Hassanali, was born in Veraval, India, and Noorjehan, in Kisumu, Kenya.  They got married in Nairobi, Kenya and had three children.  While living in Nairobi, Hassanali was a merchant in the textile industry, and Noorjehan taught at the Aga Khan Primary School.   Life in East Africa in the 1970s, was marked by uncertainty about safety, education, and economic prospects. Hoping to build a better life for themselves, Hassanali and Noorjehan immigrated with their three young children to the United States and settled in Southern California.

As immigrants, Hassanali and Noorjehan were unable to bring much with them to the United States.  They had three small children to educate in a world that seemed at odds with their values.  Values such as generosity, education, tolerance, living in a close-knit community, and practicing spirituality were fundamental to their lives.  Instead of isolating themselves from their new surroundings, they embraced the positive aspects that the West had to offer and worked diligently to rebuild their lives to better their children and community.  As immigrants, they learned valuable lessons and used them to assist those who arrived in the United States after them. They helped several families settle in the United States because they understood the challenges involved and the importance of a smooth transition to settling well.

The children in the family learned early that helping others through material support, sharing of knowledge, or physical assistance can be a true blessing. They were taught that all of humanity comes from one soul and instilled with the understanding that respect and support for our fellow human beings are paramount.