 48th Imam was a record in Ismaili history, lasting 71 years from August 17, 1885, when he was only 7 years old, until he died on July 11, 1957 at the age of 79.
Later during the week of July 11, on or around Saturday July 16, Ismailis along with other Shia Muslims will be observing Eid-e Ghadir, an event that took place during the return journey of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.S.) from the annual pilgrimage to Mecca when he designated Hazrat Ali (A.S.) to succeed him as the first Imam.
Simerg and its sister websites will carry special features related to these important historic events. For Eid al-Adha, we have Qur’anic verses as well as a poem and a beautiful story by Farah Tejani, whose creative writing has been widely appreciated by our readers.
We convey our heartiest felicitations to all our readers and friends on the occasion of Eid al-Adha and offer our prayers for the fulfilment of all your wishes, for good health as well as for barakah and success in your endeavours.
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The Qur’an on the Sacrifice
He said, ‘I am going to my Lord; He will guide me. (99) My Lord, give me one of the righteous.’ (100) Then We gave him the good tidings of a prudent boy; (101) and when he had reached the age of running with him, he said, ‘My son, I see in a dream that I shall sacrifice thee; consider, what thinkest thou?’ He said, ‘My father, do as thou art bidden; thou shalt find me, God willing, one of the steadfast.’ (102) When they had surrendered, and he flung him upon his brow, (103) We called unto him, ‘Abraham, (104) thou hast confirmed the vision; even so We recompense the good-doers. (105) This is indeed the manifest trial.’ (106) And We ransomed him with a mighty sacrifice, (107) and left for him among the later folk (108 ‘Peace be upon Abraham!’ (109) (Holy Qur’an, 37:99-109, translation by A.J. Arberry (click Corpus Quran for multiple translations.)
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The Great Sacrifice
By FARAH TEJANI
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.
Elizabeth the ladybug prided herself on being a very adventurous and curious little insect. Oh, life was simply so magnificent and extraordinary, and she remembered to thank God every single second. There was so much to learn and do, and this day was a very special day. Somehow inside she knew this was going to be a day she would never forget.
There was just something about the way the sun burst out of the sky just like a clown out of a wind-up music box. Today was just after a summer rain which made a double rainbow in the clouds. Elizabeth’s grandpa used to say that this meant there was a pot of gold at the end, but Elizabeth was not interested in gold today. Her grandfather always told her, “Always remember, Lizzie,” because that is what her family called her, “There are always many, many more important things in this world than gold.”
When Elizabeth was very young, her mother asked her, “Lizzie, honey, if you could do anything you want, what would you like to do more than anything in this world?” and Elizabeth kicked her little black foot in the blades of grass, “I don’t know…anything?” “Yes,” her mother smiled, not having a clue what her daughter would say. “I guess I would like to get to know everybody in the whole wide world!”
“Oh my!” she exclaimed, “This world is a pretty big place, and how would such a little ladybug like you do that?”
Elizabeth looked at her very seriously, “That’s easy. One at a time!”
Her mother laughed and gave her daughter a big hug! She knew if any ladybug could do it, Lizzie would! She would fly as far as her little wings would take her. There was nothing more fun than making new friends. And Lizzie had lots of them.
And this day was special. Elizabeth was on a mission to make a new friend at her favorite park in Richmond, British Columbia. Slowly she made small steps which gave her more time to see more things. Her mother used to tell her, “Lizzie, remember not to run through life too quickly; you might miss out on the good stuff…which was true indeed. So there were times when she would use her wings, but times when she would take slow meticulous steps and enjoy it like a hot cup of chocolate when it’s snowing.
Swan. Photo: Malik Merchant
Minoru Park was so special because it had squirrels and rabbits and ducks and swans and all types of plants and flowers. Elizabeth had many friends here already but today she was on a special mission to meet a new friend she just knew needed her help. You know how you just know things sometimes?…Yeah, like that.
Elizabeth passed all the friends she knew already because she was so tiny, and it was hard for them to see her. So she made her way across the step bridge and smiled at the mating swans which were making a heart shape with their necks. CLICK. She took a photo with her mind because she didn’t have a camera. This is how you make memories. Elizabeth had taken many photos in her mind. Sunsets, spider webs, flowers, squirrels, rabbits, frogs, butterflies and especially family. Photos that she could remember whenever she wanted to.
Suddenly, Elizabeth smelled a beautiful fragrance coming from the flowers on the other side of the bridge. She tiptoed on the dew on the grass so as not to disturb them and watched in wonder as they went about their day.
She was quite surprised to find some yellow sunlit dandelions doing the tango and dancing in the breeze. They were not aware that she was nearby and so they just laughed and giggled and enjoyed the warmth on their petals. Elizabeth called up from below, “Hey, my name is Elizabeth…do you want to be my friend?” But they were not able to hear her, so she just kept going, sure she would find that special friend.
