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Imamat Day Mubarak from the Prairies Jamati Institutions

Faith & Traditions | Council for the Prairies
Region:
Prairies
Published Date:
Wednesday, July 5, 2023

On behalf of all Prairies Jamati Institution office-bearers, we wish you a heartfelt Imamat Day Mubarak. On July 11, along with Ismailis from all over the world, we will celebrate the anniversary of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s accession to the throne of Imamat.  

 This Imamat day, we celebrate 66 years of the Imam’s spiritual and material guidance. We offer our deepest gratitude for his tireless efforts, every day, to helping ensure the safety and security of his Jamat around the world; for his contributions to humanity at large, towards building a more compassionate, equitable and understanding world; for motivating us to develop our true potential; and for lighting the path, for each one of us, to spiritual understanding. For all this, we are ever grateful.  

 As a Jamat we are fortunate to enjoy significant events and festivities that continue to bring the Jamat together: 

  • We had the privilege of hosting Prince Hussain for the Canadian debut of the Living Sea - Fragile Beauty photographic exhibition in Calgary and Toronto.  More than twenty thousand people visited the stunning exhibition that demonstrates the beauty and fragility of underwater sea life, and our interconnectivity with one another through the seas.   

  • The illume festival brings together talent from across all generations of the Jamat to celebrate each other’s talent in the areas of performing and visual arts, and sports.  Regional festivals and qualifying events highlighted the talent and sportsmanship of the Jamat.  The National festival in August and November will bring us together as one Jamat in Hamilton and Toronto. 

We are currently celebrating our 50th anniversary of significant Ismaili presence in Canada.  This celebration has brought together community members from diverse backgrounds to reflect and share their stories of arriving and living in Canada.  Mawlana Hazar Imam’s commitment to improving quality of life for all, including our fellow Canadians, includes the establishment of numerous Imamat institutions in Canada.  Mawlana Hazar Imam has also signed agreements of understanding with various levels of government and through the Aga Khan University, with Canadian establishments of higher education. As members of the Canadian Jamat, let us continue to advance a true understanding of our faith and of our values of pluralism, respect for human dignity, and equity, and contribute to building this great country over the next five decades and beyond.  

Over the recent past, we have been graced with an increasing number of newcomers – Jamati members who have made Canada their home and become part of the strong fabric of our collective identity. It is a blessing for the Jamat to be able to grow in this way, and to be the beneficiary of the strength that this diversity brings. Let us continue to extend our support, in whatever way we can, for those establishing their roots in Canada, in the spirit of family and unity. 

As we complete our terms of office in the coming days, we offer shukrana for the blessing and utmost privilege of being able to serve the Imam-of-the-Time and the Jamat. We extend to each of you our sincerest gratitude for your unwavering support of the initiatives of the Jamati institutions, and for the patience, kindness and understanding that you have extended to each one of us in our roles. We seek your forgiveness for errors, oversights and hurt feelings, and know that you will continue to offer this affection and support to the incoming leadership as they seek to realize Mawlana Hazar Imam’s vision for the Jamat in the years ahead. 

 We wish every one of you a joyful and fulfilling Imamat Day. May you, your families and your loved ones be blessed with immense barakah, good health, prosperity, peace, spiritual understanding and the alleviation of all your difficulties. Imamat Day Mubarak.  

Sincerely, 

Fauzia Lalani-Khudabux 

President, Ismaili​ Council for the Prairies 

Muneer Gilani 

Honorary Secretary, Ismaili Council for the Prairies 

Dr. Habib Kurwa 

Chairman, Ismaili Tariqah & Religious Education Board for the Prairies 

Shainoor Rashid 

Chairman, Grants & Review Board for the Prairies 

Shairoze Damji 

Chairman, Conciliation & Arbitration Board for the Prairies 

Badrudin Ladak 

Mukhi, Headquarters Jamatkhana Calgary 

Imamat Day Celebration - Dinner and Raas

Faith & Traditions | Council for the Prairies
Region:
Prairies
Start Date:
Saturday, July 15, 2023
Start Time:
After Jamati Ceremonies
Location:
Calgary Jamatkhanas

A dinner and raas program will be held on Saturday, July 15 after Jamati services in all Jamatkhanas. Multi-faith family members are warmly invited to attend.

