Simerg is an independent initiative dedicated to Ismaili Muslims, the Aga Khan — their Hereditary Imam — and the Ismaili Imamat, and Islam in general through literary readings, photo essays and artistic expressions
Photographs and story of a historical gold medal that was presented to a British Colonial Officer at the Aga Khan’s Diamond Jubilee in 1946 (READ ARTICLE).
Toronto based Ismaili artist and author introduces “Little One, You are the Universe,” the latest of her three books, by answering a series of short question (READ ARTICLE).
Kamruddin Rashid and Shah Abdulla, both originally from Pemba, share their rare photo collection of His Highness the Aga Khan’s 1957 historical visit to the towns of Chake Chake and Wete in the Island of Pemba (READ ARTICLE).
The unforgettable (Late) Alwaez Shamshu Bandali Haji inspires us with selected Ginanic verses as we commemorate the birth anniversary of Hazrat Ali (a.s.), the 1st Shia Imam (READ ARTICLE).
Karim Ismail of Toronto creates a beautiful calligraphy in commemoration of Hazrat Ali’s birth anniversary. The post includes inspiring quotes by Hazrat Ali and his direct descendant His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th Hereditary Imam of Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims. There is also a calligraphy of the prayer of Nadi Ali (READ ARTICLE).
Edmonton based Ismaili author and philosopher answers a series of question about his book Justice Bertha Wilson Pushes the Boundaries of Humanity through which readers will learn about the Canadian past from outside the boxes of patriarchy and whiteness (READ ARTICLE).
Creative writer Farah Tejani pens a poetic tribute to the iconic Ismaili religious education teacher and missionary Alwaeza Maleksultan Merchant who passed away recently at the age of 89 (READ ARTICLE).
Date posted: February 27, 2021.
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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.
This is the 2nd in our bi-weekly series “Books by Ismaili Authors.” The series began with Justice Bertha WilsonPushes the Boundaries of Humanity by Shamas Nanji of Edmonton, Canada. We ask each author to introduce their book(s) to our readers by answering a series of short questions. In this post, Zeni Shariff of Toronto, Canada, responds on her latest title “Little One, You Are The Universe.”
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Simerg: What is behind the naming of the title of the book?
Zeni Shariff: The meaning behind the title Little One, You Are The Universe is that the Universe belongs to all living beings and it is incumbent upon all living beings to look after the Universe and one another.
Simerg: Why would you want me or my family members to read the book, and what will we all learn from it?
Zeni: I would like you or your family members to read the book for the following reasons:
(1) It will connect you with the child within you; and (2) It will connect you with your parents and grandparents in a very personal way.
For those of who you who have not been to different continents, I believe you will understand, through the story of the elephants, what kinds of struggles living beings go through as they are relocated from one continent to the other, overcome struggles, adjust and live in new environments, and find joys in the small things of life.
Simerg: What inspired you to write the book?
Zeni: My grandchildren and the legacy I wish to live for them.
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Front cover of Toronto Ismaili writer’s book “Little One, You Are the Universe;” published by Bublish, Inc., USA, 2020; 38 pp, available in hardcover, eBook and paperback.
Simerg: How can I purchase the book and what are its available formats?
Zeni:Little One, You are the Universe is available in three formats: eBook, paperback, and hardcover. Details of where and how to purchase including prices are at my updated webpage link https://little-one.ca.
You can also buy it through Amazon sites worldwide. In North America, Little One, You are the Universe is available on Amazon.ca (Canadian site) and Amazon.com (for U.S. and international purchases).
Simerg: How did you find a publisher for the book?
Zeni: I contacted several publishers and used the one that met my budget criteria. I went with Bublish, Inc.
Simerg: Did you hire an editor, an illustrator or did you do all the work by yourself?
Zeni: I requested our youngest son Naguib to edit my work. I did all the illustrations and writing.
“This book [Little One, You are the Universe] is a heartwarming and beautiful story kids are sure to love. It also teaches about history, geography, and the environment making it more than just a read aloud for kids — it’s a great book to grow with. The illustrations are fantastic and compliment the story perfectly.” — DD reviewer, from author’s website
Simerg: Which was your first book and how many have you written?
