It was a tradition prevalent in India to bestow the title of daras or dharas (to behold) to one who beheld the Imam in Iran. The term dharas had been also mentioned in the letters of Imam Shah Khalilullah addressed to the Bhavnagar jamat on May 23, 1792. In one another letter of July, 1794, the same title is used for the jamats of Sind, Kutchh and other places. Thus, Devji became known as Devji Dharas. We must recall on this juncture that the honouring of the title, dharas continued in India till 1842 when Imam Hasan Ali Shah arrived in India. The practice of visiting Iran to see the Imam virtually came to an end, since the Imam henceforth resided in India amongst the followers, therefore, the traditional title dharas was replaced by the title of darvesh, both stood equal in rank. It sounds that the title, darvesh or dharas were not liked to the followers, it had to be withdrawn. On September 1, 1885, Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah said in Bombay that, “We vested the title of darvesh to the jamats in past, but some did not like the title of darvesh, and for this special reason, we withdrew the title of darvesh.” It is nevertheless learnt that the Imam granted the title of darvesh to the Mukhi of Bukoba Jamatkhana in Uganda on March 16, 1937. It is worthwhile to note that the title dharas continued in the family of Devji till now, which is a unique example in the Ismaili world.

It is related that Devji Dharas had been in Bhuj, Kutchh on his business trip in 1819. On June 16, 1819, an earthquake of uncommon severity for more than two minutes, rocked the whole western India, the force of which most violently affected Kutchh. In Bhuj, nearly 7000 houses were shattered and 1150 people buried alive in the ruins within minutes. Devji Dharas fortunately survived, but lost his merchandise loaded on camels. He did not run away from the affected field. He and his four servants rescued lives of many Ismailis and non-Ismailis, and provided them relief aids what were available to them. Indeed, it was zeal to serve mankind, a natural gift whose legacy continued in his family.

The son of Devji Dharas was Ali, and whose son Mohammad followed footsteps of his forefather, and left behind two sons, Hasham and Ghulam Hussain and a daughter, Jetbai.

Ghulam Hussain was born in 1903, where he took secondary education. He migrated to Zanzibar in 1924. He started his business in Pemba in 1925. He also carried on his business in Zanzibar in 1949 and in Dar-es-Salaam in 1953. In 1955, he came in Mtwara, where he conducted his mercantile business.

It is to be noted that Tanzania formerly was known as United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, covering an area of 364,943 square miles. It was a German colony from 1891 to 1919, and then the Britain occupied it soon after the first world war (1914-1919). Tanganyika liberated on December 9, 1961, but its name, Tanzania was adopted on October 29, 1964. It is divided into 21 administrative regions.

Ghulam Hussain was a devoted and a dedicated worker since childhood. It appears from early records that he survived hardship before his business became a success. Regardless of the obstacles, he carved out his own career. The intelligence with which he was gifted enabled him to surmount all his adversaries. His iron will and determination helped in surmounting difficulties and put him on the road to steady progress. Soon after establishment of his business, it appears that he began to take active role in different institutions.

It must be noted that the car of Missionary Shahid Khuda Baksh (1890-1925) skidded into a trench while going from Kilosa to Iringa on December 12, 1925. It cost the lives of three passengers, viz. Missionary Khuda Baksh, Lalji Ladha Punjani and Varas Mukhi Karam Ali. Kanji Nanji, the President of the Ismaili Council for Tanganyika declared a donation scheme for the welfare of the children of Missionary Khuda Baksh. Wazir Ghulam Hussain is reported to have joined in the campaign, and shared not only a princely amount, but also generated donations in Pemba, Iringa, Kilosa, Mtwara, Mbeya, Morogoro, Lindi, etc.

Princess Mlle Theressa Maghlioni (1889-1926), the second wife of Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah expired on December 2, 1926 in Paris. The Council resolved to observe a mourning for a month in Tanganyika, and appointed Wazir Ghulam Hussain Dharas to inform the Ismaili merchants to close their business transactions on that day, which he did as the Imam’s courier.

