REMEMBERING MINOO K. FOZDAR
MINOO K. FOZDAR
3 August 1930 – 31 May 2026
The Universal House of Justice was saddened to learn from your email of 31 May 2026 of the passing of your dear brother Minoo Fozdar, stalwart servant of the Blessed Beauty, and extends to you, his children, and other family members its loving condolences. His life of service to the Cause of God, including as a member of the first National Spiritually Assembly of Malaysia and Brunei, as a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Brunei, and as an Auxiliary Board member for Protection in Australia, are recalled with warm appreciation. Rest assured of the supplications of the House of Justice at the Sacred Threshold for the advancement of his soul, now joyously reunited with his wife Marjorie, in the heavenly kingdom. Prayers will also be offered that you may all find peace and tranquility at this time of parting.
– The Universal House of Justice to Mr. Jamshed Fozdar
2 June 2026
Minoo Khodadad Fozdar was born on 3rd August 1930 in Bombay (Mumbai), India, into a distinguished Bahá’í family, with two older brothers, Jamshed and John, and two younger sisters, Mona and Zena.
An illustrious family that added luster to the Faith in the making- Bombay, 1930s
The Fozdar family in Bombay, 1954
A Moving Moment
In 1953, Minoo attended the Fourth Intercontinental Conference held in New Delhi, India from 7 to 15 October with his parents Dr. Khodadad and Mrs. Shirin Fozdar, his brothers Jamshed and John, and sister Zena. They were all enthused to see the many races and peoples of India, Pakistan and Burma, Ceylon, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, Persia, Iraq, Egypt, Africa, Turkey, Europe, Canada, United States, Central and South America. They also met prominent Bahá’ís such as The Guardian’s representative, Charles Mason Remey, Hand of the Cause and President of the International Council, as well as other Hands: Shuallah Alai, Dhikru’lláh Khádem, Horace Holley, Dorothy Baker, ‘Ali-Akbar Furútan, Mr. Musa Banani, Mrs. Clara Dunn, Dr. Ugo Giachery, Valíyu’lláh Varqá, and Ṭaráẓu’lláh Samandarí. Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh, International Observer for the Bahá’ís at the United Nations was present too. Miss Agnes Alexander, pioneer to Japan and later to be appointed Hand of the Cause, was present as well. There were about one thousand guests, including high officials of the Indian government, representatives from embassies and consulates, and men from the press. Among the Fozdar family members Mr. Jamshed Fozdar had the privilege of meeting prominent Indian leaders of those days such as Dr. Rajendra Prasad, President; Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Vice-President and Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister when the National Spiritual Assembly arranged to present delegations of Bahá’ís to meet them. At this intercontinental conference, Jamshed Fozdar and Shirin Fozdar spoke about their pioneering experiences in Sarawak and Singapore respectively. When the call for pioneers was made at this conference, Dr. Khodadad Fozdar arose to pioneer to the Andaman Islands while Dr. John arose to pioneer in Brunei and both became Knights of Bahá’u’lláh for these two countries. Minoo arrived in Singapore on a stopover in order to proceed to the Cocos Keeling Islands where the Guardian had wanted him to go, but owing to some miscommunications, was stranded there. On the invitation of Dr. John, he then went to Brunei in December 1954 where his brother Dr. John was serving as doctor in the government hospital of Brunei. By 1954 Minoo had already completed his Science and Law degrees.
The Fozdars with Hand of the Cause of God Ugo Giachery at the Inter-continental conference in New Delhi, 1953. Standing left-right – Shirin Fozdar, Ugo Giachery, Zena, Minoo, John and Khodadad Fozdar. Squatting is Jamshed Fozdar
In Brunei, Minoo initially taught Science at a high school before studying Accounting and moving into the Treasury Office of the Brunei government, rising to the level of Assistant Treasurer of the country.
At Riḍván 1957, when Dr. John was away for further studies, the first Local Spiritual Assembly was elected in Brunei with members, among others, Minoo Fozdar, Mr. Chin Yun Sang, Miss Kong, Mr. Cheok Chin Hong, Mr. Robert Cheok, Mr. Rama Tribhuvan and Mr. Siah Teck Heng.
