Simerg: An independent platform focusing on Islam and Muslims in general, with a particular reference to the Aga Khan and the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims and related traditions through literary readings, photo essays and artistic expressions
Featured photo at top of post: A general view of the Imam Husayn (Hussein) Mosque in Karbala, Iraq. The photo was taken between September 26 and October 12, 1932. Photograph: G. Eric and Edith Matson Photograph Collection, Library of Congress, Washingon D.C.
INTRODUCTION: Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Karim al Hussaini, His Highness the Aga Khan, is the 49th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, and directly descended from Hazrat Ali and his son Imam Husayn.
Imam Husayn B. ‘Aly began his reign as the 2nd Ismaili Imam* on the death of his father, Hazrat Ali on January 27, 661 CE who, 29 years earlier in 632 CE, had been publicly proclaimed by the Prophet Muhammad (May peace be upon him and his progeny) to be his successor at Ghadir Khumm.
The succession ended the cycle of the Divine Institution of Nubuwwah and ushered the world into a new era of the Divine Institution of Imamat. Thus, the Imams directly descended from the Prophet Muhammad, from Hazrat Ali to Mawlana Shah Karim, have continued to guide their murids (followers) in the ta’wil (interpretation) and talim (teaching) of the Holy Qur’an for the last 1391 years.
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A 1932 photograph showing the entrance to the great mosque at Karbala, the holy city of e Shia Muslims. Photograph: G. Eric and Edith Matson Photograph Collection, Library of Congress, Washingon D.C.
Imam Husayn was martyred in the Battle of Karbala on the 10th day of the Muslim month of Muharram, or October 10, 680, at the age of 54, and was succeeded to the Hereditary throne of Imamat by Imam Zainul Abideen.
The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, and thus shorter than the 365 day solar calendar by roughly 11 days. This year (2023), the 10th day of Muharram falls on or around July 28/29, almost 1343 years since the Imam’s tragic death at the hands of Yazid’s army.
Please download the PDF version of Wilfred Madelung’s excellent piece on Imam Husayn B. ‘Ali published on the IIS website. Note: The eminent German scholar Professor Madelung passed away in May 2023 and the IIS has published an In Memoriam in his honour HERE
Date posted: July 28, 2023 (This post is an update to earlier versions of the article that has appeared periodically on this website over the past few years.)
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*Note: In the Shia Imami Nizari Ismaili tradition Imam Husayn’s brother, Hazrat Hassan, is not counted as an Imam. However, he is regarded as their second Imam by other Shia Muslims, thus making Imam Husayn as their 3rd Imam.
[The following piece was originally published on March 30, 2023, in The Ismaili Portugal, the Portuguese component of the official website of the Ismaili Muslim community. It has been adapted with minor changes; the photographs produced below are not part of The Ismaili Portugal piece. The sources of the photographs have been mentioned in their corresponding captions — Ed.]
Português/Portuguese (English follows)
Após o choque inicial do incidente no Centro Ismaili em Lisboa no início desta semana, os pensamentos da comunidade Ismaili voltaram-se para as duas mulheres que tragicamente perderam as suas vidas.
As vítimas do ataque — Farana Sadrudin, 49 anos, e Mariana Jadaugy, 24 anos — trabalhavam para a FOCUS Assistência Humanitária no Centro Ismaili com os refugiados recém-chegados para os ajudar a estabelecerem-se em Portugal.
A Farana era a Country Manager da FOCUS para Portugal. Engenheira de profissão, tinha anteriormente desempenhado uma série de funções voluntárias, servindo o Jamat há mais de 20 anos. Farana era também membro do National Council desde 2015.
“O seu sorriso era contagioso”, disse a sua prima Fara Nazim. “A dedicação da Farana, a paixão por ajudar os outros, e a generosidade são apenas algumas das qualidades dela que não vamos esquecer. Fomos abençoados por tê-la nas nossas vidas”.
A Mariana trabalhava como caseworker, tendo começado a trabalhar na FOCUS em 2022. Mariana era licenciada em Ciências Políticas e Relações Internacionais e tinha um mestrado em Ciências Sociais e Desenvolvimento.
“Ela não era apenas minha colega, mas também minha amiga”, disse a colega de trabalho Nalina Ali. “Ela sempre ajudou a tornar o nosso local de trabalho num ambiente acolhedor e reconfortante para todos. Aprendi muito com ela”.
“Os nossos pensamentos estão com as famílias da Farana e da Mariana. Eram ambas bem conhecidas entre o Jamat”, disse Rahim Firozali, Presidente do National Council para Portugal. “O trabalho de ambas foi de vital importância para ajudar os migrantes a estabelecerem-se e integrarem-se neste país, tendo muitas vezes ido além das suas funções para oferecer cuidados e atenção aos necessitados”.
