I enjoyed immense delight when I found and read book “A Bridge Between Two Epochs” by Ms. Rashida Noor Muhammed Hunzai. Indeed it is a meaningful and a daring effort to write about a magnanimous Global personality with diverse richness of characters in one personality. The Aga Khan 3rd (‘Alaihi Salam) 48th Imam of Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims as the direct descendent of the holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad, being the progeny of an illustrious ancestry (the Fatimid Caliphs) and the most revered leader of the global Muslims of during their most difficult political transition in the history. The noble child who at the age of 8 years became spiritual Imam and was raised by a mystic, highly – sophisticated noble Persian mother.
The writer has wisely selected topics and speeches of The Aga Khan, beginning with holy words of Hazir Imam (the scientific Imam he appointed for his spiritual children’s guidance). The Aga Khan third’s life himself calls it a bridge across vastly varying Epochs. Himself witnessing company of Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth two, from Candle light and carts supersonic airplanes, rockets hunting other planets, and status of women. Writer’s rightful selection of his speeches about the status of women as among Ibrahimic religions Islam made it compulsory for women and men both to acquire knowledge and Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah the Aga Khan third not only struggled to promote female education among his followers but persuaded other Muslims to educate their women to improve their status. Translations of his speeches will help readers to understand his vision of human race from a formalist period to the more progressive and inclusive civilized social system.
The book design and color scheme, illustrations, historic pictures depicts relevance with written passages. Some rare photographs amazed me such as selection of Photo of Mawlana Sultan Muhammad Shah in his age where he is with mustache as if he is on the edge of an era that was crossing formalism and entering in to more progressive, open and a democratic civil life. Preceded by Surah Al-Qadar that professes spiritual, intellectual, scientific changes the world witnessed during this Great Imam’s time. Paintings specially about saddling Mahmud for Derby, then illustrations those explicitly reflects to the reader that how he was the bridge between two epochs of candle light, carts, Motor cars lead by flags then rockets searching beyond plants, i.e interplanetary journey of human Science. Spiritually enlightened Imam’s Vision was convinced and had faith that men with Divine support will conquer space that was difficult to believe by the greatest Physicist of his time Lord Kelvin who then solemnly and deliberately assured Imam that flying is physical impossibility for human beings.
Careful selection of photographs narrating life events and a pictorial journey to the reader ascertaining what is written. Such as photos of jubilees, Imam on Throne of Imamat, pics of roundtable conference confirming him as the globally accepted and revered leader of all Muslims of South East Asia etc.
His photo with Mata Salamat Umme Habibah is an adorable photo reflects his respect and love for women exactly narrating us that how holy prophet must have loved and appreciated women. I loved His serene highness Ali Salman Khan’s rare childhood photograph with prayer and signature of Mawlana Sultan Muhammad Shah (s.a) that portrays his love and affection for his elder son.
Generally this book depicts a good review of life and work of the most eminent Imam in the 1400 years history of the Ismailis. Good information of some of the work of The finest Imam as his heir calls him.
I will suggest writer and others involved in preparing this book to continue to prepare another edition regarding more of the Aga Khan’s work, such as his vision of global peace, global governance, his learning and his guidance to his own followers, Muslims and the world of humanity