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 ...
By Zulfikar Mulji Location of Guangzhou in China. Historically know as Canton, it is the 3rd largest city in China with a population of nearly 13 million. Map: Wikipedia Thursday, August 8, 2013. Guangzhou, China. A beautiful sunny day it is; the heat and the humidity this morning is unbearable. As I walked in, the zikr chant of allahu akbar allahu ...
EID MUBARAK 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 ...
By Mohib Ebrahim Young Ismaili girls and boys carry the Ismaili Flag with pride during the Golden Jubilee Games held in Kenya to commemorate the 50th Imamat anniversary of His Highness the Aga Khan. Photo: The Ismali/Moez Visram (Hakim Sons) While athletes were competing and spectators were cheering them on, behind the scenes, an army of volunteers brought the Golden Jubilee ...
Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s) received his first revelation from Allah through Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) in the Hira cave which is on Jabl al Nur (Mount of Light) shown in this photo. The peak is visible from a great distance. The Prophet used to climb this mountain often even before receiving his fist revelation from Allah. A photo of Cave of Hira in ...
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 ...
Article prepared from photos and text supplied by Nasir Mecklai Rajabali Mecklai of Vancouver has inspired Simerg's volunteer series to commemorate the website's 4th anniversary. Photo: Rajabali Mecklai Family Collection. Life in Uganda and Migration to Canada Rajabali Mecklai, affectionately known as "Raju" was born in Naglama, Uganda to (Alijah) Mohamed and Sakina Alibhai Dharamsee Mecklai. His mother died when he ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
By His Highness the Aga Khan, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah (1877 - 1957) A portrait of Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah, His Highness the Aga Khan III, dated 1911, Copyright: National Portrait Gallery. There had been sinister rumors that an epidemic of bubonic plague was sedulously and remorselessly spreading westward across Asia. There had been a bad outbreak in Hong Kong; sporadically ...
Introduced by Azeem Maherali In celebration of Father's Day, I wanted to salute all fathers, grand fathers and father like figures in their continuing efforts to keeping their families strong, safe and happy. In addition to being great role models, they have in their many ways inspired us to be better individuals, make a difference with our lives and in turn, ...
By Malik MerchantLabour for the welfare of others is the best way of improving oneself, because its results are sure and certain. If you work for yourself, you are never happy -- His Highness the Aga Khan, Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah (1877 - 1957), March 12, 1924, Recreation Club, Mumbai, India. Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan with Ismaili volunteers and ...
Kofi Annan on jacket of his new book which tells the story of his remarkable time at the center of the world stage. FOR COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE AND VIDEOS PLEASE CLICK: The Global Centre for Pluralism INTRODUCTION: By clicking on the above image or hyperlink you will have an opportunity to see numerous videos and transcripts from an event hosted by the ...
Introduction: The birthday anniversary of Hazrat Imam Ali (a.s.) is commemorated on the 13th Rajab. This festival is celebrated by the Shi'te communities and is observed as an occasion to reflect upon the life and teachings of their first Imam. According to the Shi'a doctrine and tradition, Hazrat Ali was the foundation (asas) of the institution of Imamah. His designation (nass) ...
by Zhang He, Singapore My father cleared his throat and asked, "How much are the oranges?". Illustration by Natalie Chin. It was a freezing cold winter day in China. My family and I were visiting my beloved paternal grandmother who lives in Zhengzhou, a city in China. And this time we were celebrating the Chinese New Year with her. It was ...
Location of Hangzhou in the People's Republic of China. Map: Wikipedia "What I propose to discuss with you is how cultural heritage can itself be a "trampoline" for social and economic development, in the same way that agriculture, water resources, power supplies or transportation systems have traditionally been perceived. Even in settings of abject poverty, cultural legacies, though once dormant, can ...
BEAD BAI BY SULTAN SOMJEE, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (March 5, 2013), Paperback, 466 pages, appx. $17.10 - $19.00 at Amazon and CreateSpace. Available via author's blog, see link at end of article. The Cover Page of Sultan Somjee`s `Bead Bai" - a sojourn into Khoja life in early Nairobi, Kenya. The Gujarati writing at the foot of the book cover ...
