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
The boy tells the horse, “I can’t see a way through.” The horse asks: “Can you see your next step?” The boy replies, “Yes.” The horse responds, “Just take that.” — Read More
As a visitor to Jasper in the autumn of 2022, Malik Merchant was in an excellent position to compare scenes of the town then and his visit two years later, following the July 2024 Wildfire. His profoundly moving story and poignant photographs will captivate and inspire you. He relates tales of individuals he met in Jasper. The emotional impact of a young boy’s story, expressed through a drawing and a short dialogue with a horse, will surely touch your heart. Please click HERE or on the image below to learn Malik’s story and photographs.
I first became aware of Salma Jadavji’s fascinating artwork when she and her husband, Taj, invited me to their Calgary home. I humbly gifted them several back issues of Ilm magazine published by the Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board for the UK under my late dad Jehangir’s editorship, which I had as duplicates, which they graciously accepted. After a fantastic meal, I was privileged to get a closer look at Salma’s incredible and inspiring works of art. The Jadavji home is genuinely artistic! The visit was not just enjoyable but also a memorable experience. I am thrilled that she accepted my invitation to present a selection of her artwork for Simerg’s series on Ismaili Artistic Expressions.
Calgary-based Ismaili artist Salma Jadavji.
Salma was born and raised in Pakistan. She was always interested in arts and crafts but ended up in medical school and became a doctor in 1975. She got married to Dr. Taj Jadavji and moved to Canada in 1976. In 1992, Salma discovered she had a hidden talent: She could paint. This discovery opened a new chapter in her life. She started experimenting with different mediums and styles and has never looked back. Salma loves to paint, especially Islamic calligraphy. She has taught calligraphy to Ismaili Muslim students attending the Baitul Ilm (BUI) program, and her passion for art inspires others. Salma’s art has catalyzed the Ismaili community unity by curating art exhibitions that have benefited various charitable causes, making a tangible difference. Notably, her contributions to the Aga Khan Foundation exhibitions have been significant, raising funds to address the root causes of poverty and inequality.
Through her career as an artist, Salma has also sought to bring together the South Asian community and the broader Calgary community, fostering a spirit of philanthropy and cultural appreciation. This has promoted a deeper understanding and celebration of South Asian art and culture, creating a sense of belonging and inclusion for all.
Aside from her artwork, Salma has been a radio host for the last 12 years for a weekly radio show, Salaam Namaste Calgary. She has broken many traditional gender barriers as a woman of colour in the media and art world and paved a pathway for many females to come forward.
Salma’s art is not just a form of expression but a powerful tool that has connected her with the community on many different levels. Her Islamic Calligraphy and the message of peace Islam promotes, as well as her works of the Rockies and picturesque landscapes around Alberta, have left a lasting impact. This post showcases Salma’s passion for art, through which she inspires the community as an artist and a great art leader. Once you have viewed her paintings on this page, please visit her website with the theme, “Let me take you on an artistic journey.” Indeed! Click Salma Jadavji.
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Beautiful names of Allah
Beautiful names of Allah, Oil on Canvas, 24″ diameter, 2022, sold in auction for $3000.00 to aid Shaukat Khanum Hospital, Karachi. Art by Salma Jadavji.
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Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim
Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim, Acrylic on Canvas, 40″ x 30″, 2022. Art by Salma Jadavji.
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Mawlana Hazar Imam
Mawlana Hazar Imam, Pastels, 30″ x 24″, 2017. Art by Salma Jadavji.
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Nad-e-Ali
Nad-e-Ali, Acrylic, 12″ diameter, 2023. Art by Salma Jadavji.
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Heavenly Abode
Heavenly Abode, Mixed Media, 11″ x 17″, a three-panel display of tiled artwork depicting (left) Ali; (centre) Qur’anic verses 108:1-3, “In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, Most Merciful Indeed, We have granted you (O Muhammad) Alkausar. So pray to your Lord and sacrifice. Indeed, your enemy is the one cut off (from the root); and (right) Allah. The panels were displayed at the Diamond Jubilee Art Exhibition in 2018 as one exhibit (not exactly as shown). Art by Salma Jadavji, Calgary
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Lost in Spiritual Galaxy
Lost in Spiritual Galaxy, Acrylic, 60″ x 36″, 2021, donated to the Aga Khan Museum to raise funds for the annual Lapis Gala. Art by Salma Jadavji.
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My Paradise
My Paradise, Oil on Wood Board, 30″ x 24″, 2016. Art by Salma Jadavji.
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Three in a Row
Three in a Row, Pastels, 30″ x 24″, 2016 for the Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk. Art by Salma Jadavji.
Date posted: November 21, 2024.
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We invite you to visit Salma Jadavji’s Website to view more of her artwork. We welcome feedback/letters from our readers. Please click LEAVE A COMMENT. Your feedback may be edited for length and brevity and is subject to moderation. We are unable to acknowledge unpublished letters.
