Different dates of the birth of Pir Sabzali sound in written and oral traditions, such as 1871 or 1873. It ensues from a legal document of Bombay Court (1915) that he was born in 1884. He was two years old when his father died in Bombay. His mother, Maghbai (1850-1945) brought up her children and instilled in them the impulse of services to the Imam and jamat. She was a frequent visitor to Lady Aly Shah at Wadi, Bombay. Lady Aly Shah liked the bread of millet, which she got prepared from Maghbai.

It appears that Pir Sabzali took no interest in his formal education. He would wend his unwilling way to school. He would often play truant in company with others of same frame of mind. This slipshod schooling continued for about couple of years mainly under the pressure of his elder brother. When Mahomed Jaffer was convinced that his younger brother was not literary genius and the futility of forcing him to continue his schooling, he thought out plans for him. And it dawned upon him that Pir Sabzali had wasted the most precious period of his early life in vain wandering.

Varas Muhammad Remu (1860-1924), the most versatile genius in Gwadar was a frequent visitor to Lady Ali Shah and the Imam in Bombay. Close intimacy and friendship subsisted between him and the family of Maghbai, who always arranged his lodging in Hasanabad. In 1897, Maghbai and Mahomed Jaffer, the elder brother of Pir Sabzali invited Varas Muhammad Remu at a dinner, where they expressed their worries for young Pir Sabzali. Varas Muhammad Remu offered them to send him in Gwadar, assuring to look after him. Another view sounds that the Imam told to Maghbai to send Pir Sabzali in Gwadar under Varas Muhammad Remu. In sum, he was sent to Gwadar in 1898 when he was 14 years old. By this time he had scarcely finished four books of Gujrati and only two of English. He came in Karachi with an Ismaili trader, and thence proceeded to Gwadar in a dhow.

Gwadar faced scanty of water and was to be procured in the well lying outside the town. The Ismaili workers brought water in water-skins for the Jamatkhana on every morning, and an old blind woman, called Sonabai washed the utensils and swept the Jamatkhana. Once Pir Sabzali entered the Jamatkhana in the morning for drinking water. Sonabai heard the noise and asked, to which he identified himself. She said, "Sabu! you have made the glass impure. I will have to wash it again." Being asked, how the glass polluted, she said, "I have heard that you smoke and your impure lips have touched the glass." Her words struck him deeply. To quote him, "These words absolutely touched my heart. I began to hate myself and resolved to abstain from smoking ever since." This was the first stage of change in his life, which transformed him in religious awakening.

He imbibed religious training by sitting almost daily at the feet of Varas Muhammad Remu. Simultaneously, he also learnt the mechanism of fish business. This was the second stage of the changes in his life and the latent tendencies emerged very soon in his personality.

When Varas Muhammad Remu satisfied with his aptitude, sincerity and sense of responsibility, he posted him in Pasani to look after his firm. He also appointed him the Kamadia of the Pasani Jamatkhana in 1904  with Khuda Baksh Rahmatullah as a Mukhi. In the absence of the missionary in Pasani, he himself performed waez on many occasions. When Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah visited Gwadar for the second time on April 1, 1905, he graciously presented him a shawl in Gwadar on April 15, 1905 and told him, “You live like the jamat of Gwadar.” In 1907, he was appointed the Mukhi of Pasani Jamatkhana with  Muhammad Meruani as Kamadia.

The Gwadar Council deputed him in Ormada from Pasani in January 6, 1909 to propagate the importance of education. He delivered his speech in Ormada Jamatkhana and moved the listeners. The leaders of Ormada soon launched a scheme of a school and wrote the Gwadar Council for its permission. Thus, the first school in Ormada inaugurated in February, 1909 with 40 students in a grand function presided by Mukhi Ghulam Ali Mohammadi. On that juncture, Pir Sabzali recollected his early days he passed in wandering in Bombay, and wept profusely as the wheel now ran on reverse side that he was propagating for it.

He conducted the business of Varas Muhammad Remu as his agent in Pasani and served the jamat as a Mukhi till 1912. In 1912, Varas Muhammad Remu promoted him as his agent as well as the Mukhi of Ormada jamat. Ormada is located at the shore of Arabian sea, 140 nautical miles west of Karachi and at the same distance east of Gwadar. This was the third stage of change in his life, making him quite a responsible person. He became an expert merchant, a missionary and a devoted social worker. He is noted for organizing functions, inviting the parents and distributed sweets and prizes to the students. The last function held on August 5, 1918 was a historic for the Ormada jamat. It appears from different versions that he would take flying visits of Karachi from Ormada several times and cemented contacts with the leaders of Karachi.

He passed about 20 years in Gwadar, Pasani and Ormada. He was an ordinary worker in the firm of Varas Muhammad Remu, and then became his agent, earning Rs. 700/= per month. He had so deep respect for Varas Muhammad Remu that in speaking of him, he always called him “my father” and authorized him to take the initiative in every affair and bring to a conclusion. He referred to him in terms of admiration and gratitude and acknowledged his debt for the initiation he had received from him.

He reached the stage when he could carve out his own career, and resolved to start his own business in Karachi. In the meantime, his elder brother, Mahomed Jaffer expired in Bombay on October 27, 1918, who lived in Valkesar, Bombay. He was a trader and generous and made a will to build a sanatorium in Panchgani at the cost of one lac rupees. He went to Bombay for few months. He took an opportunity to perform his waez in Bombay and Kathiawar for the first time and impressed the jamat. He returned to Karachi and started his business of fish in 1919. Very soon, he also became an exporter of cotton yarn of Sind to Bombay.

In Karachi, he was also the director of the newly formed the Khoja Ismaili Trading Co. in 1918. He was a generous and provided furniture and fixture to the Ismaili institutions. He also shared his donation to The Young Ismaili Vidhiya Vinod Club since its existence on April 1, 1915.

He was appointed the President of The Ismailia Library of Kharadhar, Karachi between 1919 and 1921 with  Ghulam Hussain Rahmatullah as Hon. Secretary. He was once again appointed its President on April 1, 1927.

In 1919, a fierce storm raged among the Ismailis in Karachi whether mixed public meetings of men and women were not mischievous innovation in the community, fraught with immense possible social harm. Pir Sabzali came forward to shake the stronghold of orthodoxy, for he had organized one such meeting for the first time in Kharadhar Boy's School in Karachi. He invited an eminent accomplished Ismaili lady to preside over the joint gathering. Something seemed to be on the verge of happening. But the only thing that happened was that the oppositionists were loudly clapping, and the sceptics were converted the wonderful oration that Pir Sabzali delivered at the beginning of the meeting. The house gave it its unstinted support.

He also encouraged the newly formed The Young Khoja Ismailia Kathiawadi Mitr Mandal, Kharadhar, Karachi on April 21, 1919 with handsome donation.

