USA: Didar date, events and testimonies

Dates, testimonies, articles, descriptions
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Post by Admin »

sent as received - ghani ghani mubaraki to all
Ya Ali Madad.


Yes we are now back from the Darbar with Mowlabapa in San Antonio, TX. It was a wonderful and the most memorable trip.

Mowlabapa was extremely happy – and he asked us all to convey His Blessings to all our families and Jamats – and that was in the form of a “REQUEST”!!

So we are fulfilling his REQUEST by conveying his Blessings to all of you – wherever you are.

We all prayed for the families around the world and the Ruhani members.


He was using His left hand on the shoulders of the Mukhi and Kamadias. Later He placed His left hand on the wrist – perhaps they didn’t bend low enough! This continued for whoever came afterwards.


In His farmans, He said Darbar was a Happy occasion. He mentioned to go into businesses together to strengthen the brotherhood! And Education too - He said those who heeded His earlier farmans, know the value of Education. Also spoke about living longer – that it is a good thing – but we should take good care of our elderly. Spoke about eliminating poverty – and how the Golden Jubilee initiatives are working towards that goal. He spoke about explaining our religion to others – not in anger, and not to shy away from explaining and explaining again. He then said, if they won’t change their minds, to leave them in their state of ignorance – but not in anger.


When He stood up for the second time, He gave Dua Ashish again, and turned to the left of the hall, where we were sitting, and said – to that end of the hall too, I see you all!! What a moving experience! Hopefully we will get the text of His Farmans soon. Later, after Hazar Imam left, he sent a message with the Mukhi to ask the Jamat to play Dandia and to convey His happiness.


He spent over an hour with the Jamat. On His way out, He stopped by the critically ill patients who were in their beds, and one of them was former Mukhi of SugarLand, TX Jamat – whom He gave Blessings and told his son to take care of Him – and make sure his father should not suffer any pain (we spoke to the family afterwards and got first hand information). He then passed each bed and gave His Blessings.


In the afternoon, we had Lunch and Dandias. Evening Jamat Khana was held at the Alamo Dome – a stadium, where all other activities including Dandias were held. (Darbar was held at the Henry Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, TX). We had quite a huge Jamat gathered, in spite of the long and tiring activities of the whole day. We got Juro and Niaz blessed by Hazar Imam.


After Mowlabapa departed, we had Shukhar tasbih, and after that, as soon as the Ginan started, people started making noise and leaving. Missionary Saheba from Houston had to intervene to stop the ginan and try to make the Jamat quiet, since Hazar Imam was still in the building with the leaders. She had to stand up four times. After it was announced that Hazar Imam had left the building, the Jamat got up, and many started wearing their shoes right there – where Hazar Imam had just walked – including on the Red Carpet!

In the Jamat Khana that evening, one of the announcements was for the seniors of the Jamat: that no services were available for them that evening – and that their families should make the arrangements for them. This was in direct contrast to what Hazar Imam had mentioned in His farmans earlier that morning! Many just chuckled at that.


However, overall, it was a well planned event, with volunteers spending countless hours for the comfort of the Jamat!


Mubarakis to all of you!
Virgo2
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Post by Virgo2 »

On his way out, Hazar Imam spoke with non-Ismaili spouses both in San Antonio and in L.A.

In San Antonio somebody announced to the non-Ismaili spouses that Hazar Imam was leaving. Spouses came out of their "confinement" and stood by the red carpet. Hazar Imam went to them and "whispered" to them. I heard from a family member what was said but since it was passed on to me from a second person, I do not wish to write what was said. May be somebody in this forum will tell us what was said.

In L.A. Imam went to the room where the non-Ismaili spouses were sitting and addressed them.

This is very encouraging to all who are married to non-Ismailis.
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

AS RECEIVED FROM NINA JAFFER
------------------------------------------------

Hello Everyone, Ya Ali Madad and Mubarak!

We were blessed by Mawlana Hazar Imam's Holy Didaar yesterday morning at 11am in Los Angeles (April 15, 2008) and it was an other worldly experience for me. I don't know if I can describe it here but I wanted to share the happiness and joy we experienced on this unique day.

I had registration duty for three days and we were trained by a Webinar one week prior and on Saturday, we had to attend mandatory training on the registration software and getting the Jamat processed efficiently in a short time-frame was discussed. At this training is when I really saw all the dedicated volunteers, young handsome Princes and Princes at work harmoniously and this set the stage for the next three days of sheer heaven.

The venue at the Los Angeles Convention Center was awesome with its high glass ceilings in the common areas. We had occupied the Tom Bradley Hall which was used on Tuesday morning for the Darbaar and thereafter for Jamat Khana at 6pm and Dandia Raas for rejoicing after the Darbaar. The Kentia Hall was used for Jamat Khana the prior two days and for the grand Jaman (dinner and lunch) for all three days. Then we had also occupied a floor of meeting rooms for Volunteer Registration, Jura packing, dance practice, Adab sessions and a whole wing called Jubilee Cafe where there were youth activities, exhibits of the artwork, Tasbi making, and 3 photo booths where the Jamat could have family portraits taken with the Golden Jubilee backdrop and were sitting on a traditional Indian swing or mandap chairs. Very impressive! Alhamdulillah!

Due to union laws in convention centers in the US, only union workers were allowed to serve food, hang partitions, or any work at the center and so this was a blessing as the Volunteers were freed up to do the many other tasks required to pull off an event of this magnitude. After the Darbaar, we went to help with Jura packing and Niaz bottle filling two hours before Jamat Khana time as more were needed. There, we were singing ginans with the people on my table. My favorite:

Jire vaalaa dhan re ghaddee jo din Sant padhaaryaa
alee ma(n)i taa din kee balee haaree
re vaalaa ghar aa(n)gann maaraa pavitra keedhaa
moro jeev janam sadhaaree
re vaalaa dhan re ghaddee jo din sa(n)t padhaaryaa....1

Dear brothers, happy and glorious was the moment when the Saint (Guide) visited me.I offered sacrifices to Ali on that day. Brothers, this made my house and it's precinct holy and improved the condition of my soul (elevated it).Happy was the moment when the Saint (Guide) visited me.

[outside link]

Which brings me back to the Darbaar morning. We had reported to the venue at about 3am and there were about six hundred Ismailis lined up outside the convention hall doors and there were as many or more inside waiting for security checks to begin at 3am. I was given registration duty at the side entrance as all the stations had Volunteers assigned in the main entrance and so we had to walk past all the Ismailis lined up outside. At this side entrance is where all the people arriving on buses were being dropped off. Joining the many already working, I was quickly able to take my station and check IDs and scan registration cards into the system. As I went on, I realized that the proportion of International Jamat to US going through my station as follows:


37 Total

7 US
1 Singapore
3 UK
1 Afghanistan
25 Canada


My neighboring registrars had similar readings. We were all laughing about how so few locals were coming in.

Alhamdulillah, when I entered the Darbar Hall, I was amazed at the size, the height and the beauty of the hall. All white walls and curtains, and the stage was magnificent; all gold and white with a tall center arch within it was a niche which was lighted from the back and so the gold was reflecting within the arch and around it. In the front was Mawlana Hazar Imam's chair in white. At back of the chair was a panel with a gold border framing the chair and looked majestic. Besides the main arch were pillars with shimmery gold calligraphy and alternating with white offset pillars topped with a plain white canopy composed of flat white panels. The whole altar looked as if it was floating on the off-white carpeted stage with flowers cascading down the steps. To me, it represented Arshil Azim - the Throne of God.

The Intezar program started at 7am. No one knew the arrival time of Mawlana Hazar Imam. He arrived promptly at 11am.

When he first entered the hall, he started walking swiftly and turned to walk the red carpeted aisles followed only by the Mukhi and Kamadia Sahebs. The rest of the entourage took their places by the stage and did not follow him as has been customary -- was he too fast for them? Mawlana Hazar Imam walked through many of the aisles showering the Jamat with Khanavadan and then walked up the stage and invited the Mukhi & Kamadia Sahebs and Mukhiani & Kamadiani Sahebas to the stage.

When Mawlana Hazar Imam took his seat at the stage, the stage came alive. Of course, he looked very handsome in his Golden Jubilee Jabbo, which was loose for him as he has lost a lot of weight since a year ago in the GJ inauguration video. Then the Tilawat began and this young girl did a fine job of rendering the Sura Nisa Ch 4 Ayats 174-175. I have found the translations and printed the text below for your review.

When the young man from Australia read the translation, I had an other wordly experience as I was watching our Beloved on the Arshil Azim, seated on the Throne and hearing these words:

“O people! Truly a convincing proof has come from your Lord and We have sent down to you a clear light..."

With Mawlana Hazar Imam seated as the King of the heavens and us being asked:

"...Then, Allah will admit into His Mercy and Grace those who believe in Him, and those who hold fast to Him; He will guide them towards Him by a Straight Path.”

Mawlana Hazar Imam congratulated both the girl and the boy warmly and talked to each one individually. Mashallah!

Thereafter was the Ginan, Satgur Miliya mune aaj anand hun paami. Many of us had tears in our eyes at seeing and feeling him in our midst. The gentleman next to me, also from Canada, had his eyes closed most of the time with his head facing the Imam and he was overcome with tears of joy.

Mahmoud Eboo delivered a wonderful loyalty and reaffirmation of Baiyat message on behalf of the Jamat and Mawlana Hazar Imam accepted it. Alhamdulillah.

Thereafter Mawlana Hazar Imam made a beautiful Farman, he was extremely happy and made us all burst out in laughter many times. He showered us all with many blessings, and special and multiple blessings for the arrival of the international jamats and joked about how he wasn't going to ask how they got here but blessed them and asked them to also take all the Barakah back to their families and Jamats from wherever they have come.

He told us how pleased he was at the reception he received from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Thereafter he talked about Islam and how it is perceived. He asked us to remain calm when someone asks about Islam and we should explain what it is to them. If they don't understand, then just let it be. He stressed the importance of everyday ethics and the moral principles of Islam, to be kind, generous, truthful and that we should never forget our faith. To attend Jamat Khana everyday and if not to take 30 seconds in the name of Allah and Hazrat-e (which I interpreted to mean Prophet Muhammad and the Imams).

He said that the global economy would remain sluggish for a while but to not be afraid and that to look at the future with confidence. To use wisdom and prudence in our material lives and assets.

Then he reiterated his goals for Golden Jubilee and envisioned three important goals -- to strengthen Institutional capacity by making them stronger, to help the ultra poor in our Jamat as it saddens him to see them in poverty, and to assist the aged members of the Jamat as longevity increases we should find ways to take care of them properly.

Next, he talked about education and how the young in our Jamat should take advantage of the many opportunities in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and even in the developing parts of the world where they can secure the good opportunities with their good education.

He then outlined the importance of Darbaar and that it is an occasion to celebrate and he wants us to take part in the Dandia Raas tonight and wants us to rejoice as he will be playing Dandia Raas with us tonight as we are in his heart and thoughts even though he won't be there.

He blessed the Jamat once more and blessed the ruhani members and thanked us for the nazrana and the gifts presented. After this, he walked the full length and breadth of the hall and all of us had tears of joy as we could see him blessing us. He also spend a lot of time in the medical area with our senior Jamat and walked to every bed and blessed them individually and filled their hearts as well.

Then he was escorted to the rest area as the Jamat engaged in Shukran tasbi. This took about 30 minutes. Finally, the Mukhi and Kamadia Sahebs and Mukhiani and Kamadiani Sahebas entered the hall again and went up to the stage. The Mukhi said that the Imam was very happy and pleased and wants us to celebrate. Then the Kamadia said that Mawlana Hazar Imam was really happy. When the Australian delegation asked if he would grace them with a Golden Jubilee visit of their own, Mawlana Hazar Imam said that he is into training horses but now he will have to train kangaroos! The Jamat laughed once again.

I found out from my daughter and niece that Mawlana Hazar Imam went to see the Non-Ismaili Spouses and children and talked to those who had lined up by the red carpet and so this was very special.

Then we all started embracing each other and I heard a lot of people telling me that nothing can beat this and that was the best Didaar of their life and that it was a lot better than Dubai, etc.

I have been blessed and attended a few Didaars and must say, this was a special Didaar for me as I mature, that I was moved several times. There was a runner in front of me that covered the length of the hall from the chairs on the left side of me to the right side of the stage and I had the unobstructed view of the Imam when he took this aisle going when he entered and coming when he was departing and blessing everyone. So I could see him coming towards me and getting closer and closer, Alhamdulillah!

Mubarak to all of you and your families! Please do circulate this message, in its entirety if you so choose.

Jubilee Mubarak!

Nina Jaffer

[outside link]

174. Ya ayyuha alnnasu qad jaakum burhanun min rabbikum waanzalna ilaykum nooran mubeenan
175. Faamma allatheena amanoo biAllahi waiAAtasamoo bihi fasayudkhiluhum fee rahmatin minhu wafadlin wayahdeehim ilayhi siratan mustaqeeman
174. [Yusuf Ali]O mankind! verily there hath come to you a convincing proof from your Lord: for We have sent unto you a light (that is) manifest.
[Pickthal]O mankind! Now hath a proof from your Lord come unto you, and We have sent down unto you a clear light;
[Shakir]O people! surely there has come to you manifest proof from your Lord and We have sent to you clear light.
[Transliteration]Ya ayyuha alnnasu qad jaakum burhanun min rabbikum waanzalna ilaykum nooran mubeenan
175. [Yusuf Ali]Then those who believe in Allah, and hold fast to Him,― soon will He admit them to Mercy and Grace from Himself and guide them to Himself by a straight Way.
[Pickthal]As for those who believe in Allah, and hold fast unto Him, them He will cause to enter into His mercy and grace, and will guide them unto Him by a straight road.
[Shakir]Then as for those who believe in Allah and hold fast by Him, He will cause them to enter into His mercy and grace and guide them to Himself on a right path.
[Transliteration]Faamma allatheena amanoo biAllahi waiAAtasamoo bihi fasayudkhiluhum fee rahmatin minhu wafadlin wayahdeehim ilayhi siratan mustaqeeman
shahnaaz
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Post by shahnaaz »

my husband is a non ismaili and there was no such meeting in san antonio. in fact when all the volunteers left he opened the curtain to the window and saw hazar imam welcomed by mukhi and kamadia. i did ask him and there were o­nly 40 non ismailis in the room. i thought so too cause i saw the room. please do not spread rumours
sadrudin
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United with your family

Post by sadrudin »

My brother-in-law is non-ismaili spouse and was in corridor of LA Darbar hall when HI was leaving the facility. HI personally met with few of them. HI whisper words to them. My brother-in-law ask one gentleman regarding what HI whisper to him, that person said "be united with your family".
ShamsB
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Post by ShamsB »

shahnaaz wrote:my husband is a non ismaili and there was no such meeting in san antonio. in fact when all the volunteers left he opened the curtain to the window and saw hazar imam welcomed by mukhi and kamadia. i did ask him and there were o­nly 40 non ismailis in the room. i thought so too cause i saw the room. please do not spread rumours

Hazar Imam has met nonismaili spouses in all the US Darbars he has been to so far - this is not a rumor.

Shams
kmaherali
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Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Updates from theismaili.org

United States of America visit
Tuesday, 15 April 2008

Upon arriving in Chicago, Mawlana Hazar Imam is met by Ms Sheila Nix, Deputy Governor of Illinois and Mr Jack Lavin, Director of Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. Photo: Gary OtteThe Jamats of Western United States, New Zealand and Australia, together with members of the international Jamat, gathered at the Los Angeles Convention Centre for the second Golden Jubilee Darbar in the USA.

Following the Darbar, leaders of the Jamat bid farewell to Mawlana Hazar Imam at the Van Nuys airport, as he departed California for the third leg of his USA visit in Illinois.

