This photo piece at Simergphotos serves two purposes: A fond memory and reflection of the old Jamatkhana at 991 Carling Avenue, which served the Ismaili community in Ottawa for twenty-six years, and a tribute to a great new building at 3225 Conroy Road which became operational as the new Jamatkhana on Friday, July 19, 2013 with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an.
Photo Essay: Ismaili Muslims Open a Beautiful New Jamatkhana in Canada’s Capital
The foyer of Ottawa’s new Jamatkhana which was declared open on Friday July 19, 2013. Please click for photo essay.
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Stories of Ismaili Volunteers: At 85, Vancouver’s Rajabali Mecklai Wins Hearts by Serving the Community With Dedication and Warmth
Rajabali Mecklai served in numerous capacities as a volunteer both in Uganda and Canada for many years but he registered as a badged Ismaili volunteer over 30 years ago. His late wife, Maleksultan, was a motivating force of his volunteering activities. She passed away in Vancouver’s downtown Drake Jamatkhana at the call of prayer on Friday, August 16 1996. Rajabali’s deep affection and closeness to Maleksultan is shown by the love letters he wrote in her memory, many of which he shares with his friends and youth of the Jamat….Read more of this first piece in Simerg’s new series
Please click for article on Rajabali Mecklai, the first piece in Simerg’s special series on Ismaili Volunteers from Around the World. Image: Simerg.
Please contribute your stories, see STORIES OF ISMAILI VOLUNTEERS.
The Imamat: Essential Quotes and Readings
Two Quotes
1. THE ROLE OF MAWLANA HAZAR IMAM
Historically and in accordance with Ismaili tradition, the Imam of the time is concerned with spiritual advancement as well as improvement of the quality of life of his murids. The imam’s ta‘lim lights the murid’s path to spiritual enlightenment and vision. In temporal matters, the Imam guides the murids, and motivates them to develop their potential…..Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Karim al Hussaini, His Highness Prince Aga Khan, in direct lineal descent from the Holy Prophet (s.a.s.) through Hazrat Mawlana Ali (a.s.) and Hazrat Bibi Fatima (a.s), is the Forty-Ninth Imam of the Ismaili Muslims….Clauses (F) and (G) of the Preamble of the Ismaili Constitution ordained in 1986 [1].
2. IMAM – A COSMIC NECESSITY
Imam is the Threshold through which God and the creatures communicate; Imam is a Cosmic Necessity and the earth cannot be devoid of an Imam – without an Imam the earth and the universe would crumble; The Imam is the Proof, the Manifestation and the Organ of God and he is the Means by which human beings can attain the knowledge of God — Excerpt from The Divine Guide in Early Shi’ism by Mohamad Ali Amir-Moezzi, pp 125-131, SUNY, 1994.
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Links to Six Readings
1. THE TERM IMAM IN THE HOLY QUR’AN
The term Imam is used seven times in the singular and five times in the plural form in the Holy Qur’an. It is not, however, used in the same sense every time. The different shades of meaning which it indicates therefore needs to be analysed….CLICK TO READ MORE
2. THE FORMULATION OF THE DOCTRINE OF IMAMAT
Like his father and grandfather before him, Imam Ja’far remained politically quiescent and inactive…..it was in this period of political inactivity – to an extent – that the main religious ideas and doctrinal formation of Imamate concepts really crystallised….CLICK TO READ MORE
3. THE DOCTRINE OF IMAMAT DURING THE FATIMID PERIOD
The central doctrine of the Ismaili community has always been the doctrine of Imamat because around it are built all the goals of the community and the roles of the dais, but this doctrine is also not rigid, it has been evolving, particularly in the writings and preachings of the dais….CLICK TO READ MORE
4. IMAMAT IN ISMAILI GINANIC LITERATURE
According to the Ginans the Imam is the source of Guidance for mankind. He shows them the right path, saves the people from ignorance and acts as a Divine Light in the darkness….CLICK TO READ MORE
5. THE NUR (LIGHT) OF IMAMAT
What is this special light that Allah refers to [in Holy Qur’an 4:174], which guides and makes things clear? For Shia Muslims, this light is the Light of Imamat. The Shias refer to it as the Nur of Imamat. Nur means light. The Nur of Imamat is a spiritual light….CLICK TO READ MORE
6. LOVE FOR THE IMAM
“Say (O Muhammad): No reward do I ask (for my favours) except your love for my kith and kin” – Holy Qur’an, 42:23
“He who loves us will be with us on the Day of Judgement” – Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq….CLICK TO READ MORE
Date posted: Thursday, July 11, 2013.
