Sh. Moiz Nomanbhoy is a reputed international businessman settled in Singapore. His family is the scion of the jamaat, the oldest family from our community in the country. Sh Moez has been given the honor of the Ameen of Dawat in Singapore and has been the wali mullah there for the past 30 years.

Where are you originally from? How far back does your family's roots date in Singapore and how did your forefathers get there?

My forefathers were originally from Surat. My grandfather, Mr. Nomanbhoy Abdeali migrated to Singapore in 1892. He was the manager for Mr. Isaabhai Mo'atabhai's company and later took over the business.

What are your academic qualifications and what are your business successes?

I received my primary education in Singapore, then I went on to Australia to receive my secondary education. However, as soon as I gave my Matriculate (which is equivalent to the 12th), I was summoned back to Singapore to join my father's business. We deal mainly in spices, of which cloves is the main commodity.

What is the population of the Singapore jamaat? Being one of the oldest families residing there, how have you seen the jamaat grow and change?

Syeda Taher Saifuddin ^(RA) encouraged a lot of mumineen to go to the Far East to set up business. In 1854, there were only around 80-100 mumineen residing in Singapore. The current jamaat figure is around 900 with many floating members like students from around the world. Even though it is one of the oldest international jamaats, the figure has remained low because a lot of people who came here initially moved on to Europe and the US for better business prospects.

How many times has Maula ^(TUS) visited Singapore and how many times have you been bestowed the sharaf of utara? Can you share some special moments?

Syedna Taher Saifuddin ^(RA) visited Singapore in 1952 and Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin ^(TUS) accompanied him as his successor. Later, Aqa Maula ^(TUS) visited 3 times as Dai al Mutlaq: in 1975, 1997 and 2000. The masjid property was bought and built by Isaabhai Mo'atabhai and given waqaf to Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin ^(RA), the 49th Dai, and has since been rebuilt 3 times, the last iftitah occurring on Aqa Maula's last visit.

I have been given the honor of utara by Aqa Maula ^(TUS) on his last two trips, the first one being for 17 days and the last trip for 10 days. Each day was a miracle and full of barakat for me and my whole family and however much shukur we do for this n'emat is not enough.

You have seen Singapore develop into a world leader in terms of economic, environmental and educational reform. What lessons are to be learnt for India and other Asian countries?

The most important difference between Singapore and other Asian countries is that it is void of corruption. Corruption can bleed a country and severely hamper progress. Singapore advanced when it shook free of British autonomy in 1962 and the local government took command. Today it is run by a Socialist Democratic government which balances well between the political views of the East and West and holds the best interests for the country's advancement at heart.

In context with young mumineen, how open is Singapore as a country for educational and business interests? Any personal advice you can offer them?

Singapore is a very student-friendly country with academic prowess at levels of Harvard and Cambridge. The options are vast and accessibility is not rigid. As for business, the Singaporean government gives a 2 year grace period where a business man/investor can come and set up his office there after which if the government is satisfied with the amount of taxes being paid, will grant a residency.

My advice to young mumineen would be-wherever you're coming from and whatever you plan to do, be prepared to work hard and come with Maula's dua mubarak and inshallah you will surely prosper. May Allah grant our Maula a long and healthy life.