VIDEO: Rays of the Same Light
The Ismaili is pleased to present Rays of the Same Light, a song created in commemoration of Imamat Day by Kenya's Pamoja Ensemble. ...
"It is so" Poem by Zafeera Kassam
In a dream, desire thus manifest - Here, Little Child, you stand before your Guide. You tremble and teeter: Small, insignificant a sprout in front of thy Lord. He smiles down ...
Favziya Shonazmieva: Modernising preschool options in rural Tajikistan
Favziya Shonazmieva, resident of Porshnev village in the Shugnan district of Tajikistan, wanted to continue working after becoming a mother. After not finding a suitable kindergarten or preschool centre in her neighbourhood for her child, she came up with the idea of establishing a modern Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre. Although Favziya had the necessary facilities to establish the centre, she ...
World Exclusive: Photos of Mawlana Hazar Imam's 1957 Visit to Kigoma, Tanganyika, from Late Alijah Abdulrheman Lalji Popatia Collection
Portraits of 48th and 49th Ismaili Imams, Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah and Mawlana Shah Karim Al Hussaini. "Officially as one Imam passes away, his successor takes on from the very minute that the Imam has passed away." -- Mawlana Hazar Imam in interview preceding his ceremonial installation on October 19, 1957 in Dar es Salaam. Photos: Special souvenir "H.R.H. Prince Aga Khan's ...
VIDEO: Upgrades to the Kenyenya hospital
Told through the eyes of Dr. Nyabera, the local medical officer, we explore the upgrades to the Kenyenya hospital: the new operating theatre; renovations to the maternity wing; and training opportunities for staff. We learn about the difference these improvements will make to the hospital's staff and patients, particularly pregnant women and newborn babies. This hospital is an example of how new ...
'Our Role Is to Reduce Their Grief'
[H/T SIMERG] -- NYTIMES.COM -- None of Iraq's existing graveyards wanted the bodies of Covid-19 patients. So Shiite leaders created a burial ground for them that is also open to Sunnis and Christians. "I began to see these scenes on TV --seven or eight bodies thrown and left outside a hospital morgue," recalled Sheikh Tahir Al-Khaqani. He realized the solution was a new graveyard just for coronavirus deaths. He conferred with the authorities and within days had a 1,500-acre patch of ground 20 miles from the city of Najaf. Under orders from the grand ayatollah, although the graveyard is run by Shiites, it welcomes everyone regardless of faith or sect and burial is free. Mohammed Qasim, a date and vegetable farmer from near Baghdad, said ...
Lifelong Learning - Main Page
USA -- Lifelong Learning is the continuous acquisition of new knowledge in the pursuit of success: personal, professional, and service to others. Why is Lifelong Learning important? Lifelong, continual learning is vital to our existence, the undeniably critical fuel for our minds to grow. The continuous process of learning sharpens critical skills that help us serve, lead, and innovate. Today's time ...
Beginners Guide to Intermittent fasting (Part One) by @Desiliciousrd, Shahzadi Devje
If you're wondering how to do intermittent fasting right, then this video is for you. Registered Dietitian, Shahzadi Devje, discusses restricted eating and delves specifically into intermittent fasting - for beginners. ...
Southeast I-CERV Volunteers and Jamat Exemplify Generosity in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic
USA -- The Jamat in several cities collaborates with local organizations to provide food for those in need. Generosity is a key ethic of the Shia Ismaili Muslim faith, and throughout our history, we have been reminded of our ethical responsibility to care for our neighbors in need. At a program on The Transformative Power of Generosity at the Aga Khan ...
Mirza Samnani (@MirzaSamnani) and Gollar working to defeat Covid-19 one patient at a time @AKDN
A big part of career satisfaction is being passionate about the job you do on a daily basis. But when you combine your professional skills with a cause that you care ...