Marrying Marjorie Lighthall
Miss Marjorie Lighthall was born, with her twin sister Beth, on 30 July 1931 in Clinton, Illinois in mid-west rural USA. After graduating, she worked as a primary school teacher in Evanston, near the Bahá’í House of Worship in Illinois USA, and in 1957 accepted the Faith. She wanted to serve the Cause in some country, and so she and Miss Banu Hassan, another American arrived in Vientiane, Laos in August 1957. This fulfilled the desire of the Guardian. Banu and Marjorie needed to find employment in order to be financially able to stay in the country, so Dr. Taeed, another pioneer to Laos, encouraged them to teaching English. They taught some students in the Bahá’í Centre which was a house rented by Dr. Taeed, but the spoken languages in Laos were French and Laotian of which both were not too conversant. It was on the suggestion of Jamshed Fozdar, the eldest in the Fozdar family that Marjorie left for Sarawak where she could be more productive. Marjorie and Banu went to Singapore to attend the Intercontinental conference held in September 1958. On their way to that conference, Marjorie visited the nascent Malacca community.
After the conference Banu returned to Laos while Marjorie went to Kuching, capital of Sarawak. In Kuching she was employed as a teacher in a Chinese high school and stayed at KMC flats in Ban Hock Road. She was actively and happily involved in the local Bahá’í activities in Kuching. Minoo Fozdar was working as Assistant Treasurer in Brunei and visited Kuching often. At this time Marjorie was serving on the Regional Teaching Committee. Minoo and Marjorie married on 14 June 1959, and their eldest children, Farhad and Farida, were born in 1960 and 1962 respectively. Their home was used for many Bahá’í activities.
1958 Brunei. L-R Dr. John and Minoo, Patrick Adamson, a school teacher and Raj, an airport manager
Marriage of Minoo and Marjorie
When the Local Spiritual Assembly of Brunei was elected in 1961 Dr. John and Minoo served on this institution. Dr. John moved to Sandakan in early 1962.
Local Spiritual Assembly of Brunei in 1961. Seated at the extreme left is Dr. John. Minoo stands second from right
First Bahá’í World Congress in London
In 1963 Minoo had the rare privilege of attending the election of the first Universal House of Justice in Haifa. He joined a large company of Bahá’ís from South East Asia on the same flight enroute to London for the First Bahá’i World Congress in London. The Bahá’ís of Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Laos and Malaya met in Singapore on 14 April 1963 and boarded the BOAC flight at 2200 hours. Those who were on board from Malaya were Tony Fernandez, Yankee Leong, Leong Tat Chee, Pijush Kanti Paul, Tushar Kanti-Paul, Dr. and Mrs. Wolff and their four children, K. Rajah, Lily Chinniah, Chiang Kim Lin, Koh Ai Leen, Mr. Chin Soon Boon, Raymond Peter, S. Bhaskaran, Leong Ho San, Joshi of Raub, Mr. Jeffree Lee of Malacca, Mrs Shantha Sundram and Sathiawan Singh. Those from Borneo Island were Dr. John Fozdar from Sandakan, Mr. Minoo Fozdar from Brunei, Mr. Chin Yun Sang and Andam Aral from Brunei. From Saigon came Mr and Mrs Dempsey Morgan, from Laos came Miss Bahiya Sohaili and from the Philippines was Mr. Vicente Saminiego. Mr Jamshed Fozdar came with his wife Parvati and son Vijay. They were all excited to witness those two earths-shaking events. When the plane stopped over at Athens, members of the Regional Spiritual Assembly of Southeast Asia left the main group in Athens to proceed to Haifa. The others rested in the airport and continued their journey to London.
In 1964, the first National Spiritual Assembly was elected under the name National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Malaysia, with its seat in Kuala Lumpur. The National Spiritual Assembly comprised Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak. Six out of the nine members elected came from the Borneo Territories. Yankee Leong was elected the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly. It is also noteworthy that Marjorie and Minoo were unable to be present at this historic convention.