Upon his arrival at Midway Airport in Chicago, Mawlana Hazar Imam was received by Ms Sheila Nix, Deputy Governor of Illinois, Mr Jack Lavin, Director of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and Ms Eva Sieradzki, Director of International Relations and Protocol from the office of the Governor of Illinois, as well as leaders of the Jamats of Midwestern and Northestern USA.

Additional photographs are available in the gallery. Also see the video of Mawlana Hazar Imam's arrival in Austin. Further details on the visit, including pictures and video clips, will continue to be posted on www.TheIsmaili.org.



Monday, 14 April 2008

Mawlana Hazar Imam and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger at the Governor`s private office in Santa Monica, California. Photo: Gary OtteThis morning, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California at the Governor’s private office in Santa Monica. This was followed by an intimate lunch hosted by the Governor and First Lady Maria Shriver at the Getty Center in Los Angeles.

The lunch began with the Nashid al-Imamah which was followed by a performance of the US National Anthem by renowned Los Angeles singer Angel Blue. Following the meal, guests were entertained by the Domingo-Thornton Young Artist Program, representing the best of the Los Angeles Opera.

During the luncheon Governor Schwarzenegger praised the Aga Khan Development Network and Mawlana Hazar Imam’s efforts to alleviate poverty, and promote architecture and culture. In his remarks, Hazar Imam thanked the Governor for his hospitality and stressed the need for the strengthening of human resources, which contribute towards the building of a civil society that supports fragile democracies.

In the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam was the guest of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for a dinner at Getty House, the official residence of the Mayor of Los Angeles.



Sunday, 13 April 2008

Upon arriving in Los Angeles, California, Mawlana Hazar Imam is greeted by Charlotte Schultz, Chief of Protocol and Will Fox, Deputy Chief of Staff from the office of the Governor of California, as well as President Samia Rashid and other leaders of the Ismaili Council for Western USA. Photo: Gary OtteThis morning, the Jamat from across Texas together with members of the international Jamat gathered at the San Antonio Convention Centre for the highly-anticipated Golden Jubilee Darbar. It was an occasion of great joy for the entire Jamat and for Mawlana Hazar Imam as Princess Zahra was also present at the Darbar.

In the afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam departed from San Antonio airport in Texas. He was bid farewell by leaders of the Jamat at San Antonio airport.

California is the second state in Mawlana Hazar Imam’s USA visit. Arriving at Van Nuys airport near Los Angeles, Mawlana Hazar Imam was received by Will Fox, Deputy Chief of Staff and Charlotte Schultz, Chief of Protocol from the office of the Governor of California as well as leaders of the Jamat.
sadrudin
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Jamat Khana only is not sufficient

Post by sadrudin »

"To attend Jamat Khana everyday and if not to take 30 seconds in the name of Allah and Hazrat-e (which I interpreted to mean Prophet Muhammad and the Imams). "


HI said beside attending JK, take 30 seconds in the name of Allah and Hazrat-ali.
Virgo2
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Post by Virgo2 »

shahnaaz wrote:
my husband is a non ismaili and there was no such meeting in san antonio. in fact when all the volunteers left he opened the curtain to the window and saw hazar imam welcomed by mukhi and kamadia. i did ask him and there were o­nly 40 non ismailis in the room. i thought so too cause i saw the room. please do not spread rumours
Dear sister, I heard from the daughter-in-law of my friend, who said that when Hazar Imam was leaving somebody announced to them that he was leaving and so they all ran out and stood by the runner. Hazar Imam stopped and whispered to them. This is what she said:

Imam told them "if they have any problems, they should say so and together we can solve them". These were not exact words. He also told them to take his blessings to their family members.

It may be possible that your husband got tired of sitting in the room and left it after Hazar Imam entered the Darbar Hall. I am sure this girl was not lying.

I do not like to spread rumours and that is why I did not quote earlier what the girl had told us. But it is a fact that Imam met with non-Ismaili spouses after addressing us.

Please find out from your husband where he was at the time when Imam was leaving the Darbar Hall. Virgo2
shahnaaz
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Post by shahnaaz »

shams<BR><BR>my husband saw hazar imam arrive and leave also. there was no o&shy;ne in that room that stood outside to meet hazar imam. i asked him again. he did not leave the room till imam departed. i am sorry i dont want it to be a he said she said.<BR>shukhur that hazar imam met the non ismaili spouces in los angeles but in san antonio he was in a hurry to get to the airport with princess zahra.
ShamsB
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Post by ShamsB »

shahnaaz wrote:shams<BR><BR>my husband saw hazar imam arrive and leave also. there was no o&shy;ne in that room that stood outside to meet hazar imam. i asked him again. he did not leave the room till imam departed. i am sorry i dont want it to be a he said she said.<BR>shukhur that hazar imam met the non ismaili spouces in los angeles but in san antonio he was in a hurry to get to the airport with princess zahra.

From my information - that is not true. Hazar Imam did meet them in San Antonio and based upon that - we were told to prepare the other non ismaili spouses for meeting Hazar Imam incase He asked to do that again at the other Darbars - there were 40 or so in Chicago and all of those that were in the N.I.S. room right after the Darbar were led to where Hazar Imam was to walk by on his exit to the car - and Hazar Imam spoke to them - to the effect that they may not be ismailies or converting but they were as important to Him as their spouses were - He thanked them for coming and He thanked them for supporting their spouses. He blessed them and He talked about how it was okay that they were not converting as there is no compulsion in Islam - He said that educate your children..He said But not being Ismaili should not stop them from participating in His projects as He could use their expertise.

One sunni girl who was in the process of converting (we found out later) - He told her that - She may not be Ismaili yet - but she was part of His Family.

In the Darbar Hall - Hazar Imam stopped by 2 stretchers - both women - both of them from Minneapolis.

Shams
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Post by Admin »

Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 3:01 PM
Subject: FW: Deedar Mubarak from LA


AS RECEIVED


Ya Ali Madat & Deedar Mubarak to you all!!

Deedar was today - Tuesday morning. the convention
centre opened at 3am, with line ups through security
moving very efficiently with little to no back ups...
at about 5 am the jamat seated in the hall recited dua
and morning tasbih.

The intezaar / adaab program commenced at 7am....Hazar
Imam arrived at 11am....he spent just over an hour
inside the hall with the jamat and was very very very
happy. before departing the hall he walked around all
areas of the hall again, including the area where the
sick/aged were in hospital beds. He even stopped for
a few seconds in front of three beds and asked the
Mukhi something.

During Deedar, he was very happy, and he asked that we
all be happy today and wear a big smile no matter what
our troubles be. he also said he knew we would be
having a dandiya and raas program - he said he too
would be playing with us tonight in his heart.

Hazar Imam gave blessings to and for all the jamats -
not only the US jamat but to all jamats and our
families...he reminded us that we are always in his
heart, thoughts and prayers...

Brief summary of firman - during the Jubilee year, He
would like to continue to use the capacity of the
institutions and further their capacity as well, spoke
about the increase in longevity of life, the
importance of having dignity in ones life as we age,
and he expressed great unhappiness in knowing that
some of our jamat is in the ultra poor category- we
must focus our attention to these areas, within the
ethics of Islam, kindness, generosity...

He also mentioned that we must explain islam, those
that will understand it will, those that do not, will
not, and that is ok...

He spoke briefly about avoiding bad social habits,
reminded us to attend JK regularly, but not only is
attendance important, it is also important to carry a
tasbih, and when we have a few seconds in the day to
take the tasbih and to call Allah or Hazrat Ali...

He also focused on the youth and education - use
education to help the jamat not only in the
industrialized world but also in the developing
countries as well.

Hazar Imam also expressed concern that the world
situation is delicate right now, things will get more
difficult economically, but not to give up hope and
not to over react but to act wisely..do not panic..

Hazar Imam reminded us that this Darbar is a
celebration, and again he expressed his joy...

He also expressed his immense happiness with the time
and knowledge Nazrana, and material Nazrana.

When the JMK's returned to the hall at about 12:45
Mukhisaheb said that on behalf of entire jamat he had
asked Mowla for forgiveness for any shortcomings, but
Mowla said there was not shortcomings, and again sent
blessings for all Jamats and family members.

