He was born in Bombay on April 5, 1847. His grandfather Sayani was a respectable merchant in Kutchh and came to Bombay. His father, Muhammad Sayani admitted his son, Rahimtullah in Elphinstone School, where he matriculated at the age of 16 years. He passed his B.A. examination in 1866 and M. A. in 1868. He was not only the first Muslim who had obtained this honorable degree, but also no Muslim obtained it during the next 25 years.
During his college career, Rahimtullah Muhammad Sayani was the recipient of many prizes and awards, and was eventually appointed a fellow of the college. He was the favorite pupil of Sir Alexander Grant (1826-1884), the vice-chancellor of the Bombay University.

Rahimtullah Sayani passed his LL.B. examination in 1870, and was the Justice of Peace, and a Fellow of the Bombay University in the same year. He was not only one of the foremost members of the Senate in 1870, but also held various offices. He was a member of Syndicate (1891-1895), the member of the Board of Account of the University, and the trustee of the Elephinstone College.

In 1874, a Commission was appointed in order to recommend proposals with a view to amend the law relating to the Ismailis. Justice Sir Maxwell Melville (1834-1887), Justice Spencer and Rahimtullah Sayani were appointed members of this Commission. Afterwards at his suggestion, Imam Aga Ali Shah and three other prominent Ismaili leaders were co-opted as members.

His professional career began in 1878 when he passed his Solicitor's examination through the firm of Leath & Leath, which was represented by M/S Crawford & Co. He became a partner of Cumbroodin Tyab Ali, the elder brother of Justice Badruddin Tayyib Ali (1844-1906), who was the only Muslim Solicitor at that time.

During the first 15 years of his professional career, he was largely practicing as a pleader. Had he wished he might have obtained a seat on the High Court Bench. His professional and public career was dearer to him and prevented him from desiring so.

He was elected to the Bombay Municipal Corporation in 1876. He was subsequently elected a member of its Standing Committee (1879-1888). To mark their appreciations of his invaluable services to the city, his colleagues elected him President of the Corporation in 1888. It may be pointed out that he was the first Muslim who obtained the high honor of the civic chair.

He was one of that small band of cultured Muslim leaders who brought into existence that very useful body, known as the Anjuman-e-Islam, with its accessories of schools, hostels, gymkhana and club. He was for many years its Honorary Secretary and Vice-President.

In 1885, he became the first Muslim Sheriff of Bombay. He was also appointed a member of the Bombay Legislative Council in 1888, and was the first Ismaili to obtain this high honor.

In 1896, he was unanimously chosen the President of the National Congress at Calcutta; and was the second Muslim selected for this unique honor, the first being Justice Badruddin Tayyib Ali.

At the end of 1896, Sir Pherozshah Mehta resigned his seat on the Supreme Legislative Council; the unanimous choice of non-official members then fell on him. During the course of his two years term of office, several important matters came before that august body for disposal, notably the Epidemic Diseases Act, Amendment of the Criminal Procedure Code and Seditious Meetings Act.

The Khoja Ismaili Library in Bombay reached its prosperous condition due to the zealous assistance of Rahimtullah Sayani. From its foundation to the date of his death, he was the President and a zealous supporter of this useful institution. He was also a solicitor of the Imam.

It may be said without exaggeration that almost all the institutions of organized philanthropy among the Ismailis were either directly or indirectly due to his efforts. Urged by his shinning example, many generous Ismailis appeared in the field to establish charitable and educational institutions.

His simplicity of heart and piety occasionally made him liable to be the prey of unscrupulous people in spite of his great abilities. One of his greatest titles to the gratitude of the Ismaili community consisted in the fatherly encouragement he always used to give to poor but deserving brethren. Several Ismaili gentlemen who afterwards rose to eminence and a fair amount of material prosperity, owed largely to the constant encouragement and pecuniary assistance in the nick of time rendered to them by Rahimtullah Sayani.

Rahimtullah Sayani died on June 4, 1902 at Bombay. There was a spontaneous outburst of grief in numerous Ismaili homes and many a person felt that he had lost a sincere friend who was, as it were, a parent to them. Dr. Mackichan, the vice-chancellor of the Bombay University, during his convocation address, paid a glowing tribute to him that, 'This is not the place to speak of the late Mr. Sayani's services to the public life of the city. I would only observe that he combined in a manner that is not common, the civic and the academic spirit. The latter lent refinement to his public life, while his experience as a public spiritual citizen contributed in no small measure to the effectiveness of his services in the various offices which he filled in this University.'

Among the predecessors of Wazir A.C. Rahimtullah, Piru Dewani deserves special attention. He was a devout Ismaili in Kutchh in the period of Imam Abul Hasan Ali (1730-1792). His son was Fadhu who followed the footprint of his father. His son Mukhi Rai Rahimtullah was a famous social worker in Kutchh in the time of Imam Shah Khalilullah II and Imam Hasan Ali Shah. In 1825, he immigrated to Muscat when plague epidemics broke out fiercely in Kutchh followed by a severe famine. He started his small business in Muscat. Captain W.F.W. Owen visited Muscat in 1825, and described in 'Narrative of Voyages to Explore the Shores of Africa, Arabia and Madagascar' (London, 1833, 1st vol., pp. 336-340) that the town 'inhabited by every caste of Indian merchants.' He made steady progress and generated his intimate terms with Sultan Sayed Sa'id (d. 1856) of Muscat. He was an influential personage in the Sultan's court. In memory of his meritorious services in Oman, a marble plate in his name was placed in the palace of the Sultan of Oman. He visited Mahallat from Muscat in 1840, where he was invested the title of Rai. He came with the Imam in India in 1841. Mukhi Rai Rahimtullah visited Kathiawar with the Imam and died in the village of Darafa, near Ganod. The Ismaili wished his interment in Bombay, but the Imam chose Ganod as his resting place, near the shrine of Hasan Pir. The Imam himself offered his funeral ceremony and burnt a lamp and put it on his grave.
The son of Rai Rahimtullah was Zain al-Abidin (d. 1876), and whose son was Rahim. Currim was the son of Rahim, and the son of Currim was Abdul Hussain, better known as Abdul Hussain Currim Rahimtullah or A.C. Rahimtullah. It must be added that the maternal grandfather of Wazir A.C. Rahimtullah was Mukhi Kassim Musa, who was the Estate Agent of Imam Hasan Ali Shah, Imam Aga Ali Shah and Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah.

Abdul Hussain Currim, was born on January 12, 1902 at Bombay. He passed B.A., and was well steeped in English, Arabic and Persian. He then joined his father's business. Wazir A.C. Rahimtullah related the incidents of his youth on several occasions when he had no proclivity towards Ismailism. Once he told to Missionary Pir Muhammad Haji in Khulna that he had given permission to his wife, Jenabai to go Jamatkhana, but he never attended. During the Diamond Jubilee in Bombay on March 10, 1946, the Ismailis between 3rd March and 10th March celebrated a diamond jubilee week, and the Imam also attended the mehmanis in the Jamatkhanas. His wife urged him to join in the mehmani, which he refused. When she insisted severely, he acceded to her request.

In the mehmani at Wadi, the Imam was sitting on a chair and asked during his turn the name of the person presenting the mehmani. To this, the Imam was told that it was a mehmani of Abdul Hussain Currim. Imam nimbly staired at him. His wife brought her husband near the chair. The Imam removed his glass and gazed at him, and said, 'I know the names of his forefathers.' Then, the Imam counted few names of his forefathers on the fingertip and said, 'The grandfather of this Abdul Hussain was Rahim, his father was Zain al-Abidin, his father was Rai Rahimtullah, his father was Fadhu and his father was Piru Dewani. All of them had served my house whole-heartedly. Abdul Hussain stands in the seventh generation of Piru Dewani, and he too will serve my house with full heart and loyalty. Best blessings, Khana Abad, Khana Abad.'

The Imam called him near his chair and put his blessed hand on his shoulder. Wazir A.C. Rahimtullah related the moment in his words that, 'I felt a heavy weight as if a mountain on my shoulder. My head lowered down the ground, which was erect so far. The tears streamed out of my eyes, and drenched in perspiration. I remembered nothing what happened in twinkle of eyes.'

He came back to his house and asked his grandmother, who was virtually blind. He said, 'The age of the Aga Khan is about 68 years and my grandfather expired before 70 years. He had never seen him, how he knew him and his forefathers?' She replied that all the Imams were the bearers of the very light of Ali. She continued to say that when she betrothed, his grandfather was alive, and his one old box still subsisted beneath the cupboard. She asked him to bring it. He brought the box, having the boundary of leather and wood. It contained an old robe, with countless patches on it, and a stick. She said, 'These are the blessed relics touched by Imam Shah Khalilullah Ali, belonging to your grandfather, whom I have seen. He visited village to village in India and collected tithe. When the accumulated funds reached upto Rs. 5000/-, he purchased gold coins and hid in the robe with rough stitches. The excess gold coins were inserted in its hollow and sealed on both ends. He then rode away on an ass towards Kirman. After an appalling itinerary of six to seven months, he reached Kirman and presented the gold coins to the Imam. Thus, he served Imam Abul Hasan Shah and Imam Shah Khalilullah Ali.'

The above incident was a new phase, which transformed him all of a sudden into a religious awakening, and resolved with full determination to serve the jamat like his ancestors. He soon entered into the services of the Ismaili community in different fields. He became an Hon. Joint Secretary of Diamond Jubilee Trust, Honorary Treasurer of Ismailia Home and Helping Society, Honorary Joint Secretary of Ismailia General Hospital, President of Ismailia Co-operative Bank, Joint Managing Director of National Land and Building Co., Honorary General Secretary of the Ismailia Association for India (1948-1953), Honorary Secretary of Platinum Jubilee Celebrations Committee, Honorary Managing Director of Platinum Jubilee Investments Ltd., Hon. Secretary of The Ismailia Corporation Housing Society Ltd., Vadala. He also fought legally to recover the plot of Vadala.

During his services in Ismailia Association for India with the President Varas Ghulam Hussain Thavar Pir Muhammad, he is noted for promoting waez activities in India among the young students, and started waez training centers and assemblies in different quarters. He was also a journalist and became an editor of Platinum Jubilee Bulletin in 1951. He had also compiled many articles, most of them appeared in the monthly Aina. It was his untiring efforts that the Ismailia Association published the first and second volumes of the 'Kalam-i Imam-i Moobin' - a collection of the farmans of Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah.

lang=EN-US style='font-family:'Bookman Old Style''>The Imam summoned a conference of the Ismaili delegates in Cairo to review the momentous occasion of the Platinum Jubilee upon the completion of 70 years of his Imamate. Wazir A.C. Rahimtullah represented India. The delegates discussed mutually in the morning and met the Imam at evening on March 15, 1951 in Hotel Semiramese. The Imam emphasized that the programme should be worked out on the pattern of Golden and Diamond Jubilees to improve the social and economical conditions of the Ismailis. The Imam, Mata Salamat and Prince Aly Khan invited them on next day for a lunch at Mohamedali Club and graced them with a photograph. He also sought kind approval from the Imam for the foundation of Platinum Jubilee Investment Ltd.

During the Platinum Jubilee in Karachi on February 3, 1954, the Imam did not like mammoth influx of the Ismailis of India and Africa, and told to Wazir Ibrahim Manji, the President of the Platinum Jubilee Association to issue a circular. In January, 1954, a circular was issued, stating, 'Delegates have instructions that no Ismaili from Bharat or Africa is to come for the Platinum Jubilee celebration at Karachi except those who will be invited officially by the Association.' Wazir A.C. Rahimtullah, the Hon. Secretary of the Platinum Jubilee Celebration Committee for India came officially with his wife alongwith other Indian delegates and had an audience of the Imam.

He also accompanied Prince Aly S. Khan in 1954 to visit about 13 centres in India.

Wazir A.C. Rahimtullah was the Managing Director of Bharat Shipping Agency Ltd. in Bombay. After discussing with the delegates of Pakistan in Paris in 1955, the Imam ordered him to go in Khulna to take charge of the Crescent Jute Mill. He said, 'Mawla, I am not proficient in the field. How can I discharge a big responsibility? The Mill went to rack and ruin loss due to mis-management and has a debt of millions of rupees. It is like a sinking ship.' The Imam said, 'I have decided to deliver you this sinking ship. You don't worry. I will remain with you and guide you from time to time with my best blessings.'

He migrated to Khulna, Bangladesh in 1956 and joined the Crescent Jute Mill Co. Ltd. and became its Managing Director in September, 1957. With his aptitude and wise administrative skills, he changed the fate of the Mill in a short period. Its loss was recovered and loans were adjusted. He also won the hearts of a fleet of 7000 workers and accepted their demands, and got their strikes ended. He built a mosque for them in the Mill, and offered Friday prayers with them, and sometimes he delivered the sermons. He decorated the mosque with Chinese hanging lights and carpeted it. He sent three workers on pilgrimage each year. He also built a maternity home for them and also spent massive amount for the education of their children. He also became the treasurer of Self-Help Center to provide bread and butter to the destitute, and for its maintenance, he collected funds from Jute Mills and Jute Presses.

He was also a member of the governing body of Daulatpur College and took major role in promoting education. Being the President of Rotary Club in Khulna, he suggested to start a Book-Bank Scheme to lend text-books to the deserving students. He was also a member of the Regional Committee of the Banking Publicity Board of the State Bank of Pakistan to enhance notion of saving among the people.

Wazir A.C. Rahimtullah was also the President of the District Council in Khulna for three years, and the President of the Area Committee of the Ismailia Association for Pakistan till death. He also established the Karimabad Co-operative Society and arranged its plot in Khulna.

