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
The Jamatkhana Dome, Ismaili Centre Toronto, 49 Wynford Drive. Photograph: The Ismaili.Please click on the image for the Centre’s 10th anniversary pictorial essay.
Since their inauguration by former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and His Highness the Aga Khan in mid-September 2014, the Ismaili Centre Toronto and the Aga Khan Museum have become among the most beloved buildings explored by the public during the Doors Open Toronto held every May. The buildings, with their mission to promote cultural understanding, have consistently attracted thousands of visitors for their incredible artistic and architectural features and the rich collection of artifacts housed in the Museum. The Ismaili Centre’s domed Jamatkhana, a unique architectural marvel, is a sight to behold. Its remarkable features, under which Ismaili Muslims congregate for prayers daily, make it one of the most distinctive buildings in the country. Watching the building from the Don Valley Parkway when the dome is lit at night is a truly breathtaking experience.
As the buildings celebrate their 10th anniversary, we present two posts that will give our readers a glimpse of these fascinating projects. Please click on THE ISMAILI CENTRE and THE AGA KHAN MUSEUM.
Did you know that you can book a one-hour free tour of the Ismaili Centre (77 Wynford Drive, Toronto) online? This is a fantastic opportunity to delve into the architectural and cultural wonders of this unique building. Please click HERE to get more details about an Ismaili Centre tour. If a window is not available, please send an email to tours.toronto@iicanada.net. For information on visiting the Aga Khan Museum (77 Wynford Drive, Toronto), please go to http://agakhanmuseum.org.
Plan your visit today and experience these iconic buildings’ cultural and architectural wonders.
The Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Drive, Toronto. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg. Please click on the image for the Museum’s 10th anniversary pictorial essay.
On May 28, 2010, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th Hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, performed the foundation ceremony of three projects: the Aga Khan Museum, the Ismaili Centre Toronto, and their Park. Just over four years later, on September 12, 2014, the Prime Minister and His Highness inaugurated the two iconic buildings — the Park was inaugurated in the spring of 2015 — which have become an intrinsic part of Toronto’s cultural landscape. These buildings, with their unparalleled architectural and artistic wonders, have captivated the hearts of thousands during the Toronto Doors Open, inspiring them to appreciate the beauty and creativity that went into their design. Click HERE or on the photo below for stories and photographs of this unique cultural landmark in Canada’s largest city.
The Aga Khan Museum, Wynford Drive, Toronto. The Ismaili Centre Toronto is directly across from the Museum, with the Aga Khan Park dividing the two iconic buildings built by His Highness the Aga Khan. Please click on the image for the story and photographs.
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The 10th anniversary of the Aga Khan Museum coincides with the 87th birthday of Prince Amyn Aga Khan, younger brother of His Highness the Aga Khan. We honour the Prince through a special post. Please click HERE or on the photo below
“The architectural planning [of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat Building] has been entrusted to the capable hands of Fumihiko Maki, an architect of world standing. Maki and Associates have my enthusiastic admiration for addressing, with tact and empathy, challenges of design which are difficult and subtle. They call for translating concepts that have a context in our faith and our history, yet stride boldly and confidently ahead, into modernity; for expressing both the exoteric and the esoteric, and our awe and humility towards the mysteries of Nature, Time and beyond.” — His Highness the Aga Khan, June 2005.
His Highness the Aga Khan with architect Fumihiko Maki at an Aga Khan Museum Exhibition held at the Louvre in 2007. The renowned Japanese architect served twice on the Master Jury of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, and designed the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat Building in Ottawa which was opened in December 2008 , the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto opened in September 2014., and the Aga Khan Centre in King’s Cross in London, opened in June 2018. Photo: AKDN/Gary Otte.
Reflecting back to 2005, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of loss as I note the passing of the renowned Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki on June 6, 2024, at the age of 95. His architectural firm, Maki and Associates, officially announced his demise. The news of Mr. Maki’s death reverberated across the globe, with obituaries appearing in esteemed publications such as the Washington Post, New York Times, and CNN, as well as prominent architectural websites like Architectural Record, World Architects, and Architect’s Newspaper.
The occasion in January 2005 was the award of the Vincent Scully Prize to Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.
Stepping into the building, I found myself in the presence of Bruno Freschi, the architect behind the exquisite Ismaili Centre Vancouver, which had opened its doors in 1985. Just a few steps away stood Mawlana Hazar Imam, accompanied by Fumihiko Maki and Firoz Rasul, the President of the Aga Khan Council for Canada. It was a rare and profound moment, as Bruno had expressed his desire to meet both Mawlana Hazar Imam and Fumihiko Maki in person. I took the initiative and introduced Bruno to Rasul. In a later interview, Bruno shared his gratitude: “His Highness introduced me to Mr. Maki, and it was here that he again thanked me and said that the Jamatkhana (Ismaili Centre Vancouver) was indeed one of his favourite buildings. He encouraged Mr Maki to visit the building.”
Witnessing two remarkable architects with Mawlana Hazar Imam was a touching moment. The memory of that encounter is etched in my heart, a testament to the profound impact it had on me.