Kamadiasaheb also mentioned that when Hazar Imam was
departing, the Australian JMK's must have asked when
Hazar Imam would be visiting the Jamat there, Hazar
Imam replied that once he is done looking after his
thouroghbreeds he will start to learn about
kangaroos!!

Hazar Imam was appeared to be very touched when the
Presidnet of the USA Council reaffirmed our pledges -
quite similar to july 11.


Mubaraki to u all, the LA Jamat did a wonderful job of
making us all feel welcome and part of all the
festivities and celebrations.
kmaherali
Posts: 25107
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Updates from theismaili.org

United States of America visit
Wednesday, 16 April 2008

Mawlana Hazar Imam with Governor Rod Blagojevich of Illinois and Mayor Richard Daley of Chicago at a luncheon hosted by the Governor in honour of Hazar Imam`s Golden Jubilee. Photo: Gary OtteToday,

Mawlana Hazar Imam met with Governor Rod Blagojevich of Illinois and Mayor Richard Daley of Chicago, at the Aon Centre. The Governor then hosted a lunch at the Mid-America Club in honour of Mawlana Hazar Imam. The lunch began with the playing of the US National Anthem and the Nashid al-Imamah.

Speaking at the event, the Governor paid tribute to Mawlana Hazar Imam’s leadership and vision. “It is a great privilege to welcome to Illinois His Highness, The Aga Khan, whose humanitarian and philanthropic efforts have helped millions of disadvantaged men, women and children in developing areas to maintain their dignity and have a better quality of life,” said the Governor.

Mawlana Hazar Imam thanked the Governor for his hospitality and for laying the foundation of the Glenview Jamatkhana in Autumn 2007. He also described the purpose of his trip to the United States: “I am here to learn. I am also here to seek partnerships. The global knowledge society is led by the United States. And therefore we are looking for partnerships. Partnerships which are long, which are stable and which produce quantifiable results. We will work with anybody who wants to help us in social development, economic development, pluralism and more important than anything else, building civil society.”

Later in the day, Mawlana Hazar Imam granted a Golden Jubilee Darbar to members of the Midwestern and North Eastern USA Jamats and to those who had come from abroad.

Additional photographs are available in the Texas, California and Illinois galleries. Also see the video of Mawlana Hazar Imam's arrival in Austin. Further details on the visit, including pictures and video clips, will continue to be posted on www.TheIsmaili.org.
kmaherali
Posts: 25107
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Update from AKDN
http://www.akdn.org/news/2008april10.html

His Highness the Aga Khan, arrived in Austin, Texas on 11th April at the start of his eight day Golden Jubilee visit to the United States. He visited Texas, California, Illinois and Georgia, at the invitation of the Governors of these four states.

While in Texas, the Aga Khan met with Governor Rick Perry at the State Capitol in Austin, and was then hosted to a State Banquet hosted in his honour by the Governor and First Lady of Texas. Also in Austin, he presided over the signing of a joint Memorandum of Understanding between the Aga Khan University and the University of Texas.
Aga Khan University and University of Texas Establish Historic Partnership (Press Release)
Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Dinner hosted by the Governor and First Lady of Texas Austin, Texas
Photographs

In California, he had meetings in Los Angeles with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and was hosted to a luncheon held in his honour; following this the Aga Khan met with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who then hosted him to a private dinner held in his honour.
Photographs

In Chicago, the Aga Khan met with Governor Rod Blagojevich of Illinois and was hosted to a luncheon held in his honour at the Mid America Club.
Photographs

During the last portion of his visit to the United States, His Highness met with Georgia Governor Sonny Purdue in Atlanta, and was then hosted to a private luncheon held in his honour. He also delivered the Peterson Lecture on “Global Education and the Developing World” to the Annual Meeting of the International Baccalaureate, which was marking its 40th anniversary.
Press Release
Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan
http://www.akdn.org/speeches/2008april18.html
Speech by Dr Monique Seefried
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Post by Admin »

Subject: Los Angeles DARBAR! U.S.A. jamat truly a jamat of destiny!


Los Angeles darbar, April 15 , 2008.

Truly a remarkable event in the history of Golden jubilee Darbars of Shah Karim Hazar Imam.

The most important facts that truly touched my heart soul and intellect were the following:

1. It truly rollmodelled a Frontierless brotherhood! a favourite farman of mowlana hazar

Imam

NO discrimination and separation or prioritisation of local and international jamats!

first come first serve! all of mowla's murids sitting next to each other without having

once to decriminate.I loved this!

2 . Sick and disabled got all the help they deserved!

Imam always wants us to take what is best of Western world and leave out what is

detrimental!

The Western council picked up one of the very best provision of American Disability Act

and provided special services to the Deaf . A sign language interpreter provided for deaf persons a milestone in the history of the deedars!!

My 27 year old deaf son heard Hazar Imam live for the first time in his entire life!

sukhar mowla!

For the first time he felt he belonged to the community that cared for him! he was otherwise alway frusrated with a feeling of rejection and avoidance and isolation!

How proud Mawla felt as his eyes were scanning each and every corner of the gathering of all his beloved murids and he had a sense of relief as he saw a young devoted ismaili girl from Vancouver explaining the entire firman in sign language to his beloved deaf murids who heard it live as it happened by the complex movements of fingers translating every word and emotion!

I truly felt his relief in his vibs!

3. A woman president for the Western council truly brought a great gift for my son

again symbolic of compassion of a women's heart!

congratulations to Sayma Rashid ! two thumbs up by HI was for you indeed!

4 Congratulations to the Alvaez Sarfraz as he suceesfully navigated the jamat spiritually throught the unique experience by instilling patience and sukhar through out the darbar!



I could have never expected better than this at any darbar!

it was an experience of WOW !!



Our Mawla as understood was truly very very happy with the outstanding performance by the Ismailis of Los Angeles especially the volunteers and the donors!

Earlier Nina jaffer has written an excellent description of darbar!

I will only add a few points .

Hazar Imam used the term "Best Practise"

as he was on the topic of time and knowledge nazrana an the important initiative of elimination of poverty!

It means harnessing the knowledge for improving the quality of life in the developing world for elimination of poverty and improving the life of old and poor by providing them care and dignity as the longevity is increasing.

Hazar Imam said darbar means a happy occasion and he wants all his murids to be happy and carry a big smile on their faces!

And in a second as if all our troubles and tribulations were miraculously lifted away! every one was giving smiles as they cruised after darbar in the hall!

He said to enjoy dandiya raas and that he would be present there!

His farmanbardari jamat deliriously danced after as each one of us young and old indeed spiritually felt mowla amongst us rejoicing.

The band from Seattle performed with unique ecstasy and thrill!

I saw my sixty year old bhabhi from canada who is always sad after her husband passed away and was devastated as she became completely deaf and lonely, she was dancing with garba on her head joyously as she recollected that the American jamat made her sit with dignity among other deaf persons and her entire family close enough to see Mawla with her heart's content if not hear him! she was so gratetful and happy!

I know Mawla registered all this as his anxious eyes were rapidly scanning all the great virtues and ethics and firmans being implimented!

It made him so proud He was all smiles and all most forgot his aching shoulder?!!