When he was on a trip of Europe, he suddenly heard the sad demise of Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah on July 11, 1957. He rushed to Geneva and conveyed his condolence to Prince Aly Khan and Mata Salamat in Barkat Villa. He also participated in the ascension ceremony of Hazar Imam in Barkat Villa and took bayt with other leaders. He also attended the burial ceremony in Aswan.

After assuming the Imamate, the Imam came in Pakistan and took a visit of the Crescent Jute Mill in Khulna. The Imam also went to his house. On those days, a galaxy of leaping worries revolved in his mind and fastened him all around. The Imam advised him not to whirl in worries and work with courage and assured to be with him all the times.

He was bestowed the title of Alijah in 1950 and Rai in 1955 in India and Wazir in 1960 in Pakistan. He rendered magnitude of the services in India and Pakistan for 15 years with the impulse of his illustrated ancestors.

He died on April 1, 1963 and was buried in the compound of the mill in deference of the wish of the workers, who said that he was their benefactor and sympathizer and had made them gold out of dust.

In a message to the Supreme Council for Dacca on April 8, 1963, the Imam said, 'Much grieved to hear the sad demise of Wazir A.C. Rahimtullah. Best loving blessings for the soul of late Wazir and I pray eternal peace rest his soul.'

The Imam came in Pakistan on November 21, 1964 and visited Khulna on December 1, 1964. On next day, the Imam made a flying visit of the Crescent Jute Mill and offered fatiha on his grave and also paid tribute at his grave when withdrew from the Mill.

His family presented a mehmani during this visit before the Imam in Karachi. When his wife Jenabai mourned, the Imam said, 'Do not grieve. Late Wazir is in eternal peace. I give my best blessings for his soul.'

It may be recorded that three eminent personages passed away in Pakistan in 17 days, who were attached with the Ismailia Association for Pakistan, viz. Missionary Hamir Lakha died on March 16, 1963, Missionary Jaffer Ali Sufi died on March 18, 1963 and Wazir A.C. Rahimtullah, the Chairman of Khulna branch of the Ismailia Association expired on April 1, 1963. The Ismailia Association organized a grand majalis on April 7, 1963 for the departed souls in Garden Jamatkhana. Wazir Ghulam Hyder Bandali (1905-1986), the President sent a humble service with a report to the Imam on April 9, 1963. In reply, the Imam sent following message:-

My dear President

I have received your letter of April 9th.

Kindly convey to the office bearers and members of the Ismailia Association, waezeens and religious teachers my best loving paternal maternal blessings for service, with best blessings for the souls of the late:

Rai Hamir Lakha

Vazir A.C. Rahamtola of Khulna

I pray that their souls may rest in eternal peace. My three spiritual children had rendered truly excellent services to myself and my jamats. They lived fine lives of hard work and service and were exemplary spiritual children.

His first wife, Shireen (d. 1926) begot two sons, Sultan and Mehboob. His second wife, Jenabai also served as a member of the Fidai Academy, Bombay (1948-1952). She was appointed the member of the Khulna Council in 1961, the President of Khulna Health Centre (1962-1963). She was also the founder of Prince Aly Canteen in Khulna, the sponsour and advisor of Khulna Industrial Home & Economic Society, the advisor of Ladies Volunteer Corps, Khulna, etc. She was also the Managing Director of Crescent Jute Mills. In appreciation of her meritorious services, the Imam invested her the title of Varasiani on August 10, 1963. Shed died on May 27, 1987, leaving behind a daughter, called Abida.

Wazir Rahim Basaria traced his lineage from Basaria I, who was a devoted person in Bhuj, Kutchh. The son of Basaria I was Fadhu, who had travelled on foot to see Imam Khalilullah in Iran, where he died. Fadhu left behind three sons, Ghulam Ali, Basaria II and Jaffer. Basaria II (1848-1918) was the third Estate Agent of the Imam for Karachi and Sind and was invested the title of Varas. He married to Rani (d. 1927) in 1883, who gave a birth of a son, Rahim.
Wazir Rahim Basaria was born in Karachi in January, 1885. His parent reverently asked his name in a mehmani in Karachi before Imam Aga Ali Shah, who said, 'You both have served me with whole hearts, and as a reward, God has endowed you with a son, representing a symbol of the divine boon in your family. I give his name, Rahim.'

His father arranged all facilities in his education, but he studied upto 7th class. He joined his father's business as well as the services of the community. Upon the death of his father, Basaria II in 1918, the Imam appointed Varas Ibrahim Varas Vali (1869-1924) as the fourth Estate Agent.

Wazir Rahim Basaria was a leading importer of sugar in Karachi, and was known in the market as a 'Lion of Sugar.' He was also the director of the Karachi Khoja Ismaili Trading Co. in 1919.

The British India invested him the title of First Class Honorary Magistrate through a Gazette issued on March, 1919. In this year, he was also appointed as an Honorary Second Class Magistrate in Karachi. The Imam made a tour of Karachi for 27 days from April 10, 1920 and performed the opening ceremony of the musafarkhana, adjoining the old Kharadhar Jamatkhana, which was built by Varas Basaria Fadhu in 1918 and completed by his son, Wazir Rahim at the cost of Rs. 70,000/-

During the visit of the Imam, Varas Ibrahim Varas Vali retired from his post, the Imam appointed Rahim Basaria as his fifth Estate Agent for Karachi, Lasbela, Tando Muhammad Khan, Mirpur Sakaro and some other parts of Sind at Wadi, Bombay on March 3, 1920. Varas Ibrahim Varas Vali however expired in Karachi on April 23, 1924.

On March 31, 1920, the Khoja Panjibhai Club, Karachi, feted a princely reception to honour Wazir Rahim Basaria in Garden area. Merali Sachu and Alarakhia Abdullah gave him a warm welcome. It was attended by 200 guests, notably Mukhi Muhammad, Mukhi Pir Punja, Varas Bandali Kassim, Pir Sabzali, Alijah Alidina Ali Muhammad, Bandali Mukhi Muhammad Ladha, etc. On behalf of the Panjibhai Club, Bandali Mukhi Muhammad Ladha presented a welcome address and Wazir Rahim Basaria was gifted a diamond ring by the hands of Alijah Alidina Ali Muhammad.

The Honeymoon Lodge is situated on the eastern outskirts of the city of Karachi. It is an old fashioned, but spacious house, perilously perched on the top of a hillock. It is the birth place of Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah. Wazir Rahim Basaria renovated the Honeymoon Lodge with his own expenses of Rs. 50,000/= Its new furniture was prepared in Calcutta by Bana Bhula and Suleman Mukhi Ghulam Hussain Parpiya of Calcutta. The Imam visited for the first time after renovation on April 10, 1920 and named it as Highland. He also acted as the Private Secretary of the Imam during the Imam's visit for 27 days in Karachi from April 10, 1920.

On Sunday, April 11, 1920, the Imam said in Kharadhar Jamatkhana, Karachi that, 'Varas Rahim Basaria has constructed the bungalow of Tekari (Honeymoon Lodge) for the Imam, costing about Rs. 40,000/- to Rs. 50,000/- I give him much blessings.'

The Imam enjoined upon him in Karachi to make an extensive tour into the interior Sind and make a survey of the latest condition of education in the villages. The Imam also accorded him permission to open the schools wherever required and promote notion of education in the female circle. The Imam also told to open new Jamatkhanas in those villages where the Ismailis resided thickly. Wazir Rahim Basaria launched a tour of Sind, including Varas Fadhu Piru Khalikdina and Allana Khalfan on October, 1920. They visited different villages and assured the Ismailis that they would build new schools and Jamatkhanas with their own expenses. They also encouraged the students and awarded them prizes. They returned to Karachi after nine days and sent its report to the Imam in Europe through the Council. The Imam was delighted in their field report and sent a reply through a message from Paris on November 18, 1920 that, 'Give paternal blessings to all beloved spiritual children. Thank to the beloved children who agreed to build Jamatkhanas in other villages. Open the schools where are necessary in the villages.'

He also performed an opening ceremony of the new Jamatkhana in Amir Pir, near Jimpir in Sind on December 17, 1920.

He was accorded a befitting honour in a reception of the Panjibhai Club, Bombay on September 18, 1921, presided by Mukhi Megji Mulji for his valuable services.

He designed a master plan in 1921 to build the 'Aga Khan Market' in Karachi or Bombay for the benefit of the petty merchants, but the strain of the community works fastened him so tight that it could not be materialized.

He also rendered his valuable services as the President of the Supreme Council for Karachi between September 1, 1921 and February 28, 1922, and again between May 21, 1922 and August 31, 1922.

He was also made the Chief Estate Manager of the Imam in 1922 at Bombay after the death of Juma Kamu. Henceforward, he concentrated in the community affairs and traveled in different villages of India, and helped the needy Ismailis by his own resources. He is reputed to have built three Boardings in Kathiawar and one in Sind.

Wazir Rahim Basaria was one of the greatest commercial magnates, but took special pride in calling himself a servant of the Imam and the jamats. He was a millionaire, but his life was a saga of selfless service to the Imam, to the exclusion of any other thought, consideration or benefit. He passed his life in simplicity and dressed ordinarily. On February 10, 1923 in Rajkot, the Imam attended the mehmani in a specially pitched tent of khaddar. Wazir Rahim also accompanied, where the Imam said, 'I have put on khaddar (hand-woven cloth made of hand-spun yarn).' The Imam continued to say while looking at Wazir Rahim Basaria that, 'You see him. It's good to see such great person dressed in khaddar. It will be a frugally act provided the poor class also follow it.'

In April, 1924, Lady Ali Shah deputed him for Chitral as his Commissioner, where the local Ismailis were facing certain persecutions. He went to Chitral and discussed with H.H. Sir Shuja al-Mulk Bahadur K.C.I.E. (d. 1956), the Mehtar of Chitral and restored peace. Lady Ali Shah left Bombay for Iran and Iraq at the end of April, 1924 and returned after seven months on November 15, 1924. She was informed that the Mehtar of Chitral was also in Karachi, whom she sent a telegram, asking the condition of the Ismailis in Chitral. In his reply, the Mehtar also sent his telegram on November 16, 1924. The text of the telegram was published in the weekly 'Ismaili' (Bombay, Dec., 14, 1924, p. 7), which reads:-

Her Ladyship Lady Alishah,

Most hearty thanks for your kind telegram and I reciprocate your good wishes on your safe return from Iraq. Am sorry false reports have made your Ladyship express regret on so called trouble of followers of your most worthy son whose personal friendship I am proud to earn. I assure you of my sincere sympathy with them as my loyal subjects. I candidly request you to rely on my ever-ready help in rendering possible facilities to them. Will you kindly ask Vazir Saheb Rahim Basaria or yourself would kindly communicate to me in detail their actual grievances. Will leave no stone unturned in allowing them to enjoy every privilege they had hitherto enjoyed. Believe me to be your most dutiful son.

His Highness Mehtar Sahib
Chitral

The schools of Kharadhar and Garden, Karachi established in 1908, and affiliated with the School Board. He was appointed a member of the School Board in Karachi on July 1, 1925.

He proceeded on a trip of East Africa during the visit of the Imam in 1925. He left Bombay on January 7, 1925 with Pir Sabzali, Hussaini Pir Muhammad and Hamir Lakha. The Imam landed at Zanzibar on February 9, 1925. During the period of his visit, the Imam made him as his Private Secretary, and the head of the African Estate Agents. He accompanied the Imam over a month and visited Mombasa, Moshi, Nairobi etc. He worked 18 hours per day as a Chief Wazir and the Private Secretary of the Imam. He was also made the head of the Ismaili Councils for East Africa, and all the reports of the Councils were sent through him.

It is related that the Imam asked him to purchase a precious gold ring. He wandered in the markets and purchased a precious gold ring embedded with diamonds, costing five hundred shillings, and handed over to the Imam. When the Imam concluded his tour in Africa, and left Mombasa for London by sea, he presented that gold ring to Wazir Rahim Basaria with best loving blessings. He prolonged his stay in East Africa and collected details of the jamats and prepared a report, and went to London to submit it to the Imam.

He travelled with the Imam on several occasions in Kutchh, Kathiawar, Sind, Burma, Africa, etc. and carried a retinue of servants and workers on his own expenses. His staff worked 12 hours in a day, while he worked 18 hours with no respite. Indeed, he was a shinning example of wise administration and hard working.

He was to stay in Bombay for four to six months to complete few important works consigned by the Imam. He stayed in the bungalow at the Aga Hall with his mother and family members. His health shattered by the heavy strain of works till late hour at night, and became a victim of malaria. He was confined to bed, but his work remained restless till he fell into an inflammation of the lungs, or pneumonia. The best medical aid was called in, thank to the maternal care of Lady Aly Shah. His illness increased and the famous doctors of Bombay were treating him, but appeared no sign of recovery. The doctors eventually left all hopes of his survival.

Wazir Rahim Basaria thus, died at the age of 42 years on Monday, February 15, 1927 at 12.30 a.m. at the Aga Hall, Nesbit Road, Bombay. The Ismailis in India, Burma and Africa closed their business on that day. He was buried at the underground chamber of the mausoleum of Imam Hasan Ali Shah at Hasanabad, where no Ismaili had been ever buried. The last to be buried here was Aga Majid Khan, who expired on October 7, 1956.

Wazir Rahim Basaria, also known as the Wealthy Dini Asectic of Karachi died like a shahid with no sign of fear of death. He embraced his death with smile, and the word 'Ya Hazar Imam' was constantly gushing out from his lips till last hours.

The Imam sent urgent telegraphic message in Bombay as under:-

Marseills: February 16, 1927 (3.25 pm.)

