North America
In photographs: Jamat catches the Olympic spirit
Between 12 – 28 February, Vancouver played host to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. In British Columbia and across Canada, the Jamat embraced the spirit of the Games and hundreds of Ismailis got involved as volunteers, performers and organisers. This photographic essay recaptures some of the memories.
Transforming values into reality — A conversation with Eboo Patel (Part 2)
Concluding a two-part series, Eboo Patel, the Founder and Executive Director of Interfaith Youth Core, discusses how his organisation overcomes the faith line and promotes religious pluralism by bringing young people together to engage in dialogue and service to the community. (Read the first part of this interview here.)
The shared value of religious pluralism — A conversation with Eboo Patel (Part 1)
In the first of a two-part series, TheIsmaili.org spoke with Eboo Patel, the Founder and Executive Director of Interfaith Youth Core, an organisation that promotes mutual respect and pluralism among young people from different religious traditions. Patel shares his understanding of religious pluralism and explains what motivates him in his work.
Trial without sight: How one woman’s triumph against the odds allowed her to give back to society
Imagine swimming 750 metres, then biking 20 kilometres, and finally running 5 kilometres in a span of a few hours. Sounds like an intense physical challenge? How about taking this on without your sense of sight? Rozina Issani shares her inspiring personal story.
Ismaili volunteers stand front and centre as Olympics get underway in Vancouver
As the 2010 Winter Olympic Games got underway in Vancouver, hundreds of Ismaili volunteers officially became ambassadors to the world. Donning green-coloured jackets, these Olympic Ambassadors have been welcoming tourists and athletes, providing information and directions, and managing queues and crowds in Vancouver City Centre.
Olympic Torch Bearers from the Ismaili community carry the flame in Vancouver
When the Olympic Cauldron was lit at BC Place Stadium, the fire that set it alight came by way of 25 members of the Ismaili community. Like thousands of their fellow Canadians, they were chosen to carry the flame as it made its way across Canada in the months leading up to the Games.
Knowledge Discovery Challenge sparks innovative solutions to address global development problems
The Knowledge Discovery Challenge was a competition in which Ismailis in Canada were invited to develop solutions to international development problems. The winning team found a way to address inadequate maternal and infant health care in a refugee camp, while fostering economic opportunity for women living there.
Ismaili Council for USA sponsors 2009 Women’s Conference in California
The lsmaili Council for the USA was one of the sponsors at the 2009 Women’s Conference held in Los Angeles. The annual event, organised by California First Lady Maria Shriver, seeks to inspire, empower and educate women.
Novel approach to Early Childhood Education in Africa is creating a valuable legacy
Canadian kindergarten educator Shamim Murji recently returned to her country of birth, Uganda, where she volunteered with the AKF Madrasa Resource Centre. She shares her impressions of their preschool programme and the impact it is having on children, teachers and their communities.
Faith-based communities unite to save Toronto neighbourhood food bank
For years, the Flemingdon Food Bank, located in the Don Mills area of Toronto, had served individuals of many faiths and cultures. But when it found itself on the verge of having to close down, the Ismaili community joined with other faith-based groups to support the troubled institution.
Ismaili community celebrates the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay in Don Mills
Thursday afternoon, President Mohamed Manji of the Ismaili Council for Canada carried the Olympic torch through the Don Mills neighbourhood of Toronto. Earlier in the day, community members gathered for a pre-torch event hosted by the Ismaili community in partnership with the Flemingdon Food Bank.
FOCUS recognised for its disaster response and relief efforts in the wake of hurricanes
The South Asian Chamber of Commerce of Houston, Texas recently honoured Focus Humanitarian Assistance for their disaster response and relief efforts in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina, Gustav, Rita and Ike that affected the Southern United States. Chief Guest and CNN business anchor Ali Velshi presented the award.
Doctor prescribes tips for National Family Caregiver’s Month
In the United States, November is National Family Caregivers Month in recognition of those who care for aging parents and other family members who are unable to take care of themselves. Geriatric Psychiatrist Dr Sultan Ali Lakhani supports family caregivers with education and counselling, and offers some tips for caregivers.
Ugandan Vice President speaks at the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby
On 25 October 2009, His Excellency Professor Gilbert Bukenya, Vice President of Uganda visited the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby. Accompanied by His Excellency George Abola, High Commissioner of Uganda in Ottawa, he sought to reach out to the Canadian Ismaili community with an invitation to invest in the future of Uganda.
Ageing gracefully: Caring for elders with dignity
Statistics show that although longevity today can extend well beyond the life expectancies of the past, quality of life is increasingly compromised with age, posing challenges for the elderly, their children and the community as a whole. But mindful of our obligations to our parents and grandparents, the Jamat is finding new ways to care for seniors with affection and compassion.
Canadian Government honours FOCUS and the Ismaili Council for Canada
At a recent ceremony in Toronto, Focus Humanitarian Assistance and the Ismaili Council for Canada were honoured for their work on refugee settlement. The occasion marked the 30th anniversary of the Private Sponsorship Program run by the Canadian Government, which has facilitated the admission to Canada of refugees originating from countries such as Afghanistan and Kosovo, allowing them to build new lives for themselves.
Mawlana Hazar Imam signs landmark agreements with California and Texas
Following his visit to Texas, Mawlana Hazar Imam traveled to Sacramento where he and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a landmark Agreement of Cooperation between the Ismaili Imamat and the State of California.
Mawlana Hazar Imam signs agreement between the Ismaili Imamat and the State of Texas
At the invitation of Texas State Governor Rick Perry, Mawlana Hazar Imam traveled to Austin to sign an Agreement of Cooperation between the State of Texas and the Ismaili Imamat. During the visit, Hazar Imam and Governor Perry also held talks at the State Capitol on a range of issues of mutual interest.
Patron of the Olympic Truce, the Governor General of Canada speaks with young British Columbians at the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby
As part of Canada’s expression of the Olympic Truce, Her Excellency the Governor General of Canada led a Truce Dialogue in the run-up to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The Dialogue, which took place at the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby, aimed at engaging youth on the topic of peace-building through sport and culture.
“Rays of Light” shines on both sides of the Atlantic
Following successful showings in Paris and Lisbon, Rays of Light: Glimpses into the Ismaili Imamat had its North American debut in August in Atlanta. A Golden Jubilee International Programme, this exhibition depicts 50 years of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Imamat, against the backdrop of the 1 400 year history of Ismaili Imamat.
Born special: A family’s journey of acceptance and hope
There is no easy access to Zain Ali’s mind — at the age of two he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. But his parents decided they would leave no stone unturned in exploring the various programs, therapies and interventions that exist for children like him.
Documentary film highlights relationship with the Calgary Stampede based on shared values
East Meets Western, a new television documentary about the Ismaili community and the Calgary Stampede, describes two seemingly disparate cultures that have built a successful relationship based on shared values. The film showcases the volunteerism, creativity and organisational skills of the Jamat, and highlights the historical role that the Stampede has played in promoting cultural pluralism in Calgary.
Update: Mawlana Hazar Imam is made an honorary citizen of Canada
19 June 2009 — Today, the Canadian House of Commons gave unanimous consent to a motion granting Honorary Canadian Citizenship to Mawlana Hazar Imam. In a statement, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he looks forward “to welcoming the Aga Khan back to Canada as an Honorary Citizen.”
Canada Visit
During his Canadian visit, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the Governor-General of Canada, as well as senior government and Jamati leaders, and granted four Golden Jubilee Darbars across the country. Hazar Imam was joined by the Prime Minister for the opening of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa.
University’s international ambitions resonate with students
That students at the University of Alberta are inspired to make an international impact through their activities is no coincidence. Their school is engaged in an array of international collaborations around the world, a fact remarked upon by Mawlana Hazar Imam in his convocation address.
Spirit of the West is alive and thriving in the Alberta Jamat
Anyone who has visited the Canadian province of Alberta will have been touched by the Spirit of the West. In the best tradition of that spirit, the Jamat in Alberta has worked to make the province and the country a better place for all.
Outstanding patrons, beautiful objects: Metaphors for humanism and enlightenment
Alnoor Merchant from the IIS recently conducted a four-city lecture series on Muslim artistic, scientific, and architectural patronage. Captivating the audience with historic artefacts from the Aga Khan Museum collection, Merchant described the important role played by patrons in the history of Islamic art.
Being human together
Reflecting on Mawlana Hazar Imam's speech at the 2009 Conference of the Global Philanthropy Forum, Asif Penwala explores the connection between philanthropy, the ethic of compassion and voluntary service. He observes how this relationship comes together within the Jamat, as well as the wider sphere of the Ismaili Imamat. Also see the video.
