Elephant-headed Ganesh, India’s most popular God, is a study in dichotomy. He is held in awe and respect as a powerful energy who removes impediments in people’s lives. But Ganesh also conjures a very down-to-earth warmth. Some of this benevolence stems from his near involvement in our everyday lives and from the mythological tales about Ganesh and his family. The legends about Ganesh depict him as a devout son and a loving sibling.

There’s no Hindu grandma who doesn’t love narrating the story of Ganesh’s parentage and birth. Many explanations abound, but here’s the popular one. Officially, Ganesha’s father is Shiv the Destroyer, one of the holy trinity in the Hindu pantheon, a rather fearsome figure with matted locks and an ash-smeared body who spends eons meditating in the Himalayas. Parvati, his charming wife, presides over all of creation. Without her, the earth would be barren and perennially cold. During her husband’s long absence, Parvati created a small boy for herself from a dollop of clay - none other than Ganesh. When Shiva, unaware of his ’son’s’ existence, returned back, Ganesh refused him from access to Parvati, who was bathing and had told her son to guard against intruders. Shiva, whose fury could destroy the universe, chopped off the child’s head. When he realized his error, he replaced the boy’s head with that of an elephant. Shiva also granted Ganesha a boon - that he would be worshipped prior to the start of any earthly enterprise. Notwithstanding this dramatic event in childhood, Ganesh grew up to be regarded as the epitome of filial devotion.

Hindu mythology has few legends about Ganesh and his younger sibling, Karthikeya. Where Ganesh is revered all over India, Karthikeya’s influence is predominant in India’s southern state of Tamil Nadu, where he is also known as Murugan, Subramanya or Arumugham. You couldn’t find two more different personalities. Ganesh is comfortably tubby, gentle, and patience personified; brother Karthikeya is all radiant energy and an impulsive lad. Ganesha has the lowly mouse as his vehicle while Karthikeya prefers the flashy peacock.

Like many Hindu myths, stories of the Ganesh-Kartikeya interactions are possessed of a childlike simplicity, yet imbued with teachings for mankind. One time, a mango infused with divine knowledge was brought to Mount Kailas in the Himalayas, where Shiva and Parvati hold court. Since only one individual could consume the fruit, a race was suggested between their two sons - whosoever circumambulated the earth three times and returned first would win the mango. Certain that his peacock would outrace Ganesha’s mouse, Kartikeya flew off into space. Ganesha, on the other hand, simply folded his palms in prayer and walked around his seated parents, returning to his starting point ahead of Kartikeya. His reasoning? Shiva and Parvati contain the world within them; walking around his parents is equivalent to actually going around the earth. He won the fruit, but then magnanimously offered it to his sulking brother.

There are contradictory views regarding the marital status of Ganesha. Some regions of India worships Ganesha as a bachelor while the rest of India worships him along with his two consorts. Ganesha is thought to be married to Siddhi (spiritual strength) and Buddhi (intellect) - the daughters of Brahma the Creator - one of the holy trinity in the Hindu pantheon. This is popularly taken to mean that where Ganesh is present, intellectual acumen and spirituality will follow. Legend also has it that Kartikeya grew up to marry Valli, a tribal maiden and Devayani, the daughter of Indra, the wind god. However, he is widely worshipped as a child-god possessed of a warrior’s skills, one who protects his devotees against all harm.

Chip is an artist, designer, and a devoted follower of Ganesha. His Ganesh inspired art can be viewed at Ganesh Mall. Visit Hindu God Ganesha’s Family.

Religion

religion beliefs

 Period: (1862-1942)

Ibrahim Rahimtullah was a son of Rahmatullah Kadar, a well-known merchant in Bombay. Sir Ibrahim Rahimtullah was born in Bombay on May, 1862 in a family having no political tradition. He took his education in Elphinstone High School. He was a diligent student and showed particular aptitude for arithmetic, algebra and geometry. His failure in the Matriculation examination in 1897 marked an end of his scholastic career, and he joined his elder brother, Muhammad Rahmatullah in business. The death of his father in 1880 was a great calamity for the young brothers, who were left without any experience in business.

Ibrahim Rahimtullah chalked out a different field for himself. It was a beginning of a busy and changing age in India; and there was enough animation in the city life of Bombay. In the meantime, the All Indian National Congress came into existence in 1885, therefore, his youthful days were cast in auspicious times.

Ibrahim Rahimtullah had slowly but steadily paved his way to the front until he was honoured to be described by the Imam as the most distinguished member our community has produced in Western India. In 1892, he joined Bombay Municipal on behalf of the Mandavi Board. His association with the Corporation therefore covered an uninterrupted period of 26 years of strenuous work.

In 1895, he foretold an incoming danger of the plague in Bombay, but the British India ignored it. Eventually, the disease broke out in 1897, making the victims of countless lives. He became the President of the Standing Committee of Bombay Municipal in 1898, and was elected as a Mayor of Bombay in 1899 and received great deal of encouragement from Sir Pherozesha Mehta. His services for his city were manifold, and there was hardly a single subject of civic importance, which he did not deal within a spirit of broad statesmanship. In 1898, the Bombay Municipal deputed him as a representative in Bombay City Improvement Trust, where he served for 20 years (1898-1918). In 1899, he was honoured as J.P. When he became a member of the Provincial Parliament, the Ismailis honoured him in a grand banquet on August 4, 1900.

Ibrahim Rahimtullah was a member of Bombay Legislative Council (1899-1912), Imperial Legislative Council (1913-1916), Government’s Executive Council for Education and Local Self-Government (1918-1923), the President of Legislative Council, Bombay (1923-1928), Member of Indian Legislative Assembly in 1931, whose President in 1931 to 1933, the Chairman of Indian Fiscal Committee (1921) and he became the first Indian Muslim to hold this post; the member of Royal Commission on Labour in 1929 and also delegated to Round Table Conference, London in 1930.

In 1904, during the conference of the Congress at Bombay, he was elected to a committee of that body to consider its constitution. All through the stormy period of 1907-1910, when the bulk of the Muslims held aloof from the Indian National Congress, he lent his support equally to the Congress and the Muslim League. In 1904, he became the Sheriff of Bombay, and was also honoured the title of C.I.E. in 1907. In May, 1908, he proceeded to England for treatment and returned in October, 1908.

With the advent of the Morley-Minto Reforms, he widened his activities to take full advantage of the added privileges. He was the first, at any rate in the Bombay Council to use the right of introducing private Bills. His Bill for the registration of charities introduced in 1910. Lord Thomas Sydenham, the then governor, the chief justice of Bombay High Court, the Press and the general public supported the Bill. In 1911, the British India granted him the title of Knighthood.

In the end of 1912, he sought election to the Imperial Legislative Council, and was also elected for the second time in 1916. His most enduring work in the Imperial Legislative Council was in the sphere of Indias commercial and industrial progress. It was due largely to his efforts that the three important commissions - The Industrial, Railway and Fiscal Commissions, which have assisted to shape the Indian governments policy in regard to industries, railways and tariff, were appointed. He was appointed the President of the Fiscal Commission on October, 1921.

Sir Ibrahim Rahimtullah also proposed the British India to take due measure for the defence of vast Indian sea-coast. He published his article in The Times of India in January, 1918 and emphasized the creation of the Indian Navy. The Imam also buttressed his views and according to N.M. Dumasia in The Aga Khan and His Ancestors (Bombay, 1939, p. 237) that, The Aga Khan is strongly in favour of the view advanced by Sir Ibrahim Rahimtullah that for the defence of the extensive sea-coast of India, there should be sufficient Indian material.

When in the beginning of 1918, Sir Mahadev Chaubal retired from his membership of the government of Bombay, the choice fell on him to fill that vacancy. It was a tribute to his eminence in public life and reputation for statesmanship. He also was an ordinary fellow of Bombay University in 1921. The British India honoured him with the title of K.C.S.I. (Knights of the Star of India) on November 21, 1924. He was also awarded a silver medal of Kaisar-i Hind for his valuable services and generosity.

It was his intention to seek election to the Legislative Assembly after his retirement. But suddenly in May, 1923, two months after his retirement from the Executive Council, came the news of the demise of Sir Narayan Chandavarkar Ganesh (1855-1923), the nominated President of the Bombay Legislative Council. At the earnest request of Sir George Lloyd, the then governor, Sir Ibrahim Rahimtullah accepted the presidentship of the Legislative Council. His term of the office terminated on February 18, 1925.

The governor as a non-official member of the Council nominated him with a view to his eventual election as its President. When the nominations were announced on February 19, 1925, no one opposed the nomination. He became the first elected President of the Bombay Legislative Council.

Ibrahim Rahimtullah also took a prominent part in the deliberations of the All-India Muslim League and he favoured free and compulsory education during the 4th session at Nagpur in December, 1910. He was a delegate to the first Hindu-Muslim Unity Conference, Allahabad, 1911 under the Presidentship of Sir William Waddarburn. He also became the President of AIML during the 7th session in Agra, 1913, and the Vice-President during the 9th session in Lucknow in December, 1916. He also presided the All India Muslim Educational Conference in Bombay on December 27, 1924. According to The Aga Khan and His Ancestors (Bombay, 1939, p. 180), In the Bombay Presidency the community over which the Aga Khan presided with such distinction possess such eminent leaders as Sir Ibrahim Rahimtullah who, like his revered leader, valiantly pressed Muslim claims.

Sir Ibrahim Rahimtullah was also a member of Joint School Commission, the President of Muslim Gymkhana, Vice-President of Anujman-e-Islam, and the President of Mulji Jivraj Library.

He died in June, 1942 at Bombay. He had one son and a daughter by his first wife. He married second time in 1903, having three sons and three daughters.

It is to be noted that the Bombay Municipality has given the name of the road as Sir Ibrahim Rahimtullah Road between the J.J. Hospital and Bhindi Bazar.

Sir Ibrahim Rahimtullah Opthalmic Department opened in the Ismaili General Hospital on December 20, 1959. S.C. Bhut, the Charity Commissioner of Bombay, in a gathering in Aga Hall, Bombay, performed its inauguration ceremony. The trustees of late Sir Ibrahim Rahimtullah have donated a sum of Rs. 48,000/- for it. On that occasion, the Imam sent following telegraphic message:

Gastaad : 18th Dec., 1959

Lt. President

Ismaili Hospital

C/o Convivial,

Bombay

Most happy at opening of Opthalmic Department in our hospital. This has been much needed service for many years. I sincerely thank His Excellency Charity Commissioner for opening the new wing and hope it will achieve every success.

Prince Aly Khan also sent following message from New York:-

New York : 17th Dec., 1959

Lt. President

Ismaili General Hospital

C/o Convivial,

Bombay

Send warmest affectionate greetings and blessings on happy occasion opening twentieth December in name of donor late Sir Ebrahim Rahimtoola of Opthalmic Department for outdoor patients of all community. This will be wonderful service to people.

Few words must be added for his son, Wazir Ibrahim Rahimtullah. He was born on March 10, 1912 at Bombay. He was a close associate of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. After the partition of India, he came in Pakistan and played important role in the politics. He was the governor of Sind and Punjab and a Federal Minister. He became the first High Commissioner of Pakistan to England at the age of 35 years in 1950. Imam Sultan Mohammed Shah has described him in his Memoirs as the brilliant son of a brilliant father. The Imam conferred upon him the title of Wazir in 1954. He died in Karachi on January 2, 1991 at the age of 78 years.