Nos últimos dias, as famílias das vítimas receberam apoio e conforto dos membros da Jamat de todo o mundo. Também o National Council recebeu mensagens de condolências e apoio de parceiros e amigos da comunidade de todos os cantos do mundo. As cerimónias fúnebres da Farana realizaram-se na passada sexta-feira, 31 de março, e as da Mariana no sábado, 1 de abril.
“Iremos recordá-las pelo seu profissionalismo e empenho no seu trabalho e para com o Jamat”, acrescentou o Presidente Rahim. “Elas representaram o espírito de serviço e sentiremos muita falta delas”.
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English (Spanish follows)
“Farana’s smile was contagious… her dedication, passion for helping others, and generosity are just some of the things we won’t forget about her” — Fara Nazim
“Mariana was not only my colleague but also my friend. She helped to make our workplace a welcoming and comforting environment. I learned a lot from her” — Nalina Ali
The valorization and the empowerment of women is an important issue, especially for those who come from countries where the role of women is relegated to second place. In this sense, a session was held on July 20, 2022, at the Ismaili Center in Lisbon, under the motto: “All women have the power to become a success story”. In this session, topics such as hygiene care and make-up were also discussed in partnership with Dressforsuccess, with hygiene and make-up products being offered to the participants. In this photo, FOCUS Country Manager, Farana Sadrudin (d. March 28, 2023, aged 49) is seen 2nd from left with participants. Photograph: The Ismaili, September 10, 2022.
Following the initial shock of the incident at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon earlier this week, thoughts of the Ismaili community soon turned to the women who tragically lost their lives.
The victims of the attack — Farana Sadrudin, 49, and Mariana Jadaugy, 24 — were employed by FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance. Based at the Ismaili Centre, they worked with recent arrivals to help them settle in Portugal.
Farana was the FOCUS country manager for Portugal. An engineer by profession, she had previously performed a number of voluntary roles, serving the Jamat over a period of 20 years. Farana had also served as a National Council member since 2015.
“Her smile was contagious,” said her cousin Fara Nazim. “Farana’s dedication, passion for helping others, and generosity are just some of the things we won’t forget about her. We were blessed to have her as part of our lives.”
Mariana Jadaugy (d. March 28, 2023, aged 24), pictured on June 12, 2019 with her degree in Political Science and International Relations from Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas, a unit of Universidade NOVA de Lisboa. Photograph: NOVA/FCSH.
Mariana was a caseworker, having begun work at FOCUS only this year. Prior to this, at University she had studied Political Science and International Relations and held a Masters in Social Sciences and Development.
“She was not only my colleague but also my friend,” said co-worker Nalina Ali. “She helped to make our workplace a welcoming and comforting environment. I learned a lot from her.”
“Our thoughts are with the families of Farana and Mariana,” said Rahim Firozali, President of the Ismaili Council for Portugal. “Their work was vitally important to help migrants settle and integrate in this country, and they often went above and beyond their assigned duties to offer care and attention to those in need.”
In recent days, the grieving families have received an outpouring of support and comfort from members of the Jamat worldwide. The Ismaili Council for Portugal has also received messages of condolences and support from partners and friends of the community from all corners of the world. Funeral ceremonies were held on Friday 31 March and Saturday 1 April for Farana and Mariana respectively.
“We will remember them for their professionalism and commitment to their work and to the Jamat,” added President Rahim. “They embodied the spirit of service and will be greatly missed.”
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Español/Spanish
Tras la conmoción inicial por el incidente ocurrido en el Centro Ismailí de Lisboa a principios de esta semana, los pensamientos de la comunidad ismailí enseguida se volvieron hacia las mujeres que perdieron trágicamente la vida.
Las víctimas del atentado, Farana Sadrudin, de 49 años, y Mariana Jadaugy, de 24, trabajaban para FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance. Con base en el Centro Ismailí, trabajaban con los recién llegados para ayudarles a establecerse en Portugal.
Farana era la responsable de FOCUS en Portugal. Ingeniera de profesión, había desempeñado anteriormente diversas funciones de voluntariado al servicio de Jamat durante 20 años. Farana también había sido miembro del Consejo Nacional desde 2015.
“Su sonrisa era contagiosa”, dijo su prima Fara Nazim. “La dedicación, la pasión por ayudar a los demás y la generosidad de Farana son solo algunas de las cosas que no olvidaremos de ella. Tuvimos la suerte de que formara parte de nuestras vidas”.
Mariana era asistente social y había empezado a trabajar en FOCUS este mismo año. Antes, en la Universidad había estudiado Ciencias Políticas y Relaciones Internacionales y tenía un máster en Ciencias Sociales y Desarrollo.
“No sólo era mi colega, sino también mi amiga”, afirma Nalina Ali, compañera de trabajo. “Ayudó a hacer de nuestro lugar de trabajo un entorno acogedor y reconfortante. Aprendí mucho de ella”.