On this day 75 years ago Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah called the first Ismailia Association Conference
Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah called the first Ismailia Association Conference for Africa on July 20, 19451 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The objectives of the conference were to establish an Ismailia Association for Africa, independent from the Association for India, and to address the training of teachers to impart religious education to young boys and girls. The Conference, held in the ...
1960s musical renditions by Shariff Alladina of 4 popular Ismaili Ginans including the Chhogaḍio, Bhāī Tīnī Vireṅ Jīuṅ Umeduṅ
By SAFDER ALLADINA In my recent piece about my paternal grandparents Alladin and Prembai (see The Story of Tanga's Alladin Bapu Family) I briefly noted that one of their sons Shariff Alladina (1910-1967), who happened to be my father, had a fine singing voice. I provided links to his Ginans that I had loaded into Soundcloud sometime ago (please click Shariff ...
Sadruddin Noorani: ChandRaat - 1st of Dhu al-Hajj 1441 - July 21, 2020
By: Sadruddin Noorani, Chicago, USA Dhu al-Hajj is the twelfth and final month in the Islamic calendar. It literally means "The Month of the Pilgrimage". During this month, Muslim pilgrims from ...
The Limits and Problems of Scientism
YOUTUBE.COM -- THE WHEATLEY INSTITUTION -- [ISMAILI DIGEST ED: Hazar Imam, 1983: "Science is one means by which man perceives Allah's creation." Hazar Imam, 1982: "When we talk about science ... all that science is doing is discovering small windows on Allah's creation."] ARTICLE: Wheatley Scholar Ed Gantt explains scientism and how we can rely on it too much. ...
The Rise of Scientism: How to Identify -- and Defeat -- Religion's Greatest Ideological Foe
BIOLA.EDU -- [ISMAILI DIGEST ED: Mawlana Sultan Muhammad Shah, 1956: "The young Waezin should each try and find new arguments based on the discoveries in all branches of science for keeping the human soul like [sic] the ocean with the Divine wisdom and power."] ARTICLE: Ever had someone say "You can't prove that scientifically"? They may not know it, but they are assuming scientism. Scientism is a position in philosophy, not science and it is the greatest issue facing faith communities today. It is at the very foundation of secular culture and teaching its weaknesses should be a faith community's first priority. Children must be taught to recognize and undermine those ideas that make knowledge of God seem ridiculous. A Barna Group poll found Millennials unable to reconcile scientific claims with their faith's world view was a key reason they abandon faith. Scientism has led to cultural chaos in ...
New Saturday Series: Maxims of Ali
Today we commence our fourth Saturday Series, the compact book "Maxim's of Ali." This magnificent collection of nearly 600 short, succinct sayings of Hazar Ali is not only a must read for all Ismailis -- young and old, but a priceless collection of wisdom that needs to be read regularly all through life. Especially today, with so much social upheaval taking place around the world, we may feel lost or unsure about what our response or position should be. The collection is organized by some 60 topics and each Saturday we'll publish a few topics, depending on length.
"Primus in Armis", a new book on a British Regiment, makes a rare reference to Prince Aly Khan's military services in the British and US Armies and his contribution to the Allied Forces; the Prince was "a remarkable officer" writes author Stephen Keoghane
"The Prince had an incredible record during WW2 serving both with the British and US armies but always seen wearing his Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry cap badge; the three feathers of HRH Prince of Wales....Prior to my research, nobody in my regiment, the Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry, was aware of the distinguished service of its most famous officer, His Serene Highness Prince Aly ...
VIDEO: Knowledge - The Islamic Legacy
Mozambique -- Watch the video prepared by Education Portfolio for Mozambique about Knowledge - The Islamic Legacy ...
Portuguese Government and Aga Khan Development Network offer health protection material to Mozambique
Mozambique -- In the framework of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Mozambique, the Portuguese Government has joined the Aga Khan Network for Development (AKDN) for the donation of 100,000 reusable masks to needy entities in the Province of Maputo, including the city of Matola. The ceremony took place on the July 14 at the Moztex factory, of the Aga ...