Few words must be added for his son, Wazir Ibrahim Rahimtullah. He was born on March 10, 1912 at Bombay. He was a close associate of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. After the partition of India, he came in Pakistan and played important role in the politics. He was the governor of Sind and Punjab and a Federal Minister. He became the first High Commissioner of Pakistan to England at the age of 35 years in 1950. Imam Sultan Mohammed Shahhas described him in his as the brilliant son of a brilliant father. The Imam conferred upon him the title of in 1954. He died in Karachi on January 2, 1991 at the age of 78 years.

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Mumtaz Ali Tajddin S. Ali is an popular Ismaili Scholar, He has written biography of ismaili heroes such as Sir Ibrahim Rahimtullah in 101 Ismaili Heroes,

Religion

religions

 Period: (1905-1962)

Ibrahim Nathoo was born in Nairobi on March 13, 1905. He was educated at Government Indian School, Nairobi, then in Esplanade High School, Bombay; St. Xaviers College, Bombay; Trinity Hall, Cambridge; and Owens College, Victoria University, Manchester. He was a prominent freemason, holding Grand Lodge honours and District Grand Lodge Honours.

Count Ibrahim Nathoo did considerable work in civil defence during the second world war (1939-1945) and he was a member of the Indian Manpower Committee. He had been chosen by the government of Kenya to represent at the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1952. He was also the Director of Imperial Hotel in Uganda and Lombard Banking Ltd. in Dar-es-Salaam.

Count Ibrahim Nathoo was a member of the Advisory Committee on Asian Education, Kenya (1932-1953), the member of the Kenya Legislative Council (1944-1961), and the Minister for Public Works in the Kenya Government (1954-1961). He also attended the Kenya Constitutional Conference in London in February, 1960.

The Provincial Council of Nairobi honoured him a warm reception for his valuable services. On that occasion, Dewan Sir Eboo Pirbhai (1905-1990) said in his speech that, Honble Ibrahim had performed important works for the upliftment of the Ismailis, particularly worked brilliantly as an Administrator of the Educational Department for over last ten years.

He was also an eminent social worker in the community. For instance, he was the Chairman of the Aga Khan Education Board, Nairobi (1937-1943), the member of the Kenya Central Education Board (1943-1945), the Administrator of the Central Council of Education for Africa, Kenya (1945-1954) and the Advisor to the Kenya Education Administrator (1954-1958). He was also appointed as an Advisor to the different social welfare agencies working in the field of Economics. He also rendered his services as the Honorary Private Secretary to Prince Aly Khan (1940-1959) and the Honorary Private Secretary to the Hazar Imam (1957-1959). Count Ibrahim Nathoo also toured with Prince Aly Khan with other Kenya leaders from Nairobi to Cairo, Alexandria, Syria, Palestine, etc. in 1944.

Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah summoned a conference of the Ismaili delegates in Cairo to review the occasion of the Platinum Jubilee upon the completion of 70 years of his Imamate. Count Ibrahim Nathoo also attended the conference. The delegates discussed mutually in the morning and met Imam Sultan Mohammed Shah 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. The Imam left Cairo for France with Mata Salamat on March 17, 1951. Prince Aly Khan offered the Ismaili delegates to join him on his visit to Syria on March 18, 1951. Count Ibrahim Nathoo accepted the offer with other 11 leaders and arrived in Salamia, where he learnt much about the Syrian Ismailis.

The Imam posted him in Pakistan and appointed him directly as his advisor in May, 1962 to the Central Bodies like The Aga Khan Trust, Economic & Planning Board, Karis Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Central Education Board, etc. He was also a member of the Advisory Board of Pak-Ismailia Publication Ltd.

For the social welfare and development of the Ismaili institutions in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), Count Ibrahim Nathoo arrived in Dacca on October 28, 1962. He remained busy studying various living conditions of the Ismailis in Pakistan and multifarious problems affecting the community.

In view of his long invaluable services, he was awarded the title of Alijah in 1942, Rai in 1946, Wazir in 1951 and Count in 1954.

He married to Nurbanu, the daughter of Hasham Jan Muhammad in 1926. He had a son, Ali and two daughters, Naseem and Semira.

Count Ibrahim Nathoo died in Karachi due to heart attack on November 29, 1962.

Mumtaz Ali Tajddin S. Ali is an popular Ismaili Scholar, He has written biography of ismaili heroes such as Count Ibrahim Nathoo in 101 Ismaili Heroes,

Religion

christianity religion

Kidney stones are common in men and women who have or had abnormal amounts of chemicals in their urine, or for those who have had lower levels of fluid intake for an extended time. You can help your body by making sure that you drink plenty of fluids, and make sure that you see your doctor at the first sign of pain.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Kidney stone symptoms can be a pain that is focused on the back and groin area. Kidney stones that have passed into the ureter, the small tube that runs from the kidneys to the bladder, are the cause of this sometimes severe pain. It is important that you have localized or general pain checked out by a medical professional, since there can be other causes.

You may also notice a small amount of blood in the urine that is caused by the kidney stone, along with some nausea, vomiting or even sweating. These symptoms will disappear as soon as the kidney stone enters the bladder, where it can be removed from the body in the urine output.

Treatment of Kidney Stones

For kidney stones treatment, first thing that your physician will do is to run tests to make sure that the symptoms you are experiencing are caused by a kidney stone. There are several tests, such as ultrasounds and scans, which will help your doctor figure out what is happening in your body. If you do in fact have a kidney stone, the most common treatment is to simply wait it out, and allow the stone to leave your body naturally.

Some people, especially those with complications or severe pain, will need to be admitted to the hospital for care until the kidney stones have passed out of the body. You will be given medications to help control the pain, and an IV to help make sure that you stay hydrated. Other doctor’s would also prescribe StoneCLR, which is a natural medicine for dissolving and flushing out kidney stones.

Prevention of Kidney Stones

The best way to prevent kidney stones is to make sure that you drink plenty of water on a daily basis. The average person needs at least eight glasses of water per day to stay hydrated, but your needs may be different if you have a particularly demanding schedule.

If you have already had a kidney stone, your doctor may prescribe a medicine to help prevent future stones. The medication will help you reduce the chances of having future kidney stones, but you will still want to make sure you drink plenty of water and have regular checkups.

 Period: (1878-1953)

Mukhi Muhammad, surnamed Bhojani was famous for his piety and generosity in Kathiawar and was the head of the Vartej village, about 5 miles from Bhavnagar on behalf of the Bhavanagar State. He was also the Mukhi of Vartej Jamatkhana and played significant role in its construction. He and his family members are also known as the Bhojani family. Imam Hasan Ali Shah had visited Bhavnagar and was highly impressed with his devoted services. His son Jusab also served the Vartej jamat and donated a piece of land to extend the premises of the Jamatkhana.

Jusab had a son, called Ibrahim, known as Ibrahim Jusab Varteji. He was born in 1878 in Vartej, where he took his formal education. He would be unwilling to go to school. When he was in the third class, he once hid himself in the Jamatkhana instead of going to the school. When it was complained to his family, he tried to run away, but tumbled down at first floor, resulting an injury in his head. Between the year 1886 and 1892, when he was in the 7th class, he found the rousing influence of the Twelvers tenaciously in his village. He liked to read their periodicals, especially the monthly paper, “Raha-i Najat” edited by Haji Ghulam Ismail. He also learnt the Koran from Maulvi Najaf Ali of Bombay. He was so impressed with the creed of the Twelvers that he began to attend their majalis with his friends. He would often play truant in company with others of same mind, laughing and teasing when they saw Bhagat Devraj, Kamadia Nasir or Kamadia Jethabhai, who visited Vartej.

Ibrahim Jusab Varteji learnt Arabic, Persian, Urdu and Gujrati and devoted his services for the Twelvers. He started to write different articles in “Raha-i Najat” and “Rafiq al-Mominin.” He was also blessed with poetic faculty, and composed many poems, which appeared in the monthly “Bahar-i Majalis” edited by Munshi Masum Ali in Mahuwa.

In 1893, Ibrahim Jusab Varteji joined a local school as a teacher for Rs. 5/- per month. He also started to learn English for two years. Then, he was employed as a muallim in the Shiite school for two months and earned much reputation. In 1895, he married a lady of the Twelvers. In the meantime, he came into the contact of a police superintendent, called Temulji, who appointed him in a police department.

Once he was invited in Chamardi to inaugurate the first mosque in the village, where he presented his poem before the audience and won the hearts of the Twelvers. In 1899, he visited Bombay with Ghulam Hussain Pirbhai and met a certain Kassim Nanji, who employed him in The Padamabai School with the salary of Rs. 20/- per month when he was 21 years old.

He had been in Bombay between 1899 and 1906. He came into the contact of Nazar Ali Hasan, the elder son of his uncle, Hasan Muhammad, known as Mukhi Hasan. Nazar Ali had also a leaning towards the Twelvers, then abandoned it, and studied the vedic literature. On the other hand, Varteji became the head master of the school, and tried to attract the Ismaili students towards the creeds of the Twelvers. He was known here as a Qavi Master (poet teacher) for composing many poems.

Seth Vali Muhammad Pir Muhammad, the famous merchant of glassware, invited him in the Mulbai Pirbhai Haji Charitable Dispensary, built in the memory of his sister, called Mulbai at Pala Gali, Khadak, Bombay, which was visited by Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah. Varteji was offered to present his poem on May 29, 1900. Varteji was facing a delimma, since he did not like to displease the Twelvers, and also wanted to glorify the Imam through his poem. He, therefore composed his poem into Persian, not in Gujrati. When the Imam arrived in the dispensary, he lyrically expressed following quatrain, and none in the audience could understand except Imam Sultan Mohammed Shah :-

Imruz khurshid azkuja tuluashud,

ajugast dil’e gul afzud khushnud.

Rawnaq-i haza shafakhana i’n sabab ast,

ke amdast chu’n shah sultan Muhammad.

Where did the sun (of happiness) rise today, drenching our flowery hearts with treasure of joy? Yes, the beauty of this dispensary is an advent of Shah Sultan Muhammad. The Imam asked, Who composed it? To this, Seth Ahmad Devji (1859-1925) introduced him as a school teacher. The Imam told to bring him at his bungalow. Varteji found a harsh agitation in the circle of the Twelvers when the meaning of above quatrain was revealed to them. The negative reaction was so violent that he could not go to see the Imam as per the advice of Kassim Nanji.

Where did the sun (of happiness) rise today, drenching our flowery hearts with treasure of joy? Yes, the beauty of this dispensary is an advent of Shah Sultan Muhammad. The Imam asked, Who composed it? To this, Seth Ahmad Devji (1859-1925) introduced him as a school teacher. The Imam told to bring him at his bungalow. Varteji found a harsh agitation in the circle of the Twelvers when the meaning of above quatrain was revealed to them. The negative reaction was so violent that he could not go to see the Imam as per the advice of Kassim Nanji.

Imam Sultan Mohammed Shah departed for Burma on June 1, 1900. The Ismaili leaders came at the Bori Bunder Station to bid farewell to the Imam. Seth Vali Muhammad Pir Muhammad transcribed the above Persian quatrain in Urdu letters with golden ink, and decorated into a frame, desiring to present it to the Imam at the station, and also took Varteji with him. Seth Vali Muhammad managed to present Varteji before the Imam, who was with the leaders out of his saloon. Varteji took the frame with its front side facing his breast and before he spoke anything, the Imam said, “Is it the same quatrain you have recited in the dispensary?” He replied affirmatively with utter surprise. He presented and lowered down and touched the feet of the Imam. The Imam said, “Put it into the saloon.” Varteji placed it and came out in twinkle of eyes. He once again bowed his head in reverence, wondering, how the Imam traced the Persian quatrain without looking its front side? This was the first occasion that cultivated a revolution in his mind.