“Nuestros pensamientos están con las familias de Farana y Mariana”, declaró Rahim Firozali, Presidente del Consejo Ismailí para Portugal. “Su trabajo era de vital importancia para ayudar a los inmigrantes a establecerse e integrarse en este país, y a menudo iban más allá de sus obligaciones asignadas para ofrecer cuidado y atención a los necesitados.”
En los últimos días, las familias en duelo han recibido una avalancha de apoyo y consuelo de miembros del Jamat de todo el mundo. El Consejo Ismailí para Portugal también ha recibido mensajes de condolencias y apoyo de socios y amigos de la comunidad de todos los rincones del mundo. El viernes 31 de marzo y el sábado 1 de abril se celebraron las ceremonias fúnebres de Farana y Mariana, respectivamente.
“Las recordaremos por su profesionalidad y compromiso con su trabajo y con el Jamat”, añadió el Presidente Rahim. “Encarnaban el espíritu de servicio y las echaremos mucho de menos.
Simerg invites readers to submit their thoughts, reflections and condolences to Farana Sadrudin and Mariana Jadaugy. We would especially like to hear from their friends, colleagues and family members whose lives they touched through their warmth, friendship, love as well as services that they rendered during their lifetime. Please pen your reflections by clicking on Leave a comment.
In both the beautiful songs presented below, there are prayers, supplications and references to Ali, the first Shia Imam whose birth anniversary will be observed with reverence on the 13th of Rajab (on or around February 3, 2023).
However, in Ismaili theology, the Imams descended from Imam Ali are the bearers of the same Light (Noor) of Imamat. Thus, an Ismaili living during the period of any Imam, when uttering the name of Ali, has in his heart and mind the presence of the Imam-of-the-Time. Currently, the holder of the Divine Authority of the Imamat is Shah Karim al Hussaini, His Highness the Aga Khan, or Mawlana Hazar Imam (Our Lord, the Present Imam). He is the 49th Hereditary Imam of the Ismailis and the Ismailis are the only Shia community to have a Living Imam.
The lyrics in the first video song entitled “Ameen — A Global Prayer of Hope” are in multiple languages including the sign language, and the expressions by musicians and singers, young and old alike, show the love that each participant in the video has for his or her Imam. Listeners will feel totally immersed as they watch and listen to the song. Please watch the entire video (10:32 minutes), because the different components carry their own special messages. We then present another song “Cry Aloud to Ali.”
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Song: A Global Prayer of Hope
(excerpts from lyric)
…. We are never alone Never have been Never will be Ameen …..
…. Khudawanda tu Sultane Karimi …. (Lord: You are the King of Generosity)
…. I look to you, I pray to you for hope, I love you ….
…. Ya Ali tu Rahem Kar, Ya Mawla tu Fazal Kar …. (O Ali, shower us with your mercy, O Mawla, shower us with your grace)
Ya Ale Nabi, Aulad-e-Nabi, Ya Mushkil Kusha, Ya Hazar Imam (O Progeny of the Prophet, O the Progeny of Ali, O reliever of difficulties, O Hazar Imam)
Ameen
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Ali’s love for his spiritual children is constant, and we are in his prayers and heart every moment. This has been articulated by Mawlana Shah Karim throughout his Imamat and I quote from a message that Malik Talib, the Chairman of the Ismaili Leaders International Forum (LIF), was asked to convey to the Jamat. Hazar Imam said:
“Please convey my best paternal and my best maternal loving blessings to my worldwide Jamat, and tell them that I think of them every minute of the day, each day, and I pray for Mushkil Asan and for their peace and happiness.”
“My spiritual children should always remain mindful that it is the principles of our faith that will bring peace and solace in these times of uncertainty. I am with my Jamat at all times, and each of you, individually, is always in my heart, in my thoughts and in my prayers. I send my most affectionate paternal, maternal loving blessings to all my Jamat – for happiness, good health, confidence and security in your lives ahead, and for mushkil-asan.”
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Song: Naad e Ali
[Note: The lyrics in the song in both Arabic and English are slightly different from the transliteration and translation published below – Ed.]
Nade Ali, Nade Ali, Nade Ali Nade Aliyyan mazhar al-ajaib Tajidahu awnan lakafin-nawaib Kullu hammin wa ghammin sayanj-i Ali Bi wilayatika, Ya Ali! Ya Ali! Ya Ali!
Translation
Call Ali call Ali call Ali, the manifestation of marvels He will be your helper in difficulty Every anxiety and sorrow will end Through your friendship. O Ali, O Ali, O Ali.
Date posted: February 1, 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.
His name is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an twenty-five times, often in the form ‘Isa ibn Maryam, meaning “Jesus, son of Mary.” In the Qur’an, he is referred to by the unique title of “Messiah” (al-masih in Arabic), meaning “anointed one.” Descriptions of Jesus in the Qur’an include many aspects of the narrative found in the Gospels about the life of Jesus, including his virgin birth, the signs given to him by God, that he was raised by God into His presence, and it also suggests his future return. Jesus is also referred to in the Qur’an as the “Word” and the “Spirit” of God, a special honour. READ MORE
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Photo of the Day: Birthplace
Click on photo for enlargement
Photo of the Day: The Altar of the Nativity, beneath which is the star marking the spot where tradition says the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus. Photo: Muslim Harji, Montreal.