Tulips. Photo: Nurin Merchant
And then Elizabeth went to the next bush and she couldn’t believe what she saw! Believe it or not Elizabeth saw some tulips holding briefcases, pens and pencils and charts and diagrams! They seemed to be talking and holding some kind of very important business meeting. Just like humans! “Oh, if only humans only knew what animals and nature do when they are asleep or not paying attention!” Elizabeth decided it was probably best not to disturb them. She carried on her very important adventure.
Elizabeth went a bit further and came across some lilacs singing in a choir! A choir! Oh, they sure sounded as pretty as they looked. It was the end of summer and they were already practicing Christmas carols. Elizabeth sat and listened to their songs for a bit. She was quite amazed at how gifted and talented they were. Elizabeth was going to stop and ask if she could sing with them, but she was determined to make a new friend today, and this would just delay her.
Elizabeth went a little further to a bush with no flowers, just bulbs that had not bloomed just yet. But there right in front of her lying in the grass was a single long stem rose that had been plucked and thrown away! This rose did not look happy just drying up and withering in the sun.
Wilting rose. Photo: Rashida Tejani
“Are you okay?” Elizabeth asked her sincerely.
No answer.
Elizabeth asked again and moved closer in case she couldn’t hear her.
“Hey, my name is Elizabeth…do you want to be my friend?”
But there was no response.
Elizabeth began to worry and she tried again, really anxious on becoming this rose’s friend… she just knew this was the special reason for today’s adventure and she was not going to give up.
“Excuse me, can you hear me? Are you okay? I would like to be your friend.”
Suddenly a small soft voice uttered very slowly and with much effort, “Oh, can’t you see? There’s no time for friends. Can’t you see that a human has plucked me from my bush and cast me to the ground. I was up there in my bush and I was the first one to bloom, so some human thought I was pretty and smelled me and then just decided to throw me away like an old newspaper that has already been read!”
Elizabeth knew this was her special friend and she knew she would do anything to help her.
“What do you mean?” Elizabeth was genuinely concerned. “How can I help you?”
“Put me back in my rose bush with my friends!”
Elizabeth knew she had to do something.
“Just like you need the plants and the dew on grass I need water and the sun and the soil to LIVE!” The rose craned her neck up with much effort to look Elizabeth in the eyes. “The sun is so hot and blazing on me that I am drying up and withering away! I don’t have too many words left but I hope you will hear me and share this message. I wish human beings would be more careful. LIVE AND LET LIVE!”
With one of her thorns she pointed at the puddle just next to them.
“You look like a very brave, strong and determined little lady bug. I have faith in you, my new friend. Do you have the strength to roll my stem in there, just so I can live just a little bit longer?”
Elizabeth had tears in her eyes, and looked sadly at the dying rose. But she was so happy she called her her new friend. “I know I can!” She knew there was a reason for her going on her adventure.
And with that, Elizabeth dug her heels in the ground and rolled the end of the flower’s stem into the puddle that she was so happy was there.
“LIVE AND LIVE!” The rose was fading now. With whatever strength she could gather from the water in the puddle she managed to say some very important things!
“Don’t put lions in cages, don’t put elephants in cages, don’t put gorillas and monkeys in cages, don’t put killer whales and dolphins in aquariums, don’t put fish and snakes and lizards in tanks…and for God’s sake don’t pluck flowers because they are pretty and they smell nice! LIVE AND LET LIVE! We last a lot longer in the bush and animals last a lot longer in their natural habitat!”
Elizabeth flew up to her petals and closed her eyelids and with that the rose slowly faded away leaving three or four dried red rose petals that looked like tears. Elizabeth took a very sad but meaningful snapshot in her mind and felt very sad that she only had this friend for a matter of minutes. But she was grateful for the lesson that would last a lifetime!
Tears were flowing from her eyes as she sat with the rose while the sun was setting in the distance. She had never thought about how important life was. No one had ever tried to take hers except for that young girl on the farm who put her under a glass where she was held prisoner for hours, but fortunately one of the adults used the glass to get some orange juice and she managed to get away. God knows what the young child would have done with her if the grown up didn’t come in time!
Elizabeth did not even know the rose’s name. “LIVE AND LET LIVE” indeed. Elizabeth said a small prayer of gratitude to God. “Thank you, for this GIFT OF LIFE YOU HAVE GIVEN ME, MY GIFT BACK TO YOU IS WHAT I DO WITH IT.” Amen.
Date posted: July 08, 2022.
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Farah Tejani
Farah Tejani is a creative writer based in Vancouver. She is currently working on childrens’ stories and a collection of poetry called “Elastic Embrace.” She has been contributing poems and stories for Simerg and its sister website Barakah for the past year. We invite our readers to read some of Farah’s poems by clicking on Elastic Embrace;The Fragrance of Spring; and “In Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Eyes”. In addition to Elizabeth the Ladybug and the Lonely Rose, children will also love another story by Farah called Mr. Sneaky Peeky and the Two Red-Tailed Monkeys.
