35 Short Readings and Messages on Didar and Imamat in Anticipation of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Visit to Bangladesh and India

14 September 2013

PLEASE CLICK: Simerg’s Imamat and Didar Series

INTRODUCTION: His Highness the Aga Khan, or Mawlana Hazar Imam as he is affectionately and respectfully addressed by his Ismaili followers, will be visiting Bangladesh and India during the coming month. In July 2011, the 49th Ismaili Imam who is the direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.) made a highly successful visit to East Africa and Simerg provided a religious context of the visit by publishing a seven-part series on Imamat and what didar (lit. glimpse of the Imam of the Time) represents to an Ismaili.

Please click on photo to download Imamat and Didar series. Photo: Jehangir Merchant Collection.

We are pleased to provide the entire series which consists of thirty-five brief readings such as “Didar: Life’s Ultimate Purpose” by Imam Mustansir-Billah in PDF format. To download this highly educational and inspiring series, please click Simerg’s Imamat and Didar Series. We invite you to share this post with your contacts around the world.

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Ismaili Ginan “Ek Shabada Suno Mere Bhai”, an explanation by Shiraz Pradhan, with recitation

10 September 2013

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The Ginan Ek Shabda Suno Mere Bhai by Pir Shams is a summary of the initial step of Ismaili Spirituality. An MP3 of the Ginan rendered by Mohammad (Mac) Virjee of Vancouver accompanies a short commentary and translation by Shiraz Pradhan.

Please click: Ismaili Spirituality in Pir Shams Shabzwari’s Ginan “Ek Shabada Suno Mere Bhai”, accompanied with recitation

Gujarati transliteration of the Ginan “Ek Shabada Suno Mere Bhai” attributed to Pir Shams. Please click on image for article.

Key links for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture Ceremony held in Lisbon on Friday, September 6, 2013

6 September 2013

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IMPORTANT LINKS FOR THE WORLD’S MOST UNIQUE AWARDS

The logo of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture was designed by Karl Schlamminger, a German Muslim of the Shia tradition. The Name of Allah in Kufic Script, reflecting Itself and repeating Itself, forms the basis of the logo design.

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AGA KHAN AWARD LATEST NEWS

Please click on the following links for the latest news from Portugal:

Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Award Ceremony
2013 Aga Khan Award for Architecture Recipients Announced
Aga Khan University and Catholic University of Portugal reaffirm cooperation
Mawlana Hazar Imam Arrives in Portugal

Please also click on Ismailimail for links to other external websites covering the Aga Khan Awards and His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to Portugal. Ismailimail categorizes all the past, present and future openly available news, articles, pictures, videos, and everything related to Ismaili Muslims and community for easy search and reference.

“LIKE” THE AGA KHAN AWARD ON FACEBOOK

Please click Facebook Aga Khan Award and “LIKE” it.

2013 AWARD SHORLISTED PROJECTS

Please click 2013 AKAA Shortlisted Projects for a comprehensive coverage of the 2013 cycle’s short-listed projects.

“All People Are A Single Nation” – Prince Aly Khan on Islam’s Basic Teachings and its Closeness to the Ethic of the Christian Faith

3 September 2013

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A MUST READ PIECE FOR CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS ALIKE

“Given a right understanding of the foundations of Islam and Christianity, and the spiritual values which they have proclaimed, it should not prove very difficult to build a bridge of mutual respect and co-operation between the two great religions. Unfortunately, it is a fact that the close similarity between the two remains largely unknown to the West.”

Islam: The Religion of Equality and Universal Brotherhood by Prince Aly S. Khan

Photo taken at the opening on 15th September 1959 of the 14th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Seated at the head of the delegation of Pakistan is Mr. Manzur Qadir, then Minister for Foreign Affairs. At right is Prince Karim Aga Khan’s father, the late Prince Aly Khan, Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Photo: United Nations Photo Library. Please click for article.

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A Nikah in the Noorani Family: Prince Rahim Aga Khan Weds Ms. Kendra Salwa Spears by Navyn Naran

31 August 2013

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Earlier in August, His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th Imam of Ismaili Muslims announced that the Nikah of his eldest son, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, to Ms. Kendra Salwa Spears would take place in Geneva on August 31, 2013.