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Muslims Articulate the Immaculate Conception of Jesus in the Presence of a Christian Emperor
To read Barnaby Rogerson’s article, please click HERE or on image below
Left: Virgin Mary nurtured by a palm tree in a Turkish miniature, as described in the Qur’an; right: Mary and Jesus in a Persian miniature. Please click on image for Barnaby Rogerson’s article. Images: Wikipedia, Creative Commons
Date posted: December 25, 2022.
Featured photo at top of post: Festive season decorations at CrossIron Mills, Calgary, December 24, 2022. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg.
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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.
When the much talked and anticipated Hollywood movie “Noah” hit theatres in North America on March 28, 2014, there was widespread criticism of the movie by numerous Muslim and Christian religious groups. Movie goers had mixed reactions, rating it as high as “A” and “B” and as low as “D”. Google’s numbers indicate that 68% liked the movies. The UK Guardian gave it 3 stars out of 5. A number of Muslim countries including Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population numbering some 231 million (2021) banned the movie for its depiction of Noah. The BBC noted that a number of Arab States including UAE, Qatar and Bahrain were among Middle Eastern countries that banned Noah as it broke Islam’s taboo of depicting a prophet. “There are scenes that contradict Islam and the Bible, so we decided not to show it,” said Juma Al-Leem of Juma Al-Leem UAE’s National Media Centre. Mary Fairchild writing for About.com hinted that the movie would be replete with inaccuracies, and suggested reading the “authentic” story in the Bible.
Simerg has a version of the story from the Qur’an, presented by the well-known late Ismaili Muslim teacher, missionary and writer (Alwaez) Rai Jehangir A. Merchant (December 13, 1928 – May 27, 2018), who dedicated his life to the service of his community for more than 60 years, both in professional and honorary capacities. He passed away on May 27, 2018, exactly 4 years ago, and this popular piece, that has received more than 80,000 views over the years, is being shared by Jehangir’s son Malik, the editor of this website who along with Alwaez’s family members fondly remember him on the 4th anniversary of his passing.
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Noah’s Ark in the Holy Qur’an
A Mughal miniature of Noah’s Ark in the collection of the Freer Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
[This is a revised version of Alwaez Jehangir Merchant’s original article which was published in Ilm magazine, July 1976, under his pen name Jami. He edited and wrote extensively for the flagship UK Ismaili magazine — Ed.]
By LATE JEHANGIR A. MERCHANT (1928-2018)
Prophets are the messengers of Allah who came from time to time to guide mankind to the way of Allah, the path of righteousness. Amongst the many who came as guides and warners to the people, Prophet Noah (Alaihisalam) [1]was one of them. He lived long before the time of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (Salallahu alaihi wasalam), the last of the prophets. [2]
God appointed Noah as the prophet for his people, so as to guide them to the right path and turn them away from their evil ways. The Holy Qur’an tells us the story of Prophet Noah and his people in a number of suras [3], namely sura 71 (Nuh), sura 11 (Hud), and sura 23 (al-Mu’minun), and many ayats[4] therein. It tells us of the strong faith which the Prophet had in Almighty God and about the final destruction of those who ignored the Divine Message.
Commanding Prophet Noah to warn his people, God said:
“Warn your people before there comes upon them a grievous penalty.” — Holy Qur’an, 71:1
Obeying the command of God, Prophet Noah went to his people and said:
“I have come to you with a clear warning that you worship none but God. Verily I fear for you the penalty of a grievous day.” — Holy Qur’an, 11:25-26
The chiefs fearing they would lose their power and authority over the people they ruled, did not approve of what Prophet Noah was preaching and sought to detract the people from the True Path. They argued with the Prophet saying:
“We see nothing special in you except as a man like ourselves. Nor do we see any who have followed you but those who are the meanest amongst us and immature in judgment. Nor do we see in you any excellence over us; in fact we think you are a liar.” — Holy Qur’an, 11:27
Prophet Noah was not perturbed by their derogatory remarks and continued his divine mission purposefully. He called upon his people in a very polite and loving manner to mend their ways. He also warned them of the grievous consequences which would follow if they continued to worship the false gods and lead an immoral life. Assuring them that he was not seeking any wealth or power or favours from them, he said:
“And O my people! I ask you for no wealth in return: my reward is from none but God.” — Holy Qur’an, 11:29
But the chiefs continued to hinder Prophet Noah in his mission by instigating doubts about Noah. They would say to the people:
“He is no more than a man like yourselves. His wish is to assert superiority over you. If God had wished (to send messengers), He could have sent down Angels. Never did we hear such a thing (as he says), among our ancestors of old.” — Holy Qur’an, 23:24. [5]
The chiefs would then turn in anger towards the Prophet and challenge him arrogantly:
“O Noah! Indeed you have disputed with us and you have prolonged the dispute: now bring upon us what you have threatened us with, if you are of the Truthful Ones.” — Holy Qur’an, 11:32
Prophet Noah would then remind them that it was not in his but God’s power to punish them for their evil ways.