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Reference:
[1] Please click The Preamble of “The Constitution of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims”
Learning and Sharing Knowledge About Ismaili Jamatkhanas Through Imamat Day Greeting Cards
Introduced by Malik Merchant
Editor, www.simerg.com
The 2013 Send an Imamat Day eCard feature by The Ismaili, the official website of the worldwide Ismaili Muslim community, includes a wonderful collection of images of Ismaili Jamatkhanas, including those of the five high profile Ismaili centres.
Simerg launched The Jamatkhana series as part of its 2nd anniversary in 2011, and we are pleased to create this post, and incorporate it into the series. The images and captions shown below are taken from the Ismaili greeting card collection, and the links included with each image will take you to some excellent and informative pieces about the respective Jamatkhana at the Ismaili website.
On the auspicious occasion of the 56th Imamat Day Anniversary of the 49th Ismaili Imam, the editor of Simerg wishes Ismailis all over the world Imamat Day Mubarak, and prays for everyone’s peace, barakah and success in all walks of life, and for spiritual enlightenment under the guidance of the Imam of the Time, Noor Mawlana Sha Karim al-Hussaini Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan.
THE ISMAILI CENTRE, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
The Ismaili Centre, London is a multi-purpose facility established by Mawlana Hazar Imam for the Jamat’s cultural, educational, religious and social activities. Opened in 1985 by the then British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, the Centre was the first in the Western world to have been built specifically to the community’s requirements. In 2010, the Ismaili Centre, London celebrated the 25th anniversary of its opening, with, amongst other events, a tea party attended by Mawlana Hazar Imam and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.
» Click here to learn more about the London Ismaili Centre
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RAWAT III JAMATKHANA, GILGIT-BALTISTAN, PAKISTAN
Part of a seismically unstable zone that is prone to earthquakes, floods, landslides and droughts, Pakistan’s northern region has long been home to a significant Ismaili population. Several new purpose-built jamatkhana projects blend traditional building with new disaster-resistant techniques. From design and construction to finished product, the new structures offer a model to uplift the quality of habitat throughout the region.
» Click here to learn more about the Rawat Jamatkhana
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THE ISMAILI CENTRE, DUSHANBE, TAJIKISTAN
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.
» Click here to learn more about the Dushanbe Ismaili Centre
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THE ISMAILI CENTRE, LISBON, PORTUGAL
Inaugurated on 11 July 1998, the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon established, for the first time in continental Europe, a permanent place of gathering for Ismaili Muslims. The Centre’s Jamatkhana is complemented by premises for the social, cultural and economic development institutions of the Aga Khan Development Network, serving people of all faiths, backgrounds and origins.
» Click here to learn more about the Lisbon Ismaili Centre
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ISMAILI JAMATKHANA, LAHORE, PAKISTAN
The Ismaili presence in Punjab can be traced back at least a thousand years to Fatimid times, when Multan was a major centre for the Jamat. Nestled along Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan Road, the Ismaili Jamatkhana Lahore is the first modern facility to be purpose-built for the Jamat in that city. Rooted in tradition and heritage, the Jamatkhana symbolises centuries of the Jamat’s presence in the region, and its continuity in a land steeped in the many interpretations and practices of Islam.
» Click here to learn more about the Lahore Jamatkhana
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THE ISMAILI CENTRE, DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
The Ismaili Centre, Dubai is a complex of creative spaces for contemplative, cultural, educational and recreational purposes, designed to encourage understanding and the sharing of wisdom from many perspectives. It was opened on 26 March 2008 as part of the commemoration of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee. The Centre draws on spiritual and intellectual roots that give it contemporary resonance. Its courtyards, gardens and watercourses, set amidst interlinking interiors, propose a harmony of tradition and timelessness.
» Click here to learn more about the Dubai Ismaili Centre
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THE ISMAILI CENTRE, BURNABY, CANADA
The Ismaili Centre in Burnaby, a tree-lined suburb of Greater Vancouver, is the first such centre to be purpose-built by the Ismaili Muslim community in Canada. The site was acquired in 1979, and a firm led by the well-known Vancouver architect Bruno Freschi, was commissioned to prepare the plans for the building. In August 1985, the Centre was opened by Canada’s then Prime Minister Brian Mulroney in the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam. This year, the Centre is marking its 25th anniversary.