Zeni: My first book is a photographic book entitled Alter Your Heart beats in an Oasis, and it is about a visitor going into and around the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada. My second book is How Things Grow. It teaches young children how things grow and where the food we eat comes from. Its inspiration was tending to a garden that grew strawberries in Toronto. And Little One, You are the Universe is my third book and, as mentioned earlier, it is published by Bublish.
Simerg: How long did it take you to write Little One, You are the Universe — from start to finish and to begin marketing it?
Zeni: It took me approximately 9 years. The illustrations were painted by myself first, and then I wrote the book. Covid-19 was one of the incentives for having the book published.
Simerg: Tell us a little bit more about Little One, You are the Universe.
Zeni: While crossing the Yamuna River in their home of northern India, elephants Lotus and Adia are separated from each other and captured by humans. Lotus is sent to Tanzania in East Africa to work on the railways. Adia is sent to the Ashantee Forest in West Africa to carry heavy loads for the miners.
The book is an invitation to you to join Lotus and Adia on their journeys.
Date posted: February 25, 2021.
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Zeni Shariff
Zeni Shariff completed her education at the Aga Khan Girls Secondary School in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and later studied at Ryerson, in Toronto, Canada. She loves to read and share stories from the journeys of her late grandparents and parents from one continent to another. Their stories and experiences have taught Zeni to be kind and decent to everyone and to never give up hope.
We encourage Ismaili writers to introduce their books in a similar format as Zeni’s book described above (or see Nanji’s post). Please also see the series launch article and submit your answers to Malik at Simerg@aol.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. Please also include your brief profile, with a photo.
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.
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.
A rare portrait of Alwaez Shamshu Bandali Haji from his early years.Photo: Shamshu Bandali Haji Family Collection.
Simerg is pleased to present a selection of verses from the Ginan Muman Chetamni composed by Syed Imam Shah that relate to the birth of Hazrat Ali (a.s.). The recitations are taken from Ginans Central, a truly exceptional website which curates Ginans for “long-term access and preservation to foster research and learning in the digital era.” The inspiration behind this unique project is Karim Tharani (read ARTICLE).
Here are recitations of three verses followed by a link to the page containing recitations by Alwaez Shamshu and others.
verse Eji te Murtaza Ali….recited by Shamshu Bandali Hajiverse Eji Mataji Gayata Bait…recited by Shamshu Bandali Hajiverse Eji Tare Salaam Kidha…..recited by Shamshu Bandali Haji
Please click HERE for more recitations by Alwaez Shamshu and others. Also, please visit the Ginans Central Home Page, scroll down the page and see links to Ginan collections as well as tools and resources.
Date posted: February 23, 2021.
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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.
Kamrudin Rashid of Toronto and Shah Abdulla of Ottawa co-author an EXCLUSIVE PIECE FOR BARAKAH on Mawlana Hazar Imam His Highness the Aga Khan’s one-day visit to Pemba on November 18, 1957. Dedicated to late waezins and religious education teachers Jehangir (d. May 27, 2018) and Maleksultan Merchant (d. January 21, 2021), this must read post includes rare photos of his visit to the towns of Chake Chake and Wete…..READ MORE
Please click on image for complete story and more photographs.
A view of the Aga Khan Museum’s main entrance bloc on February 14, 2021. Photo: Malik Merchant / Simerg.
I couldn’t have asked for a better and happier February 14, 2021. I woke up very early to complete an exclusive photo piece of Mawlana Hazar Imam His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to Pemba on November 18, 1957. Looking out of the atrium windows across my living room facing North-West, I knew the sun was rising on the South-East side. It was -9°C and there was absolutely no wind. I had been cooped up inside for the past few days and wanted some fresh air. I brewed Colombian Supremo Coffee that I had purchased earlier during the week at St. Lawrence Market, filled a huge steel mug that keeps beverages boiling hot for about an hour, and headed to “What a Bagel” bakery on York Mills and Leslie, which was spewing out fresh hot bagels the minute I arrived there. “Give me a really hot one,” I said, and asked the ever-smiling server to make me a vegetarian sandwich. “Not toasted,” I reminded her, as many who come to the shop insist on having their order toasted, even if they are fresh from the oven.