This was my fifth golden jubilee darbar!

each one unique in its own capacity!

each one taking me to a new level of undrestanding of our faith

sukhar alhamdullilah!

much more yet to be understood and learnt as I move forward in golden jubilee year!

mubarakis to all !

we all are indeed truly blessed!

love and Ya Ali madad to all

Dolly Chandani M.D.
xaf
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Post by xaf »

Heartiest Congratulations to the USA Jamat for an outstanding Golden Jubilee Celebration! What a beautiful reception our Beloved Mowla was accorded in Austin and in Atlanta at the airports. Many congratulations to all those involved in carrying this out. It truly gladdened my heart. I wish similar receptions could have been accorded to Him in Los Angeles and Chicago.
Our Beloved Mowla was indeed very very happy. His smiles were reaching His eyes. But why would He not be? The arrangements made by the US Jamat were fantastic. Indeed they were very generous as well as cordial and courteous at all times. But especially so in Chicago. We arrived at midnight and volunteers were still there at the airport. They guided us cordially and arranged for a shuttle to our hotel. The next day, at registration, the volunteers showed no irritation whatsoever at our having come so late to pick up the cards. Thereafter volunteers urged us to have refreshments before entering the Darbar hall. That was very kind of them. The refreshments were plentiful and delicious too, and volunteers kept on insisting that we take more and more. Generous snack bags were provided at the entrance to the Darbar hall and volunteers guided us courteously towards our seating area, wherein we were free to seat ourselves wherever we wanted. Upon minutes before Mowla's arrival, all the volunteers went and sat behind the jamat and not infront by the runners, as has happened in several other countries. This humility is admirable. After the Darbar, the volunteers rushed to get the snacks out and went around inviting the jamat to fortify themselves before attending the jamatkhana ceremonies. Later on, dinner was served in a smooth and organised manner and all volunteers were courteous, cordial and served portions with generosity.
As we stepped outside the Rosemont Convention Centre, we were shocked to see that the volunteers had lined up a fleet of taxi cabs for the jamat's use. In other places, it has been a nightmare getting to our hotel from the Darbar hall as there have been no arrangements for taxis and/or shuttles. This was indeed very very considerate of them. Those who attended all four Darbars like we did, will bear testimony that Mowla cracked the most jokes and was the most smiley in Chicago. This shows how happy Mowla becomes when the jamat is well looked after by the volunteers and there is generosity and consideration in arrangements.
All in all, the US Darbars were fabulous but Chicago was definitely the icing on the cake! Congratulations and Deedar Mubarak to all!
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

Update from theismaili.org

United States of America visit
Saturday, 19 April 2008

Mawlana Hazar Imam speaks to leaders of the Jamat from across the United States, who had gathered at Atlanta`s Fulton County Airport to bid him farewell. Photo: Zahur Ramji

Having visited the states of Texas, California, Illinois and Georgia, Mawlana Hazar Imam departed the United States today, concluding his Golden Jubilee visit to the country. Leaders of the USA Jamat gathered at the airport to bid Hazar Imam an emotional farewell.

Additional photographs are available in the Texas, California, Illinois, and Georgia galleries. Also see the video of Mawlana Hazar Imam's arrival in Austin.



Friday, 18 April 2008

Mawlana Hazar Imam in conversation with an Ismaili involved in the field of Education at the reception following the IBO meeting. Salim Bhatia, Director of the Aga Khan Academies Programme looks on. Photo: Gary Otte

This morning, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with Governor Sonny Perdue and First Lady Mary Perdue of Georgia at the Governor’s Mansion. During a lunch hosted in honour of Mawlana Hazar Imam, Governor Perdue paid tribute to the Imam’s work and vision. “The Aga Khan is not only a spiritual leader to millions but also a champion for causes benefiting the developing countries of the world,” said the Governor. “His devotion to lifting up others through faith and service is an example to us all.”

Mawlana Hazar Imam thanked the Governor for his warm welcome to Georgia and expressed his appreciation for the United States’ relief efforts in Central Asia. “Islam is a faith of generosity; it is not always seen as a faith of generosity. You have an ethic of generosity in the United States. Generosity is also an ethic of our faith. Our faith reminds us constantly to care for the poor, the weak and the marginalized in society” he explained.

Also see photographs at the official website of the Governor of Georgia.
In the afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam delivered the annual Peterson Lecture to the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) at their annual meeting. The event also coincided with the 40th anniversary of the IBO.

In his speech, Mawlana Hazar Imam commented on the importance of pluralism. “Experience tells us that people are not born with the innate ability nor the wish to see the other as an equal individual in society,” he said. “Pluralism is a value that must be taught,” he added.

He also spoke about the challenges facing educationalists. "I believe that the coexistence of these two surging impulses — what one might call a new globalism on one hand and a new tribalism on the other — will be a central challenge for educational leaders in the years ahead.,” he said. “And this will be particularly true in the developing world with its kaleidoscope of different identities," he added.

Also see the press release and the full text of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s speech, as well as the speech by Dr Monique Seefried, Chairman of the IB Board of Governors on the AKDN website.
Following the lecture, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the Board of Governors of the IBO as well as educators and teachers invited to the event.

“This country is the leader in the knowledge society. I think that there probably isn’t an area of human endeavour, in which we do not have today a murid who is exceptional in his own or her own field.”In the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam was the guest of honour at a dinner hosted by the Jamati Institutions of the USA. During the dinner, guests were treated to performances of music and dance reflecting the multiple traditions within the Jamat. Hazar Imam was particularly touched by the entertainment and paid tribute to the performers who were selected from across the United States.

In his address to the gathering, President Eboo, thanked Mawlana Hazar Imam on behalf of the Jamat, for having undertaken this extensive visit to the USA. He also presented a gift to Hazar Imam on behalf of the assembled leadership.

In his address to the leadership, Mawlana Hazar Imam commented that this had been a very happy visit and expressed his admiration to the USA Jamat for the progress they have made. “This country is the leader in the knowledge society. I think that there probably isn’t an area of human endeavour, in which we do not have today a murid who is exceptional in his own or her own field.”

Upon Mawlana Hazar Imam’s departure, he posed for a photograph with the talented youth who had performed earlier in the evening. After his departure, the excitement and happiness was evident as the leadership and the youth broke into singing and dancing.
unnalhaq
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Post by unnalhaq »

I have put (my comments) in the parenthesis and any [secondhand accounts] in the square brackets, and the {are to further curtail any misunderstanding or further explanation of the comments} in the braces and the rest are firsthand accounts. After this post I am not willing to reply to any argument or debates as I am sharing everything I have experience or noticed.

