Condolence and Memorial Meeting in the loving memory of Rai Hoosein Khan Mohommed
A well organized Condolence and Memorial Meeting in the loving memory of Rai Hoosein Khan Mohammed was arranged by ITREB Pakistan on Tuesday, October 8, 2013 from 7:30pm at ITREB,P Auditorium. The Program to pay homage to the departed soul was as follows:
· Farman Mubarak by Ambreen Hussaini
· Opening Remarks by Abdul Mohammed Sheriff, Chairman ITREB, P
· Condolence Messages Inviting members from audience
· Remarks by Family Members
· Conclusion by Mushtaq Kazani, Executive Officer
· Dua by Mukhi Saheb
Pictures of late Hoosein bhai were projected on the wall for the benefit of the audience.
The meeting was attended by the family members, Board members, Waezeen, scholars and the leaders of the jamat.
Alwaz Sabz Ali Haji Baig was the moderator.
The meeting started with reading from Farman Mubarak of Mowlana Hazar Imam.
Alwaz Sabz Ali began the proceedings by saying that inRai Hoosein Khan Mohammedwe have lost a volunteer of Tariqah Board with exception qualities. His contribution to Tariqah, Imam and Jamat would be remembered for long time to come.
Chairman Abdul Mohammed Sheriff in his opening remarks observed that late Hussain bhai had played a pioneering role as a member of Ismailia Association in early 70’s. As a member of the team, he helped in developing feasibility for the Manpower Training Project ;helping the Association to submit a report of its 5 year plan to Mowlana Hazar Imam in Paris in 1975 and in a number of other important activities. The Manpower Training Project created a batch of waezeen and scholars most of whom serve the cause of Tariqah to date. ITREB Pakistan continues the direction of developing manpower set by the Ismailia Association. Hussain bhai would be missed by the family, friends the community and off course the Tariqah. Deepest condolences are offered to the members of late Hussain bhai.
Alwaz Sabz Ali recalled his experiences of knowing and working with late Rai Sahib. He said that he was impressed with the knowledge of Tariqah.Rai sahib was also at ease with technology in the days when the use of technology was limited. He had an opportunity of travelling with Hussain bhai in the Northern Areas. Hussain bhai would carry a wide angled lens camera to take shots of scenic beauty there. He said that he fondly remember the valued gift of a radio with large speakers from him.
Alwaz Sabz Ali then invited the members of family and audience to give their messages.
Anisa Merchant, a niece of Hussain bhai paid great tribute to the departed soul as a loving, kind and caring father figure of the extended Khan Mohammed family. He took great interest in the affairs and welfare of the family. The family looked up to him for guidance and advice. He was deeply interested in Tariqah matters till he breathed his last. He had a large collection of books, journals and articles on Ismailism and comparative religions. In his last years, his eye sight and health had deteriorated but his enthusiasm for the knowledge and sharing of it remained the same. He would ask her to search for this material or that material on Farmans, Ginans and other topics of Ismailism because some one wanted the same. Just before his passing away, he asked her for some material to be given to one Alwaz lalani who visited him in Los Angeles then. She said that his children are following in his foot steps. One of his grand son who is only 13 years old
leads Eid Namaz and has deep interest in Tariqah. His son Imtiaz is a Mukhi of Baitul Khayal.
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Rai zulfiqar Megahani was next to pay homage to the departed soul. He said that he was fortunate to work with Hussain bhai on a number of projects of ITREB in the capacity of the member of Ismailia Association. He worked with him on the Manpower Training Project, International Ginan Conference, Joint Waezeen Training Program, Zonal Conference and many other events. He said that in May 1976 Molwana Hazar Imam graciously gave a singular honor to the Ismailia Association by gracing to preside over its board meeting in Karachi. In that meeting Mowlana Hazar Imam took the Board in confidence and shared His engagements of Seerat Conference, Rotary Club etc. Hazar Imam was gracious to allow members to ask questions about Tariqah matters. Replying to a question submitted by Hoosein bhai, Hazar Imam counseled that we should build bridges with other communities.
Hoosein bhai gave his heart and soul to the International Ginan Conference that lasted for 35 days. He worked for long hours to make the conference successful and outcome productive.
He said that he was so loving and caring that any one who came in contact with him was touched by his loving kindness. Vazir Noor Mohammed Mewawala also was Hon. Secretary of Tariqah Board while Hoosein bhai was a member. He specially asked his children to attend Rai Sahib’s funeral in Los Angles.
Hoosein bhai worked most devotedly, sincerely and efficiently in what ever capacity that was assigned to him. He was a pillar of strength for the Burma Jamat in troubled times. Hazar Imam was in touch with the jamat intimately at that time. As the Hon. Secretary of Burma council, he would swiftly convey the guidance of Imam to the members of Jamat. This saved the Jamat of great hardships and loss of capital funds.
