A very small town by the name of Amir Pir is the setting for a photo essay about the town’s Ismaili connection going back 170 years to the 46th Ismaili, Shah Hasan Ali Shah, Aga Khan I (a.s.). Gulshan Chunara and Salina Hasan respectively provide the text and photos for this intriguing historical piece…Click for Photos
Imam Ali Shah (a.s.), Aga Khan II, residence. Photo: Salina Hasan. Copyright. Please click on image for photo essay.
Location of Hangzhou in the People’s Republic of China. Map: Wikipedia
“What I propose to discuss with you is how cultural heritage can itself be a “trampoline” for social and economic development, in the same way that agriculture, water resources, power supplies or transportation systems have traditionally been perceived. Even in settings of abject poverty, cultural legacies, though once dormant, can become powerful catalysts for change.” — His Highness the Aga Khan, May 15, 2013, UNESCO Conference, Hangzhou, China.
A large international delegation at the opening ceremony of the International Conference on “Culture: Key to Sustainable Development” in Hangzhou, capital of east China’s Zhejiang Province, May 15, 2013. Photo: Xinhua/Xu Yu. http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/781768.shtml
“Culture is what makes us who we are, it gives us strength, and it provides answers to many of the challenges we face today,” said the Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, as her organization and China announced earlier this month an international congress on culture, which is now underway in Hangzhou, China.
Delegates attend the International Conference on “Culture: Key to Sustainable Development” in Hangzhou, capital of east China’s Zhejiang Province, May 15, 2013. The three-day conference kicked off here on Wednesday, May 15, 2003. His Highness the Aga Khan is seen second from right. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)
The congress which began on May 15 for 3 days has brought together some 450 policymakers, leaders from development institutions, representatives of the private sector, civil society, academia, and the arts, and is expected to provide substantive input to the discussions on the framework for the post-2015 development agenda.
“The goal is to inspire Governments, civil society, businesses and communities to harness the power of culture in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges,” UNESCO said in its brief.
His Highness the Aga Khan in addressing the congress said, “UNESCO is to be saluted for keeping the work of cultural development high on the international agenda,” His Highness was received by Her Excellency Madame Liu Yandong, Vice-Premier of the People’s Republic of China (link to press release and speech given at end of post).
His Highness the Aga Khan, second from right, gave the keynote address at the International Conference on “Culture: Key to Sustainable Development” in Hangzhou, capital of East China’s Zhejiang Province, May 15, 2013. Photo: Xinhua/Xu Yu. See http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/781768.shtml
During her meeting with the UNESCO chief, the Chinese Vice Premier had said that education, science and culture were high on the agenda of the new Chinese government, and explained that China aspires to “provide people with better education, better living conditions, more satisfying jobs, better medical services and a better environment for people to live in. This aspiration is closely related to what you are doing in UNESCO.”
This was underscored by His Highness the Aga Khan in his address when he said, “I also want to recognise the important work that China has been doing, in cooperation with UNESCO and through its own advances in cultural development.”
The congress host city of Hangzhou has been a significant cultural center in Chinese history. It is considered as a UNESCO Creative City for Crafts & Folk Art, and is home to the West Lake Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Montage of various Hangzhou images. This UNESCO Creative City for Crafts & Folk Art is home to the West Lake Cultural Landscape, a World Heritage Site. Photo: Wikipedia.
With its mist-covered hills, willow-lined banks and ancient pagodas, pavilions, gardens and ornamental trees, as well as causeways and artificial islands, Hangzhou’s idealized, classic landscapes were conceived in an effort to manifest the perfect fusion, and harmony, between man and nature. The area has inspired famous poets, scholars and artists since the 9th century.
Date posted: Wednesday, May 15, 2013.
Post compiled by Simerg.
_______________
To read press release as well as complete speech of His Highness the Aga Khan, please click AKDN – The Aga Khan Speaks at UNESCO China Conference.
LAILA LOKHANDWALLA
It is with deep regret and sorrow that we announce the passing of Laila Lokhandwalla in Toronto, Canada, on Sunday May 5, 2013 at the age of 55. Our heartfelt condolences go to Ms. Lokhandwalla’s family and friends, and we pray for the eternal peace and rest of Laila’s soul. Her funeral ceremonies took place at the Scarborough Jamatkhana on Thursday, May 9th, with special religious ceremonies for the departed soul later during the evening at the Headquarters Jamatkhana.