We welcome feedback from our readers. Please complete the LEAVE A REPLY form. Your letter may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation.
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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.
Dare to dream and soar the skies, Without ever questioning or wondering why; Life is the canvas and you are the brush, With so many hues, there is no need to rush.
Discover your gifts and leave no stone unturned, It’s your time to claim all that you have yearned; Travel the world, give birth to a precious child, Dig deep into your soul and let your spirit run wild.
Photograph, sing, write, fly, Sculpt, dig, explore on high; Have lunch on the moon or have tea with the Queen Don’t be left wondering wonder what you could have been.
This world is for living in and living in now, Those who lose sight will always wonder “how.” Time stops for no one, so play your best game, With so many days, make no two the same.
And be prepared for those who will tell you you can’t, For it is these same people you will truly enchant. Many are jealous of the gifts we possess, But it is WITHIN US ALL to find true success
So challenge yourself, there is no time to compete, To compare yourself to others is quite simply effete. You’re God’s gifted child, He has plans for you, So dare to dream, it is time for your debut!
You are the butterfly asleep in the Cocoon, You must wait for your time, lest it be too soon. And when the time is right you will no doubt emerge, With uniquely painted wings and upwards you will surge.
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.
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. Please also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah and Simergphotos.
Simerg proudly recognizes the hundreds of Ismaili volunteers who participated in the Ismaili Civic Day that was held in numerous countries around the world on September 26, 2021 to improve the quality of life of the communities in which they live, regardless of faith, gender and background. We are pleased to share with our readers links to a selection of news reports that appeared in the local and national media. They reflect the significance of this day within the Ismaili community. Among the hundreds of different activities that Ismaili volunteers participated in, one of the most heart-warming and touching contributions was the clean-up and beautification of the Woodland Cemetery in Henrico County, Virginia, USA.
It was the summer of ’77: hot, humid days and nights in Hogtown! Hit tunes on the radio were “Tonight’s the Night” by Rod Stewart and “(The) Best of My Love” by The Emotions.
I saw an ad in our apartment building’s laundry room for a Dodge Challenger R/T (denotes Road/Track, a performance marker used on Dodge vehicles since the 1960’s).
It was a polo green colour with a white vinyl roof, a 4-speed manual transmission with a cue-ball shifter, white vinyl bucket seats, a V-8 426 HEMI engine, generating 425 HP of pure adrenaline power in the iconic 1970 model year!
Rewind to May 1, 1973 when our family landed in Toronto from Tanzania. I was completely fascinated by the American ‘Muscle Cars’ – the Pontiac Trans Am, Firebird, GTO, the Chevy Corvette, Camaro, the Ford Mustang, the Dodge Charger, the AMC Javelin, but the car that caught my imagination and fascination was the Dodge Challenger! (and its sister car – the Plymouth Barracuda, affectionately called the ‘CUDA! – there was even a hit song about the car!). There was something about the Challenger – its front muscular stance, the contour lines sloping to the rear bumpers, the cut air vents in the hood, the growl of its engine; just the feeling of immense power and invincibility it conveyed! I knew the specs of all the muscle cars from my subscription to Hemmings Magazine, and then there was the famous 1971 movie featuring a 1970 Challenger R/T as the star, called “Vanishing Point”, with Barry Newman (and then a made for TV copycat, which also was a hit).
Back to the Challenger for sale via the ad in the laundry room of 20 Edgecliffe Golfway in Don Mills. I was so excited and ripped off the ad from the notice board, so no one else would see it!
Karim Ladha (right) with son, Raheem, pictured by The Black Pearl, a 2016 Challenger SRT8 Convertible with a V-8 392 HEMI 6.4 Litre engine delivering 485 HP with 475 lb-ft of torque. A rocket indeed, as noted on the vehicle plate! Photo: Shereen Ladha.
I excitedly ran home and called the number. The car was in the underground parking and could be had for a mere $3K! Now, in 1977, $3K was like $13K in today’s dollars! Still, I felt it was a great deal and asked to see the car. It belonged to an elderly couple who were the original owners and were only selling it as they rarely used the car anymore. We struck up a great relationship and they were really keen on selling it to me, especially after hearing about my passion for Challengers! They reduced the price to $2,500.00 only for me, and let me drive it multiple times! I remember it being all the feeling of power and invincibility I had dreamed of and more!
However, reality quickly set in and for a 19 year old in my 2nd year of University, it was virtually impossible for me come up with that kind of money in such a short time. I even asked my uncle for a loan, who thought it was the dumbest idea I had ever come up with (reflecting back on it, I can’t say I disagree!). Alas, I had to let it go, but I promised myself I would buy a beautiful Challenger one day! Dodge discontinued the Challenger in 1974, a victim of the Petro Crisis of the 70s!
