Introduction

The Shia Ismaili Muslims are a community of ethnically and culturally diverse peoples living in over 25 countries around the world, united in their allegiance to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan (known to the Ismailis as Mawlana Hazar Imam) as the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader), and direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family).

 

Articles related to: Civic Participation

Ismaili Muslims uphold tradition of voluntary service hand-in-hand with their fellow Americans

Ismaili volunteers taking part in the USA Jamat’s I-CERV programme pack clothes for Ocean Park Community Center in California. Photo: Shams Soomar

Service to humanity is at once an ethic deeply rooted in the Islamic tradition, as well as a fundamental expression of American civic values. Commemorating the tenth anniversary of the September 11th tragedy in partnership with their fellow Americans, Ismaili Muslims across the United States will volunteer in a wide range of service activities in their local communities.

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UK Ismaili volunteers help marathon runners get to the finish line

The Ismaili volunteer team took charge of the Water Station at Mile 20, handing out hydration and plenty of encouragement to runners as they passed a critical junction along the course. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for the UK

Thirty Ismaili volunteers extended a hand of friendship and support — and many bottles of water — to some 8 000 runners at the 2011 Brighton Marathon. The event was an opportunity to get involved and give back to the wider community.

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Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi on community building and the pursuit of passions

Mayor Naheed Nenshi rides the new Route 100 bus that connects downtown Calgary directly to the airport.
. Photo: Courtesy of Mayor Nenshi and Team

In 2010, 38-year-old Naheed Nenshi made history when he became the first Muslim mayor of the City of Calgary in Canada. In a recent interview, Mayor Nenshi shared his thoughts on pluralism in civil society, community-building and his vision for women, young people, and the Ismaili community.

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Mawlana Hazar Imam partners with the City of Houston in commissioning a landmark sculpture celebrating tolerance

A view of the Tolerance sculptures along Allen Parkway at night time. Photo: Zahid Alibhai

In February 2011, a group of seven 10-foot high installations called Tolerance was unveiled at Harmony Walk in Houston near the site of the planned Ismaili Center, Houston. The statues were created by Spanish artist, Jaume Plensa and funded by City of Houston together with Mawlana Hazar Imam and a few private donors.

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Ismaili Muslim elected mayor of the third-largest city in Canada

Following a tight three-way race, CTV News declares Nenshi elected as Mayor of the City of Calgary. Photo: Courtesy of Naheed Nenshi

Calgary, 18 October 2010 — The city of Calgary, Alberta was overcome by a “purple revolution” on Monday as Calgarians elected Naheed Nenshi their new mayor. The Harvard-educated professor and former McKinsey consultant is the first Muslim to be elected mayor of a major city in Canada.

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Sustaining the humanistic tradition of civic participation

CIVIC participants in Edmonton build a shed for Habitat for Humanity. Photo: (Firozali) Phil Musani

Through civic engagement, humankind has refined agricultural practices, reformed education, rebuilt communities after natural disasters, and strengthened civil society. In countries around the world, Ismaili Muslims have made their own mark on history through community involvement, voluntary service, youth education and political engagement.

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Ismaili scouts earn prestigious Eagle Scout award for outstanding community service

The keynote speaker, Congressman Pete Sessions, addresses the audience about the importance of scouting and community service. Photo: Bombay Photography

In December, ten Ismaili Muslim Boy Scouts in Texas earned the prestigious Eagle Scout Award for performing outstanding community service that demonstrated initiative, commitment to help those in need, and extraordinary leadership skills. This prestigious rank is achieved by only five per cent of all Boy Scouts in the United States.

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Getting involved and making a positive difference in the lives of others

Volunteers at the Camley Street Nature Park busied themselves digging, raking, levelling and pulling out unwanted roots. Photo: Karim Jetha

As a Muslim community, giving of our time and helping others is integral to our way of life. From a young age, Ismailis are surrounded by examples of volunteers in action. In the UK, the Youth, Cultural and Social Network has launched an initiative that provides opportunities for the Jamat to give back to the society in which they live.

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Ismaili volunteers stand front and centre as Olympics get underway in Vancouver

Ismaili youth were enthusiastic to volunteer as Olympic Ambassadors and welcome the world to Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Games. Photo: Riyaz Lalani

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.

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Spirit of the West is alive and thriving in the Alberta Jamat

Calgary’s Ismaili Muslim community was honoured to win the 2006 Best Overall and Most Creative prize for their float, which partnered with the Calgary Meals on Wheels agency. Photo: Amir Jessani

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.

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Building a better society through CIVIC participation

Edmonton youth pose outside one of the sheds they built in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Photo: Firozali Musani

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.

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Civic participation and institutional expertise assist villages in Tajikistan to prepare for natural disaster

In the Ghund Valley of Shugnan district in 2004, community members engage in a mapping exercise to gauge their preparedness for potential disasters. Photo: Courtesy of FOCUS

Thousands of families living in Tajikistan experience earthquakes and other hazards throughout the year that impact their lives and livelihoods. Focus Humanitarian Assistance strives to reduce the impact of natural disasters through community-based initiatives.

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