Laila Lokhandwalla was born and raised in India. Following her graduation in the early 1980’s from the Institute of Ismaili Studies in London, England, Laila moved to Canada where she served with the Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board for a number of years. She obtained her B.A. in Sociology from York University, Toronto, and thereafter, her graduate level Certificate in Teaching ESL, from George Brown College, Toronto. Professionally she was a teacher of ESL (English as a Second Language).
An articulate and engaging teacher as well as an Alwaeza (missionary), Laila also wrote beautiful and stirring poetry. Several of her poems and writings were published in Ismaili literary magazines around the world, including the flagship quarterly periodical Ilm published by the UK Ismaili Tariqah Board. In many of her poems, she sought to capture her immense love, affection and devotion to Mawlana Hazar Imam (His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims).
Following the completion of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee, Laila penned a special poem “Reflections of the Golden Jubilee” which was published on this website, along with a personal statement expressing her fondness for writing.
We pay our respect and tribute to Laila Lokhandwalla by re-publishing some of her pieces below, and invite the readers to also click on A Spring Poem for Shah Karim. We begin though with reflections about Laila from her former colleagues at the Institute of Ismaili Studies.
~~~
From Mumtaz Virani, Toronto
Further to the above sad announcement about Laila, I would like to inform readers that a collection of Laila’s poems that has been published is available on-line at the following link: http://thewisdomofourhearts.com/.
Laila had been a bright student during her school career. She had inherited melodious voice from her mother who used to sing at the radio station in 1960’s in India. Laila had a special flair for arts and culture and had a strong command on English language because of her convent education.
She loved music and dancing. We witnessed her Kathak dance presentations at the parties during our student days at the Institute of Ismaili Studies in early 80’s. When in good spirit she was a well rounded person and it was easy to fall in love with her.
We pray that her soul may rest in peace. Ameen.
* * *
From Alnoor B. Kassam
At heart, Laila was one of a kind… a flower ripe for He Who Is, departed at our loss, well before her time… Her effervescence of mind was known only to those who’d sat with her during sessions of learning. How she challenged anyone shy of intellectual rigour, and yet was always keen to adapt to innovative trends of thought! Hers was a life we may thus celebrate.
Sure, there were challenges. She bore them with grace. And we know that Allah SubhaanaHu wa Ta’ala is Gracious, and He has now bestowed her with liberation of spirit. As it says in the Qur’an ash-Sharif, those who have passed on are even more alive than we are in this world, only we lack capacity in that we neither sense nor fathom it…
Her zeal each time we had an IIS alumni conference will be held in fond memory. Her intellectual honesty coupled with dedication to her vocation, was just as remarkable as it was sincere.
May she have well earned rest, in eternal peace, grace and blessing…
Please also see comments.
~~~
By Laila Lokhandwalla
I have been writing poetry in English since childhood. I started out with writing devotional poems in praise of Mawlana Hazar Imam (His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th Imam of Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims), but I now have a collection of more than forty poems on various subjects, including politics, women’s and social issues as well as inspirational poems and poems celebrating nature. Besides poems, I have also written some geets (devotional songs set to music), in praise of Hazar Imam, in Gujarati and Urdu. I sometimes also write poetry in Gujarati and Urdu. However, most of my literary work is in the English language.
The love of religion, philosophy and social work, besides of course the pure love of language, especially the English language, have resulted in the poetry that has literally poured out of my soul. I have never really had to make an effort to write poetry. It has always automatically poured forth from my very being whenever I have been moved by anything in life. My poetry is the result of my life experiences and my feelings and thoughts on whatever I have experienced and lived.
_______________
By Laila Lokhandwalla
The sun dawned in the East and slowly but surely,
Lighted up every corner of the globe, in stages, successively,
The earth looked like a newly wedded bride in its enlightened décor,
Even as my Mawla was visiting Jamats, scattered across the globe, one after another,
Illuminating hearts and sparking minds, spreading joy and enlightenment,
Bringing prosperity and progress, breeding hope and encouragement…
This was indeed a special dawn…the dawn of a golden era,
The celebration of the Golden Jubilee of my beloved Mawla!