» Click here to learn more about the Burnaby Ismaili Centre
To send a personalized card, please click Send an Imamat Day eCard.
Date posted: Wednesday, July 10, 2013.
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Another version: For 56th Imamat Anniversary, Magnificent and Unique Historical Portraits of His Highness the Aga Khan
56th Imamat Anniversary: Magnificent Historical Portraits of His Highness the Aga Khan, with Quotes on the Nature of Imamat and Succession
Compiled by Malik Merchant
(Publisher-Editor, Simerg and Simergphotos)
MAWLANA HAZAR IMAM, HIS HIGHNESS THE AGA KHAN
A portrait of the new 49th Ismaili Imam taken shortly after he succeeded his late grandfather to the throne of Imamat on July 11, 1957 at the age of twenty. A framed portrait of the late 48th Imam who served the community for 72 years is seen in the background. Photo by Philippe Le Tellier/Paris Match via Getty Images. Copyright. Please click on image for full enlargement.
THE WILL OF IMAM MAWLANA SULTAN MAHOMED SHAH, THE 48TH IMAM
“Ever since the time of my first ancestor Ali, the first Imam, that is to say over a period of thirteen hundred years it has always been the tradition of our family that each Imam chooses his successor at his absolute and unfettered discretion from amongst any of his descendants whether they be sons or remoter male issue.
This thoughtful study of the late 48th Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah was done in clay by his late wife, the Begum Aga Khan. Image by © Bettmann/CORBIS. Please click for enlargement.
“In view of the fundamentally altered conditions in the world in very recent years due to the great changes which have taken place including the discoveries of atomic science I am convinced that it is in the best interests of the Shia Moslem Ismailian Community that I should be succeeded by a young man who has been brought up and developed during recent years and in the midst of the new age and who brings a new outlook on life to his office as Imam.
The late 48th Ismaili Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah, seated on a wheelchair, is pictured with members of his family including his successor, Prince Karim Aga Khan, standing at extreme right. Photo: Zul Khoja Collection, Ottawa.
“I appoint my grandson Karim, the son of my son Aly Salomone Khan to succeed to the title of Aga Khan and to be the Imam and Pir of all my Shia Ismailian followers.”….His Highness the Aga Khan III.
SUCCESSION AND THE NATURE OF IMAMAT
One of the several ceremonial installations of the 49th Imam that took place around the world. This photo is from the installation (Takht Nashini) that took place in Kampala, Uganda.
“…the [installation] ceremony is a public installation of the Imam. The Ismailis pay homage to the Imam and that is when you are recognised by the world at large as the Imam. Officially as soon as one Imam passes away, his successor takes on from the very minute the Imam has passed away.” — His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan [1]
A TRIBUTE TO THE 48TH IMAM, AND THE NEW IMAM’S DEDICATION
Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, His Highness the Aga Khan (1877-1957), direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s) and 48th Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims. He ruled the Ismailis for 72 years. Photo: Copyright National Portrait Gallery, London.
“My grandfather dedicated his life to the Imamat and Islam, both of which came first, and above all other considerations. While I was prepared that one day I might be designated the Aga Khan I did not expect it so soon. I follow a great man in a great responsibility and he could have given me no more appreciated honour than to bequeath me this spiritual leadership. My life, as his, will be dedicated to the service of my followers.”….His Highness the Aga Khan.
DEDICATION FULFILLED
“The closer you come the more you will see him.” A pixel snapshot from a digital portrait of His Highness the Aga Khan representing some of his activities as the 49th Imam of Ismaili Muslims. Please click for enlargement. Copyright: Akber Kanji, Toronto, Canada.
THE LOVE FOR THE IMAM OF THE TIME
Ismaili girls in Central Asia proudly and lovingly display a decorated frame holding a photo of their beloved 49th Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan. Please click for enlargement. Photo: Matthieu Paley. Copyright.
In all four ages,
I went about,
looking hard.
I found none
to match you, my lord.My lord,
my heart is fond of you. [2]~~~
MAWLANA HAZAR IMAM, HIS HIGHNESS THE AGA KHAN
A portrait of the new 49th Ismaili Imam taken shortly after he succeeded his late grandfather to the throne of Imamat on July 11, 1957 at the age of twenty. A framed portrait of the late 48th Imam who served the community for 72 years is seen in the background. Photo by Philippe Le Tellier/Paris Match via Getty Images. Copyright. Please click on image to enlarge
Date posted: Monday, July 9, 2013.