The Imam visited Zanzibar between July 15, 1914 and August 6, 1914 and made some strict farmans to abstain from alcohol and smoking, and emphasized to lead simple life within the resources. Pir Sabzali published the selected farmans in March, 1920 in Karachi, entitled “Nasiat-i Imam” and distributed its ten thousand copies in India and Africa.

Pir Sabzali had close ties with N.M. Budhwani, the editor of the Ismaili Aftab of Dhoraji, Kathiawar. On March 21, 1923, he went to Dhoraji and visited the Girls School with Budhwani. In a prize distribution function on March 28, 1923, he gave away cash prizes to 106 students, and declared that he would award gold watch to the winner who would deliver good lecture in the Jamatkhana during the 43rd Salgirah of the Imam. On that occasion, N.M. Budhwani called him in his speech, the “Champion of Religion” vide “Ismaili Aftab” (Dhoraji, July, 1927, p. 37) During his visit, he delivered penetrative waez  that the people of Dhoraji remembered it for a long time.

Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah arrived in Karachi on April 10, 1920 for 27 days. On April 29, 1920, Chief Mukhi Rahmatullah Lutf Ali (1914-1928) said to the Imam, "Mawla, we gained much with the advent of Bhagat Sabzali over here." The Imam became happy and said smilingly that, "I know all this. Not only in Karachi, but he had worked hard in Bombay, Kathiawar and Makran."

Pir Sabzali also presented his mehmani on the same day. The Imam said to him, “You are working hard. You are living in Kharadhar, therefore you perform here waez and exhort the spiritual meaning of becoming fana fi’lillah, and also go to Garden among the Kutchhi brethren and deliver waez, Khanavadan. I give you much blessings.” Varas Bandali Kassim, Varas Rahim Basaria and Alijah Alidina Ali Muhammad were also present, who reported the Imam that Missionary Sabzali had worked excellently.

The Imam put his blessed hand on his shoulder, and tendered his congratulations. Dr. Suleman Ghulam Hussain Haji (d. 1924) submitted a humble service that, "I have invested a title of Tuti-i Sind to Missionary Sabzali." The Imam said, "But I give him a title of Tuti-i Bagh-i Bahisht instead of Tuti-i Sind." The Imam again graced his compliment to him. Sonibai, the wife of Pir Sabzali stood with a gold chain in hands. The Imam blessed her and took the gold chain from her hand and put it on his own neck and blessed her.

On May 6, 1920, the Imam said to him, “Sabzali, you continue to perform waez in the Jamatkhanas of Karachi and Sind as usual. You have been appointed a member of the Council for Makran, but the jamat of Karachi insists that you reside in Karachi.”

It is learnt that when the Imam arrived in Bombay on March 2, 1920, the Panjibhai Club had arranged a grand assembly at Hasanabad with the help of Sahitiya Utejak Mandal, Vidhiya Vinod Club and other institutions. The Mukhis, Kamadias and the leaders, including Pir Sabzali, attended it. Alijah Alidina Ali Muhammad of Karachi presided the assembly. The house resolved to summon the All India Khoja Ismailia Conference for the welfare of the Ismailis. When the Imam was in Karachi and graced a group photograph with the members of the library on Thursday, May 6, 1920, Pir Sabzali as the President of the library sat on the right side of the Imam. He took an opportunity and revealed the plan of above conference. The Imam said, “Well, you arrange the first meeting of All India Khoja Ismailia Conference in Karachi, because Karachi is my birth-place, it should be instituted from here. Pir Sadruddin also arrived from Uchh Sharif and operated proselytizing mission from Karachi at first. You inaugurate the conference in Karachi. The conference is necessary.” When Pir Sabzali asked to propose the date of its inauguration, the Imam said, “Navroz is an ideal occasion. You arrange its first meeting on next Navroz. Then the conference should be held in Bombay, Kathiawar, Rangoon and other places.”

It appears that the Imam bequeathed much responsibilities to Pir Sabzali between 1920 and 1924 and had to make extensive tours, therefore, the plan of the conference could not be materialized.

During the auspicious visit of the Imam in Karachi in 1920, Alijah Shahban Mohib declared his donation of a house of Rs. 5000/- for the school in Ormada. The Imam accepted it graciously and blessed him. On that occasion, Pir Sabzali also gave donation of Rs. 1000/- and a plot of Ormada of equal cost. He also collected a fund of Rs. 1000/- from different individuals for the school.

The tug of the first World War (1914-1919) had badly shaken the business in India for many years. In 1920, the British reserved the railway wagons for the military even after an end of war. Thus, a huge bales of cotton of Pir Sabzali was lying in the railway godowns, and worried for its transportation. On that day, Wazir Rahim Basaria (1885-1927) informed him the gracious wish of the Imam to go on the trip of Punjab and the Northwest Frontier as a Special Commissioner of the Imam. Pir Sabzali did not speak his business worries and obeyed it servilely. He girded up his loins when the call of duty beckoned him for action. He left his merchandise at railway yards on the mercy of the Imam and left Karachi on next morning at 7.30 a.m. by Quetta Mail on October 6, 1920.

Soon after the visit of Lahore and Multan in 1911, the Imam seems to have determined that the gupti Ismailis in Punjab should expose and subscribe to the Ismaili faith openly. He wished that his gupti followers should purge non-Islamic elements, which had quietly crept in their social milieu. He sent several messages and prepared them mentally for the action. The extreme orthodox class among them however delayed to shed off the old tendencies embodied in their society. On January 14, 1920, the Imam summoned some eight prominent leaders of the gupti in Poona and ordered them to cut down the old girdle of Hindu tendencies to immerse in Islamic traditions, and come up palpably without fear. The Imam also gave an audience to 300 gupti Ismailis on January 23, 1920, and commissioned them the promulgation Imam’s message in the villages of Punjab. When the news spread among the Hindus, their leaders came into the action. Seth Bhawani Das Narayan Das Motiwala and Dr. Kalyan Das J. Dessai sent a telegram to the Imam, appealing to withdraw his orders for the interest of the Hinduism. Later on, Zaver Chand Amatha Chand, the Vice-President of Arya Samaj and Manilal Bakor Viyas with Damodar Das Chunilal Dalal hatched widespread propaganda against the exposition of the gupti Ismailis. Sri Radha Krishna, the leader of the Arya Samaj, had a vein of animosity in his character for the Ismailis, and put many hurdles and hitches. It resulted the chaotic condition of the Ismailis. Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah sent Pir Sabzali in Punjab to cope with the situation. In order to thwart the bitter opposition of Arya Samaj, Pir Sabzali deliberated with indomitable talent along with other learned Ismailis, who were vigorous in their cogent arguments. Missionary Varasiani Ghulam Fatima of Gujranwala also operated proselytizing mission with Pir Sabzali in Punjab. She was the first Ismaili lady to deliberate with trenchant arguments in public with the propagandists of the Arya Samaj. He weathered the storms and returned to Karachi and submitted his report to Wazir Rahim Basaria. On January 6, 1921, the Imam sent a telegraphic message from Canes that, “Happy congratulations to all. Inform Sabzali happy upon receipt of good report of Panjab. Coming India soon.”