Fast forward to the Fall of 2020, in the middle of COVID-19 lockdowns. I saw an ad in the Hemmings magazine (now online), for a 2016 Challenger SRT8 Convertible, pearl black colour, with a V-8 392 HEMI 6.4 Litre engine delivering 485 HP with 475 lb-ft of torque! A real beast!
The well laid out and beautiful interior of Karim Ladha’s The Black Pearl, a 2016 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Convertible. Photo: Shereen Ladha.
Karim Ladha leans against his dream car, The Black Pearl, a 2016 Challenger SRT8 Convertible, outside the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto. Photo: Shereen Ladha.
Dodge had brought back the Challenger in 2008 as a ‘retro’ model, but never made a convertible. The owner in New Brunswick had purchased the car new and had it shipped in a closed container to a custom car shop in Florida called DropTop Customs. They transformed the car into a convertible!
I called immediately and after a few weeks of back and forth haggling on the hefty price, I finally purchased my Challenger – after 43 long years!
I call the car “The Black Pearl” after the namesake ship in one of my favourite movie series – “The Pirates of the Caribbean”!
Date posted: August 19, 2021.
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Simerg invites Essays and Letters from Ismaili writers who have established themselves in literary circles as well as anyone who has a love and passion for writing. Please submit your piece for consideration and possible publication on this website to Malik Merchant at Simerg@aol.com.
Karim Ladha
About the author: Originally form Dar es Salaam and Iringa, Tanzania, Karim Ladha settled in Toronto, Canada, where he embarked on a long career in IT with the Bank of Montreal, and ran a used clothing export business for several years. Now retired, he lives in Toronto with his wife Shahiroz. They have two beautiful children, Shereen and Raheem.
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.
[We begin story telling in Simerg with stories exclusively written for this website by Vancouver based creative writer Farah Tejani, who has contributed inspiring poems for Simerg, including one last year on the occasion of Eid al-Adha titled The Great Sacrifice. This beautiful story of the Ladybug is being presented to our readers at a time when Muslims will be celebrating the Eid over the coming days. There are numerous lessons to be learnt from the story including patience, courage, and giving hope to others who need it the most. The Ladybird’s journey to locate a new friend in need is also one of great sacrifice, as danger is ever present on the road she travels to fulfill her noble mission! We encourage parents to read this story to their young children, and also print the story so that older children may read it. We are sure, however, that the story will be enjoyed by readers of any age, young and old.
Elizabeth the ladybug prided herself on being a very adventurous and curious little insect. Oh, life was simply so magnificent and extraordinary, and she remembered to thank God every single second. There was so much to learn and do, and this day was a very special day. Somehow inside she knew this was going to be a day she would never forget.
There was just something about the way the sun burst out of the sky just like a clown out of a wind-up music box. Today was just after a summer rain which made a double rainbow in the clouds. Elizabeth’s grandpa used to say that this meant there was a pot of gold at the end, but Elizabeth was not interested in gold today. Her grandfather always told her, “Always remember, Lizzie,” because that is what her family called her, “There are always many, many more important things in this world than gold.”
When Elizabeth was very young, her mother asked her, “Lizzie, honey, if you could do anything you want, what would you like to do more than anything in this world?” and Elizabeth kicked her little black foot in the blades of grass, “I don’t know…anything?” “Yes,” her mother smiled, not having a clue what her daughter would say. “I guess I would like to get to know everybody in the whole wide world!”
“Oh my!” she exclaimed, “This world is a pretty big place, and how would such a little ladybug like you do that?”
Elizabeth looked at her very seriously, “That’s easy. One at a time!”
Her mother laughed and gave her daughter a big hug! She knew if any ladybug could do it, Lizzie would! She would fly as far as her little wings would take her. There was nothing more fun than making new friends. And Lizzie had lots of them.
And this day was special. Elizabeth was on a mission to make a new friend at her favorite park in Richmond, British Columbia. Slowly she made small steps which gave her more time to see more things. Her mother used to tell her, “Lizzie, remember not to run through life too quickly; you might miss out on the good stuff…which was true indeed. So there were times when she would use her wings, but times when she would take slow meticulous steps and enjoy it like a hot cup of chocolate when it’s snowing.
Swan. Photo: Malik Merchant
Minoru Park was so special because it had squirrels and rabbits and ducks and swans and all types of plants and flowers. Elizabeth had many friends here already but today she was on a special mission to meet a new friend she just knew needed her help. You know how you just know things sometimes?…Yeah, like that.
Elizabeth passed all the friends she knew already because she was so tiny, and it was hard for them to see her. So she made her way across the step bridge and smiled at the mating swans which were making a heart shape with their necks. CLICK. She took a photo with her mind because she didn’t have a camera. This is how you make memories. Elizabeth had taken many photos in her mind. Sunsets, spider webs, flowers, squirrels, rabbits, frogs, butterflies and especially family. Photos that she could remember whenever she wanted to.
