Participate in the First Ismaili Photography Competition!

Inspire | Diversity | Share | Pluralism

• A unique & historic opportunity to visually unite Ismailis around the world.
• Images will be chosen to accompany the winning pictures to create a memorable Coffee Table Book that will celebrate the diversity of the Ismaili community.
• $1,500 in Camera Prizes.
• Net proceeds from sale of books will be donated to Aga Khan Foundation Canada to support Aga Khan Development Network projects.
• The Competition is open to all persons 18 years of age or older who are in the Ismaili community (this includes non-Ismaili spouses, partners and children). If you’re under 18 and would like to submit an Image, a parent or guardian can do so on your behalf.
• You may submit a maximum of ten Images. You can upload your Images online or send your entry by post.

To enter go to www.ismglobalphotos.com

OUR SPONSORS
Royal Bank of Canada, T&T Honda, Midtown Honda, Park & Jet , Ramada, Sheraton Four Points, Lalani Enterprises LTD, Moores Clothing for Men, Fuji Film, The Portables, The Foray Group, Thomasville, Peoples Pharmacy, Starpoint Health Corp and many more.

To view all of our sponsors please go to http://www.ismglobalphotos.com/sponsors/

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUSINESSES & INDIVIDUALS.
We welcome local and international sponsors.

For more information contact
ashifa@ismglobalphotos.com

Profile of Aga Khan’s Al-Azhar Park in Cairo featured on e2 series

“Season 3 of e2 design comprises six episodes: a profile of Aga Khan’s Al-Azhar Park in Cairo, a 500-year-old dump-turned-”urban lung”; Canadian architect Brian MacKay-Lyons, who applies Nova Scotia’s design pragmatism to projects around the world; Melbourne’s transformation from a tired, vacant city into a thriving, sustainable metropolis; the inspired efforts of world-class architect Renzo Piano to integrate the natural world into his design for San Francisco’s elegant, environmentally responsive natural history museum; the efforts to rebuild New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward in a way that is environmentally, culturally and socially sustainable; and the visionary Amsterdam architects transforming recycled materials into modern design masterpieces.”

Look for the series to debut on PBS starting August 22nd. More details available here.

Faith Without Fear, on Aug. 17th, 2008

Yasmin Virani proudly presents a screening of Irshad’s Manji’s latest - Emmy Award Nominated - documentary, Faith Without Fear. Love her or hate her - join us for coffee and cheesecake, at 3:00pm on Sunday August 17th/2008, at The Drake Hotel (1150 Queen Street).

‘In an era in which Islam is often portrayed in the media as harsh and violent and Muslims as fundamentalist fanatics, Faith Without Fear offers a complex and multi-faceted inquiry into one of the world’s great religions, from the perspective of a woman who is dissenting, yet deeply engaged with her faith.’

YOU’VE HEARD ALL ABOUT HER BOOK …
HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO WATCH HER FILM

SHE’S A WOMAN …’Bigger, much bigger, than girl meets god.’
-O, The Oprah Magazine

SHE’S A LESBIAN …’Hot with revolutionary questions, anger, and challenges!’
- The Independant (UK)

AND SHE TALKS ABOUT ISLAM … ‘Osama bin Laden’s worst nightmare!’
- United Press International’

Tickets Only: $15.00
Students: $10.00

RSVP @ www.yasminvirani.com

The IIS has just launched “The Ismailis”

The IIS has just launched The Ismailis: An Illustrated History which was authored and edited by Dr. Farhad Daftary and Dr. Zulfikar Hirji (Class of 1997). Dr. Hirji is currently Assistant Professor of Anthropology at York University, Toronto. Other IIS alumni who were involved with the book were Dr. Fahmida Suleman (Class of 1997), Dr. Miriam Ali-de-Unzaga (Class of 2000) and Alnoor Merchant (Class of 1987).

The Illustrated History is based on the most recent academic research on Ismaili and Islamic history, and is meant for the general reader. The book has four main chapters that take the reader from the advent of Islam and the formation of the Shi‘a through to the historical developments that led to the formation of the Ismailis and their history up until the present-day. Each chapter contains a synopsis, maps and chronology of key events, as well as special sections devoted to important figures, themes and events in Islamic, Shi‘i and Ismaili history. Many of the beautiful images of manuscripts and objects in the book are found in private and public collections, and some are here published for the first time. The book also narrates the history of the Ismailis using contemporary and historical photographs of places and landscapes.