The members of the first National Spiritual Assembly were:
Dr John Fozdar (Sarawak) – Chairman
Mrs. George Lee (Singapore) – Vice Chairman
Mr. Yankee Leong (Malaysia) – Secretary
Mr. Leong Tat Chee (Malaysia) – Treasurer
Mrs. Grete Fozdar (Sarawak)
Mr. Minoo Fozdar (Brunei)
Mrs. Marjorie Fozdar (Brunei)
Mr. Chin Yun Sang (Brunei)
Mr. Harlan Lang (Sarawak, a pioneer from the USA)
First NSA of Malaysia, 1964 with Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum. Standing L-R- Yankee Leong, Harlan Lang, Dr. John, Leong Tat Chee, Minoo and Chin Yun Sang. Seated L-R- Grete Fozdar, Amatu’l-Bahá. Mrs George Lee, and Marjorie
In 1966 the first National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Brunei was held from 30 April to 1 May 1966 at the residence of Minoo and Marjorie Fozdar, in the town of Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. A total of forty-six believers, eighteen delegates and twenty-eight observers attended the Convention from Brunei and Sarawak. Dr. John Fozdar from the National Spiritual Assembly of Malaysia and Yankee Leong, Auxiliary Board member for South-East Asia were present as well. Congratulatory messages were received from the Supreme Body, National Spiritual Assemblies of Malaysia, New Zealand, United States of America, Switzerland, South Pacific Ocean,
Norway, and the British Isles. Several individual believers also sent congratulatory messages. During these two days of the convention, speeches were delivered on the topics of ‘Administration’, ‘Victories Won for the Cause’, ‘Living a Way of Life’, ‘Sacrifice’, ‘What the Youths Can Do for the Progress of the Faith’, and ‘The Future Goals’. In one of the sessions conducted by Mrs. Marjorie Fozdar, the children from the children’s class recited prayers and sang songs. At the end of the convention, the friends were greatly inspired by the friendly and loving atmosphere that prevailed, and by the new and greater knowledge they gained of the Faith. They pledged their devotion to Bahá’u’lláh and His Cause and promised to proclaim the message at their respective town and villages and to stand firm at all times to their Faith. Members elected to serve on this first National Spiritual Assembly of Brunei were Mr. Minoo K. Fozdar (Chairman), Mr. Chin Yun Sang (Vice-chairman), Mr. Krishnan Kandasamy (Secretary), Mr. Robert Cheok (Treasurer), Mr. Junie anak Janah, Mr. M. U. Patel, Mr. Tabob Sopon, Mrs. Marjorie Fozdar and Mr. Yu Wai Kai.
Meeting Hand of the Cause Mr. Ṭaráẓu’lláh Samandarí
Hand of the Cause Mr. Samandarí and his grandson Soheil arrived in Kuala Lumpur on 27 June 1966. Yankee Leong and a group of six friends from Sibu, Sarawak went to receive them at the Subang Airport. S. Vasudevan, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly was also there to receive him, along with several other believers from Seremban, such as Isaac DCruz and S. Satanam, and Wong Kok Mee from Kuala Lumpur who was a businessman with financial means. As Mr. Samandarí emerged out of the arrival hall, a few excited believers went forward, held his hands and tried to kiss them, but Mr. Samandarí withdrew his hands almost abruptly as he was not happy with that. Mr Soheil, his grandson who came along whispered to them that Bahá’u’lláh has forbidden kissing of hands in the Most Holy Book. From the airport Mr. Samandarí and Soheil were taken to the Majestic Hotel in Kuala Lumpur in the car of Wong Kok Mee. Some local believers had dinner with them at 7:00 pm. That evening Mr. Samandarí kissed both cheeks of Minoo Fozdar. A talk was arranged at 8:00 pm at the Bahá’í Centre in Kuala Lumpur. Mr. Samandarí was not well that evening after his long travel from Ceylon. Yankee Leong who had planned to visit the Philippines, postponed his trip until the programmes of Mr. Samandarí were over in Malaysia.