Mawlana Hazar Imam, Prince Rahim, Princess Salwa and members of the Imam’s family pose for a photograph with the members of the Ismaili Leaders’ International Forum after the nikah ceremony. Photo: TheIsmaili / Gary Otte

The day finally arrived with the Nikah taking place as announced in Geneva, Switzerland, in a private ceremony attended by members and friends of both families. At the request of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, the Chairman and Members of the Ismaili Leaders’ International Forum (LIF), see photo above, represented the global Ismaili community at the event held on the shores of Lake Geneva, on the grounds of the Château de Bellerive — the residence of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s uncle, the late Prince Sadruddin and his wife Princess Aliya.

Ismailis around the world rejoice with their beloved Imam and his family as well as the family of the bride, and wish Prince Rahim Aga Khan and his beloved bride, Princess Salwa peace and happiness in their life together.

Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa on their wedding day on August 31, 2013. Photo: TheIsmaili / Gary Otte.

In Islam, the Nikah is a solemn and sacred social contract between the bride and the groom; each has the “liberty to define various terms and conditions of their liking and make them a part of this marriage contract.” [1]

We convey our heartiest felicitations to all our readers on this happy occasion and encourage readers to express their wishes and thoughts by clicking on Leave a Comment. What follows is one such piece, in the form of a poem.

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NIKAH

Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa during their nikah ceremony. Photo: TheIsmaili / Gary Otte

By Navyn Naran

And the symphony of great angels
gathered between stars of pure light
as if brass, woodwind or strings of meticulous clarity
spiritual music, sparkling in this Blessed light….[2]

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It is the dawn of a glorious day
as petals are unfurling
the Jamat is delighted to welcome a Prince’s Bride.
Khushamadeed!
how Joyous our Imam and His Family.
Mubarak!
Mubarak, Salwa, Mubarak kareem!
Mubarak Rahim, Mubarak kareem!

In Geneva, dawn has risen, lilies awaken from rest
It is day of jubilance, solemn promise and grace
The bee readies her honey for this very special occasion
Dew evaporates from tall grasses,
while in Aiglemont, majestic trees await grandly at their station.

Around the world it is a day like Eid
Remembering our history, Khadijah and Muhammad Nabi,
Our first Imam Ali and Bibi Fatima by his side
A bond nourished and unbreakable, as beam of light

Walkways strewn with rose petals, fresh for this day
Canopies of wisteria frame entrances of gates
Saffron and nutmeg are prepared for the sweets
Badam and pista for nut-filled date treats.

Love is an expression of personal dimension,
‘Tis a light in the eye that harkens the soul
A delight and understanding without apprehension
A precious connection as each partner stays whole

Lily of the vallley. Istockphoto. Copyright.

A civil contract, then Nikah, the marriage contract and true
No dowry but a mahr, and an acknowledgement between two
The husband will care and provide for his wife
The wife whole internally, softens (and strengthens) his life.

Our Mawla, we affirm our love and devotion,
On this grand occasion, the Jamat prepares a delicate sherbet potion
Our elders rejoicing, ambrosial sherbet and cake we share
Our Beloved Noorani family, your Jamat is with you there.

Many mornings have accompanied their journeys and now
A Nikah, a prayer, a ring and a vow
And around the world, salwaats are being prayed
Murids’ wishes for happiness for the Noorani couple this day

Softly, gently in tempo as breeze flows with grace
She walks by his side, radiant is her face
May joy, trust and respect Bless their joint life
As Prince takes Princess for his beloved wife.

Sun blushing in laughter, fountains dancing in flow
This bond is hope rooted, and dreams will grow…
Hafiz Loves the spaces eyesight cannot see
Love is a truth stronger, it sees the unseen.

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The newly married couple enjoy a moment together on their wedding day. Photo: TheIsmaili / Gary Otte

Date posted: Saturday, August 31, 2013.
Date updated: Saturday, August 31, 2013 (new photo)
Copyright: Navyn Naran/Simerg. August 2013.

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[1] See Marriage in Islam: Nikah – Sound Vision

[2] The first lines set the stage; indeed, angels have arrived in the celestial sky and because of them even the starlight is brighter; and with this dawn breaks, and it is time for a wedding. In the unseen, the orchestra of angels and starlight are showering special blessings, akin to an unseen or hidden orchestra playing its resounding symphony. Metaphorically, the occasion is set…i.e. Allah has set the stage.

To express your wishes and thoughts on Prince Rahim’s marriage to Ms. Spears, please click on Leave a Comment. The link also appears at the top left of this post.

Please also visit the official website of the Ismaili community, www.theismaili.org.

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Dr. Navyn Naran was born in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, to Anaar and Badrudin Naran. After beginning her high school in the UK, her family immigrated to the USA where she has lived since. Dr. Naran went to medical school at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA. She currently works in Paediatric Critical Care.