Part 1 -- God; Devotion to God -- Maxims of Ali
GOOGLE.COM -- God will bless whoever bridles his propensity to disobedience. ~~ Away, away! But for the fear of God, I should be the cunningest of all Arabs ~~ I have never doubted God since I saw Him. ~~ I have never denied God since I knew Him. ~~ The best form of devotion to the service of God is not to make a show of it. ~~ The best form of devotion to the service of God is ...
Rehmat Ni Varsha - A Shower of Blessings (With Lyrics & Translations) #ImamatDay2020 Presentation
JollyGul.com presents "Rehmat Ni Varsha" (A Shower of Blessings) a melodious devotional song release by the Suroor Band. The Gujarati devotional song had premiered on IsmailiTV during the Imamat Day 2020 ...
Ali Shair Ahmadi Presentation: "Roz-e Jashn" #ImamatDay2020
This is the blessed day of Imam's birthday, today For our Tariqah today is an inclusive grace Today is the celebration of that magnificent authority Furthermore, it's representing that everlasting [mercy] ...
Innovation programme in UAE challenges youth to build for a better future
Global -- Ismaili youth and young professionals have come together for the IDE8 open innovation challenge to find solutions to the world's most significant challenges. Through this process, they will learn skills that will help them prepare for a dynamic future, as well as assist those around them in need of support. Over the past six months, people all over the ...
3 Philosophers Show Us How the Introvert Mind Is Different
INTROVERTDEAR.COM -- Growing up as an introvert I often wondered: Why am I so weird? Why were my priorities differed from those of more extroverted people. My peers loved sports, sensory experiences, and socializing. When they wanted to decide what was right and wrong, they followed people they trusted or their gut instincts. I was different. I loved reading, writing, and creating imaginary worlds. I decided right and wrong based on ideas or principles in my head. And I usually had trouble caring about what other people said was important, like fashion or popularity. What mattered to me was being true to my ideal self, understanding what was real in the universe. I made an important discovery while ...
Rare Old Photos of Karachi -- The Biggest City of Pakistan
YOUTUBE.COM -- After partition, Karachi saw its golden days. Being the center of trade in Pakistan and with most of the revenue coming from this city, it was and still is the biggest city in Pakistan. Here are some classic images that show how Karachi has been modernized through time. Photos of Old Karachi locations that will remind you of the city's Golden Days. ...
Armaan Ali Somani Receives the Prestigious 2019 Queen's Golden Jubilee Award
The Queen's Golden Jubilee Citizenship Award honours students who have contributed to their communities through outstanding citizenship, leadership, public service and voluntary endeavour. Armaan Ali Somani, graduate of Old Scona Academic ...
Dr. Faiza Khoja: Newly Appointed Dean of A&M-Central Texas College of Business Administration
A&M-Central Texas announced the appointment of Dr. Faiza Khoja as the University's Dean of the College of Business Administration effective July 15, 2020. Dr. Khoja's extensive professional experience in higher education ...
Matt Reed (@MattReedAKDN): Aga Khan Foundation's First Appointed "Global" Director of Institutional Partnerships
Matt Reed has been appointed as the new "Global" Director of Institutional Partnerships for Aga Khan Foundation. This is a newly created role for the foundation. In his new role, Matt ...
HBL wins "Asia Best Bank Transformation 2020" award by Euromoney
The Bank also wins "Pakistan's Best Bank 2020" for a second year running. Karachi, Pakistan, 16 July 2020 - Euromoney awarded the Habib Bank Ltd (HBL) the dual accolades of Asia's Best Bank Transformation 2020 and Pakistan's Best Bank 2020 (the latter award for the second year running). Key elements that helped HBL win these awards were HBL's work in the ...
American Ismailis Partner to Build a Secondary School in the Kigoma Region
Tanzania -- How a wedding helped transform the education and lives of children, and the destiny of a village. In rural areas of Tanzania, the number of schools beyond primary levels are few and far between. Families with the ambition to climb out of poverty find it nearly impossible to do so without access to secondary education. "I wanted to provide ...
