Ismaili community feels at ease in Goa
by ABDUL RAUF BEIG Posted on 2008-09-07
PANAJI – Goa has attracted one and all since ages. Like others the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims also came to Goa with the Laljees, Ramjees, Mavanys and the Veljees being among the first to come to Goa and have made Goa their home. The first recorded entry of Shia Imami Ismailis in Goa was in 1884. They now have a presence in almost all the major cities in the state.
Generally known as the Ismailis, they belong to the Shia branch of Islam. The Shias form one of the two major branches of Islam, the Sunni being the other. Besides India, the Ismailis live in over 25 different countries, mainly in Central and South Asia, Africa and the West Asia as well as in Europe, North America and Australia.
The Ismailis are predominantly a business community and are mainly involved in wholesale, retail and distribution. In Goa …
Ismailimail 