15 December, 1972.

Abdul Rehman Kanji

Convenor

I-8 Prince Aly S. Khan Colony
Diamond Street, Garden East
Karachi-3
Pakistan

My dear Mr. Kanji,

I am happy to learn that H.S.H. Prince Aly S. Khan Colony Boys/Girls Religious Night School is holding an exhibition of art related to important figures of our Ismaili past, and that this exhibition will be accompanied by a special publication.

From analysing the thoughts and the special qualities of these bygone leaders, much can be learned that is of value for explaining or illuminating life today. These important figures should remind us too of the common heritage which binds us, and which is a basis of our Ismaili unity.

I wish you every success.

AMYN AGA KHAN

Prince Amyn Mohamed Aga Khan

10th March, 1973.

My dear President Kassim Ali,

I have received your letter of 31st January, with the report from H.S.H. Prince Aly S. Khan Colony Religious Night School which I have read with great interest.

I give my most affectionate paternal maternal loving blessings to all the teachers, students and members of the Religious Night School Board for their good work and devoted services.

I give my best loving blessings for success to all beloved spiritual children who are participating in the Art Exhibition organised by the Board, and I look forward to receiving their Journal "The Great Ismaili Heroes".

Yours affectionately,

AGA KHAN.

President Kassim Ali

Ismailia Association for Pakistan,

Karachi.

Efforts put forth by the Prince Aly Khan Religious Night School, Karachi, deserve our high appreciations for producing this Journal which is full of biographical sketches of lsmaili writers, scientists, preachers, scholars, poets, Pirs and religious leaders. From as old as Rodaki to as modern as Kara Ruda many have been included. Lives of these men show how sincerely they worked for the lmam of the Time and made sacrifices to keep the flag flying. In collecting this material, the committee has searched scholars all over the world. Indeed their efforts have been crowned with success for some articles have been contributed by scholars of renown and some by those who bid fair to do well in lsmaili research.

Some scholars who have obtained their doctorates recently have also responded to the call and contributed articles of high research value. Some of the writers, are those who are on the threshold of wearing doctorial gowns.

The late Prof. W. lvanow a Russian Scholar of lsmailism had been the foremost scholar of modern times to draw world attention of orientalists to the field of lsmaili research. Professor A. A. A. Fyzee, Dr. Henry Corbin, Dr. Bernard Lewis the late Professor Hodgson, the late Professor Kamil Hussain, Dr. Abbas Hamdani and Dr. Mrs. Hanna Papanek have done research in lsmailism and tried to bring out facts of lsmaili history and philosophy. In 1948 our beloved previous lmam Hazrat Sultan Mohammed Shah Aga Khan Ill in a conference in East Africa paid tributes to the research work of Prof. W. lvanow and Prof. A. A. A. Fyzee and remarked that these non-Ismailis knew more about lsmailism than missionaries.

So much dust had collected over lsmaili documents and so much misunderstanding had covered the lsmaili studies that the research of these famous scholars who have tried to sift error and give world the true facts has been most fruitful. Their efforts have been most laudable. It is heartening to note that the orientalists continue to bring out true facts of lsmaili history and philosophy which had suffered great set back because of various reasons in which one may not go into, in this short space.

It is a matter of great satisfaction that lsmailis themselves have now started taking interest in the research activities of their glorious past. In 1963 Dr. Nasser Ahmed Mirza an lsmaili from Syria got his Ph.D from Durham University of U.K. His thesis was, "The Syrian lsmailis at the time of Crusades". At present he is working as a senior lecturer in the University of Melbourne, Australia in the department of Semitic studies. Three other lsmaili students have obtained doctorates in lsmaili studies in 1971. Dr. Akbar Ladak from Karachi and Dr. Asad Sadiq from Syria got their doctorates from the School of Oriental and African Studies London. The former wrote on, "The Fatimid Caliphate and the Ismaili Da'wa - from the appointment of Mustali to the suppression of the dynasty" and the latter wrote on, "The reign of lmam al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah. These two thesis are about to be printed in book form. The third is Dr. Aziz Esmail from Kenya who did his doctorate from Edinburgh University, his subject being, "lsmaili Mysticism and Philosophy of Jung".

Five Ismailis have received doctorates in Islamic Studies in 1972. One of them is Dr. Abdullah Rehimtullah (Pakistan) at the Sorbonne University Paris. His thesis was, "Religious Philosophy of Hazrat Sultan Mohammed Shah." The other is Dr. Ghulamali Allana (Pakistan) at the Sind University Hyderabad. His subject was Ginans and Sindhi Literature. Dr. Miss Parvin Peerwani from Kenya has done her doctorate at the Tehran University in some aspect of philosophy of Nasir-Khusraw. Dr. Miss Ghulshun Khakee who is the recipient of the Prince Sadruddin Scholarship from Harvard University is from East Africa. Her doctorate thesis was on Momin Shah. Dr. Azim Nanji from Kenya has done his doctorate at the McGill University Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research Institute of Islamic Studies, Canada. His subject was about the oral traditions regarding Ginans. Besides these, Miss Zaibun Jafferali from Congo is doing her research at the Sorbonne University under the supervision of Dr. Henry Corbin and would be getting her doctorate in 1973. She is editing in French one of the books of Nasir-Khusraw. Two other scholars who are carrying on doctorate studies are Mohammed Abualy from Kenya at Harvard and Mrs. Mehrunnissa Amirali from Pakistan at Karachi University. The former is writing a modern bibliography on lsmailism and the latter is writing on Muslim Education in West Pakistan. In this as a back-ground study she will write on the contribution of Hazrat Sultan Mohammed Shah for Muslim Educational uplift in the pre-partition India.

Other than these there are from the lsmailia Association Pakistan at Karachi, those who will be able to take up research studies in suitable lsmaili subjects specially on the philosophical side for doing their doctorate. They are Miss Zawahir Nooraly, Mr. Fakquir Mohammed, Mr. Shaykh Mohammad lqbal and Mr. Alijah Deedarali all of whom are double M.A.'s and fit to embark upon doctoral studies abroad.

Here mention must be made of the Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan fellowship at the Harvard University, U.S.A. This fellowship at $3500 is a gift of His Serene Highness Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan. It is designed to support post graduate work in Islamic Studies. Application forms for admission and scholarship and other information may be obtained by writing to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences 75 Mt. Auburn Street, Cambridge Massachusetts 021 38, U.S.A. It is high time that more of lsmailis who are first class graduates or holding Master's degrees should take up further studies and research specially if lsmaili Philosophy much of which is yet not known. Research work in this direction will show how rich is lsmaili Philosophy and how much it has contributed to Islamic thought.

The Prince Ali S. Khan Colony Religious Night School have taken up another activity along with the bringing out of this Journal. They are organizing an Art Exhibition of Muslim scientists and men of learning. This Art Exhibition is going to attract a large crowd and will show Muslim contribution to world civilization. This activity of these young and enthusiastic workers also deserves appreciation of all of us because they have taken great pains and worked hard to make it successful.

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10th March, 1973.
SHERALI ALIDINA.
Blessed House,
178 Garden East, Britto Road,
Karachi.

Lives of great men all remind us,

We can make our lives sublime;

And departing, leave behind us,

Foot-prints on the sands of time.

Since the declaration of Hazrat Ali as the lmam, which marks the beginning of the Ismaili History, time has travelled in its long run of 1,400 years, through various periods. lsmaili History has given birth to a number of renowned figures, whose efforts have enabled Religion to stand today as a symbol of "struggle", "sacrifice" and "love" for the lmam. The tree that yields fruits today has been labouriously watered in the past.

Looking back at our own history, we find that the glorious Fatimid period, passed through such memorable events and produced celebrated personalities that even the long lapse of 900 years, does not dim their image and memories which they left behind for us to emulate. Among them were not only great warriors like Jawhar as-Siqilli who conquered many important places like Egypt to extend the Fatimid Empire, but also others who held prominent positions in the fields of Science, Literature and Art. These include Abu Ali Sina and lbn-Haitham - the great Scientists, Nasir Khusraw - the poet, traveller and propagandist Qadi Nu'man the jurist, Yaqub bin Killis the brilliant economist, Hamid al-Din al-Kirmani - the great intellectual. Al-Mu'yyad fid-din ash-Shirazi - the theologist and many others. Their art and knowledge did not only bring about an evolutionary change for the betterment of their age, but even today remains an appreciative work for the different schools of thought. It should be worth noting here that it was not only the Fatimid period which produced such outstanding figures but even the less known period of our history had created men like Nizari and Pir Shams. Pir Sadruddin's untiring efforts resulted in an increment of the total lsmaili strength, so much so that we can undoubtedly be called an outcome of his Da'wa. The credit for developing the Khojki language also goes to him, by which he preserved the rich knowledge of the lsmaili faith. It is heartening to see that still such personalities continue to come to light, like Pir Waras lsmail Gangji, Kara Ruda and Pir Sabzali who contributed to the lsmaili faith in similar manner, by keeping the flag flying at all costs.

It is very unfortunate to mark the lack of enthusiasm shown on the part of lsmailis in the last few decades, to preserve their rich knowledge and still more to see them lose whatever that remains. As a result of this, many facts are misinterpreted. On the other hand, it is encouraging to see men of other faiths taking keen interest to explore realities of the lsmaili History. As a result of which most of our literature has been unearthed by scholars of faiths other than the lsmaili. No wonder every time we plan to write our past record we have to look it up from the non-lsmaili sources, which have achieved reliability due to their own preserving efforts. However, recently efforts are being made by lsmailis themselves in the field of research on the various aspects of lsmailism and it is hoped that they shall come up with more fruitful result.

One of our main aim to undertake this project has been, to enable the general public to know about the rich harvest cultivated in the past - its mode and method - its reaper and harvester. We hope, that in time to come the information compiled will be of great value to the students of history and to others as well, to have at least an outline of some of our important personalities. Again it can act as a source of inspiration to achieve that level of spiritual enlightenment, but that would require efforts directed towards a definite aim.

An Introduction of our Institution:

With the view of imparting religious education to the youngsters, H.S.H. Prince Aly S. Khan Colony Religious School came into existence in 1960 C.E. by the great efforts of Aitmadiani Sherbanoobai Mukhi Essa Abdul Malik and Masalawala Co-operative Housing Society Ltd. This had become necessary as in this modern age materialism has completely failed to help man to achieve True Happiness (Peace of Mind). Though it was a humble beginning, but today it has flourished into a full-fledged school, having a staff of 40 well-trained and qualified teachers, who are rendering honourary services, and 400 students who are enthusiastically perusing their studies. The classes take place in the building of the Aga Khan Gymkhana School. The teaching is being supervised by the Board, under whose dynamic leadership the school is making good progress.

In addition to the regular classes conducted under the supervision of the School Board - Mission, Quran and Islamic History classes are also being held under the supervision of the lsmailia Association for Pakistan, which has helped us considerably in this project. Apart from the above mentioned activities, the School has been holding yearly Wa'az, Ginan, Essay, Du'a and Quiz competition to encourage the students to strive ahead.

Acknowledgement.

Obvious as it is, this Journal could never have been the work of one particular committee, but it has been brought out by the help of various individuals and institutions, amongst which, the lsmailia Association for Pakistan is the most prominent. We are thankful to the following libraries for providing us important manuscripts and relevant research material. lsmailia Association Research Library, Dr. Alidina Memorial Library and lsmaili Archives, Central Archaeological Library and Museum. Iran Cultural Centre Library and Karachi University Library.

I shall be failing in my duty if I do not place on record the unstinted co-operation extended by Miss Zawahir Noorally to review and edit the material published in this Journal. Besides all laurels are attributed to scholars who magnanimously contributed to this noble cause. We are highly indebted to Mr. Tajuddin Esmail, Alijah Soormawala and Mr. Gulgee (Ismaili) for being generous with their time and advice. The assistance and scholarly advice given by Vazir Sherali Ali Dina and Dr. Akbar Ladak have been of a great value to us and have been a great source of encouragement. It would be inadequate here if Mrs. Rashida Bai were to be ignored for the pains she underwent in providing the necessary facilities for the smooth flow of our work. Our thanks are also due to the various individuals who have assisted us financially in carrying out this project.

Last but not the least, Syed Liaquatuillah, the artist Mr. Abdul Majid M. Patel, Mr. Abdul Malik Chunara and the members of the Art and Literary Committee have also helped us considerably in preparing this Journal.

In the end, it was a source of great pride and pleasure to work hand in hand with all my colleagues, who have spared no effort to make this humble project a great success. I thank them all.