Rai Mushtaq Jindani who was associated with Rai Sahib as the Hon. Secretary of the Ismailia Association in 70’s paid glowing tributes. He observed that late Hoosein bhai was one of the finest human being that he had come across in his life. His contribution to the community was immense.
He said that he was fortunate to work with him very closely in Ismailia Association for Pakistan.
Rai Sahib was a beacon of light of knowledge. His love for knowledge, for Tariqah and devotion to Imam and Jamat is indescribable. He was always eager to learn and share more about history, doctrine Farmans, and Ginans. He was ever vigilant looking for new material, books and articles on Ismailism. He had passion for preparing an up dated annotated bibliography on Tariqah. He would feel great satisfaction in sharing the knowledge to others. He was always respected for his generosity. Many scholars, waezeen and board members felt indebted to him for his guidance and nurture.
He was a source of inspiration for his colleagues. He would work for Ismailia Association tirelessly for hours to gather making productive contribution. He lived breath and had his being in Tariqah every moment of his life.
He was a great motivator. He would often quote Mowlana Sultan Mohammed shah’s Farman for the Ismailia Association “ Ismailia Association today is the true successor of former dais and fidais” and would motivate to follow in the foot steps of our great dais and fidais such as Nasir Khusro, Hasan bin Sabah and others.
Mr. Mushtaq Kazani summed up the meeting. He said that the present ITREB is reaping the fruits of the seeds sown by Hoosein bhai and other members. The pioneering work of HR development continues today as ITREB P’s main activities. Hoosein bhai would be sadly missed by all.
In the end, Mukhi Sahib gave dua for eternal peace of departed soul of late Hoosein bhai.
Rai Hoosein Khan Mohammed
As Received
Remembering Rai Hussein Khanmohammed of Burma
"I have known Rai Hussein Khanmohammed for over 30 years, a really
remarkable man of his time.So well-read, learned, passionate about
knowledge.He also served the Imam and the jamat with really unusual
dedication and integrity."
- Ali Asani, Professor of Harvard University
Ismaili jamat is saddened by the loss of one of its most euridite religious and social sevadharis of Burma who practically dedicated his whole life in service to his Imam and jamats in four countries: Burma, Bangladesh, Pakistan and USA. He was perhaps the least well-known Ismaili. He never sought the spot light for himself. His motto always was "Work, no words." His passion and thirst for knowledge of Ismailism, Ismaili tariqa , and Qur'an was incredible.No wonder, he was rightfully dubbed "Encyclopedia of Ismailism" by many who came in touch with him. He was also colleague of Professor Ali Asani and played a "crucial" role in contributing his knowledge of Ismaili devotional literature to Professor Anis Alani for development of his excellent book : "Ecstasy and Enlightenment."
Rai Hussein Khanmohammed has passed away peacefully on last September 23, 2013 at his residence in Los Angeles, California. He is survived by his wife, two sons and daughter who resides in Canada.
Burma : Rai Hussein Khanmohammed was appointed as youngest honorary secretary of Aga Khan Council of Burma during troubled times of nationalization of private trade by military junta which uprooted
Burma Noorani jamat and seek shelter in E. Pakistan (now Bangladesh).His communication skill
indeed helped Burma Council and jamat to translate government communiques which kept them
well informed of government's policies. He was also largely responsible for acquiring passport and
exit visa for the jamat.He was "pillar of strength" in most troubled times and helped Burma jamat
move safely to E. Pakistan, now Bangladesh. Even when he was intimidated by BSI to deport him
right away, he stood his ground and did not leave Burma until most of jamat had already left.
Bangladesh : Rai Hussein Khanmohammed was also largely responsible in assisting displaced Burma
jamat to resettle and rehabilitate hundreds of Burmese Ismaili families in Dacca and
other cities.
Pakistan : Rai Hussein Khanmohammed played a pioneering role as a member of Ismailia Association
He helped developing feasibility for the Manpower Training Project; help submit report of its
5 year plan to Mowlana Hazar Imam and number of other important activities. His knowledge
of Tariqah was exceptional. He worked for long hours to make Ginan Conference successful
that lasted for 35 days. Rai Hussein was a beacon of knowledge. His love for knowledge,Tariqah
and devotion to Imam and Jamat is indescribable. Many scholars, waezeen and board members felt indebted to him for his guidance and nurturing. "the present ITREB is reaping the fruits of the
seeds sown by Rai Hussein Khanmohammed of Burma", Mr. Mushtaq Kazani said. He was also
Chairman of Al-Matin study circle founded in E. Pakistan.
