 |
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: 57
Reflections for your Golden Jubilee Journal: August 3 - 9
|
"The Ismaili tradition looks upon a Jubilee anniversary as a good time to launch new projects. It was at the time of my grandfather's Platinum Jubilee - marking 70 years as Imam - that he opened a new jute mill here - a company, which is still called the Platinum Jubilee Jute Mills. Similarly, we have viewed this Golden Jubilee as an auspicious time for new beginnings."
Extract from the speech by Mawlana Hazar Imam at the Foundation Ceremony of Dhaka Jamatkhana, May 21, 2008.
Our reflections this week continue with Mawlana Hazar Imam's comments on the significance of the Golden Jubilee, as we prepare ourselves for his anticipated visit to Canada. As you read these, reflect on how some of the projects that have been initiated globally, align with the objectives he lays out for the Golden Jubilee.
|
|
Jubilee Journeys: The Ismaili Centre, Toronto - "Crown Jewel for Don Mills" (Toronto Star)
|
|
|
|
 This week, as part of our Jubilee Journey to explore the Canadian Golden Jubilee projects, we take a look at the Ismaili Centre in Toronto, located along the Don Valley Parkway in Toronto. The Centre has been designed by award-winning Charles Correa, of Mumbai, India.
Christopher Hume, in an article entitled "Aga Khan's cultural centre crown jewel for Don Mills" in the Toronto Star in April this year, commented, "drawings show a complex of rare beauty that, even more amazing, is rendered in the language of contemporary architecture. Unlike most such religious/culture centres that have appeared recently in these parts, this one looks to the future, not the past."
He went on to write, "Correa has contributed a low-slung building also highlighted by a multi-faceted dome rendered in glass. The centre will contain the meeting rooms and various spaces. The jamatkhana, or prayer room, is the sacred part of the complex; it will be a simple, unadorned area lit by the dome above. Clad in limestone, this large rambling structure reads like a geological feature, part of the landscape; it's the largest element on site."
At the inauguration of the Ismaili Centre in Dubai in March 2008, Mawlana Hazar Imam commented on the role of Jamatkhanas, saying "It is not a place to hide from the world, but rather a place which inspires us to engage our worldly work as a direct extension of our faith."
|
|
Audition for Reciters
|
Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board for Canada
Registration for the auditions to select reciters 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.
|
| 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.
|
|
Visual Arts Exhibition: Couleurs D'Amour (Colours of Love)
|
Mawlana Hazar Imam has commented that a great work of art is a stirring of the soul as it attempts to experience that which is beyond all beings. To commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Mawlana Hazar Imam, a visual arts exhibition, entitled Couleurs d'Amour (Colours of Love), will be displayed at various locations and dates before Mawlana Hazar Imam's anticipated Golden Jubilee Darbar in Canada. The Jamat, specifically youth and young professionals, are invited to submit art, photography and poetry that express their personal reflections and inspirations drawn from Mawlana Hazar Imam's guidance over the last 50 years.
Individuals interested in submitting their creations to be showcased in this exhibition should register by visiting the official Golden Jubilee Canada website and click on "Register to Submit "Colours"". Further details on the Exhibition will be posted on the website.
|
|
Golden Jubilee Memorabilia
|
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. |
|
Golden Jubilee Memorabilia - New CDs Released
Golden Jubilee Calendar of Events - August 2008
|
For a detailed view of Golden Jubilee events for the month, please click here.
|
|
Institutional Calendar of Events - August 2008
|
For a detailed view of Institutional events for the month, please click here.
|
|
Golden Jubilee Volunteers Registration
|
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. |
|
The Literary Illumination Series
|
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. |
|
Voices of the Heart: Love and Yearning for Imam
|
Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board for Ontario
| Friday, August 8, 2008 |
|
All Jamatkhanas |
| Saturday, August 30, 2008 |
|
|
| Saturday, September 6, 2008 |
| (after Jamati ceremonies) |
|
|
With the announcement and commemoration of each Darbar around the world, our hearts in Canada grow more anxious and impatient to have our beloved Imam-e-Zaman bestow us with his presence. In anticipation for this blessed news, the Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board is pleased to launch "Voices of the Heart: Love and Yearning for Imam", a series of short devotional recitation evenings to take place on August 8, August 30 and September 6, 2008. The program consists of a short selection of Ginans and Qasidas on the theme of love for Mawla, pain of separation from the beloved and yearning for Deedar and ends with the recitation of zikr tasbih.
The program will be approximately 15 minutes long. |
|
A Vision of the Past, A Vista for the Future: Celebrating the Fatimids
|
Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board for Ontario
| Saturday, August 9, 2008 |
|
Bayview Jamatkhana |
| (after Jamati ceremonies) |
|
|
Shahzeed Jiwa, an International Waezeen Training Program candidate, will facilitate a seminar on the topic "A Vision of the Past, A Vista for the Future: Celebrating the Fatimids". This session will journey back to our splendorous Fatimid era to celebrate the foundation that we build upon today.
|
|
Video Presentation - Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet
|
| Friday, August 15, 2008 |
|
All Jamatkhanas |
| (after Jamati ceremonies) |
|
|
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.
|
|
YIP Speaker Series - Dream Beyond Yourself
|
Young Ismaili Professionals (YIP)
Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board for Ontario
Sunday, August 24, 2008
(1:00 p.m.) |
|
Torys Law Firm
33rd Floor, TD Waterhouse Tower
79 Wellington St. W. |
The Young Ismaili Professionals' Exceptional Speaker Series presents Karim Khoja - CEO of ROSHAN Telecommunications.
ROSHAN, an AKFED Venture, is one of the most successful private enterprises in Afghanistan. The special lecture, entitled "Dream Beyond Yourself", will focus on achieving excellence in both the secular and philanthropic realms. Young professionals are encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity to hear Karim Khoja's inspirational story and to learn about various opportunities in emerging markets and the developing world. The session will be followed by a lunch reception.
Please e-mail yipe...@cfonet.org for more information and to reserve your tickets. Please note that tickets should be purchased in advance as space is limited.
|
|
Games Night for Seniors
|
ISAT, Aga Khan Health Board for Ontario
| Saturday, August 16, 2008 |
|
Pickering Jamatkhana |
| (after Jamati ceremonies) |
|
|
For details on this seniors' event organized in collaboration with the youth, please contact your local ISAT team. |
|
Jeopardy-style Quiz for Senior and Youth Teams
|
ISAT, Aga Khan Health Board for Ontario
| Saturday, August 16, 2008 |
|
Willowdale Jamatkhana |
| (after Jamati ceremonies) |
|
|
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.
|
|
Programs for Seniors
|
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
|
|
Arts and Culture Portfolio Casting Call
|
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 e-mail artsand...@iicanada.org.
|
|
Basic Computer Literacy Courses
|
Computer Resource Centre (CRC)
Aga Khan Economic Planning Board for Ontario
For registration and information on the course below, please contact the appropriate CRC manager.
| Location |
Course |
Course Start Date |
Registration and Information
(after Jamati ceremonies) |
| Headquarters |
Introduction to Word |
August 25 |
HQ CRC Manager |
| Headquarters |
Introduction to Excel |
August 26 |
HQ CRC Manager |
| Brampton |
Introduction to Basic Web Designing |
August 25 |
Brampton CRC Manager |
| Brampton |
Introduction to PowerPoint |
August 26 |
Brampton CRC Manager |
| Don Mills |
Introduction to Java Programming |
August 23 |
Don Mills CRC Manager
(August 15 and 22) |
| Don Mills |
Introduction to Computers
(two-classes course) |
August 26 |
Don Mills CRC Manager
(August 15 and 22) |
| Don Mills |
Introduction to PowerPoint |
August 27 |
Don Mills CRC Manager
(August 15 and 22) |
| Etobicoke |
Introduction to the Internet |
August 26 |
Etobicoke CRC Manager |
| Kitchener |
Introduction to Computers & the Internet |
September 3 |
Kitchener CRC Manager | |
|
Twin Lakes Resort
|
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. |
|
Volunteer Opportunities
|
Richmond Hill Enhanced Learning Centre (ELC) Manager
Aga Khan Education Board for Ontario (AKEBO)
AKEBO is seeking a dedicated and energetic individual to manage the Enhanced Learning Centre (ELC) at Richmond Hill Jamatkhana. Classes are held every Friday evening (during the school academic year) from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The ELC provides an enriched curriculum in both English Language and Math for students in grades 3 to 6. The program is designed to enrich students academically so that they have the potential to be one of the best in their class and in their school.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Ensure students attend classes regularly and arrive on time each week
- Monitor and manage student discipline in the centre
- Manage teachers' attendance and curricula
- Review progress of students on a regular basis and follow up when necessary
- Provide timely reports to the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Education Board
Those interested are requested to e-mail AKEBO at e...@cfonet.org.
Primary and Secondary Teachers for Bait-ul-Ilm
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.
|
|
Employment Opportunities
|
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
Research Fellow with Aga Khan Foundation Canada with CIVICUS, a civil society organization based in South Africa
Closing August 29, 2008 Details
|
|
The Muslim Civilizations
Recent Institutional News
|
Aga Khan University and Catholic University of Portugal Sign Agreement of Academic Collaboration
Aga Khan Development Network, July 12, 2008
Press Release
His Highness the Aga Khan visits Portugal on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee
Aga Khan Development Network, July 10 - 14, 2008
Press Advisory
His Highness the Aga Khan in the United Kingdom to mark Golden Jubilee visit
Aga Khan Development Network, July 2 - 8, 2008
Press Release
Aga Khan Honoured 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
His Highness the Aga Khan 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
|
|
Frequently Called Numbers
|
|