Excitement within, the tempo building,
Hearts in unison, merrily dancing…
Celebrating in a multitude of ways,
These unique, precious, historic days!
Canada launches several projects new,
To commemorate and celebrate this event…
And to their Imam, their vows they renew,
Pledging love and loyalty with this golden advent!
The Aga Khan Museum and for Pluralism – The Global Centre,
The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat and The Ismaili Centre,
In their wake, planning a renewal,
A renaissance: cultural, social, intellectual and spiritual!
What exciting times, the future seems bright in prospect,
How immense the bounties, the blessings of the Imamat!
Could this be real, I am moved,
May I help build this future, as I am encouraged?
For that’s not all, there’s more to come…
My Imam directs, these things must be done:
Poverty must be eliminated,
Seniors must be supported,
Education and Religious Education, quality should reflect,
And walls that divide, must be replaced with bridges that unite…
Witnessing these times, I am blessed, I am thinking…
Even as I see the sun setting,
Slowly also setting upon this golden time…
Yet, the hope, the courage, the happiness, does not seem to dim!
The impact was so strong,
The memory shall linger on…
Forever more, to fuel energies and to inspire,
As to accomplish tasks and resolutions pledged, we thus aspire.
Spiritually renewed, yet humbled by all these graces,
I fall into a prayerful ecstasy, my heart races…
“Shukran, shukran, shukran”, repeats my inner soul’s voice,
In a rhythm that is endless and continuous…
For I envisage my Mawla, you’ve opened up the doors graciously,
To ever-increasing happiness and prosperity, endlessly…
Shukranalhamdulillah!
Date posted: Tuesday May 7, 2013
Date updated: Saturday, May 11, 2013.
_______________
We welcome your messages and feedback. Please complete the comments box below or send your an email to simerg@aol.com.
PLEASE CLICK: Remarks by Highness the Aga Khan at the International Forum Against Human Trafficking Held in Luxor, Egypt
Ten years after the Palermo Protocol, top world personalities convened from December 10-12, 2010, in an International Forum in Luxor, Egypt, to outline a roadmap for ending human trafficking. The Forum was organized by End Human Trafficking Now! and The Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN.GIFT).
His Highness the Aga Khan delivering the Opening Remarks during the Award Ceremony
“I am convinced that, over time, the most effective weapon to combat human trafficking will be civil society’s rejection of these vile activities” — His Highness the Aga Khan
As part of this initiative the 49th Ismaili Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, was among those in the jury (see photo, below) who presented the first-ever award in history to recognize a business executive‘s energy and commitment in tackling human trafficking.
Members of the Jury attending the Award Ceremony (Luxor, 12 December 2010): HRH Princess Mathilde of Belgium, HH the Aga Khan, Mr. Antonio Maria Costa, Mr. Bjørn Haugland, Mr. Georg Kell.
The Ismaili Imam also delivered opening remarks at this forum, which are now been incorporated into our original piece Aga Khan in Prestigious Jury for First-Ever Business Leader’s Award to Fight Human Trafficking.
Date posted: Sunday, May 5, 2013.
PRINCE RAHIM AGA KHAN – A BRIEF PROFILE
His Highness the Aga Khan and his oldest son Prince Rahim touring the Sosuco sugar factory in Banfora, Burkina Faso. – Photo: AKDN/Gary Otte
Date and place of birth: October 12, 1971, Geneva, Switzerland.
Relationship to His Highness the Aga Khan, 49th Ismaili Imam: Prince Rahim Aga Khan is His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan’s second of four children, the others being older sister Princess Zahra and younger brothers Prince Hussain Aga Khan (all three born to Begum Salimah Aga Khan) and Prince Aly Muhammad (born to Princess Inaara Aga Khan).
Post Secondary Education and Specialization:
(1) 1996 – Bachelor of Arts, Comparative Literature, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island;
(2) 2006 – Executive Development Programme, Management and Administration, University of Navarra IESE Business School, Barcelona, Spain.
Current Responsibilities: Executive Director of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED); Executive Director at the Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance(AKAM).
His Highness the Aga Khan presents Prince Rahim Aga Khan to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper at the Foundation Ceremony of the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre being constructed in Toronto. Prince Hussain Aga Khan is seen at left. Photo: AKDN/Gary Otte.