VIDEO: Interview with Henry Kim
An excerpt from an interview with Aga Khan Museum Director and CEO Henry Kim in Toronto. Henry Kim was educated at Harvard and Oxford Universities. Henry is an ancient historian and classical archaeologist by training. Henry joined the Aga Khan Museum in 2012 from the University of Oxford where he taught, curated collections, managed capital projects at the Ashmolean Museum, and led ...
Editor's Choice: RoundUp -- Crash course in Ismaili history in 5 short videos
If you've been meaning to learn about the main events of Ismaili history but keep putting it off because of time or laziness, we've got just what you need. A crash course of five short videos which cover four main periods of Ismaili history: early Shi'ism, the Fatimid period, the Alamut period, and the post-Alamut period. Each video is only around 10 minutes ...
VIDEO: Quote of the week
Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the opening of the Kabul Serena hotel. Read full speech: ...
The melodious life and legacy of Shamshu Jamal (1936 - 2019)
Shamshu Jamal (1936-2019). Photo: Shamshu Jamal family archives. By KARIM H. KARIM(with contributions from Dolatkhanu Jamal, Rosemin Karim, Riyaz Jamal, Imran Karim and Irshad Karim) Shamshu Jamal has left a profound impression on the global Ismaili jamat. His music was "magical," declared a poem written in honour of his 80th birthday in 2016. The singer, musician, lyricist, composer, and music teacher had ...
Dr. Henna Budhwani honored with major prize for work with vulnerable communities in the Caribbean
How do you get a reliable count of people who often are stigmatized, distrust local authorities --including researchers -- and are afraid to be identified? That was the problem facing a ...
Can Parents Hire A Tutor This Fall And Call It Homeschooling? Maybe
THEFEDERALIST.COM -- Lots of parents want to check out of public schooling given the coronavirus mess. But they don't all want to homeschool. What are the laws for families hiring a tutor or sharing homeschooling? States like Washington, Alaska, and Michigan define "homeschooling" as parents teaching their own children. Other states are less restrictive in their regulation of who can teach. For example, New York requires the parent to file all the homeschool paperwork, and the parent is ultimately responsible for the child's education, but someone else can teach the child. In North Carolina, two families can homeschool together legally, which means that ...
Can Somebody Homeschool My Kids? Maybe.
THEHOMESCHOOLMOM.COM -- You work. Or you cannot imagine yourself as a homeschool parent. Or your kids are demanding, and you don't mesh with them well. Or you have a child who has special needs you don't feel prepared to help with. Or you have a health problem that will make homeschooling challenging to impossible. But your kids need to be out of school, and they need to be homeschooled. I hear your question: "Can somebody homeschool my kids?" Maybe. Homeschool laws differ from country-to-country, and within the U.S., they differ from state-to-state. The first thing is to determine what your state law allows. In some cases, ...
Dr. Shaf Keshavjee (@Skeshavjee) Receives Prestigious Governor General of Canada Innovation Award
The objectives of the Governor General's Innovation Awards is to celebrate excellence in innovation across all sectors of Canadian society and inspire Canadians, particularly Canadian youth, to be entrepreneurial innovators. These ...
Guides Youth Forum - Accelerating Actions and Transformative Pathways
Pakistan -- The Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board for Pakistan's (AKYSB,P) Guiding Portfolio arranged a Guides Youth Forum held on the 3rd - 4th of July 2020. Conducted on a virtual platform, the programme was attended by 81 participants from across the country, along with Jamati leaders and experts from various fields. The forum comprised of eight sessions that were ...
Abbasid History Podcast (@AbbasidHistory): Dr. Khalil Andani (@KhalilAndani) on a brief history of Ismailism
Recently, Dr. Khalil Andani was invited on the Abbasid History podcast to give an introduction to Ismailism. Dr. Andani gives perhaps the most succinct introduction to the Ismaili history by answering ...