“Truly God will bring it on you if He wills, — and then, you will not be able to frustrate it.” — Holy Qur’an, 11:33
But all his warnings, his good advices and counsels seemed to fall on deaf ears. Except for a very few who had followed his guidance, others continued to worship the idols of stone with different names as attested in the following verse:
“And they have said (to each other) ‘Abandon not your gods: abandon neither Wadd nor Suwa, neither Yaguth nor Yauq, nor Nasr.” — Holy Qur’an, 71:23
Prophet Noah re-doubled his efforts but all to no avail. He would then cry out to his Lord:
“O my Lord! I have called to my people by night and by day, but my call only (increases their) flight (from the True Path). And every time I have called to them, that You may forgive them, they have thrust their fingers into their ears, covered themselves up with their garments, grown obstinate and given themselves up to arrogance. So, I have called to them aloud: further I have spoken to them in public and secretly in private.” — Holy Qur’an, 71:5-9
As the people became more obstinate and refused to accept God’s message accusing Prophet Noah of falsehood, God decided to bring down His punishment upon the unbelievers. To Prophet Noah, God commanded:
“Construct the Ark within Our sight and under Our guidance. Then when comes Our command, and the fountains of the earth gush forth, take on board pairs of every species, male and female, and your people except those of them against whom the Word has already been issued: and address Me not in respect of those who are unjust; for verily they shall be drowned (in the flood).” — Holy Qur’an, 23:27
Miniature from Hafiz-i Abru’s Majma al-tawarikh. “Noah’s Ark”, Herat 1425. Leaf: 42.3 × 32.6 cm. The scene on the stormy sea is quite dramatic, with the fluttering sail, the ark breaking out of the picture frame, and the swollen bodies. The animals that are to populate the earth are rendered both humorously and fairly realistically. Photo: The David Collection, Denmark.
As commanded, Prophet Noah now set upon the task of building the Ark with the help of the small group of believers. The sight of Prophet Noah and his men constructing the Ark seemed to amuse the chiefs and unbelievers. They did not realise the seriousness of the situation but only laughed and jeered.
“Whenever the chiefs of his people passed by him, they mocked at him…” — Holy Qur’an, 11:38
Prophet Noah would now answer back to their mocking comments in a very bold and straight-forward manner:
“…If you ridicule us now, verily we too shall mock at you, even as you mock (at us). But soon will you know who it is on whom will descend a penalty which will cover them with shame and upon whom will fall a lasting penalty.” — Holy Qur’an, 11:38-39
When the Ark was completed, Prophet Noah took with him his family and the believers, and a pair of every creature that was found on the land around him. Now God’s warning to the people that He would send floods upon them came to pass.
“At length, behold! there came our Command, and the fountains of the earth gushed forth.” — Holy Qur’an, 11:40
The flood waters began to rise. Believers who had so far suffered at the hands of the chiefs and idol worshippers found themselves safe in Noah’s Ark. They offered their prayers and prostration to Almighty God as thanksgiving for the Mercy He had bestowed upon them. The unbelievers who had ignored God’s guidance were in a grievous state. All was lost to them. The heavy downpour of rain, the strong winds, the deafening thunder and the blinding lightning created confusion in their minds and fear in their hearts. They ran helter-skelter in search for safety. They climbed the roof-tops and the trees but nothing could save them now as the waters rose higher and higher.
Amongst the unbelievers was Prophet Noah’s own son, and he too was desperately trying to save himself from the flood waters. Prophet Noah’s Ark with all aboard was sailing safely on the waters and just when the Prophet saw his son he called out to him and said:
‘O my son! embark with us and be not with the unbelievers’. The son replied: ‘I will betake myself to some mountain, it will save me from the flood’. And Noah said: ‘This day nothing can save you from what God has decreed, for only those on whom He has Mercy will be saved’. And the waves came between them and the son was among the drowned ones.” — Holy Qur’an, 11:42-43
Finally, when all the unbelievers were drowned in the flood, God commanded:
“O Earth! swallow up your water, and O Sky! withhold your rain! and the water abated and the matter was ended. The Ark rested on Mount Judi.” [6] — Holy Qur’an, 11:44
A mausoleum dedicated to Prophet Noah in Azerbaijan. Photo: Wikipedia.