The Golden Jubilee was celebrated in Nairobi on March 1, 1937. The Supreme Council for Africa had launched the All Africa Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee, comprised of 18 members, which also formed an Executive Committee of 6 members to raise donation and administer the programme. Wazir Ghulam Hussain Dharas extended his full cooperation to the Executive Committee in southern Tanzania and other regions during the campaign. He also joined in the arrangement of sending the Ismaili families in Nairobi from different villages.

The year 1937 marks as a revolutionary time for the Ismailis, in economic field. During this time, the main was the project of the Jubilee Insurance Co. Ltd., which took its birth from the historic occasion of the Golden Jubilee. The Ismailis never ventured into the field of Insurance business. The Imam emphasized to the leaders to come forward. On February 20, 1937, Imam Sultan Muhammed Shah said to the leaders in Dar-es-Salaam that, “I will make insurance of my estates and houses provided you establish an Insurance Company. I will give you a business of over 40,000 shillings. You then get insurance policies from the affluent class, then you start life insurance policies, which will be profitable to you.” The Imam talked with the leaders for 30 minutes before finalizing the project. After  the end of 30 minutes, the Imam summoned them and said, “Who will take responsibilities as the Directors of Insurance Company? I will give insurance of my all houses when you are ready for it. I am now an old, and no company will take risk of my life policy, but I will give insurance of Prince Aly Khan and Prince Sadruddin. You start life policy after some time, and make its head office in Mombasa.” Then, the Imam declared names of seven Directors.

The importance of Insurance Company and its role in the economic building were propagated through different channels in Africa. The initial honour however must go to Pir Sabzali (1884-1938) who, at the command of the Imam, took upon himself the onerous task of enlisting the new company’s shareholders as well as business, and he travelled widely in Africa. Wazir Ghulam Hussain Dharas voluntarily joined the campaign of Pir Sabzali in southern Tanzania in acquiring business for the company. Pir Sabzali visited Pemba-Wete on May 10, 1938, where he stayed for five days. Wazir Ghulam Hussain arranged to sell over 2000 shares in Pemba in one day. Pir Sabzali raised a capital of 2 million shillings and also brought the insurance business for about 20 million shillings in Africa with the help of veteran leaders, notably Wazir Ghulam Hussain Dharas, and others.

Pir Sabzali, the Special Commissioner of the Imam launched his third trip in Africa on January 5, 1937, where he stayed for 23 months. Wazir Ghulam Hussain arranged his lodging and remained at his service during his tour in Pemba. Wazir Ghulam Hussain gave him a princely reception. Reinforced with the kindness of Wazir Ghulam Hussain Dharas, Pir Sabzali made successful trips in the villages. Pir Sabzali admired Wazir Ghulam Hussain’s services and hospitality in a letter from Dar-es-Salaam on August 6, 1938. His letter was a true reflection of his feeling. Pir Sabzali referred to him as his brother in the letter, expressing his deep gratitude for his exceptional hospitality, and also wished to see him again.

Wazir Ghulam Hussain was appointed the President of the Ismailia Provincial Council for Pemba-Wete (1937-1948) during Imam Sultan Muhammed Shah’s visit to Dar-es-Salaam on February 15, 1937. Its jurisdiction covered the towns like Ziwani, Masuka, Matamba, etc. Pemba is an island in Indian ocean off north-east coast of Tanzania, having an area of 379 sq.miles. Its capital is Wete, which is included with island of Zanzibar. He was also the President of the Ismailia Provincial Council for Zanzibar (1948-1949), covering the towns of Pemba Chake-Chake, Mkokotoni, Mangafwani, Membe-Miwili, Chawke, etc. He was also the member of the Ismailia Supreme Council for East Africa (1949-1951) out of 26 members.

He also attended the second East African Muslim Conference held in the Muslim Hall, Mombasa. It was sponsored by East African Muslim Welfare Society on July 27 and July 28, 1948. This historic Conference was presided by Imam Sultan Muhammed Shah.

