Testimony
Ya Ali Madad,
I wish to share with you an experience that was both deeply humbling and spiritually uplifting — a journey of longing, patience, and a miracle that unfolded before our very eyes.
On the 24th June , the three of us stood outside the Polana Serena Hotel in Maputo from 8am to 8pm, unaware of the itinerary but full of hope. The kind taxi drivers even brought us chairs so we could sit in the cool breeze and wait. At one point, the security personnel came out and informed everyone gathered that Shah Rahim would not be coming out today, and many people began to leave. But we stayed.
The security team felt genuinely sorry for us. They advised us to go freshen up, attend Jamatkhana, enjoy the dandia raas, and the biryani. We simply said, “Yes, we shall go, but we will wait for Him first.” The police standing outside mentioned that the President of Portugal was expected around 6pm. So, we waited with the quiet hope that Shah Rahim might come out to receive him.
Sadly, He did not come out that day.
I must mention here that our confirmed booking at Polana Serena was cancelled upon arrival and we were told that the hotel was under government control during this time, and only those vetted by the government could stay. We were not refunded, for a booking that was already paid for and cancelled on arrival. That Serena would leave us in a lurch like this was incredulous. We were left confused because we saw many others in the lobby, including people attending events like the ABSA Bank function. Were all of them vetted too?
Furthermore, we were utterly exhausted after our overnight journey. Even a simple request to have coffee or a glass of water was declined by the General Manager, Mr Nelson Rodrgrues ( proofs of conversation recordings available ) That level of disregard and inhospitality, especially during such a spiritual time for us, left us deeply hurt. It truly felt as though someone didn’t want us to be there.
Still, we remained outside the gate of Polana Serena the entire day. Other murids had given up and left. One tall security guard came up to us at the end of the day and said, almost tauntingly:
“Very sorry, very bad luck for you three.”
But we calmly replied:
“Don’t be sorry. We are just happy to wait for Him. Whether He gives us a glimpse or not that is His will. We don’t mind hunger or thirst, we are here only for His Deedar.”
Touched by our words, the volunteers brought us bottles of water. For that, we are deeply thankful.
Now here comes the turning point — the miracle.
Around 7pm, two men approached us. They spoke perfect English and asked who we were waiting for. We told them, “We want to see the Aga Khan, and maybe since the President of Portugal is coming, we might see both.” They nodded and told us they were organizing a major event at the Machava Stadium the next day. We said, “That sounds amazing! We wish we could come see it.”
To our surprise, the man said,
“Everyone is welcome. Please come.”
He asked where we were from. We said Kenya, and that this was our first visit to Mozambique in 20 years. He smiled warmly and said, “You are most welcome. In fact, please take these.”
Then he handed us three VIP Guest Passes for the next day’s stadium event. He said:
“Wear these passes and come tomorrow. You’ll really enjoy the ceremony.”
At that time the true significance of this happening did not really strike us . We thanked him and promised to try to attend.
As we walked back to our hotel, a large crowd was heading toward us on the pavement in the dark . As the entourage approached us, we moved aside, but one person detached himself from the group and rushed towards us . To our surprise, it was the President of Portugal himself: Marcello Ribero de Sousa !
He kissed me on both cheeks , heartily shook my brother’s hand and said that the Aga Kan was really very happy and wished us great joy ! After which he joined his re-joined his entourage down the road . His limousine arrived and whisked him away … we were stunned to say the least ! The President of Portugal walking outside the hotel in the dark ? We really didn’t know what to make of it….
The next day, we decided to go the Machava Stadium with the passes we were given . These cards were potent and landed us in the VIP box in the row above the one in which Shah Rahim was Himself seated . We had a direct view of Him for over five full hours, we were able to see Shah Rahim from a close, side-viewing position. It was unbelievable! ( video of Him at the stadium, taken by us , currently circulating )
As soon as the event ended, we rushed back to Polana Serena and Shah Rahim came out again, with His window down, smiling and waving.
He returned once more at 6.20 pm smiles and waves in full evidence . Later in the evening at around 8.20pm smiling and waving at the Jamat yet again!
We were on top of the world.! Shukhran Allahamdullilah ….A million Shukhranas to our Beloved Mowla
Watch this video clip of Hazar Imam seated with global leaders on this momentous Golden Jubilee day:
