Our Stories
See stories from the Ismaili Community around the world.
The glow of Tolerance continues to light Houston
23 March 2018
Buffalo Bayou Park in downtown Houston is home to seven glowing 10-foot sculptures, dedicated to tolerance. The sculptures, themselves named Tolerance, are open-weave, metal structures that depict kneeling human forms, with characters and symbols from nine different languages, created by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. The sculptures represent the seven continents.
Seeking knowledge at all ages
20 March 2018
Through a Skills Development Initiative, the Ismaili Council for the USA provides a support system for members of the Jamat seeking income enhancement and financial sustainability in an increasingly competitive economy.
Sharing knowledge to improve quality of life
19 March 2018
"I have always thought that the Jamat in this country would play a special role in the future of the Jamat world-wide, because this country is the leader in the knowledge society. I think that, there probably isn’t an area of human endeavor in which we do not have today, a murid who is exceptional in his own or her own field."
Mawlana Hazar Imam, Institutional Dinner, Atlanta, March 18, 2008
Educating women, developing society
7 February 2018
Over a century ago, Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah had an unprecedented vision for the region of South Asia: to provide exceptional, educational opportunities to students, particularly girls, to help spur development.
Generations programme expansion brings families closer together
8 November 2017
Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase II of the Generations: Multi-Generational Housing and Community Centre campus on 3 November 2017.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledges million-hour pledge from Canadian Jamat
19 September 2017
In 2017, the Canadian Jamat is celebrating both the Diamond Jubilee as well as the 150th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation. In honour of these special occasions, the Jamat has pledged one million hours of service to improving quality of life in Canada as part of the Ismaili CIVIC 150 initiative.
Helping Hands reach out to assist in Texas
3 September 2017
Hurricane Harvey has been referred to as a "1,000-year flood," with its 50 inches of rainfall exceeding all records for the continental USA. It is estimated that damage from the storm will surpass that of hurricanes Sandy (New Jersey 2012) and Katrina (Louisiana 2005) combined. Volunteers have worked to reach Jamati members and others affected by the flooding, and to provide assistance with the recovery process.
Pakistan boosts golf, ice skating and ice hockey
31 March 2017
A little over a year ago, the Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board for Pakistan launched a sports training programme, which proved to be popular and successful ahead of the 2016 Jubilee Games. This winter, the Youth and Sports Board expanded the programme to include golf, ice skating and ice hockey.
American Ismailis join with country to mark holidays
20 January 2017
Thanksgiving in the United States is when family and friends gather to share a meal in their homes. But the national holiday is also an opportunity to join with neighbours in offering service, and across the country, American Ismailis did exactly that.
VIDEO: Harmony and service elevate birthday celebration
23 December 2016
The milestone celebration of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 80th birthday engaged artists from the diverse traditions of the Ismaili community in “a musical and cultural conversation.” And ensuring that within hours of the event, the worldwide Jamat could witness the celebration in a multiplicity of languages, was no minor feat.
UAE Jamat embraces the Aga Khan Award for Architecture
3 November 2016
Anticipation has been growing in the United Arab Emirates since the announcement in October that the country will host the presentation ceremony of the 2016 Aga Khan Award for Architecture. Over the past few weeks, members of the Jamat have been learning about the Award, discussing the winning projects and visiting an exhibition at the site of the forthcoming award ceremony.
Making India better on her Independence Day
12 September 2016
Across India this 15 August, Ismailis celebrated their nation’s independence through acts that contributed to the wellbeing of society. Members of the Jamat planted trees, cleaned up local monuments and put on street plays to educate about traffic safety.
