At Simerg, Barakah and Simergphotos: 1946 Aga Khan Diamond Jubilee Medal, 1957 Aga Khan Pemba Visit, Hazrat Ali, Aga Khan Park, Ismaili Authors and Mrs. Merchant

1946 His Highness the Aga Khan Diamond Jubilee

Photographs and story of a historical gold medal that was presented to a British Colonial Officer at the Aga Khan’s Diamond Jubilee in 1946 (READ ARTICLE).

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Ismaili Authors: Zeni Shariff

Little One, You Are the Universe by Ismaili author Zeni Shariff of Toronto Canada

Toronto based Ismaili artist and author introduces “Little One, You are the Universe,” the latest of her three books, by answering a series of short question (READ ARTICLE).

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1957 Pemba Visit by His Highness the Aga Khan

Kamruddin Rashid and Shah Abdulla, both originally from Pemba, share their rare photo collection of His Highness the Aga Khan’s 1957 historical visit to the towns of Chake Chake and Wete in the Island of Pemba (READ ARTICLE).

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Ginan for Hazrat Ali’s Birth Anniversary

The unforgettable (Late) Alwaez Shamshu Bandali Haji inspires us with selected Ginanic verses as we commemorate the birth anniversary of Hazrat Ali (a.s.), the 1st Shia Imam (READ ARTICLE).

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Calligraphy, Hazrat Ali Quotes and Imamat for Yawm-e Ali

Hazrat Ali Calligraphy by Karim Ismail

Karim Ismail of Toronto creates a beautiful calligraphy in commemoration of Hazrat Ali’s birth anniversary. The post includes inspiring quotes by Hazrat Ali and his direct descendant His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th Hereditary Imam of Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims. There is also a calligraphy of the prayer of Nadi Ali (READ ARTICLE).

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Aga Khan Park on Valentine’s Day

Ismaili Jamatkhana Dome.

Close to his heart, the Aga Khan Park is where Malik Merchant heads to for a Valentine’s Day celebration (READ ARTICLE).

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Ismaili Authors: Shamas Nanji

Justice Bertha Wilson Pushes the Boundaries of Humanity" by Edmonton based Shamas Nanji

Edmonton based Ismaili author and philosopher answers a series of question about his book Justice Bertha Wilson Pushes the Boundaries of Humanity through which readers will learn about the Canadian past from outside the boxes of patriarchy and whiteness (READ ARTICLE).

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Passings: Mrs. Merchant

Mrs. Merchant

Creative writer Farah Tejani pens a poetic tribute to the iconic Ismaili religious education teacher and missionary Alwaeza Maleksultan Merchant who passed away recently at the age of 89 (READ ARTICLE).

Date posted: February 27, 2021.

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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.

Rare Photos of His Highness the Aga Khan’s 1957 Visit to Chake Chake and Wete in Pemba Island

Kamrudin Rashid of Toronto and Shah Abdulla of Ottawa co-author an EXCLUSIVE PIECE FOR BARAKAH on Mawlana Hazar Imam His Highness the Aga Khan’s one-day visit to Pemba on November 18, 1957. Dedicated to late waezins and religious education teachers Jehangir (d. May 27, 2018) and Maleksultan Merchant (d. January 21, 2021), this must read post includes rare photos of his visit to the towns of Chake Chake and Wete…..READ MORE

Aga Khan in Pemba
Please click on image for complete story and more photographs.

Date posted: February 18, 2021

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The Aga Khan’s Diamond Jubilee – A beautiful treasury of photos, news, insightful essays and stories @Barakah

Click on image for Barakah’s table of contents.

Since the commencement of his Diamond Jubilee on July 11, 2017, His Highness the Aga Khan, Mawlana Hazar Imam, has visited 9 countries and flown more than 90,000 kilometres. At the age of 81, the 49th Hereditary Imam of the Ismailis is the oldest reigning Imam in Ismaili history. We invite our readers to read and learn about his life through a treasury of insightful essays, memorable quotes, narratives, beautiful songs and stunning photographs, including rare and historical images, on our sister website Barakah. The following is Barakah’s table of contents as of March 26, 2018.