In the early days of the publication of the Malaysian Bahá’í News Marjorie served as a Regional Correspondent for Brunei. Minoo served as Chair of the National Spiritual Assembly of Brunei and his last job was Secretary of the Brunei Currency Board. In late 1969, at the age of 40 he resigned that job after 15 years and the family departed for Australia.
Following his departure there was an announcement to fill the post he vacated. The Straits Times of 25 February 1970 (on page 7) carried the following article:
TOP CURRENCY POST VACANT IN BRUNEI
BRUNEI TOWN. The Brunei Government is looking for a man of the “highest integrity” to manage its stocks of currency. The vacancy has occurred because its previous holder of the post, Mr. Minoo Fozdar has left the Government service to migrate to Australia. The post which carries a salary of $1,670 to $1,820 will be that of Assistant State Financial Officer. The holder of the post will be responsible for currency, banking and exchange control matters. His main function will be as secretary to the Brunei Currency Board and currency officer. He will be appointed on a three-year contract.
IN AUSTRALIA
In early 1970 they settled in Perth, Western Australia, and joined the South Perth community, where their son Jamal was born in 1972. Marjorie served as secretary of the Local Spiritual Assembly for most of this period, with she and Minoo becoming part of the backbone of the early Bahá’í community in Perth.
By invitation Minoo briefly returned to Bandar Seri Begawan in October 1970 to receive a Gold Medal in recognition of his dedicated service. There was some mixed reactions between the Palace and the Government of Brunei published in The Straits Times 29 October 1970 as follows:
MAN GIVEN MEDAL BUT NOT WELCOME IN COUNTRY (From IGNATIUS STEPHEN)
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN. Wed. The former secretary to the Brunei Currency Board has been told that he will not be welcome any longer in Brunei. He is Mr. Minoo Fozdar who had been with the Brunei Government for the past 15 years. Mr. Fozdar, 40 had been Secretary to the Currency Board for the past three years since its inception, and his work has been described by his superiors as exemplary. He resigned from government service last year to settle in Australia. When he came back here last week to meet friends, he was told at the airport that to call at the immigration office the next day. When he went to the Immigration Department he was told in a letter that he was a prohibited immigrant. No reason was given. The same day he received a letter from the Istana asking him to be present here in one week’s time to receive a medal from the Sultan in honour of his services. “I was a little confused about this,” he said today. “One day I get a letter telling me that I am a prohibited immigrant, and the next day I get a letter saying that I am getting a medal for my services to the state. I saw the immigration officer who said that I could stay on to get the medal, but I would be prohibited from the state after that.” Mr. Fozdar was one of the 100 people who received medals at the Royal Ceremonial Hall yesterday for services to the Government. Mr Fozdar is a keen believer in the Baha’i Faith and has been encouraging the propagation of the religion here. But he denied having built a Baha’i centre here in Tutong, near here. His mother Mrs. Shirin Fozdar was formerly living in Singapore.
Back in Australia
Like many migrants whose qualifications aren’t recognised in Australia, Minoo ran several small businesses during this time.
With Hand of the Cause John Robarts
Minoo also was privileged to serve along with Hand of the Cause John Robarts who visited Australia in 1972. At 5:00 am on the 12th of January 1972 Minoo received a telephone call that the teaching team “was here!” This was the beginning of a whirlwind of activities which lasted eighteen hours a day for more than a week. The teaching team from Sydney, which consisted of Paul, Beverly and Scott Stafford, Munira, Samira and Farah (only six years old) Sohaili, and Munira Yaganegi, had arrived. The Perth believers were caught by surprise but hurriedly arranged accommodation in the homes of Marcia and Hugh Walker and Minoo and Marjorie Fozdar. It was thought that after a strenuous drive from Sydney the teaching team would want to rest for a day or so but after a couple of hours they were insisting that the teaching work begin. Together with a few local Bahá’ís they set out for Victoria Park and began mass teaching along the streets. The local believers who were with the Teaching Team were at first diffident but soon got over their shyness as they saw the veterans in action. Each day thereafter the teaching team was out on the streets, in shopping centers, in parks, at the University and along the beaches, spreading the message of Bahá’u’lláh. A public talk was arranged for Hand of the Cause Mr. John Robarts on the 19 January, and this talk was greatly publicized by the teaching team. Posters were made and put out in numerous shops and thousands of handbills were distributed.