Suddenly, Elizabeth smelled a beautiful fragrance coming from the flowers on the other side of the bridge. She tiptoed on the dew on the grass so as not to disturb them and watched in wonder as they went about their day.
She was quite surprised to find some yellow sunlit dandelions doing the tango and dancing in the breeze. They were not aware that she was nearby and so they just laughed and giggled and enjoyed the warmth on their petals. Elizabeth called up from below, “Hey, my name is Elizabeth…do you want to be my friend?” But they were not able to hear her, so she just kept going, sure she would find that special friend.
Tulips. Photo: Nurin Merchant
And then Elizabeth went to the next bush and she couldn’t believe what she saw! Believe it or not Elizabeth saw some tulips holding briefcases, pens and pencils and charts and diagrams! They seemed to be talking and holding some kind of very important business meeting. Just like humans! “Oh, if only humans only knew what animals and nature do when they are asleep or not paying attention!” Elizabeth decided it was probably best not to disturb them. She carried on her very important adventure.
Elizabeth went a bit further and came across some lilacs singing in a choir! A choir! Oh, they sure sounded as pretty as they looked. It was the end of summer and they were already practicing Christmas carols. Elizabeth sat and listened to their songs for a bit. She was quite amazed at how gifted and talented they were. Elizabeth was going to stop and ask if she could sing with them, but she was determined to make a new friend today, and this would just delay her.
Elizabeth went a little further to a bush with no flowers, just bulbs that had not bloomed just yet. But there right in front of her lying in the grass was a single long stem rose that had been plucked and thrown away! This rose did not look happy just drying up and withering in the sun.
Wilting rose. Photo: Rashida Tejani
“Are you okay?” Elizabeth asked her sincerely.
No answer.
Elizabeth asked again and moved closer in case she couldn’t hear her.
“Hey, my name is Elizabeth…do you want to be my friend?”
But there was no response.
Elizabeth began to worry and she tried again, really anxious on becoming this rose’s friend… she just knew this was the special reason for today’s adventure and she was not going to give up.
“Excuse me, can you hear me? Are you okay? I would like to be your friend.”
Suddenly a small soft voice uttered very slowly and with much effort, “Oh, can’t you see? There’s no time for friends. Can’t you see that a human has plucked me from my bush and cast me to the ground. I was up there in my bush and I was the first one to bloom, so some human thought I was pretty and smelled me and then just decided to throw me away like an old newspaper that has already been read!”
Elizabeth knew this was her special friend and she knew she would do anything to help her.
“What do you mean?” Elizabeth was genuinely concerned. “How can I help you?”
“Put me back in my rose bush with my friends!”
Elizabeth knew she had to do something.
“Just like you need the plants and the dew on grass I need water and the sun and the soil to LIVE!” The rose craned her neck up with much effort to look Elizabeth in the eyes. “The sun is so hot and blazing on me that I am drying up and withering away! I don’t have too many words left but I hope you will hear me and share this message. I wish human beings would be more careful. LIVE AND LET LIVE!”
With one of her thorns she pointed at the puddle just next to them.
“You look like a very brave, strong and determined little lady bug. I have faith in you, my new friend. Do you have the strength to roll my stem in there, just so I can live just a little bit longer?”
Elizabeth had tears in her eyes, and looked sadly at the dying rose. But she was so happy she called her her new friend. “I know I can!” She knew there was a reason for her going on her adventure.
And with that, Elizabeth dug her heels in the ground and rolled the end of the flower’s stem into the puddle that she was so happy was there.
“LIVE AND LIVE!” The rose was fading now. With whatever strength she could gather from the water in the puddle she managed to say some very important things!
“Don’t put lions in cages, don’t put elephants in cages, don’t put gorillas and monkeys in cages, don’t put killer whales and dolphins in aquariums, don’t put fish and snakes and lizards in tanks…and for God’s sake don’t pluck flowers because they are pretty and they smell nice! LIVE AND LET LIVE! We last a lot longer in the bush and animals last a lot longer in their natural habitat!”
Elizabeth flew up to her petals and closed her eyelids and with that the rose slowly faded away leaving three or four dried red rose petals that looked like tears. Elizabeth took a very sad but meaningful snapshot in her mind and felt very sad that she only had this friend for a matter of minutes. But she was grateful for the lesson that would last a lifetime!
Tears were flowing from her eyes as she sat with the rose while the sun was setting in the distance. She had never thought about how important life was. No one had ever tried to take hers except for that young girl on the farm who put her under a glass where she was held prisoner for hours, but fortunately one of the adults used the glass to get some orange juice and she managed to get away. God knows what the young child would have done with her if the grown up didn’t come in time!