His Highness the Aga Khan at Barakah

March 2018

February 2018

JANUARY 2018

DECEMBER 2017

NOVEMBER 2017

OCTOBER 2017

SEPTEMBER 2017

AUGUST 2017

JULY 2017

JUNE 2017

MAY 2017

APRIL 2017

MARCH 2017

FEBRUARY 2017

Please visit http://www.barakah.com regularly and also share it with your family members and friends around the world. Barakah’s facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/1000fold!

Date posted: February 25, 2018.
Last updated: February 27, 2018.

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Ismailis in Hunza prepare in earnest for the Aga Khan: Photos & Videos @Barakah

The excitement for the didar has spilled into every corner of Hunza. There will be more Jamati members participating in this Darbar than ever before. The entire registration process began some months ago and this has proceeded very well. The spirit of the Jamat and volunteers particularly in central Hunza is extremely high. The darbar task force members are active at each of the villages. Transportation, crowd control, accommodation and lodging have become major challenges. Jamats living in remoter areas will start moving to Aliabad at least 4 days before darbar…..MORE

PLEASE CLICK: Ismailis on the roof of the world make incredible preparations for Diamond Jubilee Darbars of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan

Please click on photo for story, videos and more pictures.

Date posted: December 5, 2017.

Building God’s Kingdom: The Aga Khan, Imam of the Atomic Age, on Patriotism and Community by Andrew Kosorok

PLEASE CLICK: “Muslims are charged with building God’s Kingdom on earth (one of the many implications of the term “vice-regent” used so often in the Qur’an to describe the role of human beings), as are Christians. This refers not to the forced institution of a theocracy, but to the active spreading of Divine ideals through our own individual actions….I profoundly appreciate the Aga Khan’s comments regarding our roles and responsibility in the never-ending process of building a better future — for ourselves, our families, our physical world, and our future spiritual well-being: “By the way you conduct your daily lives, by the compassion you show to your fellow men and women, and above all by your faith in God” (Aga Khan, 11 March 1958, Mumbai, India).” — READ MORE BY ANDREW KOSOROK

“The closer you come, the more you will see him.” A digital portrait of His Highness the Aga Khan by Akber Kanji. The portrait is composed of several hundred thumbnails representing a cross-section of events during the Aga Khan’s Imamat. Please click on image for Andrew Kosorok’s essay. Image: Akber Kanji. Copyright.

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The Aga Khan’s View of the World: Gems from His 21st Century Speeches

Zahida and Salim Rahemtulla of Vancouver read through over 140 of the speeches of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, for Barakah’s special project celebrating his Diamond Jubilee. Please click here or on photo for a selection of gems from the speeches made during 2000-2017…MORE

Photo: Vivian Rozsa. Copyright. Please click on image for Aga Khan’s View of the World.

Date posted: October 7, 2017.

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Aga Khan’s advice to the world’s press and his secret to healing our modern age

Simerg’s sister website http://www.barakah.com is dedicated to the textual and visual celebration of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan. Here are links to  the latest pieces on Barakah.

“We have all heard of twin cities, why not twin newspaper companies and news organizations between the industrial world and the developing world? These could provide mutually beneficial exchanges of managerial, technological and editorial experience and news” — Read more of the Aga Khan’s advice

Please click on image for Aga Khan’s advice

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The Aga Khan shares the secret to healing our modern age

“And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” –- Malachi 4:6.

Please click for Aga Khan’s secret to healing our age

Yes, I’m quoting the Old Testament in a conversation about the Aga Khan. Many Christian traditions take this passage to be a reference to the concept that generations must grow closer together to prevent the collapse of society –- it is the Higher Power we reach towards which encourages hearts of many generations to turn towards our fathers and children — Read more by Andrew Kosorok

Date posted: August 5, 2017.

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Visit Facebook Barakah Page @1000fold – His Highness the Aga Khan: A Visual and Textual Celebration, 1957 – 2017

Great pieces at http://www.barakah.com!

Te Aga Khan presses a button to launch Nation Media’s new printing press.

Reader: I thoroughly enjoy reading the Daily Nation regularly. The writers know how to make the stories interesting. The format is excellent. The writers know how to attract the readers, as the story flows smoothly. It is fun reading these stories and one gets educated with the use of different vocabulary, which improves the proficiency of English.”  — READ TAZMIN JAMAL’S THE AGA KHAN AND THE NATION MEDIA.

The Ismaili  has released a musical tribute honouring 60 years of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s glorious Imamat.  It offers an expression of deep gratitude to the Imam through the musical voices of Ismaili artists from all corners of the world. — THE AGA KHAN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE: SONG FEATURING ISMAILI ARTISTS

The International Headquarters of the Global Centre for Pluralism was officially opened on May 16, 2017 by His Highness the Aga Khan and the Right Honourable David Johnston. Ottawa based photographer captures the highlights of the ceremony in his post GREAT PHOTOS OF A “GREAT DAY” AT 330 SUSSEX DRIVE which includes excerpts from the Aga Khan’s speech. We also have a slide show of the opening ceremony. — watch the event’s SLIDE SHOW.

A day before the official opening of the Global Centre for Pluralism, this informative posts situates the building within the overall picture of Sussex Drive, Ottawa’s ceremonial route, as well as offers glimpses of some buildings and monuments close to it.AGA KHAN ARRIVES IN CANADA TO OPEN GLOBAL CENTRE, PHOTOS OF THE SETTING AND NEIGHBOURING BUILDINGS

The Prophet Muhammad taught: “The doors of goodness are many: enjoining good, forbidding evil, removing harm from the road, listening to the deaf, leading the blind, guiding one to the object of his need, hurrying with the strength of one’s legs to one in sorrow who is asking for help, and supporting the feeble with the strength of one’s arms.” And the Aga Khan has accepted this hadith as a personal job description — READ ANDREW KOSOROK’S NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES

“[the Ismailis] represent in Islamic Ummah a very exceptional community. The reason is that you have since 1957, His Highness the Aga Khan as a spiritual guide, as an intellectual guide” — READ MOHAMMED ARKOUN’S ESSAY ON THE AGA KHAN

The Aga Khan has meticulously laid the foundation of the seemingly insurmountable task of re-connecting Islam to its two elder Abrahamic siblings: Judaisim and Christianity, from which it has sadly become separated in the past decades. Clearly, if any person or entity can restore Islam to its rightful place, it would be AKDN under the enlightened, visionary, and revolutionary leadership of the 49th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and his successors.” — READ NIZAR MOTANI’S ESSAY: THE AGA KHAN – FROM AN ISMAILI MUSLIM IMAM TO A GLOBAL CITIZEN

“The colossal work which you achieve day after day towards a better living standard in the most deprived countries is not unknown to us. The spirit on which this action is based is amongst the purest expressions of human fraternity.” — READ RENE LEVESQUE’S TRIBUTE TO THE AGA KHAN

“To a non-Muslim the arguments were difficult to follow, but it was clear to me that a strong difference of opinion existed and that the Aga Khan would be called upon to resolve a ticklish point of theological doctrine.” — READ ANECDOTE “I WAS SERVING NO ORDINARY MAN” BY MICHAEL CURTIS

Prince Karim Aga Khan: “Just as we need food and water, so do the plants. Near our vegetable garden there are many large trees. The wind blows many leaves onto our crops. Young plants would get buried under the weight of these leaves, so every morning both of us collect all the leaves and burn them.” — READ SWEET AND ENDEARING CHILDHOOD STORIES OF PRINCE KARIM AGA KHAN

Gulnar Saratbekova: “Time went and we reached the most momentous day in our life: May 25, 1995, a historical date that no Badakhshani will ever forget. We were blessed with Mawla’s didar for the very first time. That is when we really knew that we would never be alone, ever again. This was the day for which all our elderly and ancestors were longing, for centuries. — READ THE AGA KHAN’S FIRST VISIT TO BADAKHSHAN

“….You are an important leader of the Muslim religion…What we admire in you is 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.” — READ LEOPOLD SENGHOR’S TRIBUTE TO THE AGA KHAN

Prince Sinan Aga Khan was born in London, England, on January 2, 2017. Sinan is an Arabic name for boys meaning spearhead and is derived from the root word S-N-N which is used in the Qur’an. Sinan is pronounced [(SI)mple] + [(NA)p + (N)ew] with emphasis on the second syllable. — VIEW PRINCE SINAN AGA KHAN PHOTOS

“He’s a man who represents the very best in Islam”

Photo: Photo: Vivian Rozsa. Copyright. Please click on image for tribute.

James Wolfensohn: “It is the extraordinary sense of humanity that he has. The great depth of real feeling for real people wherever they find themselves in society. He is a holy man. He is the leader of his faith. He’s a man who represents the very best in Islam.” — THE AGA KHAN STANDS OUT AS AN ICON OF ACTION

 

Date posted: June 7, 2017.

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Aga Khan photos, essays and stories: A recap of what to read now at Barakah!

Barakah Title with logo and text

“The colossal work which you achieve day after day towards a better living standard in the most deprived countries is not unknown to us. The spirit on which this action is based is amongst the purest expressions of human fraternity.” — READ RENE LEVESQUE’S TRIBUTE TO THE AGA KHAN 

“To a non-Muslim the arguments were difficult to follow, but it was clear to me that a strong difference of opinion existed and that the Aga Khan would be called upon to resolve a ticklish point of theological doctrine.” — READ ANECDOTE “I WAS SERVING NO ORDINARY MAN” BY MICHAEL CURTIS

Prince Karim Aga Khan: “Just as we need food and water, so do the plants. Near our vegetable garden there are many large trees. The wind blows many leaves onto our crops. Young plants would get buried under the weight of these leaves, so every morning both of us collect all the leaves and burn them.” — READ SWEET AND ENDEARING CHILDHOOD STORIES OF PRINCE KARIM AGA KHAN

“[the Ismailis] represent in Islamic Ummah a very exceptional community. The reason is that you have since 1957, His Highness the Aga Khan as a spiritual guide, as an intellectual guide” — READ MOHAMMED ARKOUN’S ESSAY ON THE AGA KHAN

Gulnar Saratbekova: “Time went and we reached the most momentous day in our life: May 25, 1995, a historical date that no Badakhshani will ever forget. We were blessed with Mawla’s didar for the very first time. That is when we really knew that we would never be alone, ever again. This was the day for which all our elderly and ancestors were longing, for centuries. — READ THE AGA KHAN’S FIRST VISIT TO BADAKHSHAN

“We are receiving you here officially and not just as a friend because you are an important leader of the Muslim religion…What we admire in you is 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.” — READ LEOPOLD SENGHOR’S TRIBUTE TO THE AGA KHAN

Prince Sinan Aga Khan was born in London, England, on January 2, 2017. Sinan is an Arabic name for boys meaning spearhead and is derived from the root word S-N-N which is used in the Qur’an. Sinan is pronounced [(SI)mple] + [(NA)p + (N)ew] with emphasis on the second syllable. — READ PRINCE SINAN AGA KHAN OFFICIAL PHOTOS

“Through his inspiring words and innovative programs, the Aga Khan has meticulously laid the foundation of the seemingly insurmountable task of re-connecting Islam to its two elder Abrahamic siblings: Judaisim and Christianity, from which it has sadly become separated in the past decades. Clearly, if any person or entity can restore Islam to its rightful place, it would be AKDN under the enlightened, visionary, and revolutionary leadership of the 49th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and his successors.” — READ NIZAR MOTANI’S ESSAY: THE AGA KHAN – FROM AN ISMAILI MUSLIM IMAM TO A GLOBAL CITIZEN

Date posted: April 10, 2017.

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