Ibrahim Jusab Varteji frequented his meeting on every evening with Seth Vali Muhammad and discussed on Vedic and Sufic teachings. With the desire of Kassim Nanji, he began to compile his poetic work, “Hyder Hullas,” based simply on religious thoughts. He also quoted some Sufic verses and resolved to publish as “Vali Villas.” Meanwhile, he contacted to Wazir Mukhi Virji Premji Parpiya (1881-1946), who was well rooted in Sufism. This was his historical meeting and in its memory, he advertised in his book, “Hyder Hullas” that he would soon publish verses relating to the Vedic and Sufic thoughts with the pen-name, Prem Vali.

Seth Jan Muhammad Devji also arranged his meeting with Sir Karim Ibrahim (1840-1924), who offered to purchase 100 copies of “Hyder Hullas” and he also met Fazal Visram, who assured to extend his cooperation.

In Bombay, Varteji had an opportunity to see many eminent individuals -. Alarakhia Shivji Manek, Vali Muhammad, Jaffer Ranmal and Nawab Mosin al-Mulk etc. He also met the followers of Bahai religion, notably Mirza Maheram.

In 1907, he returned to his village, Vartej and joined Harji Jamal School as a head master for Rs. 14/- per month. He also repaired for Ahmadabad and came into the contact of Sayed Bakir Mihan, Jilani Mihan, Nizamuddin A. Quraishi, Maulvi Nizamuddin, Nanamihan Rasul, Sayed Sajjad Hussain, the friend of Moloo Kanji and Haji Naji. He stayed two months in Ahmadabad with his elder brother, Nazar Ali Jusab. When he returned to Vartej, a change further twisted in his religious thought and began to avoid the majalis of the Twelvers. He joined as a head master in Harjibhai Jamal Charitable School at Bhavnagar with a salary of Rs. 20/- per month. He however continued to generate his contact with the Twelvers and the Hindus and participated in their deliberations.

Henceforth, his mind crowded on the issues of the doctrine of the hidden Imam and the practice of tabara, and the pendulum began to swing on the reverse side. Meanwhile, a certain tourist, called Fariduddin offered to convince him on the tabara system. He discussed with him for three hours and came to the conclusion that, “No religion exhorts to revile a person. Islam holds superiority over all the religions. How Islam will allow it? He began to be hated among the Twelvers by now onwards.

On one day he passed through a road, facing the shrine of Shela Shah Pir and accidentally collided with a galloping horse. He tumbled down and his head collided with the stones and fainted. It caused a bleeding in his left ear. The people took him to the state hospital. On third day, he found a police constable with a boy, his parents and brothers around his bed. He was asked, “Did this boy collide you with his horse?” He thought that he was on the verge of death, he refrained from making the boy responsible. He was forced to recognize the boy, but he said that he knew nothing. The police relieved the boy, and he recovered his heath within 15 days.

Eventually, in pursuit of a true path, Varteji came to a final conclusion that the Ismailism was the true path of Islam. He repented for reviling the Ismaili faith in past. Meanwhile, an Ismaili of Bhavnagar, called Daud came from Zanzibar. Whirled in worries, he revealed his desire to embrace Ismailism and asked, whether the Ismailis would accept him. Daud assured him, “It is the special farman of the Aga Khan that his doors are open for all. One who intends to enter, he can do. One who wants to get out, he can do so.”

It was however decided to keep this matter a secret, and Daud assured him to find a best solution. In Bhavnagar, his request to join Ismailism was declined. Daud also could not gain favour from the Ismaili leaders, and on the contrary, a certain Ismaili beat him. Daud feared too much, and returned back to Zanzibar before schedule.

In 1914, Varteji came to Bombay at the age of 35 years. With the assistance of Balubhai, the manager of the Bombay Provincial Bank, he joined the bank as a clerk. He tried his approaches to embrace Ismailism, but failed. At length, he wrote an application and mailed it to the Ismaili Council with following opening verse:-

Dhayo sagala dharam’ma guru’ni karva got,

Ismaili’ma akhar’e jadi khudai jayot.

“Roamed in all religions in search of Lord.

Ultimately found Divine Light in Ismailism”

Haji Ahmad Devaji, the President of the Ismaili Council accepted his application at the end of 1914. Varteji writes in his “Vedic Islam” (p. 4) that, “In my Mukhi family, my grandfather Mukhi Muhammad had an opportunity to serve Imam Hasan Ali Shah when he visited Bhavnagar, and used his influences exceedingly for the service and earned blessings. As a significant mark, I now inherited alone the service of the Ahl al- Bayt from my Bhojani family and the family of the Mukhi.”

“Roamed in all religions in search of Lord.Ultimately found Divine Light in Ismailism”

His father’s sister, Ladubai of Vartej, residing in Kandi Mola, Bombay, rejoiced immensely for his reverting to the Ismaili fold. She invited him at her house and congratulated with sweets and said, “Son, you have received the rewards of the services rendered by your grandfather, Mukhi Muhammad to Imam Hasan Ali Shah.”

He joined Khoja Panjibhai Club in Kandi Mola Jamatkhana at first, where Kamadia Manjibhai Ghulam Hussain hailed him. It was a major decision in his life, but he cared for nothing. The leaders of the Twelvers offered him all means and materials he needed, which he declined.

On the next week, he met the Ismaili writers like Wazir Mukhi Virji Premji Parpiya, Kassim Ali Ladha Lakhamsi, Suleman Ibrahim, etc. He was offered to become the editor of “Ismaili Sitaro,” but he showed his unability and continued to work in the bank.

Seth Manji Ghulam Hussain Padamsi presented him the Ismaili literature. He also met Mukhi Laljibhai Devraj, who applauded his bold decision. Kassim Ali Ladha gave him a copy of the farman, “Bahr-i Rahmat” into Khojki.