I jumped into my car, turned it on with a low heat setting and enjoyed the bagel and coffee. What next? A visit to my Valentine, and I am sure that makes my readers curious. A meeting, maybe, at the Aga Khan Park?
So still was the wind at Aga Khan Park on February 14, 2021, that the flags of the Ismaili Imamat, the city of Toronto, the province of Ontario and Canada were unmoved! It was a beautiful day to savour at the Park in -5°C Celsius. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg.
Ismaili Centre main entrance with the Jamatkhana dome at left under blue skies on February 14, 2021. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg.
Who might that “lucky” Valentine be? In the absence of my lovely daughter who is several hundred kilometres away and my beloved mother who passed away only three weeks ago, I turned to my constant companions for several months — the Ismaili Jamatkhana dome, the Aga Khan Museum and the Aga Khan Park where I have experienced so much happiness and inspiration. I adore being there. Can one make non-human object(s) around you as your Valentine for February 14th? Not by the definition of Valentine’s, but I contrived one just for myself!
I cannot thank anyone but Mawlana Hazar Imam for his vision in conceiving and building three extraordinary spaces for the enjoyment of people in Toronto and everyone around the world. I am one of the lucky ones, who gets to visit the grounds as and when I like. February 14, 2021 was a very special day. There was beautiful light snow on the ground, the sky was blue and sunny, it wasn’t cold and the flags stood still in the absence of any windshield factor!
I FaceTimed my daughter Nurin to show her the beautiful environment that surrounded me. My face, she could see, had lit up.
The dome of the Toronto Ismaili Headquarters Jamatkhana captured under sunny blue skies on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2021. The glass niche in the centre of the circular wall faces the direction of Kaba where all Muslims face for prayers. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg.
A man walks by one of the snow covered ponds at the Aga Khan Park, with the Aga Khan museum in full view under sunny blue skies. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg.
A family with children walk on the Aga Khan Park trail under sunny blue skies on February 14, 2021. The dome of the Ismaili Jamatkhana at left reflects a rare white cloud in the sky, and the Aga Khan Museum building can be seen further away. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg,
A close up view of the CN Tower from the south east end of the Aga Khan Park on February 14, 2021. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg.
The Big Heech Sculpture located in front of the Aga Khan Museum’s main entrance bloc. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg.
A view of the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Headquarters Jamatkhana dome from the grounds of Aga Khan Park. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg.
An amazing reflection of a rare cloud on the dome of the Ismaili Jamatkhana on an otherwise clear blue sky on February 14, 2021. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg.
After spending a good measure of my morning at the Aga Khan Park, I returned home to continue working on the Pemba photo essay for the remainder of the day, while many others would be enjoying their Valentine’s day with their partners in creative settings necessitated by Covid-19.
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.
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.
Recently we invited Ismaili writers to submit a synopsis of their books for listing on this website. We asked each author to introduce their book to Simerg readers by responding to a series of questions. We begin the first in this special bi-weekly series with Justice Bertha WilsonPushes the Boundaries of Humanity by Shamas Nanji of Edmonton, Canada.
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Simerg: What is behind the naming of the title of the book?
Shamas Nanji:Justice Bertha WilsonPushes the Boundaries of Humanity points to Bertha Wilson breaking out of narrower monolithic interpretations of Canadian law. The Charter is new territory. The presence of a working-class, immigrant woman on the Supreme Court is indicative of new orientations that will question traditional readings of pre-Charter law.
Simerg: Why would you want me or my family members to read the book, and what will we all learn from it?
Nanji: You will learn about the Canadian past from outside the boxes of patriarchy and whiteness. Bertha Wilson elevates the importance of plural democratic contexts compared to historical precedents in her decisions as a judge in the Ontario Court of Appeal and in the Supreme Court of Canada.
Simerg: What inspired you to write the book?
Nanji: A Scotswoman emigrated to Canada with her husband and went to law school despite the Dean telling her to go home and take up crochet. She went on to become one of the hardest working judges on the Supreme Court with landmark cases like Angelique Lavalle, Henry Morgenthaler, and Horseman, in addition to Pushpa Bhaduaria at the Ontario Court of Appeal.
