Marhum Zakir-e-Ahlul Bayt Mohamed Taqi Jeraj Merali

Late Mohamed Taqi Jeraj Merali was born on 14 November 1935 in Kampala, Uganda, into a family of faith and resilience. He was the only son with eight sisters; sadly, one sister passed away, and three brothers died in infancy. At a young age, he faced profound loss when his father passed away while he was only fourteen years old. From that moment, he carried the responsibility of caring for seven sisters and his mother a duty he fulfilled with remarkable strength, maturity, and compassion as the head of the family.

From early on, he showed a keen interest in electrical engineering, particularly in repairing radios and electrical equipment, reflecting both his technical aptitude and curiosity. Alongside his professional interests, he played an active role in community life, serving as a volunteer and a reciter of Marsiyas and Nohas, a role through which he touched many hearts.

He later married, and Allah blessed him and his wife (Late Fatma Musa Merali Nagji) with a loving family of one daughter and four sons. In 1968, he moved to Kisangani, Congo, where he ran a small business and continued to be deeply involved in community work. In Congo, there being no Resident Aalim, he attempted to recite Majaalis through his own research and successfully became fluent in reciting Majaalis.

However, due to political unrest in Congo, he made the difficult decision in 1973 to migrate with his family to Toronto, Canada, seeking safety and stability.

In Toronto, he worked very hard to establish himself, always placing the wellbeing of his family first. Despite the challenges of settling in a new country, his commitment to community service never diminished. He was heavily involved in establishing the Shia Ithna-Asheri community in Toronto, serving with dedication and humility. He recited Majaalis, Manqabats, Marsiyas and Nohas.

He was honoured to serve as a Mukhi, and was widely known for reciting Majaalis, travelling extensively — including to India — to serve the Ahlul Bayt (AS). In Toronto, he also served as a Minister of Religion, and was authorised to conduct Nikahs and officiate marriages, a responsibility he carried with dignity and integrity. In Toronto Bapa was a pioneer in reviving saff matam within the community. He also took it upon himself (and his son) to train the next generation of saff matam reciters. Providing them with wordings, translations, recitation coaching and the proper etiquette of reciting saff matam. As soon as there was a group of youngsters to take over the torch of reciting, bapa took a step back to let them continue in the azadari. 

Late Mohamed Taqi Jeraj Merali lived a full and meaningful life, devoted to his faith, his family, and his community. He passed away on 21 August 2025, leaving behind a legacy of service, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to the Ahlul Bayt (AS).

He will always be remembered by all with respect, love, and duas as “Zakire Ahlul Bayt”. To his family, he will always be remembered as the one and only “Papa”.

He will especially missed by the saff reciters in Toronto.

Please remember him with a sura fatiha