USA : Rai Hussein Khanmohammed of Burma was also well known and most recognized Ismaili in
USA for his exceptional knowledge of Ismailism and Ismaili tariqah. He was kind of peripatetic
modern day Nasir Khusraw and go around jamat khana to jamat khana in California to teach
and enlighten jamat of Ismaili tariqa.
Writer of this was a best friend of Rai Hussein Khanmohammed. We grew up together
in Burma. Loss of my friend has deeply touched me. He was great inspiration in my life. Coping
with a loss of a friend is a difficult and lengthy process. When a close friend dies, you may be left
with a feeling of emptiness in your life.But, his memory will stay alive.
Lastly, Rai Hussein Khanmohammed's family have set up a Schoraship Fund for student/s in
Pakistan. Your kind participation in this would indeed keep his memory alive for his great
contribution to his Imam and Jamat for long time to come.
Hasni Essa of Burma
Remembering Rai Hussein Khanmohammed of Burma
"I have known Rai Hussein Khanmohammed for over 30 years, a really
remarkable man of his time.So well-read, learned, passionate about
knowledge.He also served the Imam and the jamat with really unusual
dedication and integrity."
- Ali Asani, Professor of Harvard University
Ismaili jamat is saddened by the loss of one of its most euridite religious and social sevadharis of Burma who practically dedicated his whole life in service to his Imam and jamats in four countries: Burma, Bangladesh, Pakistan and USA. He was perhaps the least well-known Ismaili. He never sought the spot light for himself. His motto always was "Work, no words." His passion and thirst for knowledge of Ismailism, Ismaili tariqa , and Qur'an was incredible.No wonder, he was rightfully dubbed "Encyclopedia of Ismailism" by many who came in touch with him. He was also colleague of Professor Ali Asani and played a "crucial" role in contributing his knowledge of Ismaili devotional literature to Professor Anis Alani for development of his excellent book : "Ecstasy and Enlightenment."
Rai Hussein Khanmohammed has passed away peacefully on last September 23, 2013 at his residence in Los Angeles, California. He is survived by his wife, two sons and daughter who resides in Canada.
Burma : Rai Hussein Khanmohammed was appointed as youngest honorary secretary of Aga Khan Council of Burma during troubled times of nationalization of private trade by military junta which uprooted
Burma Noorani jamat and seek shelter in E. Pakistan (now Bangladesh).His communication skill
indeed helped Burma Council and jamat to translate government communiques which kept them
well informed of government's policies. He was also largely responsible for acquiring passport and
exit visa for the jamat.He was "pillar of strength" in most troubled times and helped Burma jamat
move safely to E. Pakistan, now Bangladesh. Even when he was intimidated by BSI to deport him
right away, he stood his ground and did not leave Burma until most of jamat had already left.
Bangladesh : Rai Hussein Khanmohammed was also largely responsible in assisting displaced Burma
jamat to resettle and rehabilitate hundreds of Burmese Ismaili families in Dacca and
other cities.
Pakistan : Rai Hussein Khanmohammed played a pioneering role as a member of Ismailia Association
He helped developing feasibility for the Manpower Training Project; help submit report of its
5 year plan to Mowlana Hazar Imam and number of other important activities. His knowledge
of Tariqah was exceptional. He worked for long hours to make Ginan Conference successful
that lasted for 35 days. Rai Hussein was a beacon of knowledge. His love for knowledge,Tariqah
and devotion to Imam and Jamat is indescribable. Many scholars, waezeen and board members felt indebted to him for his guidance and nurturing. "the present ITREB is reaping the fruits of the
seeds sown by Rai Hussein Khanmohammed of Burma", Mr. Mushtaq Kazani said. He was also
Chairman of Al-Matin study circle founded in E. Pakistan.
USA : Rai Hussein Khanmohammed of Burma was also well known and most recognized Ismaili in
USA for his exceptional knowledge of Ismailism and Ismaili tariqah. He was kind of peripatetic
modern day Nasir Khusraw and go around jamat khana to jamat khana in California to teach
and enlighten jamat of Ismaili tariqa.
Writer of this was a best friend of Rai Hussein Khanmohammed. We grew up together
in Burma. Loss of my friend has deeply touched me. He was great inspiration in my life. Coping
with a loss of a friend is a difficult and lengthy process. When a close friend dies, you may be left
with a feeling of emptiness in your life.But, his memory will stay alive.
Lastly, Rai Hussein Khanmohammed's family have set up a Schoraship Fund for student/s in
Pakistan. Your kind participation in this would indeed keep his memory alive for his great
contribution to his Imam and Jamat for long time to come.
Hasni Essa of Burma