Seeking knowledge to the ends of the universe
Professor Arif Babul is an astrophysicist whose research into the origins of the universe is just one aspect of his multi-faceted career. A Distinguished Professor at the University of Victoria, he directs the Canadian Computational Cosmology Collaboration, and is an advocate for strengthened Muslim-West relations.
Navigating towards a better tomorrow together
With the economic downturn taking its toll across the United States, professionals, businesspersons, and recent graduates focused on upgrading their knowledge and networking skills at the Regional Ismaili Business Conference held in Dallas earlier this year.
Talking the talk early in life
Research shows that young children are not just capable of learning several languages — they are hard-wired to do so. And being multilingual has cognitive and intellectual benefits that extend beyond the basic advantage of knowing another language.
A symphony of the soul
Sufi-inspired music is a rich and powerful medium through which Muslims have searched for spiritual inspiration for hundreds of years. Three Ismaili musicians discuss their pursuit of spiritual music and describe the benefits they have derived from it.
World Partnership Walk to celebrate its 25th year in Canada
In 1985, a small group of Ismaili women wanted to make a difference in the fight against global poverty. Their first steps gave birth to the World Partnership Walk, the largest and most successful event of its kind in Canada..
Golden Jubilee marks the formation of the Canadian Jamat’s national youth choir
The Canadian Ismaili Muslim Youth Choir was formed in September 2007, in commemoration of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee. Through the exploration of different genres of music, the choir seeks to express the Canadian Ismaili experience.
Building a better society through CIVIC participation
CIVIC, an initiative to engage Jamati youth, appealed to the social conscience of young Ismailis by inviting them to give back to their local communities through voluntary service. More than 1 100 participants contributed over 4 400 hours of service to projects that benefited communities across Canada.
Canadian Jamat jubilant over visit
For the Canadian Jamat, a year-and-a-half of anticipation, planning and hard work culminated in Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visit to the country in November 2008. Some 20 000 volunteers ensured that the experience was a happy and memorable one.
Expressions of Love and Devotion: A Golden Jubilee project
In celebrating 50 years of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Imamat, many Ismailis sought to express their feelings creatively. A Golden Jubilee programme in the United States received thousands of entries, including works of prose, poetry and visual art.
New Chicago-area Jamatkhana described as the “Ruby of Glenview”
Some 200 guests gathered in December for the opening of a new Jamatkhana in Glenview, Illinois. Set on 9.3 acres of land, the 26 000 square foot facility includes a prayer hall, administrative offices, classrooms, and spaces for social gatherings.
Canada visit diary
During his Canadian visit, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the Governor-General of Canada, as well as senior government and Jamati leaders, and granted four Golden Jubilee Darbars across the country. Hazar Imam was joined by the Prime Minister for the opening of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa.
In photographs: Canadian Jamat prepared for Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit
Bright colours and smiling faces abounded, as Ismailis from coast to coast came together to celebrate Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visit to Canada. These photographs capture the Jamat’s growing excitement and anticipation in the days leading up to the Darbars.
The way we celebrate
In the days leading up to Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visit to Canada, the diversity of the Jamat’s cultural roots will come alive in celebration. Events have been planned across the country under the theme One Jamat, One Heart.
Texas Jamat comes together in the face of a massive storm
On 13 September, Hurricane Ike surged through Houston with destructive force. The Ismaili Council and Focus Humanitarian Assistance established a Crisis Response Team to ensure the safety of the Jamat, while also assisting relief efforts in the wider Houston community.
Golf balls dance in support of poverty relief
Three hundred golf balls rained from the sky, marking the start of the PartnershipsInAction Annual Golf Tournament. The AKF-USA fundraising initiative was an opportunity for golfers to learn about international development while enjoying a day on the green.
Ali to Karim ends USA tour with final performance in Houston
After captivating the Jamat and, in a special way, bringing the history of the Ismaili Imams so close to the Jamat during their tour of the United States, the cast and crew of ALI TO KARIM: A Tribute to the Ismaili Imams share their parting reflections and memories of what the experience was like for them."
Ali to Karim ends USA tour with final performance in Houston
After captivating the Jamat and, in a special way, bringing the history of the Ismaili Imams so close to the Jamat during their tour of the United States, the cast and crew of ALI TO KARIM: A Tribute to the Ismaili Imams share their parting reflections and memories of what the experience was like for them."
