“Some years back, the local Ismaili community of Shimshal constructed a small but only one of its kind building known as Farmon Khona…Today, we are witnessing the construction of new buildings…with state-of-the-art equipment and features. As a result, we are gradually forgetting the historical background and significance of such an extraordinary building.”
Pleas click for “Farmon Khona.”
“….What we admire in you above all is the fact not that you have a modernised religion, but that you have been able to integrate a modern outlook with religion so that religion has been allowed its true role which is not merely to provide an all-embracing explanation of the universe but also to furnish the fundamental solutions of the problems which life poses us…”
Please click for “Admiration for His Highness the Aga Khan”
Beginning September 15, 2012, Simerg started offering to all its Ismaili readers around the world an opportunity to submit memorials to honour and celebrate the lives of beloved members of their families who have physically departed this world. The memorials may be submitted in the form of (1) a simple short notice or (2) a tribute of up to 500 words for anyone who has passed away recently or since 1950. Please read more about this initiative by clicking on the image below.
Click for details of Simerg’s initiative to honour and celebrate Ismaili lives.
Last updated: April 11, 2020.
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TWO NEW READINGS
Fire by Mohezin Tejani
Please click for “Fire” by Mohezin Tejani
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An Opportunity of a Lifetime – Recitation of Qur’anic Verses in the Presence of His Highness the Aga Khan By Ahamed Ismail
Please click for “An Opportunity of a Lifetime” by Ahamed Ismail
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Forthcoming (in “Thanking Ismaili Historical Figures”):
The Greatness of Isma‘ili Muslim Thought: A Tribute to the School of Isma‘ili Philosophers by Khalil Andani
Baba Ismail: The First Shamsi Convert in the History of the Gupti Ismailis of Punjab
In 1910 a young man in twenties went to see the 48th Ismaili Imam, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III (1877 – 1957), in Bombay at his Walkeshwar bungalow. Fortunately, he got the opportunity to have a personal audience with the Imam of the time. When asked for the purpose of his visit, he said (in Urdu) “Ya Mawla, I am a Shamsi Ismaili from Multan and wish that Mawlana Hazar Imam give me a Muslim name…..”
On Meeting the Noorani Family – My Voyage to Europe
Please click on image for “On Meeting the Noorani Family” by Badrudin Adatia.
Other narratives:
The 1955 “Jubilee Ball” of His Highness the Aga Khan III at the Savoy
An Ismaili Youth’s Rare Moment With Imam Sultan Mahomed Shah
Yakimour 1954: A Golden Moment for an Aspiring Student
Text and photos by Malik Merchant
Editor-Publisher, www.simerg.com
Badlands National Park, South Dakota. Photo: Malik Merchant using Canon Powershot A2200.
If readers were wondering, I am making a 4500km road-trip across the continent, and will resume blog updates with highly interesting readings once I reach my destination – Vancouver. Starting my journey in Ottawa, Canada, I have covered about half the distance in just over a week. I am not rushing – enjoying the drive at my own steady pace, maintaining posted speed limits, staying overnight at various towns and cities, and taking the time to visit some important landmarks and highlights. And, of course, calling my parents and (texting) my daughter about my whereabouts.
I marvel at the excellent facilities provided at the clean “Rest Areas” just off the excellent four lane highways every 90 to 120 kms. They allow me to stretch my legs, review the town and state information panels as well as pick up brochures. Straight ahead of me – many miles away – I have witnessed the spectacle of lightning lasting an hour or so while the starry skies above me have been clear. I have been touched by the warmth of the American people. For example, in Rapid City, South Dakota, almost everyone I passed by greeted me with a smile and kind words. I shall of course write more about my trip but in the meantime enjoy a few random photos that I have been able to upload.
Chicago Skyline from a boat tour on Lake Michigan. Photo: Malik Merchant using Canon Powershot A2200.
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Looking vertically up at a skyscraper in Chicago. Photo: Malik Merchant using Canon Powershot A2200.
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Minneapolis skyline from Target Field with the Minesotta Twins game in progress which the visitors, Oakland, easily won. Photo: Malik Merchant using a Blackberry.
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Worth visiting – the Museum of Russian Art in Minneapolis. Photo: Malik Merchant using Blackberry.
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“The World’s only Corn Palace,” a uniquely American folk art icon in the rolling Prairies town of Mitchell in South Dakota. Photo: Malik Merchant. Canon Powershot A2200
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An informative panel about pigeons at a rest area. Photo: Malik Merchant using Canon Powershot A2200.
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Badlands National Park, South Dakota. Photo: Malik Merchant using Canon Powershot A2200.
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A panoramic view of the spectacular Badlands National Park, South Dakota. The stark and rugged Badlands is the result of tens of millions of years of the geologic forces of deposition and erosion. Photo: Malik Merchant using Canon Powershot A2200.
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A sheephorn easing its way through a gentle slope at Badlands National Park. These animals can climb and shoot down slopes that appear to be almost vertical. Photo: Malik Merchant using Canon Powershot A2200.