Prince Aly Khan rendered inestimable military services to the Allies during the first world war (1914-1919). He established “Grand Victory War Fete” at Nairobi 4^th and 5^th March, 1943 for generating war funds- a record taking for any fete ever held in East Africa.  Rai A.M. Sadruddin (1906-1980) was commissioned to propagate the scheme as the Chief Publicity Officer. Sir Henry Moore, the governor of Kenya performed its opening ceremony on March 4, 1943 in presence of a concourse of people. Besides, its prominent patrons were Lady Moore, General Sir William Platt, E.A. Command, Admiral Sir James Somerville and Air Vice-Marshal H.S. Kerby. It was a fair for enjoyment of children with 64 stalls of games of every description, including arts and craft exhibition, manned by 240 Ismaili workers. Dr. Hasanali E. Nathoo was its Chief Organizer. Hazar Imam and Prince Amyn Mohammad, who had been in Nairobi since May 27, 1941 also visited the fair with their governess Miss Dorris Lyon. Wazir Ghulam Hussain Dharas not only shared his services in the fair, but also purchased 501 tickets in advance.

In 1956, he reverently sent a sample of “My Flag”- the Ismaili banner to Imam Sultan Muhammed Shah. On April 28, 1956, the Imam showered his best loving blessings through a message and hoped that his beloved spiritual children would always keep it rising and flying with devoted spirit and faith.

He delegated the African jamat during the burial ceremony of Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah in Aswan in 1957.  His team started their tour from Dar-es-Salaam on July 14, 1957 with eminent leaders, including Sir Edward Francis Twining, the governor of Tanganyika between 1949 and 1958, who represented the royal family of Queen of England.

The Imam visited Mtwara for the first time after assuming Imamate on November 27, 1957 during the period of Mukhi Alibhai Shamji and Kamadia Hasan Ali Rawjee. Mtwara is an administrative region of south-east Tanzania, having an area of 31881 sq.miles. Wazir Ghulam Hussain had taken up the entire administration with his son, Alijah Sadruddin Dharas. The Imam performed the religious ceremonies inside the Aswan Building of M/S Dharas Ltd., and blessed Wazir Ghulam Hussain with best loving blessings.

Wazir Ghulam Hussain Dharas  was also well-versed and he was also well liked by the elders. He was never impulsive or arrogant and was always well-mannered towards those of comparatively humble degree. One of the obstacles in the  community progress of the  villages was the question of funds. Wazir Ghulam Hussain Dharas found the solution, and destitute members of the community received generous help through him, while his own family knew nothing. He was a generous donor for numerous causes. He continued his donations to the Foundling Home in Dar-es-Salaam. His diligent work for the welfare of Ismailis produced astounding results. In Africa, the community ran mobile dispensaries as well as  maternity homes and clinics in villages. He arranged for their lodging and extended his assistance to them. 

Unfortunately, one of the greatest social heroes in the Dharas family expired in a road accident when he was going to Mombasa from Dar-es-Salaam by bus. According to the report, the bus broke down on the way. Fate decreed that should wait for another bus of the same line with others. Before another bus could come, his own bus collided with a truck He got a ride of a car, which was going to Tanga, which is on the way to Mombasa. Before he could get into the car, which was parked at the distance of 200 meters from the front of the bus, a piece of iron rod accidentally gushed out underneath the bus and speedily flew to the distance of 200 meters, and it hit the left side of his forehead, which proved fatal. He received serious injuries, and was taken to the Pangani Hospital, where he expired on September 12, 1973 at 6.00 a.m. He was buried at Tanga on September 14, 1973. His life bridged a long span of 70 years. Compassionate he was, cherishing the poor, just in all his dealings, a jewel of generosity, his heart an ocean of kindness. His personality was clothed in his transparent sincerity. It was his oft-spoken words, “Render service as much as you are able, and be ever ready to dispel the affliction of your brothers. The best days of man’s life are those in which he renders service.” He came from a family that had a s special aptitude for community services.

Mention must be made of Jenabai, the wife of Wazir Ghulam Hussain Dharas. She was the daughter of Hasham Lakha Dossani Junagadhwala, and was born on December 13, 1906. Wazir Ghulam Hussain Dharas married her in 1920, and brought her in Africa. In 1925, she also moved to Pemba with her husband, where her first child, called Kulsoom was born in 1926. She was a devoted woman and took active role with her husband in all community services as a partner. She served as the Mukhiani of Pemba Jamatkhana, and took leading part in the Women Committee as a member and Chairperson. She breathed her last at the age of 61 years in the Aga Khan Hospital, Dar-es-Salaam in 1967.

A son of great talent and merit, named Sadruddin Dharas and a daughter, Kulsumbai, survived Wazir Ghulam Hussain Dharas. He also adopted Salim in 1950 in Zanzibar. Sadruddin Dharas and Salim Dharas are active in their different community services, maintaining the illustrious tradition of Dharas family. It is deemed necessary to throw some light on their exceptional services.

Alijah Sadruddin Dharas was born on January 3, 1936 in Pemba. He acted as a Private Secretary of Imam Sultan Muhammed Shah during an unexpected tour of the Imam in Pemba on November 18, 1957. He warmly received the Imam at airport with other leaders. It should be mentioned that Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah generously built educational institutions and mosque in various centres of Pemba island irrespective of cast and creed. On November 18, 1957, the citizens of Pemba island seized an opportunity to honour the Imam. On that occasion, Sheikh Said bin Ali al-Mugheri presented the Imam a casket, bearing the words: “These historical landmarks shall for ever remain as fountains of spiritual and secular enlightenment.” The Imam was also offered a tray with a silver scissor to perform the opening ceremony of Sir Said bin Ali Memorial School. Alijah Sadruddin Dharas was enjoined with the administration of the entire programme, which he executed successfully and earned best loving blessings of the Imam.

During the first visit of the Imam in Mtwara on November 27, 1957, he remained close with his father in the whole supervision. He had a privilege to translate Imam’s farman into Gujrati before a gathering  of a thousand people during the grand darbar on November 28, 1957 in well decorated tents, which were pitched beside the Aswan Building.

The Imam made an extensive tour of East African countries and arrived in Dar-es-Salaam on October 25, 1966. The Imam visited Lindi on October 26, 1966 and on same day visited Mtwara with Varas Abdullah Tejpar. Mr. John Nazunda, the Regional Commissioner warmly welcomed the Imam at airport. Alijah Sadruddin Dharas controlled the Imam’s programme in Lindi and Mtwara when he was an Honorary Secretary of the Ismailia Regional Council for Mtwara.

The Islamic torch of the Holy Prophet’s mission was always kept burning under the Aga Khan Development Network.The AKDN asked Alijah Sadruddin Dharas to survey 18 mosques and madressa and 5 schools, which were on the border zone areas of valleys of Ruvuma river, facing Mozambique, where the liberation war had begun since September 25, 1964. Mr. Samora Machel emerged as the leader of the movement on February 3, 1969, who intensified his guerilla operations on the northern border, and extended soon to the south, where the Portugueses started construction of the Cobora Bass dam. Indeed, it was too difficult task when the guerilla warfare against the metropolitan power in Mozambique was at its peak. Alijah Sadruddin Dharas determined not to retreat in his sacred Islamic cause, a shinning tradition of the Holy Prophet. His family and others were much worried of endangering his life in explosive zones, but the call of duty beckoned him for action. He told everyone that, “Death in service of Imamate would only be a divine blessing and Mawla’s presence is always with me, so don’t worry.” The Regional Commissioner of Mtwara accorded him written permission on April 8, 1970 to travel in border areas. He boldly launched his mission in the company of Shaikh Abdullah Athumani, Saidi Katapala, Akbar Nagji and Haider Hirji. As a Chairman of the Moslem Mosques Renovation Committee, he defended as a brave warrior in battlefield. He weathered the storms and succeeded in the mission bequeathed to him. He submitted the  final report to the surprise of all, and received deep appreciation from A.P. Kassam, Hon. Secretary of the Ismailia Provincial Council, Mtwara on July 15, 1971.

In 1971, he generated a princely amount of donations for four Jamatkhanas of Mikindani, Nanyamba, Mahuta and Namikupa with close attachment with Dewan Sir Eboo Pirbhai (1905-1990).

