A Canadian on a visit to China pens a letter upon celebrating Eid al-Fitr at the Huaisheng mosque in Guangzhou, China’s third largest city….Click to Read More
Muslims at the Eid al Fitr prayers at the Huasheing mosque on Thursday, August 8, 2013. Photo: Zulfikar Mulji. Please click for letter from China.
EID MUBARAK
Conceptual image for the holy month of Ramadan and Eid ul Fitr. Photo: Istockphoto. Copyright.
In some parts of the Muslim world, the actual sighting of the new or crescent moon determines the end of the month of Ramadan, whilst other Muslim bodies such as the Fiqh Council of North America determine the end of the month based on “scientifically guaranteed astronomical calculations.” According to a statement released by the Fiqh Council, the new moon was going to be visible with a telescope in California on Wednesday August 7, and Eid ul-Fitr would be celebrated on Thursday, August 8, the first day of the month of Shawwal. Newspapers from India such as the Deccan Herald reported the sighting of the crescent moon over places such as Kapad beach, near Kozhikode in Kerala, yesterday, Wednesday August 7 and announced that Eid ul-Fitr would take take place on Thursday, August 8. Kuwait, Jordan and Palestine are marking Eid on Thursday while Oman and Pakistan are expected to observe it on Friday.
Thus over a 1000 million Muslims around the world will be celebrating Eid on Thursday or on Friday August 9th, based on the method used to determine the end of Ramadan. In any case bakeries, confectionaries and toy shops have been witnessing heavy rush of customers as Muslims started preparing for the two-day Eid festival. In Srinagar, Kashmir, where Eid is to be expected to be observed on Friday shopping outlets dealing with clothing including kids-wear, perfumes and footwear have started seeing brisk sales from early in the morning.
A new moon at Mackerricher State Park, California, USA. Photo: Istockphoto. Copyright.
The festival of Eid, also known as Bairam or Eid Ramadan is one of the most joyous days in the Islamic calendar. It is an occasion for celebration and rejoicing for Allah’s Bounty upon mankind for His revelation of the Qur’an during the holy month of Ramadan.
It is also a time for individuals to express their gratitude to Allah for having given them the strength, courage and resilience to complete the fast, and thus fulfilling the duty enjoined upon them by Allah.
The festival begins with a festive prayer (Salatul-Fitr) with all the believers congregating at mosques and jamatkhanas. It is also an occasion for socializing and meeting with other Muslims and for fostering a sense of brotherhood and unity amongst the community (ummah). After the communal prayer, families gather together at home with relatives and friends and participate in exchanging gifts and partaking a meal.
Rows of worshippers gather in neat rows facing Mecca in front of the mosque at the Taj Mahal to celebrate the Muslim festival of Eid ul-Fitr in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. Eid is the muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. Photo: Istockphoto. October 2, 2008. Copyright.
We convey our heartiest felicitations and Eid Mubarak to all our readers as well as Muslims around the world, with the fervent hope and prayer that peace and harmony will soon prevail over many areas of the Muslim world afflicted by horrible conflicts, which are resulting in the loss of lives and contributing to unbearable hardships and struggles. The Islamic ethic of forgiveness, generosity, and peaceful co-existence and unity through dialogue are keys by which conflicts can be resolved, whereby every Muslim can aspire for a life of material and spiritual well-being and happiness.
Date posted: Wednesday, August 7, 2013.
Date updated: Thursday, August 8, 2013
The 2008 Golden Jubilee Games held in Kenya to commemorate His Highness the Aga Khan’s 50th Imamat anniversary ranks among the most ambitious events staged by the Ismaili community in recent years, and its success is due to the tireless efforts and sacrifices of some 1,200 volunteers from around the world. Mohib Ebrahim takes a look behind the scenes and uncovers the story of the volunteers that made the Games in Kenya such a resounding success….Click Volunteers, the Unsung Heroes
Please click for article
Previous post in Simerg’s special series on Ismaili volunteers: Rajabali Mecklai, 85, Serves the Vancouver Ismailis and Community at Large with Dedication and Distinction
To contribute, see Ismaili Volunteers and their Stories of Service – A Special New Series for Simerg’s 4th Anniversary
Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s) received his first revelation from Allah through Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) in the Hira cave which is on Jabl al Nur (Mount of Light) shown in this photo. The peak is visible from a great distance. The Prophet used to climb this mountain often even before receiving his fist revelation from Allah.