Dinner Menu:

  • Beef Biriyani
  • Masur Biriyani
  • Monthar 
  • Carrots Marcha 

Mehndi Night

Faith & Traditions | Council for the Prairies
Region:
Prairies
Start Date:
Thursday, July 6, 2023
Start Time:
After Jamati Ceremonies
Location:
Prairies Jamatkhanas

A mehndi program will be held on Thursday, July 6, after Jamati ceremonies in all Jamatkhanas (except Generations). Multi-faith family members are warmly invited to attend.

The Mehndi program at Generations Jamatkhana will be held on Friday, July 7. Members of all ages are encouraged to attend!

 

50 Years of Migration Exhibition

Community Engagement | Council for the Prairies
Region:
Prairies
Start Date:
Thursday, June 15, 2023
Start Time:
Various times
End Date:
Friday, July 14, 2023
Location:
Calgary Headquarters Jamatkhana

50 Years of Migration is a first-of-its-kind exhibition that will follow over 50 years of Shi’a Imami Ismaili Muslims in Canada.

Through first-hand accounts, photographs, documents, interviews, and more, the exhibition will explore the events in East Africa in the early 1970s that led to the first mass immigration of over 6,000 Ismaili Muslims to Canada who fled their homelands in search of refuge elsewhere. The exhibition also explores recent migration stories of other Ismaili newcomers from Syria, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, India, Pakistan, and beyond.

The upcoming schedule for viewing is below:

  • Wednesday, July 12:
    • 6:30-7:30 p.m. and 8:00-9:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, July 13:
    • 6:30-7:30 p.m. and 8:00-9:00 p.m.
  • Friday, July 14:
    • 6:30-7:30 p.m. and 8:00-9:00 p.m.

South Jamatkhana Reopened

Faith & Traditions | Council for the Prairies
Region:
Prairies
Published Date:
Thursday, June 1, 2023

UPDATE: June 1 @ 3:00 p.m.

South Jamatkhana is open.

The City of Calgary work on water main repairs is complete.

The roadway is open.  Please be mindful of signage and temporary hazards.

Thank you for your patience over the past few days while the water main was being repaired.

50 Years of Migration Exhibition

Community Engagement | Council for the Prairies
Region:
Prairies
Start Date:
Thursday, June 15, 2023
Start Time:
9:00 PM ET
End Date:
Saturday, July 15, 2023
End Time:
10:00 PM ET
Location:
Calgary Headquarters Jamatkhana

Final Week - 50 Years of Migration is a first-of-its-kind exhibition at Headquarters Jamatkhana that will follow over 50 years of immigration of Shi’a Imami Ismaili Muslims to Canada.

Through hundreds of first-hand accounts, photographs, documents, interviews, and more, the exhibition will explore the events in East Africa in the early 1970s that led to the first mass immigration of over 6,000 Ismaili Muslims to Canada who fled their homelands in search of refuge elsewhere. The exhibition also explores recent immigration stories of other Ismaili newcomers from Syria, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, India, Pakistan, and beyond.

Youth Gala: Meet, Mingle, Mix and Music

Community Engagement | Council for the Prairies
Region:
Prairies
Start Date:
Saturday, June 3, 2023
Start Time:
After Jamati Ceremonies

We know you are the future – athletes, artists, scientists, thought leaders, influencers, and so much more.  We want to recognize you and hear from you.  All youth ages 12-25 are invited to meet, mingle, have a bite, have your say, and have a great night of music and entertainment on Saturday, June 3 starting at 8pm at Westwinds Jamatkhana. 

National Jamati Leadership will be present to share information on upcoming priorities and take your feedback, DJ will be spinning great beats and delicious meal will be served.

Members of National Leadership present will include:

  • Ameerally Kassim-Lakha, President, Council for Canada
  • Shaheed Moledina, Chairman, Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board
  • Salima Dadani-Bhayani, Chairman, Aga Khan Education Board
  • Hussein Charania, Member, ITREB Canada

Admission is free – register to reserve your spot.  Looking forward to a great night!

Register here

Already registered?  Fill out our pre-event questionnaire here.

The Living Sea - Fragile Beauty Exhibition in Calgary

Community Engagement | Council for the Prairies
Region:
Prairies
Published Date:
Wednesday, May 10, 2023

The Living Sea – Fragile Beauty, an exhibition featuring the work of Prince Hussain Aga Khan, celebrates the beauty and magic of the ocean, testifying to some of the most enthralling and surprising encounters the photographer has experienced under the surface.

The exhibition serves to inspire people to care for our natural world and provide a window into a world of underwater life on earth that most people may never have the chance to experience. The Living Sea – Fragile Beauty is a photographic journey which hopes to educate visitors on the importance of healthy oceans to our planet’s survival, and highlight efforts of wildlife conservationists to protect these fragile ecosystems.

The photographic exhibit will be on display on select days at the Glenbow at the Edison from May 11-21, 2023. 

To view the Exhibit

Admission is free and tickets are available at the Glenbow Museum's website.  Please book online prior to entry. 

Tours are available.  The exhibit can be viewed in approximately 30 minutes.  All Jamati members, multi-faith family members, friends, and members of the public are warmly welcome to view the exhibit.

The exhibit will be on display at the Glenbow at the Edison (The Edison Building – 2nd Floor – 150 9th Avenue SW).  Glenbow’s main building is closed for renovations.

Weekday Funerals Moving to Westwinds Jamatkhana

Faith & Traditions | Council for the Prairies
Region:
Prairies
Published Date:
Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Starting Thursday, May 11, weekday funeral ceremonies will be held at Westwinds Jamatkhana.  Weekend funerals will continue to be held at South Jamatkhana. Please check the iiCanada app for funeral details.

Illume 2023: Performing Arts Showcase

Community Engagement | Council for the Prairies
Region:
Prairies
Start Date:
Sunday, June 4, 2023
Start Time:
12:00 p.m.

Illume 2023 is the first festival bringing our entire Canadian Jamat together to celebrate talent across both art and sports. In the past, these two signature events have showcased the immense talent within our Canadian Jamat, and we are thrilled to demonstrate that talent on a national and global stage. The name illume celebrates everything we have achieved in Canada; it is a combination of ‘illuminate’ and ‘Ummah’. Put that together and you get a united community that shines bright across the country.

The road to illume starts at home and the Prairies is proud to present the Performing Arts Showcase on June 4 from 12pm to 4pm at Westwinds Jamatkhana. The Performing Arts Showcase will include talent in the following four categories: dance, vocal music and instrumental music and creative arts. Come join us for a wonderful afternoon to cheer on participants who will be vying for their spot to perform on the national stage in Hamilton, Ontario in August!

Tickets for the Prairies showcase will be available at all Jamatkhanas for purchase from Friday, May 12 until they sell out. Tickets will be $15 and are limited and available on a first-come-first-served basis. Multi-faith family members are encouraged to attend.

Nutrition During Early Years

Learning & Development | Council for the Prairies
Region:
Prairies
Start Date:
Saturday, May 13, 2023
Start Time:
7:45 p.m.

A session on nutrition for young children will be offered by Dr. Shela Hirani on May 13. This 30-minute session will present nutritional intervention and family- centred strategies for young children's early brain development and growth. This will be followed by a question and answer period. This session is geared for parents and caregivers of young children.

Illume 2023: Prairies Regional Festival

Community Engagement | Council for the Prairies
Region:
Prairies
Published Date:
Thursday, April 20, 2023

Illume 2023 will bring together our Jamat’s talent across over 20 art forms and sports. The road to Illume starts with regional tryouts and events. To qualify for different levels of competitions, interested members of the Jamat must register. A step-by-step video on how to register is available.

The Prairies regional Illume events will be held as follows:

  • Various sports tryouts, held during May.
  • Performing Arts, held on June 4 at Northwest Jamatkhana, Calgary.
  • Visual Art Gallery, held during August.
  • Film Festival, details to come.

Registration deadlines are as follows:

  • Sunday, April 28 for Performing Arts and Sports.
  • Saturday, July 15 for Visual Arts.
  • Monday, July 31 for the Film Festival.

The National Illume festival will be held in two parts:

  • Performing Arts and Sports, held from August 4 to 7 in Hamilton, Ontario.
  • Film Festival and Visual Arts, held during November in Toronto, Ontario.

For more information and to register, please visit Illume 2023.

Living Sea - Fragile Beauty Photo Exhibition

Community Engagement | Council for the Prairies
Region:
Prairies
Start Date:
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Start Time:
Various times
Location:
Glenbow at the Edison

The Living Sea – Fragile Beauty, an exhibition featuring the work of Prince Hussain Aga Khan, celebrates the beauty and magic of the ocean, testifying to some of the most enthralling and surprising encounters the photographer has experienced under the surface.

The exhibition serves to inspire people to care for our natural world and provide a window into a world of underwater life on earth that most people may never have the chance to experience. The Living Sea – Fragile Beauty is a photographic journey which hopes to educate visitors on the importance of healthy oceans to our planet’s survival, and highlight efforts of wildlife conservationists to protect these fragile ecosystems.

The photographic exhibit will be on display on select days at the Glenbow at the Edison from May 11-21. 

To view the Exhibit

Admission is free and tickets are available at the Glenbow Museum's website.  Please book online prior to entry. 

Tours are available.  The exhibit can be viewed in approximately 30 minutes.  All Jamati members, multi-faith family members, friends, and members of the public are warmly welcome to view the exhibit.

The exhibit will be on display at the Glenbow at the Edison (The Edison Building – 2nd Floor – 150 9th Avenue SW).  Glenbow’s main building is closed for renovations.

Living Sea - Fragile Beauty Photo Exhibition

Community Engagement | Council for the Prairies
Region:
Prairies
Start Date:
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Start Time:
Various times
Location:
Glenbow at the Edison

The Living Sea – Fragile Beauty, an exhibition featuring the work of Prince Hussain Aga Khan, celebrates the beauty and magic of the ocean, testifying to some of the most enthralling and surprising encounters the photographer has experienced under the surface.

The exhibition serves to inspire people to care for our natural world and provide a window into a world of underwater life on earth that most people may never have the chance to experience. The Living Sea – Fragile Beauty is a photographic journey which hopes to educate visitors on the importance of healthy oceans to our planet’s survival, and highlight efforts of wildlife conservationists to protect these fragile ecosystems.

The photographic exhibit will be on display on select days at the Glenbow at the Edison from May 11-21. 

To view the Exhibit

Admission is free and tickets are available at the Glenbow Museum's website.  Please book online prior to entry. 

Tours are available.  The exhibit can be viewed in approximately 30 minutes.  All Jamati members, multi-faith family members, friends, and members of the public are warmly welcome to view the exhibit.

The exhibit will be on display at the Glenbow at the Edison (The Edison Building – 2nd Floor – 150 9th Avenue SW).  Glenbow’s main building is closed for renovations.

Living Sea - Fragile Beauty Photo Exhibition

Community Engagement | Council for the Prairies
Region:
Prairies
Start Date:
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Start Time:
Various times
Location:
Glenbow at the Edison

The Living Sea – Fragile Beauty, an exhibition featuring the work of Prince Hussain Aga Khan, celebrates the beauty and magic of the ocean, testifying to some of the most enthralling and surprising encounters the photographer has experienced under the surface.

The exhibition serves to inspire people to care for our natural world and provide a window into a world of underwater life on earth that most people may never have the chance to experience. The Living Sea – Fragile Beauty is a photographic journey which hopes to educate visitors on the importance of healthy oceans to our planet’s survival, and highlight efforts of wildlife conservationists to protect these fragile ecosystems.

The photographic exhibit will be on display on select days at the Glenbow at the Edison from May 11-21. 

To view the Exhibit

Admission is free and tickets are available at the Glenbow Museum's website.  Please book online prior to entry. 

Tours are available.  The exhibit can be viewed in approximately 30 minutes.  All Jamati members, multi-faith family members, friends, and members of the public are warmly welcome to view the exhibit.

The exhibit will be on display at the Glenbow at the Edison (The Edison Building – 2nd Floor – 150 9th Avenue SW).  Glenbow’s main building is closed for renovations.