On 15 January the younger members of the teaching team attended a youth fireside held at the home of Barbara and Charlie Pierce. As it was emphasized that the fruits gained by mass teaching had to be consolidated and the new believers deepened, it was decided to hold a teaching and deepening institute in the home of Minoo and Marjorie Fozdar on 16 January 1972. About thirty believers attended this institute. The session on deepening was conducted by Mrs. Beverly Stafford and the one on teaching, by Mrs. Munira Sohaili. In order to save time, it was decided to listen to Mr. William Sears’ tape “Wake Up, America” during the lunch hour. After the Institute some believers went mass teaching to King’s Park while others stayed back and said the “Remover of Difficulties” prayer 500 times.
Mr. John Robarts arrived on Monday, 17 January and though he was tired and unwell he agreed to address a fireside at the home of Delphine and Sohail Tahiri. Though there were some non-Bahá’ís in the gathering Mr. Robarts’ address was mainly for the Bahá’ís. He stressed the need for Bahá’ís to say prayers and particularly emphasized the efficacy of saying the Remover of Difficulties. He told a number of stories of how success in teaching had taken place after the believers had said the Remover of Difficulties 500 times. On the noon of 18 January Mr. John Robarts, Paul and Beverly Stafford and Miss Ottilie Strempel, paid a courtesy call on the Lord Mayor of Perth, Sir Thomas Wardle. They were well received and Sir Thomas remembered that he had previously been presented with the book, The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh.
On Tuesday evening a Unity Feast was held at the home of Marcia and Hugh Walker. Mr. Robarts again stressed the importance of prayer and advised the Bahá’ís to try to say the Long Obligatory Prayer.
The climax of the activities for the week took place on Wednesday when a public talk was given by Mr. Robarts at the Builders Exchange Hall. Minoo Fozdar chaired the meeting. The Hall was packed to capacity with almost eighty people present, the majority of whom were non-Bahá’ís. Mr. Robarts gave an inspiring talk on the Faith and questions were asked after the talk. An hour and a half after the meeting, enquirers were still discussing the Faith with Bahá’ís and two adults and one youth declared. On Thursday 20 January Mr. Robarts left for Melbourne and the teaching team proceeded to the goal towns of Pinjarra, Collie and Bunbury from where they returned to Sydney. Perth was never the same after their visit! During the short time over 4500 leaflets and reply-paid cards were distributed. One Bahá’í from Mauritius and one from Canada who had not previously contacted the Bahá’ís in Perth were found and invited to rejoin the community. Four adults and one youth accepted the Faith and a great number of friendships were made. The Bahá’ís of Western Australia vowed up the pace set by the visitors, and Deepening evenings were arranged for the new believers.
When the teaching team was in the heart of the City a TV team took pictures and interviewed the Bahá’ís. The telecast on the Faith was presented in a dignified manner during the news on Wednesday the 19th. A small item about Mr. Robarts’ visit and about the teaching team also appeared in the newspapers, The Western Australian and The Independent. This visit by the Hand of the Cause of God was one of the most memorable events of Minoo and Marjorie from that time. (This story appeared in the Bahá’í News published by the NSA of the United States May 1972 issue page 19).
In 1976, Minoo was appointed the first resident Auxiliary Board member for Western Australia, providing advice and support to the Bahá’í community, a position he held for almost 20 years. Along with the Olson, Fernandez, Taheri, Milne, and other families, Minoo and Marjorie became the backbone of the early Bahá’í community in Perth. He oversaw the early arrival of hundreds of Bahá’í refugees from Iran during the 1980s. They homefront pioneered to Geraldton in 1987 and Bunbury in 1994, helping create active Bahá’í communities there, and where Minoo worked as a lawyer, having studied part-time to have his overseas qualifications accepted. They finally relocated to Melville in 2016 to be closer to family as their health started to deteriorate.