© All photos are Copyright by the respective copyright owners. Reproduction strictly prohibited without licensing agreement(s) from the copyright sources mentioned in the photo captions.
For an extra-ordinary version of this photo essay please visit our sister blog Simergphotos. Please click For 56th Imamat Anniversary, Magnificent and Unique Historical Portraits of His Highness the Aga Khan
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References:
[1] http://www.nanowisdoms.org/nwblog/10260/
[2] Verse 3 translation of Saiyad Imamshah’s ginan Sahebaji tun more mana bhave, from “A Scent of Sandalwood” by Dr. Aziz Esmail
For other Imamat related readings including an explanation of the Munajat recited during Imamat Day please click on the following links:
We welcome feedback/letters from our readers. Please use the LEAVE A REPLY box which appears below. 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.
A Kaleidoscope of Inspiring and Uplifting Poetry for Imamat Day
EXPRESSIONS OF MYSTICAL AND ESOTERIC LOVE FOR HAZAR IMAM
Ismailis throughout the world celebrated the Golden Jubilee of their 49th Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, Mawlana Shah Karim al-Hussaini, during the period July 11, 2007 – December 13, 2008. Part of the commemorative festivities in Europe included an exclusive project, entitled “Festival of Poetic Expressions”, produced and directed by Aitmadi Dr. Aziz Kurwa, under the aegis of the His Highness the Aga Khan Ismaili Council for the United Kingdom.
The common theme underlying each performance was the expression of mystical and esoteric love the Ismailis have for their Imam of the Time.
Such expressions have resonated throughout Ismaili history, because Ismaili doctrine has always emphasized the principle of the Unity of Imamat where the Ismailis affirm that each Imam, as bearer of the Noor of Imamat starting with Hazrat Ali (a.s.), is the same irrespective of his own age or the time he lives.
Group photo of the participants and organizers of the “Festival of Poetic Expressions”
Thus the poems selected below are timeless, and we hope they instill happiness in the heart of every Ismaili as they celebrate the 56th Imamat Day of Mawlana Hazar Imam on July 11th.
MY ULTIMATE DESIRE
عندما تأتي يأتي النور
Victoria Niema Alhaj
عندما تأتي يأتي النور
إمامي أنت مولانا
معك نشعر بالسعادة والامان
أنت إمامي
أنت حبيبي
أحب أن أراك دائما
لك حبي ياشاه كريم
By Niema Victoria Alhaj
O my Imam
when you come
comes the Nur.You’re our Mawla,
and you give us
happiness and protection.O Shah Karim,
you are my beloved Imam,
and to see you
is my ultimate desire.
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Niema, pictured above, was born in Stockholm, to Syrian parents. Niema knows many Arabic Qasidas and Qur’anic Surahs by heart. She also has many talents including composing poetry, writing short stories, painting, and sports including Taekwondo (gained green belt) and swimming (has many diplomas).
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KALEIDOSCOPE OF FAITH
By Zainul Nasser
Takhtnashini in Nairobi
An event so momentous,
So significant
My heart is filled with wonder
And childish pietyGiving Bay’ah in Mombasa
Hazar Imam’s gentle hand
On my bowed shoulder
Benign, protectiveThe kaleidoscope is set
In simple, comforting patterns
Glowing brightly throughout childhoodReligion is woven
Through our lives
Jamatkhana as familiar
As our homes
Pictures of Hazar Imam
Surround us
A constant, reassuring presenceChildhood ends
And with it certainty
New ideas, new experiences
Overwhelm me
For a while, my inattentive soul
Loses its way
The familiar patterns
Seem blurred and distortedBut I am blessed
At Palace Gate we students
Sit at Hazar Imam’s feet
So fortunate
In this small, intimate setting
Hazar Imam’s gaze
Seems to rest on me
Infinitely understanding, infinitely mercifulMy struggling soul is rewarded
Focus is restored
The patterns in the kaleidoscope
Acquire coherence, depth and sparkleAnd over the years
The colours dim or brighten
But the patterns remain steady
And my hopeful soul
Journeys on
Towards
Golden Jubilee Imamat dayWe come together
In joyous anticipation
Our hearts beguiled
By fervent Zikr tasbis, qasidah
And the rousing ‘Munajat’We are shown
Hazar Imam’s untiring efforts
To help the needy
To bring hope and harmony and beauty
Everywhere
A shining beacon in a time of darkness
Our hearts sing with pride
We are inspired
We are humbledAnd we are blessed
With the Irshad
So caring and compassionate
So full of love, wisdom and goodnessThe kaleidoscope clicks
Into perfect symmetry
The colours polished to a lustrous luminescence
The child in me
Exults in the jewelled splendour
My imperfect soul
Is filled with gratitude
At this gift, this grace
And prays for it to last.