Based at the Secretariat of His Highness the Aga Khan at Aiglemont, north of Paris, France, Prince Rahim is an executive Director of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) — the economic development arm of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). He also serves as an Executive Director at the Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance (AKAM).
His Highness the Aga Khan presents his brother Prince Amyn and his son Prince Rahim to Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, who welcomed them to Buckingham Palace during the Golden Jubilee of His Highness. Photo: AKDN/Gary Otte
A graduate of Brown University, Rhode Island, USA with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Comparative Literature awarded in 1996, Prince Rahim received his secondary education at Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts. In 2006, Prince Rahim completed an executive development programme in Management and Administration at the University of Navarra IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain. Prince Rahim travels regularly to Asia and Africa to oversee the industrial plants, hotel properties and financial institutions, including microfinance programmes, of the Aga Khan Development Network.
His Highness the Aga Khan, center, with his son Prince Rahim and daughter Princess Zahra overlooking the entrance hall of the Ismaili Centre Dubai from the balcony above on the opening day on March 26, 2008. Photo: AKDN/Gary Otte.
The engagement of Prince Rahim to Ms Kendra Spears, of Seattle, Washington USA, was announced on Friday, April 26, 2013, to the joy of Ismailis around the world, who celebrated the news with sherbet and cake.
~~~~~~~
On 26 April 2013, His Highness the Aga Khan announced the engagement of his eldest son, Prince Rahim, to Ms Kendra Spears of Seattle, Washington, the United States. Photo: The Ismaili/Gary Otte.
By Navyn Naran
there is an expectant joy in the air
as we welcome the news our Mawla has shared
and He is happy for a love of two
a new beginning for all, here paired.
this joy paralleled e’en by the spring
the breeze gently caressing the face of each
we share in their love and welcome the new
an understanding and acknowledgement in this niche.our Prince has met a partner in life
and Benevolent the Grace enveloping this match
how happy we feel for that special bond and trust
and pray this development manifest strong in latch.
the sacred Truth as once was shared,
and Knowledge beckoned Adam and Hawa in this life
so meeting in mind, heart and soul in twain
is Blessed by the Creator as man takes wife
there is joy in our community for the Noorani family
sherbet and cake to enjoy for all
and cherry blossom beckon another fresh day
as brother and sister welcome this Call.
for the arduous tasks You take under Your wing
shall flourish and strengthen as this Bond to be
and mighty as Zulfiqar, the sword,
in Trust and Respect always between.Khushamadeed Ms. Spears, Mubarak O Prince,
Mubarak! our hearts smile, Mubarak! and since
a Unity weaving as Iman does hope
we welcome you Kendra to this lineage’s rope.our Mawla, Mubarak! devotedly we serve
Your happiness is ours also, let us not bend nor swerve
a nikkah is called, a love unending for two
Khushamadeed Kendra, a most respectful welcome to you.
Date posted: Sunday, April 28, 2013
Date updated: Monday, April 29, 2013 (typo)
Copyright.
For a contrasting style/format of this same piece, please click on the following:
“Mubarak…Khushamadeed”: A Poem for Prince Rahim Aga Khan and Ms. Kendra Spears
__________
Please visit http://www.theismaili.org to view more photos of Prince Rahim Aga Khan and his fiance, Ms. Kendra Spears. Please click on http://www.akdn.org for a press release, with photo.
By Malik Merchant, Editor
Recently, I had the immense pleasure of meeting and having a delightful lunch at Vancouver’s well-known Jambo Grill with (Itmadi) Farouk B.K.S. Verjee who was the President of His Highness the Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for Canada during the 1980’s. During his term of office, he witnessed the opening of two major Ismaili Centres in the Western World, including one in his own jurisdiction in Canada, the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre located in Burnaby, British Columbia. He was, as Canada’s President, very much involved in every phase of the planning, construction, completion and opening of the magnificent Burnaby icon which was designed by Canadian architect Bruno Freschi.
Presidents of National Ismaili Councils around the globe are often invited to major functions and projects related to the Ismailis and the Ismaili Imamat, as community representatives for their respective countries, and Farouk Verjee was present for the historic opening of the London Ismaili Centre from which the following anecdote, with photo, is published.
