Must See Film: The Spirit of Nowruz — One Family, One Song

“I think we all recognize that nothing in our world is more necessary than the spirit of Navroz. When we see all the conflicts, the plights of migrants and refugees, when we see the rise of xenophobia and racism in so many parts of the world, it is clear that we all need the spirit of Navroz” — António Guterres, UN Secretary General, quote from film.

Simerg is pleased to present a special YouTube feature on Navroz entitled “The Spirit of Nowruz: Marking the Start of Spring” that was organized by the US Library of Congress (LOC). The entire LOC program with discussions and a Q&A session is almost 1 hour and 13 minutes long. The informative 45 minute film by award-winning documentary and educational film producer and director Farzin Rezaeian commences at the 15th minute mark of the program with remarks by UNSG António Guterres. The film provides viewers with an excellent overview of the history of Navroz and how the festival is celebrated today across different countries, cultures, traditions and faiths. Every aspect of Navroz is covered in this fine — and at times heart-warming — film that will raise our spirits as we commence the New Year on March 21, 2023, followed by the holy month of Ramadhan two days later, on March 23.

Film commences at around the 15th minute mark. NOTE: The YouTube presentation takes a few moments before it begins.

Date posted: March 18, 2023.

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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 SimergphotosThe editor may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com.

Eid Mubarak: Send a Greeting Card

Simerg rejoices with its readers all over the world on the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Fitr and invites you to send a festive card to your family members and friends through the official website of the Ismaili community by clicking on http://ecard.theismaili.org/Eid-ul-Fitr-2014 or the image below.

The Ismaili website contains varying themes for its eCards including a wonderful selection of images of Ismaili Jamatkhanas, including those of the high profile Ismaili centres.

The Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe was opened on 12 October 2009 by His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, and Mawlana Hazar Imam. It is the first such Centre in Central Asia — a region that has been home to Ismaili Muslims for more than a thousand years. The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Dushanbe, Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloev, senior government officials, diplomats, scholars and leaders of faith communities. Representatives of the Ismaili community from around the world were also present.

The Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe was opened on 12 October 2009 by His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, and Mawlana Hazar Imam. It is the first such Centre in Central Asia — a region that has been home to Ismaili Muslims for more than a thousand years. The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Dushanbe, Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloev, senior government officials, diplomats, scholars and leaders of faith communities. Representatives of the Ismaili community from around the world were also present.

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EID AL-FITR

The fast of Ramadan ends with the Festival of Breaking Fast, Eid al-Fir, on the first day of the following month of Shawwal. The festival is also known as Bairam or Eid Ramadan. It is an occasion for celebration and rejoicing for Allah’s Bounty upon mankind for His revelation of the Qur’an. It is also a time for individuals to express their gratitude to Allah for having given them the strength, courage and resilience to complete the fast, and thus fulfilling the duty enjoined upon them by Allah.

The Festival begins with a festive prayer (Salatul-Fitr) with all the believers congregating at their respective places of worship. It is also an occasion for socialising and meeting with other Muslims and for fostering a sense of brotherhood and unity amongst the community (ummah). After the communal prayer, families gather together at home with relatives and friends and participate in exchanging gifts and partaking a meal.

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Please also visit Letter from China: Eid al-Fitr at the Huasheing Mosque in Guangzhou by Zulfikar Mulji.

Date posted: Saturday, July 26, 2014