Nazim Bhimani: The Deaf World

Naz Bhimani enjoys the winter weather with his half-blind German shepherd, Kaya.

Profile: Here is Nazim Bhimani’s profile in his own words:

“My name is Nazim Bhimani, but I like to call myself ‘Deaf 1 Naz’ as I am a deaf rap-poet, since I was four. I believe I am very blessed because I can hear with my heart. I write and recite only to make a difference in the world.

“I’ve been involved in several different fund raising events such as: DHK (children dying with cancer), Cancer Research, WPW, World Vision, Advocating for the Deaf community, as well as bridging the gap between the hearing and deaf world, raise awareness for the deaf community as well as raise funds to support school trips for deaf children, when there isn’t enough Government funding.

“When I’m involved in fund raising, I feel like my soul is on fire, and this is what I’m supposed to do. I enjoy pricking people’s consciences; to re-adjust their values in favour of moral and ethical values.

“I am an Ismaili, and I am so very proud to be an Ismaili. We are grounded and very guided. Our community has made great stride in the world, and I just love that.”

And in a moving ending note to Simerg, he writes:

“…. I am really nothing special. In fact, if it wasn’t for spell check, I would pretty much be screwed. If it wasn’t for my mum, then I would be dead.

“And above all, if it wasn’t for Mawlabapa* spiritually guiding me to write what I write, and do what I do, then I would pretty much be a nobody.”

References: Please read more about Nazim at http://www.oakvillebeaver.com/printarticle/160108

THE DEAF WORLD

By “Deaf 1 Naz”

I AM DEAF BUT NOT DUMB,

IF YOU DON’T BELIEVE ME,

GO ASK MY MUM,

I AM DEAF SO DON’T SHOUT,

LEARN ASL OR LET ME SEE YOUR MOUTH,

I AM DEAF BUT NOT INVISIBLE,

HEARING WORLD PLEASE TRY TO BE ADAPTABLE,

I AM DEAF AND VERY WELL EDUCATED,

OUR RIGHTS MUST NOT BE VIOLATED,

I AM DEAF WITH OPINIONS AND FEELINGS JUST LIKE YOU,

IF YOU THINK WE ARE ANY DIFFERENT THEN SHAME ON YOU,

I AM DEAF AND I KNOW WHO I AM,

DAMN STRAIGHT SO WILL YOU,

I RESPECT ME AND I ACCEPT ME,

SO WHEN WILL YOU!!

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

Editor’s Notes:

In poem, ASL denotes American Sign Language.

* the Ismailis intimately use terms such as Mawlabapa (as above), Mawlana Hazar Imam, Hazar Imam, Ya Ali Bapa (Papa) etc. when referring to their Imam amongst themselves. Their current Imam is Shah Karim al-Husseini, who is known worldwide as His Highness the Aga Khan, Prince Karim Aga Khan or simply as the Aga Khan.

His Highness the Aga Khan is lineally descended from the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.) and is the 49th Imam of the Nizari Ismaili group of Shia Muslims. Ali was the first Imam of all Shia Muslims, and thus the Imam in office is also invoked by the name Ali, as in the greeting “Ya Ali Madad” (which translates as “May Ali’s help be with you”). Another greeting common among the Shias, particularly in Iran, is “Daste Ali Beh Hamrat” (meaning “Ali’s blessing be with you”).

Last updated: August 30, 2015.