Farouk Verjee, left, with Baroness Margaret Thatcher (1925 – 2013) at the opening of the iconic Ismaili Centre in London, England, on April 24, 1985. Looking on in the centre is Anil Ishani, then President of the Ismaili Council for the UK. Photo: Farouk Verjee Collection, Vancouver, Canada.
After being introduced to the late Baroness Margaret Thatcher by His Highness the Aga Khan, Verjee told her that the Ismaili Centre in Burnaby was nearing completion and that it would be opening in the coming summer, and he hoped she would visit it on her next visit to British Columbia. She asked, “Which is the better building?” Farouk replied that one was a Cadillac and the other a Rolls! In a typical British fashion, the Baroness quickly responded, “I hope this one is the Rolls!.” Verjee found the Baroness to be a very amicable person.
The Ismaili Centre and Jamatkhana in Burnaby was opened a few months later in the same year on August 23 by the then Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney in the presence of His Highness, Premier Bill Bennett of the Province of British Columbia and other dignitaries including members of the Aga Khan’s family. Mawlana Hazar Imam, as His Highness is addressed by members of his community, designated the new Ismaili Jamatkhana as the Darkhana of Canada at a gathering of some 20,000 Ismailis on the same day at BC Place.
It may be of interest to note that Itmadi Farouk Verjee’s father was Kamadia of the London Jamat with Janmohamed Verjee as Mukhi. They were appointed to their positions in a talika (a written message) from Imam Sultan Mahomed Shah, His Highness the Aga Khan III (1877 – 1957), the 48th Imam of Ismaili Muslims, which is dated April 10, 1936. The newly appointed Mukhi and Kamadia were law students in the U.K. at that time. Janmohamed Verjee was the father of Amir Bhurio a well-known personality in the UK Ismaili community.
BARONESS MARGARET THATCHER AND HIS HIGHNESS THE AGA KHAN
JULY 2008
His Highness the Aga Khan, 49th Ismaili Imam and direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, warmly greeting Baroness Margaret Thatcher at the banquet hosted by His Highness in London on July 3, 2008 during his Golden Jubilee Celebrations. Photo: Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Karim Al Hussaini Aga Khan, Golden Jubilee Souvenir, published by Islamic Publications Limited. 2012. Copyright.
“…In 1957, there was only one Ismaili space here for congregational prayer – and that was on leased premises! Creating places of prayer as centres for community life was fundamental to ensuring the cohesion of the community, and there are now over 40 such places. Among them, of course, a central focal point is The Ismaili Centre, located in South Kensington. Having Baroness Thatcher with us tonight is particularly significant because The Ismaili Centre was opened by her in 1985…” –His Highness the Aga Khan, London, July 3, 2008.
JULY 2008
His Highness the Aga Khan, 49th Ismaili Imam and direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, with Baroness Margaret Thatcher at the banquet hosted by His Highness in London on July 3, 2008 during his Golden Jubilee Celebrations. Photo: Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Karim Al Hussaini Aga Khan, Golden Jubilee Souvenir, published by Islamic Publications Limited. 2012. Copyright.
Baroness Margaret Thatcher, who died on Monday, April 8, 2013 at the age of 87, was the first woman to become U.K. prime minister and Britain’s only prime minister of the 20th century to win three consecutive terms. She was prime minister from May 4, 1979 until November 28, 1990. During her leadership, His Highness the Aga Khan had invited her to open the first high-profile Ismaili Centre built in the Western World.
APRIL 1985
His Highness the Aga Khan and Mrs. Margaret Thatcher, the British Prime Minister, arriving at the newly constructed Ismaili Centre in London’s South Kensington which was officially opened by her on April 24, 1985. Photo: Derek Rowe, Roshni Magazine, USA.
The following are excerpts from Baroness Thatcher’s speech made during the Centre’s opening in the presence of His Highness the Aga Khan on April 24, 1985, almost 28 years ago.
“Your Highnesses, Ladies and Gentlemen, It gives me great pleasure to be here today for the official opening of this new Ismaili Centre in London and I am most grateful to His Highness the Aga Khan for the honour he has done me in inviting me to perform the opening ceremony.
(….)
