He that is without sin among you ...
BOLDOMATIC.COM -- "He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone." Bible, John 8:7 ...
Bryan Cranston: Cancel Culture Kills Forgiveness
DAILYWIRE.COM -- [ISMAILI DIGEST ED: Hazar Imam, 2003: "Remember that Islam says: try to find compromise in your conflicts, so that each may retain their dignity. Islam does not say: there must be a winner and a loser.... [F]ind solutions of compromise so that each may come out of the situation with their heads held high, that none can say of such and such family or of such and such individual that it is over, they have been destroyed. This is not Islam; destruction is not Islam."] ARTICLE: Cancel culture just got another opponent: "Breaking Bad" star Bryan Cranston. Speaking with AP last week, Cranston said that cancel culture has created a world of no mercy. "We live in this 'cancel culture' of people erring and doing wrong -- either on purpose or by accident -- and there's less forgiveness in our world," he said. "Where does forgiveness live in our society ... as opposed to creating more fences, creating more, 'you're out, you're in, that's it.' You make one mistake, gone. Where can we accept someone's behavior if they ...
Rowan Atkinson is dead right about cancel culture
SPIKED-ONLINE.COM -- [ISMAILI DIGEST ED: Hazar Imam, 2015: "What is needed, as the former Governor General of Canada Adrienne Clarkson has said, and I quote, is a readiness 'to listen to your neighbour, even when you may not particularly like him.' Is that message clear? You listen to people you don't like!"] ARTICLE: English actor, comedian and national treasure Rowan Atkinson (aka Mr. Bean) has attacked cancel culture, saying "It's important that we're exposed to a wide spectrum of opinion, but what we have now is the digital equivalent of the medieval mob roaming the streets looking for someone to burn." In a world where "controversial" opinions can be banned from social media and dissenters are subjected to hate campaigns, he could not be more right. An "algorithm decides what we want to see, which ends up creating a simplistic, binary view of society. It becomes a case of either you're with us or against us. And if you're against us, you deserve to be 'cancelled.'" In suppressing alternative ideas ...
![VIDEO: Aik Bar Phir Muskurado [Let's Laugh and Learn Together]](https://ismailidigest.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/4887a56830-1024x576.jpeg)
VIDEO: Aik Bar Phir Muskurado [Let's Laugh and Learn Together]
Birbal, a well-known person from the 15th Century, was an advisor in the court of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. His wisdom, intelligence and unique problem-solving capability with an effective power of execution kept him alive in the people's heart till the present time as well. For more than 400 years, people have passed on the most powerful and inspiring Akbar Birbal stories ...
VIDEO: Pocket Performance: Beth Silver
Musician Beth Silver plays a selection of Jewish music stemming from the Ashkenazi tradition. In her exclusive Pocket Performance for the #MuseumWithoutWalls, she performs klezmer music not on the fiddle, which is more traditional for the genre, but rather on the cello. This innovative playing style was cultivated on a month-long mentorship in Brooklyn with klezmer violinist Jake Shulman-Ment -- an exploration ...
Sadruddin Noorani: Chand Raat of Jamada al-Thani 1442 Hijri - January 13, 2021
By: Sadruddin Noorani, Chicago, USA Allah's Call This month we will explore zikr (remembrance), as an important prayer, not only in which we call upon the names of Allah, the Prophet ...
After Nasir-i Khusraw: Ghiyath al-Din ʿAli Isfahani and the Continuation of the Ismaili Tradition in Central Asia
USA -- For many of us who are not from Central Asia, our knowledge of the Ismaili tradition of this region begins and ends with the figure of Nasir-i Khusraw (d. after 1070).1 Without a doubt, Nasir-i Khusraw is a towering figure not only for the history of the Ismaili Tradition, but more generally for the intellectual history of the Islamic ...
Reflecting on our times by writing about the world
Global -- Since the beginning of time, people have handed down knowledge and lessons from one generation to the next in the form of stories. The novelist Haruki Murakami once said that "Stories lie deep in our souls. Stories lie so deep at the bottom of our hearts that they can bring people together at the deepest level." For one young ...
VIDEO: Ya Rehman Ya Raheem
The Ismaili is pleased to present "Ya Rehman Ya Raheem," performed by Faisal Amlani in Australia. The song's lyrics reflect back on the tumultuous year we have experienced, calling on the Almighty to resolve our collective difficulties and lead us to calmer times. ...