Buildings designed by Fumihiko Maki for His Highness the Aga Khan. Top: Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, Ottawa (2008), and the Aga Khan Museum, Toronto (2014); bottom, Aga Khan Centre, London (2018).
We honour the renowned architect, Fumihiko Maki, by presenting links to photographs of three beautiful projects that he built for Mawlana Hazar Imam — the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat building in Ottawa which was opened on December 9, 2008, as the Ismaili community marked the completion of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee, the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto which was opened on September 14, 2014, and the Aga Khan Centre in London which was inaugurated on June 26, 2018. We invite you to visit the links provided.
For each of these projects, Mawlana Hazar Imam made remarks on Fumihiko Maki. We publish a selection of the speech excerpts as part of Simerg’s tribute to Mr. Maki.
His Highness the Aga Khan on Fumihiko Maki’s Projects for the Ismaili Imamat
(1) The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat Building, Sussex Drive, Ottawa
Remarks by the Aga Khan at the Foundation Ceremony of the Delegation Building, Ottawa, June 6, 2005
“The architectural planning [of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat Building] has been entrusted to the capable hands of Fumihiko Maki, an architect of world standing. Maki and Associates have my enthusiastic admiration for addressing, with tact and empathy, challenges of design which are difficult and subtle. They call for translating concepts that have a context in our faith and our history, yet stride boldly and confidently ahead, into modernity; for expressing both the exoteric and the esoteric, and our awe and humility towards the mysteries of Nature, Time and beyond. The outcome is an inter-play of multiple facets, like rock crystal. In it are platforms of pure but translucent horizontality. Light’s full spectrum comes alive and disappears as the eye moves. In Islam the divine is reflected in Nature’s creation. The building will rest on a solid linear granite podium. Above it will be a glass dome through which light will illuminate, from multiple directions, two symbolic spaces: an interior atrium and an exterior courtyard landscaped in four quarters, recalling the traditional Persian — Islamic garden, the Chahr-bagh. Nature, through the greenery of trees and flowers, will be on the site, but also in the building, just as we are sometimes able to see leaves and petals captured in rock crystal, but still visible through its unique translucency.
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Exterior view, at night, of the entrance to the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat on Sussex Drive in Ottawa, Canada. – Photo: AKDN/Gary Otte
“The building will be a metaphor for humanism and enlightenment and for the humility that comes from the constant search for answers that leads inevitably to more questions. The Delegation, with its openness and transparency, will be a symbolic seat for the Imamat’s permanent presence in Canada, and a platform for constructive exchanges that mutually broaden moral and intellectual horizons. It will be a window for the AKDN to reinforce existing, and cultivate new, partnerships with national and international agencies present in Ottawa, that share the ethic of contributing to an improved quality of life in the developing world.”
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(2) The Aga Khan Museum, Wynford Drive, Toronto
Fumihiko Maki and Gary Kamemoto of Maki & Associates review cladding stone for the Aga Khan Museum with His Highness the Aga Khan, October 2010. Photograph: The Ismaili.
(I) Remarks by the Aga Khan at the Inauguration of the Spirit and Life Exhibition, Ismaili Centre London, June 12, 2007
“What we see here today is the nucleus of the Islamic art collections of the future Aga Khan Museum in Toronto. This museum, which is being designed by the renowned Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki, is conceived as a primarily educational institution in the field of Islamic art and culture, a specific mandate that is not fulfilled so far by other North American museums. We hope and trust it will contribute to a deeper understanding among cultures — to the strengthening of true cultural pluralism — which is increasingly essential to peace, and to progress, in our world.”
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(II) Remarks by the Aga Khan at the Foundation Ceremony of the Ismaili Centre, the Aga Khan Museum and their Park, Toronto, May 28, 2010,
“I should emphasise, as well, that the Museum building itself will be an important work of art — designed by the great Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki. Many of you know his superb building in Ottawa that has been the home for the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat since 2008.
“That Delegation building was inspired by the evanescent mysteries of rock crystal. The new Toronto Museum will take as its theme the concept of light — suffusing the building from a central courtyard, through patterned glass screens. From the outside, it will glow by day and by night, lit by the sun and the moon.
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Fumihiko Maki and Gary Kamemoto of Maki & Associates review materials for the exterior finish of the Aga Khan Museum with Prince Amyn Aga Khan in October 2010. Photograph: The Ismaili.
“From the outside, it will glow by day and by night, lit by the sun and the moon. This use of light speaks to us of the Divine Light of the Creator, reflected in the glow of individual human inspiration and vibrant, transparent community. As the poet Rumi has written: “The light that lights the eye is also the light of the heart… but the light that lights the heart is the Light of God.”
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(III) Remarks by the Aga Khan on the Aga Khan Museum at the Opening of the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre, Toronto, September 12, 2014
“The fusion of tradition and modernity which this building achieves, and the blend of spiritual, educational and social objectives that it embodies, have also characterised our other Ismaili Centres — in Vancouver, London, Lisbon, Dubai, and Dushanbe. All of them were designed by architects of great international standing, and, I would emphasise, of great multi-cultural sensitivity.