A photo of Cave of Hira in the Mount of Light, near Mecca, where the Prophet would come for his devotions and meditations, and the sacred spot where the Holy Quran began to be revealed. Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.) had just stepped into the forty-first year of his life, when during the 23rd night in the month of Ramadan the first 5 verses of the Surah Al-Alaq (96) were revealed to him.
A close-up of the Cave of Hira. The small cave is about 3.5 meters long and 2 meters wide. It was Prophet Muhammad’s most adorable place for meditation.
Part of Al-Alaq (The Clot) – 96th sura of the Holy Qur’an – the first revelation received by Prophet Muhammad
When Prophet Muhammad was 40 years old, he received his first divine revelation from Allah through Angel Jibreel. When Angel Jibreel appeared to him, he said:
Recite: In the Name of thy Lord who created,
created, Man of a blood-clot.
Recite: And thy Lord is the Most Generous,
who taught by the Pen,
taught Man that he knew not…..Holy Qur’an, Al-Alaq, 96:1-5
The night of this first revelation is celebrated as Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power).
Date posted: Tuesday, July 30, 2013.
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Article and photos prepared from the following sources:
1. Wikipedia.org
2. Mecca.net
3. English Translation of the Qur’anic verses by Arthur John Arberry.
Please see related post: Laylat al-Qadr – A Night Better than a Thousand Months
Compiled by Simerg
with contributions from Karima Maghraby
In his Khamsa, Shab-i Qadr (the Night of Power), the renowned Persian poet Amir Khusraw Dihlavi (d. 1325 CE) tells the story of a saint who made a failed attempt to stay awake until the Laylat al-Qadr. This image is taken from a folio in the Aga Khan Museum collection; the Toronto museum is due to open in 2014. Photo: Courtesy of the Aga Khan Museum
Laylat al-Qadr is the auspicious night when the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.) first received the revelation of the Holy Qur’an, thereby conferring upon him the mantle of prophet hood at the age of forty.
The Shia Ismaili Muslims observe Laylat al-Qadr on the 23rd night of Ramadan, in keeping with traditions received through Hazrat Ali (a.s.) and his wife Hazrat Bibi Fatimah (a.s.), and the Imams of the Fatimid dynasty. It is a night of special prayer, reflection and remembrance of Allah.
The following verses from the Holy Qur’an describe the loftiness of this night and articulate the importance of the final revealed scripture to mankind:
“Lo! We revealed it on the Night of Power. What will convey unto you what the Night of Power is! The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. The angels and the spirit descend therein, by the permission of their Lord, with all decrees. Peace it is until the rising of the dawn.” — 94:5
“(This is) a Scripture which We have revealed unto you (Muhammad) that thereby you may bring forth mankind from darkness unto light, by the permission of their Lord, unto the path of the Mighty, the Owner of Praise” — 14:01
“And celebrate the name of thy Lord morning and evening. And part of the night, prostrate thyself to Him; and glorify Him a long night through. As to these, they love the fleeting life, and put away behind them a Day (that will be) hard.” — 76:25-27
“We sent it down during a Blessed Night” — 44:3
“Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong)” — 2:185
Hazrat Mawlana Murtaza Ali (a.s.) the successor of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s) to the throne of Imamat is quoted as having said:
“Do not remember God absent-mindedly, nor forget Him in distraction; rather, remember Him with perfect remembrance (dhikran kamilan), a remembrance in which your heart and tongue are in harmony, and what you conceal conforms with what you reveal.” — quoted in Justice and Remembrance, Introducing the Spirituality of Imam Ali, by Reza Shah Kazemi, p. 162.
