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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: 64
Reflections for your Golden Jubilee Journal: September 21 - 27
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"We see it as a place of peace and tranquillity, filled with a spirit of humility and prayer. It will not be a place for conceit or self-satisfaction, but rather a place for search and enlightenment. It will be a place where men and women in this pluralist country can help strengthen those common bonds which reflect our common challenges and which will shape our common destiny."
Extract from the speech by Mawlana Hazar Imam at the Foundation Ceremony of Dhaka Jamatkhana, May 21, 2008.
Mawlana Hazar Imam has announced, inaugurated or laid the foundation stones for Jamatkhanas in Houston, Dubai and Dhaka over the Jubilee year. After reading this speech, reflect on how the Ismaili Centre in Toronto, in addition to being a place of spirituality, can play a much more critical role in creating and engaging in dialog that promotes pluralism and addresses common challenges.
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Jubilee Journeys: A look back at the Golden Jubilee Year Thus Far
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"Artistic Masterpieces, Providing Enlightened Encounters"
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Mawlana Hazar Imam has stressed that culture can provide a discourse for "enlightened encounters amongst faiths and cultures". The Aga Khan Trust for Culture's Museums and Exhibitions initiative is dedicated to presenting Islamic arts and culture in their historic, cultural and geographical diversity, and to foster knowledge and understanding both within Muslim societies, and between these societies and other cultures.
Over the course of the Golden Jubilee year, art and artifacts from the permanent collection of the future Aga Khan Museum in Toronto have been exhibited in Parma, London, Paris and Lisbon. The "Spirit and Life" Exhibition at the Ismaili Center, London, was opened on July 12, 2007, by Mawlana Hazar Imam, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. In his remarks, Mawlana Hazar Imam said that culture is deeply intertwined with matters of the faith for all Muslims, and that at a time when there is a "clash of ignorance", the ability to "honor authentic symbols of pride and identity - and to share their beauty and their power with one another - can be a tremendous force for good." |
A similar exhibition of works from the Aga Khan Museum's collection was displayed at the Louvre from October 2007 to January 2008. In his closing remarks at the "Musée-Musées" Round Table at the Louvre, Mawlana Hazar Imam said that the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto will show the "inherent pluralism of Islam, not only in terms of religious interpretations but also of cultural and ethnic variety" and that "Islam is in reality an open-minded, tolerant faith capable of adopting other people's cultures and languages and making them its own."
Read more about the Aga Khan Trust for Culture's initiatives. |
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Golden Jubilee Calendar of Events - September 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 - September 2008
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For a detailed view of Institutional events for the month, please click here.
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Couleurs D'Amour Update
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Thank you to all participants who have registered. Participants who have not received an e-mail with program details are requested to contact couleur...@cfonet.org.
Participants are requested to attend at their scheduled appointment times to submit waiver forms and their artwork for viewing.
| Date |
Location |
| Saturday, September 27, 2008 |
Mississauga Jamatkhana |
| Sunday, September 28, 2008 |
Halton Jamatkhana |
| Sunday, October 5, 2008 |
Headquarters Jamatkhana | |
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AKDN Speaker Series
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The second webcast of the AKDN Speaker Series will take place on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time (North America) with keynote speaker Mr. Firoz Rasul, President of Aga Khan University. Mr. Rasul will give a short presentation on Aga Khan University's Vision for Growth, followed by a question & answer session with participants.
Details of the webcast and online registration information can be obtained here.
The recorded version of the September 10, 2008 webcast with Dr. Tom Kessinger is now available for viewing at TheIsmaili.org.
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Video Presentation: Mawlana Hazar Imam's Visit to the United States
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| Friday, September 26, 2008 |
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Don Mills, Dundas West, Guelph, Halton, London, Niagara Falls and Richmond Hill Jamatkhanas |
| Saturday, September 27, 2008 |
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All other Ontario Jamatkhanas |
| Sunday, September 28, 2008 |
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Kitchener Jamatkhana |
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A video presentation of Mawlana Hazar Imam's Golden Jubilee visit to the United States will be shown in Don Mills, Dundas West, Halton, London and Niagara Falls Jamatkhanas on Friday, September 26, in all other Ontario Jamatkhanas on Saturday, September 27, and in Guelph and Kitchener Jamatkhanas on Sunday, September 28, after Jamati ceremonies.
The Jamat is encouraged to attend the showings and share in the happiness of the United States Jamat during their Golden Jubilee Darbar. |
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Federal Election Announced: Our Role as Canadians
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Earlier this month, the Prime Minister asked the Governor General to dissolve parliament, and to call a general election. As a result, the Federal Election will be held on Tuesday October 14, 2008. Canadians over the age of 18 years will have the opportunity to vote for an individual candidate in the riding in which they live.
Your vote is the way you choose someone to represent you in Canada's Parliament. By expressing your choice, you are exercising a democratic right that is a critical part of Canada's governance.
You may also wish to volunteer with, or raise funds for, the candidate of your choice. Participation in the political process is an excellent way to get to know others in your community and to learn about the democratic process as well as many of the issues of interest to your fellow Canadians.
Tax credits for political contributions are available at the following rates: 75 percent of the first $400; 50 percent of the next $350; and 33 1/3 percent of an amount over $750.
For the youth, working on a political campaign can help to build your resume.
Over the next 3 weeks, the Al-Akhbar will provide guidance on the election process and links to informational websites about the election.
For more information, you may wish to refer to the websites below:
Mark your calendar to vote in the election on Tuesday, October 14th, 2008.
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Literary Illuminations Session
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Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board for Canada
| Tuesday, September 30, 2008 |
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Etobicoke, Scarborough and Unionville Jamatkhanas |
| (after Jamati ceremonies) |
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The speech to be discussed will be Mawlana Hazar Imam's Keynote address concluding the Prince Claus Fund's Conference on Culture and Development delivered on September 7, 2002 in Amsterdam. This is the first speech in the publication "Where Hope Takes Root".
For further information, please e-mail speechdi...@cfonet.org or call 416-751-4001 ext. 547.
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LINCC Program
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Aga Khan Education Board for Ontario
LINCC is now in session at St. Hilda's Place located at 42 Devonshire Place on the University of Toronto downtown campus. This program is for recently-arrived students in grades 9 to 12 who have been in Canada for 5 years or less and who are in need of additional tutorial assistance. Tutoring is provided by university students, covers most major subjects and will take place on Saturdays from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
LINCC is a University of Toronto student group, which strives to promote the integration of immigrant youth into Canadian society and encourage them to seek post-secondary education. LINCC focuses on providing academic tutoring and counseling for the youth while aiding them in developing their leadership skills.
Interested students are requested to contact the Education Board's voice mail at (416) 751-5325 ext. 239, and provide their contact information including name, phone number and current school grade, or by e-mailing e...@cfonet.org.
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Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP)
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ITREB Canada, in partnership with the Institute of Ismaili Studies and the University of London, has commenced recruitment for the third cycle of the Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP) to be held in London, UK.
The application deadline for prospective candidates for this cycle is October 1, 2008.
More information on the STEP program can be found on the IIS website under the Graduate Studies Section.
Members of the Jamat seeking more information on the program can contact the STEP Canada team.
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Health Seminars
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Aga Khan Health Board for Ontario
The following health seminars will take place immediately after Jamati ceremonies:
| Subject |
Date |
Location |
| You and your Mental Health: Learning About Depression |
Friday, September 26, 2008 |
Brampton Jamatkhana |
| Common Health Problems and Healthy Living For Children |
Saturday, September 27, 2008 |
Halton Jamatkhana |
| Healthy Eating for Healthy Living |
Friday, October 3, 2008 |
York Mills Jamatkhana |
| Common Health Problems and Healthy Living for Children |
Friday, October 10, 2008 |
Headquarters Jamatkhana |
| Diabetes |
Friday, October 10, 2008 |
Thorncliffe Jamatkhana | |
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Kitchener Monthly Seniors Drop-In Centre
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ISAT, Aga Khan Health Board for Ontario
This program is held on the second Saturday of each month, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Please see the Drop-in Centre Manager or ISAT members for details.
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Bike4Life
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Focus Humanitarian Assistance
Join us from December 27, 2008 to January 4, 2009 for a Bike4Life event cycling the Konkan Coast of India from Mumbai to Goa where you will meet participants from around the world and partner with FOCUS to enable disaster resilient communities.
If you are ready to accept this challenge of a lifetime or for further information, please visit our website or contact us at focus...@focushumanitarian.org. Deadline for applications is September 30, 2008.
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10 ways to add value to your home
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Aga Khan Economic Planning Board for Ontario
Home renovations can add value to your existing home and increase your net worth. Value and returns on renovations are dependent on many factors including location of the property and quality of the workmanship. Features that can add value to your home include:
- An updated kitchen - including solid surface counters, high quality flooring and newer appliances
- Modern bathrooms - spas or whirlpool tubs are a big asset as are separate showers with steam or multiple jets
- Luxurious master suite - including lounging areas and walk-in closets
- Natural materials - such as ceramic tile, hardwood floors and granite
- Curb appeal - a good first appearance on a home can add as much as five to ten percent to the value of the home
- Light, airy, spacious feel
- Energy efficient or insulated windows
- Landscaping
- Lots of storage spaces
- Finished basement
Source: Appraisal Institute of Canada
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Micro Enterprises: Pet Grooming Service
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Aga Khan Economic Planning Board for Ontario
This month's Micro Enterprise idea is the Pet Grooming Service.
For details about how to start up a Pet Grooming Service business, please click here.
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Career of the Month
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Aga Khan Economic Planning Board for Ontario
Career: Early Childhood Educator
For additional information, refer to the Government of Canada's Job Futures website by occupation or NOC Code 4214 or contact the Skills and Employment Program Counselor at (416) 751-5325 ext. 321 or e-mail s...@cfonet.org.
Please click here for more information regarding this career.
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Volunteer Opportunities
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The Council for Ontario IT team is recruiting volunteers for the following positions:
Experienced Windows Systems Administrator
- This position is a long-term commitment for about 6 hours a week. Candidates must have thorough knowledge of
- Active Directory
- Messaging and Security
- Network Routing
- MCSE Certification is preferred
- Candidates must be self-starters and will be provided with a very professional, team-oriented IT environment. References are required.
Experienced Linux Administrator
Candidate must be extremely conversant with Linux-based email messaging system integrated with windows Active Directory and have at least 3 years of related experience.
Please submit applications for either position to itma...@cfonet.org.
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Employment Opportunities
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Montreal-based Social Services Professional with Aga Khan Social Welfare Board for Canada
Closing September 30, 2008 Details
Support Coordinator with Aga Khan Foundation Canada
Closing September 30, 2008 Details
General Manager with Intra Business Network (IBN), East Africa
Closing September 30, 2008 Details
Vancouver-based Finance Manager position with ITREB Canada
Closing October 3, 2008 Details
Karachi, Pakistan-based Director, Administration, Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) at the Aga Khan University
Closing October 10, 2008 Details
Mombasa, Kenya-based Manager, Dining Services, and Manager, Facilities and Maintenance with Aga Khan Academy
Closing October 10, 2008 Manager, Dining Services | Manager, Facilities and Maintenance
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The Muslim Civilizations
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Did you know?
... that many seats of higher learning in the Muslim World developed from Mosques?
The earliest revelation to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) was about learning and knowledge. In addition, the Qur'an distinguishes Adam from other created beings by the capacity gifted to him to "name everything" (2:31). The value placed on knowledge in the Qur'an became the foundation for the development of education among Muslims. The incentive to read and learn the Qur'an provided the early Muslim community with its initial educational settings, in which instruction of the Qur'an, the life of the Prophet, and knowledge of the Arabic language, its grammar structures and forms took place.
The mosque and the early Qur'an schools were the first Muslim educational institutions. Informal schools of learning on legal and theological questions came to be developed in mosques and other public places, as well as in private homes. A variety of other institutional settings developed. The most important of these institutions were the Maktab or kuttab, the masjid and majlis (literally means 'a place to sit' and refers to any formal gathering or assembly of peoples), jami' (Friday mosque), and libraries. Maktab or kuttab were places where children received instruction in the Qur'an and in other religious subjects. The masjid and majlis were meeting places associated with mosques where adults gathered in groups to discuss the Prophet's life and sayings, issues pertaining to legal matters, devotional practice, and poetry. Many jami', or Friday mosques, eventually became seats of higher learning, such as the Kairouan in Morocco, and the Al-Azhar mosque in Cairo.
Sources:
Nanji, Azim A. "Learning and Education." Website of The Institute of Ismaili Studies.
http://www.iis.ac.uk/view_article.asp?ContentID=108662#education
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Recent Institutional News
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Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance Expands Operations in Madagascar
Aga Khan Development Network, September 15, 2008
Press Release
Mawlana Hazar Imam Inaugurates Aleppo Citadel Project
Aga Khan Development Network, August 28, 2008
Press Release | Photographs | Project Brief (English, Arabic)
Mawlana Hazar Imam and Government of Syria Sign Agreements to Foster Social and Cultural Development
Aga Khan Development Network, August 26, 2008
Press Release | Photographs
Aga Khan University Signs Agreement to Further Health and Education Development in Syria
Aga Khan Development Network, August 25, 2008
Press Release
Mawlana Hazar Imam Arrives in Syria on the Occasion of His Golden Jubilee
Aga Khan Development Network, August 24, 2008
Press Release | Photographs
Aga Khan University and Catholic University of Portugal Sign Agreement of Academic Collaboration
Aga Khan Development Network, July 12, 2008
Press Release
Mawlana Hazar Imam visits Portugal on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee
Aga Khan Development Network, July 10 - 14, 2008
Press Advisory
Mawlana Hazar Imam in the United Kingdom to mark Golden Jubilee visit
Aga Khan Development Network, July 2 - 8, 2008
Press Release
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Frequently Called Numbers
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