Elizabeth did not even know the rose’s name. “LIVE AND LET LIVE” indeed. Elizabeth said a small prayer of gratitude to God. “Thank you, for this GIFT OF LIFE YOU HAVE GIVEN ME, MY GIFT BACK TO YOU IS WHAT I DO WITH IT.” Amen.
Farah Tejani is a creative writer based in Vancouver. She is currently working on Childrens’ stories and a collection of poetry called “Elastic Embrace” to be published later this year. She has contributed numerous poems for Simerg and its sister website Barakah in recent months. Here are links to some of Farah’s poems: The Fragrance of Spring; Elastic Embrace; and The Great Sacrifice.
We welcome feedback from our readers. 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.
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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.
(Editor’s note: As of November 20, 2020, Jamatkhanas in the Canadian province of British Columbia (BC) are once again temporarily closed due to orders issued by the provincial government that impact all places of worship. The BC Jamatkhanas had re-opened at the beginning of August with limited attendance capacity both in the evenings and mornings. Zaher Ahamed’s excellent piece is an attempt to convey his joyful experience of attending a Jamatkhana in Canada in the midst of Covid-19. On new developments about Jamatkhana openings and closures in Canada, please subscribe to the official Al-Akhbar electronic bulletins distributed by Ismaili institutions in Canada).
“Maybe….because of this pandemic, I have experienced the true nature of our faith and gained a new insight into one of our central religious practices of our tariqah: the remembrance of Him in His house during the hour of Baitul Khayal” — Zaher Ahamed
By ZAHER MEGHJI AHAMED
Headquarters Jamatkhana Vancouver. Photo: FNDA.
It was our first journey to the re-opened Headquarters Jamatkhana in Vancouver during a pandemic: it was for the early morning contemplation and prayers or Baitul Khayal during the earlier part of August, and it turned out to be a total ethereal, peaceful and powerful experience, the closest I have ever felt to the presence of the Nur (Light) of Imam in a what had become a truly perfect sacred spiritual space.
There was pin drop silence! The pandemic protocol put in place, after going through a painless computerized registration system as you entered, did not permit for social chit-chat, small talk and worldly conversations over a cup of chai before entering the sacred space.
We were swept with only the thought of Him silently with dignity into the Jamatkhana prayer hall. We were in a peaceful dignified space, where there was not a word between the murids, each masked, each enclosed in his or her own socially distanced bubble. The conversation was only with Him, just as it was meant to be. We felt ourselves immersed in the cosmic quiet and stillness, focusing now only on seeking out moments of happiness through the Divine Word, knowing that, with the Imam’s presence in this space, He was with us blessings us on our own individual journey to seek to come nearer to Allah through the Nur of Hazrat Ali.
With a silent and reflective utterance of “Haizanda” (He is ever living) we stepped into this sacred space and right into his presence! With closed eyes, a quiet mind and an open heart we slipped into the rhythm of silently uttering the Divine Word, first with our lips and then in our hearts, feeling it flow through, ever so slowly, into the depth of our soul, awakening it: and over a period of time, the word now deeply embedded released moments of energy, awareness, joy and happiness…. all in a timeless moment, the soul wanting to stay for ever and then…. the hour was over in what seemed like a second…. with the promise of another day to be again in His presence in this sacred space.
“Sacred Space” – the Jamatkhana prayer hall, Ismaili Centre Vancouver. Photo: Bruno Freschi Collection, 1985.
This is what the house of the Lord was meant to be like!
Then, without a word with anyone, we stepped straight outside into our car, carrying the peace that was in our hearts. And on our way home, we saw the light of the waning moon with Venus ablaze shining on us, leaving us speechless in the cosmic balance of His creation.
The calmness that we had felt in the Jamatkhana continued on our journey home. It was then that I remembered Hunza, where I had felt that same pin drop silence with no words in calm and quiet in a Jamatkhana with a dimly lit hall, “a sacred space,” in Karimabad. And now, I had once again experienced that in my own Jamatkhana in Vancouver — and that too in a global pandemic or maybe because of a global pandemic!
Maybe, ironically, because of this pandemic, I have experienced the true nature of our faith and gained a new insight into one of our central religious practices of our tariqah: the remembrance of Him in His house during the hour of Baitul Khayal.
Going for Ibadat in the morning, in its truest sense, should be an act filled with a simplicity and a reverence of the highest kind for this sacred space devoid of any refreshments, hanging around the chai table and having meaningless conversations that last until almost 5 a.m!
Spaces created in Jamatkhanas for prayer are sacred spaces!
It was truly a unique experience and in terms of the logistics, the whole process of going to the Jamatkhana, from the time of arrival until departure, was very well organized, with an army of well trained volunteers directing your every move: Your car on arrival is directed into a pre-planned space; if you have not brought your mask one is provided to you; next you confirm your spot and answer standard Covid-19 protocol questions and have your temperature taken; you then get directed into the shoe/coat area, have your hands sanitized and then are led finally into your own space.