Date posted: Sunday, July 28, 2013
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Readers will be interested in a recently published piece on this blog, Assessing English Translations of the Qur’an, and Links to Translations on the Internet by Khaleel Mohammed (USA)
A collection of additional literary readings and essays inspired by the Holy Qur’an:
The Noble Qur’an – An Inexhaustible Well-Spring of Inspiration and Knowledge by His Highness the Aga Khan
Literary Reading: Fatimid Scientist, Al Hazen, Inspired by the Spirit of the Qur’an
The Story of Noah’s Ark in the Holy Qur’an
The Parable of Moses and Khidr in the Holy Qur’an: An Esoteric Interpretation
In the Beginning….The Qur’an and Muslim Thinkers on Creation
Literary Reading: Some Considerations of the Term ‘Imam’ in the Holy Qur’an
Historical Images: The Blue Qur’an from the Fatimid Period, “A Very Spiritual Piece”
A “Thank You” Letter to the Makers of the Blue Qur’an
The Birth of Jesus and the Status of Mary in the Qur’an
Historical Images: President Thomas Jefferson’s Copy of the Qur’an
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We welcome feedback/letters from our readers. Your feedback may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation. We are unable to acknowledge unpublished letters. Please visit the Simerg Home page for links to articles posted most recently. For links to articles posted on this Web site since its launch in March 2009, please click What’s New.
This photo piece at Simergphotos serves two purposes: A fond memory and reflection of the old Jamatkhana at 991 Carling Avenue, which served the Ismaili community in Ottawa for twenty-six years, and a tribute to a great new building at 3225 Conroy Road which became operational as the new Jamatkhana on Friday, July 19, 2013 with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an.
Photo Essay: Ismaili Muslims Open a Beautiful New Jamatkhana in Canada’s Capital
The foyer of Ottawa’s new Jamatkhana which was declared open on Friday July 19, 2013. Please click for photo essay.
Rajabali Mecklai served in numerous capacities as a volunteer both in Uganda and Canada for many years but he registered as a badged Ismaili volunteer over 30 years ago. His late wife, Maleksultan, was a motivating force of his volunteering activities. She passed away in Vancouver’s downtown Drake Jamatkhana at the call of prayer on Friday, August 16 1996. Rajabali’s deep affection and closeness to Maleksultan is shown by the love letters he wrote in her memory, many of which he shares with his friends and youth of the Jamat….Read more of this first piece in Simerg’s new series
Please click for article on Rajabali Mecklai, the first piece in Simerg’s special series on Ismaili Volunteers from Around the World. Image: Simerg.
Please contribute your stories, see STORIES OF ISMAILI VOLUNTEERS.
Two Quotes
1. THE ROLE OF MAWLANA HAZAR IMAM
Historically and in accordance with Ismaili tradition, the Imam of the time is concerned with spiritual advancement as well as improvement of the quality of life of his murids. The imam’s ta‘lim lights the murid’s path to spiritual enlightenment and vision. In temporal matters, the Imam guides the murids, and motivates them to develop their potential…..Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Karim al Hussaini, His Highness Prince Aga Khan, in direct lineal descent from the Holy Prophet (s.a.s.) through Hazrat Mawlana Ali (a.s.) and Hazrat Bibi Fatima (a.s), is the Forty-Ninth Imam of the Ismaili Muslims….Clauses (F) and (G) of the Preamble of the Ismaili Constitution ordained in 1986 [1].
2. IMAM – A COSMIC NECESSITY
Imam is the Threshold through which God and the creatures communicate; Imam is a Cosmic Necessity and the earth cannot be devoid of an Imam – without an Imam the earth and the universe would crumble; The Imam is the Proof, the Manifestation and the Organ of God and he is the Means by which human beings can attain the knowledge of God — Excerpt from The Divine Guide in Early Shi’ism by Mohamad Ali Amir-Moezzi, pp 125-131, SUNY, 1994.