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Fumihiko Maki and His Highness the Aga Khan discuss the glass finish options for the courtyard walls of the Aga Khan Museum in October 2010. Photograph: The Ismail
“Charles Correa, for example, comes from an Indian background and has also designed Hindu and Christian buildings. The architect for our Vancouver Centre 30 years ago was Bruno Freschi, whose family is of Italian background, and whose earlier work had included a Sikh place of worship. The new Aga Khan Park was designed by an architect of Lebanese heritage, Vladimir Djurovic. And the Aga Khan Museum is the work of a superb Japanese professional, Fumihiko Maki. How pleased we are that all of these fine artists are with us today.”
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The Aga Khan Centre, King’s Cross, London
“The Aga Khan Centre is the third project we have worked on with the distinguished architect Fumihiko Maki, a master of form and light” — His Highness the Aga Khan, quoted on Aga Khan Centre website
Gary Kamemoto and Professor Maki of Maki & Associates, the architects of the Aga Khan Centre, at the Aga Khan Centre Library.
Remarks by the Aga Khan at the inauguration of the Aga Khan Centre, June 5, 2018
“We celebrate today a beautiful new architectural accomplishment. This place has been shaped by many diverse influences — and among them we now welcome the rich traditions of Islamic architecture. One of those traditions – one that is appreciated by both the Islamic and the British cultures – is the special importance of the garden. We see the garden not merely as an adjunct to other constructions, but as a privileged space unto itself.
“And that is why I have emphasised, since our role began here in 2010, my own hope that the value of garden spaces should be embraced here. As we perambulate together through these spaces today, I trust that you will share my delight in seeing how that hope has been fulfilled. What we will see as we walk along are not only beautiful buildings — but also a unique series of gardens, courtyards and terraces – eight of them, in all, across our two buildings. Each one of them, moreover, has a distinctive identity: each one is inspired by a different region of the Islamic Ummah.
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On Tuesday, June 26, 2018, HRH The Prince of Wales, now His Majesty King Charles, opened The Aga Khan Centre in King’s Cross in the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan. Situated at the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter, the Aga Khan Centre, designed by Maki and Associates, led by Fumihiko Maki, one of Japan’s most distinguished contemporary architects, provides a new home for a number of UK based organisations founded by His Highness the Aga Khan: The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS), the Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC) and the Aga Khan Foundation UK (AKF UK).
“Taken together, this winding ribbon of special spaces is an eloquent tribute to the rich diversity of the Muslim world. As we open this remarkable site, it is a privilege to salute those who have brought us to this moment. I would recognise, in particular, our fine relationship with the government of this borough, this city, and this country, as well as our rewarding partnership with the people at Argent. We are grateful, as well, for the talents of Maki and Associates, Allies and Morrison, Madison Cox and Nelson Byrd Woltz, as well as Rasheed Araeen and the late Karl Schlamminger. I would also like to thank our splendid team of staff and volunteers, including my brother Prince Amyn, who have stewarded this project to completion.”
Date posted: June 13, 2024.
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Please visit the Maki and Associates website for Professor Maki’s biography and curriculum vitae, which summarize his education, professional affiliations, and worldwide recognitions and awards.
The preview night of Zahida Rahemtulla’s play The Wrong Bashir at Toronto’s renowned Crow’s Theatre on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, was a sell-out event. Crow’s Theatre picked up the play for its bold, ambitious and imaginative 2024-2025 season following The Wrong Bashir’s successful Vancouver showing in May 2023. The Wrong Bashir is Burnaby-born Ismaili playwright Zahida Rahemtulla’s debut play. The play runs until June 16.
Special Discounts to See The Wrong Bashir
For tickets for all shows from May 21 to June 16, 2024, please click Buy Tickets for The Wrong Bashir and use the following promotion codes, as applicable:
May 21 to May 26, 2024: General Admission Adult and Senior Tickets can be purchased 2-FOR-1. Please use promotion code WRONG241;
May 21 to June 1, 2024: General Admission Adult and Senior tickets will be discounted 25%. Please use promotion code BASHIR25; and
Throughout the entire run (May 21st-June 9th), there is also a 20% discount for groups of 8+ anytime, which can be obtained by contacting the Crow’s Theatre box office at boxoffice@crowstheatre.com or calling (647) 341-7390.
The performance on June 16 is Pay-What-You-Can.
With its heartwarming and humorous portrayal of an intergenerational, transitional moment in the life of a family and community, the play is a must-see for all Ismaili community members. The Wrong Bashir affectionately shows much humour within the worldwide Ismaili community. The play elicited ample laughs and resonated widely with Ismaili and broader audiences in Vancouver and on its debut night in Toronto.
We are truly gratified by the magnificent success new Ismaili artists and filmmakers such as Zahida Rahemtulla and Kiana Rawji, whom we featured in 2023, are achieving in the early days of their careers. Simerg values their inspiring accomplishments and extends a warm invitation to other talented Ismaili youth. This is your chance to seize the opportunity and share your original stories of success and recognition in your respective areas of endeavour with national and/or international impact. Remember, your stories are not just personal triumphs, but also an integral part of the Ismaili Muslim community’s narrative, shaping our collective identity and inspiring future generations.