When Zul was asked about the book he commented that, ‘When I conceptualized the book, I imagined taking the reader on a journey through time, across continents, over valleys and mountains, and between oceans. I wanted readers to imagine themselves walking through the city of Cairo, feeling the isolation and majesty of living in a fort or castle perched on the roof of the world, and sailing across the ocean to a new frontier. Ismaili history for me is very much about constant movement and the ever-evolving understanding of faith and the meaning of life. To capture this spirit of movement, the book often juxtaposes materials from a variety of sources in different formats. The production of the book has itself been a journey of discovery. In the process, we have found new materials on Ismaili history, particularly in terms of manuscripts, objects and photographs, and re-thought the role and place of extant materials.’

Volunteer Opportunity

Volunteer Tutors Needed
Aga Khan Education Board for Ontario

The Aga Khan Education Board for Ontario is recruiting volunteer tutors who would like to tutor ESL, English and Math for Elementary, Junior High or High School students. Tutors will provide assistance to students in the Quality of Life Improvement Program (QLIP) as well as other Education Board initiatives. We are seeking tutors who are committed and have a passion for teaching. Appropriate teaching material will be provided.
Tutors with specific backgrounds in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Calculus or Physics are also required for high school level tutorials.

Please contact the Education Board if you are able to assist either during the summer for 1 to 2 days a week, or are able to make a longer term commitment.

For further details, please contact the Education Board by e-mailing ebo@cfonet.org.

Media Advisory - Ismaili Muslim Youth Reflect on ‘Knowledge Society’ at National Awards Gala

“In a Knowledge Society, the most productive investments we can make are
investments in education.”

His Highness the Aga Khan, Dhaka, Bangladesh, May 2008

CALGARY, July 2 /CNW Telbec/ - High-achieving students from the Ismaili Muslim Community across Canada will gather at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Calgary on Saturday, July 5th (6.30PM) to learn how participation in today’s Knowledge Society is essential for individual and community progress.

The Honorable Dave Hancock, Minister of Education of Alberta, will be the guest of honour and Dr. Tom Kessinger, Deputy Chairman, Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), will deliver the keynote address.

The occasion is the inaugural Canadian Ismaili Students Total Achievement Recognition (I-STAR) Awards Gala which aims to promote, recognize and celebrate excellence achieved in all areas of endeavor by top calibre Canadian Ismaili Muslim youth at the junior high, secondary, and post-secondary levels. This year’s National awards will recognize the achievements of 150 youth from across Canada who have been selected at regional I-STAR events in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto. This high calibre awards ceremony encourages students from Grade 9 to Post-Secondary to strive for and achieve excellence in academics, community service and leadership, athletics, arts and humanities, and science and technology.

“The theme of this first Canadian I-STAR Awards Gala is The Knowledge Society” said Shaukat Jiwa, Chairperson of the Aga Khan Education Board for Canada. “We recognize that we live in an age where human intellect, imagination and ingenuity have become the currency of choice and one that highlights the necessity of lifelong learning and the search for excellence. We hope that our youth will become contributors in the 21st century Knowledge
Society and will use this knowledge in a manner that is consistent with the ethics and values of our faith.”

The Canadian I-STAR Awards Gala is a national initiative commemorating the Golden Jubilee of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan as the Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.

The Ismaili Muslims are a community of ethnically and culturally diverse peoples living in over 25 countries around the world, united in their allegiance to the Aga Khan as the 49th hereditary Imam and direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Further information on the Ismaili Muslim Community may be found at www.theismaili.org.

For further information: Ms. Sameera Sereda, (403) 604-2770; Mr. Al-Noor Nenshi Nathoo, (403) 714-7436

Calgary Stampede events around the city

Mario Toneguzzi , Calgary Herald
Published: Thursday, July 03, 2008
Friday, July 4

The Mustard Seed invites the community to join with them in kicking off the Stampede with its second annual Stampede BBQ between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Mustard Street Ministry, 102 1 Ave. S.E. This event is an opportunity to say thank you to Calgary for their support throughout the year. Everyone is welcome to participate in a fun filled day of free food, activities and live entertainment including a special performance from Juno award nominated country star.

Join MLA Dr. David Swann for his 4th Annual Stampede Breakfast, today from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Centre, 1320 5th Ave. N.W,. The breakfast features: vegetarian-friendly food options, fair trade coffee from Higher Ground, free energy efficient light bulbs from Project Porchlight and live entertainment! Bring your own dishes and receive a free reusable shopping bag. For more info, check out www.davidswann.ca or call 216-5445.

The Ismaili Muslim Community of Calgary cordially invites you to celebrate the Calgary Stampede at their 12th Annual Stampede Breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Ismaili Jamatkhana, 4623 11 St. N.E. This year the Ismaili Muslim Community is proud to partner with the Women & Wellness Conference to celebrate the meaningful role of women in developing an enriched civil society. As a special feature attendees are also invited to tour the Historic Cities Programme Exhibition in the Social Hall of the Jamatkhana.