Children. Bombay

Very sorry my beloved and good minister gave his earthly life in my service. His memory nearest my heart. Convey condolence his family. Honor his memory all over India.

The Imam sent another message in Karachi as under:-

Marseills: February 16, 1927

Shahali. Karachi

Very sorry most unhappy my beloved good minister gave his life to me. His memory should be honored. Photos placed in all Karachi Sind Khanas. Convey my deepest sympathy all his family.

Imam visited Bombay on December 9, 1927. His mother, aged 85 years died two days after it on December 11, 1927. On December 15, 1927, the Imam said, 'Varas Basaria, Varas Rahim and the mother of Varas Rahim have served my house too much. Varas Rahim has served me with love, dedication and whole-heartedly, for which I give best blessings. These three will remain alive in my thought, and I remember (them) all the times. Although, they have left this undurable world, but are alive in my heart.'
In his memory, Imam proposed to build two Boardings in Karachi as well as in Vancaner, Kathiawar for the benefits of the orphans. Accordingly, the Supreme Council for Kathiawar passed a resolution on April 7, 1927 to build a Boarding. Alijah Ali Kunwarji proposed the name of the Boarding, 'Wazir Rahim Ismailia Boarding' which was unanimously accepted. Necessary funds were raised through out Kathiawar. Captain Amarshinh Bahadur, the head of the state offered free plot in Vancaner for the project. On March 13, 1927, the Supreme Council sent following telegraphic message to the Imam:-

The council regrets for the demise of Wazir Rahim. The Council has passed a resolution to start a boarding in Vancaner in loving memory of late Wazir. Please convey our condolence and this news to the family of the desceased.

The Council also sent another following message to the Karachi Council on March 13, 1927:-

This council declares its regret for the demise of Wazir Rahim and council passed a resolution to start a boarding in his loving memory. Amarshinh Bahadur, the ruler of Vancaner has generously offered a free plot for the boarding. We are anxious for His Highness's gracious blessings.

The similar resolution was also passed in Karachi for the Boarding as well as a garden with a bungalow, called Wazir Rahim Bagh. The Boarding in Karachi, called Wazir Rahim Boarding School, was built and inaugurated on Sunday, October 7, 1928 by Mukhi Megji Mulji of Darkhana Jamatkhana of Bombay, while Chief Wazir Kassim Ali Hasan Ali Javeri made an inauguration speech on that occasion.

It is to be noted that the whole jamats in Kathiawar recited a tasbih on the Chand Raat and prayed for the soul of Wazir Rahim Basaria on April 13, 1927 according to the farman of the Imam.

On May 8, 1927, a grand majalis was arranged in Kharadhar Jamatkhana, Karachi. Pir Sabzali and Missionary Abdul Hussain Bachal delivered waez. The majalis was followed by the unveiling of the photo of Wazir Rahim Basaria in the hall of the Jamatkhana. The Chief Mukhi Muhammad Rehmatullah Lutf Ali performed the ceremony. On the same day, the unveiling ceremony of the photo was also performed in Garden, Lassi and Ranchhorline Jamatkhanas in Karachi.

It is said that he left behind movable and immovable properties, amounting to sixty lacs rupees, which was presented to the Imam as per his will. His wife, Varasiani Gulshakar however received a monthly grant from the Imam till her death in November 4, 1991 at Karachi.

The Imam said in Bombay Jamatkhana on January 15, 1928 to the jamats of Mazgon Wadi and Chand Raat Panjibhai that, 'Keep the photograph of Wazir Rahim in the Jamatkhana.'

On January 26, 1938, the Imam said in Karachi during the marriages of the grandsons of Varas Muhammad Remu of Gwadar that, 'He (Varas Muhammad Remu) is like a member of Ahl al-Bayt just as Wazir Basaria and Wazir Rahim had become (the members of) Ahl al-Bayt.'

Wazir Rahim Basaria! what does picture the blessed name brings before the mind? A mighty landlord was he; born with a silver spoon in his mouth, we may say that he was rolling in a sea of money all his life, yet fortunately free from the evils that attend the possession of heaps of money generally. Pride he had none: he was a simple, unassuming, kind hearted man whom were embodied all the qualities of a prudent gentleman the type of whom it would be a luck to find now-a-days. It would require volumes to do full justice to analyse his qualities. In sum, he was the very model of a really selfless, hardworking hero who defied labour, flaunted fatigue, and worked zealously with a heart truly devoted to the noble office of his leadership.

He was born most probably in 1896. Nothing is known about his early life, except that he was known as Pir Muhammad Virji Hajiani in the prime of life. His appearance in the arena of the community services began in 1910, when he dwelt in Kandi Mola, Bombay, and found there not a single religious school. Master Ghulam Hussain Muhammad came forward and prepared a scheme for imparting religious education to the wandering children. But his scheme could not be materialized. It was Pir Muhammad V. Madhani to shake hand with this noble cause and started the school. He served it as a Head Master for a period of 18 months.
This was the humble commencement and his feelings roused him to achieve further success. In 1915, an ideal association of enthusiastic young persons, known as The Young Ismaili Vidhiya Vinod Club came into existence, which offered him its membership, which he accepted in 1916. During the three subsequent years from 1916 to 1919, he was elected the President of V.V. Club with Abdullah Jaffer Lakhpati as an Honorary Secretary. He arranged lecture programme on every Saturday on different topics, and encouraged the promising scholars.

With the co-operation of the members of the V.V.Club, he succeeded to erect the first Ismaili Volunteer Corps in Bombay, a well organized disciplined institution of heroic social workers. Attired in uniforms for the first time on November 19, 1919, they made their first appearance on duty. They however performed their first official duty when the Imam graciously arrived in Bombay from Europe on March 2, 1920. Pir Muhammad V. Madhani acted as its Vice-Captain, and became a Captain in 1920. In their mehmani, the Imam blessed them and accepted the coveted post of colonelship for himself. The volunteers also prepared a costly military dress of a colonel and humbly presented to the Imam. The Imam and Prince Aly Khan became the patrons of the newly formed corps. The Imam also gave them in Yervada Palace the Coat-of-Arms (the royal monogram) to be worn in the caps.

In a general meeting held on July 8, 1920, the rules and regulations of the Volunteer Corps were ordained for the first time. On that juncture, about 81 youths enrolled themselves as the volunteers.

In 1920, the Imam landed on the shore of Kutchh. Unfortunately, a steamboat carrying the ornaments and important documents began to sink. It was a cool weather at about 3.00 a.m. Lt. Col. Pir Muhammad Madhani risked his life and brought the steamboat ashore safely. When it was reported to the Imam, he said, 'It was a trial for him.'
In 1922, he became one of the members of the Supreme Council for Kathiawar. In 1926, the Imam awarded him 'Good Service Gold Medal' for his efficient services. In 1927, heavy floods with the worst inundation devastated Kathiawar and Gujrat. He girded up his loins and visited the affected areas with his officers. He studied the situation first hand on the spot and collected funds for the relief of the Ismailis. The Imam granted him Gold Medal for his meritorious services.

He was also one of the eight promoters in whose name the Ismailia Cooperative Bank Ltd was registered. In its preliminary general meeting, Pir Muhammad was elected one of the members of the Managing Board. For 15 long years he was elected a director of the Board. During his period, twice he was elected its Hon. Secretary and for 5 years he was the Chairman of the Loan Committee. Besides, he represented the bank at the Girgaum Cooperative Bank, the mother of all cooperative banking movements. He retired from the Co-operative Bank in 1944 because of the strain of works in other walks of life.

Lord Irwin, the then Viceroy and governor-general of India arrived at Bombay in 1930. The Police Commissioner of Bombay sought the good offices of the volunteer Corps through him for a dozen selfless volunteers to act as C.I.D. officers. He fulfilled the call of duty unhesitatingly and willingly.

In 1931, Prince Aly Khan visited India. Lt. Col. Pir Muhammad supervised the management of crowd control, keeping order and discipline. He visited other parts of India with Prince Aly Khan. Pleased with his dedicated services, Prince Aly Khan awarded him the Prince Aly Shah God Medal. In the same year, he became the Chief Captain. On the occasion of a special visit of Prince Aly Khan with Lt. Col. Pir Muhammad with his family at Darkhana, Prince Aly Khan announced, 'Captain is nearer and dearer to us than our bosom.' On another occasion, Prince Aly Khan presented him a lovely tiny box of gold with an autograph engraved thereon the words: 'For faithful and good service'. In this year, Prince Aly Khan promoted him to the Chief Captainship and announced that, 'We shall promote you to the designation of Commander-in-Chief in future.'

The Imam appointed him the Major of Bombay Volunteer Corps, Bombay Momana Volunteer Corps and Thana Volunteer Corps on February 29, 1936. The Ismaili Council also enjoined upon all the scout troops of Bombay and Suburbs to perform duty under the control of Lt. Col. Pir Muhammad. The Ladies and Gents volunteers, Divisions and Sections, Scout troops and Girls Guides were also brought to his control. He was awarded Golden Jubilee Gold Medal by the Imam for his efficient services during the Golden Jubilee in 1936.

He was also a member of H.H. The Aga Khan's Bombay Gymkhana and Industrial Home for three years. In 1939, the latter gave him 'At Home' - an honor in appreciation of his services.

In 1939, the Ladies Volunteer Corps of the Darkhana, Kandi Mola and Hasanabad jamats performed separate services of keeping crowd control at their local jamats only and so, at times, it would be difficult to manage the functions efficiently. He chalked out a scheme for the amalgamation of these separate organizations into one compact body and forwarded it for the kind approval of the Imam. His scheme was sanctioned and the three separate corps' were united under one unit. He formed an Advisory Board of three members including himself to guide and manage the affairs of the Ladies Volunteer Corps.

In 1939, the world war broke out, and it engulfed the whole world into a vortex of death and destruction, therefore, the Air Raid Precautions were necessary in India. Lt.Col. Pir Muhammad Madhani also raised an Ismaili A.R.P. from among the volunteers and scouts in Bombay and arranged its training by himself.

In 1940, the Bombay Police Department appointed him as the Deputy Divisional Warden of Chinch Bunder North Area and Mandavi North Area. He held the post till the end of the world war in 1945.

In 1940, a terrible famine hit the country. The scepter of famine raised its devilish head in many parts of India. In this catastrophe many Ismailis also suffered. The Ismaili Famine Relief Fund was erected at Bombay, where he also took an active role as its member.

In 1941, the communal riots broke out, he was appointed Street Warden by the Police Department to assist in restoring peace.

Two years before the Diamond Jubilee of the Imam in Bombay, Lt. Col. Itmadi Pir Muhammad Madhani worked out a scheme of having a Reserve Force, which met an approval of Prince Aly Khan. It was raised in 1944, and in the same year, he became the Lt. Col. of the Bombay Volunteers Corps.

The Aga Khan Legion Executive Committee formed the Khadak Provincial Committee in 1940 and appointed him its member. Later on, he became its President. On March 28, 1944, he was elected its executive member.

In 1944, he obtained permission of Prince Aly Khan for establishing the Volunteer Welfare Grant Fund to give relief to the needy volunteers. It proved a veritable boon to the poor volunteers to great extent.

During the Diamond Jubilee in 1946, the Aga Khan Legion Executive Committee had a gigantic task to receive and accommodate the Ismailis with efficiency and coordination. He was made the President of the General Arrangement Committee. He worked out the outlines of the arrangement about eight months before the celebration of the Diamond Jubilee. He organized a conference of representatives of the volunteer corps and scouts of all over India to discuss the major issues of the administration. He got the momentous results of this conference. He also published a booklet, 'The All India Gents and Ladies' Volunteer Corps, Scout Troops and Girl Guides General Orders' and sent its copies to the members of the representative organizations all over India. The Diamond Jubilee was celebrated at the Brabourne Stadium with wonderful arrangement of the Volunteers, Scouts and Guides. Few days later, Prince Aly Khan wished him and Major A.J. Lakhpati to be present at the Land's End Bungalow to decorate them with the Diamond Jubilee Gold Medals. Prince Aly Khan awarded them the Medals and said, 'You are the pillars of the volunteer corps.'

In 1946, Prince Aly Khan created a Rover Scout Crew under his leadership, which was soon named the Vigilant Rover Scout Crew. In 1947, he re-organized the Volunteer Corps and all its divisions into a club, named The Vigilant Sports Club. In 1952, he enforced further reforms and re-organized the Volunteer Corps, known as The Vigilant Sports Club Volunteer Corps.

Soon after the partition of India in 1947, the Ismailis fell a prey to the fury of wrath and communal prejudices at Kathiawar. The Ismailis needed assistance and the news of their trouble reached the ears of Lt. Col. Pir Muhammad Madhani. The call of duty beckoned him for action. He urgently called a meeting of the officers of various associations and established the Refugee Aid Society, which was accommodated in the office of the volunteer corps. He became its Vice-President and rendered assistance to the Ismailis in Kathiawar. The affected Ismailis, who assembled mostly in Bombay were rehabilitated and settled down in Deccan Hyderabad, Birar and Central Provinces.

In 1949, he turned his attention to bring the volunteers and scouts to one platform, since the field work of both organizations were equally same. He started the Ismaili Volunteers' and Scouts' Brotherhood and brought them close to each other. He became its President and procured excellent results.

In 1950, the Imam conferred upon him the title of Rai and Itmadi in 1951, as well as Honorary Chief Colonel.

In appreciation of his valuable services, he was awarded gold coat-of-arms studded with diamonds by Mata Salamat on behalf of the Gents and Ladies Volunteer Corps, Scouts and Guides of Bombay in 1951.