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Links to Six Readings
1. THE TERM IMAM IN THE HOLY QUR’AN
The term Imam is used seven times in the singular and five times in the plural form in the Holy Qur’an. It is not, however, used in the same sense every time. The different shades of meaning which it indicates therefore needs to be analysed….CLICK TO READ MORE
2. THE FORMULATION OF THE DOCTRINE OF IMAMAT
Like his father and grandfather before him, Imam Ja’far remained politically quiescent and inactive…..it was in this period of political inactivity – to an extent – that the main religious ideas and doctrinal formation of Imamate concepts really crystallised….CLICK TO READ MORE
3. THE DOCTRINE OF IMAMAT DURING THE FATIMID PERIOD
The central doctrine of the Ismaili community has always been the doctrine of Imamat because around it are built all the goals of the community and the roles of the dais, but this doctrine is also not rigid, it has been evolving, particularly in the writings and preachings of the dais….CLICK TO READ MORE
4. IMAMAT IN ISMAILI GINANIC LITERATURE
According to the Ginans the Imam is the source of Guidance for mankind. He shows them the right path, saves the people from ignorance and acts as a Divine Light in the darkness….CLICK TO READ MORE
5. THE NUR (LIGHT) OF IMAMAT
What is this special light that Allah refers to [in Holy Qur’an 4:174], which guides and makes things clear? For Shia Muslims, this light is the Light of Imamat. The Shias refer to it as the Nur of Imamat. Nur means light. The Nur of Imamat is a spiritual light….CLICK TO READ MORE
6. LOVE FOR THE IMAM
“Say (O Muhammad): No reward do I ask (for my favours) except your love for my kith and kin” – Holy Qur’an, 42:23
“He who loves us will be with us on the Day of Judgement” – Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq….CLICK TO READ MORE
Date posted: Thursday, July 11, 2013.
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Reference:
[1] Please click The Preamble of “The Constitution of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims”
Introduced by Malik Merchant
Editor, www.simerg.com
The 2013 Send an Imamat Day eCard feature by The Ismaili, the official website of the worldwide Ismaili Muslim community, includes a wonderful collection of images of Ismaili Jamatkhanas, including those of the five high profile Ismaili centres.
Simerg launched The Jamatkhana series as part of its 2nd anniversary in 2011, and we are pleased to create this post, and incorporate it into the series. The images and captions shown below are taken from the Ismaili greeting card collection, and the links included with each image will take you to some excellent and informative pieces about the respective Jamatkhana at the Ismaili website.
On the auspicious occasion of the 56th Imamat Day Anniversary of the 49th Ismaili Imam, the editor of Simerg wishes Ismailis all over the world Imamat Day Mubarak, and prays for everyone’s peace, barakah and success in all walks of life, and for spiritual enlightenment under the guidance of the Imam of the Time, Noor Mawlana Sha Karim al-Hussaini Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan.
THE ISMAILI CENTRE, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
The Ismaili Centre, London is a multi-purpose facility established by Mawlana Hazar Imam for the Jamat’s cultural, educational, religious and social activities. Opened in 1985 by the then British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, the Centre was the first in the Western world to have been built specifically to the community’s requirements. In 2010, the Ismaili Centre, London celebrated the 25th anniversary of its opening, with, amongst other events, a tea party attended by Mawlana Hazar Imam and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.
» Click here to learn more about the London Ismaili Centre
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RAWAT III JAMATKHANA, GILGIT-BALTISTAN, PAKISTAN
Part of a seismically unstable zone that is prone to earthquakes, floods, landslides and droughts, Pakistan’s northern region has long been home to a significant Ismaili population. Several new purpose-built jamatkhana projects blend traditional building with new disaster-resistant techniques. From design and construction to finished product, the new structures offer a model to uplift the quality of habitat throughout the region.