LAILA LOKHANDWALLA It is with deep regret and sorrow that we announce the passing of Laila Lokhandwalla in Toronto, Canada, on Sunday May 5, 2013 at the age of 55. Our heartfelt condolences go to Ms. Lokhandwalla's family and friends, and we pray for the eternal peace and rest of Laila's soul. Her funeral ceremonies took place at the Scarborough Jamatkhana ...
By Prince Rahim Aga Khan I am thrilled to join the graduation ceremony in honour of those completing the IIS [Institute of Ismaili Studies] Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities. To you, to your families and to all those who have helped you in this achievement, I say mash'Allah. I am convinced that the institutions of the Imamat and of ...
PRINCE RAHIM AGA KHAN - A BRIEF PROFILE His Highness the Aga Khan and his oldest son Prince Rahim touring the Sosuco sugar factory in Banfora, Burkina Faso. - Photo: AKDN/Gary Otte Date and place of birth: October 12, 1971, Geneva, Switzerland. Relationship to His Highness the Aga Khan, 49th Ismaili Imam: Prince Rahim Aga Khan is His Highness Prince Karim ...
GUJARATI COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE GLOBE: Memory, Identity and Continuity, Edited by Sharmina Mawani and Anjoom Mukadam. Trentham Books, Stoke on Trent, U.K., Sterling, USA. 2012, 204 pages, £22.99. Available in USA/Canada from Amazon and other on-line stores at appx. $38.00, price may be lower (see links below). Reviewed by Nizar Motani, Ph.D This latest addition to the expanding frontier of Gujarati ...
By Malik Merchant, Editor Recently, I had the immense pleasure of meeting and having a delightful lunch at Vancouver's well-known Jambo Grill with (Itmadi) Farouk B.K.S. Verjee who was the President of His Highness the Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for Canada during the 1980's. During his term of office, he witnessed the opening of two major Ismaili Centres in ...
Photo: Istockphoto.com. © Once upon a time, a little fish lived in a pond. But she wanted to go to the forest. The pond was deep, and high banks hid the surrounding forest from her view. Wanting to see the forest, the fish would leap out of water now and then, reaching higher over the pond with the strength of her ...
BARONESS MARGARET THATCHER AND HIS HIGHNESS THE AGA KHAN JULY 2008 His Highness the Aga Khan, 49th Ismaili Imam and direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, warmly greeting Baroness Margaret Thatcher at the banquet hosted by His Highness in London on July 3, 2008 during his Golden Jubilee Celebrations. Photo: Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Karim Al Hussaini Aga Khan, Golden Jubilee ...
"Touched by the Essence" - a sculpture by Naznin Virji-Babul, Vancouver. Copyright. By Shiraz Pradhan Mention of the word 'death' whips up emotions of fear and sadness in most people. This is quite natural, because biological death marks the end of physical life on earth. To people, who are preoccupied with material things and sensual delights, death represents an end to ...
By Dr. V. A. Lalani 'The Nature of Prayer' is a 14" x 10" mixed media acrylic painting on canvas. Secured on the canvas with strong glue are a handmade tasbih (prayer beads), and 3 dried leaves bearing the Arabic inscriptions reading from bottom to top, Allah, Muhammad and Ali. The whole piece represents keeping the memory of Allah, and making ...
"AMEN KHUDAVIND" a window opens. a green meadow, lush new tufts of grass under her feet, running across these verdant, undulating hills. weathering the storms past, she tills the moist, brown soil. emerald shoots peer fresh as a new-born baby's cheeks what news will spring bring? what did i sow? and how will i reap? "i'm late to catch the train! ...
