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: Muslim Civilisations

Primary teacher education programmes cater religious education to the many ways in which children learn

In Primary Two, Hoopoe, the bird of wisdom, takes children on a journey into the past. Here Hoopoe introduces the Fatimid city of Cairo. Copyright: The Institute of Ismaili Studies

Two decades after the introduction of the Ta‘lim curriculum, primary teacher education programmes have increased the effectiveness of teaching and learning at Ismaili religious education centres. Through a modern approach to education, children learn about Islam both as a faith and through its role in shaping Muslim civilisations.

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Harvard University Professor Ali Asani discusses a new course on Ismaili history and thought

Shenila Khoja-Moolji interviewing Professor Ali Asani for this article. Photo: Courtesy of Shenila S. Khoja-Moolji

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.

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Aga Khan Museum Collection reflects pluralism of the Muslim world and shared human heritage

This Qur’an bifolium is written in gold kufic script on blue parchment. Created by the Fatimids during their rule in Kairouan, it is considered to be one of the most lavish Qur’anic scripts ever created. Photo: Courtesy of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture

The Aga Khan Museum Collection, which has been travelling across Europe since 2007, will ultimately find its permanent home in a new museum being established in Toronto. Reflecting the diversity and pluralism that characterises the Muslim world, the artwork and objects that comprise the Collection are helping to foster a greater appreciation of our collective human heritage and shared history.

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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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Narrowing the gap of knowledge between the West and Islam

Zain Verjee of CNN International hosts an on-stage conversation with Dr Amyn B. Sajoo about his book, “A Companion to the Muslim World”.
. Photo: Courtesy of The Institute of Ismaili Studies

The Institute of Ismaili Studies recently launched A Companion to the Muslim World, the first book in a new series of publications on essential themes of Muslim heritage. Intelligently written, yet easy to read, the book aims to assist the non-specialist reader to better understand the Muslim world.

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London exhibition provides insight into the life and legacy of a prominent Persian ruler

Voided silk-velvet textile fragment from Iran, dating from the first quarter of the 17th century. This fabric represents the type of luxury silks that were produced as a result of Shah Abbas’ stimulus to trade with Europe. Photo: Staatliche Museen zu Berlin

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.

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Outstanding patrons, beautiful objects: Metaphors for humanism and enlightenment

Alnoor Merchant addresses the audience at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for the USA

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.

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Aga Khan Museum Collection tours Europe

Spirit & Life: Masterpieces of Islamic Art from the Aga Khan Museum Collection. Cover of exhibition catalogue print version published by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC). Photo: Courtesy of AKTC

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.

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