In this episode, we explore a remarkable historical account from 1885 — the translated narration of Mukhi Kassim Musa, a devoted officer of Imam Hasan Ali Shah. Mukhi Kassim takes us on a solemn 25-day journey as he accompanies the bier of the late Ismaili Imam Aga Ali Shah from Bombay to Najaf, his final resting place. Along the way, the procession moves through significant ports like Karachi and Basra, and sacred cities such as Kazamin and Karbala. Through his eyes, we gain rare insights into the reverence of the Ismaili communities, the deep devotion to their Imam, and the historical landscape of the time. This narrative not only sheds light on a pivotal moment in Ismaili history but also reflects the broader spiritual and cultural connections across regions during a time of mourning and transition.
Detailed Timeline of Events (October 28, 1885 - November 11, 1885)
August 17, 1885 – Poona
At 5:30 p.m., Hazrat Mawlana Imam Aga Ali Shah passes away in Poona. The news is telegraphed to Bombay by 8:00 p.m.August 18, 1885 – Bombay to Poona
A special train departs Bombay at 8:00 a.m. carrying Ismailis traveling to pay respects.August 19, 1885 – Poona to Bombay
The Imam’s body is taken from his villa in Civil Lines to Poona railway station at 9:00 a.m. A funeral service is held, and a solemn procession escorts the coffin to the train. A special train with 20 carriages departs Poona at 10:30 a.m., with the coffin placed in a first-class compartment. Arrival at Bombay’s Baikhala Station at 4:45 p.m., where a large crowd awaits. The coffin is carried on a traditional bier to the Imam’s residence at Wadi, then to Hasanabad. The body is temporarily enshrined at the shrine of Imam Hasan Ali Shah for 64 days.⸻
The Procession Begins (October–November 1885)
October 25, 1885 – Bombay (Hasanabad to Karnak Port)
The bier departs Hasanabad amid a massive procession. Dignitaries, including Mawlana Sultan Muhammad Shah and Nawab Lady Ali Shah, join the cortege. Nearly 10,000 mourners accompany the procession to Karnak port. The coffin is ceremonially loaded onto a steamer at 4:30 p.m. Officers Kassim Musa and Noor Muhammad Ratansi, along with 50 members of the Imam’s household, board the ship. The ship is privately chartered for Rs. 5,500. Charitable distributions of fruits and sweets are made at the port.October 28, 1885 – Departure from Bombay
The steamer lifts anchor and sets sail at 3:30 p.m.October 29, 1885 – Arrival at Karachi
At midnight, the ship anchors in Karachi port. By morning, the bier is brought ashore to a grand reception by Ismailis from Karachi, Sindh, and Punjab. The body is taken in procession to the newly built jamatkhana in Kharadhar and kept there for three days.November 1, 1885 – Departure from Karachi
The bier is returned to the port. Following a dispute with local boatmen, a steamboat is arranged. The pilot anchors at 5:00 p.m. and sails at 6:30 p.m., briefly returning before the final departure.November 4–5, 1885 – Gwadar
Arrival at Gwadar at noon on November 4; anchoring offshore. By 8:00 a.m. on November 5, the ship docks. Ismailis of Gwadar pay tribute, and two join the journey. The ship departs Gwadar at 4:30 p.m.November 6–7, 1885 – Bandar Abbas (Iran)
Arrival at Bandar Abbas at noon. Local Ismailis and residents pay respects. The ship sets out at sunset on November 7.November 8, 1885 – Port Linga
The ship anchors at Port Linga. Ceremonial respects are observed.November 10–11, 1885 – Bushire (Abu Shaher)
Arrival at Bushire at 11:00 a.m. Local leaders and the town’s sole Ismaili offer condolences. Gatherings and dinners are held on deck. Final departure from Bushire takes place on November 11 at 5:00 p.m.