KSI Jamat, Mumbai

He was going to be hanged and while being taken to the gallows, ascended the first step loudly reciting "Allaho Akbar". He was so charged with the spirit of martyrdom that with each step he took, he recited a sentence from the azan and finished it as he mounted the planks. In his preaching he followed the footsteps of Hazrat Abu Zar-e-Ghafari. In his sufferings and injuries, sustained in preaching the truth, he met almost the same fate as that of Ammar-e-Yasir.

Such was Shahid Killu Khataw, who inspite of being aware that he was to be hanged, remained extremely peaceful and happy.

History testifies eloquently to the fact that Islam has been made to stay, prosper and thrive through the sacrifices and selfless efforts of numerous individuals.

In fact Killu Khataw may he recalled as one of the founders of Khoja Shia Isna-Ashari Jamaat, Bombay. Unfortunately the details of his early life is not available, but his personality came to light when he attached himself with Mulla Qadar Husain Sahab (r.a.).

Killu Khataw was one of the well-known pupils of Mulla Sahab. In fact he had been originally deputed to eliminate Mulla Sahab and was asked to attend discourses of Mulla Sahab, for achieving this purpose. He was supposed to observe later Mulla Sahab's movements and achieve this objective at the appropriate time.

In the month of Ramazan, the chief of Khojas gave Killu a bottle of lethal poison and told him to mix one drop each in two grains of dates and to give them to Mulla Qadar Sahab and Khalfan Ratansi and to distribute the remaining dates among others.

However, the Almighty, Allah guided Killu aright and he thought that these people call themselves 'Divine Messengers' but have no power to kill even a Mulla and rather resort to vile intrigues. He therefore, refused to fulfill the order of the chief. From that day worry took hold of his mind. Fortunately he got Chiragh-e-Hidayat' (written by Mulla Saheb) and its reading convinced him that a man cannot become a true Muslin unless he offer obligatory five-time prayers. He therefore started secretly offering namaz without the knowledge of his family.

He even went to Mulla Sahab's house in the mid-night and asked him directives regarding obligatory prayers. He continued to visit at midnights with full zest for the purpose. Soon he acquired enough knowledge and became firmly rooted in the matters of the religion of Islam.

Killu Khataw himself then started preaching not in any madrasah but by going all alone to individuals in different places and localities for which he was severely persecuted. Two years passed and thanks to the untiring zeal of Killu that even those people were attracted to true guidance with whom it was dangerous to reveal his faith.

Yet Killu's activities in the propogation of religion continued. So the fanatic elements in his community decided to murder him. They repeatedly warned him and ordered him to shun the preaching activities but he did not stop. Even threats of murder had no effect on him. At last the mischievous elements beat him till his ribs were broken. But this too did not make killu leave his mission and he continued it with increased vigour.

Killu fully realised that his life was in danger and that he could not continue his propogation of the true Islam any more. He, therefore, decided to go to Zanzibar but somehow his antagonists came to know of his plans. They filed a few false cases against him and thus prevented his departure. Killu then decided to meet Hasan Mukhi, the chief of the group which opposed him. Hasan Mukhi turned down his request saying that unless and until he reverts to his previous faith he would continue to be harassed and will be killed.

Nobody knew what fully transpired between Killu and Hasan Mukhi. But one day when Killu and Hasan Mukhi came face to face, there ensued a bitter exchange of hot words and Killu stabbed Hasan Mukhi with a knife. Hasan Mukhi fell on the ground so Kullu, considering him to be dead, went to Karmali Surjee with the same knife and told him that he had killed Mukhi. Karmali tried to move away and in the meantime Mukhi also regained consciousness. He struggled to flee but Killu saw him so he again stabbed him until he was mortally wounded and after few hours died in the hospital. Meanwhile the police surrounded Killu but no one dared to come near him. Killu was then arrested and taken to the police station.

Killu was very punctual in offering namaz on dot. While he was in police custody, he urged the police officers to provide water for ablution for offering namaz. His request was granted and he offered namaz with complete peace of mind.

While the police interrogated him and asked him as to why did he kill Mukhi, Killu replied - "Yes I have killed Mukhi but the reason is that I am a Khoja by caste but now I am a true Muslim and it was my only crime for which I was severely harassed. hasan Mukhi continued to threaten me and said that they would not let me remain alive. I implored them not to harass me but they did not pay any heed to my requests. It was beyond me to bear these hardships. I was sure that I was doomed so I murdered Mukhi".

