This month of December is filled not only with a vibrant mosaic of festivals and observances from all corners of society, but also with opportunities to foster more sharing and dialogue than ever before.

The powerful idea of looking to the past for wisdom, the present for connection, and the future for opportunity, is a timeless ethical and social tradition. It is cherished not only by those in society observing a variety of religious and cultural festivals at this time of year, but also by all who wish to build bridges across frontiers, and expand their understanding of each other.

The 82nd Salgirah of Mawlana Hazar Imam is one of these many occasions when we can renew the timeless tradition of looking to the milestones and legacy of the Imam of the Time - a role model from whom we can learn to practice and represent the ethics and principles of Islam in its truest form.

As our brothers and sisters from various faiths gather to observe their respective traditions, the Jamat continues to take the opportunity to engage deeply in the sharing of time, knowledge and material resources to improve the quality of life those in need, irrespective of their backgrounds.

On 15th December, a joint I-Cerv and AKYSB initiative gathered at the Ismaili Centre, London,  to distribute care packages to the homeless and needy across the city centre. Teams with expertise in logistics, packing and distribution from all ages across the Jamat worked together tirelessly to successfully deliver this ambitious social project.

In doing so, the team were able to have a major positive impact on those living in poverty, as well as highlighting the pluralistic ethos of our Jamat as a whole. The ability to transpose the ethics of our tariqah into action is a commendable trait, something with regards to which our dedicated team of volunteers, both uniformed and non-uniformed, always deliver.

Building on this tradition, we have a great set of opportunities to look forward to in the new year. The upcoming centenary of the Ismaili Volunteer Corps, which was founded in 1919 by our 48th Imam, Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, will mark what is such a cherished tradition in our tariqah in Islam - voluntary service rendered unconditionally for the Imam of the Time, and for his Jamat.