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Cover of “Justice Bertha Wilson Pushes the Boundaries of Humanity” by Edmonton based Shamas Nanji, 161 pp,
Simerg: How can I purchase the book and what are its available formats?
Nanji: The book is available in paperback at Audreys Books in Edmonton (the book is listed HERE).
Simerg: How did you find a publisher for the book?
Nanji: It’s self published.
Simerg: Did you hire an editor, an illustrator or did you do all the work by yourself?
Nanji: Apart from the printing and binding, I have done everything.
Simerg: Which was your first book and how many have you written?
Nanji: My first book is Canadian Rubaiya (2003). Since then I have published nine more. This includes Meditations on Abraham (2008) Sijistani’s design for Enlightenment (with Boustan Hirji, 2013), The Visionary Quest of Nasir Khusraw (2014), and Lalla’s Courage reaches for an Infinite Consciousness (2015).
Simerg: How long did it take you to write the book — from start to finish and to begin marketing it?
Nanji: About two years.
Simerg: Tell us a little bit more about Bertha Wilson and the book.
Nanji: Bertha Wilson was a Justice on the Supreme Court of Canada 1982–1990. At the swearing-in ceremony, she observed As the fifty-eighth person to come on this court, I am also a woman.
She prioritized her universal humanity before her specific gender. It set the tone for future judgments in the Court and in her speeches at several universities where she fostered Charter literacy.
After a foreword in prose, the book uses poetry to illustrate her life and to explore her accomplishments as an unabashed and enthusiastic supporter of the Charter. There are maps and extensive notes for further reading.
Date posted: February 10, 2021. Last updated: February 10, 2021 (CORRECTION: In an earlier version of this article, Justice Bertha Wilson was left out from the title of the book in both the heading of this post as well as in the body of the text. The book title said Pushes the Boundaries of Humanity instead of Justice Bertha WilsonPushes the Boundaries of Humanity. A correction has been applied; the editor apologizes for the oversight).
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We encourage Ismaili writers to introduce their books in a similar format as Nanji’s work above (or see article) and submit the details to Malik at Simerg@aol.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.
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.
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.
Like a candle, In a dark room, Her light would erase,
Any frown, Or any pain, You had on your face.
A gifted teacher, Full of knowledge, She’d leave you wanting more.
Her loving arms, Were always open, She would never shut her door.
All her students, Were her children, Whom she loved with her whole heart.
Not one student, Could forget her, Right from the very start.
Her knowledge Was a mountain, Everyone wanted to climb.
She imparted With her wisdom, Never concerned about the time.
Her bright smile Filled the hearts, Of all who came near,
When in her Holy Presence, There was never need to fear,
Her faith Never wavered, Not once would she question.
The words Of the Imam Or his Noble Direction.
Years and years Of service, She has given to our Mawla.
Precious, priceless Memories, For all of us to store.
With much sadness Her time to go, Has left us all with pain,
But if she had words She’d tell us,
“I am an Ever Burning Flame.
Forget me not, For I am near, Closer than you know.
For even though We leave this earth We never truly go.
We are with God Though we may be gone, And though it is a shame.
You keep me alive Alive in your heart An Ever Burning Flame.”
Date posted: February 9, 2021.
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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.
Farah Tejani graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia in May of 1997 and earned top Honors for her Thesis on Short Fiction. She has published a collection of short stories “Make Your Own Chai, Mama’s Boy!” 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. Currently, Farah is working on Childrens’ stories and a collection of poetry called, “Elastic Embrace” to be published in 2021.
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.
Between 1963, soon after my parents settled in Dar es Salaam — having previously served for over 8 years as teachers in Lourenço Marques (now Maputo), Mozambique — and around 1967 at which time my dad purchased a car, it became a regular weekend routine for our family of 5 to walk either from Tanganyika Flats and, later Islamabad Flats (on Cameroon Road renamed as United Nations Road), to the complex of flats near Upanga Jamatkhana where 3 Ismaili families lived in close proximity.
Abdulmalik (aka Malik), founding publisher and editor of this website, with his parents Mr. and Mrs. Merchant, at a park in Lourenço Marques, Mozambique, when he was 3 years old. Photo: Jehangir Merchant Collection.
It was a visit that I, as a young boy, deeply cherished. The families of Alwaez Rajwani, Mr. Dharsee and the Ismail’s — Shiraz, Firoz, Razia and primary school teacher Late Gulzar Ismail Walji (d. 1978) — may not remember our visits to their homes, but I do.
With Mr. Dharsee, who wrote special feature articles on the Ismaili Imamat and Ismaili history for the Tanganyika Standard, the talks centred on Ismaili philosophy and other religious subjects. My dad extracted as much knowledge from this brilliant mind, who would keep his signature cheroot cigar aside during our visits. His inquiring and intelligent mind would respond to all questions my dad asked him. His daughter, Alwaeza Gulshan and son in law, Alwaez Shamshu Allidina, are the Ismaili couple famously known as the “Missionaries from Madagascar.”
At the Ismail family’s home, it was fun time. Razia [Pullen], one of my dad’s Aga Khan Girls Secondary School students in the early 1960’s, and her siblings would lay out a beautiful table of fruits and biscuits with plenty of juices, soft drinks, as well as chai, of course.
Alwaez Abdulrahim Rajwani visiting Alwaeza Mrs. Maleksultan Merchant at her home in 2019. Photo: Zarina Rajwani / Abdulrahim Rajwani Collection.
At Alwaez Rajwani’s residence located at the Jamati flat complex, the conversations centred around their waezin colleagues, past and current, as well as on-going waezin activities in Dar es Salaam and other parts of Tanzania. Years later after our families had migrated to the Western world, Alwaez Rajwani would place a regular call to my parents to find out how they were doing. Following my mum’s recent death on January 21, 2021, Alwaez submitted the following letter along with two photographs that he and his daughter took with my mum during one of their visits to Vancouver.
I take deep happiness in publishing the letter and thank Alwaez Abdulrahim and his daughter, Zarina, for the care, concern as well as affection that they showed to both my parents for many, many years. May all their prayers and wishes be fulfilled. Alwaeza’s wife Zenab passed away in 2006 at the age of 81 but Abdulrahim now continues to live a full and complete life in Toronto. He is 90, and I wish him a long and healthy life.
Fond Memories of Alwaez Jehangir and Alwaeza Maleksultan Merchant
Alwaeza Mrs. Merchant, centre, is visited by Alwaez Abdulrahim Rajwani and his daughter Zarina. Photo: Abdulrahim Rajwani Collection.
By ALWAEZ ABDULRAHIM RAJWANI
Ya Ali Madad, dear Malik.
Although we have spoken on the phone, I also wanted to express my condolences to you, Fahar, Alnoor and your families, as well as pay my respects, honour your parents and share a few memories in writing. It has taken me a while, as I was filled with sadness and nostalgia, remembering the closeness of my loving relationship and friendship with both your parents over the many decades. Also, I had just spoken to mum a few days before she passed away. Zarina, Aziz and I offer prayers for the eternal rest of their souls.
Your parents, Alwaeza Maleksultan (1931-2021) and Alwaez Jehangir Merchant (1928-2018), were both close friends from Bombay (now Mumbai). I remember meeting mum in the early forties, when we used to have waez competitions between the Religious Night Schools of Greater Bombay. Either she or one of her sisters (Shahsultan or Sakuma) would represent Hasnabaad, and I would represent Kandimohalla (now Karimabad). I remember your dad and Late Alwaez Sultanali Mohamed (1927-2020) attending mission classes in the early fifties, run by Ismailia Association in Kandimohalla, where dad’s eldest brother Mahomedbhai was Mukhi for several years. I was already an Honorary Missionary at that time.
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Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, is welcomed by Mukhisaheb of Karimabad Jamatkhana Mahomed Alibhoy, Alwaez Merchant’s oldest brother; and Mrs and Mr Merchant (seated, 3rd and 5th from left) with Waezin team and lecturers before their departure for Lourenço Marques in 1954. Alwaez Sultanali is standing 4th from left. Photo: Jehangir Merchant Collection.
I have many fond and happy memories of our friendship over the decades, and in particular, I remember coming to the ship to disembark your parents, with you as a 5 month baby, when their ship made a stop at Dar es Salaam on its way to Lourenço Marques. That was in very early 1954, and I myself settled in Dar es Salaam two years earlier in 1952.