Giving the gift of sight through service
Service is a cornerstone of the social conscience that Islam espouses. Alqaim Giga and Sehar Lalani have applied their passion for service to the improvement of eyesight and eye health among peoples living in different parts of the world.
Ali to Karim premieres in Los Angeles
A simple white stage at the Redondo Performing Arts Center lit up, as 1 400 years of Ismaili history unfolded through a mix of drama, comedy, narrative, legend, poetry, painting and film. The cast stole the audience away on a roller coaster journey of tears, laughter and merriment.
Seeds of hope: Cultivating democracy, pluralism and civil society
Where Hope Takes Root is a collection of speeches given by Mawlana Hazar Imam over the past six years. Its publication coincides with the Golden Jubilee, which presents an opportunity to reflect on 50 years of Imamat, as well as the key themes and ideas that underlie the Imam’s work.
Landmark Delegation building takes shape in Ottawa
Construction of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat along Ottawa's historic Sussex Drive is nearing completion. Gary Kamemoto, Director of the architecture firm Maki and Associates, describes the vision and architectural ambition behind the building.
Volunteers key to Canadian initiative to combat HIV-AIDS in Uganda
Access to antiretroviral drugs has restored the quality of life of millions of HIV-positive people, but the cost of this medicine is prohibitive to populations in some areas of the developing world. Arif Alibhai and his colleagues from the University of Alberta have been working with volunteers in rural Uganda to change this.
Athletes from around the world arrive to a warm Kenyan welcome
Hundreds of Golden Jubilee Games athletes were greeted upon their arrival at the Games Village on the premises of the Parklands complex in Nairobi. Most had travelled long distances, and for many the journey was their first to Africa.
Road to the Games: USA and Australia prepare to send their best to Nairobi
In the run-up to the Golden Jubilee Games, Ismaili athletes from the United States, Australia and New Zealand came together as a single team. Overcoming vast distances, they built bonds, strengthened their skills and prepared themselves for Nairobi.
Road to the Games: From Vancouver to Nairobi (part three)
Forced to the sidelines by an ill-timed injury, Aalia Chatur cheered-on her British Columbia Women's Basketball team at the Canadian Ismaili Games in May 2008. In her final instalment on the Canadian journey to the Golden Jubilee Games, she wraps-up with her reflections.
Road to the Games: From Vancouver to Nairobi (part two)
Avid Ismaili athlete, Aalia Chatur, participated in the Canadian Ismaili Games in May 2008. In this second of three instalments, she continues her chronicle of the Canadian journey to the Golden Jubilee Games.
Road to the Games: From Vancouver to Nairobi (part one)
Aalia Chatur participated in the Canadian Ismaili Games in May 2008. She chronicles the Canadian journey to the Golden Jubilee Games in three instalments, the first of which is presented here.
Road to the Games: Athletes from USA, Australia and New Zealand train for the Games
Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania, was the site of a weekend camp for athletes who will be competing in the Golden Jubilee Games at the end of June. The excitement was palpable as the players came together for the first time as Team USA / ANZ.
Transforming the world through institutional imagination
In 2007, Nurjehan Mawani was the recipient of the UNIFEM Canada award for her work in advancing equality for women and girls. In her acceptance remarks, she discussed the role that institutional imagination can play in addressing complex societal issues.
Building the future one nanoparticle at a time
Huma Jafry-Lalani is pursuing a Ph.D. in nanotechnology — one of the newest fields of scientific research. It has a wide range of applications, and offers the possibility of addressing some of the world's most pressing issues.
Gala strengthens partnership between Ismaili Community and Quebec
Fifteen years ago the Ismaili Council for Canada initiated an agreement with the Province of Quebec to sponsor the migration of Afghan refugees. On 3 April, a Gala was held to commemorate this important partnership and to thank the province for welcoming the Afghan Jamat.
Historic Cities Programme continues its Canadian tour in Toronto
The Historic Cities Programme Exhibition arrived in Toronto on 16 April 2008 and was the subject of a lively panel discussion. The exhibition has already been visited by Toronto's municipal leaders, members of the architectural community and many in the wider public community.
United States of America visit diary
Mawlana Hazar Imam made an eight-day Golden Jubilee visit to the United States from 11 – 19 April 2008. During the visit, Hazar Imam granted Darbars in Texas, California, Illinois and Georgia, met with government leaders, and delivered the International Baccalaureate Organisation Peterson Lecture.