He started his work as an insurance agent in Bombay. He was recommended as Insurance Agent of Prince Aly Khan on March, 1952, to which Prince Aly Khan issued a letter, stating that, 'Mr. Pirmahomed Madhani is known to me for many years as a sincere, faithful and hard-working Ismaili. He has been in the insurance business for many years and since the new Indian Insurance Act, he is appointed as an Insurance Agent. I recommend him as Insurance Advisor. I wish him every success in his business.'

In the annual general meeting of East Bombay Bharat Scouts' and Girl Guides Local Association, held on June 28, 1954, he was elected its member. In its next meeting, the Executive Committee elected him as a member of the Badge Committee.

On the occasion of Platinum Jubilee, he was made a member of the Jubilee Mohotsav Committee in Bombay. In 1954, he published 'Ismaili Volunteers, Scouts and Guides Souvenir' in Bombay in commemoration of the Platinum Jubilee of the Imam and the completion of 35 years of H.H. The Aga Khan's Bombay Volunteer Corps. In a message of June 4, 1954, the Imam said, 'Lt. Col. Pirmahomed has served brilliantly for a lifetime for the volunteer corps and I do hope that all will have their names inscribed as volunteers and will take him as an example and give same devoted services as he always did.' In another message from Cannes on September 30, 1954, the Imam also said, '.....And I send you and all those who helped in the publication of the souvenir my best loving blessings.' This souvenir sought to bring within the compass of its pages the inspiring story of the honorary services rendered to the Imam and the jamats by various volunteer organizations and brief sketches of the lives of many important personalities behind those organizations.

In sum, he was a born soldier and through out his long selfless services, he has endangered his life on several times, and cast his thoughts, reflections and precious times for these services. Being a seasoned soldier, he weathered many storms, which shall be ever remembered.

He was once again elected as a member of the Executive Committee of East Bombay Indian Scouts and Guides Local Association on July 9, 1956 as well as the Convenor of General Arrangement Committee of Platinum Celebration Committee on March 24, 1957.

The Vigilant Sports Club Volunteer Corps, Bombay, formerly known as H.H. The Aga Khan Volunteer Corps was honoured by the Imam and graciously acceded to become its Colonel in September 24, 1957. The three units (Headquarters, Hasanabad and Andheri) of the corps came under the worthy leadership of Lt. Col. Itmadi Pir Muhammad Madhani. He sent a cable message to the Hazar Imam on the occasion of the Takhat Nashini ceremony, and the Imam sent following message to them:-

Masaka : 28th October, 1957

My dear Colonel,

I send your three units my best blessings for your cable of congratulation and service.

In appreciation of his life long services, his portrait of oil paint photograph was unveiled at the headquarters by Itmadi Suleman J. Rahimtullah on November 10, 1957. The function was attended by Wazir Muhammad Ali G. Fazalbhoy, the President of the Ismailia Association for India, Itmadi Ismail Tar Muhammad Madhani, the President of the Supreme Council for India, Itmadi Ghulam Hussain Haji Ahmad Devaji, the President of the Sidhpur Council, Wazir Akbar H. Merchant, the President of the Bombay Council, etc.

How difficult was the task at the commencement of the Volunteer Corps! How many hurdles and obstacles it had to surmount! With dogged perseverance and enthusiasm, he kept on marching towards the goal undaunted. In sum, Lt. Col. Itmadi Pir Muhammad Madhani was the Vice-Captain of the Volunteer Corps in its inauguration in 1919, Captain in 1920, Chief Captain in 1931 and Major in 1936 and reached his position of Lt. Colonelship in 1944.

Lt. Col. Itmadi Pir Muhammad Madhani died on July 1, 1959. The Imam sent following telegraphic message:-

Geneva: 10/7/1959
Agafederal Bombay:

Best paternal maternal blessings late Lt. Colonel Pirmahomed Madhani. I pray for eternal peace rest his soul.

Prince Aly Khan also sent the following message:-

New York : 27/8/1959

LT

Children Bombay

Please convey to the family of Colonel Pirmahomed Madhani and all officers and members of our Corps all my most affectionate and loving thoughts and my sense of deep sorrow for the loss which we have all sustained. Colonel Pirmahomed was a tower of strength and vigilance in our midst.

Prince Aly Khan also sent following message to Major Ibrahim Patel:-

New York : 27/8/1959

LT

Surething Bombay

As your Colonel-in-Chief, I wish to convey to you and through you to all officers and members of the Corps my sympathy and constant and affectionate thoughts. We have suffered an irreplaceable loss in the death of Colonel Pirmahomed. His memory will always be with us.

The Ismailis of Sheikh Raj, a village between Bela and Uthal in Baluchistan migrated towards Karachi in 1852. The Ismaili caravan travelled on camels mostly comprised of the famous families of Shalu and Hashu. The sons of Shalu were Hood, Kassim, Khatau, Vali, etc. The name Shalu is the corrupt form of Saleh, who professed the business of wool and goat-hairs and his flourishing business was continued by his elder son, Hood or Hoodbhoy.
Itmadi Hoodbhoy Shaluani was appointed Kamadia for the Lassi Jamatkhana, Karachi on January 16, 1912 with Mukhi Hussain. In 1920, the Imam appointed him the Mukhi. Itmadi Mukhi Hoodbhoy was also made the member of the Karachi Council on April 28, 1920. During his mehmani, the Imam said on April 28, 1920 in Karachi that, 'I give much blessings to all of your family members. You have been consigned recently the post of the Mukhi, which you carry on excellently with care; and when you go to the Council (as a member), you do not favour anybody. Do not favour even your own brother and serve the Imam, the jamat and act justifiably. You may favour the verdict faithfully in the way of God and do not commit partiality, Khanavadan. I give you much blessings. The office of the Mukhi is vested in you, therefore, you attend the Jamatkhana daily and serve excellently, Khanavadan.'

The Imam also said on May 6, 1920 that, 'You Mukhi Hood Shalu have served beyond measure, and keep serving the Imam excellently. I give you much blessings.'

Mukhi Itmadi Hoodbhoy is also noted for constructing the new Jamatkhana in Lassi, Karachi and donated a sum of Rs. 35000/- Its official declaration was made before the Imam on April 11, 1920. The new Jamatkhana was opened on December 25, 1924, when he was still on the post of the Mukhi with Abdullah Mukhi Hashu as the Kamadia. He also served as the President of the Supreme Council for Karachi between September 1, 1926 and August 31, 1927.

Mukhi Itmadi Hoodbhoy died on January 13, 1937 and left behind seven sons, Mukhi Hussain, Wazir Suleman, Hasan, Kamadia Hashim, Ismail, Amir Ali, Pir Muhammad, and two daughters, Kulsoom and Khatu. The most prominent among them was Pir Muhammad Hoodbhoy.

Pir Muhammad Hoodbhoy was born in Karachi in 1905. He acquired his religious education at Lassi, Karachi from Itmadi Karam Ali Bachal and Alijah Taki Muhammad Pirdina, where he also acted as honorary teacher. He was admitted in Sind Madressa-tul-Islam for secular education. He joined the Ferguson College in Poona after matriculation and graduated from Grant Medical College, Bombay. He practiced in Sir Jamshedji Jeejibhoy Hospital, Bombay.

He continued his social activities in Bombay. In 1930, he became the Captain of the cricket team of the Aga Khan Gymkhana, Bombay. He returned to Karachi after becoming M.B.B.S. and started his own clinic in Kharadhar, Karachi.

He married to Mariam, the daughter of Dr. Rajab Ali Ramji Lakhdhir, the President of the Ismaili Council for Bombay on December 25, 1932. His marriage was performed in Lassi Jamatkhana, Karachi in presence of Prince Aly Khan in the period of Mukhi Hoodbhoy Shaluani and Kamadia Murad Ali. Prince Aly Khan said through Pir Sabzali that, 'I know Dr. Lakhdhir since childhood. I am well known to him. My father would admire him several times. He discharged his duty justifiably as a President in Bombay. I pray that a son akin to Dr. Lakhdhir may take birth in the new union. I also pray for their long lives and prosperity.' Sayed Mustaq Ali Didar Ali recited the nikah.

He was appointed a member of the Aga Khan School Board, where he served between 1935 and 1937.

His services in Karachi Health Board and Health Center since 1938 are written in letters of gold and will remain unique in the history of child welfare. The infant mortality rate in the community was 179 per 1000 live births in 1936, which was reduced to 40 per 1000 live births in 1955 with his untiring efforts. The upkeep and working in these institutions, whose President he remained for 18 years, had impressed the delegations of U.N. and W.H.O., which in their remarks in the visitors' book, have admired the Child Welfare Center and Maternity Home in glowing terms. Thus, a separate 'Dr. Hoodbhoy Children Ward' was erected in Janbai Maternity Home as per Imam's advice. In appreciation of his best services in the medical field, the Imam appointed him the President of the Central Health Board, which he served from 1932 to 1956. He was an architect of introducing nursing profession and mother-craft training among the Ismaili girls. It was his significant labour that the Ismaili nurses could go abroad for higher training. During his period as the President of the Health Board, he introduced First-Aid, Home Nursing and Domestic Science.

Once Rehmatullah Alidad Sayani of Karachi, the patient of depression, humbly asked the Imam the remedy of his disease. The Imam recommended him for Dr. Pir Muhammad Hoodbhoy or Dr. Alidina. He came in the clinic of Dr. Hoodbhoy, where he revealed to have been sent by the Imam. He took his medicine, but it proved incurable. He once again asked the Imam for treatment. The Imam once again recommended him for these two doctors. Hence, he continued his treatment with Dr. Hoodbhoy, but in vain once again. Dr. Hoodbhoy asked him, 'Do you perform nocturnal worship?' To this, he said, 'Not at all.' Dr. Hoodbhoy said, 'How my medicine will bring effectual result when you do not perform midnight worship?'

He was not only an eminent physician, but also the helper of the destitute and infirm. Sometimes, his patients could not afford the prescribed foods or fruits, therefore, he not only gave free medicines but also helped them with funds till recovery of health. Once he recommended his patient to take orange juice. The patient said, 'How can I afford buying fruit when I have hardly some money to pay your fees?' He was so much moved that he gave him free medicine and some cash to buy fruits.

He had a distinction of being the first Indian to be appointed as Chief Medical Officer in Karachi Port Trust, including Tatta Airlines and Mackinon Mackenzie & Co. He was also the consulting physician to the government of Kenya, Railways and Harbors and Niyasiland Railways Ltd., Africa. He was also a member of the Sind University Senate. The British India also granted him the title of J.P. His talent for social welfare work was recognized by the Government of Pakistan, and was made an honorary physician of Government Remand Homes. He was also a Government's nominated member of All Pakistan Maternity and Child Welfare Committee. He was also a member of the Karachi University Syndicate.

In 1939, he was appointed the Vice-President of the Scouts Association. The Aga Khan Gymkhana came into existence at Karachi in 1940, and he was appointed its first Convenor. The Imam also appointed him the Vice-President of the Diamond Jubilee Celebration Committee in 1946. During the campaign of the Diamond Jubilee, he strained every nerve and travelled in India on horseback, in bullock carts and by air to make this momentous occasion successful, and procured the donation of 5,25000 rupees. It was indeed his outstanding services that he sent many poor Ismailis from Karachi to Bombay to witness the Diamond Jubilee of the Imam in 1946. In appreciation of his invaluable services, he merited the title of Wazir in 1946.

The Ismailia Association for India existed in 1944 in place of the Recreation Club Institute. Huzur Wazir Ali Muhammad Macklai (1894-1971) was appointed its President with Alijah Rajab Ali Mohammad Dandawala as the Vice-President and Itmadi Rehmatullah Virji as Hon. Secretary. The Ismailia Association for India inaugurated a Mission Training Class at Karachi in 1944 to train the new missionaries for one year. Wazir Dr. Pir Muhammad Hoodbhoy was appointed as its Chairman, and Missionary Ghulam Ali Shah was deputed from Bombay to conduct the class. In its formative stage, the class was arranged in the musafarkhana in Kharadhar, Karachi.

lang=EN-US style='font-family:'Bookman Old Style''>During the grand didar at Dar-es-Salaam on August 25, 1948, the Imam announced an introduction of the Constitution of the Ismailia Association for Africa, and emphasized to enforce it in India, Pakistan and other parts of the world. The Imam also vested in Huzur Wazir Ali Muhammad Macklai the office of the World Head of all the Ismailia Associations. The Imam is reported to have asked him whether he found an efficient President for the new Ismailia Association for Pakistan. He said that he failed to find a capable person for the post. The Imam proposed him the name of Dr. Pir Muhammad Hoodbhoy. To this, Huzur Wazir Macklai said, 'He is a busy physician and will hardly spare time for it.' The Imam said, 'Well, you offer him, and if he does not accept, you ask him to recommend, whom he finds capable.' When Dr. Pir Muhammad was afforded its offer, he willingly accepted it. Hence, the Imam sent a telegraphic message through the Council on March 21, 1948 that, 'I appoint Vazir Dr. Peermahomed Hoodbhoy first President Ismailia Association Pakistan with blessings.'

Soon after above announcement, he appointed Wazir Sher Ali Alidina as the Honorary Secretary, Wazir Kassim Jinnah as the Treasurer, with Chief Mukhi Chagla Vali Muhammad, Wazir Ali Muhammad Jan Muhammad Chunara, Wazir Rajab Ali Rehmani, Hussaini Piru and Itmadi Nazar Ali Abdullah as the executive members.