We encourage readers to express their wishes and thoughts. Please click on “Leave a Comment” at the top left of this page or Leave a Comment.

A Reflection on the Tragedy in Karachi

15 August 2013

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Editor’s note: For the first time in recent memory, an act of violence and terror was directed against the Ismaili community on Wednesday, August 13, 2013 at two of their Jamatkhanas located in Karachi. Two deaths as well as several dozen injuries were reported by the media in Pakistan. It was indeed a sad day for Ismailis and non-Ismailis alike. Statements of condemnation were issued by numerous sources, and were particularly reported on Pakistan TV networks. A peaceful and generous community had been targeted senselessly by individuals who do not value life, the most precious gift from Allah.

Navyn Naran reflects on the tragedy that has brought profound sadness to countless people. We pray that peace prevails in the entire nation of Pakistan which has seen so much sectarian violence over the past two decades. We also pray for the peace and rest of the departed souls from this tragedy, and wish everyone who was injured from this act of terror quick and complete recovery.

(Following Navyn Naran’s reflection we have provided a few external links to stories and comments about the tragedy)

Of Karimabad, A Place of Generosity

By Navyn Naran

it was a place of comfort, a quiet haven in the wood
a cove where a mother fish and her young made home,
by the bank of a trickling brook,
he found solace there in this nook.
hot it became day by day, how shallow the water and nightly he prayed,
would there be rain droplets, just some?
it rained everywhere on earth it seemed, but here in this city,
the brook was drying
the fish drew closer to the bottom.
“Rain! please rain!” his heart implored
taking a few bottles of water, near the fish he poured.
And then the beginning of the end, it came!
Bhoommm!!! Crashh! lightning cracked
the heavens opened and buckets of rain fell
he danced in his shorts, his hair flying wet around his face,
his feet drenched in his sneakers,
soaked from the lovely rain.

A mother and a child, many people.
A man finds it not easy to cry
But today men cried as bodies bled
and lives were hurt
What was the sense of the two scenes?
The boy, his heart generous, is a seesaw with yours
His action against yours.
What is the message you were sending?
A message of good? Of right? Of admiration? Of envy? Of strength?
few on this earth will agree.
People were praying!
Prayers for peace where there is conflict
For health where there is illness
For abundance where there is poverty
in those prayer halls women and men seek to better their world
in Karimabad

The Karachi Bomb Attackes

Cowards!! you are cowards, envisioning bloodshed,
tormenting your fellow-man, with nothing gained,
Just Loss.
Our Loss.
For the mothers and children, the men and women you kill
are still alive within our hearts. That,
you can never take.
‘Do not take a life’ it is said, ‘for it is like taking all mankind’.
and who will you face then, but the Face of God?

Is it fear of peace, of the goodness of humanity which sickens you?
That there could be unity amid the plurality
does that threaten your space?
Is the Aga Khan and his teaching abominable to you?
Is the education and growth despicable to you?
How will you erase the entire goodness in humanity?
How will you bow to Nature’s Hand?

For we are one…have you read ?
From one woman and one man we came, do you know?
The family you cared for is the same one you killed.
What did it benefit you?
It is in ripples, you fearful man.
It is in ripples we send an energy;
and behind us is the force of the world.
Beside us is the force of the Universe.
cast a stone into a quiet pool and see ripples form…
Fight for an ethic
befitting your home

Date posted: Thursday, August 15, 2013.
Date updated: Friday, August 16, 2013 (links to stories on the tragedy, see below)

Copyright: Navyn Naran/Simerg.

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The tragedy on external websites:

1. Victims Laid to Rest
2. So then to this now
3. Three killed in bomb blasts on I-Day Eve
4. Consecutive blasts in Karachi Jamaat Khana leaves 2 dead, 28 injured
5. Altaf Hussain condemns attacks on Ismaili Jamaat Khanas
6. Two Ismaili Shias Killed in hand grenade attack
7. Violent evening

Letter from China: Eid al-Fitr in Guangzhou by Zulfikar Mulji

10 August 2013

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A Canadian on a visit to China pens a letter upon celebrating Eid al-Fitr at the Huaisheng mosque in Guangzhou, China’s third largest city….Click to Read More

Muslims at the Eid al Fitr prayers at the Huasheing mosque on Thursday, August 7, 2013. Photo: Zulfikar Mulji. Please click for letter from China.

Muslims at the Eid al Fitr prayers at the Huasheing mosque on Thursday, August 8, 2013. Photo: Zulfikar Mulji. Please click for letter from China.

Eid ul-Fitr: Sighting of the new moon brings the Holy Month of Ramadan to an end

7 August 2013

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EID MUBARAK

Conceptual image for the holy month of Ramadan and Eid al Fitr. Photo: Istockphoto

Conceptual image for the holy month of Ramadan and Eid ul Fitr. Photo: Istockphoto. Copyright.

In some parts of the Muslim world, the actual sighting of the new or crescent moon determines the end of the month of Ramadan, whilst other Muslim bodies such as the Fiqh Council of North America determine the end of the month based on “scientifically guaranteed astronomical calculations.” According to a statement released by the Fiqh Council, the new moon was going to be visible with a telescope in California on Wednesday August 7, and Eid ul-Fitr would be celebrated on Thursday, August 8, the first day of the month of Shawwal. Newspapers from India such as the Deccan Herald reported the sighting of the crescent moon over places such as Kapad beach, near Kozhikode in Kerala, yesterday, Wednesday August 7 and announced that Eid ul-Fitr would take take place on Thursday, August 8. Kuwait, Jordan and Palestine are marking Eid on Thursday while Oman and Pakistan are expected to observe it on Friday.

Thus over a 1000 million Muslims around the world will be celebrating Eid on Thursday or on Friday August 9th, based on the method used to determine the end of Ramadan. In any case bakeries, confectionaries and toy shops have been witnessing heavy rush of customers as Muslims started preparing for the two-day Eid festival. In Srinagar, Kashmir, where Eid is to be expected to be observed on Friday shopping outlets dealing with clothing including kids-wear, perfumes and footwear have started seeing brisk sales from early in the morning.

A new moon at Mackerricher State Park, California, USA. Photo: Istockphoto. Copyright.

The festival of Eid, also known as Bairam or Eid Ramadan is one of the most joyous days in the Islamic calendar. It is an occasion for celebration and rejoicing for Allah’s Bounty upon mankind for His revelation of the Qur’an during the holy month of Ramadan.

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 mosques and jamatkhanas. It is also an occasion for socializing 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.

Rows of worshippers gather in neat rows facing Mecca in front of the mosque at the Taj Mahal to celebrate the Muslim festival of Eid ul-Fitr in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. Eid is the muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. Photo: Istockphoto. October 2, 2008. Copyright.

We convey our heartiest felicitations and Eid Mubarak to all our readers as well as Muslims around the world, with the fervent hope and prayer that peace and harmony will soon prevail over many areas of the Muslim world afflicted by horrible conflicts, which are resulting in the loss of lives and contributing to unbearable hardships and struggles. The Islamic ethic of forgiveness, generosity, and peaceful co-existence and unity through dialogue are keys by which conflicts can be resolved, whereby every Muslim can aspire for a life of material and spiritual well-being and happiness.

Date posted: Wednesday, August 7, 2013.
Date updated: Thursday, August 8, 2013

Volunteers – the Unsung Heroes of the 2008 Golden Jubilee Games for Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 50th Imamat Anniversary by Mohib Ebrahim

4 August 2013

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The 2008 Golden Jubilee Games held in Kenya to commemorate His Highness the Aga Khan’s 50th Imamat anniversary ranks among the most ambitious events staged by the Ismaili community in recent years, and its success is due to the tireless efforts and sacrifices of some 1,200 volunteers from around the world. Mohib Ebrahim takes a look behind the scenes and uncovers the story of the volunteers that made the Games in Kenya such a resounding success….Click Volunteers, the Unsung Heroes

Please click for article

Previous post in Simerg’s special series on Ismaili volunteers: Rajabali Mecklai, 85, Serves the Vancouver Ismailis and Community at Large with Dedication and Distinction

To contribute, see Ismaili Volunteers and their Stories of Service – A Special New Series for Simerg’s 4th Anniversary

Laylat al-Qadr – A Night Better than a Thousand Months

28 July 2013

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Compiled by Simerg
with contributions from Karima Maghraby

In his Khamsa, Shab-i Qadr (the Night of Power), the renowned Persian poet Amir Khusraw Dihlavi (d. 1325 CE) tells the story of a saint who made a failed attempt to stay awake until the Laylat al-Qadr. This image is taken from a folio in the Aga Khan Museum collection; the Toronto museum is due to open in 2014. Photo: Courtesy of the Aga Khan Museum

Laylat al-Qadr is the auspicious night when the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.) first received the revelation of the Holy Qur’an, thereby conferring upon him the mantle of prophet hood at the age of forty.

