Articles related to: Heritage and Expression
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.
Ismaili Centre, Dubai joins with Architectural Heritage Society to host lecture series
In the Autumn of 2009, the UAE Architecture Heritage Society hosted the ATHAR public lectures series in conjunction with the Ismaili Centre, Dubai. ATHAR is a programme of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property, which advocates the conservation of cultural heritage.
Ismaili Community Ensemble celebrates Eid in the Square
In celebration of Eid ul-Fitr, the Mayor of London organised a live entertainment programme in Trafalgar Square this year. The Ismaili Community Ensemble was invited to take part in the event, which attracted thousands, and marked the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Scoring the sounds of Bollywood
Salim and Sulaiman Merchant started their career composing “jingles” — short pieces for television advertisements. But a big break in 1997 led them to build a solid career in Bollywood, where they regularly compose songs and background music for high-profile films.
“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.
Fasting and diabetes
Those suffering from type 2 diabetes may be worried about observing the fast during the Muslim month of Ramadan. However, it is possible to fast safely if you are careful about managing your diabetes.
Imamat Day celebrations in Tajikistan feature education-themed reception
In Tajikistan, the celebration of Roz-e Takht Nishini has traditionally included family and neighbourhood gatherings with shared meals, music and dancing. This year, the AKDN Resident Representative Office contributed to the festivities by hosting an education-themed reception.
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.
London exhibition provides insight into the life and legacy of a prominent Persian ruler
A major exhibition on the Safavid Emperor Shah Abbas I, whose rule of Persia spanned the 16th – 17th centuries is on at the British Museum in London. It provides a historical and cultural introduction to Persian culture and achievement, and situates it within the wider context of world events in the same period.
A lens into the legacy of Royal Photographer Noor Ali Rashid
Born in 1929 in the port of Gwadar, Noor Ali Rashid was sent to Dubai by his father, who hoped to cure him of his interest in photography — a distraction from the family business. Instead, through the lens of his camera, Rashid bore witness to the unfolding of a new country.
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.
Exhibition by UAE Royal Photographer inaugurated at the Ismaili Centre Dubai
Reminiscing Heritage, an exhibition of photographs taken by acclaimed Royal Photographer of the United Arab Emirates, Noor Ali Rashid, is being hosted at the Ismaili Centre Dubai. The exhibition was recently inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
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.
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.
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.
Kronos Quartet and Qasimov Ensemble come together at London’s Barbican Hall
In commemoration of the precious nights of Ramadan and the advent of Eid ul-Fitr, mystical harmonies from Central Asia and classical melodies of the Occident were performed before a distinguished audience at London’s prestigious Barbican Hall.
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.
Reflecting the Jamat’s heritage
The Golden Jubilee Visual Arts Exhibition, which toured the United Kingdom earlier this year, provided a platform for those with artistic talent to capture this special Jubilee period in our history through their own creative expression.
Art competition in Pakistan raises awareness of environmental issues
In Islam, protection of the physical environment is one of humankind’s responsibilities. The Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan organised a nationwide Friends of the Environment art competition to raise awareness about the importance of the natural environment and methods of preserving it.
Orchestra in Dubai expresses the harmony of the international Jamat through a unique musical compilation
Members of a Jamati orchestra in Dubai have produced a two-disc musical compilation in celebration of the Golden Jubilee. Frontierless Brotherhood — A Fusion of Diversity reflects the cultures and heritage of Ismailis from around the world.
Revival of traditional dress in Badakhshan mirrors shifting landscape of cultural influence
The evolution in choice of dress among the Ismailis of Gorno-Badakhshan in Tajikistan is reflective of wider changes and influences that have affected that society over the past decades. The recent re-emergence of Pamiri dress speaks to a rediscovery of local heritage.
Portuguese Jamat explores the Path of Princes
During the six-month run of the Path of Princes exhibition at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon, the Portuguese Jamat had the opportunity to explore our historical traditions and share their insights with the wider Portuguese society.
First Imamat Day at the Ismaili Centre Dubai is marked with a celebration of expression
Starting with an inaugural flag-raising ceremony at the Ismaili Centre, Imamat Day in the UAE was celebrated with enthusiatic creativity. The Souq al-Izhar exhibition invited members of the Jamat to express themselves artistically on a variety of themes.
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.
Congolese Jamat hosts a dinner in celebration of the Golden Jubilee
As part of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, the Ismaili community in the Democratic Republic of Congo hosted a commemorative dinner in Kinshasa. The dinner was attended by Jamati leaders, key policy makers and government officials, and provided a forum to exhibit the work of the Ismaili Imamat in the country.
Maputo Jamatkhana evokes a long history of Ismailis in Mozambique
The Maputo Jamatkhana was once described by Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah as the best in Africa. Timeless in its design and beauty, the Jamatkhana testifies to the long history of the Ismaili Muslim community in Mozambique.
Jamat in Badakhshan celebrates Navroz with an historic cross-border concert
In a symbolic expression of their long historic ties and common roots, thousands of Jamati members from the Tajik and Afghan sides of Badakhshan came together for a cross-border concert to celebrate Navroz.