The Ismailia Association for Tanzania assigned him the compilation of a write-up in December 21, 1978 on the early settlement and the progress of the Ismailis for over a hundred years (1840-1970). It was the first literary attempt hitherto ever explored by the Ismaili Institution in East African history. He launched his research efficiently, and researched through mass literature. He prepared his capsule history in 1980-81, which was extolled both inside and outside the community. In his letter of March 9, 1981, Amir Bhatia of the Institute of Ismaili Studies, London remarked it as an extremely important work for the Archives of the Institute.  He also compiled his article on the celebrations of the jubilees of the Ismaili Imams, which deeply moved the eminent personnel, notably Dewan Sir Eboo Pirbhai. He also worked hard in research of 329 Ginans of “B” category in 1977, which he sent to the Ismailia Association for Tanzania. He also cast his hard working on “Kalam-i Imam-i Mubin” (1^st vol.) and forwarded his important comments to the Ismailia Association for Tanzania in 1978.

Alijah Sadruddin Dharas rendered a magnitude of the services. These may be summed up that he served as a Hon. Secretary of the Ismailia Provincial Council, Mtwara (1964-1968), the manager of H.H. Prince Aga Khan Primary & Nursery Schools (1969-1970), the Chairman of the Southern Regional Committee for H.H. Prince Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismailia Association for Tanzania (1970-1971), the Regional Representative member for Ismailia Provincial Council, Mtwara (1971-72), the member of the Advisory Board for H.H. Prince Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismailia Association for Tanzania (1977-1981), the Co-ordinator of the 28 Regional Centres of the Ismailia Association for Tanzania, where 1700 students were taught by 102 tutors. He was also appointed the member of the National Religious Education Committee for United States (1986-1987), etc.

Alijah Sadruddin Dharas is credited to have focused his mind on the working of the institutions on many occasions, and worked out his observations and suggestions to the high bodies. He also represented and participated in national and international conferences and seminars. He sent a Memorandum to Jalaluddin Jaffer, Hon. General Secretary of the Ismailia Association for Canada on August 14, 1974; who assured to deal his valuable suggestions in the President’s Conference in Paris. He also sent another useful Memorandum to Varasiani Gulzar Muller on August 18, 1974. In reply on October 3, 1974, Dewan Eboo Pirbhai, the President of the Ismailia Supreme Council for Europe, Canada and United States, mentioned,  that the points which he had raised in the Memorandum were discussed in the World Ismailia Associations Conference at Nairobi in 1974, and assured him that his points would be inserted on the agenda of the Conference to be held under Hazar Imam’s chairmanship. Alijah Sadruddin Dharas participated in the Ginan Workshop on April 15, 1977 in Karachi, representing the Advisory Board of the Ismailia Association for Tanzania. He took part in the Conference of the Provincial and District Chairman as a special delegate in Dar-es-Salaam between May 13 and May 14, 1978. He attended the International Ismailia Associations Conference at Nairobi in 1979, representing the Ismailia Association for Tanzania. He visited with Nizar Rajabali in Mbeya, Iringa and Morogoro to inspect the condition of religious education. He prepared his three reports with rich proposals and sent them to the Chairman of the Ismailia Association for Tanzania. In reply on December 5, 1981, the Executive Secretary assured him to implement his suggestions soon after their Secondary Manpower Training Programme. Pursuant to the Paris Conference of 1975 under the historic Chairmanship of Hazar Imam, several programmes were chalked out with specific time frames heralding a new era of international collaboration among the Ismailia Associations all over the world. It was also resolved that the Ismailia Associations would meet periodically at the global level to review the progress. The first International Review Meeting to this effect was convened in Nairobi in 1976, 1977, 1979 and 1980. For the first time, Wazir Abdul Mohammad Muscatwala, the President of the Ismailia Association for India had the fortunate privilege of hosting such a meeting in Bombay between January 13 and January 15, 1982. Alijah Sadruddin Dharas attended the Conference as a delegate of Ismailia Association for Tanzania. It was held at the Taj Mahal Intercontinental Hotel, chaired by Dewan Sir Eboo Pirbhai, who also presented tokens to the participants on the concluding day at a grand function at the Oberoia Hotel. Alijah Sadruddin Dharas  also attended the 3^rd All Africa Zonal Conference of Ismailia Associations held in Nairobi at the Nairobi Serena Hotel on May 15 and May 16, 1982. It was participated by 28 delegates and 68 observers, chaired by Dewan Sir Eboo Pirbhai. It is to be noted that the first North American Zonal Conference was held in 1977 and the second in 1979. Its third Conference was organized between July 31, 1981 and August 3, 1981 at the premises of the Doral Country Club, Miami. Alijah Sadruddin Dharas represented the Ismailia Association for Tanzania in several Conferences. He participated the fourth North American Zonal Conference in the same capacity between August 18 and August 21, 1983, at the Ladha Hotel in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. Wazir Amirali P. Haji and Rai Amir Mamdani, the Presidents of Ismailia Association for Canada and United States chaired this Conference alternately. He also worked in the World Ismailia Associations Co-ordinating Committee and submitted his report on 14 primers on May 11, 1983.