Chuckwagon Breakfast from 8:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Fluor Rope Square, on the corner of 7 Ave. and Macleod Tr. S.E. in Olympic Plaza. Get your flapjacks and bacon hot of the griddles from the back of the authentic GMC Rangeland Derby Chuckwagons. Stick around for Old Time Rigs, First Nations People, Square Dancing, live entertainment and more.

West Springs Free Methodist Church invites you to come and enjoy homemade pancakes, sausages, fresh fruit, juice and coffee from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the corner of 85 St and Old Banff Coach Rd, 742 85 St. S.W. There will be horse rides, great music and a bouncer.

Calgary Stampede Caravan Breakfast from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. featuring a live western band, visiting marching bands, traditional Native dances, Stampede Royalty, petting zoo, pony rides, games and face painting for the kids and much more! Marlborough Mall, Memorial Dr. & 36 St. N.E. and Points West Shopping Center, #200 5 Ave W, Cochrane (under the giant Canadian flag).

mtoneguzzi@theherald.canwest.com

Source: http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/features/
stampede08/story.html?id=73d4b0f9-5db2-4a2d-a458-6cccd6a93150

University honours Aga Khan

His Highness the Aga Khan has been honoured by the National University of Ireland (NUI), Maynooth, for his work against poverty and in promoting religious understanding.

The renowned racehorse breeder and spiritual leader of the world’s Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims received an honorary doctorate from the Chancellor of the NUI, Dr Garret FitzGerald. The Aga Khan, who part owns some of Europe’s leading stud farms, is the first member of the Islamic community to be honoured in the history of NUI.

The university said he was cited for “outstanding contributions to the elimination of global poverty, the advancement of women, the promotion of Islamic culture and the furthering of pluralistic values in society”.

Aga Khan opens Ismaili Centre, first for Middle East

UAE. The Aga Khan, leader of the world’s Ismaili Muslims, this week opened a cultural centre in Dubai for followers of the branch of Shia Islam.

The Ismaili Centre Dubai is the first base for Ismailis in the majority-Sunni Muslim Middle East. The Aga Khan is the 49th hereditary imam, or spiritual leader, of the Ismailis, the second-largest group of Shiites.

“This is a means of establishing a permanent cultural root in one area,” the Aga Khan said today in an interview after opening the centre.

He founded the Geneva-based Aga Khan Development Network, which has established several agencies in Syria and Egypt that focus on microfinance, education and culture to improve local living conditions. Dubai’s Ruler HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al- Maktoum, donated the land for the centre in 1982, a gesture that is a “symbol of the wonderful diversity that characterises Dubai,” the Aga Khan said.

Dubai has become a regional business and tourism destination, attracting expatriates who use it as a base for accessing the rest of the Gulf region.

The role of the Dubai Ismaili Centre, the fourth in the world after London, Lisbon and Vancouver, is to bring together the secular and the spiritual to emphasise the role of “Islam as a thinking, spiritual faith,” according to a statement from the Aga Khan’s secretariat. The United Arab Emirates location includes a prayer hall, as well as a secular pre-school, and will hold conferences and public exhibitions on Islam’s heritage.

“There is a long tradition, certainly in the Emirates, of tolerance and accommodating the practices and beliefs of the immigrant communities,” Anthony Harris, former UK Ambassador to the UAE, said in a Bloomberg interview.

The Ismaili Centre’s Egyptian architects, El Dahan & Farid Engineering Consultants, were inspired by the Fatimid Empire in Cairo, which dominates accounts of Ismaili history for about 400 hundred years after the founding of Islam in the seventh century.

“That’s where Ismaili history lies,” Azim Nanji, Professor of Islamic Studies at Stanford University in California and Director of the London-based Institute of Ismaili Studies, said today during a tour of the Centre. “That period in Egypt was such a fertile time for creativity, and this center is a way to bring that ethos back again.”

World Partnership Walk - Toronto - Sunday March 26th, 2008

World Partnership Walk
Aga Khan Foundation Canada
Aga Khan Foundation Canada is pleased to announce that The World Partnership Walk campaign will be launched on Friday, March 7, 2008.

There are four ways to get involved:

1. Become a corporate supporter. If you are already a corporate supporter, reach out to 5 of your associates.

2. Collect donations in a book or on-line. If you are already an Ambassador for the Walk, find 5 new Ambassadors to register and raise funds at http://www.worldpartnershipwalk.com/.

3. Form a team. If you are Team Captain, add 5 new members to your team.

4. Discuss the Walk. Tell 5 friends, colleagues or classmates about the Walk and encourage them to come out on Walk Day on May 25, 2008 (June 1, 2008 in Ottawa and London).

You can pick obtain a fundraising booklet in Jamatkhana between March 7th and March 31st.

Books can also be ordered on-line, throughout the campaign, at http://www.worldpartnershipwalk.com/.