It must be known that after being sprung of the Ismailia Association for India from the Recreation Club Institute in 1944, the All Africa Ismailia Association came into existence as one unit in 1946 with Count Mohammad Ali Dhalla as a President and Wazir Ramzan Ali H.M. Dossa as Hon. Secretary. With its headquarters at Nairobi, the All Africa Ismailia Association supervised the Boards and Advisory Committees originated in Kenya, Tanganyika and Uganda. For carrying out the activities of the Association efficiently with maximum benefit to the African jamat, the Imam decentralized the All Africa Ismailia Association in 1951 and established separate and independent Associations in Kenya, Tanganyika and Uganda. It implies that the Ismailia Association for Pakistan was the second independent Association founded in 1948.

He was not only appointed the first President of Ismailia Association for Pakistan, but also the President of the Pakistan Grant Committee. On February 18, 1950, the Imam declared him not only an Ex-Officio of the Supreme Council for Pakistan, but also for all other Councils and Institutions in Pakistan. This is a unique example for a leader, having such a grand status.

On January 20, 1951, the Imam told him in the Garden Jamatkhana, Karachi that his works were more important than all others, and that he must watch the canteen as a supervisor and guide the jamat and workers the method of cooking the food hygienically and that the vitamins should not be wasted while cooking.

In 1951, the Imam consigned him to transform the Honeymoon Lodge into the Mahdi Convalescent Home in loving memory of the meritorious services of Mukhi Mahdi, the son of Alijah Hasan Ali Mukhi Laljibhai Devraj of Bombay. It was a mammoth project, asking princely amount in its construction. He faced many odds and travelled far and wide to generate fund for this project. He raised funds from door to door and deputed his wife, Varasiani Mariambai in different cities of Pakistan and succeeded in this noble cause. This time the building of Honeymoon Lodge underwent major changes. The gabled roof was replaced by a R.C.C. slab, retaining the load bearing stone walls. On its rear side, rooms were added including two kitchens, bathrooms and extension of the veranda. A porch was added on the front side. Dr. Pir Muhammad Hoodbhoy operated its supervision on behalf of the Aga Khan Health Board. It was a unique health centre in Pakistan and a boon for the patients.

The Imam gave an audience to the donors of Mahdi Convalescent Home at the bungalow of Wazir Ibrahim Manji on January 26, 1951, and blessed the donors. On that occasion, Dr. Pir Muhammad Hoodbhoy submitted a brief report of the progress, especially the facility of water supply and electricity. The Imam told him to complete the project before the Platinum Jubilee. The project of Mahdi Convalescent Home at length completed and inaugurated on September 14, 1953 by Muhammad Ali Bogra, the Prime Minister of Pakistan. In his welcome speech, Dr. Pir Muhammad said, 'This Convalescent Home is an additional gift of Aga Khan, which provides the recovery and energy to the patients of old diseases, or who have undergone major operations, on important location far from the dense population of the city.'

He also organized the Waez Assemblies in Sind and Punjab. In November, 1950, referring to his great work for the Association, the Imam was pleased to remark, 'Excellent work, Dr. Hoodbhoy, in same ways best of Ismailia Associations.' It procured steady progress rapidly because of constant efforts, personal attention and long hours that he spent in the Ismailia Association at the cost of his medical practice. He brought a sizable books and manuscripts from the University of Cairo, published in Europe, libraries of Paris and from the villages of Syria. In order to boost the activities of the Ismailia Association for Pakistan, the Imam having seated himself in the Kharadhar pendol for didar on February 9, 1951, wrote a unique message for the jamat that, 'Ismailia Association is the chief successor today of former Ismaili dais and missions. It is the duty of every Ismaili to help by goodwill and respect. If criticism is made, it should to help and not oppose.'

The Imam summoned a conference of the Ismaili delegates in Cairo to review the momentous occasion of the Platinum Jubilee upon the completion of 70 years of his Imamate. Dr. Pir Muhammad Hoodbhoy represented the jamats of Pakistan with Wazir Ibrahim Manji, Rai Rajab Ali Hirji, Wazir Ghulam Hussain Khalfan and Varas Ghulam Hyder Bandali. The delegates discussed mutually in the morning and met the Imam at evening on March 15, 1951 in Hotel Semiramese. The Imam emphasized that the programme should be worked out on the pattern of Golden and Diamond Jubilees to improve the social and economical conditions of the Ismailis. The Imam, Mata Salamat and Prince Aly Khan invited them on next day for a lunch at Mohamedali Club and graced them with a photograph.

When Missionary Sultan Ali Nazarali Walji of East Africa wished to proceed to Cairo for having Islamic studies in Al-Azhar University, the Imam directed him at Ritz Hotel, London on September 13, 1949 to proceed to Karachi, and wrote a letter to Wazir Dr. Hoodbhoy. Missionary Sultan Ali stayed in his house during studies at the Ismailia Association for Pakistan with other African students. The Executive Board of Ismailia Association and Karachi Mission Teaching Staff gave a reception to the African Students on the eve of their departure on July 2, 1952.

He worked veritably like a hero in the community. So much so, even the Imam himself became anxious about his health and even cautioned him to go slow, lest he suffer a breakdown. But he continued to work ceaselessly and ungrudgingly. Ultimately the foreseen happened. He left for Europe with his wife for two months' rest and the treatment of heart trouble on June 2, 1955. Prince Aly Khan, who took his suitcase on the instructions of the Imam, received him at the airport. The Imam was close to him in referring to well-known physicians. He returned to Karachi in August 5, 1955.

Let us pause for a moment to cite a momentous event. When he was about to return from Europe with his wife, Prince Aly Khan promised to see them at the airport of Nice. Wazir Dr. Hoodbhoy waited for a long time, but Prince Aly Khan was too late. There were few minutes in taking off of the plane, he issued the boarding cards and started to move into the lounge. He saw at once the arrival of Prince Aly Khan, who regretted for his late coming, and presented a perfume bottle to Varasiani Mariambai and a small box to Wazir Dr. Hoodbhoy. Both of them thanked and quickly got into the plane. Wazir Dr. Hoodbhoy opened the small box in the plane and found his favorite cufflink in it, for which he wandered in Europe but could not get it.

He played a key role during the celebration of the Platinum Jubilee in Karachi on 3rd February, 1954. He was the Vice-President of the Platinum Jubilee Association in Pakistan, and had a unique opportunity to read the welcome address of 2000 words.

He cemented intimate terms with African Associations in the field of mission and its training. On those days, the Ismailia Association for Kenya deputed four waezeens for Mission Teacher Training in Karachi, viz. Shams Tabriz G. Dhirani (Dar-es-Salaam), Amir Ali G. Jinnah (Dar-es-Salaam), Hasan Ali H. Nazar Ali (Nairobi) and Ismail H.J. Khan (Nairobi). The Imam sent the following message to Wazir Dr. Hoodbhoy on January 3, 1956:-

My dear Dr. Hoodbhoy,

Regarding the four mission students from Africa recently arrived in Karachi, will you please convey to them my blessings and my wishes for their great success.

It is to be noted that Ali Mahomed Mukhi Alidina Khoja Ismailia Girls School in Kharadhar, Karachi was built and inaugurated on May 11, 1926. It was taken over by the British Government in 1941. With the efforts of H.R.H. Prince Karim Aga Khan's City Education Board, it was recovered in 1956 from the Government of Sind. This school was renovated once again. Its opening ceremony was performed on January 8, 1956 with the hands of Wazir Dr. Pir Muhammad Hoodbhoy, who presided the function.

To paint his epic life, the brush must dip deeper as his picture becomes rosier. He rendered magnitude of the services for 40 years, from the Lassi Religious Night School as a teacher to the President of the Ismailia Association for Pakistan. The progress of the Ismailia Association in a short span of 7 years was an eloquent testimony of his genius and great working capacity. He organized the gathering of the missionaries and other social workers on every Wednesday and lectured them on the farmans of the Imam, relating to health. It may be known that in his clinic at Kharadhar, Karachi, he was often seen going through the books on lives of great Ismaili missionaries of the Fatimid period during leisure time. Whenever the patients entered his room, he begged them to allow him to complete that page or chapter. He was also careful in the jamati activities. Once on an important occasion, both Kharadhar and Garden jamats requested to have a waez of a same senior missionary. He deemed it fit to make suitable arrangement and wrote a note to that senior missionary, saying, 'After your waez at Garden, my car will be waiting to take you to Kharadhar, where you also deliver waez.'

It was his oft-repeated words that, ' Serve him and for him. Do not expect any reward. Work selflessly. No one can give you reward, but he alone. Look to your Imam only' and once he said, 'We are void of wealth of our forebears to make charities. We have only our personal aptitude, which we must not delay to offer in life.'

His health shattered few days before the shadows of death closed him. He was recommended to take complete rest, but he said, 'The world is not a place to take rest. Still much has to be done and there is rest only after death.' He worked and worked without respite or relaxation till the very last. Even with the last-flicker of life, on Wednesday, February 1, 1956, he worked upto 10.00 pm. in the premises of Ismailia Association, giving a final shape to the programme of the second anniversary of Platinum Jubilee to be celebrated at the Aga Khan Ghymkhana on February 3, 1956. He drafted the complimentary telegrams on behalf of the Ismailia Association to the Imam to be dispatched on next day.

Wazir Dr. Pir Muhammad Hoodbhoy unfortunately expired on Thursday, February 2, 1956 at 9.30 a.m. due to severe attack of heart in Karachi. Thus ended the valiant devotee's missionary life full of honors hacked out of years.

An important incident stands to his credit that Wazir Muhammad Ali Fazalbhoy (1916-1981), the President of the Ismailia Association for India had left Bombay on January 31, 1956 for Cairo to see the Imam in Aswan. He returned to India via Karachi and visited the Hoodbhoy Villa to condole Varasiani Mariambai. On that occasion, he told that he had been with the Imam in Aswan when the news of the death of Wazir Dr. Hoodbhoy reached. The Imam became very serious and shut his eyes for ten minutes. Then, the Imam told to Mata Salamat (1906-2000) with regret that Wazir Hoodbhoy was expired. When the Imam sent his telegraphic reply to the Ismailia Association for Pakistan on February 2, 1956, he was boating in the Nile river with tears bursting out of his eyes.

The Radio Pakistan reported his death on that night at 8.00 p.m. in the News Bulletin. The multitude of crowd flocked to his funeral, notably Habib Rahimtullah, Government officers, the Chairman of Karachi Port Trust, Presidents of the Supreme, Kharadhar and Garden Councils, Estate Agent of the Imam, title holders, Mukhis and Kamadias, doctors and nurses, etc.

On the sad and untimely demise of Dr. Pir Muhammad Hoodbhoy, the Imam paid him tribute in the following message to his family:-

Aswan: February 2, 1956:

Deepest sympathies and condolence in your great loss. My most loving paternal maternal blessings for the peace of the soul of doctor Hoodbhoy who meritoriously rendered great service all his life for the cause of Ismaili faith.

The Imam also sent the following telegraphic messages from Aswan:-

Shahali, Karachi

Aswan: February 2, 1956

I hope the community at this moment will show due honor to the memory and service of the beloved Vazir Hoodbhoy. I sincerely hope men will rise soon to offer their services in the same unselfish and single desire of services, which the beloved Vazir Hoodbhoy showed to me. First of all we want a man to come forward to take up service for health of Ismailis all along the line. Name of volunteers should come to me for that and for Ismailia Association and religious education. I will remember him always with the same love and affection, which he gave to me.

The Imam also routed another following message for him: Shahali, Karachi

Aswan: February 3, 1956

In beloved memory President Hoodbhoy, I abolish name missionary throughout Pakistan and replaced by vaezin. I approve Vazir Ghulam Hyder as President All Pakistan Ismailia Association. For health affairs, you will send me names for Health Board, Maternity and Tekri convalescent Home. Consult all Ismaili doctors, nurses practicing in Karachi and then send full report (of) new board administrators for me to choose beloved Vazir's successors on different boards. Important not too much weight on one man. Avoid overwork as I warned late beloved Hoodbhoy. In his beloved memory photo of Vazir Hoodbhoy be kept with other photos (in) Supreme and Garden jamats and one in all institutions of which he was supervisor.

He was known all over the Ismaili world for his devotion and sacrifice. The Ismailis of East Africa, India, South East Asia, Middle East, Europe and South America, etc. will also remember him for his meritorious services.

Col. Jalal M. Shah, the Director General of Government of Pakistan, while addressing a condolence meeting on February 5, 1956 in Karachi, said that, 'Though Dr. Hoodbhoy was my pupil, I am not ashamed to say that I learnt from him how to treat poor patients.'

When Prince Aly Khan took a visit of the Ismailia Association, he had very kindly consented to accede to the request of the Association on performing the unveiling ceremony of the photograph of late Dr. Wazir Hoodbhoy in the hall of the Ismailia Association on February 28, 1956 at 6.15 p.m. Wazir Ghulam Hyder Bandali, the President summed up the services of late Wazir Dr. Hoodbhoy to pay glowing and well-deserved tribute. Prince Aly Khan remarked that he had turned night into day and worked very hard for the Association, and added in the remarks that the good library and important Ismaili manuscripts possessed by the Association were due to the efforts of late Wazir, who personally amassed this wealth of books from the university of Cairo, bookstalls of London, libraries of Paris and villages of Syria.

Prince Aly Khan lastly said, 'By profession, he was a doctor of human body, but in fact he was a doctor of human spirit, soul and mind.'

After the ceremony of unveiling the photo, Prince Aly Khan stood silent for two minutes before it. When he returned, he observed the photos on the notice board and demanded one for his records.