Geraldton and Bunbury in the 1990s
While settled in Australia Minoo still attended some conferences in West Malaysia. One of the memorable conferences was the South East Asia Regional Conference held in Kuching from 16 to 19 December 1978. Bahá’ís from Malaysia, Switzerland, India, Fiji Island, New Zealand, United States of America, Australia, Iran, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, England and Holland attended this conference. A total of 601 Bahá’ís had registered. Minoo was one of the participants at the conference which had the theme “The Mighty Forces Within.”
Family Reunion in Kuching
Another family reunion in Kuching
Passing of Marjorie
Throughout her life, Marjorie’s Bahá’í service was centered on children, and wherever she went she was involved in children upbringing and helped them in whichever way she could. She was serving the Bahá’í administration as secretary, and supporting Minoo’s activities behind the scenes. She is remembered and loved as a teacher of Bahá’í Children’s Classes over many decades. Their home was always a centre for Bahá’í activities and she often hosted visitors, from tribal villagers of Borneo to Hands of the Cause of God, and cooked for innumerable functions. She also loved classical music and enjoyed playing and teaching the piano. Following a long illness, on 9 February 2024 Marjorie’s soul winged its way to the Abhá Kingdom, its true abode. She is still lovingly remembered as a kind, gentle, self-effacing, staunch, dedicated, and devoted soul.
A life that was well-lived
Minoo’s Bahá’í Services
Throughout his life, Minoo’s Bahá’í service was central to his life, and to the community. He is remembered and loved for his wise counsel over many decades. Minoo and Marjorie’s home was always a centre for Bahá’í activities and they often hosted visitors, from villagers in Borneo, to eminent Bahá’ís from all over the world. In his youth he was a talented athlete with many medals in sprinting in the 100, 200, and 400 metres, and he continued to love sport and enjoyed playing tennis and table tennis well into his 90s mainly at the Fremantle Tennis Club. On 31 May 2026, aged 95, Minoo’s soul winged its way to the Abhá Kingdom. He is lovingly remembered by the community as a kind, gentle, humorous, and dedicated soul. Minoo is survived by his three children and their partners, seven grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.
APPRECIATIONS BY INSTITUTIONS
The Administrative Committee of The Bahá’ís of Brunei
The administrative committee of the Bahais of Brunei wrote:
“We are forever grateful for the services Mr. Minoo Fozdar has rendered to the community of Brunei and the many seeds of wisdom he has planted when he, his beloved wife, Majorie and family pioneered to Brunei in 1950s to 1960s. Please be assured of our prayers for the progress of his luminous soul as it commences its journey into the eternal realms of God, as well as solace and comfort for all the family members.
The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Malaysia
The Baha’i community of Malaysia grew up hearing stories of early distinguished believers such as Mr. Minoo Fozdar. He was among the nine members elected to the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Malaysia. Born into a devoted Bahá’í family, we also remember with gratitude the late Shirin Fozdar and the late Dr. John Khodadad Fozdar, both of whom rendered notable service to the advancement of the Faith in the region…. In his youth, Mr. Minoo Fozdar arose to serve the Cause in a spirit of sacrifice and dedication. Throughout his life, he remained steadfast in his devotion to the Faith and continued to contribute towards the advancement of the Cause, as well as the strengthening of its institutions.” The National Spiritual Assembly ended its tribute with the following words of Bahá’u’lláh:
“The honour with which the Hand of Mercy will invest the soul is such as no tongue can adequately reveal, nor any other earthly agency describe. Blessed is the soul which, at the hour of its separation from the body, is sanctified from the vain imaginings of the peoples of the world. Such a soul liveth and moveth in accordance with the Will of its Creator, and entereth the all-highest Paradise. The Maids of Heaven, inmates of the loftiest mansions, will circle around it, and the Prophets of God and His chosen ones will seek its companionship. With them that soul will freely converse, and will recount unto them that which it hath been made to endure in the path of God, the Lord of all worlds.