On February 8, 1921, the Imam told to the members of the Recreation Club in Bombay that, “You now operate the proselytizing mission in Punjab.” The Imam also told to Pir Sabzali to make another trip in Punjab during the majalis, and inspect a suitable location for the Orphanage and School.

In 1922, the Recreation Club branch of Karachi sent him to Gwadar for waez, and by now onwards, he also began to reside in Bombay.

The H.H. The Aga Khan Bombay Volunteer Corps came into existence in 1919 and soon afterwards, it passed through some hitches, and it was almost on the verge of liquidation. It was only Pir Sabzali’s good offices that saved the volunteer corps from a critical situation.  He made the gloomy clouds disappeared hovering upon the volunteer corps and bravely weathered the storm with sincere intermediary. Lt. Col. Pir Mohammad V. Madhani writes in “Ismaili Volunteers, Scouts and Guides Souvenir” (Bombay, 1954) that, “We take this opportunity to thank late Pir Sabzali, whose timely arrival at Bombay before the auspicious arrival of H.R.H. The Prince Aga Khan made the cloud of gloom disappear from over the volunteer corps. His favors are unforgettable and it is impossible for us to repay same much as we may try to do so, because, unfortunately he is no more with us.”

In 1922, he was appointed the President of the Provincial Committee for Punjab on behalf of the Recreation Club Institute, Bombay.

During the meeting of the Recreation Club in Bombay on March 2, 1923, the Imam formed a committee for Punjab and appointed Pir Sabzali as its President with Karam Hussain as Hon. Secretary. On March 27, 1923, the Imam told to Hussain Sherif, Merali Pirbhai, Gangji Kurji and Pir Sabzali that, “When I passed through the Deccan state, I have seen many destitute people with no clothes. You give them looms and watch them on every six months and report to the Central Board.”

We now arrive to the part which can be claimed the crowning glory of his service career in the community, and that is his historical itinerary in Central Asia. On March 7, 1923, the Imam graced didar to the Ismailis of Badakhshan in Poona. Pir Sabzali was also summoned on that occasion. The Imam said to him, "I shall be very happy if you prepare to go on a journey to Central Asia." To this, he bowed his head in reverence, exhibiting his palpable acceptance. The Imam said, "Well, you go to that region, and I will give you my talika."

Pir Sabzali rejoiced beyond all bounds and measures in his selection for an adventurous service, and began to pass his days as if years. The news of his journey spread rapidly in public. He was however told that the region of Central Asia was mountainous with dangerous routes and too appalling to travel. He also heard that not a single Indian language was spoken there except the Persian. Hearkening the dreadful informations, he was engulfed in deep thinking, the most striking feature of his worries was the language problem. He did not know Persian, and never heard or read about the Central Asia. In sum, the people from all walk of life set before him the most awful image of Central Asia. The galaxy of leaping thoughts revolved in his mind and fastened him all around. For the happiness of the Imam, he determined tenaciously to venture in awesome regions, why not it cost him his life.

On those days, some Ismailis of Badakhshan had arrived in Bombay from Poona after taking the didar and lodged at Hasanabad. Pir Sabzali started to see them at every night, and tried to converse with them in Persian. Sometimes he slept with them due to late night hours. He chatted in Persian, and collected latest news of the Central Asia. The frightful picture of Central Asia however continued to wander in his thoughts. His heart beat more than normal motion and passed sleepless nights, and ate little. He however did not show a little sign of his inner worries on his face, and procured assurance in the words of the Imam. He now refrained from hearing anything to cause heart breaking, and centered his attention in the preparations of the journey.

During his stay at Bombay, the Imam summoned him several times and gave necessary instructions. The Imam also asked one of his entourages to prepare necessary papers of his journey. It seems that there was a certain amount of inertia in preparations of papers. When the Imam tended to ask for it, he was told that Sabzali was nerveless.  The Imam called for Pir Sabzali and asked, "Are you really frightened to this journey? Don’t be fearful and bound for it" Gently but firmly he answered, "Not at all! I am ready. The late preparation of the papers is the main reason of my delay.”

The Imam told to Aga Rukh Shah, the son of Imam's uncle Akbar Shah to execute the documents and papers of Pir Sabzali. The papers were made ready on very next day.

The Imam said to him, "Are you appalled Sabzali?" He replied negatively. To this, the Imam said, "Listen, I had deputed three dais in that part of the world, i.e. Nasir Khusaro, Pir Shams and Pir Sadruddin. They were also human beings like you, but I represented their tongues. Don’t be afraid and bound for it."

Pir Sabzali had come in Bombay from Karachi since December, 1922. He made a programme to go to Karachi first to see his family and consign his business to someone, and then start for his journey. Meanwhile, the annual majalis in Sialkot was about to be organized, the Imam told him on April 5, 1923 while delivering him his special talika into Persian for the jamats of Central Asia that, "You go from here to Sialkot to attend the majalis, and thence you proceed for your journey." He dropped his programme of Karachi, and resolved to go Sialkot from Bombay.

On April 6, 1923, the Imam visited the Jamatkhana in Bombay before leaving for Europe. While the Imam was getting out from the elevator, he turned to Pir Sabzali and said, "Are you frightened to go alone? Listen, one has nothing to care who goes on my behalf." Pir Sabzali received much potency afresh and his worries disappeared and gained a natural vigour and courage. The Imam also told to the Ismailis of Badakhshan who accompanied him that, “Listen, I consign you Sabzali. Bring him here in the same state as you took him with you.”

On April 7, 1923, the Recreation Club Institute accorded him a party at late evening. The President, members, the leaders of Bombay Council and the officers of the jamat attended the farewell party. Huzur Wazir Ali Muhammad Macklai, the President made a speech and wished his success and garlanded him. With the termination of the party, almost all of them joined with Pir Sabzali at the Bori Bunder Station to bid him farewell. The party of Pir Sabzali departed by Delhi Express at 9.00 p.m. for Lahore. Alijah Ramzan Ali Alibhai, Huzur Mukhi Ghulam Ali Arab (1906-1983), Sayed Murad Ali, who sat in the car of the Imam, Gulu Kurban and other four to five Ismailis of Badakhshan accompanied him. There were also seven Badakhshani Ismaili passengers going to Peshawar. The Imam had given them a talika into Persian, and Gulu Kurban was assigned to read it before the jamats of the Central Asia. The Imam authorized Pir Sabzali to accept the tithes and offerings of the jamats and the dastboshi on behalf of the Imam. They also took with them a box containing sugar cubes to be given to the jamats. He had prepared a red robe and a turban of filigree as per Imam's instructions. It is related that Nasir Khusaro had foretold to the people of Central Asia that an ambassador of the Imam would arrive, attired in red robe and a turban of filigree.