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Zainul Nasser ( nee Karmali ) was born in Mombasa and grew up there. She came to the U.K. as an undergraduate and has lived here ever since.
Zainul has an Honours degree in English from Bristol University and a Postgraduate Degree in Education. She taught English in secondary schools in Birmingham for several years. She also served on various committees including Education and Women’s activities.
Zainul is married with three grown up children. She now lives in Sutton Coldfield, indulging her passion for reading and occasionally writing poetry.
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THE MORNING SUN
Zahira Virani
By Zahira Virani
Excited, mesmerised momins, full of expectancy,
full of love and joy
Communal love beyond any I have ever witnessed
An empty reservoir waiting to be filled
A hungry child awaiting its delayed meal
The desert gasping for its monsoonRoses, jasmine and freesia release clouds
from the intoxicating agarbati
Rising and raising me higher and higher
till I land on a cloud
I become an eagle that soars
to dazzling heights in expectation
That knows the further it goes
the more bounteous its reward
Bump
Down to earth, bustling shuffling,
quick fire steps of volunteers Salwaat continuous,
rolling around in echoes and ripples of anticipation
Waezeen moving off the stage and evoking
a collective in-take of breath
Then chokingly a salwaat comes out
trickling water on a dry plant
Gently, gently but truly, truly
A teasing moment till it spills forth
the presence of Our Lord!Overwhelmingly a wave upon a wave
of heat envelopes my heart and my mind
I lose my ability to focus,
through an uncontrollable gush of tears
I find my head bows,
surely my eyes are not worthy
To glimpse his face
Yet the presence opens a door in my heart,
where I can see glory
beyond my dreams
The family of momins around me
embrace me without arms, we are oneI am in union with them and my Lord
We are a garden of flowers resplendent
in the glory of the morning sun
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THE DANCING HEART
By Greg Traynor
Come [let’s] celebrate this golden year with sitar, lute and tabla
Clear the well-spring maple floor for dandia and rasra.
Tread the flattened, reddened earth.
The verdant grass, the seashore.
Clap your hands, Lift up your feet
– Be happy!From mountain top in high Pamir to Ganges’ muddy waters,
From old folks in Portugal to Toronto’s sons and daughters
Will all join hands and navigate
Their way around the dance floor
Our hearts exult, our souls inspired.
– We are happy!
Pale ghosts of Alamut arise! Come, join in this occasion!
Scholars of al-Azhar’s red towers and saints of every nation!
Raise up your voices, all in praise.
Our Imam’s life to cherish
We, the living, wish to dance and sing
– So happy!Our Imam’s fifty golden years witness his dedication,
His Dancing Heart has guided the formation
Of our joyous souls,
His thoughtful words have nourished and
His Farmans have enlightened.
Our dance will show we want to make
Him happy.
Greg Traynor presented the Dancing Heart as a non-Ismaili spouse. He lives in Ireland.
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Date posted: Saturday, July 6, 2013.
Last updated: October 15, 2010.
Please also click The Festival of Poetic Expressions to learn about the festival and read more poems presented at the festival.
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For Canada Day: Photo Essay – the Celebration of Literacy and His Highness the Aga Khan’s Affinity for Canada @Simergphotos
Happy 146th Canada Day, and Looking Ahead to Two Iconic Celebrations in 2017 – Canada’s 150th Anniversary….
Canadians are already looking ahead at imaginative ways to celebrate its 150th birthday with the recent launch of 2017 Starts Now by CBC/Radio-Canada, VIA Rail Canada and Community Foundations of Canada. It’s a national conversation to incubate, ignite and inspire ideas for how to celebrate the country’s 150th anniversary. Recently, 12 conferences took place across Canada to begin imagining and planning the historic celebrations. A PDF guide on this imaginative planning can be downloaded by clicking on 2017 Starts Now – Conversation.
and His Highness the Aga Khan’s Diamond Jubilee
A few days after Canada celebrates its 150th anniversary on July 1 2017, Ismailis around the world will be marking the Diamond Jubilee of their current Imam, Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Karim al Hussaini, His Highness the Aga Khan. Direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.), His Highness became the 49th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims on July 11, 1957, at the age of twenty.