Chicago Apr 15:
The announcement was made by the Northeastern Council President after the second dua that The Imam had landed at 6:45pm. And He was greeted by the Presidents of both Northeastern and Midwestern Councils and among them were deputy governor.
After everyone got up for towbo, the Chicago Mukhi and his assistant (sorry I don’t know the correct title or pronunciation of the Assistant Mukhi) left the convention center and were substituted by the Northlake Mukhi and his assistant. The President for the Midwestern Jamet did not return to the convention center (perhaps, the Chicago: President, Mukhi and the assistant were meeting with The Imam).
There was registration was going on that evening and from what I had observed was that, at beginning there was some hesitation to give out Darbar Cards to folks who had either registered or attended Darbar elsewhere. After the realization of total numbers (and capacity) and also there were folks who had the misfortune of being on MD80 crafts bound for LA had no other alternative but go to Chicago were in this group.
Chicago Apr 16:
It seemed that there was a long line to enter the Darbar hall but it moved pretty quickly. First your Darbar entry card scanned and I checked, next the metal detector (set on the highest sensitivity of course) so just about everyone was scanned by the handheld wand just like the airports but no one told anyone to take off the watches and bets until they were through the metal detectors. All purses and bags were checked for contrabands: lighters, sharp objects, mp3 players (ipods), cameras, cellphones, all electronic devices (no ds2s or game boys) and on and on. However, no personal wheelchairs or strollers were allowed but there ware (company, itreb approved) wheelchairs provided.
After that everyone was queued into one line where GJ lapel pins were handed out. And then the plastic bags for the shoes. Next the line split into two where everyone was told to have their shoes removed and placed into the plastic bags.
The only thing that I caused the {there were only two lines after the scanning} to backup was, adding bananas to the snack bags.
The front half of the hall was for the US jamet; I know because I was carded and so were others {before and after me} before I was allowed to access that area. The Stage front and center was reserved for Mukhis, Mukhianis and their assistants (let’s call the” MMAs”) of the Northeastern and Midwestern Jamets and their MMAs but no children of the MMAs were allowed. MMAs were told if they must sit with their kids they have to be outside of the reserved area.
Just as any other Deedars/Darbars there was the mad scramble to straightening and cleaning of the runners. I had noticed that in Canada the runners were Blue in color and Chicago had Red (I guess the “red carpet treatment”), at first there was clear plastic tarp/sheet was on it to keep it clean. 45 min before the arrival the plastic was rolled up and the mad dash began with carpet sweepers, the straightening of the runners but as Jamet was taking sets the were on the runners. There were convention employees on hand to help with straightening of the carpets and the runners. As per Occupational Safety & Health Administration aka OSHA agency of the US Department of Labor, rules they cannot remove their shoes while on the job site but no one thought/anticipated or provide shoe/boot covers for them (duh!) instead they made frowning gestures. (Deer readers don’t get upset; someone could have offered part of their scarf if you were so offended by their shoes on the carpet).
Someone who was leading the zikar (please not every ‘z’ is a “dh” someday I’ll have enough time to post the misconceptions and origins and pronunciation of words that may be Language or Region specific or origins) of tasbi was also announcing The Imam’s departure for the Darbar and arrival to the Darbar and mentioned how much time The Imam spent in the Darbar hall, he mentioned that The Imam spent 30min in San Antonio and 45min in LA and our goal was to reach the 45min marker (the message I thought we was we are competing for more time! Hey nothing wrong with that)
10 min before The Imam entered the hall, Jamet was pretty much settled down and one of the “deedar core-team” members went around placing /stapling the arrows on the runners for The Imam to follow and follow He did (guess The Imam was the only one listening to the directions) ! The first arrow was placed after the bedridden and sick area where there was an intersecting runners, one towards the stage and there other towards the mainly International Jamet that was seated in the chairs.
Just side note:
Along with the National Council President traveling with the Imam to Darbars are the MMAs of the Sugarland Darkhana.
The delayed video of The Imam’s arrival to the convention center shown meeting with the MMAs representing the Northeastern and Midwestern US Jamets; The Imam entered the Darbar hall, as planned for 5:30pm followed by the Chicago Mukhi and his Assistant; the Mukhiani and her assistant were at the seated at the stage, stage left, of The Imam’s Chair. (Stage right is the opposite side if you are the audience).
He entered the hall with the traditional hat and GJ robe on with the Left bent at the elbow, fingers and lips moving (as He was saying/blessing and as if He had a tasbi in his hand). After He made His first turn and few yards up His elbow straighten and did walk the rest with both hands straight. (To me it seemed as the sleeves of the GJ robe were too long and/or the robe was a size too large. This is something I had noticed on the Homage Ceremony video, when He hangs Has hands down, it just looks too large or as if He was hunched over or slouching, {as if is used in positive sense and by hunching and slouching is not meant for disrespect}).
Total walking time from Entering the Darbar hall to stage was about 13-15 mins
On stage time 42-43 min
Total walking time from Stage to the Exit 20 min
(I guess we did well!)
On the return The Imam did visit the Sick and the Bedridden; first isle in this area, He wanted to go across and come back up the next isle, but was blocked and waited and peered through the hall curtain to see if there was anyone on the other side, and finally the path was cleared for Him and He came up the second isle and He stopped at one bedside, asked the Mukhi (Chicago) about the person in bed and asked to translate for the Imam to the person, and gave blessings next He walked around the last two isles and made another shorter stop and the very last bed the lady was fairly alert than the rest crying and reached out to Him with her hands but He continued on to the Doctors seated just before the doorway and thanked them for their services and gave them blessings and just before He left the hall He placed His hand on the lady volunteer to His left who was holding the curtain open for Him and give her blessings before entering His Private area where He again met with the Regional MMAs who was escorted off right after The Imam left the stage.
There was half of the square on the Darbar hall that He did not walk through because the arrow diverted Him so that He’d be able to come around to the elderly and the sick.
Since The Imam had expressed His desire to meet with the Non Ismail Children and Spouse aka NICS family members at San Antonio [the area for NICS {in San Antonio} was farther from the Imams Private and the last minute change was made at LA, Chicago and Atlanta to have NICS area moved next to His Private Area] and He did meet with the people gathered there, in Chicago. (I have heard other rumors, and rumors that are more embellished than the facts and I CANNOT repeat them as I have not been able to verify and trust me I have done my home work and if you pay attention to the rumors it is always a Hindu person this and that. In past I have traveled great distance just to check on those stories and that’s all they have been embellishments or not true at all; however, I have noticed that during many lectures for GJ the lecturers have utilized the word “mythology”, my kudos!).
Apr 16 JK:
The congregational services were conducted by the New York’s MMAs. Also in the attendance were all MMAs representing the Midwestern and Northeastern Regions including the Sugarland- Darkhan’s but the Council Presidents {national, Midwestern and Northeastern} were not there (I am not complaining I am sure they were accompanying the Imam).
The first Dua was conducted by a Syrian Woman, and keeping with non-Indian origin traditions was provided with written Dua to read from. (it is not that we don’t memorize the dua but more for sticking to the words).
The Awal Mehamani started and another lingo but soon to English after $2,500. And all English until it ended at $100,000 (as Houstonian Yao Ming would say “you can you take a check!”) by Travelers Check.
The second Dua by the local Chicago woman and very short announcement and it was over? At least I thought so I got up and so did the others and it turn out the Assistant wanted to give out more prayers…
After works there was a pip (Scottish) bad playing and food and dandya, folkdances and music representing all other countries (except the host country {I know, I know no Canadian music either, isn’t Canada the 51st state anyway?, before you Mounties get angry think first, isn’t 51st supposed to be the salvation? Or wouldn’t calling it a 51st state be bringing down the boarders? How about 51st is my way of calling it our own?}, I was hoping for Pink’s let’s get to party started…)
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

As received:
========

A Summary of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Darbar in Los Angeles

On April 15, 2008


First of all Deedar Mubarak to all of you as we had the best Deedar in Los Angeles. This kind of Deedar is one we consider we will never receive anywhere and our hearts are fulfilled as we have been blessed and we are one of those fortunate ones to have attended this wonderful Darbar.

Below is a summary of what we can remember about the Deedar and Hazar Imam’s Farman Mubarak as He made some very important points.

We arrived in LA on Friday, April 11 and had to go to Santa Monica Jamatkhana as the LA Convention Centre was not ready until the day of the Darbar. There were shuttle buses from the hotel to take us to the overflow hall, Barker Hall, as their permanent Santa Monica Jamatkhana was full. However Barker Hall was so nicely set up as a Jamatkhana and the Jamat was given dinner on both days at the Hall after the regular Jamatkhana ceremonies. Shuttles were available from 10 pm to return to the hotel so that those who wanted to stay and play dandia raas they could and would take a later shuttle.

Prior to the Darbar, on Sunday the Convention Centre was open at 10:00 am for picking up our Entry cards and people could register if they had not done so on-line. It was unfortunate that their computer system crashed and people stood in line for an hour and a half before the system was restored. Once that was done, everyone was taken very speedily and they issued us with cards to enter the Darbar Hall.

There were several activities during this time and we participated in the Adaab and Deedar Workshop where we were taught what is Deedar and the meaning of Adaab. Everyone knows that Adaab means respect, humility and the way you conduct yourself before, during and after the Departure of the Imam from the Darbar Hall and it was amazing.

There were so many sessions and we also helped out in Jura packing as we were told they needed volunteers but fortunately most of the work had been completed. The LA Jamat is 2,600 and about 15,000 international visitors arrived and they treated us with humility, respect and warmth. That is the true meaning of what our faith is all about. Many activities were going on as people attended Tasbih making workshops as they were making tasbihs which they later gave out to all those who attended the Darbar.

We were served with breakfast, lunch and Dinner and they had outside professional caterers to serve us. It was truly so organized and the set-up was such that people had so many food stations to go to and move quickly to get meals.

Jamatkhana was at the Convention Centre from Monday and we were served with dinner followed by Dandia Raas.

The Day of the Darbar

The gates opened at 4 am. We woke up at 2:30 am and when we arrived at the Darbar Hall by the Shuttle, there were so many people already waiting in line outside since entry was not yet permitted.

We went through a very quick security check which was very well organized and moved thousands of people expeditiously.

The Darbar Hall opened and we were given a snack bag with all kinds of goodies and bottled water.