Date posted: May 23, 2024. Last updated: June 4, 2024 (links added to reviews of the play, see update notice at the top of post, and play extended by a week to June 16).
Correction: In an earlier version, we had incorrectly stated May 21, 2024, as the opening night of “The Wrong Bashir.” May 21 was the preview night. The official opening took place on Friday, May 24.
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PLAYWRIGHT ZAHIDA RAHEMTULLA AND DIRECTOR PAOLO SANTALUCIA
Zahida Rahemtulla
Zahida Rahemtulla is a playwright and short story writer. Her debut play, The Wrong Bashir, premiered with Touchstone Theatre in Vancouver in May 2023 and makes its Toronto premiere on May 21, 2024, at the Crow’s Theatre, which has been a leading force in new play creation in the Canadian theatre landscape. Zahida currently facilitates Paragon Theatre’s East of Tarragon Project in Scarborough and is passionate about education and working on new playswith new playwrights.
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Paolo Santalucia
Paolo Santalucia is an award-winning actor, director and writer. He is a Soulpepper Academy graduate and has been a member of Soulpepper’s ensemble for the past ten seasons. Paolo is a co-founder and Artistic Leader of the award-winning Howland Company. Paolo also teaches classical performance with the University of Toronto’s Theatre and Drama Studies Program, and is the recipient of two Dora Mavor Moore Awards in acting, one nomination for direction, and has been shortlisted for the John Hirsch Award for Directing.
“Much like Kim’s Convenience, The Wrong Bashir offers characters familiar to and loved by their communities…and a laugh-yourself-silly evening.” — JoLedingham.ca
Zahida Rahemtulla’s play The Wrong Bashir, which ran to packed houses when it was launched a year ago in Vancouver, is premiering at Toronto’s renowned Crow’s Theatre on May 21, 2024. It will run until June 9, 2024. The Theatre picked up Zahida’s new play as part of its bold, ambitious and imaginative 2024-2025 season following The Wrong Bashir’s successful Vancouver showing. It then issued a special call for Ismaili actors based in Eastern Canada to audition for some roles. Crow’s Theatre has been home to groundbreaking and award-winning productions.
The Wrong Bashir is Burnaby-born Ismaili playwright Zahida Rahemtulla’s debut play.
The play delves into the life of Bashir Ladha, a young philosophy major who has strayed from his Ismaili Muslim roots. The story takes a hilarious turn whenBashir’s parents receive a call that their unconventional podcaster son has been chosen as the student’s Mukhisaheb, a significant role in Ismaili Jamatkhanas. They dutifully accept the role on behalf of their son. Before Bashir can argue, two official committee representatives arrive at the Ladha household. The representatives soon realize a mistake in selection, adding to the comedic chaos. The doorbell rings, and Bashir’s excited grandparents and family friend make a surprise visit, having caught wind of the news at their Jamatkhana.
With its heartwarming and humorous portrayal of an intergenerational, transitional moment in the life of a family and community, the play is a must-see for all Ismaili community members. The Wrong Bashir affectionately shows much humour within the worldwide Ismaili community. The play elicited ample laughs and resonated widely with Ismaili and broader audiences in Vancouver.
Vancouver’s world premiere featured Ismaili actors Sabrina Vellani, Shera Haji, Salim Rahemtulla, and Hussein Janmohamed. The Toronto premiere will feature Ismailis Nimet Kanji, Zaitun Esmail, and Salim Rahemtulla alongside a large cast (click The Team link on the page). Supporting sponsors for the production are Shabin and Nader Mohamed and Tazmin Merali and Nasir Noormohamed.
A scene from Zahida Rahemtulla’s The Wrong Bashir.
“The Wrong Bashir found the right audience on opening night if gales of laughter are any indication. From the curtain opener to the surprise at curtain fall, the sold-out crowd at the Firehall had a grand time. The Wrong Bashir is going to be a big hit; for some, it will be a laugh-yourself-silly evening” — Jo Ledingham, Vancouver Theatre Review.
The play is directed by award-winning Toronto director Paolo Santalucia. Crow’s Artistic Director, Chris Abraham, who was already familiar with the Ismaili community in Toronto, championed its inclusion in the 2024 season and brought it to the theatre.
Playwright Zahida says she is excited to see it premiere in Toronto, where the story has shifted from its original Vancouver setting to Toronto’s Don Mills.
Special Discounts: Purchase Tickets for The Wrong Bashir
For tickets for all shows from May 21 to June 9, 2024, please click Buy Tickets for The Wrong Bashir and use the following promotion codes, as applicable:
May 21 to May 26, 2024: General Admission Adult and Senior Tickets can be purchased 2-FOR-1. Please use promotion code WRONG241;
May 21 to June 1, 2024: General Admission Adult and Senior tickets will be discounted 25%. Please use promotion code BASHIR25; and
Throughout the entire run (May 21st-June 9th), there is also a 20% discount for groups of 8+ anytime, which can be obtained by contacting the Crow’s Theatre box office at boxoffice@crowstheatre.com or calling (647) 341-7390.