VIDEO: Ali Antar Ma Mara
The Ismaili is pleased to present a recent rendition of "Ali Antar Ma Mara," a much-loved Gujarati geet, made popular during the time of Mawlana Hazar Imam's Silver Jubilee. ...
VIDEO: Quote of the week
Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the inauguration ceremony of the Aga Khan Academy Kilindini, Mombasa, Kenya, 20 December 2003. Read full speech: ...
VIDEO: Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad: An Enchanting Night with the Legendary Sufi Musicians
The Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center in collaboration with the Houston Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs and the Consulate General of Pakistan, Houston is pleased to present a performance featuring Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad Qawwals. The legendary master musicians from Pakistan hail from the historical Qawwal Bachon Ka Gharana, the oldest school of Hindustani classical music tradition. The duo is continuing a ...
VIDEO: Curator's Pick: Shah Ramin and the Poison Eagle with Dr. Michael Chagnon
Curator Dr. Michael Chagnon unspools tales of adventure from a 16th-century manuscript of Tuhfet ul-Leta'if (Curious and Witty Gifts), one of the rare, gorgeously rendered books featured in the Museum's Remastered exhibition. Remastered offers audiences a digitally activated glimpse into the Museum's collection of Iranian, Ottoman, and Mughal Indian manuscript paintings. To learn more about the exhibition: Production note: This video was ...
VIDEO: Lessons from the Fatimid Empire for Today: a Conversation with Dr. Shainool Jiwa of the Institute of Ismaili Studies, London
USA -- The.Ismaili presents Sahil Badruddin's exclusive interview with Dr. Shainool Jiwa, Head of Constituency Studies at The Institute of Ismaili Studies, and a specialist of the Fatimid Empire. The Fatimid empire began in North Africa in 909 CE with the emergence of Imam al-Mahdi and continued till the Imam Mustansir-Billah until 1094. Dr. Jiwa has remarked that Mawlana Hazar Imam has referred to the significance ...
VIDEO: Religion in America #2: "America's Religions," Introduction to the Book
First, discusses the question of whether a coherent, representative, and accurate story can be told about Religion in America, and what such a story would require. Then, walks through the discussion of some key concepts: Personal vs. Public Religion, Tradition, Culture, Institution, Clergy, and Theology. Finishes by briefly highlighting 10 key themes Williams views as distinctive to religion in America. ...
Institute of Ismaili Studies: Historical Aspirations, Contemporary Possibilities
By KARIM H. KARIM(The author is Director of Carleton University's Centre for the Study of Islam and former Co-Director of the Institute of Ismaili Studies) "... we find ourselves in the moment of transit, where space and time cross to produce complex figures of difference and identity, past and present, inside and outside, inclusion and exclusion." Professor Homi K. Bhabha, former ...
Ismaili Professionals Network (IPN): The Year in Review
USA -- From new networking groups to offering new skills development and information on new careers, over the last year, IPN has transformed the organization to engage professionals and entrepreneurs in the Jamat virtually. As 2021 begins, we reflect on a challenging year while looking forward to what this new year brings. This past year was especially notable for IPN, as ...
Part 26 -- Opportunity; Promise; Recompense -- Maxims of Ali
GOOGLE.COM -- A lost opportunity never recurs until too late. ~~ One's opportunity is gone like a cloud: take advantage, then, of every good one. ~~ A promise is a debt paid in fulfilling it. ~~ Make no promise you will be unable to keep. ~~ The generous man performs what he promises, and when he is powerful, he spares his enemy. ~~ One reaps as one sows, and one is rewarded according to what one has done. ~~ Day and night are ever at work upon you ...
VIDEO: Nuqta Series | Nasir Khusraw's Poetry & Thought | Session 3 - Alwaez Karim Aman
Nasir Khusraw was a major Muslim intellectual, philosopher and traveller of the 11th century and one of the greatest authors in Persian literature. In this episode of the Nuqta series the speaker, Alwaez Karim Aman, would be shedding light on his poetry and thought. ...
![[Jan 9]Today in history: Imam Nur al-Din Muhammad succeeded to the Imamat](https://ismailidigest.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/513e875015-1024x576.jpeg)
[Jan 9]Today in history: Imam Nur al-Din Muhammad succeeded to the Imamat
On January 9, 1166, Imam Nur al-Din Muhammad, also known as A'la Muhammad, succeeded his father to the Imamat at the age of nineteen years. The twenty-fourth Ismaili Imam was a scholar and writer, contributing actively to the Ismaili thought of his time and teaching of qiyama, or resurrection, declared by his father in 1164, in which he revealed himself as ...
