The photo, published in The Straits Times, captured the foundation stone ceremony of Malabar Mosque, and named H.A. Jivabhai as chairman of the Malabar Muslim Jamaath. Malabar Muslims are an ethnolinguistic group, typically from Malaysia, but with origins in Kerala, India.
“I knew he was not a Malayalee. How did a non-Malayalee become the president of a communal organisation?,” wondered Mr Nasim. This question impelled him to visit the archives and search for answers. Thus began a journey of discovery to research and document the history and heritage of the Malabar community in Singapore.
“It was only much later that I found out that it was a mistake,” Mr Nasim explained to The Straits Times. “I must thank the journalist for taking me on this journey. This goes to show that not all mistakes are bad.”
He later discovered that H.A. Jivabhai was a City Councillor, who was also Ismaili. Jivabhai had played a significant role in supporting the local Malabar community, as well as obtaining approvals for the mosque. He had laid the foundation stone of the Mosque, as captured in the photo from 1956, along with the Mufti of Johor, and was also present at the official opening by the President of Singapore Yusof Ishak in 1963.
Jivabhai was also appointed to serve as President of the Ismail Council for the Far East. The book features a dedicated chapter to Jivabhai and his contributions to civil society in Singapore.
“Over the years, I have heard many instances of my grandfather H.A. Jivabhai’s commitment and contribution to the Singapore fabric,” said his grandson Shehzad Karimi. “It gives me great pride and honour that Mr Nasim has documented his efforts so well. Whilst from different walks of life, we are all one community,” he added. “In fact, Nasim was a witness at my wedding.”
After many hours and days searching through records at the National Library, and interviewing the descendants of early settlers, Mr Nasim had enough for a book.
This resulting publication offers a whirlwind tour of the history and vision of the early pioneers of the blue mosque and their sheer determination, along with the help of volunteers from all walks of life, which enabled its completion. Today, its distinctive blue tiles identify it as an iconic landmark on Singapore’s Victoria Street.
A book launch event was recently held at OnePeople.sg, a centre built to facilitate an appreciation for diversity and to nurture cross-cultural exchanges. The Guest of Honour was Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth, and Social and Family Development.
Mohammed Nasim invited members of the Ismaili community to participate in the event, and shared various stories about the Malabar Muslims and their close ties with the Ismaili Jamat in Singapore.
