Fwd: Pir Ismailbhai Gangji

[Moyez Kamani]

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---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Yasmin Gangji <ysga...@sapo.pt>
Date: Aug 6, 2008 8:00 AM
Subject: Pir Ismailbhai Gangji
To: Moyez Kamani <moyez....@gmail.com>, assif habib <assif...@gmail.com>

Pir Ismailbhai Gangji
by >Our Literary Section

Honorable Pir Ismailbhai Gangji was native of Junagadh, Saurashtra, India. Very
little is known about his early life, except that he was privileged to be a
hero in the period of Hazrat Imam Hasanali Shah (1818-1881C.E.). He was born in
family of an ordinary economical condition. He was a petty trader hawking on
foot with a bag on shoulder from one village to another and cheating to earn
enough to provide for the family.


Khota tara trajva ne dandee ma (n) kanetar, Katla ne tola bahu bhariji;

Ochhu (n) deedhu(n) ne jeeve adhku (n) releedhu(n). Ane jeevni chinta na keedhee


(Pir Sadruddin).


Meaning:


"False thine scales and balance uneven,

Measures and weight heavily counterfeit;

Extended less and creature grabbed more,

And didn't care for life eternal."


Once upon a time the above stanza of a holy Ginan was being recited in Jamat
Khana and there, the then present Ismaili was taken aback. He heard the stanza
very attentively and tears poured through his eyes. Immediately on conclusion
of the Ginan recitation, this faithful got up, went to honorable Mukhi, Rai
Rahmatullahbhai, and sought forgiveness of his sins. This was the moment of the
day he started his life anew.


Jamdarkhana of Junagadh State in those days had a wide testimonial of opulence
and magnification of Nawab Shahi-gold and rich gem studed ornaments and
jewellery, valuable garments and clothes, all these were the contents of
Jamdarkhana.


The father of Pir Ismail was an employee in this Jamdarkhana and the honorable
Pir also joined to work there honorarily, thereby initially becoming an
employee of the Junagadh State. His honesty and loyalty earned him trust and
this caused the Nawab to make the appointment of honorable Pir to a very
elevated post in Jamdarkhana, and within a short space of time, Revenue
Department was entrusted to him. No sooner he became the in charge of the
Revenue Department. His appointment as the head of the Treasury was made and he
became the Chief.


Honesty of the honorable Pir won him pleasure of the Nawab. In appreciation of
his services Nawab bequeathed him a certain piece of land.


He used to hold religious discussions throughout the day in the Palace of Nawab
and with common people. He used to deliver sermons in Jamats and acquaint them
with the fundamentals of Faith.


In 1259 A.H./1853 C.E. Hazrat Imam Hasanali Shah paid a holy visit to Saurashtra
for the first time. When Hazrat Imam arrived at Junagadh, he bestowed upon him
the honorable title of "Vazir".


Ardent affection towards Imam:


He had fervent affection towards Imam of the time. He used to be present 'daily'
in the small hours of morning and in evening in Jamat Khana setting aside the
work of whatever nature, if any.


Once a wedding occasion arose of his son ltamadibhai, whom he loved very much.
He started making arrangements and was heartily participating in the joyful
gathering of the happy wedding of his beloved son. However, at twilight when
the get-together was in full swing with music and songs and the presence of the
Nawab accompanied by all the officials of Junagadh State, honorable Pir got up,
went to Nawab Saheb and said "Your Highness, excuse me. I can no longer remain
here at this hour". Much against the request of Saheb, honorable Pir remained
firm on his decision and departed for participating to the greater and more
adorable assembly. On another occasion, Pir Ismail was deeply engrossed in
prayer at Jamat Khana and exactly at that time Nawab's special messenger came
to summon him. Honorable Pir sent a word in reply that he would be present
before Nawab Saheb after the prayers were over. Nawab Saheb lost his temper
upon this reply and ordered the messenger to summon him immediately. At that,
honorable Pir said nothing but handed over the keys of Jamdarkhana to be given
to Nawab Saheb. At this Nawab Saheb was wonder struck.


After the prayer was over. honorable Pir went to Nawab Saheb and in explanation
for the reason of sending the keys said that he would never serve two Masters
at a time. Throughout the day he would be the servant of the State, but at
twilight would not go

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Have an excellent day.
Moyez
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