As the ark rested on Mount Judi, Prophet Noah prayed:
“O my Lord! enable me to disembark with Your Blessings, for You are the Best of all to enable us to disembark.” — Holy Qur’an, 23:29
This story from the Holy Qur’an is as a sign from God to the whole of humanity living in different times. It reminds us of the great powers of God. This is not to say that God only possesses the powers to destroy and punish; more so, it tells us of God’s Infinite Love, Care and Mercy He has for all mankind, for it is He Who sends His Guidance to every race and every people.
“And there never was a people, without a Warner, having lived among them.” — Holy Qur’an, Sura Al-Fatir, 35:24.
Date posted: May 27, 2022.
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Notes:
[1]Alaihisalam (abbreviation AS) means ‘Peace be upon him’. Salallahu alaihi wasalam (abbreviation SAWS or SAS) means ‘God’s blessings and peace be upon him’.
[2] Our Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) was the last in the line of the Prophets. There will be no prophet after him and he is therefore called Khatam al-nabiyyin – the Seal of the Prophets. The Holy Qur’an says: “Muhammad is not the father of any of your men but he is the Apostle of God and the Seal of the Prophets, and God has full knowledge of all things’ (33:40, Sura Al-Ahzab).
[3]Sura means ‘Chapter’. There are 114 chapters in the Holy Qur’an.
[4] Ayat means ‘Verse’. Each Quranic chapter contains a number of verses. The total number of verses in the Holy Qur’an is 6240, or including the 113 ‘Bismillahi-r-Rahmanir-Rahim’ with which the chapters open, 6353. Every chapter except the ninth opens with the ‘Bismillah’. There also exists a slight difference in the numbering of verses. Kufah readers count them 6329, Basrah 6204, Syria 6225, Mecca 6219, Medina 6211. But this is a difference of computation only, some readers marking the end of a verse where others do not.
[5] The wrong doers who never wanted to desist from evil and give up their false worship always questioned as to why Angels were not sent to them as Messengers. They would ask: “What sort of an apostle is this, who eats food and walks though the streets’? Why has not an angel been sent down to give admonition with him’? (Holy Qur’an, 25:7, Sura Al-Furqan).
The Arabs during the time of Prophet Muhammad brought forward the same argument and God commanded our Holy Prophet to answer: “If there were settled on earth, angels walking about in peace and quiet, We should certainly have sent for them an Angel for an apostle down from the heavens” (17:95, Sura Bani-Israel).
Because men inhabit this earth it is only natural that Prophets who bring God’s message to Mankind are also men and not angels.
[6] Jabal (Mount) Judi is situated in the modern Turkish district of Bohtan. The great mountain mass of the Ararat Plateau dominates the district. This mountain system “is unique in the Old World in containing great sheets of water that are bitter lakes without outlets, Lake Van and Lake Urumiya being the chief.” (Encyclopaedia Brittanica). Such would be the very region for a stupendous deluge if the usual scanty rainfall were to be changed into a very heavy downpour. The region has many local traditions connected with Noah and the flood.
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A BRIEF NOTE ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan listens intently as Alwaez Jehangir explains the material used to impart religious education to Ismaili youth in Lourenco Marques (now Maputo), while Ismaili leaders look on. Photo: Jehangir Merchant Family Collection.
Alwaez Jehangir (d. May 27, 2018, age 89) and his wife Alwaeza Maleksultan (d. January 21, 2021, age 89) served the Ismailia Association (now the Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board, ITREB) in Mozambique, Tanzania and the UK from 1954 until 1992, and continued to serve Ismaili institutions on an honorary basis until the last years of their lives. Jehangir A. Merchant passed away in May 2018 at the age of 89. Please see Alwaez Jehangir Merchant (1928-2018)
For articles by Alwaez Jehangir on this Website please click:
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“Muhammad, who could do nothing to alleviate the suffering of his small embattled community of believers, at last advised some of his followers to leave sacred Mecca and take refuge elsewhere”….Read Barnaby Rogerson’s Piece
The Altar of the Nativity, beneath which is the star marking the spot where tradition says the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus. Photo: Copyright Muslim Harji, Montreal, PQ. Please click on image for Barnaby Rogerson’s piece.
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“Christians may be surprised to learn that Muslims believe in the Virgin Birth and Jesus’ miracles”….. Read Michael Wolfe’s Piece
Left: Virgin Mary nurtured by a palm tree in a Turkish miniature, as described in the Qur’an; right: Mary and Jesus in a Persian miniature. Please click on image for Michael Wolfe’s article “Jesus Through a Muslim Lens.” Images: Wikipedia.
We are the tree of Prophethood, the place of descent of Divine revelation, the place of frequenting of the angels, and the mainsprings of knowledge. Those who help us and love us await (God’s) mercy…..Hazrat Ali
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The Tradition of the Ismaili Tariqah is the Tradition of Hazrat Ali
“The closer you come, the more you will see him.” A digital portrait of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and Hazrat Ali, by Toronto’s Akber Kanji. The portrait is composed of several hundred thumbnails representing a cross-section of events during Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Imamat. Photo: Copyright: Akber Kanji.
