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: Ismaili Council for the USA

Mawlana Hazar Imam receives the University of California San Francisco Medal, University’s highest honour

Chancellor Susan Desmond-Hellman presents Mawlana Hazar Imam with the 2011 University of California San Francisco Medal, the University’s highest honour. Photo: UCSF/Noah Berger

At a banquet in San Francisco on 26 April, Mawlana Hazar Imam was presented with the 2011 University of California San Francisco Medal. The prestigious recognition builds on existing collaborations between the UCSF and AKDN, and particularly the University’s support for training and research programmes at the Aga Khan University.

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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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Art therapy adds colour to the empty voids caused by Alzheimer’s disease

The Ismaili Council’s Art for Alzheimer’s canvas includes notes from many supporters, including the First Lady of California, Maria Shriver. Photo: Malik Hashim

At Maria Shriver’s March on Alzheimer’s held at Long Beach, California in October, two large communal canvases served as creative outlets for those who visited the booth on “Art Therapy and Alzheimer’s” hosted by the Ismaili Council for the USA. The canvases drew patients and family members, some of whom were emotional as they painted messages honouring loved ones suffering from a disease that causes memory loss and confusion.

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Muslim art and cultural expression opens doors to interfaith dialogue in Houston

Following a presentation at the Houston Principle Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center, audience members listen to a tour guide explain Islamic and Western architectural concepts represented by the Center,. Photo: Imran Jafar

In May and June, the Houston Ismaili community collaborated with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston to organise educational events that explored and celebrated artistic traditions of the Muslim world. It was part of an ongoing outreach effort that has given way to greater dialogue between Muslims and non-Muslims about their respective faiths and cultural heritage.

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FOCUS prepares disaster management teams in North America for the inevitable

Michael Kahlenberg leads FOCUS Regional Disaster Managers on a tour of the Emergency Operations Center at the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in Houston. Photo: Imran Jaffer

Earlier this year, Focus Humanitarian Assistance in North America conducted disaster management and leadership training in Houston and Toronto, for their Regional Disaster Management Teams. As a key component of the Disaster Management Programme, the training prepared community stakeholders to effectively respond to natural and man-made disasters.

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A thousand years of Firdawsi’s Shahnama is celebrated

A scene from the Shahnama: Rustam pursues Akvan the Onager-Div. Photo: Courtesy of Aga Khan Trust for Culture

This year marks the 1 000th anniversary of the completion of Shahnama, The Book of Kings by Abu´l-Qasim Firdawsi. Consisting of some 60 000 verses, it is considered one of the longest and most important epic poems ever written. To commemorate its millenary, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston hosted a lecture that was co-sponsored by the Ismaili Council for the Southwestern USA.

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Ismailis across North America commemorate Eid al-Adha in a spirit of harmony and shared understanding

Leaders from British Columbia’s Muslim communities, including Ismaili Council President Samira Alibhai, gather at Vancouver City Hall with Mayor Gregor Robertson to commemorate Eid al-Adha. Photo: Sultan Bhalo

North American Ismailis celebrated Eid al-Adha by building bridges of understanding among the communities in which they live. In turn, they learnt more about the beliefs and celebrations of their neighbours.

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Ismaili Council for USA sponsors 2009 Women’s Conference in California

California First Lady Maria Shriver converses with Dr Mahmoud Eboo, President of the Ismaili Council for the USA and Dr Shaheen Kassim-Lakha, President of the Ismaili Council for the Western United States, at the Sponsors’ Reception for the Women’s Conference. Photo: Peter Grigsby/Office of Governor Schwarzenegger

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.

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Mawlana Hazar Imam signs landmark agreements with California and Texas

Mawlana Hazar Imam and Governor Schwarzenegger engaged in conversation during the luncheon at Stanford Mansion. Photo: Zahur Ramji

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.

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RAYS OF LIGHT shines on both sides of the Atlantic

The Rays of Light photographic exhibition depicts 50 years of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Imamat. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for the USA

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.

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New Chicago-area Jamatkhana described as the “Ruby of Glenview”

The ceiling light feature in the Prayer Hall consists of seven heptagonal (seven-sided) figures, visible in this close-up. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for the USA

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.

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A webcast for change in the developing world

The first live webcast in the AKDN speaker series highlighted Mawlana Hazar Imam

The AKDN Speakers Series hosted a live webcast for volunteers wishing to offer a nazrana of time and knowledge. Moderated by Ali Velshi, it featured keynote speaker, Dr Tom Kessinger, General Manager of the Aga Khan Foundation and Deputy Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network.

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The Living Art of Islamic Calligraphy

Zakariya demonstrating the art of calligraphy during the workshop session. Photo: Shiraz Maher Ali

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.

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Diversity: Charting a course

Dr. Mahmoud Eboo, President of the Ismaili Council for USA, welcoming Ambassador Karen Hughes, Undersecretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, of the US State Department to the summit at Southern Methodist University. Photo: Aftab Chagani

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.

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