The editor invites Ismaili artists to submit a selection of their paintings and other works of art for publication in Simerg. Please submit images of no more than 8 objects in Jpeg (1200 x 900) and your profile to the editor, Malik, at mmerchant@simerg.com.
The “physical” World Partnership Walk (WPW) returned to Calgary downtown’s beautiful Prince’s Island Park after COVID-19 had turned it into a virtual event from 2020 onwards. The Walk in Edmonton was held on the grounds of the Alberta Legislature. The presence and participation of youth as walkers, volunteers, and entertainers were particularly heartwarming. The Ismaili community’s discipline and organization of the walk were truly admirable. The Walk was a special day for 11-year-old Izmir Kassam of Calgary whose goal was to collect $40,000 on the 40th anniversary of the Walk. Please see our WPW pictorial coverage HERE or click on the photo below.
Please click on photo for World Partnership Walk story.
“As mayor, Nenshi embraced innovative solutions to urban issues like public transit, affordable housing, and sustainable development. He proved his leadership abilities during the devastating 2013 Calgary floods, rallying the city through the crisis with compassion and resolve. Now, Nenshi wants to bring that same progressive, consensus-building approach to the provincial level as leader of the NDP. His vision is an Alberta that works for everyone — not just a few.”
For over a decade, Naheed Nenshi has been a trailblazer in Canadian politics. Now, he’s setting his sights beyond Calgary on an even more significant challenge — leading Alberta’s New Democratic Party (NDP) and charting a new course for the province.
To do that, Nenshi’s team is reminding residents across Alberta to purchase an NDP membership on nenshi.ca by April 22nd — for just $10. This will allow them to vote for Naheed Nenshi as the party’s next leader in June and have their voices heard.
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Naheed Nenshi offers guidance and reflections to members of the Ismaili community gathered at the Ismaili Centre Toronto, 2017. Photograph: Shameela Karmali-Rawji collection.
Nenshi’s rise has been an inspiring underdog story. After initially trailing far behind in the polls during Calgary’s 2010 mayoral race, his campaign of bold ideas and grassroots engagement struck a chord. He defied the odds to become the first Muslim mayor of a major North American city. Nenshi’s journey has been one of resilience, hard work, and a steadfast commitment to public service rooted in the importance of family and community values.
The son of immigrants from Mwanza, Tanzania, he grew up witnessing his parents’ struggles to build a better life. This instilled in him that opportunity shouldn’t be taken for granted.
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Naheed Nenshi with parents Kurban and Noorjah Nenshi after Mayoral swearing-in ceremony, 2010. Photograph: Shameela Karmali-Rawji collection.
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The Ismaili community of Mwanza, Tanzania, celebrates Naheed Nenshi, 2015. Photograph: Shameela Karmali-Rawji collection.
As mayor, Nenshi embraced innovative solutions to urban issues like public transit, affordable housing, and sustainable development. He proved his leadership abilities during the devastating 2013 Calgary floods, rallying the city through the crisis with compassion and resolve.
Now, Nenshi wants to bring that same progressive, consensus-building approach to the provincial level as leader of the NDP. His vision is an Alberta that works for everyone — not just a few.
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Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, Alberta Premier Alison Redford and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper review plans with emergency management personnel during Calgary 2013 floods. Photograph: Shameela Karmali-Rawji collection.
Nenshi believes the NDP can rally widespread support by promoting pro-business and pro-worker policies focused on diversifying the provincial economy beyond oil and gas. His entrepreneurial approach aims to drive collaboration between industry, government, and communities to secure Alberta’s future.
At his core, Nenshi is driven by a passionate belief in service, equality, and doing what’s right — regardless of political convenience. He champions initiatives that bring the public directly into governance through participatory budgeting. He advocates bold climate action rooted in environmental science. He understands that prosperity must be sustainable and inclusive to all cultures and communities. He also embraces Alberta’s place as part of a pluralistic Canada united in its diversity.
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Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley presents Naheed Nenshi with the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, 2023. Photograph: Shameela Karmali-Rawji collection.
With his unique perspective forged from lived experiences, Nenshi could be the dynamic leader to reinvigorate the NDP’s vision for a fairer, greener, and more innovative Alberta. But he needs the grassroots support of Albertans who share that vision.
Alberta stands at a crossroads. By choosing Nenshi, the province can embrace a leader who sees its boundless potential and will fight to uplift all of its people. The path ahead won’t be easy — but few leaders are better prepared to forge it than Naheed Nenshi.
Date posted: April 20, 2024.