When the police enquired of his partners, Killu avowed : "I, my Allah and my knife with which I killed him."

The case was heard by the court and again similar question were asked and Killu answered them as before and when the judge enquired: "Who is your witness to bear the testimony of your faith?" Killu replied that although he had given the names of those Khojas who had become Muslims, but none would speak the truth and he is Mulla Qadar Sahab".

Mulla Sahab was summoned by the court and when examined, about Killu, said that he was a Khoja who became a Muslim and he was his pupil and regular devotee in offering namaz.

In the second hearing, the court sentenced Killu to death. The time of appeal had also elapsed and thereafter he was permitted, as it usually done to the dommed criminals to see his friends and relatives. The first man whom Killu wanted to see was Mulla Sahab.

In his final request Killu told Mulla Sahab to recover his dues from some persons who had taken loans from him so that, with that money, his corpse should be sent to Karbala. Killu then said: "Tell my salaams to my friends and add that by Grace of Almighty Allah I have removed a major obstacle and nobody will prevent you from offering namaz even if you offer it on the road. Take care and obey Allah's Commandments. My daughter is engaged please solemnise her marriage with my nephew".

Killu advised every one, who came to meet him, to remain firmly attached to the religion. He told his brother Manjibhai: "Beware! Never turn away from Islam and namaz for which I am giving my life."

Killu was charged with the spirit of martyrdom. He was happy over his future while others were weeping. He said; "It is a matter of great pleasure that I am being sacrificed in the path of Almighty Allah".

To his wife and daughter he said: "By the Grace of Almighty Allah you passed many years with me. Maintain peace and do good deeds so that you flourish in this world as well as the Hereafter".

It was indeed a tragic scene and sounds of weeping were heard from every direction. Even the policeman were weeping, but Killu himself was very happy and there was no trace of sorrow on his face.

When his father came to see him from Kutch, Killu first consoled him then he said: "Father! Why do you weep? You have several sons and one of them is being sacrificed in the way of Almighty Allah so what more do you want? Have patience and never turn away from obeying Allah (s.w.t.).

Killu had willed that his corpse should be sent to Karbala but the Police Commander did not agree and he told Mulla Sahab not to carry the bier with pomp and not to carry it through Khoja Mohalla to ward off unwanted possibilities.

At sunset Killu was asked to express his 'final wish'. Killu wished: "I don't want to eat or drink because if I take something I shall have to answer the call of nature and the bowels may break my ablution, so a Muslim sepoy should be given to me so that I may go with him to take bath and perform wuzu and pass this night in prayer because tomorrow I have to go before my Lord."

Killu's wish was granted and as the martyrs of Karbala had passed Shabe Ashura in prayers and supplications, he also did the same with full peace of mind.

In the morning, When a Sayed Sahab came to him to make him recite Isteghfar, he told him that he had seen the holy Shrines and his ultimate home also. He told to the policeman, who had come to convey the 'Final Verdict', that his corpse should be handed over to Mulla Sahab and no Khoja should touch his body.

Killu was then taken to the gallows ladder. And while he ascended the first step he loudly recited 'Allaho Akbar', with each step he recited a sentence from Azan and finished it as he mounted the plank. His chants were heard by the huge crowd of the faithful gathered outside the jail at Dongri where he was being hanged. Then with a call 'Ya Husain Mazloom', Killu wore the noose with his own hands in the neck. No tension of any kind afflicted his body. The tongue also did not come out, as it so happens to the persons who were hanged. Ultimately his soul flew to Paradise.

When the veil was removed from his face, it was seen that the face of Killu was transformed into a magnificent and splendid one. The Sayed Sahab exclaimed: "Indeed! The bridegroom is sleeping in repose."

The corpse was then taken to the Moghul Masjid. There were so many persons in the funeral procession that it was difficult to get a chance in shouldering the bier. The religious formalities were completed and Killu was burried in the graveyard at Marine Lines. Killu was 26 years of age when he left this world for his heavenly abode.

May the Almighty Allah elevate his status in paradise.

