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New jamatkhanas opening across Afghanistan seen as catalysts for progress

» Also see the photo gallery of jamatkhanas that were recently opened across Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, the past year will be remembered for the large number of jamatkhanas that were inaugurated across the country. In Kabul alone, four newly built facilities were opened, while ground was broken for additional jamatkhanas in Badakhshan province and elsewhere.

Qargha Jamatkhana in Kabul. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan

Situated in the western part of Kabul, Qargha is a scenic area known for its lake — a big draw for Kabul residents, who visit during the week and especially on weekends for a bit of fresh air and sightseeing. A new jamatkhana opened there in April of this year.

The Jamat in Qargha originates from various parts of Afghanistan and initially settled there in the 1980s during the period of Soviet occupation. At that time, Jamati settlements consisted mainly of mud houses with poor access to sanitation, electricity and other infrastructure. However, recent economic improvements have allowed the Jamat to improve their standard of living. The establishment of the new jamatkhana is seen as a symbol of hope for the Jamat.

The inauguration ceremony was led by the Vice-President of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan, Karim Bakhsh Hashuri, and brought together a number of local government officials, elders and Jamati leaders. It was followed by Jamati celebration later that afternoon.

Volunteers line up outside Qargha Jamatkhana in Kabul for its official opening. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan

The Qargha Jamatkhana was constructed in 12 months, and benefited from significant involvement of members of the Jamat in all aspects. The complex includes facilities for Bait-ul Ilm religious classes and ITREB institutional offices. Computer and English language programmes are also planned.

Elsewhere in Kabul, jamatkhanas were opened in Wazirabad, Chamandi and Khair Khana. The opening of the Chamandi Jamatkhana was particularly important since the Jamat in the area had previously gone to the neighbouring Charqala Jamatkhana, which was very hard for them to reach.

Decades of political upheaval had hindered the country’s social and economic development. Jamatkhana planning and development efforts in Afghanistan got underway in 2002. Since then, 20 new jamatkhanas have opened and at least nine more are at various stages of construction.

Chamandi Jamatkhana in Kabul. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan

Afghan Ismailis are grateful for the new facilities, which are often easier to access, particularly during the colder months.

“I am very happy that the Chamandi Jamat has its own jamatkhana now,” says Matiuallah Sultani, who attends the new facility regularly. “I used to go to Charqala Jamatkhana sometimes, which had been quite difficult during the winter.” He adds that younger members of the Jamat now have access to Bait-ul Ilm classes, where they can study the Ta’lim curriculum.

There is widespread recognition that jamatkhanas can be catalysts in the Jamat’s progress. The facilities enable the intellectual and social development, and generate new momentum, especially among the youth.

The ribbon cutting at the opening of Chamandi Jamatkhana is performed by Aitmadi Karimdad Mehri, President Rai Shair Baz Hakemy, Vice-President Karim Bakhsh Hashuri, and ITREB Executive Officer Niamatullah Mohammadi. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan

The captain of the Ismaili Volunteer Corps at Qargha notes that the “Qargha Jamati youth have enthusiastically built up the volunteer corps.” In keeping with Mawlana Hazar Imam’s guidance, “they wished to serve the Jamat.” The availability of a new jamatkhana makes that possible.

He adds that “before the new jamatkhana was built, the Qargha Jamat had been too far from the central jamatkhana. Most had not been able to attend more than once a month.”

Rahim Sherzad of Wazirabad Jamatkhana echoes this sentiment. “Building a jamatkhana not only permits Ismailis to come together for congregational prayer, but it also provides children with the opportunity to learn the Qur’an, Du’a and qaseedas.”

“Jamatkhana,” he notes, “is a place of solidarity for the Jamat.”

Hasan-i Sabbah Jamatkhana in Khair Khana, Kabul. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan