The build up to celebrating Hazar Imam’s Diamond Jubilee included a long discussion about where to celebrate the event. I am currently living and working in Los Angeles, but my family lives in Houston. I could not really understand why there was so much pressure for me to come home, when Los Angeles had its own festivities planned for the day. Flying into Houston after work and leaving a mere 23 hours later seemed excessive. But, in retrospect, I am so glad I did it.
Walking into the NRG Center in Houston, the sound of bagpipes wound its way through the hallway. At the helm of the kilt-wearing group was a stoic marching leader solemnly waving his baton, in spite of the cheery sound the bagpipers played. I never knew the Jamat had bagpipe players, let alone kilts!
The wonder I experienced followed me into the large convention hall, where I saw a variety of exhibitions and art work illuminating the Imamat and the community. The theme of One Jamat permeated the atmosphere from the volunteers working tirelessly to guide us through the hall, shuttle people back and forth from the parking lot, and serve us chai and food. There was an Instagram-worthy One Jamat banner that had a line 10 families-deep, ready to post their pictures to social media. The excitement was palpable even in my own family, and I learned that my dad would be walking with other past Southwest Council Presidents in a parade to the stage. I loved seeing him marvel at the community he worked to further over 20 years ago, could now be so diverse, civic-minded, educated, and triple the size.
After the parade, messages from other Jamats around the world were displayed. Tears surprisingly welled in my eyes as I witnessed those in Syria and Central Asia, who face immense difficulties, wishing us a Khushiali Mubarak. I was struck by the magnitude of our community around the world, and as I squeezed my sister’s hand and looked at her in awe, I saw my own tears mirrored in her eyes. To be able to experience this as a family and to revel in the work that our Imam does just made me so thankful.
A dance performance followed the messages, and I was surprised again to see how much talent there is in our community. As we filed from the main hall to the Prayer hall, we passed interactive exhibits and family-centric games such as Jeopardy and Family Feud. They did not have this when I was younger! The inclusivity and engagement efforts the volunteers and leadership have put together are sure to make a lasting impression. Inside the hall, videos describing the history of the Imam and his family were shown as a great way to prepare us for the viewing to come. Tasbihs, ginans, and qasidas, served to quiet the hall and when the TV screens came on, we were ready. As soon as Hazar Imam came to the doorway, my mom took in a sharp breath as tears rolled down her face. Her commitment to the community, her faith, and her love for the Imam shone on her face. This moved me. Without his work and spiritual guidance, would we be where we are today? Would the community be as successful?
Driving to the airport after the day, brought me an understanding that the July 11th start to the Diamond Jubilee was more than just about watching a video of our Imam. For me, it was an opportunity to truly experience the talent, passion, and devotion of those in our world-wide community, and to understand the contributions of our Imams. This revelation has inspired me to reach out and be a part of it. My heart is full to bursting, with pride to be an Ismaili Muslim.
