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Ya Ali Madad Moyez, Welcome to your copy of the electronic Al-Akhbar. Below is a summary of this week's news and upcoming events. We welcome your feedback and suggestions; you may reach us at inf...@iicanada.org.
 Weeks into the Golden Jubilee Year: 56
Reflections for your Golden Jubilee Journal: July 27 - August 2
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"Finally, this occasion has special meaning for me because it comes, as you may know, on my 50th anniversary as spiritual leader, or Imam, of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. We are thus celebrating both a fortieth and a fiftieth anniversary today - and both provide important opportunities to connect our past with our future, our roots with our dreams."
Extract from the "Peterson Lecture" at the Annual Meeting of the International Baccalaureate, marking its 40th Anniversary. Atlanta, Georgia, April 18th, 2008.
Our reflections this week continue with Mawlana Hazar Imam's comments on the significance of the Golden Jubilee, as we prepare for his anticipated visit to Canada. As you read these comments, reflect on how some of the projects that have been initiated during his visits align with the objectives he lays out for the Golden Jubilee.
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Jubilee Journeys: The Aga Khan Museum, Toronto
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The Aga Khan Museum, Toronto - Source of Pride and Identity for all Muslims in North America
 We continue our Jubilee Journey exploring the Canadian Golden Jubilee projects. This week, we take a look at the Aga Khan Museum which will be located on a hilltop along the Don Valley Parkway in Toronto. The Fumihiko Maki designed Aga Khan Museum, which will hold extensive collections of Islamic Art, will be the first of its kind in North America.
Speaking at the "Musée-Musées" Round Table at the Louvre Museum on 17 October, 2007, Mawlana Hazar Imam, referring to the "clash of ignorance" between the Western and Muslim Worlds, commented that "museums have an essential role to play in teaching the two worlds to understand, respect and appreciate each other and ensuring that whole populations are given fresh opportunities to make contact with each other."
He went on to say that the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto will demonstrate that "Islam is in reality an open-minded, tolerant faith capable of adopting other people's cultures and languages and making them its own. There is no doubt whatsoever that the Muslims of North America will play an important role in the development of states and populations within the Ummah."
In a recent article in Canadian Architect magazine, Ian Chodikoff writes, "the Aga Khan's creation of a contemporary cultural and religious precinct in the suburbs of Toronto is incredibly challenging but also extremely vital, if both the Muslim and general Canadian populations are to learn about themselves and each other."
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Video Presentation - Golden Jubilee Inaugural Ceremony, July 11, 2007
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| Saturday, August 2, 2008 |
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All Jamatkhanas |
| (after Jamati ceremonies) |
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On July 11, 2007, Mawlana Hazar Imam completed his 50th year as the Imam of the Ismaili community. At the age of 20, he succeeded his grandfather, Mawlana Sultan Muhammad Shah, as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims.
To mark the beginning of his Golden Jubilee year, leaders of the Ismaili Muslim community from the past 50 years gathered to pay homage to the Imam on behalf of the global Jamat. The video presentation, which captures this historic moment in the lives of Ismailis worldwide, will be shown in all Jamatkhanas (except Brampton) on Saturday, August 2, 2008, after Jamati ceremonies. The video presentation will be shown in Brampton Jamatkhana on Friday, August 8, 2008.
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Video Presentation - Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet
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| Friday, August 15, 2008 |
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All Jamatkhanas |
| (after Jamati ceremonies) |
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This film travels in the footsteps of our holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to the Arabian Desert and the holy cities of Mecca and Medina where much of Prophet Muhammad's story unfolded. With some of the world's greatest scholars on Islam providing historical context and critical perspective, this video presentation is history in the present tense.
This film first aired on PBS on December 18, 2003 across North America. Since then, it has received critical acclaim by Muslims and non-Muslims alike. This video presentation will be shown in all Jamatkhanas on Friday, August 15, 2008, after Jamati ceremonies.
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Couleurs d'Amour - Colours of Love
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To commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Mawlana Hazar Imam, a visual arts exhibition, entitled Couleurs d'Amour - Colours of Love (pronounced: KOOLER DAMOOR), will be launched on August 8, 2008. The Jamat, specifically the youth and young professionals, are invited to submit art, photography and poetry that express their love, for and gratitude to Mawlana Hazar Imam together with personal reflections and inspirations drawn from Mawlana Hazar Imam's guidance over the last 50 years. The exhibit and poetry readings will take place later this year, around the time of the Canadian Golden Jubilee Darbar.
Further details on the Exhibition and how to register will be provided on the official Golden Jubilee Canada website next Friday, August 8, 2008. |
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Audition for Recitors
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Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board for Canada
Registration for the auditions to select recitors for various verses of the Holy Qu'ran, Ginans and Qasidas to be recited in the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam ended on July 30, 2008.
Remaining key timelines for people who have registered for an audition are as follows:
| Date |
Activity |
| August 4 - 25, 2008 |
- Candidates assigned time slots for auditions.