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Shameela Karmali-Rawji
Dr. Shameela Karmali-Rawji, MS MD CCFP FCFP, is a global health consultant, entrepreneur and family physician. She has established multiple medical clinics and telemedicine platforms and oversaw several retirement and assisted living facilities in Ontario and Alberta. She launched the first Urgent Care Clinic in a public-private partnership in primary care with Calgary Health Services in 2006. She has worked as a policy advisor and consultant with WHO, UNICEF, and AKDN, and she led the development of a groundbreaking, collaborative health agenda in the First Nations community of T’suu Tina, which resulted in the establishment and expansion of health services, including a medical centre. She has also planned several medical centres and hospitals in East Africa and community-based primary and secondary healthcare systems in Northern Pakistan serving over 1 million people.
Dr. Karmali-Rawji had served as a member of the His Highness the Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for Canada, where she established its first Women’s Portfolio, and as Chairman of the Aga Khan Health Board for Canada. She co-convened the International Ismaili Women’s Forum in Toronto with Princess Zahra Aga Khan. She was Vice Chairman of the commissioning Board of Generations Calgary, an assisted living and long term care facility. Dr. Karmali-Rawji obtained her MD at McMaster University and her MS in International Health at Harvard University.
“I should emphasize that a total solar eclipse is probably THE most spectacular celestial phenomenon that earth-based human beings can experience. It is truly a miracle of nature. The sun is hugely larger than the moon and yet, viewed from the earth, one is just far away enough compared to the other that they both subtend exactly the same size in the sky” — Arif Babul, University of Victoria Distinguished Professor of Physics and Astronomy
The total eclipse of the sun, a rare celestial event where the moon completely obscures the sun for a brief period, is set to occur on April 8, 2024. Tens of millions across North America who will be on the path of the total solar experience will witness this once-in-a-lifetime experience. After crossing Mexico and the U.S., it will enter Canada in Southern Ontario on its eastward path to other parts of Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces, where the sun’s light will be completely blocked out by the moon. Many other parts of Canada, such as Alberta, will only experience a partial eclipse, where not all of the sun’s light is obscured.
With the sun’s incredibly bright face fully eclipsed by the moon, its faint, normally invisible, corona of hot gases pops up. Zooming further reveals red features in two or three places on the dark rim. These are solar prominences. Photograph: Arif Babul. Please click on the image for Arif Babul’s story and photographs.
In Ontario, the solar eclipse is expected to start just minutes after 2:00 p.m. and last for about two and a half hours. The sun will be fully eclipsed at approximately 3:20 to 3:25 p.m. EDT (Eastern Daylight Time). The anticipation is so high that Niagara Falls is preparing to welcome over 1 million visitors for this extraordinary event. Reuters writes: “From vintage train rides costing almost $4,000 per person to hotel rooms listed at $1,600 a night, businesses in and around majestic Niagara Falls are preparing to cash in on the April 8 total solar eclipse – with around a million visitors expected.”
This is a rare chance, as the next total solar eclipse won’t grace North America until 2045.
The solar eclipse has prompted school closures in many parts of Ontario for the well-being of students and staff during the solar eclipse. As many students would be getting on the bus or walking home from school during this timeframe, their risk of looking directly at the solar eclipse would be significantly increased.
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Watching the solar eclipse safely with solar eclipse glasses. Photograph: Al-Akhbar weekly newsletter, His Highness the Aga Khan Council for Canada.
Everyone will need to be careful as looking directly at the eclipse, could damage your eyes. However, the solar eclipse is a spectacular sight and a significant educational opportunity. Ottawa’s Canada Aviation and Space Museum will throw open the doors of an aircraft hangar tohost an eclipse viewing event. The museum will also provide free eclipse viewing glasses with admission, along with educational activities and crafts for children.
The beautiful Aga Khan Park on Wynford Drive in Toronto hosts what the Al-Akhbar Ismaili community newsletter calls “a celestial gathering like no other.” The sold-out, awe-inspiring solar eclipse event will occur on April 8 from 1:45 to 4:30 p.m. The Park will provide a pair of solar glasses and will have a special guest speaker who will discuss solar eclipses and their significance.
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The Diamond Ring effect is a breathtaking sparkle of the sun’s radiance coming from a tiny exposed sliver of the sun’s surface. It is seen 15 seconds before and again just after totality. Photograph: Arif Babul. Please click on the image for Arif Babul’s story and photographs.
In 2017, our sister website Simergphotos published Professor Arif Babul’s eyewitness account of his experience of the total solar in Idaho. The 2017 eclipse lasted close to 3 minutes. This year’s eclipse will differ from the 2017 eclipse, as the moon will be closer to the Earth. Thus, it will cast a more enormous shadow onto the Earth and cover the sun longer. The April 8 eclipse will last for more than four minutes.