The Shia Ismaili Muslims observe Laylat al-Qadr on the 23rd night of Ramadan, in keeping with traditions received through Hazrat Ali (a.s.) and his wife Hazrat Bibi Fatimah (a.s.), and the Imams of the Fatimid dynasty. It is a night of special prayer, reflection and remembrance of Allah.

The following verses from the Holy Qur’an describe the loftiness of this night and articulate the importance of the final revealed scripture to mankind:

“Lo! We revealed it on the Night of Power. What will convey unto you what the Night of Power is! The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. The angels and the spirit descend therein, by the permission of their Lord, with all decrees. Peace it is until the rising of the dawn.” — 94:5

“(This is) a Scripture which We have revealed unto you (Muhammad) that thereby you may bring forth mankind from darkness unto light, by the permission of their Lord, unto the path of the Mighty, the Owner of Praise” — 14:01

“And celebrate the name of thy Lord morning and evening. And part of the night, prostrate thyself to Him; and glorify Him a long night through. As to these, they love the fleeting life, and put away behind them a Day (that will be) hard.” — 76:25-27

“We sent it down during a Blessed Night” — 44:3

“Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong)” — 2:185

Hazrat Mawlana Murtaza Ali (a.s.) the successor of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s) to the throne of Imamat is quoted as having said:

“Do not remember God absent-mindedly, nor forget Him in distraction; rather, remember Him with perfect remembrance (dhikran kamilan), a remembrance in which your heart and tongue are in harmony, and what you conceal conforms with what you reveal.” — quoted in Justice and Remembrance, Introducing the Spirituality of Imam Ali, by Reza Shah Kazemi, p. 162.

Date posted: Sunday, July 28, 2013

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Readers will be interested in a recently published piece on this blog, Assessing English Translations of the Qur’an, and Links to Translations on the Internet by Khaleel Mohammed (USA)

A collection of additional literary readings and essays inspired by the Holy Qur’an:

The Noble Qur’an – An Inexhaustible Well-Spring of Inspiration and Knowledge by His Highness the Aga Khan

Literary Reading: Fatimid Scientist, Al Hazen, Inspired by the Spirit of the Qur’an

The Story of Noah’s Ark in the Holy Qur’an

The Parable of Moses and Khidr in the Holy Qur’an: An Esoteric Interpretation

In the Beginning….The Qur’an and Muslim Thinkers on Creation

“The Blue Manuscript” by Sabiha Al Khemir – An Intriguing Fiction About the Hunt for a Priceless Fatimid Qur’an

Literary Reading: Some Considerations of the Term ‘Imam’ in the Holy Qur’an

Historical Images: The Blue Qur’an from the Fatimid Period, “A Very Spiritual Piece”

A “Thank You” Letter to the Makers of the Blue Qur’an

The Verses of the ‘Immaculate Conception’ of Jesus Christ in the Holy Qur’an and their Lasting Impact on a Christian Emperor

The Birth of Jesus and the Status of Mary in the Qur’an

Historical Images: President Thomas Jefferson’s Copy of the Qur’an

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We welcome feedback/letters from our readers. Your feedback may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation. We are unable to acknowledge unpublished letters. Please visit the Simerg Home page for links to articles posted most recently. For links to articles posted on this Web site since its launch in March 2009, please click What’s New.

Simerg – Insights from Around the World

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

Tag Archives: Simerg

35 Short Readings and Messages on Didar and Imamat in Anticipation of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Visit to Bangladesh and India

Ismaili Ginan “Ek Shabada Suno Mere Bhai”, an explanation by Shiraz Pradhan, with recitation

Key links for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture Ceremony held in Lisbon on Friday, September 6, 2013

“All People Are A Single Nation” – Prince Aly Khan on Islam’s Basic Teachings and its Closeness to the Ethic of the Christian Faith

A Nikah in the Noorani Family: Prince Rahim Aga Khan Weds Ms. Kendra Salwa Spears by Navyn Naran

A Reflection on the Tragedy in Karachi

Letter from China: Eid al-Fitr in Guangzhou by Zulfikar Mulji

Eid ul-Fitr: Sighting of the new moon brings the Holy Month of Ramadan to an end

Volunteers – the Unsung Heroes of the 2008 Golden Jubilee Games for Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 50th Imamat Anniversary by Mohib Ebrahim

Laylat al-Qadr – A Night Better than a Thousand Months