As part of the current 146th Canada Day 2013 celebrations and the 56th Imamat anniversary, Simergphotos, the companion photo blog of this website, presents a photo essay from Rideau Hall with a link to a fine literary essay concerning His Highness the Aga Khan’s affinity for Canada. Please click on the image below or on The Celebration of Literacy at Rideau Hall; and His Highness the Aga Khan’s Fondness for Canada
The Maple Leaf
Map of Canada in Canadian Flag Colours. Photo: Istockphoto.com. The National Flag of Canada, also known as the Maple Leaf and l’Unifolié (French for “the one-leafed”), is a flag consisting of a red field with a white square at its centre, in the middle of which is featured a stylized, 11-pointed, red maple leaf. Adopted in 1965 to replace the Union Flag, it is the first ever specified by statute law for use as the country’s national flag. Text: Wikipedia. Please click for “Celebration of Literacy…”
Photo Essay: A 9 Year Old Ismaili Boy’s First Steps on Becoming an Astronaut @Simergphotos
Photo Essay: A 9 Year Old Ismaili Boy’s First Steps of Becoming an Astronaut
Qayl dressed as an astronaut. Please click on photo to read Qayl’s photo essay.
A 9-year-old Ismaili boy’s passion for space exploration finds truth in His Highness the Aga Khan’s visionary thoughts from the 1950s. Soon after becoming the 49th Imam of the Ismailis, Prince Karim visited East Africa and on several of his visits with Ismaili youths, he challenged them to think about the future and prepare for it by educating themselves well. In one of the meetings, he said, “if I say that your children are going to have a cup of tea on the moon, you will probably laugh. Well, fine, this is the way it should be, we laugh at it today but your children will not laugh at it.”
Qayl is 9 years old and recently met 10 Astronauts, talking to them, interviewing them and taking pictures. For the photo essay about his inspiring encounters, please click:
The Ismaili Munajat Ya Ali Khuba Mijalas: Translation and Explanation by Sadrudin K. Hassam
“In Ismaili poetical literature comprising of Ginans and Qasidas, some of the most profound philosophical thoughts and sublime mystical insights are very tersely and beautifully expressed in verses. Moreover, this poetic literature effectively emphasizes the renewal and strengthening of the spiritual relationship between each murid (follower) in the community and Kamil Murshid (The Perfect Guide), Hazar Imam (The Living Imam)….
“The tradition of reciting the Munajat, Ya Ali Khuba Mijalas, began over a hundred years ago. It was recited in various jamati gatherings (mijalas) by Ismailis in many parts of the world to commemorate the enthronement of their 48th Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah, the late Aga Khan III (1877 – 1957). Continuing with this tradition, this Munajat, with slight variations, is now recited on the occasion of the anniversary of the ascension of Shah Karim al-Husseini (His Highness the Aga Khan IV) as the 49th Imam of The Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims….”
Please click: The Munajat – Ya Ali Khuba Mijalas
His Highness the Aga Khan, the direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s) and 49th Imam of Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, will complete his 56 years of Imamat on July 11, 2013. He is seen above on October 19, 1957 at the Takht Nashini (coronation) celebrations in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, shortly after he became Imam at the age of 21. Please click for Munajat reading. Photo Credit: Ilm Magazine, July 1977.
In Celebration of Father’s Day 2013: Excerpts from a Letter of Hazrat Ali (a.s.) to His Son, Introduced by Azeem Maherali
“My dear son, you are part of my body and soul, and whenever I look at you, I feel as if I am looking at myself. If any calamity happens to you, I feel as if it has happened to me. Your death will make me feel as if it were my own. Your affairs are like my affairs. Therefore I commit this advice to paper. I want you to be attentive to it and to guard it well. I may remain longer in your life or I may not, but I want this advice to remain with you….” — from Hazrat Ali’s Letter….Read more excerpts.
This fine steel peacock may have decorated the cross-bar of an alam, a standard carried during religious festivals in Iran. Hazrat Ali and his two sons, Hasan and Husayn, are depicted in the central medallion on the peacock’s fanned tail. The bird is also engraved with stylized inscriptions, princely hunting scenes, human busts and animals in a style typical of the Qajar period (1771-1924) in Iran.
Photo Credit: The Trustees of the British Museum. Copyright. Please click on image for reading.
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