On July 7, 1983, Alijah Sadruddin Dharas represented on behalf of Madatali H. Lakhani, the Chairman of Ismailia Association for Tanzania to attend the grand ceremony of the presentation of Academic Awards, organized by the University of London Institute of Education and the Institute of Ismaili Studies, London. Its Guest of Honour was the Imam. Alijah Sadruddin Dharas also attended the 4^th Africa Ismailia Associations’ Zonal Conference in Kinshasa, Zaire between April 20 and April 24, 1984 during the period of Sadruddin Kassam Nanji, the President of the Ismailia Association for Zaire. The Ismailia Association for United States cordially invited him to participate in the Graduation Ceremony of the Religion Teachers on June 11, 1986 at Atlanta.

Alijah Sadruddin Dharas rendered incredible services to the Information Office of the Ismailia Council for Tanzania during the silver jubilee visits of the Imam and remained close with liaiso-fieldwork with Press Information Office. In his gracious message on October 23, 1984, addressed to the President of the Ismailia Council, the Imam said:-

I also give my best paternal maternal loving blessings to the following beloved spiritual children for their good work and devoted services to the information office. I very much appreciate the work they have done during my silver jubilee visits.

Alijah Aziz Hussain Poonawala
Alijah Mohamed Shivji
Alijah Amir Sumar
Akbar Dhalla
Sadruddin Dharas

Alijah Sadruddin Dharas also organized the National Religious Education Meeting in Albuquerque between October 11, and October 13, 1985 and won admiration of Razia Pullen, the Chairperson of the Ismailia Association for the United States on October 23, 1985, who titled him as a good leader and model for teachers. He also attended the Mission Study at the El Buen Samaritano Methodista Church in Albuquerque on March 2, 1991, where he made a presentation on the common beliefs of two great religions, Islam and Christianity.

In view of his long and unstinted services, he was given the title of Alijah in 1983 during the Silver Jubilee celebrations.

The family tree of Dharas family indicates that its branches continued the legacy of the services for the Imam and the jamat from African continent to United States. Alijah Sadruddin Dharas married Mumtaz, the daughter of Ibrahim Kurji from Pemba Chake Chake, on Dec. 27th 1958. She has also rendered her services in all the Brotherhoods, notably in the Food Committee. Alijah Sadruddin has three children, one daughter and two sons. His daughter Shainul married Nasiruddin Jivraj Mawji Dewji of Mtwara, and has a daughter, Selina and a son, Karim. Both Shainul and Nasiruddin have served as Mukhiani and Mukhi for Mawla no Rojo Brotherhood. Murad and Rahim are the only sons of Alijah Sadruddin. Murad married Rozmina. They have two daughters and a son. Their first daughter Nabila died in infancy at the age of 9 months, while their second daughter is Nabila II. The name of her only son is Jamil. Murad, the son of Alijah Sadruddin is a volunteer and his wife is an assistant volunteer for facilitator in the Jamatkhana. Rahim is the second son of Alijah Sadruddin, who is married to Alnar, they have a daughter, named Inara. Rahim is a member for Youth & Sports at the national level, and the Kamadia for Mawla no Rojo Brotherhood in Albuquerque Jamatkhana.