Abdul Rehman Kanji

Karachi: 1973 Chairman of Executive Committee

The next subjects of discussion are: this and the future life, the mystical bird Simurgh, the Paradise and the Hell, Satan, etc. Adam is explained as reason, Eve as the heart, and Satan as the nafs, or, as it is meant here, obviously, the lower instincts. The struggle of reason with these instincts is the jihad (p. 20). All the religious life is thus transferred into the world of moral values. The awakening from the illusions means realization that everything is but dream or deception (p. 21). When the mustajib, or Ismaili initiate, meets with one who really possesses the knowledge, only then his eyes become opened, and he begins to understand. The only way is to cultivate one's intellectual powers (nafsi natiqa), and then the Light shall shine upon the faithful soul, as the rays of the sun shine even upon a " rough surface of a stone " (p. 22).

GR. Before one whose soul is full of light,
The whole world is like the Book of God.
Its first ayat is the 'aqli kull', etc. (p.23). Similar analogies and symbols traced through
the whole system of the Universe.

The statement of the belief that man is created after the image (sural) of God. leads to the question: " Who am I ? " thus returning to the 3rd question of the 'GR. The argumentation begins with the discussion of the division between " I " and " thou ", which in reality is illusory. There is quite a lot of the usual speculations about the letters, dots, etc. (pp. 25-26). Ultimately it is urged to believe into the unity of all things in existence (p. 27). Again it is asked: Who is the wanderer (musafir, not salik) ? and who is a real man (mardi tamam) ? The reply is: He who attaches himself to the real hujjat, avoiding the futile hujjat, acting in accordance with the Coranic verse (XVIII, 107): " verily, those who believe and act aright, for them are gardens of Paradise to alight in," etc. The real " pilgrim's progress " in this sense consists of continual self-training and trying to attain the high ideals revealed in the religion.

We may add that the present text is a good example of those Ismailitic works on ethics which very closely approach the spirit of Sufism.

BOMBAY, March 1932.

GR. Whenever iron and stone strike each other,
Both worlds become lit by their light.
i.e. the nature of the initiate, mustajib, by receiving the education from a complete teacher (piri kamil), becomes so filled with light and clearness that every thing in both worlds becomes clear and visible to him. The shaykhu't-tasriah (i.e., the author of the GR.) says therefore : -

GR. The mystery appears in the combination of both these,
So, act thyself as thou hast heard it.
i.e., from the soul and body, which is the entire Coran, the mystery of Love is apparent, enlightening the world and the man, in other words, the Asas,the natiq, the Hujjat, and the Imam, as is said in support of this in the coran(XVII, 87): "They ask thee about the spirit. Say: the spirit is from the order of my Lord." (p. 19). Soul is called amr, and inside the soul there is a mysterious substance which is called the soul of the soul.
Do not talk much about the difference between the soul and the body, because I saw it through the body. (With the help of it) I travelled to the abode of souls, and saw there the soul of souls.
i.e., the Love is the soul, and the Beloved is the soul of the soul.

GR. Thus thou art a copy of the Divine design, Seek in thyself everything that thou wantst.
This mystery, however, is beyond the comprehension of anyone.
The sense of the expression "I am the Truth " ana'l haqq, comes
out from this.

GR. I am the Truth " is the revelation of the absolute mystery,-
Who except God is one who should say: " I am the Truth ? etc. "

This means that the man has two Rocks of Sinai to ascend. One is the Rock of Reason and the other is that of Love. Thus it is said in the Coran(XCV, 1-3):
"By the fig tree ! and by the olive tree ! and by this safe land !" i.e., love was laid in the substance of the earth, and from that hill a tree grew up; because as it is said , the olive tree is growing on top of the Rock of Sinai. In this way Love grows over the Reason. The safety of the city depends on man, just like the safety of things existent depend on Love (p. 18).

If there would be no Love and no pity of Love,
Who should hear all these nice words which thou hast said ?
If there would be no breeze, -who should blow up the beloved's locks ?
Who should thus reveal to the lover the countenance of the beloved ?

This is why it is said that nothing can be done without the guidance of the hujjat, because, as some say, the Imam is the Tree and the hujjat is the Rock.

GR. Just like fire is hidden in stone and iron,
Thus has God Hidden (reason) in the soul and body.
i.e. just like from stone and iron the light may come out, by which the world and the man is lit, in the same way knowledge is conveyed by the Imam and the hujjat, which enlightens the world and the man.