Stories of Ismaili Volunteers: Badrudin Kurwa’s Courageous Journey to Chitral for His Nazrana (Gift) of Time and Knowledge to Mawlana Hazar Imam

25 September 2013

This is a fascinating story of faith and courage by an eye-surgeon who decided to travel to Chitral, Pakistan, and give the precious gift of an eyesight to individuals who thought they would never see again. Simerg invites individuals to come forward and share their stories as part of its 4th anniversary series dedicated to Ismaili volunteers, badged as well as non-badged.

PLEASE CLICK: An Ismaili Eye Surgeon’s Courageous Journey to Chitral

Badrudin Kurwa, right, performing a cataract surgery in Chitral, Pakistan. Please click on image to read article. Photo: Badrudin Kurwa Collection.

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Post of patients following cataract surgery by Dr. Badrudin Kurwa in Chitral, Pakistan. Please click for article.

Post op patients following cataract surgery by Dr. Badrudin Kurwa in Chitral, Pakistan. Please click on image for article. Photo: Badrudin Kurwa Collection.

To contribute to series, please click STORIES OF ISMAILI VOLUNTEERS

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Tragedy in Nairobi Brings Grief to Kenyans and People All Around the World: Pictures and Stories from the Denver Post, Al-Jazeera and the Washington Post

22 September 2013

23 Comments

A girl is helped by police officers inside the mall. Please click on next image, see below, for a slide show at the Denver Post website. Links are also provided to the websites of Al-Jazeera and the Washington Post.

A girl is helped by police officers inside the Westgate Mall in Nairobi where 59 people are reported killed during Saturday’s terrorist attack. Please click on next image, see below, for a slide show at the Denver Post website. Viewer discretion is advised as some of the images are disturbing. Links are also provided to the websites of Al-Jazeera and the Washington Post.

Editor’s note: Please also click on the Comments link at top left of this post. They include updates about the dead victims and the injured.

Kenya’s grief is our grief. The unimaginable and unthinkable has happened in Nairobi, where dozens of people, including Canadians, are dead or injured in a brutal attack against civilians in a mall. The victims included children. The latest reports indicate that at least 59 people were killed and 175 injured in Saturday’s incident.

We feel as if humanity has been taken in its entirety. The preceding statement has its basis in the Holy Qur’an, which speaks about the sanctity of life (see quote by His Highness the Aga Khan on the Simerg banner at top of this page). Lost lives and injuries are even more difficult to bear and accept when they involve children, as in this incident that has wounded the entire world.

At this time, our prayers and thoughts are for the people of Kenya, and especially for the families who are grieving from this senseless and unjustifiable act. We pray for the souls of the deceased, and wish all the injured quick and complete recovery. We ask the Kenyan people to be courageous and vigilant in the wake of these despicable and cowardly acts.

In a written statement released on Saturday evening, Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper said:

“Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms this cowardly, hateful act that apparently targeted innocent civilians who were simply out shopping. Terrorist attacks like this seek to undermine the very values and way of life that Canadians cherish….The hearts and prayers of all Canadians go out to the families and friends of all those affected by this senseless tragedy, and we extend our deepest condolences to those suffering the loss of Annemarie Desloges, one of our diplomats who has died in the attack.”

The tragedy is receiving extensive coverage from around the word, and we warn readers that some of the more than 50 images posted at The Denver Post (see link below or click on image) and other websites are quite disturbing and shocking. Readers may express their grief and convey their condolences by clicking on the comments icon at the top left of this page.

IMAGES AT THE DENVER POST

An injured person is brought to the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi after an attack at a mall in the Kenyan capital. Please click for a slide show and photos at the Denver Post.

Other external website links:

1. Al-Jazeera – Killing Spree in Nairobi
2. The Washington Post – Attack in Shopping Mall in Nairobi

35 Short Readings and Messages on Didar and Imamat in Anticipation of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Visit to Bangladesh and India

14 September 2013

Ismaili Ginan “Ek Shabada Suno Mere Bhai”, an explanation by Shiraz Pradhan, with recitation

10 September 2013

1 Comment

The Ginan Ek Shabda Suno Mere Bhai by Pir Shams is a summary of the initial step of Ismaili Spirituality. An MP3 of the Ginan rendered by Mohammad (Mac) Virjee of Vancouver accompanies a short commentary and translation by Shiraz Pradhan.

Please click: Ismaili Spirituality in Pir Shams Shabzwari’s Ginan “Ek Shabada Suno Mere Bhai”, accompanied with recitation

Gujarati transliteration of the Ginan “Ek Shabada Suno Mere Bhai” attributed to Pir Shams. Please click on image for article.

Key links for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture Ceremony held in Lisbon on Friday, September 6, 2013

6 September 2013

“All People Are A Single Nation” – Prince Aly Khan on Islam’s Basic Teachings and its Closeness to the Ethic of the Christian Faith

3 September 2013

1 Comment

A MUST READ PIECE FOR CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS ALIKE

“Given a right understanding of the foundations of Islam and Christianity, and the spiritual values which they have proclaimed, it should not prove very difficult to build a bridge of mutual respect and co-operation between the two great religions. Unfortunately, it is a fact that the close similarity between the two remains largely unknown to the West.”

Islam: The Religion of Equality and Universal Brotherhood by Prince Aly S. Khan

Photo taken at the opening on 15th September 1959 of the 14th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Seated at the head of the delegation of Pakistan is Mr. Manzur Qadir, then Minister for Foreign Affairs. At right is Prince Karim Aga Khan’s father, the late Prince Aly Khan, Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Photo: United Nations Photo Library. Please click for article.

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A Nikah in the Noorani Family: Prince Rahim Aga Khan Weds Ms. Kendra Salwa Spears by Navyn Naran

31 August 2013

70 Comments

Earlier in August, His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th Imam of Ismaili Muslims announced that the Nikah of his eldest son, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, to Ms. Kendra Salwa Spears would take place in Geneva on August 31, 2013.

Mawlana Hazar Imam, Prince Rahim, Princess Salwa and members of the Imam’s family pose for a photograph with the members of the Ismaili Leaders’ International Forum after the nikah ceremony. Photo: TheIsmaili / Gary Otte

The day finally arrived with the Nikah taking place as announced in Geneva, Switzerland, in a private ceremony attended by members and friends of both families. At the request of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, the Chairman and Members of the Ismaili Leaders’ International Forum (LIF), see photo above, represented the global Ismaili community at the event held on the shores of Lake Geneva, on the grounds of the Château de Bellerive — the residence of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s uncle, the late Prince Sadruddin and his wife Princess Aliya.

Ismailis around the world rejoice with their beloved Imam and his family as well as the family of the bride, and wish Prince Rahim Aga Khan and his beloved bride, Princess Salwa peace and happiness in their life together.

Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa on their wedding day on August 31, 2013. Photo: TheIsmaili / Gary Otte.

In Islam, the Nikah is a solemn and sacred social contract between the bride and the groom; each has the “liberty to define various terms and conditions of their liking and make them a part of this marriage contract.” [1]

We convey our heartiest felicitations to all our readers on this happy occasion and encourage readers to express their wishes and thoughts by clicking on Leave a Comment. What follows is one such piece, in the form of a poem.

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NIKAH

Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa during their nikah ceremony. Photo: TheIsmaili / Gary Otte

By Navyn Naran

And the symphony of great angels
gathered between stars of pure light
as if brass, woodwind or strings of meticulous clarity
spiritual music, sparkling in this Blessed light….[2]

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It is the dawn of a glorious day
as petals are unfurling
the Jamat is delighted to welcome a Prince’s Bride.
Khushamadeed!
how Joyous our Imam and His Family.
Mubarak!
Mubarak, Salwa, Mubarak kareem!
Mubarak Rahim, Mubarak kareem!

In Geneva, dawn has risen, lilies awaken from rest
It is day of jubilance, solemn promise and grace
The bee readies her honey for this very special occasion
Dew evaporates from tall grasses,
while in Aiglemont, majestic trees await grandly at their station.

Around the world it is a day like Eid
Remembering our history, Khadijah and Muhammad Nabi,
Our first Imam Ali and Bibi Fatima by his side
A bond nourished and unbreakable, as beam of light

Walkways strewn with rose petals, fresh for this day
Canopies of wisteria frame entrances of gates
Saffron and nutmeg are prepared for the sweets
Badam and pista for nut-filled date treats.