		Mumbai Salat Timings Fajr 5.06 Sunrise 6.26 Zohar 12.4 Sunset 6.49 Maghrib 7.01 Panchang
	H. Ali (a) - So long as fortune is favouring you, your defects will remain covered. (Nahj al Balagah)


		SHAHID KILLU KHATAW - A Homage by Mohammed Haider
		He was going to be hanged and while being taken to the gallows, ascended the first step loudly reciting "Allaho Akbar". He was so charged with the spirit of martyrdom that with each step he took, he recited a sentence from the azan and finished it as he mounted the planks. In his preaching he followed the footsteps of Hazrat Abu Zar-e-Ghafari. In his sufferings and injuries, sustained in preaching the truth, he met almost the same fate as that of Ammar-e-Yasir. Such was Shahid Killu Khataw, who inspite of being aware that he was to be hanged, remained extremely peaceful and happy. History testifies eloquently to the fact that Islam has been made to stay, prosper and thrive through the sacrifices and selfless efforts of numerous individuals. In fact Killu Khataw may he recalled as one of the founders of Khoja Shia Isna-Ashari Jamaat, Bombay. Unfortunately the details of his early life is not available, but his personality came to light when he attached himself with Mulla Qadar Husain Sahab (r.a.). Killu Khataw was one of the well-known pupils of Mulla Sahab. In fact he had been originally deputed to eliminate Mulla Sahab and was asked to attend discourses of Mulla Sahab, for achieving this purpose. He was supposed to observe later Mulla Sahab's movements and achieve this objective at the appropriate time. In the month of Ramazan, the chief of Khojas gave Killu a bottle of lethal poison and told him to mix one drop each in two grains of dates and to give them to Mulla Qadar Sahab and Khalfan Ratansi and to distribute the remaining dates among others. However, the Almighty, Allah guided Killu aright and he thought that these people call themselves 'Divine Messengers' but have no power to kill even a Mulla and rather resort to vile intrigues. He therefore, refused to fulfill the order of the chief. From that day worry took hold of his mind. Fortunately he got Chiragh-e-Hidayat' (written by Mulla Saheb) and its reading convinced him that a man cannot become a true Muslin unless he offer obligatory five-time prayers. He therefore started secretly offering namaz without the knowledge of his family. He even went to Mulla Sahab's house in the mid-night and asked him directives regarding obligatory prayers. He continued to visit at midnights with full zest for the purpose. Soon he acquired enough knowledge and became firmly rooted in the matters of the religion of Islam. Killu Khataw himself then started preaching not in any madrasah but by going all alone to individuals in different places and localities for which he was severely persecuted. Two years passed and thanks to the untiring zeal of Killu that even those people were attracted to true guidance with whom it was dangerous to reveal his faith. Yet Killu's activities in the propogation of religion continued. So the fanatic elements in his community decided to murder him. They repeatedly warned him and ordered him to shun the preaching activities but he did not stop. Even threats of murder had no effect on him. At last the mischievous elements beat him till his ribs were broken. But this too did not make killu leave his mission and he continued it with increased vigour. Killu fully realised that his life was in danger and that he could not continue his propogation of the true Islam any more. He, therefore, decided to go to Zanzibar but somehow his antagonists came to know of his plans. They filed a few false cases against him and thus prevented his departure. Killu then decided to meet Hasan Mukhi, the chief of the group which opposed him. Hasan Mukhi turned down his request saying that unless and until he reverts to his previous faith he would continue to be harassed and will be killed. Nobody knew what fully transpired between Killu and Hasan Mukhi. But one day when Killu and Hasan Mukhi came face to face, there ensued a bitter exchange of hot words and Killu stabbed Hasan Mukhi with a knife. Hasan Mukhi fell on the ground so Kullu, considering him to be dead, went to Karmali Surjee with the same knife and told him that he had killed Mukhi. Karmali tried to move away and in the meantime Mukhi also regained consciousness. He struggled to flee but Killu saw him so he again stabbed him until he was mortally wounded and after few hours died in the hospital. Meanwhile the police surrounded Killu but no one dared to come near him. Killu was then arrested and taken to the police station. Killu was very punctual in offering namaz on dot. While he was in police custody, he urged the police officers to provide water for ablution for offering namaz. His request was granted and he offered namaz with complete peace of mind. While the police interrogated him and asked him as to why did he kill Mukhi, Killu replied - "Yes I have killed Mukhi but the reason is that I am a Khoja by