Articles related to: United States of America
Shaping the world around them through grassroots service
Described as grassroots because they are led by concerned citizens rather than governments or established institutions, such community action initiatives can be a powerful means in addressing difficult issues. Some Ismailis are successfully using grassroots action to magnify the impact of their volunteer work.
Mawlana Hazar Imam signs agreement between the Ismaili Imamat and the State of Illinois
Chicago, 4 November 2011 — At the invitation of Illinois State Governor Patrick Quinn, Mawlana Hazar Imam travelled to Chicago today to sign an Agreement of Cooperation between the State of Illinois and the Ismaili Imamat. During the visit, Hazar Imam and Governor Quinn also held talks on a range of issues of mutual interest, including early childhood education and media and communications.
Mawlana Hazar Imam is awarded the J.C. Nichols Prize for Visionaries in Urban Development
Los Angeles, 28 October 2011 — Describing him as “an unparalleled leader in development, cultural preservation and philanthropy,” the Urban Land Institute has named Mawlana Hazar Imam the 2011 Laureate of the J.C. Nichols Prize for Visionaries in Urban Development. The prize recognises an individual whose career demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of responsible development.
Ismaili Muslims uphold tradition of voluntary service hand-in-hand with their fellow Americans
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.
Sport helps build character and determination both on and off the field
Women’s Flag Football player, Naayab Ladak of Birmingham, Alabama recounts her experience playing in Ismaili regional and national sports tournaments in the USA. Speaking with other female athletes, she discusses how participating in sports with determination, courage and hard work can build character and confidence, both on and off the field.
Developing a child’s mind through the game of chess
Research shows that children who play chess cultivate good habits that benefit them academically and socially. Danial Asaria is a young chess champion from California who has won several local and national awards. His parents discuss how teaching their son chess has helped him to sharpen his focus, improved his analytical abilities and develop other important skills.
Finding happiness through adoption, the gift of a lifetime
Each year, thousands of North Americans adopt orphaned or abandoned children, and make a lifelong commitment to love and care for them. Two Ismaili families share their personal stories of adoption, and journeys they undertook to bring their children home.
The value of one hundred smiles
For nearly 16 years, Shamim Hassan Shivji placed close to 100 Karachi orphans with couples from around the world. She and a neighbour routinely cared for the orphaned or abandoned infants while seeking out loving homes for them. She never charged for the service — her reward was seeing kids she placed grow up to become well-educated members of society.
Mawlana Hazar Imam receives the University of California San Francisco Medal, University’s highest honour
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.
Interview with Jaume Plensa, creator of Tolerance statues in Houston
In February 2011, an installation of seven statues titled Tolerance was unveiled at Harmony Walk in Houston, near the site of the planned Ismaili Center, Houston. Sculptor Jaume Plensa describes his vision, inspiration and technique in creating this work of art.
Mawlana Hazar Imam partners with the City of Houston in commissioning a landmark sculpture celebrating tolerance
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.
For the love of sports
Arsheel Lalani has not allowed Autism Spectrum Disorder to deter him from his love for sports. Together with his basketball team, the 19-year-old won the regional gold medal at the District 225 Glenbrook United Special Olympics.
I, too, have a dream
For a special mind, sometimes it takes just a dream and the efforts of those who understand it to unlock its true potential. The Jiwanis demonstrate how nurturing their autistic son’s dream of being an athlete provided all of them with much-needed hope for a successful future for their child.
Exhibitions of Islamic heritage and artistic expression explore calligraphy
From 28 August to 5 December 2010, the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia became a hub of Islamic calligraphic exploration. The Museum presented two complementary exhibitions that explored calligraphy in an interactive context.
Climate change and the race to a low-carbon future offer challenges and opportunites
There is near universal scientific consensus that the loading of the atmosphere with greenhouse gases is causing increased global warming and associated climate change, argues Abyd Karmali. Fortunately, he notes, several countries are putting in place policies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, which are resulting substantial new economic opportunities.
Diversity sparks dialogue at annual Texas Youth Summit
Several Ismaili students and speakers participated in the fourth Annual Youth Summit and Diversity Dialogue, titled Getting to the Core of Diversity at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. The annual event promotes pluralism and leadership development in high school students.
“Outsourced” not outdone — Ismaili actor makes headway in Hollywood
Rizwan Manji, an Ismaili Muslim actor from Toronto, plays the part of Rajiv in the hit comedy TV series Outsourced. The show, which features a cast of South Asian actors premiered this fall on NBC to critical acclaim, and has garnered worldwide attention and publicity.
Art therapy adds colour to the empty voids caused by Alzheimer’s disease
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.
Nineteen projects shortlisted for the 11th cycle of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture
In May 2010, the Aga Khan Award for Architecture announced the shortlist for its 11th award cycle at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Selected from over 400 nominees, the 19 projects, spanning 16 countries, range from a small private residence in India to the conservation of an Ottoman town in Albania.
Partnership Walk in the USA launches with green campaign; aids relief efforts in Pakistan
This year, the annual PartnershipsInAction Walk in the United States launched with a green theme that draws attention to the impact of climate change. Underscored by the recent flood disaster in Pakistan, the Walk’s message has taken on an even greater urgency, and is echoed by volunteers across the country as they seek to raise awareness and support.
Harvard University Professor Ali Asani discusses a new course on Ismaili history and thought
In the spring of 2010, Harvard University, for the first time in its history, offered a course on Ismaili History and Thought. Harvard student Shenila S. Khoja-Moolji spoke with Professor Ali Asani about his experience designing and teaching it.
Muslim art and cultural expression opens doors to interfaith dialogue in Houston
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.
When it’s sunny, top up your vitamin D
When you expose your skin to the sun, your body makes vitamin D from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Most people will make enough of this “sunshine vitamin”, but certain groups of people may not be getting enough from the sun or their diet — and this includes people with dark skin.
Almost a century later, the Girl Scouts movement is still engaged in service
This year, the Girl Guide movement turns 98. Over the years, the organisation’s impact on the physical, mental and spiritual development of girls and young women has been phenomenal. Many Ismaili Muslim women who are part of the movement have become inspiring role models and leaders in their communities and the world.
Ismaili scouts earn prestigious Eagle Scout award for outstanding community service
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.
A thousand years of Firdawsi’s Shahnama is celebrated
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.
Ismailis join in the global response to earthquake-devastated Haiti
In January, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake shattered the Republic of Haiti. Horrified by the disaster, countries, civil society organisations and individual donors responded with desperately needed help. Among them were many Ismailis who used their resources and skills to find creative ways to provide timely assistance to Haitians.
Books, bonding, and new beginnings
It is a little past three in the morning on a foggy, Seattle Sunday, but a group of women are already armed and ready with a carpool list, tea, and that month’s novel tucked under their arms. Since February 2009, the book club’s members meet every first Sunday of the month to discuss books as varied and diverse as the women in their group.
FOCUS strengthens institutional relations at a humanitarian logistics conference in Georgia
As the world continues to face challenges that lead to man-made or natural disasters, the improvement of humanitarian logistics and ultimately the human condition is critical. At a recent conference in Georgia, FOCUS shared its expertise on disaster response, recovery and mitigation.
The magic of reading: A mother’s account
Novelist Shaila Abdullah tells how just as her parents cultivated a love of books in her from a young age, she in turn shared this love with her daughter, Aanyah, from the moment she was born. Today, at six-years-old, Aanyah is the one reading to her mother!
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.
Ismailis across North America commemorate Eid al-Adha in a spirit of harmony and shared understanding
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.)
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