The historical caravan departed from Bombay on April 7, 1923 by Delhi Express and on that day, the Imam also left for Europe. Pir Sabzali reached Lahore and then in Rawalpindi and finally proceeded to Sialkot. The members of Sialkot jamat and volunteers received him at the station. He attended the majalis for three days and delivered waez. The Arya Samaj had created some troubles in Pind Dad Khan, therefore, Pir Sabzali left Sialkot on April 14, 1923 and arrived in Pind Dad Khan, where he stayed for two days and restored peace. 

He arrived in Rawalpindi with his colleagues on April 17, 1923 for a day. Missionary Hakim Ali also joined him till Peshawar, where they arrived on April 18, 1923. This marked with exactitude the date of commencing his journey.

He also sent a message to Ahmad, the son of the Kamadia of Garhi Kapura in district Mardan to buy few necessary items and reach at Dir, where he would collect them.

To have dared the dangers of rushing torrents in the impenetrable hilly tracks, the freezing cold of merciless winters of Central Asia, the steep and snow-covered mountains, etc. is no mean a great achievement. His historical journey wrought a miracle in the Central Asia. Within a short time since he set foot on that region, where he had never been before, the territory of Central Asia was breathing and pulsating with life and spirit. It procured a close link between the followers of that region with the Imam.  He had also executed some jamati organizational works in Central Asia and established Council Committees and built Jamatkhanas. Later on, the Imam appointed Mir Muhammad Jamal Khan, the ruler of Hunza, as the President of Central Asian Ismaili jamats. After an end of their journey, they returned in Peshawar on December 12, 1923, which suggests that the span of his itinerary was for 8 months and 5 days.

He went to Karachi on December 12, 1923 from Punjab to see his relatives, while Ramzan Ali and others reached Bombay on December 12, 1923. When he reached at Karachi, he was warmly greeted at the station. The Council of Karachi accorded him a reception at the Wadi in Garden area and presented him the befitting welcome address written on a hand-woven cloth in a silver casket. The Young Khoja Ismaili Volunteer Corps, The Saddar Bazar Khoja Panjibhai and the Recreation Club's branch in Karachi feted a dinner party in his honour.

Pir Sabzali reached Bombay on December 29, 1923 by a Mail Steamer, where he was well received by the leaders. Seth Abdullah Kassim Mevawala and Seth Navroz Ali Hirji jointly honoured Pir Sabzali and Alijah Ramzan Ali, a grand party in the hall of the Recreation Club, presided by Mukhi Laljibhai Devraj (1842-1930). The Recreation Club also honored them on January 6, 1924 in presence of 150 guests. He conceived highest respect for Varas Muhammad Remu. No sooner did he see him in the gathering than he bowed down his head servilely and earned his blessings.

In the meantime, the Imam arrived at Bombay from Europe on Sunday, January 13, 1924. Pir Sabzali presented the report of his journey. The Imam was delighted for this noble venture and blessed him. The Imam crowned him with the title of Alijah at Poona on January 29, 1924 with an award of a gold medal and silver medals to his associates. Upon receipt of the title, the Recreation Club hosted him a warm reception on February 18, 1924, which was presided by Varas Muhammad Remu.

The accounts of his journey to Central Asia appeared in the weekly "Ismaili" (Bombay) between February 17, 1924 and October 12, 1924. The "Platinum Jubilee Bulletin" (Bombay) also published the accounts of his journey from July 15, 1953 to October 1, 1953. The weekly "Ismaili" once again published it on March 21, 1967 to October 6, 1967. The weekly "Ismaili Crescent" (Dar-es-Salaam) published it between January 8, 1967 and April 21, 1968. It was reproduced in the fortnightly "Paigham" (Karachi) between February 15, 1967 and April 15, 1970. In the meantime, Alijah Sultan V. Nur Muhammad compiled the accounts of Pir Sabzali's journey to Central Asia through Ismailia Association for India, Bombay on 1968, entitled "Pir Sabzali'ni Madhiya Asia'ni Musafari", whose materials are not reliable and contrary to the original version. For its full detail, vide “Voyage of Pir Sabzali in Central Asia” (Karachi, 2001)

Pir Sabzali gained considerable informations of the Ismailis in different centers, he was consigned the Foreign Department of the Recreation Club on April 1, 1924.

It sounds that he had become an adventurerous itinerant. He made a personal tour of Europe and Middle East with Varas Chhotubhai, Habib Rawjee, Abdullah Kassim Mevawala and Hasan Ali Mukhi Megji. Huzur Wazir Muhammad Macklai honoured them a farewell party in Taj Mahal Hotel, Bombay on May 23, 1924. They sailed from Bombay by Mail Steamer, Caledonia of P & Co., and visited England, Italy, France, Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, Germany, Syria and Egypt.

When he arrived in Syria, he was warmly hailed in Salamia and was accorded the Guard of Honour in presence of Mir Mirza Haji Kamadia Mustapha and Haji Musa bin Jiraf. Varas Mir Suleman, Mir Mirza Haji Kamadia Mustapha and Ali Jindi made excellent lodging arrangements for Pir Sabzali and his associates.

After having a successful tour, they returned to Bombay on Wednesday, November 5, 1924. The Recreation Club Institute arranged a grand party, presided by Kadar Hussain Mehr Ali Manji, who in his opening speech paid rich tribute to late Varas Muhammad Remu of Gwadar, and expressed brief account of the tour of Pir Sabzali. On November 9, 1924 and November 16, 1924, the weekly "Ismaili" covered a brief report of his journey and his interview of 21 questions. 

He also delivered a long lecture on his historical journey to Central Asia, Europe and Syria in the hall of the Recreation Club Institute on November 9, 1924. It was attended by huge crowd of the Ismailis and the leaders and earned their appreciations for getting rare informations of the Ismailis living in other parts of the world.

He left Bombay for Karachi on November 10, 1924 and offered fatiha at the grave of Varas Muhammad Remu, who expired on November 5, 1924. He also made a flying visit of Gwadar to see the family members of Varas Muhammad Remu.

He made his first East African visit with Wazir Rahim Basaria (1885-1927), Missionary Hamir Lakha (1881-1963) and Missionary Hussaini Pir Muhammad (1878-1951), and sailed from Bombay on January 7, 1925. The Imam arrived in Zanzibar for didar on February 9, 1925. Kamadia Mulji Nazar Ali had built a new Jamatkhana in Moshi for 35,000/- shillings. The jamat humbly invited the Imam to perform its opening ceremony, but the Imam could not go and asked Pir Sabzali to represent him. Pir Sabzali performed the opening ceremony of Moshi Jamatkhana on March 24, 1925. The jamat presented a shawl and gold ring to  Kamadia Mulji Nazar Ali. Pir Sabzali also gifted him a gold watch. Missionary Hamir Lakha and Itmadi Jivan delivered waez. Pir Sabzali left Moshi for Nairobi on March 25, 1925, where he also delivered waez. He  returned to Bombay with Hamir Lakha on April 18, 1925.