“This is a time of new freedoms, but it is also one in which new choices must be made wisely. In exercising freedom and making choices, our institutions must be guided, as they have been in the past, by the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace of Allah be upon him), and the tradition of our tariqah, which is the tradition of Hazrat Ali: A thinking Islam and a spiritual Islam — an Islam that teaches compassion, tolerance and the dignity of man — Allah’s noblest creation.” — His Highness the Aga Khan, May 14, 1992, Aga Khan Foundation 25th anniversary.
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The Ant
By God, were I given all the seven heavens with all they contain in order that I may disobey God by depriving an ant from the husk of a grain of barley, I would not do it…..Hazrat Ali
The Prophet’s Household
To them (the Household of the Prophet) pertain the noblest of human virtues described in the Qur’an, and they are the treasures of the Beneficent Allah. When they speak, they speak the truth, but when they keep quiet, no one can out strip them…..Hazrat Ali
Patience
One who perseveres patiently will not be without success, even if it takes a long time…..Hazrat Ali
The Headstrong
One who is headstrong and opinionated perishes, while one who seeks the advice of others becomes a partner in their understanding…..Hazrat Ali
The Blessed
Blessed is one who is humble regarding himself, whose livelihood is good, whose inner thoughts are virtuous, whose character is good, who spends the surplus from his wealth and removes superfluity from his speech, who keeps his evil away from people…Hazrat Ali
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Recitations of Ginanic Verses by Late Shamshu Bandali Haji
Iconic Ismaili Ginan reciter, the Late Shamshu Bandali Haji of Nairobi and Edmonton.
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 many more Ginan recitations by Alwaez Shamshu Bandali Haji as well as other reciters from around the world.
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 beautiful recitations by Alwaez Shamshu and other great Ismaili reciters from around the world. Also, please visit Ginans Central Home Page, then scroll down the page and see links to Ginan collections as well as tools and resources.
Date Posted: February 11, 2022.
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Before leaving this website please take a moment to visit 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 of the 3 websites, Malik, may be reached at mmerchant@barakah.com.
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 Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.
Ismaili missionary Alwaez Rai Nizar Chunara (1940-2021)
[In writing this tribute, I am deeply indebted to the family of Alwaez Nizar Chunara for supplying me with important information related to his life].
It is with the utmost sadness that I record the recent demise of the much beloved missionary of the Ismaili world, Alwaez Rai Nizar Chunara, who passed away in Vancouver on September 8, 2021 at the age of 81. He is survived by his wife Fariyal and their three children Fayaz (Shirzad), Arif (spouse Amynah) and Fazillah (spouse Alim) as well as grandchildren Raeesa, Raian, Mikayla, Alayna, Kayden, Alyssa and Mila and two younger brothers, Alnoor (Remtulla) in Edmonton and Azeem in Australia. Alwaez was laid to rest in Vancouver on September 14, 2021.
Born on October 29, 1940 in Manyoni, a small town near Dodoma, Tanzania, Nizar Chunara did his early schooling in Tabora and completed his secondary education at Dar es Salaam’s Aga Khan Secondary School. He then joined his father’s business in Manyoni and shortly thereafter went to Pakistan to pursue his dream of becoming a missionary (or Alwaez).
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During his visit to Pakistan in the early 1960’s Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, meets young East African waezin student Nizar Chunara in Karachi. Having learnt from Nizar about his interest in the comparative study of religions, Mawlana Hazar Imam then wrote down the title of a dissertation that would be of interest to the future waezin (see inset image). This note was preserved by Alwaez, and attached to the bottom of the photo shown above, and the blessed moment stayed with him all his life. Photo: (Late) Nizar Chunara Family Collection.
During his studies in Pakistan in the early 1960’s, he was blessed with an opportunity to meet Mawlana Hazar Imam, who inquired what subject interested him the most. When he said he was keen on studying comparative religions, Mawlana Hazar Imam referred Alwaez to Professor Louis Massignon’s dissertation on Al-Hallaj by writing the information down on a piece of paper (see photo, above). This was an unforgettable incident in Nizar’s life at a very young age. It is a well known fact that Massignon (d. 1962), besides being an authority on the life of the legendary Muslim mystic Al-Hallaj, wrote and spoke on interfaith dialogue and was particularly interested in the relationship of the three Abrahamic faith traditions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
For Alwaez, this was the first of several opportunities in his life to meet Mawlana Hazar Imam.
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This group photo was taken in 1982 in the course of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Silver Jubilee visit to Kenya, when the leadership and spouses of every Jamati institution had the opportunity of a group photograph with Hazar Imam, Begum Salimah and Prince Amyn Mohamed. This particular group was the Ismailia Association, the precursor of the present-day ITREB. Alwaez Nizar Chunara is seen standing in back row (5th from left), immediately behind Hazar Imam, and his wife Fariyal is seated on floor, 5th from left. The then Chairman of the Ismailia Association, Rai Ameerally Kassim-Lakha, is on Begum Salimah’s right. Photo: (Late) Nizar Chunara Family Collection.