Date posted: May 13, 2024. Date updated: May 14, 2024 (added promotion codes for discounted tickets).
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PLAYWRIGHT ZAHIDA RAHEMTULLA AND DIRECTOR PAOLO SANTALUCIA
Zahida Rahemtulla
Zahida Rahemtulla is a playwright and short story writer. Her debut play, The Wrong Bashir, premiered with Touchstone Theatre in Vancouver in May 2023 and makes its Toronto premiere on May 21, 2024, at the Crow’s Theatre, which has been a leading force in new play creation in the Canadian theatre landscape. Zahida currently facilitates Parragon Theatre’s East of Tarragon Project in Scarborough and is passionate about education and working on new plays and with new playwrights.
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Paolo Santalucia
Paolo Santalucia is an award-winning actor, director and writer. He is a graduate of the Soulpepper Academy, and has been a member of Soulpepper’s ensemble for the past ten seasons. Paolo is a co-founder and Artistic Leader of the award-winning Howland Company. Paolo also teaches classical performance with the University of Toronto’s Theatre and Drama Studies Program, and is the recipient of two Dora Mavor Moore Awards in acting, one nomination for direction, and has been shortlisted for the John Hirsch Award for Directing.
Aunt, Nurumasi, at 100! Acrylic, 16″ x 20″, March 2020. Painting by Mobina Marani, Crystal Beach, Ontario, Canada.
By MOBINA MARANI
Two years ago, I introduced a selection of my paintings on this website as part of its Artistic Expressions category, which encourages Ismaili Muslim artists to showcase their works of art. Among the paintings on the website was a portrait that I had painted of my aunt when she turned 100. The work was completed for her 100th birthday, celebrated on March 4, 2020.
Recently, I exhibited at the Illume Festival — an event showcasing talented Ismaili artists from across Canada — at both the regional and national levels. Out of the four paintings shown at the regional event, one was picked for display at the National Illume Festival held in November 2023 at the Ismaili Centre Toronto. It was that of my beloved aunt! This couldn’t have made me happier. My aunt, carrying a tasbih (rosary), honoured me by attending the event.
Nurbanu Esmail — popularly known as Nurumasi — was born in Uganda and married Haiderali Esmail, who passed away in Kampala on December 28, 1971, when she was only 51. All their children — daughters Khatoon, Parin, Firoza and Laila, and son Sultan — are still alive. She has 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Nurumasi, at 104, may be among the oldest living Ismailis in Canada.
My aunt dedicated her life to serving the Ismaili community, its institutions, and the Imam-of-the-Time, Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan. She has served as a congregational leader in an Ismaili Jamatkhana and held many voluntary positions in Ismaili institutions. She was also a member of the ghusal committee that oversees all the funeral arrangements and preparations for deceased Ismaili community members. This is one of the noblest services one can perform.
Nurumasi has also keenly followed all the worldwide Imamat projects and travelled widely to see them.
Ismaili artist Mobina Marani pictured with her aunt, turning the beads on her tasbih (rosary), at the National Illume Ismaili Art Festival held at the Ismaili Centre Toronto in November 2023. On the wall is Mobina’s painting of her aunt, completed in March 2020, when she turned one hundred on March 4. Photograph: Mobina Marani Collection.
Nurumasi’s immense strength has come from regularly attending the Jamatkhana for prayers and services and her devotion and love for Mawlana Haza Imam. She has come to be adored by the community members who seek her out for prayers for strength in all aspects of their and their family’s lives.
It is a privilege for me and all the family members to have been blessed with an outstanding lady who has been with us for so long. Her presence and inspiration have been a source of strength and courage to all of us. Nurumasi is indeed one of the elders who has lived by Mawlana Hazar Imam’s guidance to both the young and older community members, in which he asked us to fulfill our material and spiritual responsibilities to the best of our abilities. He told the old that they were never too old and that as long as they were alive, every day must be lived, and we must seek to fulfill our responsibilities. That message has guided her throughout her life, leading to the age of 104.
May Allah, in His Infinite Mercy, continue to shower our beloved Nurumasi with strength, courage and faith and bestow her with the Light (Noor) of the Imam-of-the-Time in the days and weeks to come. Ameen.
Date posted: April 2, 2024.
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Is anyone in your family a centenarian? We would like to hear from you, with a story and a photograph or two! Please write to the editor Malik at mmerchant@simerg.com.
We welcome feedback/letters from our readers. Please click Leave a comment. Your feedback may be edited for length and brevity and is subject to moderation. We are unable to acknowledge unpublished letters.
Toronto’s Shafin Valla was at the Ismaili Centre Toronto at dawn to capture photographs of Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s exhibition The Living Sea — Fragile Beauty, while Montreal’s Muslim Harji presents his exclusive photographs from a recent trip to Cairo. Here are the links to their insights and photographs:
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.