December 2020 -- Jamat's Choice: Most Popular Articles & Videos
Ismaili Digest Exclusive for December 2020 -- Each month enjoy the most popular new articles and videos viewed by the Jamat from over 36 of the best Ismaili websites with just one click! 'Most popular' means most viewed post(s) on each website (excluding duplicate postings, Event Alerts and COVID-19 advice) without social media influence. NOTE: Posts are randomly ordered.
13 Meals Worth Travelling to India For
THECULTURETRIP.COM -- India is a land with thousands of years of rich history, centuries of foreign influence and diverse cultures, and food is the true manifestation of it all. In fact, it is certain a country with a population of more than 1.3 billion people, each ethnically and culturally distinct from the other, would boast diverse foods, cooking styles and taste. There are umpteen dishes in this South Asian country that will give you 'foodgasm', so we've whittled it down to the 13 meals worth travelling to India for. ...
UK volunteer team innovates to turn obstacles into opportunity
Global -- Sensitive to the needs of our young Jamat in a time of uncertainty, and in the absence of regular in-person camp offerings, the virtual Mosaic camp was an example of innovation and dedication from a small group of volunteers in the UK, looking to inspire and educate leaders of the future. In a year where all in-person camps were ...
Os Principais Cuidados no inverno
Portugal -- As constipações e gripes são muito frequentes nos meses mais frios e, geralmente, curam-se de forma espontânea. Porém, podem surgir complicações, especialmente nas pessoas cuja resistência às infeções é menor, seja pela idade (65 anos ou mais) ou por sofrerem de determinada doença crónica. English Também o frio e a chuva favorecem as quedas nos mais velhos, devido à ...
The Main Care in Winter
Portugal -- Colds and flu are very common in the coldest months and usually heal spontaneously. However, complications can arise, especially in people whose resistance to infections is lower, either by age (65 years or more) or by suffering from a certain chronic disease. Português Cold and rain also favor falls in the elderly, due to the combination of a slippery ...
Success across the board for Aga Khan sires
Proven and young stallions achieved great result in 2020. The 2020 season was a successful one for the Aga Khan Studs sires, with the Gilltown and Bonneval residents recording pleasing results in all categories, headed by the Arc victory of SIYOUNI's son Sottsass. SIYOUNI enjoyed a stellar year in 2020, crowned by the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe victory of his ...
Increasing access to remote learning
Far East -- The Covid-19 pandemic has forced teachers and students around the world to make an abrupt transition from classrooms to remote learning as schools, universities, and other educational centres were closed. Many communities in Asia were not prepared for this sudden change, but the Ismaili community in the Far East have helped to smooth the transition. The Jamat of ...
Far East institutions leverage technology to support community during the pandemic
Far East -- With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, community leadership of the Far East region was faced with the unique challenge of engaging a widely dispersed Jamat living in 12 different countries without being able to engage physically. As centres were suspended and travel came to a standstill, the Ismail Council for the Far East adapted by utilising webinars, ...
VIDEO: Sufi Night | Farīd ud-Dīn ʿAṭṭār and Manṭiq-uṭ-Ṭayr | Session 3
Farīd al-Dīn ʿAṭṭār, a Persian Muslim poet who was one of the greatest Sufi writers and thinkers, composing at least 45,000 couplets and many brilliant prose works. The greatest of his works is the well-known Manṭeq al-ṭayr (The Conference of the Birds). This is an allegorical poem describing the quest of the birds (i.e., Sufis) for the mythical Sīmorgh, or Phoenix, whom ...
VIDEO: Quote of the week
Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Aga Khan University Convocation, Karachi, Pakistan, 6 December 2003. Read full speech: ...
Rocky Balboa's inspirational speech to his son: "Cowards do that and that ain't you! You're better than that!"
YOUTUBE.COM -- "When things got hard, you started looking for something to blame, like a big shadow. Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place, and I don't care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there if you let it. You, me or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done! If you know what you're worth, go and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you wanna be because of him or her or anybody! Cowards do that, and that ain't you! You're better than that! I'm always gonna love you no ...
Pakistani Ismailis featured in "100 Outstanding Women Nurses and Midwives" List
Pakistan -- Eight Ismaili women of Pakistani origin were honoured with recognition in the list of 100 Outstanding Women Nurses and Midwives. They were among the 100 women from 43 countries who were acknowledged for making significant contributions to the fields of nursing and midwifery. The list was a collaboration between several major development agencies focused on global health and nursing ...