I. UNITED NATIONS RECOGNITION OF NOWRUZ To celebrate the International Day of Nowruz, the Persian New Year and the first day of spring, the Permanent Representatives of Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan, India, Kazakhstan, Albania, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey , Turkmenistan and Macedonia hosted an official ceremony at the General Assembly Hall on March 22, 2011. The event also commemorated the one-year anniversary of ...
Please click: Ismaili Devotee Seeks Out His Spiritual Master on Spring Day Be joyfully bound in the love of AliAnd attain the unfading spiritual color (the state of bliss) from the Master;When my mind was bound to the Ever-Living Lord in contemplationReality adorned (the Soul) with priceless treasure of (Noorani) pearls... Please click for Navroz Ginan. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Advertisements ...
THE REWARD OF THE TWO MANGOES A Story from Pyara Imam Ni Pyari Wato By Sairab Abuturabi and Jaferali Bhalwani (English translation by Sakar H. Datoo) Outside Walkeshwar in the Blazing Sun Walkeshvar is situated on the top of Malabar Hill in Bombay (now Mumbai) the shores of which are caressed by the waters of the Arabian Sea. Once, in that ...
SIMERG INVITES YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THIS CONTINUING SERIES "A very beautiful tribute to Prince Sadruddin" "Thank you for sharing this wonderful insight into the life of Prince Amyn Aga Khan" "Great piece with lots of invaluable historical information" "MashaAllah, it really raised my emotion and my spirit" These are a few of the many comments we have received for Simerg's series ...
"I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD BECOME AN IMAM AFTER I FINISHED STUDYING" "Last Call to Prayer," an informative eight-minute video produced by the Asia Society, takes a look at the impact of China's Hui Muslim population on the spread of Islam, particularly through its all-female mosques and imams. Please clickLast Call To Prayer Please click on image for this short informative ...
A folio from the manuscript of al-Shirazi's Sirat. Credit: The Institute of Ismaili Studies. Of the very few Ismaili historical figures who have left rich and fascinating details and imprints about their lives through their autobiographies, the personal account by Al-Mu'ayyad al-Shirazi, who served the 18th Ismaili Imam (or the 8th Fatimid Caliph), al-Mustansir Billah, has been described as a thrilling ...
By Ghulam Abbas Hunzai This life of the world is but a pastime and a game. Lo! the home of the Hereafter -- that is Life, if they but knew -- Holy Qur'an, 29:64 The belief in akhirat (life hereafter) is one of the fundamental principles of Islam and as such its importance can hardly be over emphasized. A discussion on ...
Editor's note: Readers often ask us to recommend English translations of the Holy Qur'an. In this informative essay Dr. Khaleel Mohammed of San Diego University, California, assesses numerous popular as well as lesser known translations of the Qur'an which have appeared in print over the last several decades, upto 2005 when this essay first appeared. Many of the works noted by ...
During the past six months, this (literary) website's companion blog, Simergphotos, has featured hundreds of beautiful images and stories coveringpeople(His Highness the Aga Khan, President Barack Obama, Prince Amyn Aga Khan, Ibn Sina, the Maasai, Thomas Jefferson), places(Alamut, Zanzibar, Jerusalem, Bagamoyo, Tashkorgan), arts of the book (the Fatimid Blue Qur'an, the American Declaration of Independence), and calligraphy (Naade Ali). The shrinking ...
BRIEF FACTS FROM ISMAILI HISTORY Three gold quarter dinars of the Fatimid Imam-Caliph al-Hakim were among the Fatimid objects found in a shipwreck in Turkey. Photo credit: Institute of Nautical Archaeology. "In the twelfth century the gold dinars of the Fatimid caliphs of Egypt were so highly valued throughout the Middle East, especially by Syrian merchants, that the Christian kingdoms founded ...
A Review by David Skinner Cover of the fictional work, "The Blue Manuscript" "Calligraphy is discipline to the soul" - Sabiha Al Khemir In an essay prefacing the catalog for the 2006 exhibition "From Cordoba to Samarqand" at the Louvre, Sabiha Al Khemir writes of the "new here": the shift in surroundings that occurs as objects become removed from their original ...