Prince Aly Khan also visited his house on Tuesday, February 28, 1956, where he stayed for 45 minutes. He also told to cover his grave with a chadar on his behalf. Prince Aly Khan also said that late doctor was an exceptional soul who sought no reward for his great services, and that he looked upon the departed leader always as one of the intimates and inmates of his royal house. With his departure has ended an epoch.

Prince Aly Khan visited the Ismailia Association for Kenya, and in its headquarters in Mombasa on April 8, 1956, where he remembered Dr. Pir Muhammad Hoodbhoy and said, 'The death of Dr. Hoodbhoy is a great loss for the Ismailis of Pakistan, and the Ismaili world and generally for the Ismailism too. I wished that he would live longer. This is irreparable loss.'

It may be noted that when the health of Rai A.M. Sadruddin (1906-1980) marred in March, 1956, he asked the Imam to recommend for any European doctor. The Imam said, 'I have no faith yet in European doctors, who could not save Dr. Hoodbhoy.'

He was also a writer and published some interesting articles, viz. 'Advancement of Learning under Fatimid Khalifs' ('Ismaili', Bombay, 16/3/1931), 'Ismailis of the Pamirs' and 'Ismaili Cultural Advancement under the Fatimids' in The Diamond Jubilee Souvenir of 1946 in Nairobi. His another article, 'Nursery Schools' appeared in Al-Islah (Bombay, March 10, 1946). In the monthly Aina (Bombay), his one article, 'Development of the Child' also appeared in January, 1950. In weekly Ismaili, Bombay, his write-up, 'Physical Exercises As a Means of Preserving Health' covered on January 31, 1935.

He was survived by his wife, three sons, Noor Ali, Abdullah, Abdur Rehman and three daughters, Shah Sultan, Farida and Malekzadi.

Mustapha Amir Ghaleb was born in 1923 in Salamia, Syria. He came from a family well known for their piety in Syria. The leadership of the Ismailis in Syria was hereditary in the family of Amir Ismail bin Muhammad (d. 1896), the first estate agent of the Imam, whose grandson was the uncle of Mustapha Ghaleb.
He got educated in Roman Catholic College and Lloyd Franans College at Beirut and had an aptitude for journalism. He acquired considerable proficiency and obtained a diploma in journalism from Egyptian College of Journalists in 1952.

He completed his high school studies in Homs, Syria. In 1953, he also started his working as a correspondent and editor of the first Ismaili periodical in the Arab countries, entitled, 'al-Ghadir' in 1956.

He was elected for the membership of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain in 1957. He obtained his Honorary Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Malmo, Sweden in 1968, and in the following year he got his Ph.D. in History and Literature from the National University of Canada.

He was elected as an Honorary Member for the Institute International de Recherche Scientifique in Zurich and Dusseldurf in 1970.

He made his visit to Pakistan and India on October, 1968 and delivered lectures, and since then he became a famous figure in the Ismaili world as one of the renowned scholars. He died in 1979.

Dr. Mustapha Ghaleb published the following books:-

Tarikh-i ad-Dawa al-Ismailia (Damascus, 1953), Al-Haraka al-Batinia fi al-Islam (Beirut, 1961), Alam al-Ismailia (Damascus, 1964), Hasan as-Sabbah (Beirut, 1964), Falasafa min Ash-Sharq wa al-Gharb (Beirut, 1968), Sinan Rashid ad-Din (Beirut, 1968), Fi Rihab Ikhwan as-Saffa (Beirut, 1969), Haqiqat al-Ismailia (Beirut, 1970), Al-Bsysn (Damascus, 1955), Al-Haft al-Sharif (Beirut, 1968), Al-Yanabi (Beirut, 1967), Ikhtilaf-e-Usul al-Mazaib (Beirut, 1968), Al-Aqwal al-Zahabiah (Beirut, 1970), Al-Durare al-Chamia (Beirut, 1970), Doctrine of Ismailis (English), Beirut, 1970, The Ismailis in Syria (Beirut, 1970), History of Ismaili Dawa (Damascus, 1953), Aga Khan in Syria (Damascus, 1951), Message of Aga Khan to Islamic World (Damascus, 1951), Batini Movement in Islam (Beirut, 1966), Philosophers from East and West (Beirut, 1968), etc.

He also edited and published the following historical works:-

letter-spacing:-.1pt'>Rahat al-Aql
by Hamiduddin Kirman (Beirut, 1964), Ithbat al-Imama by an-Nisaburi (Beirut, 1966), Tafsir al-Koran by Ibn Arabi (Beirut, 1967), Iftitah ad-Dawa by Qadi Noman (Beirut, 1969), Al-Masabih al-Imama by al-Karimi (Beirut, 1969), Ikhtilaf Usul al-Madhahib by Qadi Noman (Beirut, 1969), Kanz al-Walad by al-Karimi (Gottingen, 1970), Al-Iftikar by as-Sijistani (Beirut, 1970), etc.

Nay, he was a contributor of many articles for different journals and periodicals of the Western and Arabian countries. His articles appeared in the Ismaili periodicals were 'My 25 years in Journalism' (Africa Ismaili, Nairobi, 26/5/1972), 'Five Short Biographies' (Ibid., 26/5/1972), 'Ismailism and Allegorical Interpretation of the Quran' (Ibid., 18/2/1972)

Count Mulji Nazar Ali was born most probably in 1901 in Moshi, Kenya. Nothing is known of his early life. He was however one of the generous, humane and eminent persons in Kenya. His outstanding services in Moshi seem to have begun with the construction of a new Jamatkhana in 1925, which he built with his own expenses of 40,000/- shillings. During his visit in Moshi on February 28, 1926, the Imam graced him with best loving blessings and said, 'You have built a beautiful Jamatkhana, and I will reward you a bungalow better than it in hereafter. You have done extremely a righteous work.' He also donated 1,50,000/- shillings in building the primary school in Moshi. He had also contributed handsome amount in the establishment of Guest-House, library, the Aga Khan Club and Nursery School in Moshi.
Count Mulji Nazar Ali was appointed the Kamadia of Moshi Jamatkhana in 1926. He was once again made the Kamadia between 1929 and 1930. He became at length the Mukhi between 1933 and 1934. He was also a member of the Moshi Provincial Council (1937-1941), the Director of the Ismailia Cooperative Society from1937 until his death, Honorary Secretary of the Moshi Council (1942-1946) and finally the President of the Moshi Council (1946-1954). He also served as a member of the Moshi Building Company, the School Committee, the Economic Committee and other institutions.

In recognition of his outstanding services, the Imam invested him the title of Huzur Mukhi in 1926 and Count in 1954. Hazar Imam also stayed two times at his bungalow during the visit of Moshi.

Deeply grieved to hear tragic death Count Nazarali. I send my most affectionate paternal loving blessings for the soul of late Count Nazarali and pray for eternal peace rest his soul. Kindly convey my most affectionate paternal maternal loving blessings to Countess Nazarali and his son, daughter in law and family for courage and fortitude in their great loss. Best blessings to Countess Nazarali, son and daughter in law for recovery of their health. Jamat and self will greatly miss Count Mulji.

He was born in 1842 in the village of Kapaya, Kutchh. His name was Lalji and his father Devraj came to Bombay when he was hardly few months old. The loss of his mother in 1844 forced his father to hire a woman to nurse the 2 year-old child.
Mukhi Laljibhai Devraj learnt Gujrati upto grade four, and acquired little knowledge of English. He was betrothed to Lailabai in 1860. Two years after his marriage, his father Lalji died in 1862.

He visited Hong Kong, Canton, Shanghai and China between 1860 and 1863 to gain experience in the business field. He opened his small shop of umbrella in 1864 at Kalbadevi in Bombay. Later on, he concentrated himself in the business of glassware and kerosene and therefore obtained its agencies from British India. His business flourished and became one of the leading glassware merchants and commission agents. He also made his business trips to the Middle East, Gulf and Iran. He also extended his business field in Goa, Margau and Mapasa in 1884. He was blessed with obedient sons, who also joined their father's business.

He sprang from a family well known for their piety; he was also as dedicated and manifested unwavering faith. During a mehmani on March 2, 1900 in Hyderabad, Sind, the Imam said to him, 'The shaitan cannot beguile a steady person such as yourself.'

Let us go back to 1882, when the population of India was about 200 million, the number of the school-going children was hardly 300 lakh. The Municipal Corporation of Bombay afforded only 1.17% of funds to education from its revenue. With the help of Rahimtullah Muhammad Sayani (1847-1902), Imam Aga Ali Shah established the first Khoja Ismaili School in 1882 in the city of Bombay. Two Hindu teachers taught 50 to 60 students. This school marked a small but veritable beginning of a renaissance in the Indian community. Later on, Kamadia Ismail Kassimani (1853-1909) founded His Highness the Aga Khan Anglo Vernacular School in the hall of the Khadak Jamatkhana with the Imam's permission. It was opened on August 26, 1901, providing education starting from the Kindergarten level. Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah formed an education committee of two persons, Mukhi Laljibhai Devraj and Nainsibhai Pir Muhammad Ruwala (1852-1924) to promote religious and secular education. The Imam strongly encouraged them to knock on every door to promote education. Soon afterwards, Master Hashim Bogha (1863-1912) also joined the committee.

Laljibhai Devraj resolved to focus his energy on educational field, therefore, confided his business to his sons in 1901 and centered his attention onto the noble cause. He gathered more than 500 students in the school within a period of two years. He also raised His Highness The Aga Khan Girls School at Khadak, Bombay, where 11 teachers taught 300 girls. It must be noted that an Ismaili girl, Gulbanu Ismail Jan Muhammad, who was the first Muslim girl in Bombay to pass Matriculation in 1904, acquired her formal education in this school.

In 1903, the Ismaili Literature Society came into existence to enhance the notion of religious education. Mukhi Laljibhai Devraj became the society's President with Wazir Virji Premji Parpiya (1881-1946) as its Hon. Secretary. Master Hashim Bogha was appointed as its Supervisor. This small institution played a vital role in publishing religious literature.

He was also appointed as a member of the newly formed Ismaili Council for Bombay on April 9, 1906.

Ibrahim Jaffer Somji and Kassim Ali Ladha established the first Ismaili Dharmik Library in the compound of the Darkhana Jamatkhana on August 20, 1905. Karim Rahim Zain al-Abidin was appointed President with Ramzan Ali Rajab Ali as Hon. Secretary and Manji Ghulam Hussain as Hon. Auditor. The Imam became its patron with Mukhi Laljibhai as the vice-patron and a treasurer. It was some time later that he was appointed its Chairman. The library was also coordinated by a committee, called 'Utejak Mandal', whose mandate focused onto propagation of the importance of literature. The library rented a big room in a residential place in order to host a collection of over 500 books. It also published two periodicals, viz. Ismaili Sitaro, the first monthly journal, whose first issue came out on Sunday, August 21, 1908, followed by The Khoja Mitr. For financing these papers, he also formed the Ismaili Hidayat Funds, in which he shared a handsome contribution.

Laljibhai Devraj formed a Text-Book Committee to provide text-books to students. Master Hashim Bogha and Manji Ghulam Hussain assisted him in his initiative. Master Hashim Bogha published 'Ragmala' in 1906 to enable the students to learn the raga of the ginans.

In 1908, Missionary Jamal Megji performed an impressive waez in the main Jamatkhana of Bombay, insisting the jamat to come forward to start annual majalis in Kutchh. Laljibhai Devraj and Nainsibhai Pir Muhammad offered their services and pledged handsome funds. The first annual majalis started in Nigar, about 3 miles from Nagalpur in Kutchh on March 10, 1907, where he delivered a waez. He also raised a donation of Rs. 30,000/- for the majalis funds. In addition, he became the Mukhi of the majalis and since then, he became known as Mukhi Laljibhai Devraj.

His contribution to the first Ismaili Dharmik Library was matchless. Dr. Ali Mohammad Naser Karamsey, the President of the library humbly presented a report in a mehmani in Poona on January 7, 1911, enunciating the incredible services of Mukhi Laljibhai Devraj. In response, the Imam said: 'You are doing excellent work, helping the first Ismaili library and other institutions, missionaries, schools, etc. You are providing power to the Ismaili faith. Your work is highly virtuous, such as a major general and colonel's work would be. I give you blessings for it.'

The Imam visited the Ismaili Dharmik Library on January 9, 1908, March, 1911, January, 1914 and March 1, 1915. The Imam said during his visit in March, 1911 that, 'I am much happy to see this library and congratulate those persons who helped this institution. I am also happy to know the help advanced by Mukhi Lalji Devraj, Jafferbhai and Alijah Haji Ahmad. Since this institution is an important centre to promote education in our jamat, I wish you all the best for it.'

In the interim, he made a collection of religious books, and raised a small library inside his printing press in 1914 to permit Ismailis to have free access to the available literature.

In 1915, the Imam formed a new committee of five individuals, viz. Dr. Rajab Ali Ramji Lakhdir, Ismail Ibrahim Ukka, Mohammad Jaffer Mukhi Alarakhia, Nainsibhai Pir Muhammad Ruwala and Mukhi Laljibhai Devraj. In 1916, the Imam introduced two other persons in the committee, yielding to a total of ten members. In 1917, the school came under the control of Central Board of Education. The foundation stone of the new school was laid on March 23, 1924 with the hands of Mukhi Laljibhai Devraj at Sandshuster Road, Bombay. When Ghulam Ali Ghulam Hussain, the President requested him to make a speech, he showed his inability due to an old age, therefore, his son Alijah Hasan Ali Devraj addressed the audience.

Mukhi Laljibhai also established a Banu Shala (Ladies Industrial Home) in the compound of the Darkhana Jamatkhana, where the Ismaili girls were given basic training of sewing, embroidery works and cooking. About 12 formed tutors were employed to train 300 girls on Imam's grant.

