3. Ismaili Leadership & Entrepreneurs

4. Only Recent Comments from Members of the Community

“I first came to know Mr. Kamadia at the University of Toronto in 1997-1998 when we were both attending a course in Islamic Theology and Philosophy taught by Michael E. Marmura, one of the finest specialists in Medieval Islamic philosophy. …My contact with Mr. Kamadia has remained constant since then and I have had the opportunity to exchange many scholarly and academic conversations with him at conferences such as the one sponsored by the Ismaili community last April 1999 (Islam and the challenge of the New Millennium). There, he introduced me to Professor Azim Nanji, the Director of the Institute of Ismaili Studies.”

"One of the things that most struck me about Mehboob Kamadia was the analytical acuity he brings to his discussions reflecting the scientific rigour of his past training, combined with a strong humanistic conviction, clearly, a result of his Ismaili sense community and purpose. This was made most obvious to me throughout his participation in Prof. Marmura's class where we all benefited from the compassionate maturity and insight he brought to some incredibly difficult topics.

I was then pleased to have met Mr. Kamadia - we exchanged scholarly papers and discussions and he willingly and enthusiastically answered many questions about the Aga Khan's role in international development as well as lent me videos of some of the Aga Khan's lectures.  Already a rather large admirer of the Ismaili perspective on Islam, I was once again delighted to see the consistency with which this member presented himself: hardworking, focussed and with integrity." - Dr Ruth

2.   Non-Muslim Institutions & Organizations

At the request of the President of Muslim Progressive Association for Toronto, Mehboob Kamadia delivered a 2-hours presentation entitled "Unveiling Islam" with an emphasis on Islamic Civilization in front of a large audience of staunch Christians of Owen Sound, Ontario. Reverend Dr. Brown provided the following feedback on an audio-recording device:

Iranian Centre, Toronto - Inter Faith Dialogue

Mehboob Kamadia's lecture at the Imam Ali Centre was entitled "Placing Islam on the World Radar Screen". Since clapping was not permitted after the speaker had finished his presentation, the Director of the Program, singled out Mehboob Kamadia and publicly hugged him as a mark of deep gratitude. One of the Muslims exclaimed that Mehboob was his "pir", guide. He added that if Muslim community had many scholars like Mehboob Kamadia, the image of Islam would surely begin to rapidly change.

Christian Group of Intellectuals

At the request of the Institutional leader, Mehboob Kamadia delivered a lecture entitled "Islam: An Abrahamic Religion". The Head of the Group gave a powerful feedback and said that peace would prevail on earth if we had scholars like Mehboob Kamadia.

3.   Ismaili Leadership & Entrepreneurs

The late Dr. Missionary Rai Abualy A. Aziz was the world renowned and a legendary Ismaili missionary. 

Missionary Abualy:

“...[Mehboob Kamadia] has been my student for 20 years. …During my mentorship to Mehboob, I can confidently state that he has diligently pursued all the necessary course of study for a certified waezin and in my humble opinion has duly fulfilled all the practicum and training requirements as necessary for an active waezeen."

"You should be aware of the fact that in 1946 Hazrat Imam Sultan Mohamed Shah [His Highness The Aga Khan III] officially appointed me Head of the Mission Training Centre for Africa. From this Training Centre, emerged many of the practicing waezeen today. In the case of Mehboob Kamadia, not only did he participate and successfully completed the Canadian Waezeen Teachers Training Program (Ontario) but in addition he has pursued on an individual basis a waezeen teaching and training curriculum implemented by myself for my students."

"During this training period Mehboob Kamadia has had the opportunity, among other places, to travel with me as my assistance in Central Asia, India and Pakistan. [...] I have known him to be a person with high integrity and of honest and ethical character.” 

Former Institutional Leader:

“I have known Mehboob since 1984/85 ...In my opinion, amongst the few Ismaili ‘scholars’ who possess an in-depth knowledge of the Ismaili history and philosophy, I would count Mehboob as one. Moreover, Mehboob's extensive study in and of comparative religions of the world has given him the profound ability to intelligently discuss and debate issues that seem to be paramount in the minds of our youth to-day."

