One of the most constructive outlets for humans to express feeling and emotion is via art and music, as we will witness at the Aga Khan Awards this weekend. As an example, earlier this year, a collection of accomplished Ismaili musicians came together to perform a special song reflective of the Jamat’s loyalty and devotion to the Imam-of-the-Time. This is the story of their collaboration.

In a world that can often feel uncertain, music is a source of hope. It’s a universal language; one that transcends cultural boundaries and can unite people of different backgrounds. Just a single chord can touch one’s innermost being, evoking emotions without uttering a word.

In anticipation of the Aga Khan Music Awards this weekend, take a look at this 10-minute Ismaili Sounds special behind the scenes video, The making of Shukrana. A collection of 50 music artists came together earlier this year to produce Shukrana in celebration of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 65th Imamat Day. The song is an expression of gratitude for the guidance and leadership of our Imam-of-the-Time. Filmed in Vancouver, Toronto, and Lisbon, this short film tells the story of a unique international collaboration.

Mawlana Hazar Imam has approved a set of new guidelines for our uniformed volunteers who render service day in, day out, in Jamatkhanas and beyond.

Finding the right way to communicate, reflect on, and address conflicts can help increase harmony in our lives despite the challenges life may present. This process is vital for building harmony into the practice of mediation. The theme for Mediation Week this year is “Mediate first - Harmony from now to beyond.”

This week, Muslims around the world commemorate Milad-un-Nabi, literally meaning the “birth of the Prophet.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) was born in Mecca in the year 570 CE and grew up to be a respected merchant, known for his honesty, integrity and trustworthiness. At the age of 40, he received his first revelation from Allah, marking the commencement of his mission as Allah's last and final messenger.

Episode four includes highlights from the signing of an Agreement of Cooperation between the Ismaili Imamat and the Government of British Columbia. Prince Rahim and Princess Zahra took part in the signing prior to a luncheon hosted by British Columbia's Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin. Let's join Mursal Bahri as she recaps the events in Celebrating 50, a behind-the-scenes video special at the commemorative events taking place across Canada this week.

Prince Rahim and Princess Zahra represented Mawlana Hazar Imam at a special ceremony and luncheon today in Vancouver to sign an Agreement of Cooperation between the Ismaili Imamat and the Province of British Columbia.

The celebrations of 50 years of the Ismaili community’s significant presence in Canada continued today in the city of Edmonton, with a luncheon at Government House attended by Princess Zahra and Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Salma Lakhani, followed by the formal opening of the Diwan Pavilion at the Aga Khan Garden.