We were so fortunate to be able to sit in the front row (exactly from the stage) and this is where I feel Mowla sensed the unity in the Jamat and was so happy. LA Jamat told us that our Imam has told us that we are one united Jamat so why should there be a distinction between LA locals and International visitors. Everyone was allowed to sit together and LA locals were not given a spot in the front but they mingled with all of us.

The ambience in the Darbar Hall was befitting to this lovely Golden Jubilee Darbar.

There was so much discipline, harmony and tolerance and we feel strongly that the Imam could see this and He was always happy throughout the Darbar and in the lounge.

We have never sat so close to the stage in our own cities or any other places where this Darbar is held and therefore this made it so special.

There were huge screens where you could see every feature of the Imam or the reciters if you chose not to look at the stage.

At 5.05 am morning dua was recited and we were so grateful.

The Intezar program was going to start at 7:30 am so that they would settle all the Jamat; allow them to go to the washrooms, etc. We all prayed in our own ways for a couple of hours. There was something special about the hall and it was so serene and calm.

We were each given a Tasbih which was made as I mentioned earlier.

We also received the Golden Jubilee pin which you get at all Darbars.

Intezar Program

This was the most spiritual, heart-warming Intezar Program that we participated in and there is absolutely no comparison between past Deedar experiences and we feel there never will be anywhere else as the program was thought out so well.

The participants for the Intezar program were all seated on the left side of the stage and it was so organized as they were groups of people who led the recitation of giriyazari Tasbih and they all were given a schedule and seated in the same manner and therefore followed and stood on the side so that when the previous reciters completed, the next group directly went on stage. This was superb organization.

The Intezar program started with the ginan “Tamakun Sadhare So din, bohot huaa re piya, Meh dekhun tumari vatare, maherbaan merey, Saheb merey, Dayavant mere, Sirjanhaar Mere, Ya Shah tuja bina so dina javenge kaisage piyaji. We had tears in our eyes as this is the most touching ginan.

Then one after another the most befitting waezes, giriyazari Tasbih, and ginans were recited that you definitely knew that this program was very well thought out. We heard the giriyazari Tasbih “Ya Ale Nabi, Aulad-e-Ali, Ya Mushkil Kusha, Ya Hazar Imam” throughout with the Salwat and many other powerful giriyazari tasbihs. The ginans were chosen that they made the Jamat emotional. They recited, “Sami Maraji, Uniya bee uniya ame kiriyana hina(n), Toh Amne Che Aash tamariyaji. Of course the worse “Hariya so hariya ne sukabi hariya, Jo hove nazar tamariyaji. Mitha so mitha ne kadva bhi mitha, to aah gurke vachne fal mitharaji.
Other Ginans recited were Saheb ji More Man bhave….Jeh jeh mangu…. and the Qasida Dum a dum Ali Ali. Then there was Allah Ek Kasam Sabuka, duniya uski saari, avi chal naam Khudavind bhaniye, , Aur sab mitiya keri baji…..(absolutely emotional). There was Ab teri muhobbat lagi, Aash tamhari shri ho – we recited this ginan twice, Hu re piya, Dasi tori, tu Chinta mori kyun na karo, khidmat……..(Jamat was crying in this ginan. Anand, Anand, etc.

The tasbihs were also upstanding so the Jamat could stretch their legs. They included all the powerful giriyazari tasbihs. We felt we were in heaven.

Just before Hazar Imam left his residence, they recited “Aankha ladi joi joi thaki, Kyare avey moro Sham, partake jaani paaye padun Vala, Nami nami karun paranam, Mitha Sha samarun meh tero naam, Ya Shah samarun men tero naam, Khudavind samarun meh tero naam……This touched everyone’s heart as the Intezar had begun intensely and we could feel our heartbeats that our Mowla will be amongst us in a short while.

When minutes were remaining for Hazar Imam to come, they recited the above Ginan “Aankh ladi joi joi thaki and their tune is so different and so soothing that we knew Mowla is not far away.

We knew when Mowla arrived as our heart beat faster.

Hazar Imam arrived around 10:55 am so we did giriyazari for three and a half hours and He went into his lounge and changed into His ceremonial Robe and Topi and He entered the Hall. Mashalla, He looked majestic and he walked for so long on all the red carpets on one side of the Deedar Hall and we thought he would not pass by us but He did on his way out and it was an exceptional experience – one that we will NEVER forget.
Hazar Imam was smiling so much and He looked majestic in his Golden Jubilee jabo.

During this time the Jamat followed the Al-Waez’s lead in reciting Salwat softly and their concept was that if you recite Salwat softly then if you are fortunate enough that when Mowla is passing by, and you are fortunate enough to have eye contact with Him, He is saying Duas that you can hear. I think most people from Vancouver found it strange as we recite loud salwats. I thought this concept completely made sense and Hazar Imam was smiling so much that you could feel He was very happy.

During this walkabout, there was pin drop silence as we all unitedly recited the salwat softly. I have yet to see such discipline in the Jamat.
He was so happy as He went onto the stage to take His seat in the beautiful chair. You could see He had a frozen right shoulder and He used his left hand to give Khanavadan and he kept pressing his left arm but look at the sacrifices Mowla makes for us. Despite His recent injury, He still travels to come and give us Deedar.

Mukhi Saheb presented the gold chain which was incredible. We have never seen such a unique and heavy gold chain before and Hazar Imam did not remove it but kept it on till the end.

After the Mukhi Kamadia Sahebs and Mukhiani Kamadian Sahebas presented a mehmani, then Imam nodded to the two young Ismailis (probably in the late twenties) to proceed with the Ayat. This is the first time a female recited the Ayat and Hazar Imam just stared at her as she said it so beautifully. He looked all around the Jamat as if He was taking in the face of every murid. Then the translation was read by a male student.

This was followed by the ginan “Satgur Miliya Mune Aaaj Paami chu raaj and 4 verses were recited and the Imam was so engrossed in listening to the ginan.

Hazar Imam was smiling so much that we could see He was so happy. The discipline continued throughout the Darbar.

The President of the National Council for USA then gave his loyalty speech and it was very heart-warming and touching. He was so eloquent and when he said that we were so grateful to Imam-e-Zaman Shah Karim Al Husseini, our beloved 49th Imam for giving us 50 years of continuous guidance; devotion and support. Hazar Imam smiled but wiped a tear. He is becoming so emotional these days and we also cried. Then when the President made the pledges on behalf of the Jamat, after every pledge, we all said Ameen and the Imam at the end say Ameen too. He acknowledged every pledge by nodding His head.

Then the moment we had all been waiting for is to hear our Imam and He walked to the mike and started His Farman by giving best blessings to all those who were in the Darbar. He said it does not matter if you are not from Los Angeles and especially for those of you who have come from outside Los Angeles, please give my best blessings to your family and to your jamats and convey the message that they are also in my heart and in my prayers.

He started the Farman by telling the Jamat to have a big smile on their faces and to have this smile of happiness all day long. He said smile with happiness; smile for your family; smile for unity and He used so many lines to tell us to smile always.

He acknowledged the wonderful work done by the volunteers and gave His best blessings.

He thanked the Governor of California and with the help his state had been able to assist with the arrangements of His visit to California. He was so happy on how he was welcomed by the Governor of California and he also thanked them for working with our Jamat in making this trip possible.

Hazar Imam then talked about the slowing down of the economy and He said this was not only applying to the USA but also to other parts of the world. He said this called for some measures the Jamat must take in ensuring they are not hit too hard with this economic slow down. He sad that this called for being cautious on how we handle our resources; to be prudent and to be aware that so many countries were going through crises but we would have to handle this economic slow down.

Hazar Imam said Life has its challenges but we should still look forward to the future with optimism.

This was a bad time for some countries particularly where democratic practices have changed and in other places where people are facing many problems. He said that it may take some time to get these countries back to its normal state and there is always hope.

Hazar Imam then touched upon the Best Practice method used in the Western World. It was so important during this economic slow down to work unitedly with individuals who are in the same profession as us but by joining resources, it would help tremendously to get through this economic slow down.

He then referred to the way that Islam is being interpreted and the misunderstanding people have about Islam. He said that we should explain what Islam is and the ethics of our faith but if the person does not understand, He said “Let it Go”. Do not get over-emotional.