He also financed other schools in Kandi Mola, and spread his yeoman services in other parts of India. It became a significant feature of his career to assist the Ismaili schools irrespective of reward or fame. Later on, these schools came to be supervised under the newly formed institution, called The Khoja Ismaili Education Board in 1922.

Imam Aga Ali Shah is said to have bequeathed him to unearth rare and old manuscripts of the ginans. He launched a campaign in Sind, Kathiawar, Gujrat and Kutchh and collected a bulk of old manuscripts. Most of the Ismailis willingly delivered him their collections, some sold them to him, and others gave them to him on the word that he would return them. For about six months, he employed few scribes to make copies of the ginans and farmans in Khojki script and then distributed them among the Ismailis. When the demand increased, he started a litho print to supply more copies. When the demand increased further more, he made up his mind to prepare the Khojki types for printing purpose. He travelled throughout India, but none could design the Khojki font type. Meanwhile, he read in the newspapers that there existed a facility in Hamburg, Germany capable of preparing the printing types of any script.

He visited Germany in 1903 for a period of three months and succeeded to prepare the Khojki types for the first time. He returned and established the Khoja Sindhi Printing Press on June 27, 1903 at Palkhi Mola, Bombay. It boosted his courage when the Imam stressed upon publishing religious books in Khojki. He mobilized his capital in the project. The Satveni was the first publication of the press.

The Khoja Ghulam Hussain Press, operated by Alauddin Ghulam Hussain (1858-1914) and his son Hussain since 1880, published the ginans and farmans into litho print. These books were so costly that all the Ismailis could not afford them. The advent of the Khoja Sindhi Printing Press had a major impact on the literary field. With his hard exertion and firm determination, the Ismailis could afford the publications at a lower cost. He continued to print the religious literature into Khojki for 17 years. When the Imam made a farman to publish the religious literature into Gujrati in 1919, he started the Gujrati publications. He indeed played an important role in facilitating the switch from Khojki to Gujrati. With the development of the printing type, the printed form gradually replaced the lithographs. Mukhi Laljibhai bore the loss from his own pocket and distributed the profit thereof to the Ismaili library and the schools.

The Khoja Sindhi Printing Press was a boon and basic brick of the Ismaili literature. It paved a way in the growth of journalism within the community. Suffice it to say that it gave a new drift to the Ismaili journalism.

The Indian Ismailis are indebted to him for publishing the ginans before it decayed. It ensues from his editions that he did not indicate the criteria he had followed to edit the ginanic literature. When he noticed its adverse reactions, he made an advertisement in the 'Ismailis Satpanth Prakash' (Bombay, April 12, 1918), which reads: 'We hereby appeal with due respect to the missionaries, devouts and the persons, well rooted in the study of the ginans that the ginans lying in our press have been copied from the accessible hand written manuscripts. We make an appeal to bring to our notice with evidences the errors and shortcomings in the ginans we have brought forth after a labour of seventeen years. We will make amendments in the new editions provided we had truly committed mistakes. We have however copied in two to three editions, and none among the community has yet raised an objection for any alteration, which is an ample evidence of the doubtlessness of our publications. Nevertheless, the reason to make an appeal is to make ourselves free from committing errors, and it is the duty of the scholars of the ginans to respond to our appeal.' He seems to have become victim in modern critics, but the scholars must take a look upon the foregoing declaration before drawing their conclusions.

The library also organized essay and lecture competitions. The winners were awarded prizes and their names published in the Ismaili periodicals. His name was undoubtedly immortalized as the real founder of the Ismaili journalism in India. He also became a patron of Ismaili Literature Society in Bombay in 1910.

In 1915, he also started 'Ismaili Satpanth Prakash', whose editor was V.N. Hooda and Harjibhai Poonja, but discontinued in the year 1927.

He was the President of The Ismailia Sahitya Utejak Mandal, Bombay and extended his inestimable services. He however resigned from the post on February 19, 1918 by virtue of his old age.

In January, 1919, N.M. Budhwani, the editor of the 'Ismaili Aftab' (Dhoraji) had a meeting with Mukhi Laljibhai Devraj and wrote that, 'I had an opportunity to see Mukhi Laljibhai Devraj. He is now about 75 years old, resides near the main Jamatkhana and renders honorary services to the jamat. He is an old man, but his thoughts are modern. He gives much priority to education. He has done a lot of work to spread education within the community. He himself supervises the printing press without profit motives and bears its loss. He is regular in the attendance of morning and evening Jamatkhana. He was an unsparing man, and there is not a single institution in the jamat where his generous hand has not penetrated.'

The monthly Ismaili Satpanth Prakash continued to be published for seven years in Ahmedabad. When he retired on February 19, 1918, the publication of Ismaili Satpanth Prakash came under the Ismailia Sahitiya Prakash Society.

Mukhi Laljibhai Devraj handed over the Khoja Sindhi Printing Press to the Recreation Club Institute with the first Ismaili periodical, 'Ismaili Sitaro' in 1922, which discontinued after a span of 14 years. Instead, the Recreation Club Institute started the publication of the weekly, 'Ismaili,' whose editor was Wazir Ali Muhammad Jan Muhammad Chunara (1881-1960). Its first issue came out on October 7, 1923.

On March 3, 1924, the Imam visited Khadak Girls School, and said while looking at Mukhi Laljibhai that, 'I am much happy to see you. When this educational institution had been started, there was not a single person to work for it. You alone have worked hard at that time and performed an excellent work. You were however alone, but rendered an excellent work.'

His intimate colleague, Nainsibhai Pir Muhammad Ruwala deceased on October 3, 1924 at the age of 72 years. He was born in Rataria, Kutchh in 1852. Soon after his formal education, he entered in the petty business of cotton waste in 1868. Later on, he moved to Bombay and started his own cotton business. He had rendered incredible services for 35 years along with Mukhi Laljibhai Devraj.

The unfurling ceremony of the Ismaili flag was performed for the first time in India on June 19, 1927 at Thana Jamatkhana. Soon afterwards, it was followed in other parts of India. Mukhi Laljibhai Devraj had an honour to unfurl the Ismaili flag on Bandra Jamatkhana, Bombay on July 4, 1927.

While addressing in the Central Health Board on January 15, 1928 at Bombay, the Imam said, 'I am much happy to know that the Bombay school has made tremendous progress during last several years. When it first started, its initiative was insignificant. At that time, Mukhi Laljibhai Devraj and others worked hard, resulting in the opening of its branches in the locations of Bombay. This school serves excellently to the community. I wish for its high success and prosperity.'

Overpowered with pain and fatigue, there was not an ounce of energy left in him. But even in the state of bodily frustration, his mind was alert and active with unwavering faith. Once Wazir Ghulam Hussain Thavar (1907-1963) went at his residence with few friends when his health was impaired. When the matter of the literature grossly discrediting the image of Ismailism in a hideous form came into the discussion, he exclaimed at once, 'Alas! I am too old. My hands and legs are shaking in weakness. I have now no energy, otherwise, I will have taken measures against the derogatory literature.'

Mukhi Laljibhai Devraj, who was also known as the Grand Old Man and the Father of Education and Father of Ismaili Journalism, expired in Bombay on October 6, 1930 at the age of 88 years. He had five sons, viz. Rehmatullah, Hasan Ali, Issa, Abdullah, Hussain and a daughter, Kulsoom.

At the Aga Hall in Bombay, the Imam said to his sons during the Ruhani Mehmani on December 22, 1933 that, 'Your father had served my house too much, and wherever his children are - whether in Goa, Madras, Bombay, etc., in the Recreation Club, Council or Panjibhai Club, they are serving me. I give you many many blessings.'

The Imam also called his sons and their children near the chair and heard of their activities. The Imam graced them dastboshi and told to Alijah Hasan Ali Devraj that, 'Alijah, you are also serving my house and keep it continued.'

His son Rahmatullah Lalji (1876-1918) introduced Persian classes in the Vidhiya Vinod Club (Bombay) and also wrote many important articles in Ismaili periodicals. He financed the religious night school of Kandi Mola, Bombay. As well as raised a group, known as the Valkesar Panjibhai to present the fruits of every season to the Imam at the Valkesar bungalow. Ultimately, it took the formation of the Valkesar Panjibhai Majalis in Bombay. Later on, he moved to Goa and helped the incoming Ismailis in their settlement. He also served as Mukhi of the Goa jamat. He had 4 sons and 5 daughters.

Hasan Ali Lalji was the first Hon. Secretary of the Recreation Club Institute since 1922. He was appointed the Mukhi of Bombay Darkhana Jamatkhana in 1934. He also executed the function of President of the Council Committee in Kutchh with Mukhi Hashim Bhimji as Hon. Secretary. He left behind 2 sons and 3 daughters. His son, Mahdi rendered incredible services to the jamat as the Mukhi. Mukhi Mahdi died in November, 1949 and the Imam sent following telegraphic message:

Marscillee : 12th Nov., 1949
Time : 11:45 a.m.

My most loving blessings to the memory of our beloved Mukhi Mahdi. Loving blessing and condolence to his family. His life long devotion and service like his father, uncles and grandfather are always in my thoughts. Renewed blessings to the Laljee family.

The third son of Mukhi Laljibhai Devraj was Issa Lalji, who was born on August 3, 1891. He was appointed as the Mukhi of Madras Jamatkhana on January 4, 1934 and served for eight years. He then migrated to Bangladesh, and died in Karachi on November 2, 1976. He had 6 sons and 5 daughters.

Abdullah Lalji also served as the Mukhi for Goa jamat and was crowned with the title of Wazir in 1960. He left behind 2 sons and 4 daughters.

Hussain Lalji was the fifth son of Mukhi Laljibhai Devraj, and also served as the Mukhi in Goa and Poona Jamatkhanas. In 1922, the Imam appointed him as a member of H.H. The Aga Khan's Ismaili Central Board for Education for Bombay. He was given the title of Wazir in 1970. He had 7 sons and 4 daughters, and died in May, 1971. It must be known that his son, Jaffer presented a mehmani at Wadi, Bombay in 1970 and asked a name for his newly born son. The Imam named his son Lalji. Soon afterwards, the Imam attended the mehmani of Issa Lalji, where he said, 'Lalji is a Hindu name, but I gave this name to Jaffer's son, because your late father Mukhi Laljibhai Devraj had rendered tremendous services, and I gave this name to revive his memory.'

Kulsoom was the only daughter of Mukhi Laljibhai Devraj. She was also a social worker and married to Vali Mohammad Haji Ladak.

In 1951, Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah is reported to have asked to Ibrahim Jaffer Somji, 'Who is the richest person in Bombay?' To this, he said, 'Dewan Muhammad Rawjee is most affluent.' The Imam said, 'Not Dewan Rawjee, but the family of Mukhi Laljibhai Devraj. His son Hasan Ali in Bombay, Hussain in Poona, Issa in Madras and Abdullah in Goa served as the Mukhis. Indeed, the family of late Mukhi Laljibhai Devraj is the richest one.'

The Shamsi Ismailis in Punjab, the followers of Pir Shams (d. 1356), mostly practiced the Ismaili faith in solitude in the garb of the Hindus, and became known as the gupti (secretive). These gupti Ismailis mostly resided in 73 different villages in Punjab. Most of them revealed themselves from the Hindu culture, and emerged in public and assumed the Islamic names soon after the orders of Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah in 1910. The Imam is reported to have issued his next orders in 1912, 1914 and 1916 to cut down the old customs of Hindu customs and become practicing Muslims. In 1914, with the help of missionary Pir Muhammad Hussaini Asani (1878-1951), a certain Mahesh Das or Mahesh Chand dropped his name and assumed the name, Shamsuddin. His ancestors came from a Rajput and he passed early period of his life in Jhang, Pakistan, where he became known as Jhangi Rajput. He left Jhang and settled in the village of Pir-i da Kot in Kalayanwala. Later on, he moved in the village of Haria Hatiyada in Hafizabad.
Mahesh Das assumed the name of Shamsuddin and his five sons also followed him, such as Mithra Das became Ali by name, Kirpa Ram as Rahim Baksh, Javanda Ram as Karam Hussain, Piramal Das as Karim Baksh and Wazir Chand as Muhammad Ismaili. The most prominent among them was Karam Hussain.

Karam Hussain was born most probably in 1882 in the village of Pir-i da Kot in Kalayanwala, near Hafizabad in district Gujranwala. He then came to live in Hafizabad and finally settled in Multan, where he got his formal education. Soon after his education, he worked as a T.T. in the railway department in Multan. Later on, he left the government job and started his own jewellery shop on a small scale.

Karam Hussain was interested in religious literature, and made very deep study on Ismailism. He gave religious education to the children and he himself delivered waez in the Jamatkhana. He was also noted to have held deliberations with eminent scholars of Arya Samaj, a vigorous reform sect of modern Hinduism, founded in 1875 by Dayananda Sarasvati (1824-1883), whose aim was to revive the Vedic rules in India. Karam Hussain also held many public discussions with the Hindu pandits in Punjab to justify Ismailism and Islam.

The tradition of the annual majalis brought good results in some places in India to unite the scattered Ismailis. In Punjab, the similar annual majalis for three days also started in Sialkot and Hazro with the guidance of the Imam. On each occasion, two lambs were slaughtered in Sialkot. Once after the lambs were slaughtered, some local Hindus started propaganda that the local followers of the Aga Khan had killed a cow. This resulted in a dispute within the whole community both the Ismailis and the Hindus. The Hindus declared a social boycott with the Ismailis of Sialkot, Jalalpur Bhatia, Pind Dad Khan and Multan. When their prestige was at stake, the Ismailis reported to Lady Aly Shah in Bombay by telegram about the social ostracism. She contacted to the Governor by telephone, to which the soldiers were sent in Sialkot. It was judicated at length that it was an awful superstition to ascribe to the members of a peaceful and civilized community that they had killed a cow. The court fined some Hindu leaders and most of them apologized.

Pandit Radha Krishan, the head of Arya Samaj was a gupti Ismaili by birth and came from Cambalpur, near Rawalpindi. He was not much in favour of the gupti Ismailis declaring themselves as Muslims. He troubled the Ismailis with the help of the Hindus. Radha Krishan published 'Aga Khan aur uske karishm'e' from Punjab into Urdu. The Ismaili missionary Varteji replied him through a book, 'Aga Khani Khudai'no Zarkat' in 1919 from Bombay. When the aggressive propaganda reached its climax, it provoked and inspired the Ismailis to fight back. Karam Hussain designed a plan to begin a literary deliberations with Radha Krishan. He did not like to put the Ismailis at the mercy of the opposition of the Arya Samaj.

Karam Hussain came to Bombay and revealed his plan to the Imam. Imam Sultan Mohammed Shah told him,, 'You leave him - a divine decision will resolve the issue' Within a few days, the British India arrested Radha Krishan for violating peace and order and he was imprisoned, where he died in 1921. Radha Krishan however appealed to the Imam from prison for his release, but his attempts failed. Karam Hussain visited Bombay the following year, Imam Sultan Mohammed Shah asked him about Radha Krishan. He said that he had died in prison. The Imam said, 'This was a divine decision. Was it not excellent?' He reverently bowed his head in humility.

It would seem that the principal weapon in Arya Samaj against the Ismailis was their propaganda through the media of newspapers. Hence, Kesh Ram emerged in Punjab and propagated in the newspapers. The Ismailis approached the literary circles from Karam Hussain to Sir Muhammad Shafi, a famous advocate in Lahore, who assured that Kesh Ram could not withstand before the noble personality of the Aga Khan. Some Ismailis also visited Bombay and reported the anti-propaganda of Kesh Ram to Imam Sultan Mohammed Shah, asking 'We intend to file a suit against him.' The Imam said, 'Let the dogs bark. Leave them alone and do nothing. People of Punjab are my followers.'

On January 2, 1917, the members of the Arya Samaj informed Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) that, 'The Hindus are embracing the faith of the Aga Khan in multitude, therefore, you prevent them.' Gandhi was in Bombay at that time, he summoned these Hindus who were converted recently, and advised them not to abandon Hinduism. He also told them, 'I do not interfere in your faith, but suggest you keep an open mind that the Hinduism is a good religion, and it is not advisable to exceed its boundary.' They replied him, 'We have not abandoned our community, but reached in an original abode. You should also enter this original house, because we found in the Aga Khan whatever was in Ram, Krishna or Vishnu. Why should we live in the house of images, absolutely void of light. Why we do not enter the house, which is the house of the living light, the apparent and protective house of the light.'

Soon afterwards, the members of the Arya Samaj made an approach of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. He visited Multan with his friends and Hindu leaders at the end of 1917 and summoned the new converted Ismailis. Karam Hussain, Nazar Ali Sharaf, Sadruddin, Missionary Ghulam Ali Zafar Hyderi, Muhammad and Rahmat Ali Sharaf, etc. went to see him. Nehru told them, 'You continue to adore the Aga Khan, but do not assume the Islamic names.' Nazar Ali Sharaf said, 'We have a mazhar of God in presence. Do you have, or at least its match? If so, let us see?' The aim of Nahru failed in convincing them.

In 1922, Karam Hussain visited Shahpur in district Mianwali in Punjab and met Karam Chand, who asked him five religious questions in writing. In reply, he was vigorous in his cogent arguments as revealed from his book, 'Mazhar-i Dhat-i Haq' (Part I).

Karam Hussain visited Bombay in 1923 and learnt much about Ismailism from Pir Sabzali. During the Conference of the Recreation Club in Bombay on March 2, 1923, Imam Sultan Mohammed Shah formed a Committee of the Recreation Club for Punjab, and appointed Pir Sabzali as its President with Karam Hussain as Hon. Secretary.

By the end of 1923, Karam Hussain founded The Punjab Ismailia Mission Club in Multan, and became its first President with Rai A.M. Sadruddin as an Honorary Secretary. The Mission Club began to publish useful books into Urdu.

Dr. Naqal Sin wrote him a letter on June 13, 1924 from Sialkot, asking different religious questions, which he excellently replied in his book. Dr. Naqal Sin once again wrote him on July 17, 1924 and it was also answered through his book with arguments and references. In the meantime, the Arya Samaj published few books against the Ismailis in 1929, viz. 'Aga Khani Gupt Panth', 'Da'm Fareb', 'Dhul'ki Pol' etc. The religious sentiment of the Ismailis was rudely shaken in Punjab by the onslaught of these literatures. Karam Hussain dealt with them through literary encounters and calmed them down very soon.

The overt hostility of the Arya Samaj continued. In the first week of April, 1925, they organized a grand function in Sialkot, in which Pandit Pariyanand of Baroda spoke ill words against the Ismailis, branding them non-Muslims. The local Ismaili jamats took its serious notice. Karam Hussain was in Multan in those days and wrote to the jamats the measures to be taken against the Arya Samaj. The jamats issued a hand-bill that Missionary Abdul Hussain Bachal of Sind with other Muslim scholars would give lecture in the theatre at Sabzi Mandi, Sialkot on 5th, 6th and 7th April, 1925 to refute the allegations of the Arya Samaj. Thousands of people assembled at the prescribed venue, where the propaganda of the Arya Samaj was not only repudiated, but evidences were shown that the Ismailis were the true Muslims.

In October, 1924, Pir Sabzali collected a donation of Rs. 4000/- in Punjab for building a new Jamatkhana in Sialkot. Ghulam Hussain Jivraj of Karachi built it under the supervision of Karam Hussain, and his brother, Rai Muhammad Ismail and Missionary Inayat Ali of Kalayanwala, also assisted him. He left his jewellery shop to his elder son in Multan and resided in Sialkot with his brother. Both built the Jamatkhana within 22 months. This new Jamatkhana was completed and opened by the hands of Pir Sabzali in 1926.

Karam Hussain was appointed as the first President of the Ismaili District Council for Multan on March 21, 1928. He also became known as President Karam Hussain among the Punjabi Ismailis. He remained busy in dealing with the opponents and had to stay few months in Sialkot and other cities. On account of his constant absence in Multan, Varas Nazar Ali, the Vice-President and some other members of the Council passed a resolution in 1930 against him for the appointment of a new President. A copy of the resolution was forwarded to the Imam in Bombay. In his reply, Imam Sultan Mohammed Shah wrote that, 'Karam Hussain is a life-president of the District Council for Multan, and there will be no replacement for him.'

Imam Sultan Mohammed Shah arrived in Delhi on February 20, 1934, where about 2000 Ismailis from Punjab and Frontier jamats assembled for didar, including Karam Hussain. The Imam told them, 'It is my blessings and prayers that you remain happy. God is One. Muhammad is His apostle. Koran is a true book. Kaba is a direction for all. Imam is present before you and is with you. You are Muslims. Live together with other Muslims. Utter Salam Alaikum to the Muslims. You have come from far. I was to come to you. I can never part myself from you.'

In Delhi, the opponents started their opposition against the Ismailis and waged propaganda against the Ismailis and the Imam. In order to impede them, Pir Sabzali, Wafi Ahmad, the President of the Sialkot Council, Karam Hussain and some missionaries of East Africa clarified through a press conference that the Ismailis followed the principles of Islam and there was no distinction between the Ismailis and the Muslims.

Karam Hussain had generated friendly terms with Sayed Muhammad Shah, the father of Missionary Ghulam Ali Shah. They exchanged their religious knowledge several times on different occasions.

Karam Hussain was noted for his piety and regularity in attendance in Jamatkhana. He suffered from diabetes at the later period of his life. Once a tumor was diagnosed on his waist. He mostly depended on domestic medicines, but it was not cured. He then consulted to Dr. Vashu Ram, who examined and suggested for an operation. Karam Hussain did not smell chloroform and told to inform him just 15 minutes before an operation. When he was informed, he closed his eyes and started meditating. Dr. Vashu Ram performed the operation , which lasted for almost two and half-hours. The doctor was amazed at the calmness of Karam Hussain's body during the operation and when he asked him how he maintained such a state, Karam Hussain replied that he remembered the name of his spiritual master.

His untiring services in the exposition of the gupti Ismailis with other eminent missionaries cannot be ignored. The last known group of the gupti visited Bombay, and in their mehmani on January 27, 1935, Imam Sultan Mohammed Shah said, 'The Khojas became revealed as the Ismailis with the preaching of Pir Sadruddin, while you were revealed with my farmans. Likewise, the jamat of Surat was also revealed with my farmans. I am very happy with the jamat of Punjab and Surat and give them many congratulations.'

The last few years of Karam Hussain's life were marred by illness and physical affliction, which he bore with tranquility and peace of mind. He died in a room, now a library in the Jamatkhana at Pak Gate, Multan at 7.00 a.m. on September 3, 1934 at the age of 52 years. In his message through Mukhi Hussain, Imam Sultan Mohammed Shah said, 'The soul of late Karam Hussain reached my presence.'

Pir Sabzali came in Multan from Hyderabad, Sind on September 27, 1934 to pay condolence to his son Mukhi Shamsuddin. He left Multan for Amritsar on September 29, 1934. According to his will to his son, the place where he died was donated for the Jamatkhana, which was built under the supervision of Rai Juma.

He had five sons, viz. Ahmad, Safdar Ali, Muhammad, Ghulam Ali and Mukhi Shamsuddin.

It is to be noted that the sister of Karam Hussain had served as a Mukhiani in Multan Jamatkhana for over 25 years. She was the mother of Rai A.M. Sadruddin. When she died in 1951, the Imam graciously remembered her as a Lady Mariam in a cable message to Rai A.M. Sadruddin.

Karam Hussain had a rare ability to keep his mind focused steadily on the distance horizon, and at the same time concentrated his whole effort on what was practically possible. When he resolved to accomplish something, he seldom gave up its pursuit. Swift in thought and action, he could formulate his plans on the spur of the moment. He was ambitious, but it was never personal. He laboured for his faith not for own sake. Upto the moment of his last breath, he placed his heart and soul in the service of the Imam and the Ismailis. He was one of those rare men who combined theory with practice.

Karam Hussain was a prolific writer of his time, and published many books through Ismaili Mission Club, Multan. His best known work is 'Mazhar-i Dhat-i Haq' (Part I, II & III) published in 1923, and its third part known as 'Naklank Darpan' appeared in 1924. His other books were 'Shri Naklank Maharaj ka Shankar', 'Qandil-i Rah'i Rast' (Part I, II & III), and the translation of 'Si Harfi' of Syed Muhammad Shah into Urdu. He was also a frequent contributor to the periodicals of Multan, Lahore and Delhi.

Karim Ibrahim's father Ibrahim Pabani came from Mandavi, Kutchh. He was an eminent owner of the ships, sailing in Arabian and Zanzibar coasts. He had three sons - Ladha, Datoo and Karim. Ibrahim Pabani died in 1857.
Karim Ibrahim was born on November 18, 1840 at Mandavi, where he acquired his formal education. When his father died, he was about 16 years old. He prospered his business in Bombay and opened the branches as far as Hong Kong, Shanghai and Calcutta. Karim Ibrahim earned distinction as an industrialist and businessman very soon. He built up an extensive sea trade with China during the days when modern ships had not yet replaced sailing vessels and the hazards of the sea voyage were dangerous. His enterprise was an inspiration for many other Ismailis to establish business connection with China in silk, crockery, tea and cotton.

In 1854, Karim Ibrahim got married and when his first wife expired, he married Phoolbai in 1876. Phoolbai was the daughter of Visram Sajan. In 1883, he was nominated by the British India as J.P.

Karim Ibrahim also managed a cotton mill in Bombay, which he sold. He then obtained the agency of the Prince of Wales Mills, also known as Hong Kong Mills for three years. In 1888, he built a new mill in his name, and became an owner of 17 mills and ginning factories. He was also known as the King of Cotton. He had a caravan of 40,000 workers in his mills and factories . His industry was like a small village. He also opened his agency in Japan in 1895. N.M. Dumasia writes in 'The Short History of the Aga Khan' (Bombay, 1903, p. 243) that, 'Karim Ibrahim is considered as a royal trader, and his one firm alone runs as a standard bank.'

When the Prince of Wales visited India, Karim Ibrahim was knighted on November 14, 1905. He was also appointed the President of the Anjuman-e-Islam on October 30, 1906.

The British India made him Baronet, and he became the first Baronet among the Indian Muslims in 1910 when he was 73 years old.

Karim Ibrahim donated three lacs for the Prince of Wales museum. On March 10, 1910, he also donated four lacs and fifty thousand rupees to British India for promoting education in the Science Institute. He also granted ten lacs to Bombay University for scholarship to the students.

He was a generous and he also played a prominent role in the welfare of the community. Karim Ibrahim opened many orphanages, notably Karim Ibrahim Khoja Orphanage, which was opened on Sunday, April 24, 1894 and the Ibrahimbhai Girls School in Mandavi, Kutchh. He also built in Mandavi a resting house for the tourists.

He died on September 26, 1924 at 3.30 pm. at the age of 84 years in Bombay. Sir Lesaley Wilson, the governor of Bombay started to raise funds on February, 1925 to build Sir Karim Ibrahim Memorial Fund, and completed the task on April 3, 1925.