He played a key role during the incident of the Patadi Murder Case. On July 10, 1925, a son of the Kori in the village of Patadi, Gujrat disappeared. The enemies of the Ismailis propagated that the Ismailis had killed the child. The dead body of the child however was found on July 12, 1925, but the stimulated gang harassed the local Ismailis. They damaged the Jamatkhana and destroyed the religious books. The enemies charged that Magan Alibhai and Somji Kassim were responsible and prepared fictitious witnesses against them. On October 28, 1925, the hearing of the case began in Fatehwadi, near Ahmedabad. Muhammad Ali Jinnah was the pleader of the Ismailis. The next hearing began on December 7, 1925 and lasted for six days. In its verdict, the court acquitted the accused ones. Between July 10, 1925 and December 7, 1925, Pir Sabzali was in Patadi and adroitly tackled the situation and restored peace within the jamat.

The power of creating permanent and indelible impressions upon the people was one of the striking feature in the personality of Pir Sabzali. We find in his life a person who had not only an immense capacity for constructive work and service to the community, but also that spark of greatness, which every one recognized, which evades description. He was a brilliant speaker. Those who heard him on the platform in his vigor and hey-day are conscious of the brilliance of his unmatched oratory. He was truly an ambassador of peace, unity and love for the Ismailis of the world. He brought light and love where previously darkness and hatred subsisted. Whenever he intervened, the breach was easily healed. None could perish in fractional quarrels, when confronted by his sincere intermediary.

He was not only an accomplished and fluent orator, but also rendered many other services in the community. Sometimes, he offered nikah of the Ismaili couples in presence of the Imam. He acted also an interpreter between the Imam and the followers during the mehmanis. He could also speak Persian and the dialects of the Central Asia, and served as an interpreter when the Ismailis from Central Asia visited Bombay.

To listen to him, when he opened the treasure-box of his varied personal experiences culled from an eventful life and travels in scores of land, was to lose count of time. For, from his inexhaustible storehouse he would pick out treasures one after another, garb them in moving and vivid language and keep his listeners reverted to their seats for hours on end. Sometimes, he became so engrossed in his delivery that he rose emotionally on the bending fingers of his legs.

He was famous for having a loud and sweet voice. The Imam joined him in the didar programs in different areas for reciting his farman loudly before the jamat. He was also commissioned to convey the written messages of the Imam for the didar programs in different parts of India.

He also won the hearts of the Ismailis of Kutchh, whom he showed and exhorted the rules, regulation and constitution of the Ismaili community. Once he told to Missionary Hamir Lakha that, "Kutchh is the land of our forefathers. We must work for those who are misguided".

He laboured hard to collect donations (amount of Rs. 4000/-) in October, 1924 for the construction of a new Jamatkhana in Sialkot. It was built under the supervision of Karam Hussain of Multan, and upon completion in 1926, Pir Sabzali performed its opening ceremony. On that occasion, he also formed  H.H. The Aga Khan Ismailia Volunteer Corps for Sialkot.

To test his talent out of the community circle, Dr. G.Allana, the Secretary of the Seerat Committee of Karachi, offered him to speak on the life of the Prophet Muhammad in the year 1927. It was just a few hours before the function was to commence in Hindu Gymkhana. Pir Sabzali readily accepted with no sign of fear. About ten thousand Muslims, squatting on the ground, strained their necks to catch a glimpse of the speakers as they came on the stage one after the other. All were hushed in silence, for one speaker just finished. The President announced the name "Janab Sabzali Saheb" as the next speaker. He appeared on the stage and spoke so forcefully and lucidly on the life of the Prophet that, as he sat down, all else for a full few minutes was drowned in a crescendo of full-throated cries of "Allah-o-Akbar." In sum, the gymkhana shook with the cries that thundered from Muslim throats.

The credit to start the annual majalis in Sialkot goes to Pir Sabzali. It instituted in 1921 with a view to unite the scattered Ismaili jamats of Punjab. Gradually, the annual majalis began to be organized on the pattern of the majalis of other parts of India. Pir Sabzali cordially invited Varas Dayabhai Velji of Ahmednagar, the President of All India Majalis Committee, and Alijah Hasan Ali Devraj to attend the majalis on 6^th, 7^th and 8^th May, 1928 and make their observations on the management. On May 13, 1928, the weekly “Ismaili” (pp. 13-14) published its report and the noble services of Pir Sabzali that, “The Ismaili jamats in Punjab were absolutely isolated from one another. Alijah Sabzali united them with his genuine efforts. He put his business aside and worked for the jamats. He spent thousand of rupees for it. He passed sleepless nights to reconcile the diverse communal matters, making arrangements for food and delivering waez. The leaders of Bombay appreciated his services.”

In 1929, Sind experienced a flood due to heavy rain of 30 inches. The Ismailis became homeless and their cattles were swept into water. At once, he wrote abroad, appealing the donors to share in the noble cause. He collected massive funds for the welfare of Ismailis.

Essa Ragat, one of the notorious persons had a vein of animosity in his character for the Ismailis in Gwadar. On March 24, 1929, he killed Khimji Remu, the elder foster brother of Varas Muhammad Remu on the account of  baseless rumours against Ismailis. The Ismailis closed their business and harbored in the  Jamatkhana for about two weeks, and were threatened with fatal attacks on their lives. The Imam was sent a report of the tragic incident in Bombay, who contacted the Viceroy of India about it. The Viceroy ordered Taymur bin Faisal, the Sultan of Muscat to prevent further casualties, insisting to establish peace in Gwadar. The Sultan neglected in his measures. Meanwhile, he abandoned the throne in favour of his son, Sultan Saeed on February 11, 1930.

The dismay yet prevailed in town, where the Ismailis were yet insecure. Essa Ragat once again attacked on an Ismaili, called Bana Ibrahim on January 5, 1930 and cut down his shoulder with a sword. The nerveless Ismailis once again sent a report to the Imam in Bombay. The Imam deputed Maulana Shaukat Ali (1872-1938), Mukhi Itmadi Hoodbhoy Shaluani (d. 1937) and Pir Sabzali in Gwadar on January, 1930 to cope with the situation, which was going from bad to worse. They held a grand gathering of about 2000 people from all walk of life, and made effective speeches on the Muslim brotherhood and unity. The principal speakers were Maulana Shaukat Ali, Muhammad Irfan, Mir Muhammad Baloch, Maulvi Uthman and Pir Sabzali. Their mission created salutary effect upon people, and appeased the flames of animosity kindled against the Ismailis.

When a dispute arose in the jamat of Agra in 1930, Pir Sabzali went there and brought an amicable reconciliation in the jamat. With his piercing personality and aptitude, he also dispelled differences in Calcutta.

