Khatija Jaffer Mohamed Rahim

Children

Akberali Fazal Ismail 1918–1984

Kassamali Fazal 1915–1975

Sherbanu Fazal 1920

Shirin Fazal 1922–1970

Khatija Fazal Ismail Jaffer was an exceptional human being. Her life spanned some ninety plus years and touched the lives of innumerable people she came in contact with. Soon after her marriage to the eldest son, Fazal of the Ismail Jaffer 'Sampully' family, she was placed in the challenging role as wife, daughter-in-law and 'bhabhi' to nine siblings of the Sampully clan a role she fulfilled without blemish. By virtue of circumstance, she became an instant mother to all the younger siblings and came to be fondly known as 'Khatima', a title that became synonymous with love, compassion, caring and trust.
'Maa' or 'Nanima' as all her grandchildren and great grandchildren remember her, was a gentle, adorable and very loving person. She endeared herself to others by her simplicity, her humility, patience and a deep and abiding tranquility.
Khatima lived in the true spirit of Islam. In the face of crushing odds and tragedy at the premature loss of her children one by one during her life time, she submitted to the Will of Allah with quiet grace and dignity. It seemed as though that our grandmother had acquired inner peace.
She was always in harmony with the world around her. Her vision, as exemplified by her life, was untouched by anger, confusion or fear. Her capacity to endure was phenomenal. She was a spiritual person and as a consequence thereof, recognized that everything was as it should be not only the obviously good but also the seemingly bad. She believed that everything had a purpose and was part of a divine plan.
There was a playful side of Khatima. She enjoyed family get togethers. She took great joy in composing geets and when asked she would sing at family parties. My vivid memories of her include sitting quietly, knitting or reading, which she did a lot of and, of course, writing letters to her scattered family members. Above all else, she loved people, especially children, who in turn found a lot of comfort in her loving embrace. One of her great grandchildren had this to say about her:
Nanima was someone who cared most for children. She just wanted to spend time with them. I think she knew that time spent with children was the most important thing for them. When other adults were gone (for whatever reason - work/parties), she would still be there. Perhaps not always out of choice, but her consistent, quiet, non-assuming presence was reassuring, comforting and helped define 'home' for me. She loved us children, unconditionally, and that was the greatest thing about Nanima.
Although you are not physically in our midst at this reunion, we feel your presence with us and will always treasure your memory, your love and affection and endeavour to pass this on to our children.
Mohamed Virjee

THE DECENDANTS OF JAFFER MOHAMED RAHIM BY Salim Jaffer (Vancouver 1999)