— The National Spiritual Assembly of Australia
The National Spiritual Assembly of Australia wrote, “The National Spiritual Assembly was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Minoo Fozdar, faithful and devoted servant of the Blessed Beauty. His life of steadfastness, humility and wholehearted consecration to the Cause stands as a shining example of loving service to God and humanity. Minoo’s record of service to the Faith was distinguished and far-reaching…. After his arrival in Australia, he continued to offer his energies unstintingly, serving as an Auxiliary Board Member, as a member of the Bahá’í Council for Western Australia, on the Regional Teaching Committee for Western Australia, and for many years on the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Bunbury. In every sphere of service, he demonstrated clarity of purpose, steadfastness, and a profound love for the friends. Alongside his service to the Cause, Minoo contributed greatly to the wider community. Trained in both science and law, he served in senior financial roles in Brunei before settling in Australia, where he practised law in Geraldton and Bunbury. His later work with Legal Aid, offering guidance and representation to those unable to afford legal assistance, reflected his deep commitment to justice and compassion. His ongoing involvement in community life, including service on the Melville Access Advisory Panel and recognition through the Melville City Mayor’s Community Champion Award, testified to a life devoted to the betterment of society. Those who knew Minoo will remember his gentleness, integrity, humour, and the quiet strength with which he encouraged others. His dedication to unity, his tireless efforts to uplift hearts, and his example of steadfast faith will continue to inspire all who were touched by his life. At this time of parting, the following words of the Blessed Beauty may offer solace and assurance:
O SON OF SPIRIT! Burst thy cage asunder, and even as the phoenix of love soar into the firmament of holiness.
– Bahá’u’lláh, Persian Hidden Words
Please be assured of the prayers of the National Assembly, offered in the vicinity of the Mother Temple of the Antipodes, for the progress of his radiant soul in the Abhá Kingdom.
His Rich Life
Minoo was an avid reader of Bahá’í and general books and kept abreast with news and current affairs. Even in later life he enjoyed playing tennis, table tennis, ukulele, singing, and community service through neighbourhood watch.
From his childhood days Minoo had the opportunity to be exposed to several prominent believers while in India. During his Bahá’í life, he was privileged to have met several prominent Bahá’ís such as Hands of the Cause of God, especially when he attended the Inter-continental conference in new Delhi in 1953, as mentioned the paragraph on that conference. Thereafter he met other Hands of the Cause, especially Collis Featherstone at the first convention in Brunei in 1968. He also met and conversed with the late ‘Ali Nakhjavani, member of the Supreme Body. While in Australia Minoo served as Board member under Counsellor Peter Khan prior to his appointment to the International Teaching Center and election to the Supreme Body.
Minoo had some great virtues such as kindness and humility. He was soft spoken but also had a quick wit and sense of humor. Under all situations tests and trials, Minoo was patient and had his full trust in His Creator. He believed in the power of Divine Assistance and was always a prayerful person. He knew that through prayers all problems would ultimately be solved, however great and formidable they could have appeared. It was with this spirit of faith in God that Minoo pioneered to remote places like Brunei, Perth, Geraldton, Bunbury, without major planning of knowing these places well. His dedication to the early progress of the Faith through pioneering and travel-teaching in Brunei and Western Australia, took precedence over his home life. He took every opportunity to teach the Faith throughout his life, including initiating monthly interfaith devotional meetings at his aged-care home in the last year of his life.
1980s Perth and Geralton
Minoo had an extensive personal Bahá’í library, and was known as a widely read and knowledgeable person whose advice was valued by members of the Bahá’í community. He ran many deepening classes and spoke at summer schools and other Bahá’í gatherings. He also facilitated weekly information evenings for the general public at the Bahá’í Centre of Learning in Perth.
His life was well lived. He served the Cause relentlessly, and with such a driving force seldom seen in others of his time and his age. He was a spiritual father to many individuals and a mentor to several communities. With his passing a vacuum has been created, which shall not be filled for years, nay generations to come. For all the loving services and sacrifices he had rendered with so much energy and zeal we can be assured that Minoo is in the loving arms of Bahá’u’lláh in the next world.
Farhad Fozdar
Perth, Western Australia
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