On February 13, 1931, a conference of the Ismaili officers of the Punjab jamat held in Sialkot under the presidentship of Pir Sabzali to discuss the measures for accelerating the economical and social conditions of the Ismailis in Punjab and Frontier Provinces. The draft of the proposals was submitted to the Imam for approval. After a thorough study, the Imam approved it. In Raiwand, the Imam said to the Ismailis of Punjab jamat on January 24, 1938 that, "I have given approval of the laws and regulations, the constitutions of the local and supreme councils for your progress."

The second session of the historical Round Table Conference of the Indian political leaders was held on September 7, 1931 in the Picture Gallery at Buckingham Palace in London. On those days, the Imam had summoned Pir Sabzali in London, where he stayed for a week.  He was also present when the Imam and Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1947) held a historical meeting in Ritz Hotel.

The Masalawala Co-operative Bank Ltd. formerly known as The Ismaili Masalawala Sahakari Mandal Ltd. came into existence in 1929 by a handful grocers of Bombay, and registered it on September 3, 1930. On November 13, 1931, a grand gathering was held in the hall of the Recreation Club under the presidentship of Ahmad Fazalbhoy Karimbhoy. Pir Sabzali was invited in special case to deliver an impressive lecture on the importance of the Ismaili Co-operative Bank. He vehemently appealed to the audience to become its members. It infused an impulse in the Ismailis and evinced keen interest in this venture.

Prince Aly S. Khan visited India on November 21, 1931. Pir Sabzali made excellent arrangements with other leaders to accord warm welcome in Bombay. He remained with Prince Aly Khan during the visit.

In 1932, he had been appointed the Mission Secretary of Recreation Club Institute for the year 1932 and 1933.

On April 5, 1905, the Imam established a Committee for 18 councils in Kutchh with Varas Moledina Megji   (1854-1926) as its Chairman, who was followed by his son, Varas Ghulam Hussain (d. 1973). The Committee was void of a comprehensive constitution, and executed its working on old rules and customs. On the other hand, Varas Ghulam Hussain was occupied in his business in Bombay since 1929, and could not regularly attend the community affairs in Kutchh. He referred his problems to the Imam in Bombay and proposed Pir Sabzali to make constant visits in Kutchh for about two years to deal with the affairs. The Imam commissioned Pir Sabzali to visit the villages of Kutchh from time to time. It deemed desirable that the affairs of the jamats in Kutchh be managed and conducted regularly and systematically. On October 22, 1932, Pir Sabzali held a meeting in Nigar, attended by 150 leaders representing different villages. It was broadly discussed for two days to ordain a constitution of the Council, a resolution was passed to this effect. The next meeting was held in Bharapur after two months under Pir Sabzali, where further amendments were included in the resolution of the first meeting. Finally, they unanimously approved a resolution regarding the constitution of the Council to be enforced in Kutchh, and it was forwarded to the Imam for final approval in the beginning of 1933. When it was approved, the President published the rules and regulations of the Council in February, 1934. Accordingly, the Council Committee was divided into two parts i.e., the District Committee and the General Committee. The District Committees were set up in six places, i.e., Mundra, Bharapur, Bhuj, Anjar, Wagad and Abdasa. Alijah Hasan Ali Devraj was appointed the President of the Council Committee with Mukhi Hashim Bhimji as Honorary Secretary, both belonged to Bombay.

On February 15, 1933, Prince Aly Khan left Bombay for Gwadar, accompanied by Pir Sabzali and Hashim Hood. The airplane landed at  Gwadar airport at 11.30 a.m., where the Ismailis accorded a rousing welcome to him. He stayed for one hour only, and returned to Europe. Pir Sabzali returned to Bombay via Karachi.

The Gwadar jamat sent a humble letter to the Imam in London on September 12, 1933 for making a gracious visit of Gwadar. The Imam sent his message on September 21, 1933 as follows:-

Ismaili Council,
Gwadar

Best loving blessings for your letter of 12^th Sep. and entertainment. Make Gujrati as a second language in Persian regions and teach only Persian and Urdu in future under your supervision.

Nay, in the mehmani of Gwadar jamat in Bombay on December 19, 1933, the Imam said, “Make friendship with the Baluchis. Don’t teach Gujrati in your school and teach Persian and Urdu. Baluchistan will now liberate. Teach Urdu to the children”

With the above guidance, the Imam also asked Pir Sabzali in December, 1933 to propagate the notion of Urdu in Gwadar in place of Gujrati in the school. The Imam also advised Pir Sabzali to arrange talented Urdu teachers from Punjab. Pir Sabzali was an influential figure in Punjab and recruited few teachers, viz. Muhammad Uthman, Shamsuddin Mukhi Ali Muhammad and his wife, Asghar Ali and his wife, Hussain, Fazal Illahi, Muhammad Yaqub, etc. He also fixed their stipends with free accommodations in Gwadar.

The Imam was in Delhi in 1934. Pir Sabzali also arrived on February 20, 1934. The enemies waged propaganda in Delhi against the Imam and the Ismailis. Pir Sabzali was certainly sensitive to the baseless charges of irreligiously levelled against the Ismailis by some extremists. He broached the doctrines of the Ismailis in a press conference with Wafi Ahmad, the President of the Sialkot Council, Karam Hussain and few other African missionaries. He clarified that the Ismailis followed the principles of Islam and there was no distinction between Ismailis and Muslims. Nay, it was a Muslim community, exhorting to revere all religions and Islamic sects, and was therefore tolerant towards all and inimical to none.

Pir Sabzali toured in Burma between March 7, 1934 and March 16, 1934 with the Imam. He also made his second visit to Burma in 1935 for raising funds for the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

He had gone to Punjab to attend the first meeting of the Imami Ismaili Supreme Council for Punjab on April 7, 1934, whose first President was Wafi Ahmad of Jamu, K. Nazar Ali of Multan as Vice-President and Barkat Ali of Talwandi as Hon. Secretary. The President forwarded the report of the meeting to the Imam, and received the following telegraphic message:

Cannes  :  April 13, 1934

Wafi Ahmad
Ismailia Council, Sialkot

Best blessing all Punjab spiritual children inaugural occasion Council.

He also arrived in Gwadar by air on April 19, 1934 and was well received by Major Bramner, the present political agent and the consul of Muscat. He stayed at the bungalow of Mr. Thomson and left for Karachi by the steamer “Baroda” on April 22, 1934 and delivered waez in his three days visit. In the same year, he made a trip to Europe with his wife, Sonibai and Varasiani Ghulshakarbai, the wife of Wazir Rahim Basaria.

He had been commissioned a campaign in East African countries as a Special Commissioner of the Imam, which was his second visit. In his telegraphic message released from Paris on May 17, 1934, the Imam stated: "Most paternal affectionate thoughts for all in Africa. I have sent Alijah as special commissioner on my behalf to bring message of my paternal constant thoughts and my particular desire of careful useful cooperation in worldly and religious matters amongst all Ismailis during these hard times of crisis of world depression."