When the limited rites and ceremonies, tailored to keep murids safe, are completed, you are led out to your car in an orderly manner. Fifty pre-allocated murids who have come to the Jamatkhana for the morning Ibadat and prayers each, I believe, leaves with a unique experience.
What else are we witnessing during the pandemic?
I believe, we are seeing the birth of a “global Ismaili renaissance” showcased and driven by a digital platform of webinars, zoom sessions and the Ismaili TV. We are seeing the fruition of the coming together of Ismaili talent in all its forms: academic scholars and waezins, health care professionals, dancers, musicians, singers, consultants, counselors, journalists, Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) executives and staff, and Jamati leaders, all the result of our Imam’s extraordinary vision and its execution over the last 60 years.
It is like seeing a period of our rich Fatimid heritage in a digital mirror!
Seniors are zooming… the youth are dancing, men are cooking… women are leading and “dadimas” (grandmothers) are “face timing… and all this within just the last 7 months.
Learning, Mawlana Hazar Imam has often said, should continue throughout our lives. Age should not be a constraint, and this is precisely what we are witnessing. We are exploring with full confidence, and thousands of voices from around the world and from our global Jamat are now being heard directly. This is the commencement of a new digital communications era, and the challenge now will be to stay truly connected and to manage this era carefully with awareness and sensitivity so that it does not stifle in its own success.
As for me and my family, this pandemic has brought us even closer and it feels good to be in the centre of “This Ismaili Renaissance”.… a truly humbling experience!
Date posted: November 20, 2020.
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Zaher Ahamed
Zaher Ahamed is an internationally recognized expert in Strategic Marketing, Multicultural Communications, Diversity & Human Resources Development, Strategic Planning, Design & Project Management. His over 40 years of Business & Consulting experience includes working with Expo 86, the Royal Bank of Canada, Life Care International, Terry Fox Foundation, WIOMSA (Zanzibar), Governments of Canada & British Columbia as well as holding teaching positions with the University of Stockholm, Red Deer University and BCIT in Europe and in Canada.
He has had extensive experience working for corporate and not-for-profit organizations in the Middle East and Africa. In Nairobi, Kenya, he worked with the Aga Khan University Hospital, as a project manager for the establishment of turnkey state-of-the-art digitally connected Pilot Primary Health care and diagnostic Aga Khan Medical centres in East Africa. His volunteer experience includes working in Syria, Zanzibar, East Africa, Sweden. USA and Canada. He is multilingual and has a deep interest in Ismaili history and Ginanic and Sufi traditions. Now retired in Vancouver, BC, Canada, Zaher continues to perform voluntary work with Ismaili and non-Ismaili institutions around the world.
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A hundred years ago Katchhi and Kathiawadi Ismaili Khoja Muslims sailed to Africa and Zanzibar to make a living. Today, they have prospered in America, Canada and Europe. They wear western clothes, live in palatial homes and drive expensive cars but in the homes they still speak their rustic dialect and they remember the ‘pacchedi’ (Khoja Muslim head drape) their mothers wore.
The ‘Pacchedi Geet’ in a folk song form, is written in Gujarati, ‘transcreated’ in English, and transliterated in Roman script. The song is composed to remember and celebrate the pioneers who left India a century ago but kept memories of their homeland alive.
My thanks to Sultan Somjee for permission to use the bandhani image, and Zahir Dhalla for transcribing in Gujarati script.
I welcome singers to set up a geet with the lyrics that have been provided below. Recordings or questions regarding the geet may be sent directly to me at safder8@gmail.com or to the editor of Simerg at simerg@aol.com.
Drape (Khoja Pacched̨̨i)
Kohl-grey silk Studded with white stars A border of a thousand flowers. Mother, how many colours under your drape?
Milk, oudh and attar Strands of jasmine hanging, Underneath, I sleep in deep slumber. Mother, these are the colours under your drape.
Ghee, molasses, Apricots and raisins. Mother, your bread tastes so sweet. Mother, what colours under your drape?
Storms, thunder And lightening! Frightened, I hide under your drape. Mother, colours like these under your drape.
Witches, warlocks Ghosts and giants Scare me not under the shade of your drape. Mother, colours like these under your drape.
With tables and chairs We built boats And flew sails made out of your drape. Mother, how many colours under your drape?
Leaving home We crossed the seas. We spread Giga Patney’s patola. Mother, how can I break from the ties of your drape?
Your eyes closed, Your soul departed. We draped you in rosy pink. Mother, colours like these under your drape.
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પછેડી (Gujarati)
સુરમય રેશમ માથે ધોળા તારા ચારે કોર હજાર ફૂલ ની પટ્ટી …..૧ માઈં તારી પછેડી ની પાછળ કેટલા રંગ ?