A Constitution Made Only For A Moral And Religious People
[H/T MOHIB EBRAHIM] -- CULTUREOFLIFE.ORG -- [ISMAILI DIGEST ED: Hazar Imam, 1976: "I have observed in the Western world a deeply changing pattern of human relations. The anchors of moral behaviour appear to have dragged to such depths that they no longer hold firm the ship of life: what was once wrong is now simply unconventional, and for the sake of individual freedom must be tolerated. What is tolerated soon becomes accepted."] ARTICLE: In social debates, you are bound to hear someone declare that just about any behavior must be allowed because "you can't impose your values on society." The rejection of traditional values has split Western Civilization along moral lines. On one side are the traditionalists, and on the other are the postmodernists. The traditional moral code says man has a duty to do what is right, and what is right and wrong are clearly defined. Right is right. Wrong is wrong. The postmodern moral code has no moral absolutes whatsoever and no objective definitions of right or wrong: morality and "truth" are mere personal preferences. However, the American Founding Fathers were guided by principles at the foundation of traditional, religious morality. As, John Adams famously said: "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." As it happens, values are ...
Saint Thomas Becket and the Defense of Religious Liberty
THEFEDERALIST.COM -- December 29th was the 850th anniversary of the martyrdom of Saint Thomas Becket, archbishop of Canterbury, who was killed by followers of King Henry II for opposing him and asserting the rights and privileges of the church. This year, to mark the occasion, Trump's White House issued a proclamation that is remarkable as much for its candid support for religious liberty as for its unapologetic embrace of religion itself. It's hard to imagine a modern American president, of either party, issuing passages like this, calling for a revival of religion in the United States: "As long as America stands, we will always defend religious liberty. A society without religion cannot prosper. A nation without faith cannot endure -- because justice, goodness, and peace cannot prevail without the grace of God." At the same time, it's unnerving to think how diametrically opposed to this view the incoming ...
Part 25 -- Repentance; Charity and Abstinence -- Maxims of Ali
GOOGLE.COM -- When you feed the poor, feed them well. ~~ Do not be ashamed if the amount of charity is small because to return the needy empty-handed is an act of greater shame. ~~ A believer does not eat his fill as long as his brother is an-hungered. ~~ When you have sinned, repent. ~~ The penitent finds his way back to God. ~~ He who eats little is the purer for it in thought. ~~ The drunkenness of overweening conceit and pride ...
VIDEO: INSPIRE Book Review - ATOMIC HABITS
Atomic Habits, by James Clear, provides a practical and proven framework for creating good habits and shedding bad ones. Drawing on scientific research and real-life examples, it shows how tiny changes in behaviour can result in the formation of new habits and help you achieve big things. Reviewer: Aly Ahad Mawji Host: Hina Mawani ...
The Travelling History of Madagascar's Sambos
THECULTURETRIP.COM -- Malagasy sambos are one of the island's most enduring and popular snacks. A small, crunchy, deep-fried pocket with various savoury fillings, this small triangle has its roots in Asia and most likely arrived in Madagascar from India. Here we take a look at the travelling history and enduring legacy of Madagascar's sambos. The Indian samosa, a savoury pastry stuffed with potatoes, peas, or minced meat, is probably ...
The Role of Volunteers in Reopening Jamatkhanas in the USA
USA -- "Reopening of Jamatkhanas was like a light and hope for every Jamati member. To follow all the new guidelines wasn't easy for us as volunteers and for the Jamat in general. This was indeed a new experience for us all." Bakhtatun Bakhtalieva, New York. The year 2020 will be a year most would like to forget, with businesses, offices, ...
21 Goals for 2021
Global -- With optimism and hope for a new beginning, and as we all think about our resolutions for the new year, The Ismaili would like to share with you 21 Goals for 2021! With a nod to each one of our 21 Ismaili Council jurisdictions across the globe, and inspired by our 20 Goals for 2020, we hope we can ...
January 1, 2021: Simerg Wishes All its Readers a Happy New Year and Many Happy Returns; the Jamat is Grateful to Mawlana Hazar Imam for His Blessings
Ottawa downtown, December 31, 2020, lit during the festive holiday season. Greetings at top and bottom are mine and not part of original photo. Photo: Nurin Merchant / Simerg. By NURIN MERCHANT My dad arrived at the grounds of the Aga Khan Park on the evening of December 31, hoping to take photos of the setting sun for the last time ...
