“…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
RSVP Rice and Stew Very Plenty – Memories of Growing Up in Jinja
Please click for “Memories of Growing up in Jinja”
“….I remember vividly my trips, on Friday or Saturday mornings, to the sokoni with Ma and various of my brothers and sisters. The market…sat on a square consisting of several acres. Decrepit wooden stalls pinched against one another higgledy-piggledy. Narrow, dirt lanes meandered around and through the grounds…The bazaar-like atmosphere was intoxicating, a pulsing cacophony of sights and sounds. The air was redolent with a muddle of delectable, pungent, and sometimes revolting odours….”
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Please also visit: ESSAYS AND LETTERS
“…The Nav Chugga are our choice. In the poem, if all goes well, the inevitability is for the butterfly (or silk moth) to emerge and do its butterfly thing, remembering its delicate wings can intricately avert the forces of evil with strength of flight and purpose. Only by guidance, reflection and intention can this occur for the ruh (spirit)…”
Navyn Naran’s Ode to Pir Hasan Kabirdin – the Author of Anant Akhado and the Nav Chugga
Please click for “An Ode to Pir Hasan Kabirdin.” Image in frame is copyright Istockphoto.com.
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For series, please click Thanking Ismaili Historical Figures
“…when we arrived at the site, freshly made Bhajias were there for the taking along with chai. A lovely day it turned out to be for all those who were at the picnic. Wonderful weather, music and geets, dancing, games, great conversations, friendly farm animals, horse carriage rides, picturesque setting, shaded areas and a place to read my book!”
An Imamat Day Picnic in Canada’s Capital on Father’s Day
Please click for Imamat Day Picnic
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Previous Post: Jerusalem: A Photo Essay of the Holy City
“During the past 8 years, we have visited dozens of cities in over forty countries all around the world. We have to say that the magical quality of the Old City of Jerusalem is unsurpassable. Perhaps it is due to the glorious history of the towering stone walls and ancient buildings, or the sacred atmosphere that surrounds the holy sites of Jewish, Christian, and Moslem religions. The enchanting quality of Jerusalem may also come from the colorful markets and narrow alleyways, or from the city’s dynamic history….”
Jerusalem: A Photo Essay of the Holy City
A view of the Dome of the Rock. Please click for “Jerusalem Photo Essay.” Photo: Muslim Harji, Montreal, PQ. Copyright.
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Previous post: An Esoteric Interpretation of the Mi’raj and the Prophetic Tradition ‘I Have a Time with God’ (li ma’a Allah waqt)
Olivier Galibert: Ismaili Portraits from Tajikistan
“I have had some incredible experiences while I got all these portraits, smiles, faces… I don’t remember all the teas I have shared, neither all the meals”
Please click for “Ismaili Portraits”
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Please also click: Historical Photos: Life in the Ismaili Community (1957 – Current))
Dubai’s Jewel: The Ismaili Community’s Congregational Space
“This new Centre is itself a profoundly spiritual place. Its defining symbolism is inspired by the Fatimid tradition — stretching back over 1000 years and widely shared with sister traditions throughout the Islamic world….Just as Dubai is indeed a very special place, this is also a very special time. For me this is particularly true because this new beginning coincides with my 50th year as Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims — a Golden Jubilee moment which connects the past to the future for me and in a special way.
“And that is what this celebration today is all about — at a time of demanding challenge, we look for strength and inspiration from our spiritual and cultural roots.” – Excerpts from the speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Inauguration of The Ismaili Centre Dubai – 26 March 2008.
Please click for “Dubai’s Ismaili Gem”
Please also click: THE JAMATKHANA
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Note: The post is now in the Essays and Letters category; please click: An Ismaili Reflects on the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II
Please click on image for article.
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Previous post: An Englishman Reflects on the Nature of Imam Ali
Please click: An Englishman Reflects on the Nature of Imam Ali
“….No one could ever doubt the devotion with which Ali held Muhammad and the many bonds that connected them: Ali was the Prophet’s cousin, the Prophet’s son-in-law, the Prophet’s first male believer, the father of the Prophet’s only male grandchildren, the Prophet’s most intimate disciple and the first heroic warrior champion of Islam. Ali had also served the Prophet as an army commander, missionary, diplomat and administrative secretary…..”
This is an image of Nurin Merchant’s mixed media canvas painting titled “Nature of Prayer.” Secured on the 14″ x 10″ canvas with strong glue are a handmade Tasbih (prayer beads), and 3 dried leaves bearing the Arabic inscriptions of Allah, Ali, and Muhammad. The whole piece represents prayer through the invocation of these names. Copyright: Nurin Merchant. Please click for Barnaby Rogerson’s article.
Previous post: Readings for the Birth Anniversary of Hazrat Ali (a.s.): Kalam-i Mawla, Nahj al-Balaghah for Young People, and more @Simerg
