Ismaili Authors Series: Mohamed Bhanji’s ebook, “Luminaries of the Islamic Golden Age,” seeks to fill a massive gap in the history of human thought; it’s free to download or read online

6 January 2026

Simerg’s series on “Books by Ismaili Authors” continues with Mohamed Bhanji’s highly educational and informative “Luminaries of the Islamic Golden Age,” published as an e-book in 2025. We value the insights of Ismaili authors worldwide and invite you to share your work in this ongoing series by submitting responses to our questions — please see the details HERE. For any queries, please email Malik at mmerchant@simerg.com.

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Simerg: What is behind the naming of the title Luminaries of the Islamic Golden Age?

Mohamed Bhanji: The title emphasizes the brilliance of Muslim scholars as luminaries who sharpened the cutting edge of knowledge during the Islamic Golden Age — a period when science, philosophy, and culture flourished, laying the foundations for our modern world.

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

Bhanji: The e-book reconnects readers with nearly thirty luminaries of the Islamic Golden Age, offering insights into a remarkable intellectual tradition.

Families will discover how these polymaths advanced knowledge — and why their lessons in curiosity, resilience, and ethics remain timeless and profoundly relevant in the age of AI.

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“This e-book is a curated synthesis of a series of posts I originally shared on LinkedIn, thoughtfully expanded with appropriate content from additional sources. My hope is that it offers a window into a rich and too-often-forgotten intellectual tradition — and that it helps lift the veil on what Aga Khan IV called “this amnesia [that] has left a six hundred-year gap in the history of human thought.” — Mohamed Bhanji, author of Luminaries of the Islamic Golden Age.

AN EXCERPT FROM LUMINARIES OF THE ISLAMIC GOLDEN AGE

How did Al-Biruni (773-1050) calculate the Earth’s diameter?

He climbed a tall mountain (most likely in present-day Pakistan).
He measured the angle of the dip of the horizon from the peak using an astrolabe.
Knowing the height of the mountain and the angle, he applied trigonometric formulas to estimate the Earth’s radius.

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Al-Biruni’s results:

He estimated Earth’s radius to be about 6,339.6 km, which is very close to the modern value of about 6,371 km.
That gives a diameter of approximately 12,679 km, again impressively close to the modern value of 12,742 km.

Significance:

Al-Biruni’s method did not require knowledge of the Earth’s full circumference or travel between distant locations.
His use of pure geometry and careful observation was incredibly innovative for the time.

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Simerg: What inspired you to write the book?

Bhanji: Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, insightfully observed:

“The Islamic field of thought and knowledge included and added to much of the information on which all civilizations are founded. And yet this fact is seldom acknowledged today, be it in the West or in the Muslim world, and this amnesia has left a six-hundred-year gap in the history of human thought.”

These words inspired me to embark on a journey into the rich yet often forgotten history of the Muslim intellectual tradition.

Simerg: How can one purchase the book or access it?

Bhanji: Readers can read it for free online as a flipbook at bit.ly/liga-ebook or download it for free as a PDF file HERE.

Date posted: January 6, 2025.

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Mohamed Bhanji is a volunteer educator/tour guide at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, with a passion for sharing stories about the artistic, intellectual, and scientific contributions of Muslim civilizations to our shared world heritage. Bhanji leads visitors through the Museum’s architectural design and permanent collection of Islamic Art, emphasizing the significance of Islamic architecture. Previously, Bhanji served as Special Advisor to the Chief Commercial Officer at VIA Rail Canada from February 1984 to September 2021, leading strategic initiatives, including the Traveller Touch-Points Transformation program, and establishing partnerships in the travel sector. Academic credentials include a Master’s degree and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Loughborough University, England.