By RASHIDA TEJANI with MALIK MERCHANT
For many many months, my sister Farida had been gravely ill. On days when she felt better there was hope of recovery, but then after a few days it seemed she would be gone any second. I was thousands of kilometres away from her living on the west coast in Vancouver; she was in Toronto. She was being well looked after in her nursing home, but the feeling of not being with her everyday made me very uneasy.
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Farida Hassam, left, pictured with her younger sister Rashida during her visit to Richmond, BC, in 2021. Rashida was present in Toronto when Farida passed away on April 29, 2022 at the age of 78. Photo: Rashida Tejani Collection.
Should I arrange for her to be moved to Vancouver? But, then, would she be able to handle a new home in the condition she was in? All these questions bothered my mind everyday while she courageously struggled to live on and cope with her health problems, which were many, due to a weak heart. Every living thing has an instinct to survive. Human beings are blessed with minds to distinguish between right and wrong, they have a heart and they have a soul. For Farida, the remembrance of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Farman, “whether you are young or old, every day is a day that must be lived, and during that day you must fulfill your responsibilities to the best of your ability” (1976, Mumbai, India) became Farida’s motto to live to the best of her ability. Honestly, when the co-author of this piece and our family friend, Malik, visited Farida in Toronto before his departure for Calgary, he was amazed to see her in high spirits as well as be a witness to her brilliant mind and remarkable memory. When it seemed that she wasn’t listening, because her eyes were closed, she was in fact FULLY alert! She would often correct me, narrate an incident or add detail to a story that I was telling about her, and respond with an astonishing feedback. Yes, that was my beloved sister Farida, who made us cheerful when we felt sad. She was bright as well as intellectually stimulating.
I consider myself truly lucky that during the past several months I was able to visit her multiple times and spend quality time with her during each of my visit. The last visit was in April when she died a few days after the Ismaili Centre Headquarters Mukhisaheb and Kamadiasaheb along with their female counterparts — their spouses — Mukhianisaheba and Kamadianisaheba came to visit Farida at the North York General Hospital to give her their blessings. It was a moment that truly uplifted me, but at the same time some kind of an indicator to me that Farida was probably in her final days. Their timing to visit Farida and bless her was perfect.
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Top: Nephew Karim Dhanani visited Farida regularly at her nursing home in North York; Malik Merchant visits Farida before his departure for Alberta; Farida enjoying her favourite meal — Swiss Chalet chicken and fries with the restaurant’s special gravy. Photos: Rashida Tejani Collection.
Farida had been admitted to the hospital at the beginning of April because of water retention. Her organs had started to fail and the heart had been weak for several years. At the hospital, she underwent a procedure to drain out fluid from her body. While this gave me signs of hope, the recovery was not to be. Finally, she was transferred to the North York Senior Health Centre Palliative Care, and she finally succumbed on April 29, shortly after the Ismaili leadership’s blessed visit.
Her funeral ceremony took place at Scarborough Jamatkhana on May 3, 2022. The samar and zyarat (ceremonies and prayers for the departed soul) were held later on the same day at the Headquarters Jamatkhana at the Ismaili Centre Toronto.
My dearest sister Farida was born on November 20, 1943 in Mityana, a small town located about 70 kilometres west of Uganda’s capital, Kampala. She did her primary education at the Aga Khan School in Mityana and then moved to Kampala for her secondary education at the Old Kampala Government School. She then joined our sister, Laila, in London to qualify as a hairdresser. She migrated to Canada in the 1970’s, and made Toronto her home.
As a qualified hairdresser, she worked in the field for several years, but was unable to continue with hairdressing on a permanent basis because she underwent three open heart surgeries to replace her heart valves. With her worsening health, she then decided to work as a secretary and also took training to pursue a career in computing. Unfortunately her weakened heart, that was also supported by a pacemaker, made it impossible for her to lead a normal professional life as much as she wanted to. However, Farida continued to remain active in her life through her interest and passion for crocheting and knitting. She made and donated baby outfits and shawls to local hospitals and Ismaili Jamatkhanas so that they would be distributed to young parents. She loved to make “prayer beads” (tasbihs) and supplied them to Ismaili children and youth attending Baitul-Ilm classes as well as to Ismaili community members across Canada. She also arranged to send some tasbihs to Ismailis in Tajikistan.
Farida was a multi-talented individual, full of life and vigour. She loved art and painting. She was also a true lover of nature, and got immense happiness and pleasure out of gardening and growing plants in her apartment. When she was finally moved to the Seniors’ Health Centre in October 2019, her social worker set up a garden on the rooftop of the building for Farida to continue with her hobby. She received excellent care at the Seniors’ Health Centre, a hub of innovative care facilities for the elderly provided by the North York General Hospital.
