The Khoja Heritage Project (KHP) is excited to bring to you a series of 10 mini-clips entitled ‘Once Upon A Time’ featuring anecdotes from notable personalities who shaped our history. This is a brief glimpse into the trials our ancestors endured, the strength of faith they held and the zeal towards their deen.
History plays a vital role for a community. It serves as a model of who we are, what we are to be, knowing what to strive for and what to avoid. Everyday decision-making by societies is constantly based on what came before us.
It is hoped that through this series, we can better appreciate our rich heritage, and more importantly, gain transferrable real life lessons.
Releasing every fortnight, watch the Once Upon A Time clips with your family and enjoy Lessons from Legends with a sneak peek into your history!
Watch the first one here – a creative and insightful problem-solving incident from the life of Allamah Haji Naji.
Watch the second episode here – an encounter that changed our destiny with an enlightening incident from the life of Mulla Qadir Hussain and Dewji bhai Jamal.
Watch the third episode here – a glimpse into the struggles faced by our ancestors to practice the faith and learn about the first Shaheed from the Khoja Community – Lalan Alidina.
Watch the fourth episode here – about one of the remarkable personalities behind the establishment of the first Khoja Masjid and why he declined a knighthood by the British Government. – Haji Ali Nathoo.
Watch the fifth episode here – to find out about the identities of the Shia Ithna-Asheri and how they crystalised from a cast identity to a faith identity in the British India court..
Watch the sixth episode here – to appreciate the innate adventurous & business spirit of the Khoja community by learning about a keen traveller who traversed several continents and established businesses.
Watch the seventh episode here – of a man who was hauled from his house after his sehri and had to face the biggest trial of his life culminating in his undeserved death.
Watch the eighth episode here – as it brings back to life the memory of a man oft-forgotten in the pages of Khoja history.
Watch the ninth episode here – the story of a personality who symbolises Khoja families – travelling in search of a better life
Watch the tenth episode here – the story of a personality’s contribution to the women of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri community, as well as the men, remains alive and thriving – not least in the form of the famous Mehfil Abbas of Dar-es-Salaam.
Final words from Dr Hasnain Walji, Head of Khoja Heritage Project:
As we come to the end of this series, we hope you have enjoyed watching these brief glimpses into Khoja history. On behalf of the WF Khoja Heritage Project team, I would like to thank all our viewers and especially those of you who reached out to compliment and offer their suggestions. Inshallah we hope to continue with more initiatives to help preserve and promote our heritage.