Interestingly, the New Moon that will be seen on April 9, the day following the total solar eclipse, will also mark the end of the month of Ramadhan. On April 10, hundreds of millions of Muslims will observe Eid ul-Fitr, the most important festival in the Muslim calendar. Simerg and its sister website will provide updates leading to the total solar eclipse and the celebration of the Muslim Eid festival.
Featured image at top of page: Artist’s representation of a total solar eclipse, with a new moon in the foreground and the Sun’s corona visible in the background. Photograph: NASA/Vi Nguyen. Click Download the Poster.
L to R: Nick and Heather from Syracuse, New York State, and Azli and Scott from Edmonton, Alberta, are pictured at the Storm Mountain Lookout Point after releasing my vehicle from deep snow and ice. They had the same smiles and warmth throughout the time they fought to get my car out of the snow — they never showed a moment of frustration. Their unassuming line was, “No worries”. March 9, 2024, Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
By MALIK MERCHANT
Who can spend 90 minutes of their precious time when they have to make it back home the same evening hundreds of kilometres away or fly the following day to their destination thousands of miles away? Moreover, they have unfinished sightseeing to complete during the remainder of a glorious afternoon. Two beautiful couples from Syracuse, New York, and Edmonton, Alberta, did precisely that as they devoted precious time and energy to helping me out of a mess I got into on the Bow Valley Parkway. Without their help, my trip to Banff, even with all the beautiful picture-taking I did, would have been in ruins and likely one I would soon wish to forget. Nick, Heather, Scott, and Azli made an act of kindness that I will never forget! READ MY STORY.
A view of Castle Mountain from the Bow River, where it meets Hwy 93 (Banff-Windermere Parkway). Please click on the photo for the story in our photoblog.
On New Year’s Day, January 1, 2024, Malik Merchant drove 90 minutes from Calgary to stunning Johnston Canyon on the Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A) for a hike to the Lower Falls. Then, 5 days later, his drive to Kananaskis Country was shorter, and his hike through the aspen forest to Troll Falls was slow-paced and easy-going. The two contrasting hikes are beautifully captured in his photographs.
Malik Merchant spends a thrilling day in Sundre watching wild horses and then visiting the Sundre & District Museum, featuring Chester Mjolsness World of Wildlife. For Malik, the museum display bring back memories of wildlife he had seen in East Africa’s top national parks more than 50 years ago. The museum is open year round and also features local history. Sundre is a short 75 minute drive from Calgary. Please also visit the Museum Website for opening hours — the museum is open year-round — and other information.
On Friday, September 22, 2023, Blackfoot Crossing, the Historic Site of the signing of Treat No. 7, held a special commemoration event to celebrate the 146th year of the signing with traditional activities that included drum beating and dancing by the children and youth of The Siksika People — also known as The Blackfoot. Malik Merchant drove down to the stunning site overlooking the Bow River. While he enjoyed the traditional activities as well as a BBQ lunch — all free on Commemoration Day — he was impressed and inspired by the exhibits in the beautifully curated museum dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of The Blackfoot.
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A traditional dance performance by a young child to the tune of traditional drum beating by children and youth of the Siksika Nation. Please click on image for full report and more photographs.
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A view of the valley and Bow River from Blackfoot Crossing’s lookout point. Please click on photo for full report and more photographs.
The Historical Park is just over an hours drive from Calgary and one cannot fail to admire and be impressed by the central building’s architecture that has tipis and tipi shaped structures incorporated into its design. The centre includes a cafeteria, a gift shop, a beautiful little theatre as well as an amphitheatre. The lookout point is 300 metres from the building and there is also a paved trail leading to see tipi tents and other interesting features of the area. Please click HERE or on the images below to view Malik’s full report and photographs. Also click Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park Website for more information about the unique heritage site. Plan a day to visit and learn about the history and culture of the Siksika First Nations People as well as to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and easy trails for the entire family.
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A view of Blackfoot Crossings beautiful museum dedicated to the Siksika First Nations. Please click on photo for full report and more photographs.
Malik Merchant returns to Banff National Park after 15 long years, and this time at the start of 2023 in the thick of winter. His photographs will bring you closer to one of Canada’s top destinations and you will be awed with what you learn and see about Morant’s Curve as well as a rare endangered snail that only lives in Banff’s sulphur springs….and, of course, we have other Rocky Mountain photographs too! You must read and share this beautiful post. CLICK FOR MORE! Or click on photos, below.
Can you spot the endangered snail? Click on image for more photographs from the Cave and Basin National Historic Site in Banff’. Photograph: Malik Merchant.
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Morant’s Curve, Bow Valley Parkway, Hwy 1A, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. Please click on photo for more beautiful photographs. Photograph: Malik Merchant.
Date posted: January 14, 2023.
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REVIEW SIMERG’S TABLE OF CONTENTS AND VISIT ITS SISTER WEBSITES
Before departing this website, please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought-provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and Simergphotos. The editor may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com.
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