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).

 

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When it’s sunny, top up your vitamin D

South Asians and other dark-skinned ethnic groups have an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency; the best way to get enough vitamin D is to enjoy safe levels of summer sunshine. Photo: Flickr/Steven Janke

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.

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Ismaili Community Ensemble features in London music festival that pays tribute to Ismaili Centre 25th anniversary

“Flow” specially composed for the 25th anniversary of the Ismaili Centre, London, is performed by Jonathan Eato and Thomas Maternik from Royal College of Music together with members of Ismaili Community Ensemble. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for the UK

Exhibition Road Music Day, an annual festival of live, international music concerts and workshops in London, renewed itself on 20 June with participation from the Ismaili Community Ensemble. This year’s festival also paid tribute to the Ismaili Centre, London, which is marking its 25th anniversary.

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Five-part international news programme sheds new light on human trafficking

A sign posted at an Ashram run by an Indian NGO that helps child labourers decries child exploitation. Photo: Courtesy of Linx Productions

It is believed to be one of the fastest growing forms of organised crime in the world, though most people ignore it or are simply unaware. But through a five-part series currently being aired on BBC World Television, executive producer Faridoun Hemani and researcher Jazzmin Jiwa hope to change that. They assert that human trafficking is a modern form of slavery.

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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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Looking back on 25 years of the Ismaili Centre, London

An aerial view of the Ismaili Centre, London. Photo: Sadru Verjee

In the 25 years since it opened, tens of thousands of people have experienced the Ismaili Centre in London. The building at Cromwell Gardens in South Kensington was the first high profile Ismaili Centre to be designed and built in the West, and realised an important vision of Mawlana Hazar Imam. Since then, it has both reflected and shaped the aspirations of the Jamat.

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The theatre at Cromwell Gardens: A history of the site of the Ismaili Centre, London

The title deeds of the Cromwell Gardens were presented to the National Theatre Committee in 1938 by Bernard Shaw as part of a custom known as “The Ceremony of the Twig and the Sod”. Photo: Courtesy of John Stokes

In the 1990s, the Ismaili Centre, London hosted two major theatrical productions, but it wasn’t the first time that the grounds of the Centre had entertained thespian ambitions. TheIsmaili.org traces the history of the present-day site, which was once earmarked for the National Theatre.

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UK Jamat comes together for NSF 2010 — a weekend of Non Stop Fun!

The competition heats up in Ladies Basketball. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for the UK

The National Sports Festival — a flagship event of the Ismaili Muslim community in the United Kingdom — renewed itself during the weekend of 2–5 April 2010 at Loughborough University. With over 1 000 participants playing 11 sports and competing in 37 categories, NSF 2010 was the biggest edition in the biennial sports festival’s 26-year history.

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The Light Within sparks dialogue between musical traditions

The Light Within brought an eclectic mix of sounds to the ears — the tabla complimented the trombone, the bansuri flowed with the bass, the kamancha conversed with the clarinet, and the strings argued with the saxophone. Photo: Courtesy of The Ismaili UK

A performance at London’s Cadogan Hall by the Ismaili Community Ensemble earlier this year brought an eclectic mix of sounds to the ears — the tabla complimented the trombone, the bansuri flowed with the bass, the kamancha conversed with the clarinet, and the strings argued with the saxophone. Ensemble member Rabiyyah G. Raval shares her reflections.

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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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Four Partnership Walk & Run enthusiasts share their experience of meeting beneficiaries firsthand

Munir Samji speaks with to two Siddhi farmers. With advice and assistance from AKRSP, many of the farmers have improved in their income from the land — in some cases doubling it. Photo: Prashant Joshi

Last November, four dedicated participants from the Partnership Walk & Run in the United Kingdom had a chance to see the impact of their efforts firsthand. They spent seven days in India, where they visited one of the projects selected to receive funds from the event. They recently shared their impressions with TheIsmaili.org.