While we all served as waezin together, I will always regard both mum and dad with the highest respect, honour and love. Their service was outstanding and exemplary. They always kept up with their knowledge and learning. Their way of communicating and conveying this knowledge individually, in small groups and to large Jamati audiences was remarkable. They were able to make this knowledge relevant and personal to individuals, and inspire and uplift them in a highly impactful and significant way. And they selflessly served the Jamat and the Imam-of-the-Time with care and kindness, with devotion and utmost dedication.
I have been speaking to your parents over the years, and to mum regularly, particularly around Navroz, Imamat Day, Salgirah and Eids. I will miss talking to her now, but will always remember her and pray for her soul. Over the years, whenever I was in Vancouver, we would always visit them and more recently mum. It was always a delight to chat and catch up with her. Zarina and I last visited her in September 2019. I am attaching a couple of pictures with her from that visit. I will dearly miss our decades-long incredible friendship and affection.
With fond and loving memories of them both and prayers for their souls,
(Alwaez) Abdulrahim Rajwani.
Date posted: February 7, 2021.
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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.
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.
Alwaeza Raisaheba Maleksultan Jehangir Merchant, or Mrs. Merchant as she was known among her students in Africa and the UK, was buried Thursday February 4, 2021, at the same cemetery as her husband Jehangir. Here she is seen visiting his grave shortly after he passed away May 27, 2018. Photo: Malik Merchant / Simerg.
By SHIRAZ PRADHAN
Many thoughts come to mind as I attend Mrs. Merchant’s funeral online from the UK. She passed away on January 21, 2021, at the age of 89, on the same day she was admitted to the hospital.
I have fond memories of the time I had spent working with her at 3-5 Palace Gate in London. While teaching Bait-ul-Ilm classes, I benefited immensely from her knowledge and wisdom.
The Covid-19 pandemic, which also took Mrs. Merchant’s life, is unprecedented and is having a profound impact on our lives. One such impact is that we cannot attend or participate in funerals in the customary way at this time. However, technology has allowed us to participate in the funeral ceremonies from anywhere in the world, albeit in a different manner.
Mrs. Merchant’s face was visible to all of us who were watching throughout the 30-minute ceremony that included Salwats, the recitation of the prayer Astaghfirullahi Rabbi Wa Atubu Ilaiyhi (Verily, I seek the forgiveness of Allah, who is my Lord and Sustainer, and I turn to Him in repentance) as well as verses from Ginans and profound quotes of Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, His Highness the Aga Khan III (d. July 11, 1957).
There are guidelines, which vary from one province to another, about the number of people who can be present for the funeral (in Vancouver, the limit is 6 family members) and burial ceremonies at the cemetery (4 family members), masks are mandatory as is social distancing, and if a person had died of Covid-19 the casket must remain closed unless the body has been embalmed.
The six individuals from the family who were present at the Burnaby Lake Jamatkhana were Mrs. Merchant’s son Fahar and his wife Nina, Shellina (fiancé of youngest son Alnoor, who could not attend from the UK), nieces Habiba and Sherezad, and Nasreen, daughter of the family’s extremely close friend Mrs. Sakerkhanu Velji whose husband, Mr. Sadru Velji, was buried just 48 hours earlier on February 2. Due to extraordinary circumstances as well as Mawlana Hazar Imam’s guidance expressing his desire for his Murids to follow public health guidelines, Mrs. Merchant’s eldest son Abdulmalik (Malik) and his daughter Nurin were not able to travel for the funeral.
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A reflection by Malik and Nurin Merchant on their mum/grandmother . Please click on image for enlargement.
Following the completion of the funeral ceremonies, which has been dubbed as Rites of Passage, volunteers wheeled the casket across the Jamatkhana Hall into the waiting hearse to the calling of the Muslim Shahadah Lailaha illallah Muhammad ur Rasulullah (I bear witness that there is no deity but God, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of God) recited by one person, and repeated by the same person as there was no one lined up to carry or touch the coffin (Janazah) due to Covid-19. The live streaming stopped once the coffin left the building into the waiting car. This was truly an emotional send-off for us watching from other parts of the world.
After the four male members returned from the cemetery, Zyarat and Samar ceremonies were performed. Normally, these would be held during the evening Jamatkhana ceremonies where hundreds of people would be able to participate and recite special prayers for the soul of the deceased. Jamatkhanas have been closed across Canada for the last several weeks, as is the case in many parts of the world.
Jamatkhanas in Canada have never before been closed for such an extended period of time. This past year has been particularly difficult for all of us everywhere, and one can imagine its impact on those who attended Jamatkhana regularly.
However, there are some collateral benefits of the pandemic. With the blessings of Mawlana Hazar Imam, our faith has been strengthened. Jamats have come together across the world, helping one another. The magnificent work done by the volunteers has impacted every institution within the Jamat — from arts and culture to economic to health to religious education to social welfare boards and the youth. The undertaking has been enormous. The organization of funerals and the work of the funeral, or the mayat/ghusal committee is simply incredible. Keeping everyone safe under our current circumstance where a virus can spread rapidly is demanding and requires additional hours of care, diligence, organization and work to meet strict protocols and provincial guidelines.
At the onset of Covid-19 pandemic 2020, things looked bleak and hopeless. But, human ingenuity was at work. Scientists all across the world set to work to come-up with vaccines in record time in the fight against the Covid-19. We saw as we entered 2021 that highly effective vaccines have been formulated, and with proper and fair distribution will give hope to humanity in the coming months.
I am grateful that I have been able to participate in Malekbai’s funeral from the UK and I pray that Hazar Imam bless her with Noorani Deedar and grant the family the strength to bear this loss. Ameen and Ya Ali Madad.
A Dignified and Safe Rites of Passage for Mrs. Merchant
Alwaeza Raisaheba Maleksultan Jehangir Merchant (June 9, 1931 – January 21, 2021), age 89. Photo: Shellina Karmali.
MOSTLY UNEDITED – ED.
Feriyal Merchant (USA): Ya Ali Madad, Dear family. My sister Kulsum Laiwalla and myself from Silicon Valley CA watched the blessed last rites and ceremonies of our beloved Malek Sultan Aunty who was lying so peacefully in the prayer hall as the heartfelt spiritual paragraph from our Beloved Imam Sultan Mahomed Shah’s memoirs was read by her son Fahar, souful ginans and powerful Salwats recited. Though the hall had a few family physical presence but it was filled with spiritual connections and prayers from all over the world.
Dear Malek Aunty today your earthly body said goodbye, your soul on speedy wings have taken flight to Heavenly abode. You will be missed by many but always fondly remember. As I saw you lie you left me with thoughts of wisdom as you always do. This is a journey all must take alone so be prepared so there is after glow of smile and peace on your face as I saw on yours. Shukar Mowla Alhamdullilah.
Salim and Nevyn Kanji (Toronto):Today, we participated in a beautiful and simple funeral service for our teacher. Thank you for giving us this opportunity. May your mom’s soul rest in eternal peace. May Hazar Imam give you lots of strength and courage to face this great loss. Remember, we are always here for you and your family.
Amin Hooda (Ottawa): Thanks for your efforts at the time when there is a huge personal and family`s loss. Humbled to have attended the live video stream, that was completed in less than half hour, through the recitation of tasbihs and ginans; it was an opportunity for me to benefit from this spiritual connection that you mum, alongside your dad, as a lifelong teacher selflessly nurtured for so many individuals and jamat at large, through their friendship and students. Shukar.
(Nahid) Begum Nurmohamed Shariff and family: Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sending me the invite as I was very fond of both mum and dad. They were wonderful people and will live on through you all but also their wider family — those that they taught selflessly over the years with love and compassion. Your mum and I had a bond and I loved and respected her dearly. She is in a wonderful place. Mawla grant her his noorani didar and rest her soul in eternal peace. Ameen. Sending your whole family lots of love and prayers.
Julián Arturo Zapata (Colombia, South America): Querido Hermano Abdulmalik, muy linda la ceremonia del funeral de tu noble Madre Maliksultan. Abrazos Fraternales desde Colombia el Alamut latinoamericano
Translation: Dear Brother Abdulmalik, the funeral ceremony of your noble Mother Maleksultan is very nice. Fraternal hugs from Colombia, the Latin American Alamut.