On the auspicious occasion of the Salgirah of the Imam, the Khoja Panjibhai Club celebrated a dinner party under the Presidentship of Alijah Juma Sharif (d. 1919) at Chopati on September 19, 1914. Ibrahim Jusab Varteji was also given a special invitation, where he presented his first poem oriented in Ismailism and won admirations in the audience.

Soon afterwards, he left his job with the Bombay Provincial Bank and worked with Ismail Jivraj of Mombasa in a shop which he left within a year. With the kind cooperation of Ismail Ibrahim Ukka (d. 1927) and the humble offer of President Haji Ahmad Devaji and Hon. Secretary Dr. Rajab Ali Ramji Lakhdhir and Manji Ghulam Hussain Padamsi, he was employed in the Shia Imami Ismailia Council in Bombay as a clerk.

He was gifted with vivid intellect with conspicuous literary talent. His literary career emerged when he became an honorary editor of the “Ismaili Sitaro” in November 9, 1914. He published the transliteration and translation of the mathnawi of Maulana Rumi in Gujrati in “Ismaili Sitaro” in 1915. He also gave his services as an honorary editor of the fortnightly paper, “Khoja Reformer”. He was the editor of two journals at a time, and became a popular figure among the Ismailis. He also became an Hon. Secretary of The Ismaili Literature Society in 1915 with Ali Muhammad Nassurbhoy as the President.

On Friday, January 22, 1915, Imam Sultan Mohammed Shah arrived in Bombay from Europe, and took a visit of the Ismaili library on March 24, 1915, where Varteji presented a Persian poem before the Imam and earned best loving blessings. He also joined the Recreation Club Institute as a missionary.

Pandit Radhakrishna, the ring leader of the Arya Samaj asked 25 questions to the Ismailis and circulated them through pamphlets in English and Gujrati in the year 1913. These questions were not responded by any Ismaili writer. In 1916, Varteji replied him with irrefutable arguments in his book, entitled “Aftab-i Haqiqat.” Seth Jaffer Sher Muhammad assisted him in its publication. The Ismailia Sahitiya Utejak Mandal honoured him a reception and awarded a gold ring and watch.

He also maintained close contact with Mukhtar Nanji, A.J. Chunara, Mirza Muhammad Jairaj, Rajab Ali Kassim Mevawala, Rajab Ali Khimji, Juma Muhammad Damania, Kurban Alibhai Jivraj, etc.

On January 4, 1917, Varteji was to have a meeting with Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) at Bombay, in which he boldly told that he was on the right path. According to the reports of the newspapers, he produced evidences to Gandhi, who said,

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Mumtaz Ali Tajddin S. Ali is an popular Ismaili Scholar, He has written biography of ismaili heroes such as Ibrahim Jusab Varteji in 101 Ismaili Heroes,

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 A story of spiritual instruction, when Mohan returned from his journey to Jagannatha Puri, he was a changed man, even those had never met him were impressed with his character, but those who had known him before were suspicious.

After his journey, he became suddenly happy, but many people could not under stand why. Within one year, Mohan had lost his wife from tuberculosis and his cows were killed by a tiger, which caused him to be grief sticken. Gurudeva asked Mohan to accompany him to Puri, and then continue to tell him that his ship would soon come and take him to his origin. Although, Mohan knew his guru was form India, he still had no ideal what he meant.

Two weeks after they reached Puri, the guru became seriously ill, which is when Mohan understood what he had meant. Mohan was called to his guru’s side, then the guru told him that his ship had finally come in. When Mohan returned home, the people in his village heard of the guru’s death and they suspected Mohan’s happiness. Mohan had not only lost his wife and his two cows, now he had lost his guru and his home, because he could no longer pay the rent, all in one year.

In no time, rumors began circulating, with the worst being Mohan was accused of the guru’s death. Finally, people questioned Mohan about his happiness, which is when Mohan told them what was going on. He told them that the guru had given him more than verbal instruction, which was a pencil. While away with his guru, Mohan had become one of his disciples and began telling them what the guru had taught him to cause such a change in his life.

He told them that the gift of a pencil can change everyone’s life. Although every thing had been taken from him, he still felt that held what was in him, which was his material plans. The guru had given him an envelope before his death and told Mohan not to open it until they boarded the ship. Inside the envelope was a pencil and a letter explaining that he had been the quickest of his students and knew he had a good heart, and that if he thought deeply about the pencil, then he would learn what he needed to.

The pencil was saying that if you stop from time to time to sharpen your tools, which meant his mind, body, and spirit. Mohan knew that he should sharpen himself by spiritual practice so that he could become pointed in one direction, which the creator. As a pencil draws in one way, Mohan knew also follow that one way in his life.

Like the pencil, what is inside is more important than what is on the outside. We should value what is inside ourselves and in others. He also understood that that when a mistake was made then it could be erased. When we make a mistakes, then we should immediately make amends by correcting the mistake. Thinking of how it has written a book, so we should always give credit to God and strive to become humble and willing instruments by surrendering to His plan.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for Krishna art, religious gifts from India, and Hare Krishna books. Please visit these sites for Krishna art, religious gifts from India, and Mohans pencil.

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 True Religion Jeans For Women

Let us start by saying the very clear thing i.e. a sale of true religion jeans is not a chance that can be missed. If jeans were created for feeling as if they fit in the form of glove then true religion jeans are considered as the finest expression of such kind of goal. However, for making the excellent sale of true religion brand jeans, you should know about what to look for which should match with your body.

An occasion of cheap women’s true religion jeans will deal with providing models which fits will all body types. You will be required to focus on the offer and as to what is required by your body, at the same point of time, and then formulate the correct choice, for being able to get pleasure from wearing your true religion jeans for a longer duration of time.

For example, if you are amongst those women who possess a button of plumper, you can exceptionally look sexy, after you have taken benefit of a womens true religion jeans sale, if you are trying to avoid skin tight jeans fashion.

