Ismaili Leaders’ International Forum (LIF) announces Aga Khan visit to Central Asia

Ismaili Center - Dushambe to be completed in 2009

Message from the Tajik Jamat on the Pamir Mountains still visible after 10 years

Zee's Notes: When Mukhianima at Burnaby Lake got up to speak last night everyone was sure it was to confirm the email that had been floating around that MHI was coming to Canada at the end of November. This was the second hoax for the Canadians as 6 months ago someone with lots of time on their hand created a very elaborate and authentic looking Canadian GJ itinerary sometime in May - which turned out to be, excuse my language - BS - and this time it was a simple email which stated dates and cities.

Anyhow the news was the Darbar visit to Central Asia at the beginning of November and though the Canadian visit may occur in the next 6 weeks - it has not been officially announced. Our sincere congratulations to our fellow Ismailis in Central Asia on the upcoming visit by MHI.

The other message was for the International Jamat to think carefully before making plans to travel to Central Asia.

For complete info: http://www.goldenjubileetajikistan.org/

Ismaili Anthem - a tribute from S Raheemani

Zee's Notes: Toronto dynamo Suleman Raheemani (www.srproduction.ca) is the genius behind SR Production - producing music and artists as well playing on the band AAKASH. He was responsible for delighting us earlier this year with videos of Zahir 'RC' Bhaidani and his group's incredible ginan performances. Here is his latest - a rendition of the Ismaili Anthem...enjoy.

Ismaili candidates in Canadian Elections

Zee's Notes: While the world waits for the US elections next month, Canada had it's own national election today and 2 Ismaili candidates contested their incumbent seats - sadly the election produced a minority government creating uncertainty on the political landscape - nevertheless our congratulations to Yasmin Ratansi who was re-elected in Toronto's Don Valley East. Rahim Jaffer was defeated in what will be considered a major upset losing his seat in the usually strong Alberta Conservative riding of Edmonton Strathcona.

Ratansi cruises to victory
Toronto Star, Canada - 15 Oct 2008

Jaffer not yet conceding race to Duncan - watch news video here...
CBC.ca, Canada - 16 October 2008

Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe : dans les coulisses de l'écurie de l'Aga Khan

Zee's Notes: Nice video of MHI at his stables and an interview in French (at end)

See video here...

Warm welcome awaits Aga Khan in Chitral

Warm welcome awaits Aga Khan in Chitral
The News International, Pakistan - 12 Oct 2008

Zee's notes: Interesting article on the Chitrali's efforts to raise funds for MHI's visit scheduled in mid-November.

Nairobi's Sno-Cream - an Ismaili favorite...

Zee's Notes: Wow...ran into this interesting article on the net - the Sno Cream on Koinange Street in Nairobi - I remember going to this place in 1972 and again this summer when I visited Nairobi for the Ismaili Golden Jubilee Games - what sweet memories !!! The article also mentions His Highness the Aga Khan, in 1966, sending a note to then owner Amirali Hussein Merali...

Read the complete article here...

Mehboob Keshwani - Aga Khan Golden Jubilee tribute

Mehboob Keshwani sings 'Ya Ali, Mawla Ali' - his personal tribute for His Highness the Aga Khan's Golden Jubilee - I'd like to know where Mehboob sang this - if anyone knows please shoot me an email.

Ismaili Youth Amyn Mawani - End to Poverty

Meet incredible youngster Amyn Mawani - an Ismaili 3rd grader doing his part to end world poverty. His website is www.amyn.ca

Abeeda Parveen - Ghazal Queen sings Ismaili ginan in Dubai

Ghazal queen Abeeda Parveen mesmerized us all when she sang 'Ya ali khub Mijalas' in front of His Higness the Aga Khan. Here she is reciting the same ginan in Dubai.

Zarkava - Aga Khan stable star wins Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe 2008

Zee's notes: Zarkava - the star of Aga Khan Studs stayed unbeaten and won the most prestigous race of Europe. Check out this private video which captures the win and the celebrations imediately after - note the arrival of MHI and Princess Zahra to the winners circle just after the 3 minute mark....

50 Years of Aga Khan - Slideshow

50yrs Of Aga Khan

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own.

Zee's notes: I found this on SlideShare - a social networking site where you can share slides and this is from a site that many of you may enjoy visiting - especially if you are or know someone from Musoma, Tanazania ( http://www.musomablog.com/ )

Shamir Allibhai's film, An Islamic Conscience, premiers in Beirut on Sunday

Islam as a mosaic - A look at the Aga Khan and the Ismaili people
Alice Fordham, NOW (Lebanon) Staff , October 3, 2008

Alice Fordham writes on the debut of Shamir Allibhai's much acclaimed movie on the Aga Khan and the Ismailis.

Read article here...

In the news - September 2008

Resident honoured for dedication to humanitarian workMississauga News, Canada - 30 Sep 2008

Zarkava favorite in Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe - Sep 30

Aga Khan Partnership walk at LA Coliseum next Sunday Oct. 12th - Sep 30

Where Hope Takes Root: Democracy and Pluralism in an Interdependent World - cited by Canadian Political Newsweekly Embassy as 20 Most Influential Books - Sep 30

The Aga Khan's thoroughbred passion - Sep 27

'What we do is high-risk' - Rachel Morarjee interview with MHI - Sep 27

Leader of Ismaili Muslims praises Canada for its inclusive government - Sep 27

Words Francesca de ChâtelSyria Today, Syria - 27 Sep 2008

Japan to provide grant for water supply schemes in Northern Areas - Sep 26

Clinton Global Initiative Website Features Hashoo Foundation’s ...PR-CANADA.net (press release), Montenegro - 26 Sep 2008

Japan to provide grant for water supply schemes in Northern AreasRegional Times, Pakistan - 26 Sep 2008

First company in the world producing Fairtrade Certified dried fruitsFreshPlaza, Netherlands - 24 Sep 2008

A rich, diverse legacyTimes Online, UK - 23 Sep 2008

How Syria's Assad Is Steering His Country out of IsolationSpiegel Online, Germany - 23 Sep
2008

Owner vows Pakistan's Marriott will rise from ashesAFP - 23 Sep 2008

Ancient Kabul garden in bloom again after years of ruinAFP - 22 Sep 2008

The secret life of a doomed hotel: remembering Islamabad's MarriottABC Online, Australia - 21 Sep 2008

Muslim group feeding 1000 homeless on SaturdayAtlanta Journal Constitution, USA - 19 Sep 2008

Sacred Music Festival at UCLAIndiaPost.com, CA - 16 Sep 2008

Zarkava Produces a Vermeille ZingerBloodHorse, KY - 14 Sep 2008

NV resident realizes we're all OlympiansNorth Shore News, Canada - 14 Sep 2008

Aga Khan pours his wealth into Islamic sites in SyriaAFP - 14 Sep 2008

IFC Investment in Diamond Trust Bank Kenya to Help Increase ...Media Newswire (press release), NY - 11 Sep 2008

Young Canadian diplomats fight to defend Afghan missionCanada.com, Canada - 11 Sep 2008

Aga Khan university signs agreement with SyriaDaily Nation, Kenya - 7 Sep 2008

His Highness the Aga Khan completed a six-day official visit to ...AME Info (press release), United Arab Emirates - 6 Sep 2008

Mozambique: Two textiles factories expected to re-launch ...Macauhub, Macau - 4 Sep 2008

Forgiveness - Ethic of Islam

Zee's Notes: On a day when we celebrate one of Islam's holiest events it only seems natural to remember one of it's strongest ethic - Forgiveness...

Azim Khamisa did 2 things - one which shook his very core as a human being and second which changed the lives of many around him - first he buried his only son 20 year old Tariq who died from a senseless gang shooting and then went out and publicly forgave and embraced his son's killer - a 14 year old - and used that as a foundation to take that message to millions of youth to stay away from a world of violence at the same time liberating himself to living life to the fullest.

Now I personally don't know how it is to forgive someone who has committed a horrific act on me or my family and there are many of us who have things in our life which we say we will never forgive but stay with me for one second and try to feel the liberation if we are able to do what Azim Khamisa achieved in living within the ethic of Islam - that to me is the magic of Islam.

So the punch line is that we are all capable of having the freedom that Islam promises but how hungry are we to find the truth (Islam) that is truly within us by living it's ethics daily 24/7 - so next time you're in front of a mirror look squarely at that gorgeous person because only he/she can take you there...

The Light of Allah

For my fellow Canadians - while we wait for MHI's GJ visit...enjoy

EID MUBARAK !!!

MHI in Syria - August 24-29, 2008

AFP

Zee's notes: If you want to catch the best coverage of MHI's Syria visit

http://www.theismaili.org/cms/511/Syria-visit

Leader of Ismaili Muslims praises Canada for its inclusive government

Charles Enman , Canwest News ServicePublished: Saturday, September 27, 2008

REGINA -- A middle power can only smile when a world leader says not only is small beautiful, but the particular small country in question is not just competitive with the rest of the world, but holds a leading spot.

Read complete article here...

Ali Lalani - preparing for 2012 London Paralympic Games

TheIsmaili.org

Ali has been competing in boccia for around 6 years and in that time has won a team bronze at the 2006 world championships, team silver at the 2005 European Championships and team gold at the 2006 Belgium Open. Ali is a devout muslim and is currently studying for an HND in leisure management at Solent University in Southampton.

Read his profile here and click on the video for his interview...


Article on Ali Lalani is TheIsmaili.org...

Beijing Paralympic Games - Hanif Mawji of Canada

A few days before his departure to Beijing and his first Paralympics, bocce singles player Hanif Mawji went to the barbershop to get trimmed for his big trip.

Read Complete article here...

Hanif's results at the Beijing games...

Hanif Mawji settles for fourth place at the 2006 World Championships

Zee's notes: Incredible achievement for Hanif to be part of the Being Paralympic Games. Interesting sidenote is that I know Hanif and his family for over 20 years and I did not know of his sports accomplishments until I saw it in the local news - should not have surprised me as I also know the Mawji family are very humble people - my congrats to them and this is to be celebrated by all Ismailis.