However, there was one person who had come into her life as an angel when she was still living in her apartment. She is Tarina Barter. Tarina continued visiting her at the Seniors’ Health Centre on a regular basis. She became a constant companion to Farida, spending many hours with her and often took Farida out for coffee and meals whenever Covid-19 protocols permitted. My sister’s favourite dish was the famous Swiss Chalet chicken that came with fries and a delicious bowl of gravy! Tarina’s constant updates on Farida provided me with much needed comfort. It was a blessing for the family that Tarina had appeared in our lives at such a critical and crucial moment, relieving us of constantly worrying about Farida’s health and condition. We cannot thank Tarina enough for her unconditional love, care and affection for Farida for 4 continuous years. Her final visit to Farida was on April 27, two days before Farida passed away (see photo, below).
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Tarina Barter is seen visiting Farida on April 27, 2022 at the North York Senior Health Palliative Care Centre just two days before she passed away. Tarina came as an angel to Farida and her family. She visited Farida on a regular basis over the last four years at her apartment as well as at the Seniors’ Centre. Photo: Rashida Tejani Collection.
Farida was a very kind and compassionate person. Her spirituality, faith and devotion to Mawlana Hazar Imam was exemplary, and set an example to all in her family to remain hopeful and courageous, whatever one’s circumstances.
In Farida’s passing, we have lost a great family member and we pray for her soul to Rest in Eternal Peace. Ameen.
As I complete this short tribute to my beloved sister Farida, I want to mention that our dad, Esmail Dhanani, and mom, Shirin Dhanani, and older brothers Noorali and Ramzan as well as older sisters Dolat Wadhwani, Roshan Lakhani and Zareen Dhamani have all passed away. May their souls also Rest In Eternal Peace. Ameen.
Farida is survived by her daughter Fauzia Moorani and siblings Laila Pirani and of course myself, Rashida Tejani. I also take this opportunity to mention that my older brother Noorali Dhanani (popularly known as Noora of Sapra Studio) was one of the photographers selected to take pictures of Mawlana Shah Karim Hazar Imam when he recited the Eid ul-Fitr Namaz in Nairobi at the age of 7. Noora also travelled as a photographer with Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah on one of his trips by ship from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar. I myself was fortunate to have a photo taken with Mata Salamat, Om Habibeh Aga Khan, in Karachi during Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Silver Jubilee visit in March 1983.
For the countless blessings that my family has received of serving the Imam-of-the-Time throughout our lives, we submit our humble shukhrana to Mawlana Hazar Imam.
While I was able to see my beloved sister before she passed away and was present for her funeral in Toronto, my daughter Farah could not travel with me and see her beloved aunt. The least she could do was to pen a tribute poem to her beloved Farida aunty that follows below. As readers may be aware, Farah has contributed beautiful poems and stories to this website.
Finally, I ask all readers to once again join with me in praying for the eternal peace of the soul of my beloved sister Farida, who endured her difficulties gracefully and courageously with the continuous blessings of Mawlana Hazar Imam that each of us, as his murids, are bestowed with every second, and every single day of our precious lives.
“Life”, as Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah wrote in his Memoirs, “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.” Farida lived by the tenets of her Ismaili Muslim faith, and has returned to the abode of heavenly peace. “Surely we belong to God and to Him we return” — Holy Qur’an, 2:156.
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In Memory of Our Dearest Farida Hassam
Farida Hassam (d. April 29, 2022, age 78). Photo: Farah Tejani. Click on image for enlargement.
By FARAH TEJANI
Letting you go was not easy, Very painful and difficult to endure… However, watching you suffer with such immense pain, Was even harder for us to bear.
You were a pillar of strength and dignity, Even through trials and tribulations, Like a mountain piercing the sky, Nothing would shake you…
Nothing could break you.
You were never one to complain, You faced every battle for your life, Head on, Using your faith, And your strong desire to live, And your love for your family and friends.
While we watched on, Nervously, Anxiously, Praying for the best outcome.
You would always assure us, “I am in God’s hands.”
And against all odds You would always prevail.
Not many could go through, What you did… Your faith was tested time and again, But you never let go of Mawla’s Hands.
Your beauty and sophistication And your Pure heart, And unconditional compassion, Touched all of us, who knew you… And even those of us who didn’t, But wanted to.
You always kept busy with hobbies and interests, You’d even sew some of your own outfits, Always vibrant colors and flowers so real You could almost smell them.
You also enjoyed making Hundreds and hundreds of prayer beads, That were then Blessed and given out.
You were the prettiest flower, Who enjoyed growing a garden of sunflowers and tulips, And then painting them so vividly Your palette bursting with hues.
And then, just when we thought the worst was over, You would be hit by another serious health crisis.
But you would be so brave and assure us, “What doesn’t kill you, Makes you stronger.” And stronger she was.
But this time, sadly, was your time to go, But we know that we can be assured, We know in our hearts, That you will always be watching from Above.
Date posted: May 29, 2022.
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We invite you to submit your condolences and tributes to Farida Hassam in the comments box below or by clicking on LEAVE A COMMENT.