In 1964, following the completion of the waezin training program in Pakistan, he joined the Ismailia Association (now known as the Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board or ITREB) in Tanzania as a full-time Alwaez. He dedicated the rest of his life to the service of Ismaili institutions, the community and the Imam-of-the-Time both in full-time and honorary capacities. His sermons were enjoyed by Jamats wherever he preached.
The most profound memory in his life was of him accompanying Mawlana Hazar Imam on his fifty-four day visit to East Africa and Madagascar in 1966, as the official missionary. The memories of this visit stayed with Alwaez Nizar and inspired him throughout his life.
As a son of one of his best waezin friend, Alwaez Jehangir Merchant (d. 2018), whom he would visit every single day as they were neighbours in the same apartment building on United Nations Road, I can say that Alwaez Nizar’s recollection of this extraordinary visit were absolutely remarkable and truly inspiring. I sincerely hope that the recorded written details of this visit have been carefully preserved.
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Nizar Chunara (left), his wife Fariyal and Jehangir Merchant pictured outside their apartment building – Islamabad Flats – located on United Nations Road in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Photo: Jehangir Merchant Family Collection, photo taken in late 1960’s.
I vividly recall the day when my mum, Alwaeza Malek (d. 2021), was preparing her material for a waez on social habits. Having just returned from the tour, Alwaez Nizar mentioned a Farman that Mawlana Hazar Imam had made in Mbale during a Jamati mulaqat. Hazar Imam warned the jamat about social habits in very strong terms. He also said that some members of the jamat who had these habits had said to their friends that they were not socially advanced if they did not smoke and drink. Mawlana Hazar said that this was complete and absolute nonsense. That recollection by Alwaez Nizar set the groundwork for my mum’s waez material. The three missionaries shared their hopes and aspirations for the Jamat without any form of rivalry between them. Indeed, they were most respectful and helpful to each other in their common objective to serve the jamat and Mawlana Hazar Imam. That bond of friendship and affection remained throughout their lives until their deaths.
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A page from a waez notebook of Alwaez Nizar Chunara. Photo: Late Nizar Chunara Family Collection.
In accompanying Mawlana Hazar Imam on his 1966 visit as well as serving the jamat and its institutions, Alwaez Nizar was following in the footsteps of his forefathers who had served the Imam-of the-Time with love and devotion. Indeed, the voluminous history of Ismaili Imams in Gujarati written in 1936 known as Nurun Mubin was authored by AJ (Ali Muhammad Jan Muhammad) Chunara, who is among those who has been profiled in 101 Ismaili Heroes.
Nizar was also a superb volleyball player as well as a fantastic football (soccer) goalkeeper. But of course his service to the Jamat was most profoundly felt as an Alwaez.
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Alwaez Rai Nizar Chunara with his wife Fariyal. Photo: (Late) Nizar Chunara Family Collection.
In 1972, as he was set to depart for Canada from Tanzania, he was summoned to Kenya for full time service there. By this time he had been married to Fariyal for a few years, and they had two boys, Fayaz and Arif, who were both born in Dar es Salaam. Their third child, Fazillah was born in Nairobi. He served in Kenya until 1988, and then settled in Canada. During his tenure in Kenya he went on several official waezin duties around the world, and one of the most significant ones was visiting refugee camps in Europe where many Ugandan Ismailis had been housed after their expulsion in late 1972.
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Alwaez Nizar Chunara and his wife Fariyal pictured in group photos with their grandchildren (top photo), and their children with their respective spouses and children, bottom photo. Photos: (Late) Nizar Chunara Family Collection.
As children, what do we most remember of our parents and grandparents? Of course, their unbounded love for us and their devotion to us by giving us the best education possible. Alwaez Nizar and his wife Fariyal gave their children the best they could in every way. Alwaez Nizar’s children and grandchildren also have other fond memories of their beloved dad and grandfather. They simply could not wait for their loving papa to return home from his waez tours, bringing for them heaps of chocolates. To see his children filled with happiness, was Nizar’s greatest joy. He would visit them everyday, play with them and take them for drives. All the grandchildren absolutely loved their Dada and Nana banana!!
Alwaez Nizar led his life to the fullest, and serving as an Alwaez gave him the greatest happiness. He was fortunate to have the support of his wife and his entire family.
Although he struggled with Parkinson’s for about 15 years, he was not deterred in his determination for service to the Jamat, and continued to be a valuable source of information and inspiration to many in the Jamat.
Alwaez Rai Nizar Chunara will be sorely missed by jamats around the world and we pray that his soul may rest in eternal peace. Ameen.
Date posted: October 02, 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.
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.
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.
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