દૂધ ઊધ ને અંતર માથે ટાંક્યા મોતિયા છાયેં હું સુવું ઊંડી નીંદરે …..૨ માઈં તારી પછેડી ની પાછળ એવા રંગ!
ઘી ગોળ અને સૂકો મેવો મા, મને મીઠી લાગે તારી રોટલી …..૩ માઈં તારી પછેડી ની નીચે કેવા રંગ ?
વાયુ વીજળી મેધા ઘરજે હું ડરી સંતાઉ પછેડી ની નીચે …..૪ માઈં તારી પછેડી ની પાછળ એવા રંગ!
ડાકણ દઈંત ભૂત રાક્ષસ મને ન ડરાવે પછેડી ના છાયેં …..૫ માઈં તારી પછેડી ની પાછળ તેવા રંગ.
મેજ ખુરસી ના વાણ બનાવયા ઊપર ઊડાડીયા પછેડી ના સઢ …..૬ માઈં તારી પછેડી ની નીચે તેવા રંગ.
દેસ છોડી દરિયા તરીયા ગીગા પટણી ના પટોળા પાથરીયા …..૭ માઈં તારી પછેડી ની પછળ કેમ છોળું ?
આંખ મીચાણી જીવ ઊડયાં ઓઢાળી તને ગુલાબી પછેડી…..૮ માઈં તારી પછેડી ની નીચે એવા રંગ.
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Pached̨i (Gujarati transliteration)
Surmai resham Mathé d̨̨hod̨a tara Chąré kor hajjar ful ni putti Maai tari pacched̨I ni pacchad̨ ketla rung
Dooth, oodh ne antar Mathé tankya motia Cchayeñ huñ suwuuñ oondi ninderé Maai tari pacched̨i ni pacchad ewa rung
Ghee, ghor̨̨ Ané sooko mewo Ma mané mith̨I lagé tari rotli Maai tari pached̨i ni niché kewa rung
Wayuñ, wijad̨i Megha gharajé Huñ santauñ durri pacched̨I ni niché Maai tari pached̨i ni niché kewa rung
Dakan̨, dayint Bhoot, rakshas Mané na darawé pachced̨I na cchayeñ Maai tari pacched̨̨i ni pacchad̨ tewa rung
Mej khud̨si na Waan̨ banawya Ooper oodad̨̨iya pacched̨̨I na suddh Maai tari pacched̨i ni niché kewa rung
Des cchod̨̨i Dariya tariyañ Giga Patney na patol̨a pathariyañ Ma tari pacched̨i ni pucchud̨ kem cchod̨uñ?
Aankhyuñ michan̨̨i Jeev oodiyañ Odh̨ad̨̨i tunné gulabi pacched̨̨i Ma tari pacched̨i ni niché ewa rung
Retroflex d̨, n̨ as in fud̨ (fruit) and pan̨i (water) Nasal ñ as in French ‘pain’ and Portuguese ‘paű’ (bread) Dental t as in tű (you) and d as in diwas (day)
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Pached̨i (Kachchhi transliteration)
Surmai resham Muthé d̨̨hod̨a tara Chąré kor hajjar ful ji putti Maai toji pacched̨I ji pudthia kitra rung?
Retroflex d̨, n̨ as in fud̨ (fruit) and pan̨i (water) Nasal ñ as in French ‘pain’ and Portuguese ‘paű’ (bread) Dental t as in tű (you) and d as in diwas (day)
Date posted: August 15, 2020.
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.
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This piece is also available as a PDF File, and may be downloaded by clicking on The Drape PDF.
S. Giga Patney
S. Giga Patney has taught English as a Foreign Language in Japan, Portugal and England; and English as a Second Language in England and Canada. He won the Teacher Fellowship at the University of London Institute of Education when he was a teacher with the Inner London Education Authority. He was Head of Language Service In Berkshire, UK and Principal Lecturer in the Department of Teaching Studies at The University of North London. He joined the Department of Language Education at the University of British Columbia, Canada to teach on their post-graduate program. He has now retired and lives in the interior of British Columbia where he does his creative writing.
Books by the author:
Literary Fiction: The Shiv-Shivani Trilogy: Book 1: Shiva – Lord of Dance – A Novel in Raga Bhairava Book 2: Shivani’s Story – A Novel in Raga Bhairavi Book 3: Shivani’s Dance of Destruction – A Novel in Four Movements.
Fact-fiction: Ties of Bandhana- The Story of Alladin Bapu
Facetiae: The Alchemist Quartet Book 1: The Alchemist and the Prince – A Story of the Prince With a Nut in His Navel Book 2: The Alchemist’s Manuscript – Of the Travels of the Merchant of Yemen & His servant in the Erythrean Sea as Related to the Alchemist of Gozo, the Younger Book 3: The Alchemist and the Empire of Evil Book 4 (Forthcoming): The Alchemist and the Indian Boy
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