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International Women’s Day brings women from around the world to the Ismaili Centre, London

Women of diverse backgrounds exchange stories and ideas at the International Women’s Day event held at the Ismaili Centre, London. Photo: Sadrudin Verjee

Women from diverse backgrounds came together to celebrate, identify their strengths and hear about inspirational women. The event was organised by the Women’s Activities Portfolio of the Ismaili Council for the United Kingdom, and was the third consecutive time that the Ismaili community marked the occasion in the UK.

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Transforming values into reality — A conversation with Eboo Patel (Part 2)

Following a talk he delivered at The Institute of Ismaili Studies in December 2009, Eboo Patel converses with audience members about the work of his Interfaith Youth Core. Photo: Courtesy of The Institute of Ismaili Studies

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.)

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The shared value of religious pluralism — A conversation with Eboo Patel (Part 1)

Eboo Patel, founder and Executive Director of the Interfaith Youth Core, a Chicago-based institution building the global interfaith youth movement, addressing an audience at The Institute of Ismaili Studies in London. Photo: Courtesy of The Institute of Ismaili Studies

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.

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New breed of social entrepreneurs foster ethical enterprise

The business card exchange facilitated a form of speed networking among participants. Photo: Samir Bharwani

The notion that enterprise should be conscious of its impact on society rather than focusing exclusively on the pursuit of profit, has long been part of the Muslim ethic. It is also an increasingly visible trend in business that is finding new vitality in the era of social media.

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Ismaili Student Network introduces young Ismailis to university life

The Ismaili Student Network ‘Get Fresh’ event brought together students from universities throughout the UK. Photo: Jamil Teja

Abeed Mohamed is one of a number of young Ismailis who left home for the first time this autumn, to begin life as a university student. The Ismaili Student Network helped him and other UK students to prepare for this important transition.

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Volunteer search and rescue team is the highlight of FOCUS event

The audience applauds members of the FOCUS Search and Rescue Team, who presented at an event celebrating the 15th anniversary of the organisation. Photo: Meena Badhrudin

In May, Focus Humanitarian Assistance celebrated its 15th anniversary with An Evening with Focus, held at the Ismaili Centre, London. The event created awareness of the integral role that FOCUS and its volunteers play in communities around the world.

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TheIsmaili.org launches Nutrition Centre and unveils a new design

TheIsmaili.org is pleased to join the Aga Khan Health Board (UK) in launching a web-based Nutrition Centre. Copyright: TheIsmaili.org

A refreshed look and feel and several new features provide a richer, easier and more informative user experience. The redesign accompanies the launch of a new web-based Nutrition Centre together with the Aga Khan Health Board (UK).

» Watch a video tour of TheIsmaili.org

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Eight hundred year-old Cambridge University awards Mawlana Hazar Imam an honorary degree

University of Cambridge Chancellor, His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, and Vice Chancellor Professor Alison Richard with Mawlana Hazar Imam and other honorary degree recipients. Photo: University of Cambridge

In a colourful and historic ceremony held on Friday, 12 June, the University of Cambridge conferred upon Mawlana Hazar Imam an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity. Hazar Imam became the first Muslim to receive the distinction in the University’s long and storied history.

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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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A changing climate: Exploring the social impact of global warming

The panellists engage in discussion. From left to right: Dan Smith, Lord Adair Turner, Camilla Toulmin, Dr Salim Sumar. Photo: Abdul Khakoo

In February, an eminent panel convened in London as part of the Ismaili Centre Lecture Series to discuss global warming and its impact on the developing world. The panel turned its attention to the social impact of climate change, particularly in the developing world.

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Lessons I learnt last summer

IIS Summer Programme participants engage in a group discussion with the faculty. Photo: Sabrina Bandali / IIS

In this reflective piece, Aliyyah Giga, an alumnus of The Institute of Ismaili Studies’ Summer Programme on Islam, shares some personal lessons that she drew from her experience of the programme.