Shiraz Nasser: Thank you for inviting us to participate in funeral ceremony. Her soul has merged with the Noor. It is time for spiritual happiness. May Mawla accept all your wonderful sewa. Stay safe, healthy, happy, united and continue your wonderful family tradition of spiritually intellect sewa in humility. Love to all.
Mrs. Merchant’s family members pictured on February 4, 2021 in the courtyard of the Burnaby Lake Jamatkhana during the funeral ceremonies held for her at the Jamatkhana. Left to right: Nina and Fahar Merchant, Shellina Karmali, Habiba and Alnashir Rashid, and Sherezad Zinna.
Shariffa Keshavjee (Kenya): Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un “Surely we belong to Allah and to Him shall we return.” Thank you for inviting me to join in on your mum’s farewell. May her soul go with the light into Asal Makan. May you get peace and sabar, patience. I once read that sabar is illumination from within, where experiencing patience gives birth to a space. In that space Rab is present.
Alnoor Abdulla (Vancouver): I appreciate and feel privileged to participate. It was a spiritual ceremony. She will always remain special and everlasting in my mind.
Rozmin Fazal (UK): Thank you for sharing the live link to mum’s Mayyat ceremony. It was such a dignified ceremony. May Mowla rest her soul in eternal peace and grant you and the family strength to be able to cope with the loss. Amen.
Anonymous (England): May Mawlana Hazar Imam bless your mum’s soul and may she rest in eternal peace. Ameen. She looked good and at peace. Lovely that everyone there participated individually. I am praying for your mum’s soul and dad. I’m praying for you and the family to have peace in your heart and in your lives.
Abdul Remtulla (Edmonton): Thank you for your invitation to attend on line ceremony. We did and bid her goodbyes. May her soul rest in eternal Peace, Ameen, Warm wishes and Ya Ali Madad.
Azy or Yasmin (Toronto): Thank you for inviting me to participate in the ceremony. I feel honoured indeed. She looked very very peaceful. We lost a great person from the earth but Mowla welcomed her home. Mowla bless her soul with Noorani Didar and bless you and the entire family with strength to face this tremendous loss. Amen.
Muslim Harji (Montreal): Thank you for considering us as a part of your family. Both Nevin and myself attended Maa’s Mayat ceremony and were very impressed with the way it was conducted. We pray for her soul to rest in eternal peace. Ameen Love, Light & Cheers
Nizar Motani (USA):I was able to join the livestream from the beginning. From all the tributes to mourn and celebrate your mother’s amazing service, her endearing personality, and her kind nature — she was clearly an ANGELIC SOUL and is resting in the ABODE of PEACE next to her beloved husband.
Zarina Moosa (Toronto): Thank you for letting me participate in the funeral ceremony of your beloved mother. It was such a dignified and beautiful ceremony fit for an equally dignified and beautiful lady. Shukhar. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. With prayers in my heart for all of you.
Karima, Nasim, Shamshad and Nuryn (Vancouver): Thank you letting us watch, Malekabai’s funeral today. She is at peace, and may Mowla rests her soul in eternal peace, Amen.
Date posted: February 5, 2021. Last updated: February 6, 2021 (Jamatkhana photo added with a reflection by Malik and Nurin).
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Shiraz Pradhan
About the author: Shiraz Pradhan is a professional engineer, writer and philosopher. A regular contributor to this website, Shiraz has a keen interest in Judaeo-Christian History, Islamic Studies, Sufism and philosophies of the Vedas and Upanishads. He is currently completing a book titles Amarapuri, the Abode of Eternity. He is the Chairman of the Association of the Study of Ginans which specializes in the preservation, study and research of the ancient Ismaili Ginans (hymns). Shiraz currently lives in the UK with his family.
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for inviting us to participate in funeral ceremony. Her soul has merged with the Noor. It is time for spiritual happiness. May Mawla accept all your wonderful sewa. Stay safe, healthy, happy, united and continue your wonderful family tradition of spiritually intellect sewa in humility. Love to all.
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