Multifaith Family Members - FAQs
1. I understand that Hazar Imam (the Aga Khan) is coming to Canada to visit with the Jamat. What will he do while he is here?
Mawlana Hazar Imam undertakes various types of visits to his Jamat. During the upcoming visit by Hazar Imam to Canada, he will have private Mulaqats, or meetings, with members of his Jamat who are resident in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime Provinces.
These Mulaqats will involve religious ceremonies that are specific to members of the Ismaili faith, and therefore attendance is only for Hazar Imam’s followers, or murids. During the Mulaqats, Hazar Imam will meet with the Jamat in small groups in an intimate, peaceful and contemplative setting.
2. In the information that is being provided, I keep seeing references to multi-faith family members and caregivers. What does that term mean? I don’t practice any faith so I’m not sure why I’m being referred to this way.
‘Multi-faith families’ refers to families that may have a member of the Ismaili faith as well as those who either subscribe to other faiths, or don’t subscribe to any faith. We recognize that no term is perfect, and our aim is to be as inclusive as possible of our families and respectful of different belief systems.
3. During the Golden Jubilee, I understand that there were lots of opportunities for multi-faith family members to join in the celebrations after the religious ceremonies. Will that be the case here?
The Mulaqats taking place here are different from the larger and more ceremonial gathering known as a Darbar, which took place during the Golden Jubilee in 2008. The primary goal of a Mulaqat is spiritual enhancement and the strengthening of the bond between Hazar Imam and his murids. As a result, sessions will be shorter, smaller and more intimate. Where there are celebrations after the Mulaqat is complete, multi-faith family members are encouraged to participate in the festivities.
4. How can multi-faith family members and caregivers participate during the Mulaqat?
We would like to provide as much opportunity as possible for multi-faith families to participate in the experience with their loved ones. Multi-faith members may spend time with their families before the ceremonies in the multi-faith room, and can reunite with them there after the ceremonies are complete. In addition, where there are celebrations after the Mulaqat is complete, multi-faith family members are welcome to join.
5. Why are multi-faith family members not permitted to attend the religious ceremonies?
Attendance during the religious ceremonies is only for those who have taken their bayah, or pledge of spiritual allegiance, to the Imam. This is a historical tradition and its background is described in more detail here.
6. Why are smartphones, smart watches, and other such devices not permitted during the Mulaqat? Does this apply to multi-faith family members?
Jamati members are requested not to bring to the Mulaqat any smartphones, cell phones, personal computers, or devices capable of recording audio or video, or of broadcasting or receiving data. These items are prohibited in the Mulaqat facility and will not be permitted for security purposes and to ensure the sanctity of the space. As a result, we encourage all multi-faith families to patiently wait for their family members attending the Mulaqat in the multi-faith room where they can reunite after the ceremonies are complete.
This request does not apply to family members participating in the multi-faith room.
7. How can multi-faith family members best support their loved ones during this special time?
There are many ways to support family members who are preparing for this spiritual event. You can learn more about the visit and its significance by attending the information sessions available for multi-faith family members. You could discuss the significance of this visit with your loved ones. You could help your loved ones to identify goals for the visit – for instance, how, if they choose to do so, would they wish to take advantage of this special time to enhance their spiritual search and growth? You can also attend a variety of events occurring in Jamatkhanas in the days leading up to the visit. If you choose to accompany your family member to the Mulaqat facility, a multi-faith family room will be available to you, and you will be reunited with your family member after the religious ceremonies are complete.
8. Can I participate as a volunteer to help with the events surrounding this visit?
Yes! We encourage all family members to get involved in a volunteer capacity. For more details or to register, please visit the volunteer registration desks in Jamatkhanas.
This webpage will continue to be updated with more detailed information regarding the visit, so we encourage you to visit it again. In particular, we will add details regarding the on-site experience by Tuesday, November 14th, 2017 so please visit after that date.
On-Site Experience
1. What can I expect when I arrive at the Mulaqat venue with my family?
Ontario – Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC), South Building
Upon entry into the MTCC South Building, volunteers will direct you to Level 600 where all registered family members and caregivers will check in. Mulaqat Access Cards and a government issued photo ID will be required at this time. Elevator and escalator access will be available for those with mobility restrictions and strollers. Coat check and stroller storage will be available on this level. Parents with young children will have a separate check in and registration area on this level.
The Multi-Faith family and caregiver room will be available on Level 700. Refreshments will be offered and family members and caregivers may enter and exit the room at their leisure; however, Mulaqat Access Cards will be required for re-entry. Children’s activities will also be available. Should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to connect with any of the volunteers.