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Engaging discussion on modernity accompanies launch of new book

Dr Amyn Sajoo and Raficq Abdulla on stage during the book launch at the Ismaili Centre, London. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for the UK

A new book, recently launched at the Ismaili Centre in London, draws attention to the rich and varied ways in which Muslims have embraced modernity. Dr Amyn B Sajoo discusses the importance of memory in tempering different flavours of modernity influenced by forces such as ideology and the marketplace.

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Kronos Quartet and Qasimov Ensemble come together at London’s Barbican Hall

 Photo: Courtesy of AKDN

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.

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Reflecting the Jamat’s heritage

“Noor of Allah, Rope of Imamat” was created by Bait-ul Ilm children across the UK as part of the Jubilee Jamboree celebrations. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for the UK

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.

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The Ismaili Centre opens its doors to Londoners

The Ismaili Centre is located opposite the Museum of natural History and the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington, London. Photo: Gary Otte

For one weekend in September, The Ismaili Centre opened its doors to the public. It featured in Open House London, an architectural exhibition aimed at opening eyes and minds to good design in the British capital.

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World Cup boccia champion determined to represent his country at the Paralympics

Ali Lalani, international boccia player. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for the UK

Hopeful of being able to compete in London in 2012 after he narrowly missed out on a place at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing, Boccia World Cup gold medallist Ali Lalani discussed his sport, his inspirations, and his future aspirations with Zahid Lalani.

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United Kingdom visit diary

Leaders of the Jamat gather at the London Heliport as Mawlana Hazar Imam prepares to depart the United Kingdom. Photo: Gary Otte

Between 2 – 8 July 2008, Mawlana Hazar Imam visited the United Kingdom, where Her Majesty the Queen hosted a dinner in his honour. Hazar Imam also met with senior UK government leaders, including the Prime Minister, as well as senior Jamati and institutional leaders, and granted a Golden Jubilee Darbar at the ExCeL centre.

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Road to the Games: UK athletes receive send-off ahead of the Golden Jubilee Games

Neither player can let the ball slip away in a crucial moment to determine who will go to Kenya. Photo: Courtesy Ismaili Council for the United Kingdom

Ismaili athletes from the United Kingdom and other European countries were fêted at a send-off ahead of the Golden Jubilee Games. The dinner event, hosted by the Jamati leadership, provided the players with encouragement and inspiration to prepare them for their journey.

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Running a marathon with a global impact

Zahira Virani prepares to run the London Marathon. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for the UK

In April 2008, Zahira Virani ran the Flora London Marathon, pushing her limits while raising funds for development initiatives of the Aga Khan Foundation. Shaneen Makhani spoke with her to learn what motivated her, and how she managed to juggle her training with her family and work commitments.

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A buzz in the air at NSF 2008

Footballers playing to win at the National Sports Festival. Photo: Ismaili Council for the UK

The 2008 National Sports Festival at Keele University saw nearly 900 participants from six different countries compete in 23 sporting categories. In addition to competitive sports, there was entertainment and activities for all.

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The “cosmopolitan ethic” explored

Jan Aart Scholte addresses the audience at the Ismaili Centre. Photo: Ismaili Council for the UK

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.

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Ensemble joins with Royal Philharmonic to deliver captivating performances

Members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra perform with the Ismaili Community Ensemble. Photo: Ismaili Council for the UK

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.

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Building the post-conflict civil society: discussion at Ismaili Centre London

Panelists prepare to address questions from the audience at The Ismaili Centre Lecture Series. Photo: Ismaili Council for the United Kingdom.

A panel of notable academics and specialists assembled at The Ismaili Centre, London on Wednesday, 30 January 2008 to discuss the role of faith in post-conflict emerging states.

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Ismaili Centre London participates in Fete de la Musique

School children learn to play the daf, an Iranian percussion instrument. Photo: Ismaili Council for the United Kingdom

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.

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