- Regional auditions.
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| Announcement of the Visit |
- Selected candidates from each region will be notified of next steps.
| * Dates subject to change.
Further information on the process, including verses of the Holy Qu'ran, Ginans and Qasidas that will be used in the audition, will be available at the Audition Information and Registration desks in Jamatkhanas.
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Golden Jubilee Memorabilia
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A new Golden Jubilee international memorabilia item is now available at all ITREB Literature counters. This ceramic Niyaz set accented with a gold-colored inlay consists of an oval plate, a small jug, and set of pyaalis. The set is embellished with the Golden Jubilee Fatimid floral motif and is arranged in a custom-designed box.
Additional supplies of the Golden Jubilee Crystal Quranic Ayat are also available at the ITREB Literature Counter. |
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Golden Jubilee Memorabilia - New CDs released
Golden Jubilee Calendar of Events - August 2008
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For a detailed view of Golden Jubilee events for the month, please click here.
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Institutional Calendar of Events - August 2008
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For a detailed view of Institutional events for the month, please click here.
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Golden Jubilee Volunteers Registration
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Council for Canada
Volunteers' registration is now in progress for all Golden Jubilee programs and events, including, inshallah, the Visit. In order for us to meet the requirements of all of these initiatives, we encourage the Jamat to register. This information will enable appropriate allocation of duties and for the planning of training sessions.
Please register through the web-based system at the Golden Jubilee Canada website or with the volunteers at individual Jamatkhanas.
For further information, please e-mail hrt...@iicanada.org. |
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The Literary Illumination Series
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Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board for Ontario
These discussion sessions will be peer lead discussions of the key messages and visions of Mawlana Hazar Imam through the exploration of his speeches.
The sessions will be held at Etobicoke, Scarborough and Unionville Jamatkhanas once a month. Jamati members 25 years of age and over are encouraged to register at speechdi...@cfonet.org, indicating choice of preferred location.
For details, please call 416-751-5325 ext. 547. |
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From Adversity to Jubilee: Why Our Jamat Has Reason to Celebrate
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| Friday, August 1, 2008 |
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Headquarters Jamatkhana |
| Saturday, August 2, 2008 |
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Brampton Jamatkhana |
| (after Jamati ceremonies) |
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Dr. Shafique Virani, Professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Toronto, will conduct an enlightening seminar on the topic "From Adversity to Jubilee: Why Our Jamat Has Reason to Celebrate" on Friday, August 1, at Headquarters Jamatkhana and Saturday, August 2, at Brampton Jamatkhana.
Alwaez Shazeed Jiwa will facilitate a seminar at Bayview Jamatkhana on the topic: "A vision of the Past, A Vista for the Future: Celebrating the Fatimids" on Saturday, August 9, 2008.
These interactive sessions will be held after Jamati ceremonies. All youth and young professionals are especially encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be served.
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Connect and Share: Farsi Workshop on Building Self-Esteem
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Women's Development Portfolio (IWED)
| Friday, August 1, 2008 |
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Richmond Hill Jamatkhana |
| (7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.) |
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All members of the Central Asian Jamat are invited to attend this informative session. |
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Seniors Trip to Niagara Falls
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ISAT, Aga Khan Health Board for Ontario
| Monday, August 11, 2008 |
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Niagara Falls |
| (10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.) |
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This event has been postponed until further notice. |
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Games Night for Seniors
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ISAT, Aga Khan Health Board for Ontario
| Saturday, August 16, 2008 |
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Pickering Jamatkhana |
| (after Jamati ceremonies) |
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For details on this seniors' event organized in collaboration with the youth, please contact your local ISAT team. |
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Jeopardy-style Quiz for Senior and Youth Teams
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ISAT, Aga Khan Health Board for Ontario
| Saturday, August 16, 2008 |
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Willowdale Jamatkhana |
| (after Jamati ceremonies) |
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This knowledge-based interactive quiz is aimed at facilitating interaction between seniors and youth within the Jamat.
Please contact your local ISAT team for details.
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Programs for Seniors
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ISAT, Aga Khan Health Board for Canada
Please contact your local ISAT representatives for details on the following programs:
- Fun-filled 30 minutes weekly workout at most Jamatkhanas
- Weekly drop-in centres (Headquarters and Willowdale on Mondays, Don Mills and Unionville on Wednesdays)
- Additional weekly drop-in centres on Thursday evenings (5:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.) at Headquarters and Don Mills Jamatkhanas
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Arts and Culture Portfolio Casting Call
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The Arts and Culture Portfolio is looking for actors, dancers, musicians, and theatre buffs for upcoming arts and culture pre-darbar programs. Prior experience is an asset, but not necessary.
To register, please email artsand...@iicanada.org.
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Twin Lakes Resort
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Twin Lakes Resort is accepting reservations for the 2008 season.