Love is an expression of personal dimension,
‘Tis a light in the eye that harkens the soul
A delight and understanding without apprehension
A precious connection as each partner stays whole

Lily of the vallley. Istockphoto. Copyright.

A civil contract, then Nikah, the marriage contract and true
No dowry but a mahr, and an acknowledgement between two
The husband will care and provide for his wife
The wife whole internally, softens (and strengthens) his life.

Our Mawla, we affirm our love and devotion,
On this grand occasion, the Jamat prepares a delicate sherbet potion
Our elders rejoicing, ambrosial sherbet and cake we share
Our Beloved Noorani family, your Jamat is with you there.

Many mornings have accompanied their journeys and now
A Nikah, a prayer, a ring and a vow
And around the world, salwaats are being prayed
Murids’ wishes for happiness for the Noorani couple this day

Softly, gently in tempo as breeze flows with grace
She walks by his side, radiant is her face
May joy, trust and respect Bless their joint life
As Prince takes Princess for his beloved wife.

Sun blushing in laughter, fountains dancing in flow
This bond is hope rooted, and dreams will grow…
Hafiz Loves the spaces eyesight cannot see
Love is a truth stronger, it sees the unseen.

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The newly married couple enjoy a moment together on their wedding day. Photo: TheIsmaili / Gary Otte

Date posted: Saturday, August 31, 2013.
Date updated: Saturday, August 31, 2013 (new photo)
Copyright: Navyn Naran/Simerg. August 2013.

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[1] See Marriage in Islam: Nikah – Sound Vision

[2] The first lines set the stage; indeed, angels have arrived in the celestial sky and because of them even the starlight is brighter; and with this dawn breaks, and it is time for a wedding. In the unseen, the orchestra of angels and starlight are showering special blessings, akin to an unseen or hidden orchestra playing its resounding symphony. Metaphorically, the occasion is set…i.e. Allah has set the stage.

To express your wishes and thoughts on Prince Rahim’s marriage to Ms. Spears, please click on Leave a Comment. The link also appears at the top left of this post.

Please also visit the official website of the Ismaili community, www.theismaili.org.

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Dr. Navyn Naran was born in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, to Anaar and Badrudin Naran. After beginning her high school in the UK, her family immigrated to the USA where she has lived since. Dr. Naran went to medical school at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA. She currently works in Paediatric Critical Care.

We encourage readers to express their wishes and thoughts. Please click on “Leave a Comment” at the top left of this page or Leave a Comment.

Stories of Ismaili Volunteers from Around the World: Spirit at Darkhana by Jalal Jaffer

24 August 2013

EXCLUSIVE: Architect’s Statement and Photos of the Inviting New Ottawa Jamatkhana

18 August 2013

1 Comment

The new Ottawa Jamatkhana marks a new chapter in the life of the Ismaili community of the National Capital Region and will become a symbol of the community’s commitment to Ottawa, embracing the local vernacular architecture, new institutional buildings, and powerful symbols of Islamic design….Exclusive: Architect’s Statement and Photos of the Fabulous New Ottawa Jamatkhana.

Ottawa Jamatkhana prayer hall. Please click on image for architect’s statement and additional photos. Photo: Alia Noormohamed

A Reflection on the Tragedy in Karachi

15 August 2013

16 Comments

Editor’s note: For the first time in recent memory, an act of violence and terror was directed against the Ismaili community on Wednesday, August 13, 2013 at two of their Jamatkhanas located in Karachi. Two deaths as well as several dozen injuries were reported by the media in Pakistan. It was indeed a sad day for Ismailis and non-Ismailis alike. Statements of condemnation were issued by numerous sources, and were particularly reported on Pakistan TV networks. A peaceful and generous community had been targeted senselessly by individuals who do not value life, the most precious gift from Allah.

Navyn Naran reflects on the tragedy that has brought profound sadness to countless people. We pray that peace prevails in the entire nation of Pakistan which has seen so much sectarian violence over the past two decades. We also pray for the peace and rest of the departed souls from this tragedy, and wish everyone who was injured from this act of terror quick and complete recovery.