Certainly, in the sale of true religion brand jeans you will see models comprising a ankle focus or minor flare, some kind of decoration in that specific area which will equalize the equilibrium of your rich physique. Moreover, you will undoubtedly find an attraction point in the low-rise jeans that is available. On the other hand, if your bodys big bottom area is escorted by a uniformly large belly, then you should look for in the sale of true religion jeans something without a stretchy, elastic waist. Also if jeans which have such a waist in which you really feel comfortable, they will add many more inches in your belly, as denim has the propensity to get-together under elastic materials.

If your body is slim, look for those items in the womens true religion jeans that highlight your thighs, hips and abdomen. Without any doubt, you are one out of those people who do not wish to hide such areas. Low-rise jeans are very beneficial, matching with every gorgeous square millimeter of your slender body.

On the other hand, for low-rise jeans, you are required to be careful that they should not tie up; in case when you do notice such kind of design, you are taking a turn over situation in the top area of your apparel. Moreover, you will be required to pay more attention on the length of jeans they are required to be adequately long for putting on with over simply a shoes pair.

Andy Williamson is author of this article on Christian Audigier Clothing.

Find more information about Ed Hardy Boots here.

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 Christian Audigier Is The Most Preferred Brand For Teenager

With so many brands of jeans available in the market, and several different styles, how can one find their ideal fit? Jeans are available in all types ranging from the casuals around the house to sexy n hot flirtatious, so first decide on for what look you are going to go. Being aware about some tricks about the trade which the divas dressers of Hollywood make use of, can aid you in finding the ideal match to suit your figure.

How will you select the jeans that show off your bump, that draws attention away from thighs, butt, tummy bulge and waist and that produces a sleeker and slimmer outline? For all these purposes you should identify your figure properly. You should look on different brands of jeans that you like the most. Before buying any jeans you should try to wear it and see that how it looks on you and whether it suits you or not. There are many names of brand in the sector of designer jeans. In common terms purchasing jeans will depend on the brands which people like or seek for style which they wish to wear. One of such popular brand is Christian Audigier.

Christian Audigier jeans, Christian Audigier shirts and t-shirts are the most preferred brand for todays teenager. In this huge world of fashion you will see many names that vibrate. When you speak them you imagine the world with wonderful designs, daring assignments and colors, and everything else that a world of designer implies. One out of these names is of Christian Audigier. He was a French designer basically born in Avignon which is located near south of France.

The jeans prepared by this famous designer are basically worn by Hollywood stars, beginning from sports to films and music. Amongst the most popular whom we can name are Britney spears, Madonna, Paris Hilton, Snoop Dog, Jamie Foxx, Mickey Rourke and many other celebrities.

Most popular product which bear his symbol is the Christian Audigier hoodie. For people who do not know what these Christian Audigier hoodies are, they include heavy garments to wear on the upper part of body that owe a hood. All the Christian Audigier hoodies are made by following a rock and roll style. But basically from where you can find these Christian Audigier hoodies? Firstly, internet is the best place to start with, and as the designs prepared by him are worn by many Hollywood stars, you can visit many online stores for finding these Christian Audigier hoodies that you want.

Andy Williamson is author of this article on Christian Audigier Clothing.

Find more information about Ed Hardy Boots here.

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 Period: (1892-1982)

The renowned Lakha family traces their descent back to their forebear, named Surji. His son was Jairaj, and whose son was Manji. The son of Manji was Lalji, who had four sons, Punja, Virji, Lakha and Kalyan. They dwelt in the village, called Berberaja, about 12 miles from Jamnagar, Kutchh.

Lakho, or better known as Lakha was an origin of Jamnagar, Kutchh. He was an ordinary businessman. He unfortunately lost his house during the famine in Kutchh. Reduced to extreme poverty, he wandered from village to village in search of means of subsistence. His son Kassim, who was born in 1854, also passed a destitute life. Nothing is known of his early life except that he worked in a grocery shop on daily wages. The constant famines in Kutchh had almost swept away the economical resources of the people, who began to move elsewhere to sustain their lives. Kassim, the son of Lakha migrated with few Ismailis towards East Africa. Dressed in rags, he landed in Zanzibar in 1871. He called his mother and wife, Ratan Pradhan whom he had married in 1870, just before he left India. Kursha was their first child and she was born in 1880. The family grew with the birth of Fatima, Alibhai, Hassan, Sikina, Rehmatullah and Jena. Later on, he came in Lamu in 1877 to try his fortune. He was the first among his family members to venture into the business field. Kassim Lakha was also a devoted social worker and helped the Ismailis who came from India. He died in 1926 at Kampala, Uganda. He left behind four sons, Rehmatullah, Hassan, Mohammad and Alibhai.

Hassan, known as Hassan Kassim Lakha was born in Lamu in 1892. His father employed a Hindu teacher, called Raval, a Brahmin from Zanzibar, and brought him to Lamu to teach reading and writing to the children. The secular education did not go beyond 3rd or 4th Standard. They also attended the local madressa to learn Holy Koran, and the Ismaili Religious School, where they learned the ginans. In 1898, his father moved from Lamu to Mombasa. But it was only for a few years, for in 1903, soon after the railway line reached Kisumu, Hassan Kassim Lakha moved to Kisumu with his family. His sons joined the firm of Varas Alidina Visram. In 1907, Hassan, although he was only 15 years old, was recruited by an English firm, called Bousted & Clark Ltd., and taken to Jinja.

Hassan left Bousted & Clark Ltd. in 1915 and expanded the family business by going in cotton business. In 1918, his family had ginneries at Mbale, Kwapa and Butiru.

In 1933, Hassan contracted blackwater in Kampala. His brother Mohammad and Rehmatullah reached there. The critical moment came, and all hope was lost. But the gift of life was given at the last instant and Hassan survived.