Accordingly, he landed at Tanganyika and started his activities emphatically. Shafique Literary Society gave him a reception on September 18, 1934 at H.H. The Aga Khan Girls School in Dar-es-Salaam. Varas Abdullah Sharif, the President of the Supreme Council, attended it with the members of the local council, the members of Educational Board, Mukhi Zaver Karshan, Kamadia Abbas Moledina, Ramzan Ali and Vali Virani, the barristors, Mr. Habib Jamal, Alijah Moloo Alarakhia, and the members and patrons of Shafique Literary Society.

He was on his flying visit of Dodoma and presided over the general function of the local library on October 2, 1934 at the Girls School.

In October, 1934, he gave an interview to “Tanganyika Herald” in Dar-es-Salaam and said that, “The principal topics of my waez are to exhort the importance of improving economical condition, competition in business and education. I have visited almost in all the countries in the world. I was also present during the meeting of the Aga Khan and Gandhi (1869-1947) in London on the issues of the community. The objective of both leaders was to create unity between Muslims and Hindus. But some impudants laid hindrance in it. It is natural that the Aga Khan is a leader of the Muslims, the Islamic spirit emanates in his personality. But I will say with great confidence that he has an equal regard for all the communities. The status of Banaras Hindu University in his list of charity and his recommendation for the sacrifice of the cow in the Muslim Conference in Delhi, are the unique examples for it.”

He arrived at Tanga on October 17, 1934 by Mira Steamer. He was feted warm welcome by the jamat at the port, and was brought to the city in a procession. He lodged at the residence of the President Ismail Jetha. He delivered waez and raised a yearly donation scheme on monthly payment of one hundred shillings for the welfare of the poor Ismailis. He also emphasized to establish a volunteer corps in Tanga jamat, and as a result, about 40 men and 38 women offered their services in this context.

He arrived at Mombasa on October 21, 1934 from Tanga by car. Alijah Kassim Khimji, the President of the Council arranged his stay at his bungalow at Niyalina Bridge. He stayed 15 days in Mombasa and delivered an impressive waez  thrice every day. With the efforts of Ghulam Hussain and Missionary Megji Merali, a Mission Center was planned to be set up by the Council in Mombasa, to train about a hundred young students. Pir Sabzali gave important advices and suggestions for the Mission Center. The Council honored him in a reception on October 27, 1934. The volunteers, ladies committee, ladies volunteer corps and other institutions also gave him parties. The Recreation Club Institute honoured him at a reception on October 28, 1934 in the Assembly Hall of the H.H. The Aga Khan High School, Mombasa. President Jaffer Ali Mohammad and Honorary Secretary Noorudin Ali Merali gave him a warm honour with other leaders.

He left Mombasa on November 5, 1934 for Moshi. He was escorted at Voy, about 100 miles from Mombasa by the Council’s President, Alijah Kassim Khimji, Honorary Secretary Hussain Vellani, Kassim Suleman Damji, etc. He performed waez at Voy and Matati for one day and then arrived at Moshi and Taweta. He then proceeded to Kisumu in November 22, 1934, where he reorganized the ladies and gents volunteer corps. He had an honour to lay the foundation of the building of Rehmatullah Punja in the new market of Kisumu. The local leaders gave him a grand reception in presence of 500 guests. On behalf of the Council, Seth Mohammad Kassim Lakha made a speech to admire his exceptional services in the Ismaili world for last 29 years. He visited Uganda on November 29, 1934, where he delivered waez in the Jamatkhana of Kampala and visited the Ismaili institutions. He then proceeded towards Masaka and Mwanza.

In sum, he returned to Bombay on December 29, 1934 and was greeted at Belardpier by Haji Mohammad Juma Jan Mohammad, Alijah Ismail Mohammad Jaffer, Hasan Datoo, Kamadia Chatoor Bhanji, Missionary Hamir Lakha, Missionary Alidina Mukhi Mamu, etc. In his productive campaign, he collected five lac shillings in East Africa as a Special Commissioner of the Imam. The Imam arrived in Bombay on January 3, 1935 from Europe. Pir Sabzali submitted his report of East African tour to the Imam.

On October 16, 1935, a meeting was held in Poona, presided by Lady Ali Shah, for the formation of All India Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee with its President Sir Ibrahim Rahmatullah (1862-1942) and the Vice-President as Ghulam Ali Merchant. To make a concerted drive for the collection of funds in India, a Working Committee was launched under Pir Sabzali’s wing. Accordingly, he started his noble campaign on October 23, 1935 from Kathiawar and delivered his very impressive waez first in Dhoraji. He then proceeded to Junagadh, Manawadar, Rajkot, Jamanagar, Viraval, Una, Majewadi, Jetpur, Virpur, Supedi, Vadwan, Chotila, etc. In other words, he made his trip in 17 villages and collected 85,000 rupees in Kathiawar, Gujrat and Kutchh. The local jubilee committee of Dhoraji Division, in the meantime, sent a report to the Imam. The Imam sent them a telegraphic message from London on December 13, 1935 as under:-

Give most paternal loving blessings for the service. I am  much happy to know the detail of the funds collected by the committee for the celebration of my jubilee. I give my blessings to each donor.”

He then proceeded to Sind and Punjab and other parts of India and collected a colossal fund for the Golden Jubilee celebration. His mode of collection can safely be compared with that of the Imam, who collected three million rupees for the Aligadh University.

It may be noted that all the preparations were given a final shape for the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the Imam during the completion of 50 years of Imamate. For this celebration, Pir Sabzali received much response from the jamats more than expected, who flooded money and ornaments before him. When the collection reached upto five lac of rupees, a special meeting of the Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee was held on December 8, 1935 at the premises of the Central Board. President Ghulam Ali Merchant read the telegraphic message of the Imam and also announced the collection of five lac rupees. The members hailed the report in jubilation. On that occasion, Pir Sabzali put a proposal not only to celebrate the occasion of the golden jubilee, but the Imam should be weighed against the gold. N.M. Budhwani supported his proposal and it was unanimously resolved also in the meeting. The Ismailis gaped with wonder with the news that the occasion of the Golden Jubilee hit would weigh the Imam in gold for the first time the headlights of newspapers.

It cannot be disputed that the credit for raising a massive fund for the Golden jubilee within a short period of three months from all over India goes to Pir Sabzali. The scaptics who were diffident of success began to rub their eyes in wonder. He paved the way and the impossible had been made possible. They did not know what unfathomable depths of dynamic and infectious energy Pir Sabzali possessed.

He launched his third and last itinerary to the African countries from January 5, 1937 as a Special Commissioner of the Imam, where he exhausted six months to remove off the old customs of the community. He prepared a report and published duly approved by the Imam.