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

“Justice Bertha Wilson Pushes the Boundaries of Humanity” by Shamas Nanji (featured on February 10, 2021, series start date)
“Little One, You Are The Universe” by Zeni Shariff (February 25, 2021)
“Memoirs of a Muhindi” by Mansoor Ladha (March 6, 2021, and see also 15 and 21 by the same author)
“To Be One With God: Seven Journeys to the Meaning of Life” by Shafeen Ali (March 25, 2021)
“Invisible Birthmarks” by Alnasir Rajan (April 13, 2021)
“IN THE NAME OF JUSTICE – Portrait of a ‘Cowboy’ Judge” by Azmina Suleman (April 28, 2021)
“RSVP Rice and Stew Very Plenty” by Nazlin Rahemtulla (May 28, 2021)
“Coughdrops” by Nargis Fazal (June 12, 2021)
“The Roots and the Trees” by Nizar Sultan (June 25, 2021)
“Faith and Ethics: The Vision of the Ismaili Imamat” by M. Ali Lakhani (July 4, 2021)
“Nairobi Days by Shelina_Shariff Zia (July 21, 2021)
“Shine Brighter” by Shairoz Lakhani (December 8, 2021)
“This is My Life” by Naznin Rahemtulla Hébert (February 26, 2022)
“Humanizing Medicine – Making Health Tangible” by Dr. Azim Jiwani (March 9, 2022)
“A Portrait in Pluralism: Aga Khan’s Shia Ismaili Muslims” by Mansoor Ladha (June 8, 2022, and see also 3 and 21 by the same author)
“Malaria Memoirs: My Life Journey as a Public Health Doctor in Tanzania” by Dr Zul Premji (June 30, 2022)
“Monkey Tales and Other Short Stories” by Mahmoud Hirji (September 10, 2022)
“Bloom! A Story of Diversity and Understanding” by Shamim Murji (October 27, 2022)
“Cooking with Mom” by Rozina Ramji (November 7, 2022)
“SPARK: Journey from Success to Significance” by Azim Jamal (July 17, 2023)
“Off the Cuff” by Mansoor Ladha (August 3, 2023, and see also 3 and 15 by the same author)
“Mehndi Boy” by Zain Bandali (November 18, 2023)
“All the Russ Without the Fuss” by Reeshma Haji (March 2, 2024)
“al-Risalah al-Bahirah (The Epistle on the Radiance)” by Abu Ya’qub al-Sijistani, translated by Boustan Hirji (April 3, 2024)
“Namirembe Road” by Salim Rahemtulla (August 3, 2024)
“Swim or Climb: Max’s Swimming Dilemma” by Maya Shariff (October 4, 2024)
“Aga Khan: Bridge Between East & West” by Mansoor Ladha (November 14, 2024)
“Passage to East Africa” by Shenaz Shamji (April 3, 2025)
“No Man’s Land” by Amin Gulgee (April 22, 2025)
“Recreation Club Institute: History and Illustrated Glimpses of Service Holders” by Chhotubhai Khanderia (August 20, 2025)
“Luminaries of the Islamic Golden Age” by Mohamed Bhanji (January 6, 2026).

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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. Simerg’s editor Malik Merchant may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com. You can also stay updated by following Malik on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

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Passings: Elhaque Nizar Dhanani, Kamadia of the London Darkhana Jamatkhana during the Diamond Jubilee of His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, passes away aged 59

13 August 2025

19 Comments

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.

*Alijah Elhaque Nizar Dhanani (1965-2025)*.

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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Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, blesses the Ismaili Jamat during his Diamond Jubilee visit to the UK in June 2018. Following him are Mukhi Farouk Walji (left) and Kamadia Elhaque Dhanani (d. August 2025) of the London Darkhana Jamatkhana. Photograph: Clip from the official Ismaili video.

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Mukhi Nurdin Jivraj and Kamadia Nizar Dhanani with the Aga Khan — Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, pictured at the Olympia Hall, London, during his weeklong visit to the United Kingdom Jamat in September 1979. Seated next to him on the stage are Late Mukhi Nurdin Jivraj and Kamadia Nizar Dhanani, Elhaque’s father. Photograph: Jehangir Merchant Collection.

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.