Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un
“Surely we belong to God, and to Him we return” — Holy Qur’an, 2:156

“Life is a great and noble calling, not a mean and grovelling thing to be shuffled through as best as we can but a lofty and exalted destiny.” — Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, His Highness the Aga Khan III (1877-1957), 48th Ismaili Imam.

By MALIK MERCHANT

I have learned with deep sadness that Kamadia Alijah Elhaque Nizar Dhananj, originally of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has passed away in London, UK, at the age of 59. Though not personally known to me, because I left London when he was in his early teens, Elhaque was fondly remembered by my mum, Mrs. Merchant, who taught him for many years in London’s Baitul Ilm classes during the 1970s and 1980s. She fondly recalled Elhaque as a top, well-disciplined, and enthusiastic student, and always cherished the wonderful memories of his Baitul Ilm years.

Following a family tradition of service to the Imam-of-the-Time and the Ismaili community — his father, Nizar Dhanani, served as the Kamadia of Palace Gate Jamatkhana during Mawlana Shah Karim His Late Highness Aga Khan IV’s visit to London in September 1979 — Elhaque was appointed to the position of the Kamadia of the London North West Jamatkhana from 2008 to 2012. He was then appointed by Mawlana Shah Karim as the Kamadia of Darkhana Jamatkhana from 2012 to 2019. The term coincided with Mawlana Shah Karim’s visit to the UK for his Diamond Jubilee in June 2018 (see photographs). My family and I have always felt a deep personal connection with Elhaque’s family. His father’s encouraging messages and prayers over the years, as well as thoughtful remembrance of my parents, have been especially inspirational. This personal bond has been a source of strength for us.

The passing of a child is one of the most difficult times for any family. We, as a community, stand united in this grief and convey our deepest condolences to his surviving father, Kamadia Nizar, Elhaque’s wife, Yasmin, and the entire Dhanani family and their loved ones. We offer our unwavering support and prayers for their strength and fortitude during this difficult period of bereavement and to face this difficult loss.

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Condolences (dilsoji) to family members may be offered at the Darkhana Jamatkhana (in the Ismaili Centre, London) on Thursday, August 14. The funeral ceremony will be held at the Northwest Jamatkhana on Saturday, August 16, with the Fateha being offered at 9:30 AM.

We pray that Elhaque’s soul may rest in eternal peace. Ameen.

Condolence messages: We invite readers to submit their condolences, memories and tributes to Kamadia Elhaque Nizar Dhanani by clicking LEAVE A COMMENT. If you encounter technical difficulties submitting your feedback, email your message to mmerchant@simerg.com, subject: Elhaque Dhanani.

Featured photo at the top of the post: Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV (d. February 4, 2025), 49th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, at the Diamond Jubilee Darbar in London, with (l to r) Kamadia Elhaque Nizar Dhanani, Mukhi Farouk Rajabali Walji, Mukhiani Shahenaz Farouk Walji and Kamadiani Yasmin Elhaque Dhanani of London Darkhana Jamatkhana. Photograph: The Ismaili (visit UK Diamond Jubilee Gallery).

Date posted: August 13, 2025.
Last updated: August 14, 2024.

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About Simerg and its sister websites Barakah and Simergphotos

Simerg, an independent platform, has published over 2,000 pieces on all aspects of Ismaili and Islamic history, culture and thought since its launch in 2009. Please see our Table of Contents in 2 parts — 2009-2019 and 2020-Current. Please visit Simerg’s sister websites, Barakah, which is dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and Simergphotos, which features photo essays on history, culture and travel. Follow the publisher/editor Malik Merchant on @Facebook, @X and @LinkedIn. Check out Malik’s brief profile and contact information HERE.