He also attended the Golden Jubilee of the Imam in Nairobi on March 1, 1937. He is credited to have put the gold bars into his hands and addressed to the audience on microphone and spoke the importance of the occasion.
  On that occasion, he had been invested the title of Itmadi by the Imam, and was also awarded  the gold medal with “Chevron” and “Straight Bar.”

During the Golden Jubilee at Nairobi, the Economic Conference in accordance with the guidance of the Imam drew up the plans for the economic welfare of the community. Huzur Wazir Ali Muhammad R. Macklai was appointed its Chairman. Pir Sabzali however presided the Economic Conference in Nairobi as an Acting Chairman.

During his visit, he established four Co-operative Societies and most important was the establishment of an Insurance Company.  It was his last visit to East Africa and is reported to have said to the jamat in his waez that, "When the Diamond Jubilee of the Imam will be celebrated, the Africa will be so prosperous that the Ismailis will easily weigh the Imam in diamonds without any hurdle."

The year 1937 was revolutionary for East African Ismailis, as it was then that the target or first stage of their progress in economic fields was set. Among them was Jubilee Insurance Co. Ltd., which took its birth from the historic occasion of the Golden Jubilee. The growth and success of the company are to be attributed to the keen interest, hard work and foresight of the stalwarts like Dewan Ghulam Hussain Jindani (1891-1983), Count Paroo, Count Fateh Ali Dhala, Dewan Sir Eboo Pirbhai, Count Hasan K. Lakha, Count A.G. Abdul Hussain and other directors. The initial honor however must go to Pir Sabzali 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 travelled widely through the length and breadth of Africa. He arranged to raise a capital of 2 million shillings and also brought the insurance business for about 20 million shillings. He deserved an official privilege of the commission for shillings 40,000, but he did not claim for it. It will be not exaggerated to write that Lord Michel, the governor of Kenya performed an opening ceremony of the modern edifice of the Jubilee Insurance Co. Ltd. at Mombasa on September 10, 1951. The occasion marked an important milestone in the progress of the Company. Count Paroo (1906-1998), the Managing Director spoke in his address that, “The Aga Khan, the Spiritual Leader of the Ismailis had stressed before 15 years to venture in the insurance business for sharing in the economic building of the country which they had accepted as their motherland. This is the best outcome of his guidance. This Insurance Company came into existence with the constant efforts of late Pir Sabzali. In 1937, its capital was 25000/- pounds, and now it reached to 8 million pounds.”

On June 21, 1937, he had also attended the first session of the Ismailia Supreme Council for Africa in Zanzibar. It was presided by Count Abdullah Sharif.

He stayed in Africa for 23 months. He visited Pemba-Wete on May 10, 1938 and delivered waez for five days. With the help of Wazir Ghulam Hussain Dharas, the President of the Provincial Council, he sold 2000 shares of the Jubilee Insurance Company. In Tanga, he made an opening ceremony of the Ismailia Cooperative Society. The Aga Khan’s Ismaili Ladies Committee organized a fair in Tanga to entertain the children on June 16, 1938, which was presided by him. He also was destined to open the newly built Jamatkhana of Masuka. Kisumu was destitute of an Ismaili dispensary since long. During his visit, he tenaciously made an appeal to the donors to come forward for this noble project. A certain Motibai Kurji Vali was deeply touched with it. She donated 5000 shillings for the dispensary to the Aga Khan Provincial Council, which she had saved for many years.

When Nuruddin, the son of Alijah Datoo Meru was leaving Bombay for Nairobi, Sonibai, the wife of Pir Sabzali gave him a message for Pir Sabzali that it had taken much time to him in Africa, so he should return to Bombay. When Nuruddin delivered her message to Pir Sabzali in Nairobi, he said, “Are you not the son of Alijah Datoo Meru? You must know how one can curtail his services. The community’s service is my life-blood, which I cannot put aside uncompleted.” It is also related that once he told to the Imam, “Mawla! you pray that I succeed in the work whatever you consigned me.” The Imam is reported to have blessed him.

His health became none of the best and shattered by the heavy strain of work and ceaseless tours from one to another village. He bound for Bombay for treatment in November, 1938. He left behind word to the African jamats to come back within three months. He hardly breathed a sigh of relief in three days when the Imam’s telegram received, informing his gracious arrival in Bombay from London. He rejoiced beyond all bounds and came into the action and delivered an impressive speech in the Kandi Mola Jamatkhana, Bombay for ten minutes. This was fated to be his last public oratory. He visited the room of Recreation Club Institute, where after 30 minutes, he felt acute chest pain and fainted nimbly. He was taken to the bungalow of his close relative, Wazir Muhammad Ibrahim Muhammad Rawjee (1900-1965) for treatment.

The Imam visited Bombay and when he heard of the health condition of Pir Sabzali impaired, he went to see him on December 10, 1938. The Imam caught his hand for ten minutes while standing, then put his blessed hand on his forehead and gave him a chhanta. The tears streamed from his eyes. The Imam said, "Sabzali, do you feel pain?" "Mawla! not at all,” he answered, “rather feel happiness. Alas! you came to my house, but I cannot set myself erect to welcome you. This is the only reason of tears bursting in my eyes." The Imam soothed him, quieted him, and cast his merciful eyes upon him. Who can know what bounty was then conferred on him? If the words which the Imam in that moment addressed to him should fall upon the ears of night, night would cease to be night, night would become day radiant as dawn.

After two days, he passed away on December 12, 1938 at 8.25 a.m. His sudden demise occasioned deep grief among all classes and communities. The fifty-five years of his life was packed with accomplishments, which shall always remain a source of pride to the Ismailis. He strove to advance the interest of the community at every available opportunity. He piloted the ship with skill and courage and brought it safely ashore. He left behind an enviable record of services.

On December 14, 1938, the Imam said to the Bombay jamat that, "Itmadi Sabzali has reached God's mercy. I give my blessings for him. His name will always remain immortalized in history. He was a chief dai of the present jamat like the dais of the past, and glorified the Ismaili faith in Africa, Sind, Punjab, Gwadar and India.

Itmadi Sabzali has revealed his spiritual power to the thousands of people and also to other sister communities. He has exhorted the tariqah of our religion to other communities. During the occasion of Golden jubilee, he had visited one to another city and imparted our jamat and other communities.

Itmadi Sabzali was the standard bearer of the haqiqi momins. He departed from the world, putting the world in great loss. He has gone into the real bliss. It is a matter of happiness that he has no worldly problem till last breath of his life."

On December 15, 1938, the Imam said, "The photo of late Itmadi Sabzali be placed in the Jamatkhana. His photos also be kept in the Jamatkhanas of Karachi, Punjab and Sialkot."

On the occasion of the unveiling ceremony of his photo in the Recreation Club Institute on January 18, 1939, the Imam made the following historical announcement: -

"Itmadi Sabzali has served me in such a manner that after his death, I honor him the title of a Pir. If others would render such services, they too shall secure a like status. During the stretch of 54 years of my Imamate, to only one Pir Sabzali, I honor such a status."