Salim Dharas was born on August 25, 1950 in Zanzibar. He also took leading parts in different institutions. He started his services with the Aga Khan Secondary School, Dar-es-Salaam on December 2, 1966, followed by the Agriculture & Co-operative Training College, Mahiwa Lindi from June 26, 1967 to 1970. He was the member of the Aga Khan Gents Volunteer Corps, Mtwara (1971-73) as well as associated with Elrain Gessellschaft Fortbuilding College, West Germany. He was the portfolio member for the Aga Khan Youth & Sports Committee, Mtwara (1976-1977), the Acting Hon. Secretary for the Provincial Council for Mtwara (1978-81), etc. The Imam graciously appointed him the Kamadia for a higher Brotherhood on July 11, 1978 in Mtwara Jamatkhana (1978-82). On December 13, 1982, he was appointed the portfolio member for the Ismailia Association for Kinshasa, Zaire and is credited to have delegated the 4^th All Africa Zonal Conference in Kinshasa, Zaire between April 20 and April 24, 1984, which was chaired by Rai Ameer Kassim Lakha. In his advance message of April 18, 1984, Hazar Imam showered best loving blessings to all the participants. In Kinshasa, he also rendered his inestimable services to the Audio Visual and Religious Book Departments of the Ismailia Association for Zaire. In his letter of July 30, 1984, Alijah Sadruddin Nanji, the Chairman deeply extolled his valuable contributions. Dr. Farouk Topan of the Institute of Ismaili Studies, London also wrote on June 18, 1984 to the Chairman of the Ismailia Association for Zaire for the untiring services of the members, including Salim Dharas. He was also appointed the Kamadia for a Brotherhood in Kinshasa on July 11, 1983. His services continued soon after the migration of Dharas family in United States since November 2, 1984. He served as the volunteer member for R.E.C. Albuquerque, New Mexico (1985-86). He also participated in the 1^st All America National Religious Education Convention in Albuquerque on October 11, 1985. He was also appointed the Kamadia for a high Brotherhood on December 13, 1987 for three years in Albuquerque. He was also taken as a member for Albuquerque Health Committee on July 11, 1991 for two years. He also rendered his valuable services as a member without portfolio in Albuquerque Committee (1993-96). Hazar Imam once again showered his blessings by appointing him the Kamadia for a high Brotherhood in Albuquerque on December 13, 1996 for three years. He also extended his best services in the arrangement of the Conference of the Council at Albuquerque. Sultan Ali Khowaja, the Hon. Secretary of the Ismailia Council for Southwestern United States also congratulated the workers in his letter of November 9, 1998.

Salim Dharas was appointed the Kamadia for Albuquerque Jamatkhana with Mukhi Hamid R. Sheriff on July 11, 1999 in accordance with the following expressed farman of Hazar Imam, addressed to the President and members of the Ismaili Council for United States on July 9, 1999.

9^th July, 1999

My dear President and Members,

On the occasion of Imamate day, the 11^th of July, 1999, I appoint with my most affectionate paternal maternal loving blessings all the beloved spiritual children mentioned on the enclosed lists as Mukhis and Kamadias of Jamatkhanas in the U.S.A., Australia and New Zealand.

I send my most affectionate paternal maternal loving blessings to the newly appointed Mukhis, Kamadias, Mukhianis and Kamadianis for success in their duties, with best loving blessings to the retiring Mukhis, Kamadias, Mukhianis and Kamadianis for their past excellent and devoted services.

I send my most affectionate loving blessings to all the beloved spiritual children of U.S.A., Australia and New Zealand Jamat.

He presently serves as the Kamadia of Albuquerque Jamatkhana, and ever ready to extend his outstanding services in the world. The readers must know that Kamadia Salim Dharas ascended as an angel to give a new life in compilation of this book, and helped the author in its study and publication, which shall be ever remembered.

Kamadia Salim Dharas married Rosemin, the daughter of late Hyder Ali Nanji Ahmed and Rohshan Jiva Hirji on Feb. 27th 1976.Rosemin served as Assistant Secretary for Regional Council for Mtwara and served almost in all the Brotherhoods. She is now the present Kamadiani in Albuquerque Jamatkhana. Kamadia Salim Dharas