About the writers:Farah Tejani is a creative writer based in Vancouver. She has become a regular contributor of poems and stories to this website, and readers are invited to click HERE for a summary of her beautiful writings. Her incredible mother, Rashida, now retired, lives in Richmond, BC, and has encouraged her daughter in all her literary pursuits over the past 30 years. Both mother and daughter continue to inspire each other as they go through life’s challenges. Malik Merchant, co-author with Rashida to the tribute to Farida, is the founding publisher and editor of Simerg (2009) and its two sister blogs, Barakah (2017) and Simergphotos (2012).
Simerg invites Ismaili families to submit obituaries and tributes to deceased members of their families, whether they passed away recently or in the past. Please review PASSINGS on how to prepare and submit your tribute.
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 may be reached at mmerchant@simerg.com
Nurbanu Abdulrasul Rashid (1923-2019) celebrating her 95th birthday in Toronto. Photo: Kamrudin Rashid & Family Collection.
Submitted by KAMRUDIN RASHID & FAMILY
Nurbanu Abdulrasul Rashid, our dearest mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother and an extremely respected elder in the entire family passed away on July 15, 2019 at the age of 96. She enjoyed a wonderful life with her entire family, including all the extended family members, without any major ailment for which we offer our humble Shukhrana.
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Nurbanu Abdulrasul Rashid and husband Abdulrasul Rashid pictured in 1939 at their wedding. Photo: Kamrudin Rashid & Family Collection.
Born on June 3, 1923 in Zanzibar, she witnessed many milestone events in the family. During her lifetime she was also fortunate to celebrate the Golden and Diamond Jubilees of both the 48th and 49th Ismaili Imams, Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan (d. July 11, 1957) and Mawlana Shah Karim al Hussaini Aga Khan. Her first Deedar (lit. glimpse) with Mawlana Hazar Imam was on November 18, 1957 in the Island of Pemba, and her last mulaqat took place when Mawlana Hazar Imam was in Toronto on November 18, 2018 for the first-leg of his Diamond Jubilee visit to Canada.
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Seated left and right respectively are Sherbanu Haji Abdulla Dewsi and her husband Haji Abdulla Dewsi. The young boy in centre is Akbarali Haji Abdulla Dewsi. Standing are Nurbanu Abdulrasul Rashid (left), the subject of this tribute, and Abdulrasul Rashid whom Nurbanu would marry in later years. Photo: Kamrudin Rashid & Family Collection.
A historical photo of Ismaili ladies and Ismaili youth volunteers outside Wete Pemba Jamatkhana with a framed portrait of Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan. Nurbanu Abdulrasul Rashid was an active volunteer and is pictured seated 4th from left, just in front of the framed photo. Photo: Kamrudin Rashid & Family Collection, Toronto.
We would like to recount a sad incident that took place in her lifetime when her own mother, Sherbanu Haji Abdulla Dewsi, who lived in Wete-Pemba and had travelled to Zanzibar for Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah’s visit in 1945, passed away during the Imam’s visit to Zanzibar. The visit took place before the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in Dar es Salaam the following year, in August 1946. Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah happened to be at an event when Sherbanu’s funeral procession to the cemetery was underway and was passing along the narrow street outside. Imam Sultan Mahomed Shah asked everyone in attendance to observe a moment of silence and pray for the departed soul.
During Nurbanu’s lifetime dozens of her birthdays were celebrated in a formal setting with many family members in attendance, including her 90th and 95th birthdays in Toronto which were organized and celebrated in style by all her grand and great-grandkids.
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Nurbanu Abdulrasul Rashid (front row, centre) pictured with her immediate and extended family members in 2008 in Toronto. Photo: Kamrudin Rashid & Family Collection. Please clik on photo for enlargement.
The greatest strength of the families that we all grew up in was living as united families. That ethical aspect of our faith has remained with us along with the ideals of faith, devotion, love and service to Mawlana Hazar Imam that our mother Nurbanu and all the elder members of our family imparted to us during their rich and noble lives. They led the family successfully through three generations.
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Nurbanu Abdulrasul Rashid celebrating her 90th birthday with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Photo: Kamrudin Rashid & Family Collection.
We are deeply happy to share a few memories from our photo albums. We humbly request members of the Jamat to join with us in praying for the peace and rest of the soul of Nurbanu Abdulrasul Rashid, as well as other deceased members of our family and the Jamats in Canada and around the world. Ameen.
Date posted: August 10, 2021.
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Tributes and condolences: We invite our readers to submit their memories and tributes to Nurbanu Abdulrasul Rashid by completing the feedback form below or by clicking on Leave a comment.
Simerg welcomes obituaries/tributes to honour past and recently deceased members of Ismaili families. Please see our guidelines for submission by clicking on PASSINGS.
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Nurbanu Abdulrasul Rashid (1923-2019) celebrating her 95th birthday in Toronto. Photo: Kamrudin Rashid & Family Collection.
Please click HERE or on image below for spectacular photos of the sky and the Aga Khan Park grounds as captured by Malik Merchant during his recent walk through his favourite space in Toronto
All ablaze as the sinking sun lights up the horizon and the sky west of Aga Khan Park and Ismaili Centre. Click on image for more photos. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg. Camera: Olympus E-M10, 14-42mm.
Simerg - Insights from Around the World 