» Click here to learn more about the Rawat Jamatkhana
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THE ISMAILI CENTRE, DUSHANBE, TAJIKISTAN
The Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe was opened on 12 October 2009 by His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, and Mawlana Hazar Imam. It is the first such Centre in Central Asia — a region that has been home to Ismaili Muslims for more than a thousand years. The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Dushanbe, Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloev, senior government officials, diplomats, scholars and leaders of faith communities. Representatives of the Ismaili community from around the world were also present.
» Click here to learn more about the Dushanbe Ismaili Centre
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THE ISMAILI CENTRE, LISBON, PORTUGAL
Inaugurated on 11 July 1998, the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon established, for the first time in continental Europe, a permanent place of gathering for Ismaili Muslims. The Centre’s Jamatkhana is complemented by premises for the social, cultural and economic development institutions of the Aga Khan Development Network, serving people of all faiths, backgrounds and origins.
» Click here to learn more about the Lisbon Ismaili Centre
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ISMAILI JAMATKHANA, LAHORE, PAKISTAN
The Ismaili presence in Punjab can be traced back at least a thousand years to Fatimid times, when Multan was a major centre for the Jamat. Nestled along Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan Road, the Ismaili Jamatkhana Lahore is the first modern facility to be purpose-built for the Jamat in that city. Rooted in tradition and heritage, the Jamatkhana symbolises centuries of the Jamat’s presence in the region, and its continuity in a land steeped in the many interpretations and practices of Islam.
» Click here to learn more about the Lahore Jamatkhana
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THE ISMAILI CENTRE, DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
The Ismaili Centre, Dubai is a complex of creative spaces for contemplative, cultural, educational and recreational purposes, designed to encourage understanding and the sharing of wisdom from many perspectives. It was opened on 26 March 2008 as part of the commemoration of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee. The Centre draws on spiritual and intellectual roots that give it contemporary resonance. Its courtyards, gardens and watercourses, set amidst interlinking interiors, propose a harmony of tradition and timelessness.
» Click here to learn more about the Dubai Ismaili Centre
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THE ISMAILI CENTRE, BURNABY, CANADA
The Ismaili Centre in Burnaby, a tree-lined suburb of Greater Vancouver, is the first such centre to be purpose-built by the Ismaili Muslim community in Canada. The site was acquired in 1979, and a firm led by the well-known Vancouver architect Bruno Freschi, was commissioned to prepare the plans for the building. In August 1985, the Centre was opened by Canada’s then Prime Minister Brian Mulroney in the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam. This year, the Centre is marking its 25th anniversary.
» Click here to learn more about the Burnaby Ismaili Centre
To send a personalized card, please click Send an Imamat Day eCard.
Date posted: Wednesday, July 10, 2013.
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Another version: For 56th Imamat Anniversary, Magnificent and Unique Historical Portraits of His Highness the Aga Khan
Compiled by Malik Merchant
(Publisher-Editor, Simerg and Simergphotos)
MAWLANA HAZAR IMAM, HIS HIGHNESS THE AGA KHAN
A portrait of the new 49th Ismaili Imam taken shortly after he succeeded his late grandfather to the throne of Imamat on July 11, 1957 at the age of twenty. A framed portrait of the late 48th Imam who served the community for 72 years is seen in the background. Photo by Philippe Le Tellier/Paris Match via Getty Images. Copyright. Please click on image for full enlargement.
THE WILL OF IMAM MAWLANA SULTAN MAHOMED SHAH, THE 48TH IMAM
“Ever since the time of my first ancestor Ali, the first Imam, that is to say over a period of thirteen hundred years it has always been the tradition of our family that each Imam chooses his successor at his absolute and unfettered discretion from amongst any of his descendants whether they be sons or remoter male issue.
This thoughtful study of the late 48th Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah was done in clay by his late wife, the Begum Aga Khan. Image by © Bettmann/CORBIS. Please click for enlargement.