An ideal place for a family cottage getaway as well as business or pleasure retreats in the great outdoors, Twin Lakes Resort offers one, two and three bedroom cottages and conference facilities.
Please visit our website for more information. |
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Aga Khan Development Network Launches Redesigned Website
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The new redesigned website sports a new look and new navigation menus making it easier to access related information. These include a Quick Links menu on the right and more comprehensive menus on the bottom.
New information has been added in a number of areas, particularly relating to activities in countries where AKDN is present.
Click here to view the newly-redesigned AKDN website. |
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Volunteer Opportunities
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Primary and Secondary Teachers
Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board for Ontario
The Bait-ul-Ilm system provides learning for the religious, ethical and moral framework by which our children should live. We are currently in vital need of primary and secondary teachers who would like to make a difference in the lives of our children. Appropriate tools, training and on-going classroom support will be provided to assist in delivering religious education to our children.
Please e-mail bui_o...@cfonet.org for more information.
LINCC Coordinator
Aga Khan Education Board For Ontario (AKEBO)
AKEBO is seeking an energetic and motivated individual to manage the LINCC program. LINCC is a University of Toronto student group that offers academic tutoring for immigrant students in grades 9 to 12.
Tutoring is provided by university students and covers most major subjects. Sessions are held every Saturday afternoon (during the university academic year) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the University of Toronto campus.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Liaise with the LINCC Board and ensure our students receive the academic assistance they require.
- Follow up and ensure students attend sessions on a regular basis.
- Track student attendance on a weekly basis and provide timely reports to the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Education Board.
Those interested are requested to email AKEBO at e...@cfonet.org.
Tutors Aga Khan Education Board For Ontario (AKEBO)
AKEBO is recruiting volunteer tutors to tutor ESL, english and math for elementary, junior high or high school students. Tutors will provide tutoring 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.
If you are able to assist during the summer for 1 to 2 days a week, or can make a long- term commitment, please email AKEBO at e...@cfonet.org.
Mentors Needed
Women's Development Portfolio (IWED)
IWED is launching a 6-month mentoring program and is seeking volunteers to act as mentors to young women between the ages of 15 to 19 years, assisting them in achieving their personal and career goals.
For further details and to express your interest, please e-mail mvi...@cfonet.org or call (416) 751-5325 ext. 326.
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Employment Opportunities
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United Arab Emirates based Executive Officer with ITREB UAE
Closing August 15, 2008 Details
Afghanistan based Executive Officer with ITREB Afghanistan
Closing August 15, 2008 Details
Portugal based Executive Officer with ITREB Portugal
Closing August 15, 2008 Details
Program Officer with Focus Humanitarian Assistance
Closing August 21, 2008 Details
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The Muslim Civilizations
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Did you know?
... Sind often known as "Bab-al-Islam" (Gate of Islam) was the entry point of Islam into the Indian subcontinent?
In 711, Muslims established rule in the Indian Subcontinent (includes modern-day Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, parts of Afghanistan, Ladakh, Assam, and Kashmir) in Sind, the first cradle of Islam.
Independent states emerged in different parts of the Subcontinent and played a crucial role in the spread of Islam. The spread of Islam was accelerated by the state's emphasis on the translation of Arabic and Persian religious texts into local languages. By 1500, Islamic culture and faith had become integrated into Indian society. The flow of ideas from the rest of the Islamic world into South Asia was through trade and travel.
The Mughals, who began to rule the Indian Subcontinent in 1526, built a magnificent empire based on well-founded and enduring institutions. The founder of the Mughal rule was Muhammad Zahir al-Din Babur (r. 1526-1530). He and his descendants laid the foundations of a dynastic rule which inaugurated the most glorious period in the history of Islam. The Mughals appreciated art and literature, and built the most magnificent monuments on the Indian landscape.
Alvi, Sajida S. "Islam in South Asia." The Muslim Almanac . Edited by Azim A. Nanji. Detroit. Gale Research Inc. 1996. |
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Recent Institutional News
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Aga Khan University and Catholic University of Portugal Sign Agreement of Academic Collaboration
Aga Khan Development Network, July 12, 2008
Press Release
Mowlana Hazar Imam visits Portugal on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee
Aga Khan Development Network, July 10 - 14, 2008
Press Advisory
Mowlana Hazar Imam in the United Kingdom to mark Golden Jubilee visit
Aga Khan Development Network, July 2 - 8, 2008
Press Release
Mowlana Hazar Imam Honored at NUI Maynooth
Aga Khan Development Network, June 30, 2008
Press Release
Photographs
President John Hughes Citation
New IIS Publication on 'Muslim Modernities'
The Institute of Ismaili Studies, June 2008
News
Mowlana Hazar Imam Joins France's Académie des Beaux Arts
Aga Khan Development Network, June 18, 2008
Photographs
Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan
Speech by M. Arnaud d'Hauterives
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Frequently Called Numbers
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