Young Canadian Ismailis recognized for their achievements
Six Canadian Ismailis were recently named to prestigious “Top 40 Under 40” lists for their achievements, vision, leadership and community involvement. They attribute their success to the values instilled in them as Ismaili Muslims, as well as the opportunity to thrive in the fields they love.
Preparations get underway for Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visit to the USA
It is nearly 22 years since Hazar Imam last visited with the entire USA Jamat, and the excitement is palpable as members of the Jamat celebrate in anticipation of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visit to the United States. Hazar Imam is expected to grant Darbars in San Antonio, Texas; Los Angeles, California; Chicago, Illinois; and Atlanta, Georgia, between 11 – 19 April 2008.
Inspired to give in service to others
Last year at the age of 14, Ruhee Ismail-Teja became the youngest winner of the YMCA Volunteer of the Year Award in Calgary. She has discovered how to balance her passion for volunteering with life’s other responsibilities.
From AKDN to Google
Aleem Walji recently joined Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, the world’s largest Internet search engine company. He is part of the Global Development team and brings to Google his insight in social development based on his education and experience with Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
The Living Art of Islamic Calligraphy
The Ismaili Council for the Southwestern United States in collaboration with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and the Asia Society, Texas hosted an educational programme featuring master calligrapher, Mohamed Zakariya.
Spark of Knowledge Symposium
Firoz Rasul, President of Aga Khan University and Azim Nanji, Director of the Institute of Ismaili Studies discussed how knowledge could be advanced in the context of the 21st century at symposiums held in two Canadian cities, Toronto and Vancouver with video links to Edmonton, Calgary and Montreal.
Diversity: Charting a course
A summit on diversity was held for youth at Southern Methodist University in Texas. Organised by the office of Congresswoman Johnson and the Ismaili Council for Northern Texas, it focused on contemporary questions of diversity. Students attended lectures and workshops that emphasised the importance of keeping an open-mind and fostering harmonious, pluralistic societies.
Spiritual Sounds of Central Asia
A profile of the AKMICA sponsored concert tour in the USA which featured three musical traditions from Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. Each tradition displayed a common thread that linked the cultures with music that has been used to express social identity and preserve spiritual beliefs.
Charting a family's journey
Afroza and Alykhan Nanji, a dentist and doctor respectively, are raising their two children in Calgary, Canada. Like many couples with young families, they have struggled with the definition of success as they juggle commitments to their faith, family, careers and community.
Growing stronger, living longer
Seniors are living longer, are more educated and have witnessed more global changes than their predecessors. Today’s elders are therefore becoming the backbone of our society as well as role models for younger generations.
Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya attend two Golden Jubilee programmes in North America
Prince Hussain Aga Khan and his wife, Princess Khaliya, attended the formal inauguration of the Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme’s (HCP) travelling exhibition at the City Hall, in Sugar Land, Texas. Running concurrently with the HCP exhibition in the USA is another international Golden Jubilee programme taking place in Canada, A Mystical Journey, which premiered in Vancouver and will travel to five Canadian cities before touring other countries. The performance of A Mystical Journey (AMJ) held in Edmonton, Alberta on 17 October 2007 was the next venue for Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya.
Learning, interacting and reflecting during Milad-un-Nabi
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) was born in the city of Mecca over 14 centuries ago. As the agency for Allah’s final revelation to mankind, he was the manifestation of the teachings of the Qur’an and an exemplar of unparalleled generosity, and piety. The Ismaili Councils for the USA and Canada commemorated Milad-un-Nabi (the birth of Prophet Muhammad) in cities across North America by remembering the Prophet of Islam and his contributions, and bringing together Muslims and those of other religious traditions to reflect upon our common heritage and the principles, ethics and values that bind us together.
Volunteers celebrated
The commemoration of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee was a unique and momentous occasion for Ismailis around the world. In North America, Australia, and New Zealand, the planning for the celebrations began over a year ago by thousands of volunteers as they prepared to host the Jamat in 19 different cities. The multitude of activities from conceptualization of the commemoration to the execution of the epochal event were performed entirely by volunteers who on this day, gave with their tan, man, and dhan (material, spiritual and financial resources.)
Golden Jubilee Imamat Day in North America
The celebrations began early on the morning of 11 July 2007 across North America as the long-awaited day finally dawned. It was the start of the Golden Jubilee, a day of celebration for all Ismailis around the world in commemoration of 50 years of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Imamat.
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