(Following Navyn Naran’s reflection we have provided a few external links to stories and comments about the tragedy)

Of Karimabad, A Place of Generosity

By Navyn Naran

it was a place of comfort, a quiet haven in the wood
a cove where a mother fish and her young made home,
by the bank of a trickling brook,
he found solace there in this nook.
hot it became day by day, how shallow the water and nightly he prayed,
would there be rain droplets, just some?
it rained everywhere on earth it seemed, but here in this city,
the brook was drying
the fish drew closer to the bottom.
“Rain! please rain!” his heart implored
taking a few bottles of water, near the fish he poured.
And then the beginning of the end, it came!
Bhoommm!!! Crashh! lightning cracked
the heavens opened and buckets of rain fell
he danced in his shorts, his hair flying wet around his face,
his feet drenched in his sneakers,
soaked from the lovely rain.

A mother and a child, many people.
A man finds it not easy to cry
But today men cried as bodies bled
and lives were hurt
What was the sense of the two scenes?
The boy, his heart generous, is a seesaw with yours
His action against yours.
What is the message you were sending?
A message of good? Of right? Of admiration? Of envy? Of strength?
few on this earth will agree.
People were praying!
Prayers for peace where there is conflict
For health where there is illness
For abundance where there is poverty
in those prayer halls women and men seek to better their world
in Karimabad

The Karachi Bomb Attackes

Cowards!! you are cowards, envisioning bloodshed,
tormenting your fellow-man, with nothing gained,
Just Loss.
Our Loss.
For the mothers and children, the men and women you kill
are still alive within our hearts. That,
you can never take.
‘Do not take a life’ it is said, ‘for it is like taking all mankind’.
and who will you face then, but the Face of God?

Is it fear of peace, of the goodness of humanity which sickens you?
That there could be unity amid the plurality
does that threaten your space?
Is the Aga Khan and his teaching abominable to you?
Is the education and growth despicable to you?
How will you erase the entire goodness in humanity?
How will you bow to Nature’s Hand?

For we are one…have you read ?
From one woman and one man we came, do you know?
The family you cared for is the same one you killed.
What did it benefit you?
It is in ripples, you fearful man.
It is in ripples we send an energy;
and behind us is the force of the world.
Beside us is the force of the Universe.
cast a stone into a quiet pool and see ripples form…
Fight for an ethic
befitting your home

Date posted: Thursday, August 15, 2013.
Date updated: Friday, August 16, 2013 (links to stories on the tragedy, see below)

Copyright: Navyn Naran/Simerg.

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The tragedy on external websites:

1. Victims Laid to Rest
2. So then to this now
3. Three killed in bomb blasts on I-Day Eve
4. Consecutive blasts in Karachi Jamaat Khana leaves 2 dead, 28 injured
5. Altaf Hussain condemns attacks on Ismaili Jamaat Khanas
6. Two Ismaili Shias Killed in hand grenade attack
7. Violent evening

Simerg – Insights from Around the World

Simerg is an independent initiative dedicated to Ismaili Muslims, the Aga Khan — their Hereditary Imam — and the Ismaili Imamat, and Islam in general through literary readings, photo essays and artistic expressions

Author Archives: Malik Merchant, Editor

Stories of Ismaili Volunteers: Badrudin Kurwa’s Courageous Journey to Chitral for His Nazrana (Gift) of Time and Knowledge to Mawlana Hazar Imam

Tragedy in Nairobi Brings Grief to Kenyans and People All Around the World: Pictures and Stories from the Denver Post, Al-Jazeera and the Washington Post

35 Short Readings and Messages on Didar and Imamat in Anticipation of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Visit to Bangladesh and India

Ismaili Ginan “Ek Shabada Suno Mere Bhai”, an explanation by Shiraz Pradhan, with recitation

Key links for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture Ceremony held in Lisbon on Friday, September 6, 2013

“All People Are A Single Nation” – Prince Aly Khan on Islam’s Basic Teachings and its Closeness to the Ethic of the Christian Faith

A Nikah in the Noorani Family: Prince Rahim Aga Khan Weds Ms. Kendra Salwa Spears by Navyn Naran

Stories of Ismaili Volunteers from Around the World: Spirit at Darkhana by Jalal Jaffer

EXCLUSIVE: Architect’s Statement and Photos of the Inviting New Ottawa Jamatkhana

A Reflection on the Tragedy in Karachi