As a businessman, he was engaged in multifarious activities. Together with his brothers, he founded extensive business and industrial interests in projects, such as a hotel chain in Uganda, coffee curing works, coffee plantations, hides and skins and sisal. In Kenya, he was one of the early pioneers in cotton ginning and was the founding Chairman of the Oceanic Hotel Group of Companies in Mombasa. With Count Abdullah Hashim Gangji, he pioneered the jute interest of the community in Bangladesh.

In 1926, Hassan Kassim Lakha was appointed an Hon. Secretary of the Ismailia Council in Uganda with Valibhai Jamal as its President. On April 30, 1933, the Ismailia Council for Kampala visited Bukoba, where they found the worst condition of the Jamatkhana premises. Merali Jiva, the President created a donation with his Hon. Secretary, Count Hassan Kassim Lakha. Mukhi Hashim Rajab Ali and Hirji Sharif also shared in it. Count Hassan K. Lakha played key role in the construction of the new Jamatkhana, whose foundation stone was laid by H.H. Alshop, the District Officer on December 22, 1933 in presence of 500 guests.

On June 16, 1937, Mr. Fraser, the President of the Chamber of Commerce for Uganda performed an opening ceremony of the new building of the Merchant Bank of Uganda Ltd. with Count Hassan Kassim Lakha in Kampala.

Hassan Kassim Lakha had a most colorful life. His community services were diverse and distinguished. His services during the Golden Jubilee were manifold. He had an honour to host the Imam and Mata Salamat with distinguished leaders in Kampala on March 15, 1937 in the Imperial Hotel. The dignitaries also attended it, notably the governor of Uganda. He made a welcome address and said, It is not necessary to introduce an international personality of the Aga Khan as he is direct descendant of Holy Prophet and Hazrat Ali. His words are considered as rules by million of Muslims in Africa and Asia. He holds an important office and authority of a religious leader that none equals him in the world. He is famous for his close alliance and loyalty with the British empire. He has warded off many complicated issues by his brilliant calibre and diplomacy. His services are spread in the spheres of religion, politics, social and humanity. He is eminent saviour to rescue the world in many terrible calamities soon after the first world war. He is noted for a patron of sports and learning. He has attracted the Indian communities in Africa for his outstanding services regardless of cast and creed.

On the following day, i.e. March 16, 1937, Imam Sultan Mohammed Shah presented him a diamond pin in the Jamatkhana in appreciation of his valuable services.

Hassan Kassim Lakha served as a Hon. Secretary in the Council for 14 years (1926-1940). In 1940, he was appointed its President. He also served as the member of the Federal and Supreme Councils for Africa. He was also a Director of the Diamond Jubilee Investment Trust Ltd., and Jubilee Insurance Co. Ltd.

Hassan Kassim Lakha was one of the trustees of the East African Muslim Welfare Society since 1945. His material and financial cooperation to the cause of Islam were inestimable. He went to West Africa in the Societys goodwill mission in 1954 at his own expenses. He also initiated several welfare projects for the Muslims in East Africa.

He also toured with Prince Aly Khan with other Kenya leaders from Nairobi to Cairo, Alexandria, Syria, Palestine, etc. in 1944

Hassan Kassim Lakhas family was endowed with great riches of heart, and stood second highest donor to weigh Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah against diamonds in 1946. Innumerable schools, social halls, community institutions and clock towers bear testimony of his generosity.

The Imam is reported to have once asked him, What have you done for me so far? He was surprised and summed up what he had done. The Imam said, These can be done easily by an old lady. I am asking what you have done for me? He remained silent for a moment. The Imam said, You must do the foundling home, which is the work for me. He started the movement of adoption of the orphan and destitute children in Africa and gave them education.

Hassan Kassim Lakha was invested the title of Wazir in 1937 and Count in 1954 in appreciation of his valuable services.

The Imam summoned a conference of the Ismaili delegates in Cairo to review the occasion of the Platinum Jubilee upon the completion of 70 years of his Imamate. Count Hassan Kassim Lakha represented the jamats of Uganda. 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. The Imam left Cairo for France with Mata Salamat on March 17, 1951. Prince Aly Khan offered the delegates to join him on his visit to Syria on March 18, 1951. Count Hassan Kassim Lakha accepted with other 11 leaders and made a flying visit of Salamia.

Prince Aly Khan performed an opening ceremony of the Kibuli Mosque in Kampala in March, 1951, whose foundation stone he had in 1941. Count Hassan Kassim, the President of the Provincial Council of the East African Muslim Welfare Society presented a welcome address in presence of 2000 guests. He said, We have collected donation of 35,00,000/- shillings, in which the Imam shared for 16,72000/- shillings. The funds of the Society are utilized for new schools, mosques, dispensaries, etc. for the welfare of the Muslims of Africa. The Kibuli Mosque covered an area of 82 acres, consisted of primary and secondary schools. Prince Badru donated it in loving memory of his father, Sultan Mulu Mbogo. It cost 400,000/- shillings, and half of it was donated by the Imam.

In 1953, Hassan Kassim Lakha visited Salamia, Syria with Varas Chhotubhai (1904-1978). The Jews purchased raw cotton around Salamia from the Ismaili farmers at a lower price. Count Hassan Kassim Lakha and Varas Chhotubhai raised a cotton ginnery for them according to the guidance of the Imam, which still exists in Salamia.

Hassan Kassim Lakha had an honour to perform an opening ceremony of the new Jamatkhana in Fortportal, Uganda on December 27, 1960.

He spent almost 20 years of his eventful life in Mombasa, where he died in 1982 at the age of 90 years and left behind his widow and ten daughters.

In his message of condolence, the Imam acknowledged his services and paid a glowing tribute that, It is a singular honour for any family to have had amongst it such a remarkable spiritual child as my late Count.

Mumtaz Ali Tajddin S. Ali is an popular Ismaili Scholar, He has written biography of ismaili heroes such as Hassan Kassim Lakha in 101 Ismaili Heroes,

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