Former Mukhi (Representative of the Imam) & Institutional Leader:

"Mehboob's voluntary services in the community are a well-known feature of his continuous strive to educate all segments of the Jamat. His research and publications demonstrate a clear thinking, intelligent person who aims always to extract the essence of thought and deed.”

Former Mukhi (Representative of the Imam) & Institutional Leader:

“Mehboob has been serving in the youth leadership role and has impressed me with his excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. He teaches religious education classes and has been giving lectures on various subjects to youths and university students. Mehboob has been involved in encouraging voluntarism in the youth, assisting young volunteers in carrying out their duties and also serving as a role model. As is evident from Mehboob's impressive history of voluntary service he is highly committed to 'making a difference' and serving the community.

"…In the time that I have been associated with Mehboob, I have been very impressed by his commitment, dedication and professionalism in the many volunteer activities he has been involved in. He is highly intelligent and articulate young man and has been and continues to be an excellent leader for his peers and youths in our community.”  

Former Institutional Leader & Professional: 

"[Mehboob Kamadia's] genuine commitment to pursue intellectual advancement and his natural ability to easily excite, involve, stimulate, and engage the youth in intellectual discourse, along with his understanding of the importance of long-term objectives and planning would enable him to accomplish the type of results that would greatly benefit the institutions, and lnsha' Allah propel them to achieve the type of long-term outcomes that are essential to the progress of the Jamat."

"Over the years, through personal experience, I have seen how Mehboob, through his understanding of the youth coupled with his firmly rooted knowledge base, is able to positively influence the youth. His unique insight and rich wealth of knowledge enable him to urge and empower the youth to vehemently pursue and gain not simply a superficial acquaintance, but instead a deep, diverse, expansive understanding of the intricacies of our faith."

"...My personal interactions with Mehboob over the years have greatly enriched my life, and have provided a springboard for furthering my understanding of the deeper aspects of our faith.”

Former Mukhi (Representative of the Imam): 

“As an Ismaili Muslim, having grown up in western countries, and having served in a leadership role within our Jamat ...I have always identified the importance of constantly imparting religious knowledge to the Jamat."

"With a short span of time available on a weekly basis to convey religious education and values to our Jamat, I found Mehboob always available, capable and willing to share his immense religious knowledge. The skills and insight he used to share his understanding of our faith with the Jamat was commendable.”

Major Philanthropist & Successful Entrepreneur:

“In today’s world, our youth is very independent, intelligent and take a very mature outlook at all the activities around them. Given the amount of society pressure and other non-Muslim influences in their lives, they are in constant search for an intelligent stand regarding our faith and practices. In our community today, we do not have many leaders who can articulate to the youths at large, the very essence of our culture, traditions and faith."

"From the few that I know of, I would highly recommend Mehboob as one who has not only the knowledge of our faith, but can also articulate it in a manner that is acceptable and satisfying to the youth of today. He has a charisma that exudes energy, which matches his knowledge not only of our faith but also other faiths, which he appears to have studied in depth. It is this extra outlook, knowledge and understanding that reaches out to our youths. ...I have seen Mehboob converse intelligently on all matters of our faith with a wide group of people, and I have seen him reach out to our youth.”

President & CEO, Medical Institution & former Institutional Leader:

"Ever since joining the University of Toronto, Mr. Kamadia has further excelled in his knowledge of Islam and other faiths, while enhancing his already strong analytical ability of breaking down intricate and often difficult aspects of our faith. This, coupled with his deep understanding of other faiths allows him to hold intellectual discourse with almost anybody. His ability to work with people of all ages and the skill of communicating in several languages makes him a somewhat unique entity within our Jamat at large."

"I have no hesitation in saying that he (Mehboob) is one of the very, very few in the world that has an enquiring mind which, not only will continue to benefit him in his pursuits, but that the Jamat and the Ummah would gain tremendously from his efforts. He will be an asset for the institutions and a flag ship for the community.”

4.   Only Recent Comments from members of the Community

1.    “We are very fortunate to have a Scholar of your calibre amongst us.”

2.    “Thanks for a very thought provoking presentation…I have more questions now than I did…and that’s a good thing!”

3.     “You are a lion, a warrior, a light that shines bright and will help lead the Jamat back to Siratal Mustaqeem.”

4.    "The Best - Thanks for opening our eyes.”

5.     “It is with utmost humility that we want to inform you how very successful Mehboob Kamadia's Session was here in Calgary.....”

6.    “We had wonderful time during your short stay here. People had nothing but praise about your presentation on Sunday. Everybody wants us to bring you back soon.” 

7.    “We had a great time with you and hope to see you soon in Calgary...”

8.    “Thanks for being with us in Edmonton...Everyone present is asking as to when will you be back.”

9.     “This is just a short note to thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your knowledge and experience with both ...Jamats. You are truly gifted, and it shows that HIS baraqat is with you at all time. Shukhar. We enjoyed both the sessions…I never thought I would become a groupy!!!!, but I was so mesmerized with the info you were sharing with us. Absolutely brilliant.”

10. “It is with utmost humility that we would like to thank you and your family for the best knowledgeable time we spent with you...presentation was excellent, inspiring and thought provoking. The people who came to the seminar has nothing to say but praise the way you shared your in-depth knowledge to all of us. There definitely was a Charge in the seminar.”

11. “We have been immensely impressed by your knowledge and the simple yet profound articulation of the most essential concepts of our faith. You have motivated us to go deeper into [seeking] more knowledge by just giving us a strong foundation of what Islam/Ismailism is all about.”

12. “It was pleasure meeting you and attending a very thought provoking session...Looking forward to meet again and attend more of your sessions.”

13. “Great presentation.”

14. “Presentation was awesome”

15. “Excellent presentation. May Mawla give you strength to continue imparting your knowledge.”

16. “Excellent presentation. Hope to hear lots more.”

17. “As usual excellent.”

18. “Thanks for the in-depth knowledge.”

19. “Thank you very much for the knowledge you gave us. We learnt so much new.”

20. “The presentation was very fruitful and inspiring. You so much remind me of late Alwaez Abualy in your presentation.”

21. “We thoroughly enjoyed your talk and you do a great job with the Ginans, you remind me of Missionary Abualy. Hope to see you soon again.”

22. “We can see how much you miss Missionary Abualy. We pray for his Ruhani Shanti as he smiles upon you to carry on his legacy.”

23. “As always we really enjoyed your lectures.”

24. “It is wonderful to see you and hear words of knowledge once again.”

25. “Thanks for sharing your tremendous knowledge. Looking forward for many more inspiring sessions.”

26. “May Allah rest Alwaez Abualy’s soul in peace BUT  Abualy has left his duplicate behind as YOU.”

27. “Thank you Mehboob for your time, knowledge, and generosity. What knowledge you have given will, inshallah, inspire our own personal search.”

28. “Thank you so much, Mehboob, for your visit to Alberta and for your enlightenment. Looking forward to future sessions.”

29. “Mawla bless you with good health & long life so you can keep sharing your knowledge…”

30. “I pray to Mawla to grant you more Baraka in knowledge.”

31. “May Mawla give you more strength to do seva and bless you.”

32. “The  Jamat  here  is  eagerly  awaiting  your  return.”

33. “I humbly congratulate you on your wonderful accomplishments and I must say you are doing a fabulous job. It’s nice to know that we have such a brilliant member in the family.”

34. “Congratulations Mehboob on a job well done.  My friends whom I had recommended and attended your session spoke very highly of your presentations.  According to them you had phenomenal energy and passion in your delivery with material well researched and very concrete sequential. 

35. "What is most impressing is the fact that Mehboob Kamadia is able to convey his superb knowledge to elders and youngsters alike in a clever and riveting manner."

36. "Your waez in San Antonio was absolutely excellent, your way of explaining was simple and interesting, the examples you used were so astonishing....hope you will pay us another visit and give waez to the whole jamat."

37. "...San Antonio members are hungry for more lectures from you.  Please, please take your precious time and shower us with your vast knowledge..."

38.  "Mehboob Kamadia, you returned to Albuquerque after 14 years - this time please return soon."