“In view of the fundamentally altered conditions in the world in very recent years due to the great changes which have taken place including the discoveries of atomic science I am convinced that it is in the best interests of the Shia Moslem Ismailian Community that I should be succeeded by a young man who has been brought up and developed during recent years and in the midst of the new age and who brings a new outlook on life to his office as Imam.
The late 48th Ismaili Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah, seated on a wheelchair, is pictured with members of his family including his successor, Prince Karim Aga Khan, standing at extreme right. Photo: Zul Khoja Collection, Ottawa.
“I appoint my grandson Karim, the son of my son Aly Salomone Khan to succeed to the title of Aga Khan and to be the Imam and Pir of all my Shia Ismailian followers.”….His Highness the Aga Khan III.
SUCCESSION AND THE NATURE OF IMAMAT
One of the several ceremonial installations of the 49th Imam that took place around the world. This photo is from the installation (Takht Nashini) that took place in Kampala, Uganda.
“…the [installation] ceremony is a public installation of the Imam. The Ismailis pay homage to the Imam and that is when you are recognised by the world at large as the Imam. Officially as soon as one Imam passes away, his successor takes on from the very minute the Imam has passed away.” — His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan [1]
A TRIBUTE TO THE 48TH IMAM, AND THE NEW IMAM’S DEDICATION
Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, His Highness the Aga Khan (1877-1957), direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s) and 48th Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims. He ruled the Ismailis for 72 years. Photo: Copyright National Portrait Gallery, London.
“My grandfather dedicated his life to the Imamat and Islam, both of which came first, and above all other considerations. While I was prepared that one day I might be designated the Aga Khan I did not expect it so soon. I follow a great man in a great responsibility and he could have given me no more appreciated honour than to bequeath me this spiritual leadership. My life, as his, will be dedicated to the service of my followers.”….His Highness the Aga Khan.
DEDICATION FULFILLED
“The closer you come the more you will see him.” A pixel snapshot from a digital portrait of His Highness the Aga Khan representing some of his activities as the 49th Imam of Ismaili Muslims. Please click for enlargement. Copyright: Akber Kanji, Toronto, Canada.
THE LOVE FOR THE IMAM OF THE TIME
Ismaili girls in Central Asia proudly and lovingly display a decorated frame holding a photo of their beloved 49th Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan. Please click for enlargement. Photo: Matthieu Paley. Copyright.
In all four ages,
I went about,
looking hard.
I found none
to match you, my lord.My lord,
my heart is fond of you. [2]~~~
MAWLANA HAZAR IMAM, HIS HIGHNESS THE AGA KHAN
A portrait of the new 49th Ismaili Imam taken shortly after he succeeded his late grandfather to the throne of Imamat on July 11, 1957 at the age of twenty. A framed portrait of the late 48th Imam who served the community for 72 years is seen in the background. Photo by Philippe Le Tellier/Paris Match via Getty Images. Copyright. Please click on image to enlarge
Date posted: Monday, July 9, 2013.
© All photos are Copyright by the respective copyright owners. Reproduction strictly prohibited without licensing agreement(s) from the copyright sources mentioned in the photo captions.
For an extra-ordinary version of this photo essay please visit our sister blog Simergphotos. Please click For 56th Imamat Anniversary, Magnificent and Unique Historical Portraits of His Highness the Aga Khan
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References:
[1] http://www.nanowisdoms.org/nwblog/10260/
[2] Verse 3 translation of Saiyad Imamshah’s ginan Sahebaji tun more mana bhave, from “A Scent of Sandalwood” by Dr. Aziz Esmail
For other Imamat related readings including an explanation of the Munajat recited during Imamat Day please click on the following links:
We welcome feedback/letters from our readers. Please use the LEAVE A REPLY box which appears below. Your feedback may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation. We are unable to acknowledge unpublished letters. Please visit the Simerg Home page for links to articles posted most recently. For links to articles posted on this Web site since its launch in March 2009, please click What’s New.