The Multi-Faith family and caregiver room will open at the same time as all other areas of the venue.
Quebec – Palais des Congrès, Montreal
Upon entry into the venue, you will be greeted by volunteers who will register you and then guide you to the Multi-Faith Family & Caregiver Room. Mulaqat Access Cards and a government issued photo ID will be required at this time. Refreshments will be offered to the members that will be attending during the Mulaqaat time.
2. Is there parking available at the venue?
Parking will be available at and around the venue but there is no guarantee of available spots. Given that these parking lots are situated in busy locations and they also carry a cost, we recommend the use of public transportation.
3. What services will be available in the Multi-Faith room?
The following services will be available in the Multi-Faith room:
- Seating and table space
- Children’s activity corner (does not include toys)
- Refreshments
- Microwave for warming up baby food
- Activities for adults and children (including reading materials, video, and other light activities)
- First Aid & Security nearby
4. I will have young children with me at the Mulaqat venue. What can I expect in the Multi-Faith room?
There will be an infant’s care area nearby. Carpeted play area for children will be available, along with some children’s activities. Nut-free refreshments will be available.
Please note: Children must be accompanied by an adult at ALL times.
5. Can I bring my smartphone, smartwatch, or personal device to the multi-faith room?
Yes. Although smartphones, smart watches, and other personal devices are not permitted in the Mulaqat Hall, they will be permitted in the Multi-Faith rooms. We kindly request that no photos or videos be taken for both privacy and security reasons.
6. Can my family join me in the Multi-Faith room?
Yes. Your family members attending the religious ceremonies will need to pass through additional security before proceeding to the Mulaqat hall, but can join you prior to or after the ceremonies are complete.
7. Do I need to be registered to be in the Multi-Faith room?
Yes, all Multi-Faith family members and caregivers need to be registered in order to gain access to the venue. Pre-registration in Jamatkhanas is highly encouraged. For those multi-faith family members and caregivers who were unable to register in a Jamatkhana due to unavoidable circumstances, please see the registration desk upon arrival at the venue for assistance. Government-issued ID will also be required in addition to the Mulaqat Access Card to enter the venue.
8. How will I reunite with my family once the Mulaqat is over?
Since Jamati members are prohibited from bringing phones, computers and other such devices inside the Mulaqat hall, we encourage all Multi-faith Families to patiently wait for their family members attending the Mulaqat in the multi-faith room where they can reunite after the ceremonies are complete.
9. If I need to reach my family in the Mulaqat hall during the ceremonies for an emergency, will I be able to get help?
Jamati members are prohibited from bringing phones, computers and other such devices inside the Mulaqat hall for security purposes and to ensure the sanctity of the space. As a result, you will not be able to communicate with family members who are inside the Mulaqat Hall. Should an emergency situation arise, there will be Security and First Aid personnel available to assist.
10. How long will I need to be in the Mulaqat Venue?
While the exact timing is uncertain, we would expect your stay in the Venue to be approximately 3 – 4 hours. This may differ based on the types of ceremonies that your family members are participating in.
11. Do Multi-Faith families need to arrive and check-in together or can they arrive separately?
Multi-faith family members can arrive separately provided that they have the Mulaqat Access Card and government issued photo ID available.
12. Can I leave the Mulaqat venue while religious ceremonies are taking place and then come back?
Yes. However, re-entry will require check-in and your Mulaqat Acess Cards and government issued photo ID may be required.
13. Can I volunteer at the Mulaqat venue?
To Volunteer, please register at volunteer registration desks in Jamatkhanas. Should an opportunity exist, you will be contacted by our Volunteer management team. With your permission, this information may also be used to provide volunteer opportunities in the future.
14. I am a caregiver for a member of the Jamat. How will the care be managed once we arrive at the Mulaqat venue?
Volunteers from the special needs medical team will be available at the registration desk at the entrance and will make arrangements for the care of the jamati member. In some cases, depending on the severity of the jamati member’s health condition, the special needs medical team will make arrangements in advance to provide guidance on what to do upon arrival.
15. Will I be able to get help in case of a medical emergency?
Yes, there will be Security and First Aid trained volunteers available to respond in the event of an emergency.
We also encourage you to sign up for the Digital Al-Akhbar and download the IICanada app to get updates on this visit as well as other events.
For more information, you may also call the Mulaqat 2017 Call Centre at 1-855-822-8060.