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A herd of bison at Badlands National Park. Photo: Malik Merchant using Canon Powershot A2200
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A cute wild baby rabbit at Badlands National Park. Photo: Malik Merchant using Canon Powershot A2200
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Youth at edge of a trail at Badlands National Park. Photo: Malik Merchant using Canon Powershot A2200.
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Artwork in Rapid City’s Art Alley. Photo: Malik Merchant using Canon Powershot A2200.
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Sculpture of Abraham Lincoln in Rapid City, South Dakota, a city that won Rand McNally’s most patriotic American city title. The city is also referred to as “The City of Presidents” with life-sized sculptures of all the American Presidents. Photo: Malik Merchant using Canon Powershot A2200.
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A chair in a bookstore in Rapid City with a clear message about reading. Photo: Malik Merchant using Canon Powershot A2200.
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Last year my daughter, Nurin, and I made a terrific trip to Salt Lake City and the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Please click on:
The doctrine of Imamat has been central in Shia Islam since the designation by the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.) of Hazrat Ali (a.s.) as his successor at Ghadir-Khumm. Among the various interpretations in Shia Islam, the Ismaili Muslims believe in the continuity of the Imamat through a living hereditary Imam descended from Hazrat Ali, through the prophet’s daughter Bibi Fatima (a.s). The current Imam of the Ismailis is His Highness the Aga Khan, who completes his 55th Imamat anniversary as the Ismaili community’s 49th Imam on July 11, 2012. To mark this occasion, we are pleased to provide short selections on the Imamat drawn from numerous writings of historians, theologians, philosophers and poets, Ismailis and non-Ismailis alike.
The Imamat As Depicted Through the Ages in Ismaili and non-Ismaili Writings
Feluccas on the Nile in Aswan. The ship occupies a unique position in the Islamic tradition. The Qur’an counts it among the ayat (miracles) of God and devotes twenty-eight verses enumerating its benefits to mankind. For Shaykh Khudr, a contemporary of the Ismaili Imam Nizar, Imams are the Ships of Salvation. Please click on image for numerous selections on Imamat.
“…Prince, we have witnessed and continue to witness your immense love, loyalty and respect for our beloved Hazar Imam. You continue to be an epitome of inspiration in the service of the Imam, Imamat, worldwide Jamats, greater Muslim Ummah and humanity…..
A Thank You Letter Inspired by Prince Amyn Mohammad Aga Khan’s Exceptional Service to the Imamat
Please click for ‘Thank You” Letter
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To read published letters, please click Thanking Ismaili Historical Figures
On Saturday, June 30, 2012 at 1 p.m., Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston, along with Ms. Suzanne Pinel, C.M., launched “Storytime at Rideau Hall”. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Governor General’s Literary Awards, families and visitors settled in under a tree, at a picnic table or under the tent, and read great Canadian children’s books along with Their Excellencies and Ms. Pinel. Photo: The Governor General of Canada Website.
The following few pictures well illustrate a point that His Highness the Aga Khan makes in the weekly quote shown under the Simerg banner at the top of this page about Canada’s role in the developing world.
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When Peter Mansbridge of the CBC opened his “One on One” interview (see link below) with His Highness with the remark “You must love Canada – you keep coming back here” the reply was: “I do.” The Ismaili Imam then mentioned a number of qualities that he admired about Canada:
“…First of all, it’s a pluralist society that has invested in building pluralism, where communities from all different backgrounds and faiths are happy. It’s a modern country that deals with modern issues, not running away from the tough ones. And a global commitment to values, to Canadian values, which I think are very important.”
His Highness the Aga Khan and Governor General David Johnston in a conversation at Rideau Hall on October 7th 2010. Photo: John W. MacDonald, Ottawa. Copyright.
Appropriately, to coincide with Canada Day which will be celebrated Sunday, July 1, 2012, across the country with pancake breakfasts, parades, concerts, carnivals, festivals, firework displays and citizenship ceremonies for new Canadians, Simerg brings you an insightful study by Mohib Ebrahim (profile below) entitled “His Highness the Aga Khan and Canada: A Profound Affinity – But Why Canada?” To download the article, which originally appeared on this website on October 13, 2010, please click on His Highness the Aga Khan and Canada or the following icon:
Please click to download “His Highness the Aga Khan and Canada…”
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About Mohib Ebrahim: An honours graduate of Simon Fraser University in Computer Science and Mathematics, Mohib Ebrahim has been involved in software development and the IT industry since the ’80s. Mohib is Editor and Publisher of the NanoWisdoms Archive of Imamat speeches, interviews and writings which has over 500 readings and can be found at http://www.nanowisdoms.org. A keen amateur astronomer for over 30 years, Mohib also enjoys kite flying and studying the relationship between faith and reason.
Peter Mansbridge interview: One on One: Peter Mansbridge with His Highness the Aga Khan
Simerg - Insights from Around the World 