A sketch of the modern Ismaili Centre located at Cromwell Gardens in South Kensingon, London, as depicted on invitation cards distributed in 1985. The Centre is the focal point of the Ismaili community in the UK and was opened on April 24, 1985 by Britain’s then prime minister Baroness Margaret Thatcher in the presence of His Highness the Aga Khan. Photo: Jehangir Merchant collection, Vancouver, Canada.
“The building of this splendid new Centre, which will provide facilities for religious observance and for social functions within the Ismaili community, must reflect a sense of stability and confidence in the future.
“Although there has been an Ismaili community in this country for very many years, I know that many members came here comparatively recently, having been uprooted from settled and successful lives in East Africa: and for them, leaving East Africa must have been a sad, deeply disturbing and in some cases, terrible experience.
“But clearly the Ismaili community who made Britain their new home triumphed over these adversities and have found here a new sense of security and belonging. This Centre is a powerful symbol of that feeling of belonging. And in return Britain, like so many other parts of the world where there are Ismaili communities, benefits from the contributions that Ismailis make to society.
“It is a very great pleasure for us to welcome you, Madam Prime Minister, and so distinguished a gathering for a ceremony which is a most significant one for the Ismaili community: significant because this is the first cultural and religious center in the Western world to have been built specifically for the community’s requirements.” — His Highness the Aga Khan, London, April 24, 1985.
APRIL 1985
His Highness the Aga Khan speaking at the opening of the newly constructed Ismaili Centre. Seated are British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and the President of the UK Ismaili Council, Anil Ishani. Photo: Derek Rowe, Roshni Magazine, USA.
“The Ismaili community in London is self-sufficient and independent, energetic and highly talented, contributing to society in every sort of way: and at the same time its powerful sense of community, both spiritual and cultural, provides a firm and unchanging basis for living.
“This stability and coherence of the Ismaili community is a valuable example.
(….)
“Britain certainly gains in many ways from the presence of the Ismaili community here, and London itself is enhanced by the construction of the new Centre, for which we are all most grateful to His Highness the Aga Khan. It is a magnificent contribution to the architecture of London.
“It fits in easily with the other fine buildings of South Kensington, yet it has its own distinctive character too.
“It seems to encapsulate the determination of your community to integrate your citizens into the society in which we all live, while at the same time retaining their own identity and independence.
“This Centre is a most attractive and beautifully designed structure and a welcome newcomer to the Royal Borough.
“It is a splendid testament to the vitality of the Ismaili community here, and it is with great pleasure that I now formally declare the Ismaili Centre open.” — Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, April 24, 1985.
“We are all greatly honoured at your being with us, Madam Prime Minister. It is a source of pleasure and pride to the Ismaili community that this Center should be situated in the heart of London, and we now look forward to its becoming a valuable addition to the distinguished neighbourhood.” — His Highness the Aga Khan, April 24, 1985.
APRIL 1985
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher unveiling the opening foundation plaque of the London Ismaili Centre on April 24, 1985 in the presence of His Highness the Aga Khan, with President Anil Ishani of the Ismaili Council for the UK looking on. Photo: Ismaili Forum
Date posted: Monday, April 8, 2013.
__________________
The concept of soul is related to the concept of akhirat for the reason that it is the soul which is going to exist after the bodily death. The survival of the soul can only be possible if there are other forms of existence beyond this life and which are not physical….An enlightened, pure and healthy soul acquires satisfaction and contentment because it is through these conditions that it finds nearness to its Origin…
Please click: Preparing the Soul for Akhirat (Life Hereafter)
Please click for article
SPEECHES, STATEMENTS AND WRITINGS OF THE 48TH AND 49TH ISMAILI IMAMS
PLEASE CLICK: Modern Ismaili Imams on Shia-Sunni Reconciliation and
Enriching the Ummah and the World Through a Common Islamic Ethic
Please click on image for reading
….AND A MESSAGE ON HOPE BY THE 48TH ISMAILI IMAM,
HIS HIGHNESS THE AGA KHAN (1877-1957)
“You must remember that life will have for you many disappointments. If one-fifth of one’s hopes are realised, one is extremely lucky and fortunate, so do not be discouraged by disappointments. Failures should be forgotten and new efforts made. Despondency is a sin, and hope a necessary part of iman (faith) both for material wealth and, above all, for progress to spiritual enlightenment.”
