Imam Vehbi Ismail: The Last of the Albanian Mohicans

-- nga Franz-Llesh Grishaj Tuesday, 20 May 2008

Honorable clerics, ladies and gentlemen, members of the House that Imami built - the Albanian American Islamic Center, dear friends and family members.

It is truly an honor that has been bestowed upon me today - as I say a few words about our dearly beloved Imam. However, this notable gesture on behalf of the Ismail family has come at a great price as they prepare to say their final farewell to Imam Vehbi Ismail: a faithful husband, a loving father, an awesome grandfather, an Albanian patriot, a devout cleric, a prolific writer, a renowned Islamic scholar, a translator, a publisher, and a valued friend to all who knew and loved him.

As I stand in front of you, I cannot help but think about the Book of Ecclesiastes and in particular Chapter 3, which states, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Today, dear brothers and sisters, is no exception as there is "a time to be born and a time to die… a time to weep and a time to laugh… a time to mourn and a time to dance… a time to be silent and a time to speak…"

Thus, as we gather to voice our last farewell to our beloved Imam - we most certainly celebrate his life as we also dwell on what his passing away means to each and every one of us. Yes, we shed tears of sorrow for we shall miss him tremendously, but we also shed tears of joy for the wonderful memories that we cherish in our hearts. Yes, we collectively grieve for our loss, but we also exult knowing that today he is with his Maker in Paradise. Yes, we honor him through unspoken reverence, but we also articulate the kind of life that he led and how he has profoundly touched our lives forever. Yes, indeed!

The above contradictions so closely interdependent to one another also describe the wonderful relationship that I was fortunate to develop and sustain over the years with Imam. As he descended from a distinguished intellectual family from Shkodra, I stem from a prominent warrior clan family from Malesia e Madhe [Great Highlands]. Imam was a Sunni Muslim cleric, and I a Catholic Christian layman. Imami was a well-seasoned man of many years, and I just beginning my journey of life. Yet, beside these differences it was our love for Ethnic Albania, God, and books that united us as mentor and pupil, uncle and nephew, and in the end just plain friends. This dear brothers and sisters, without a doubt, speaks voluminously about Imam rather myself. As the Blessed Mother Teresa so eloquently expressed,"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier." Standing before you, I honesty and sincerely profess that every time I left Imam, I felt just that - better and happier, however, if I may, I also left a little puzzled on how fast my time with Imami seemed to go.

In sharing my thoughts on Imam - I find myself taking a page from the well-known American author James Fenimore Cooper as I refer to Imam as truly the last of the Albanian Mohicans. I believe my assertion is well founded when we place this day into its proper historical context. As we are paying the ultimate homage to our beloved Imam, simultaneously the entire Albanian World is saying good-bye to last of the great Albanian religious pioneers of the United States of America. How awesome and fortunate for the Diaspora to be blessed by Almighty God Himself with the following spiritual leaders: Metropolitan Theofan S. Noli of the Albanian Orthodox Community, Monsignor Dr. Zef Oroshi of the Albanian Catholic Community, Baba Rexhebi of the Albanian Bektashi Community, and Imam Vehbi Ismail of the Albanian Sunni Community. These four giants distinguished themselves with utmost nobility throughout their respective lives in service to Komb, Fe e Atdhe (nation, faith, and fatherland) and left an esteemed legacy that should be treasured and emulated by all people of faith and good well.

Consequently, as the last of the Albanian Mohicans reaches Paradise he shall not only be greeted by his parents, brothers, and loved ones but also by his fellow Albanian Mohicans - Noli, Oroshi, and Rexhebi - what a homecoming!

As a people of faith - let us trust in the Almighty knowing that God takes care of his dedicated servants for Sacred Scripture verifies, "The Lord will reward each man for his righteousness and faithfulness" (1 Samuel 26:23).

In conclusion, on behalf of all present please, allow me to express our most sincerest sympathy to you - the Ismail family: Imam's soul mate Ms. Betty, Imam's princess - daughter Fatima, Iman's sons Ahmet and Ali, Imam's daughter-in-laws Mary Ann and Judy, and last, but never least, Imam's pride and joy - his grandsons Jonathan, Scott, and Alex. May you find comfort in knowing that although Imam is no longer physically amongst us, his spirit, prayers, and blessings will forever shower you. May his body finally rest in peace and his spirit be united with the angels and saints in Paradise. God bless!