Dushanbe marks Navroz with art exhibition and performances
A Navroz reception in Dushanbe, Tajikistan drew more than 600 attendees and featured an exhibition of children’s artwork on the theme of Navroz, as well as a performance by 2006 Grammy nominee, the Academy of Maqâm.
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.
The “cosmopolitan ethic” explored
The 2007 Ismaili Centre Lecture Series concluded with addresses by Rageh Omar and Jan Aarte Scholte focusing on cosmopolitanism and identity, exploring ideas of tolerance and social justice in a pluralistic society. This gives way to the 2008 Lecture series which focuses on the theme Sharing the Narrative of Progress.
Ensemble joins with Royal Philharmonic to deliver captivating performances
In March, the Ismaili Community Ensemble, together with musicians from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, dazzled audiences with rousing performances in celebration of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee at the Ismaili Centre in London.
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.
Excursions across cultures
Sixteen members of the UK Jamat participated in “Excursions across cultures." They experienced the warm hospitality of the Syrian Jamat, as well as the rich and varied history of a land that has weaved together many different cultures over time.
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.
Aga Khan Museum Collection tours Europe
Currently touring Europe, rare masterpieces of Islamic art, from the Aga Khan Museum Collection are contributing to a wider understanding of Islam's rich artistic and cultural history. The Aga Khan Museum Collection has been appreciated by not only the Jamat but also members of the general public.
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.
Beadwork around the world: Ancient to contemporary
Whether as ancient artefacts, or contemporary jewellery, the ubiquitous bead continues to have a fascinating appeal around the world. There have always been people who value special bones, stones, shells, seeds and beads for their magical qualities. By incorporating beads into the cultural fabric of their lives, native people worldwide have given us a marvellously textured view of history. Fariyal Jiwa recounts her foray into this world of beads which have been employed by many people for many purposes.
Intercultural Dialogue workshops held at the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon
The Council of Europe, an organisation promoting democracy and human rights in Europe, will be launching a White Paper on Intercultural Dialogue with the support of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Portugal, and other international organisations.
Ismaili Centre London participates in Fete de la Musique
The Social Hall at The Ismaili Centre in London, was filled with people of all ages eager to hear the spectacular fusion of sounds from an incredible mix of western and eastern instruments on 21 June 2007, as part of the Exhibition Road Music Day festivities.
Ramadan in Dubai
Rozina Nawaz, a resident of Dubai reflects on how Ramadan is celebrated in Dubai. As a cosmopolitan hub of trade and tourism, this vibrant city observes this holy month with various activities and events and evokes a sense of spirituality in all its citizens and residents.
Rumi — 800th anniversary
Tell me, is sugar sweeter Or He who makes sugar cane? Is the Beauty of the moon better Or He who makes it wax and wane? Source: Diwan-e Shams-e Tabrizi, translated by Shahriar Shahriari
The Harmony Centre, An-Nahdhah Mosque
Pluralism involves more than just tolerance, for tolerance does not ensure harmony. With ten national religions Singapore could be deemed the poster child for diversity and with this diversity, pluralism is tantamount. The Harmony Centre, part of the An-Nahdhah Mosque in Singapore aims to cast aside the misconceptions regarding Islam and Muslims and provides insights into the religious practices of Muslims as well other religions and the importance that Islam places of pluralism.
Jamat celebrates Independence Day in India
Sixty years and she's seen it all - happiness and sorrow, love and hate, poverty and riches. And her citizens celebrated this milestone across the country. Independence Day in India was celebrated by Jamati members at various centres across India. The Independence Day events invigorated and re-ignited the spirit of patriotism in the Jamat who are proud to be citizens of India and share with her the journey forward.
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.
Golden Jubilee Imamat Day in Asia
Asia is a continent spread across great distances, represented by diverse food, saree colours, culture, tradition and a dynamic blend of ethnicities. However, these physical distinctions played a secondary role when Jamats across the Central, South, Southeast Asia and the Far East came together for one purpose recently – to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Mawlana Hazar Imam.
Golden Jubilee Imamat Day in Europe
Over the past 50 years, the European Union has grown in size, influence, and scope, and the decisions made by the Union touch the lives of every citizen in Europe. Similarly, in his 50 years as spiritual leader of the global Ismaili community, Mawlana Hazar Imam has overseen the growth of Jamati and Imamat institutions, as well as the growth of the Jamat as it spread across various regions around the world.
Golden Jubilee Imamat Day in Africa
11 July 2007 was indeed a historic day for the global Jamat, and to celebrate, Ismailis all over the African continent enjoyed several days of festivities leading up to Imamat day. Across the continent, the day itself began with flag raising ceremonies to launch the Golden Jubilee year, with Jamati leadership participating with Scouts, Guides, volunteers and members of the Jamat.
Golden Jubilee Imamat Day in the Middle East
11 July 2007 marked the unison of Ismailis of different nationalities, cultures and backgrounds gathered in various regional venues in the Middle East to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of their Imam. Irrespective of the geographical settings, whether it be Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, the celebrations were memorable.
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