NINE STORIES OF FAITH, HOPE, LOVE AND COURAGE
1. Please click: On Meeting the Noorani Family – My Voyage to Europe
This is an extraordinary account, blended with unique photos, of a remarkable voyage to Europe in 1957 by an Ismaili youth. Badrudin Adatia’s first-hand narrative, lyrically told from a story-telling perspective, is full of rich and colourful detail and nostalgic vocabulary as he recounts his meeting with the late 48th Ismaili Imam, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, and members of the Imam’s family.
~~~
2. Please click: “Mawla Fulfilled My Wish”
Sakerkhanu Gulamhusain was only 6 when she was selected to recite a poem at the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of His Highness the Aga Khan in 1946. She received an incredible ovation during her recital before the arrival of the 48th Ismaili Imam, and by public demand was requested to repeat her recital. But Sakerhanu’s wish – along with that of the audience – was that she should recite it in the noble presence of her Imam.
~~~
3. Please click: “Shukr Mawlo, Shukr Mawlo” – When Hope is All You Have Left, a Story for Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Salgirah
From a summer vacation of despair in the 1990’s, Gulnor Saratbekova takes us to the days of hope as she recounts her early life during one of the most dangerous phases in the modern history of Tajikistan. “…I remember clearly when I saw our Mawla on TV for the very first time. I was at my uncle’s and there were about 15 of us living at his house. I didn’t understand why suddenly all the grownups started to cry and say SHUKR MAWLO, SHUKR MAWLO…” Gulnor’s warm story will touch the heart of Ismailis and non-Ismailis alike.
~~~
4. Please click: Loving Tales of our Beloved Imams: (I) Farazdaq’s Praise and Support of Imam Zainul Abideen (a.s.)
Please remember the name, Farazdaq. This tale belongs to ages past. It goes back to the era of Hazrat Imam Zainul Abideen (a.s.), our third Imam, from whose veins was to ensue the Divine Line of the Imams. He was the Imam who, on the battlefield of Karbala, received the nass of Imamat from his father, Hazrat Imam Hussain (a.s.) with the blessing: “Through you, the line of Imamat will continue till the Day of Judgment.”
~~~
5. Please click: Remarkable Voices of Ismaili Women from Shimshal, a Remote Village in the Karakoram
Pam Henson of New Zealand has visited the remote Ismaili village of Shimshal in the Karakoram four times, either as a trekker or a volunteer teacher. During her last visit she invited women to talk about themselves, and documented their remarkable and candid revelations in a ground-breaking book called Women of Shimshal. The three-part series starts with two stories as told by Guljon Bibi and Roshan Noma.
~~~
~~~
6. Please click: Baba Ismail: The First Shamsi Convert in the History of the Gupti Ismailis of Punjab
Khizar Hayat’s story is from 1910 about a young man who, in his 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.”
~~~
7. Please click: An Opportunity of a Lifetime – Recitation of Qur’anic Verses in the Presence of His Highness the Aga Khan
This is a a story of determination and hard work by a youth who took a keen interest in his religious studies. Ahamed Ismail recounts how he got an opportunity to recite Qur’anic verses in 1957 in Dar-es-Salaam in the presence of His Highness the Aga Khan.
~~~
8. Please click: Fond Memories of Salamieh, 51 Kensington Court, and Yakymour
An Ismaili youth, Abdul Mamdani, travelled through the Middle East and Europe in a motorcycle and arrived in London in 1953. He soon had an opportunity to meet with the 48th Ismaili Imam, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan at 51 Kensington Court. He informed the Imam about his earlier visit to Salamieh, Syria. On being ‘prompted’ by the Imam, Mamdani remembered an instance from his Syrian visit concerning a devout Ismaili woman.
~~~
9. Please click: The 1979 London Didar: The Setting and The Experience
“We all looked towards him, perhaps with different attitudes and varying emotions, but we all gazed in the same direction. Some considered him with awe and humble reverence, others with frankness and sincere curiosity, some looked for the fulfillment of aspirations and dreams, others simply looked,” wrote Farah Ramzan in an essay as a young student on Mawlana Hazar Imam’s weeklong visit to the UK in 1979.
Simerg - Insights from Around the World 