caste but now I am a true Muslim and it was my only crime for which I was severely harassed. hasan Mukhi continued to threaten me and said that they would not let me remain alive. I implored them not to harass me but they did not pay any heed to my requests. It was beyond me to bear these hardships. I was sure that I was doomed so I murdered Mukhi". When the police enquired of his partners, Killu avowed : "I, my Allah and my knife with which I killed him." The case was heard by the court and again similar question were asked and Killu answered them as before and when the judge enquired: "Who is your witness to bear the testimony of your faith?" Killu replied that although he had given the names of those Khojas who had become Muslims, but none would speak the truth and he is Mulla Qadar Sahab". Mulla Sahab was summoned by the court and when examined, about Killu, said that he was a Khoja who became a Muslim and he was his pupil and regular devotee in offering namaz. In the second hearing, the court sentenced Killu to death. The time of appeal had also elapsed and thereafter he was permitted, as it usually done to the dommed criminals to see his friends and relatives. The first man whom Killu wanted to see was Mulla Sahab. In his final request Killu told Mulla Sahab to recover his dues from some persons who had taken loans from him so that, with that money, his corpse should be sent to Karbala. Killu then said: "Tell my salaams to my friends and add that by Grace of Almighty Allah I have removed a major obstacle and nobody will prevent you from offering namaz even if you offer it on the road. Take care and obey Allah's Commandments. My daughter is engaged please solemnise her marriage with my nephew". Killu advised every one, who came to meet him, to remain firmly attached to the religion. He told his brother Manjibhai: "Beware! Never turn away from Islam and namaz for which I am giving my life." Killu was charged with the spirit of martyrdom. He was happy over his future while others were weeping. He said; "It is a matter of great pleasure that I am being sacrificed in the path of Almighty Allah". To his wife and daughter he said: "By the Grace of Almighty Allah you passed many years with me. Maintain peace and do good deeds so that you flourish in this world as well as the Hereafter". It was indeed a tragic scene and sounds of weeping were heard from every direction. Even the policeman were weeping, but Killu himself was very happy and there was no trace of sorrow on his face. When his father came to see him from Kutch, Killu first consoled him then he said: "Father! Why do you weep? You have several sons and one of them is being sacrificed in the way of Almighty Allah so what more do you want? Have patience and never turn away from obeying Allah (s.w.t.). Killu had willed that his corpse should be sent to Karbala but the Police Commander did not agree and he told Mulla Sahab not to carry the bier with pomp and not to carry it through Khoja Mohalla to ward off unwanted possibilities. At sunset Killu was asked to express his 'final wish'. Killu wished: "I don't want to eat or drink because if I take something I shall have to answer the call of nature and the bowels may break my ablution, so a Muslim sepoy should be given to me so that I may go with him to take bath and perform wuzu and pass this night in prayer because tomorrow I have to go before my Lord." Killu's wish was granted and as the martyrs of Karbala had passed Shabe Ashura in prayers and supplications, he also did the same with full peace of mind. In the morning, When a Sayed Sahab came to him to make him recite Isteghfar, he told him that he had seen the holy Shrines and his ultimate home also. He told to the policeman, who had come to convey the 'Final Verdict', that his corpse should be handed over to Mulla Sahab and no Khoja should touch his body. Killu was then taken to the gallows ladder. And while he ascended the first step he loudly recited 'Allaho Akbar', with each step he recited a sentence from Azan and finished it as he mounted the plank. His chants were heard by the huge crowd of the faithful gathered outside the jail at Dongri where he was being hanged. Then with a call 'Ya Husain Mazloom', Killu wore the noose with his own hands in the neck. No tension of any kind afflicted his body. The tongue also did not come out, as it so happens to the persons who were hanged. Ultimately his soul flew to Paradise. When the veil was removed from his face, it was seen that the face of Killu was transformed into a magnificent and splendid one. The Sayed Sahab exclaimed: "Indeed! The bridegroom is sleeping in repose." The corpse was then taken to the Moghul Masjid. There were so many persons in the funeral procession that it was difficult to get a chance in shouldering the bier. The religious formalities were completed and Killu was burried in the graveyard at Marine Lines. Killu was 26 years of age when he left this world for his heavenly abode. May the Almighty Allah elevate his status in paradise.