Hazar Imam talked about the regular practice of our faith. Regular attendance in Jamatkhana is good but that is not the only thing that is important. The remembrance and awareness of our faith should be with us every moment of the day. Even if we spend 20 seconds in remembering our faith as often as we can, it is considered as an act of prayer. Hazar Imam said it so well “You have a Tasbih – take your Tasbih and call Allah, call Hazrat Ali and call Prophet Muhammad and this remembrance of our faith and being conscious of the presence of Allah in our daily lives is the true meaning of Islam. We should have our faith on our minds at all times and that is through the remembrance of our faith.
Hazar Imam then touched upon the ethics of our faith and that we must not forget the ethics of our faith. The ethics of generosity, kindness, of sharing, assisting those who come to you for help. Not only to those whom you know but even outside the community. If someone comes for help, give them the assistance they need.

Hazar Imam then continued that be loyal to your faith; always be truthful in your daily lives – our faith is one of peace, of kindness, of humility.

He then talked about social habits which are damaging to one’s health and He really stressed that we should stay away from these habits which would be detrimental to our health.

Hazar Imam reminded us of His Golden Jubilee objectives. He was very, very grateful to the Jamat for their extreme generosity in the Material and Time and Knowledge nazrana presented by the Jamat and He said all this expertise in the Jamat will now help the Imamat in their endeavours to strengthen our institutions. He said as soon as the Time and Knowledge would start, so many people all over the world will benefit from this as people offer their expertise in helping the Imamat to fulfill its objectives.
Hazar Imam said one objective was that this Time and Knowledge Nazrana will assist in building strong institutions and improving on our institutions to meet the needs of the Jamat.

The second objective was that He wants to eradicate poverty from this world. He does not like to hear the word “poor” and He knows there are so many of our murids who are living a very poor quality of life. He said the conditions are so bad in so many countries where the living conditions must be improved so that the murids can have a good quality of life. He said it might take a couple of generations but this initiative will start in this Golden Jubilee Year as in many countries, our murids live in extreme poverty.

His third objective was (and he said Alhamdullilah), longevity or life span has increased for individuals and people now live much longer than they used to. This affects the aged whom He is very concerned about. He wants to ensure that the aged do not lose their dignity. He wants to ensure the aged are well looked after so that they also live a good quality of life.

Hazar Imam then gave best blessings to the youth to succeed in their education. He said that there are so many opportunities for good, educated individuals in so many parts of the world – not just in the USA or Canada or Australia or New Zealand but also in the developing world. He said the youth should strive to have a good sound education to access all these opportunities that existed in the developing world.

Hazar Imam gave best blessings for good health, prosperity, long lives, unit in the family, lots of barakat, for mushkilasan and that ALL our wishes be fulfilled, Ameen. He also gave His best blessings for souls of all ruhani members and prayed for their eternal peace.

Hazar Imam thanked the California Jamat for the wonderful gifts that they had presented Him and gave His best blessings.

He once again told us that although He may not be with us physically but He will remember the face of every murid present here and also those who have not been able to attend. He said “You are always in my heart, every one of you and in my prayers. I am with you ALL THE TIME.
He once again repeated that the Imam is always with you and He has every murid in his heart and in his prayers. He was so emotional when He said this.

Hazar Imam then said that He knows that we will be celebrating tonight with Dandia Raas. He said I want you all to be very happy today and to play Dandia Raas and although physically I will not be there, but tonight I will be dancing and playing Dandia Raas with you.

Once again, He gave us blessings and asked us to be happy. He said the Imam is always with you at all times.

Hazar Imam then started His descent and walked right by us on the red runner and we were so fortunate that the Imam made eye contact with us and said some dua. We were crying and so fulfilled by the warmth that the Imam had left us with.

He walked again on all the runners on the second half of the Hall. He also stopped by the people who were on stretchers and stopped asked Mukhi Saheb something. He also stopped by a mentally challenged man. He made His way back a second time and stopped by all the people in the stretchers and wheel chairs and gave His blessings.

He then went into the lounge and was there for 55 minutes. He was in the Darbar for one hour and 5 minutes and 55 minutes in the lounge which is a record.

While He was in the lounge, the Alwaez had complete control of the Jamat by telling them that Hazar Imam was still amongst us and no-one, not even the volunteers should move or stand up. Instead he started the Jamat to rise and say the Shukrana Tasbih. This young graduate from Harvard who was the Al-Waez was absolutely superb. He maintained discipline in the Jamat and we did giryazari tasbihs softly for the 55 minutes while Imam was still in the lounge.

We have never ever witnessed such discipline and the Alwaez kept the Jamat busy by having them recite the various giryazari tasbihs softly as he said that the Imam was still amongst us and it is Imam’s right to get this adaab from us. We must not stand up and start talking, etc..

Mukhi Saheb came in after Hazar Imam left at 2 pm and addressed the Jamat that Imam was so very happy. Mukhi Saheb, on behalf of the Jamat asked for forgiveness for any shortcomings and Hazar Imam replied that he was immensely happy. He was very, very happy in the way the Jamat had organized His visit.

Kamadia Saheb then shared that Mukhi Saheb gave an arji to Hazar Imam on behalf of the Australia/New Zealand Mukhi Kamadia that they wondered if Imam would consider visiting Australia. Hazar Imam laughed and said that He was already busy breeding thoroughbreds and when He is tired of that, He will start breeding Kangaroos and visit Australia. The Jamat all laughed.

Hazar Imam told Mukhi Saheb to tell the Jamat that He was so happy.
It was the most incredible Deedar we have experienced and we are so blessed and fulfilled.

Shukar Mowla.
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Post by ShamsB »

unnalhaq wrote: The first Dua was conducted by a Syrian Woman, and keeping with non-Indian origin traditions was provided with written Dua to read from. (it is not that we don’t memorize the dua but more for sticking to the words).
The second Dua by the local Chicago woman and very short announcement and it was over?
The 2nd Dua was recited by a woman from Minneapolis.

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Post by Admin »

AS RECEIVED
-----------------

The Golden Jubilee darbar in Atlanta on the 17th April was attended by Jamati members from I believe 26 countries. A rough estimate, I was told, was between 18 to 20 thousand. The hall at GICC was extremely well decorated and so was the Stage. It had a large arch with MHI’s chair in front of it and the Golden Jubilee emblem in the middle of the Arch surrounded by two smaller arches on each side. All the arches had sort of like a canopy above them. I was told these were same arches used in Dubai(?). The Darbar hall itself was almost a perfect square with atleast four huge tv screens in different areas so it didn’t matter where you sat, you had a great view.

We arrived at the venue around 10:00 am and were efficiently guided to the security check lines. People were pouring in from everywhere. Parking was arranged off the property and there were shuttles everywhere. If anyone is familiar with the shuttle service at the Atlanta area Jamatkhanas, they would know that the volunteers did not disappoint the jamat at the Darbar venue. There were around 5 to 6 thousand people already there ahead of us. In the area immediately next to the security check lines, abundant breakfast was available. The Darbar hall was opened for public at 12:00 pm. We got into the Darbar hall sometime after 1:00 pm. Once inside the hall we were overwhelmed by the atmosphere. Everything changed about us as soon as we stepped inside the hall – like we left the whole physical world outside the doors (alongwith the cellphones &#61514;). We were free to sit wherever we liked and we found a spot by the runner and settled down. Soon after we were offered a bag of goodies including sandwiches, fruits, water, and the all important “mithai”. The volunteers were everywhere to look after the jamat’s needs. They were very accommodating and humble.

As time went by, the jamat started pouring into the hall and soon it was full, yet comfortable. The intezari venti and giryazari tasbihs started around 2:45 pm. There were people going back and forth to the bathrooms etc. creating nightmares for the volunteers but that was nothing out of the ordinary. The volunteers handled everything in a very professional manner.

MHI arrived around 5:10 pm and walked around the Darbar hall wearing his Golden Jubilee attire and the usual smile and blessing the jamat on both sides of the runner with Khanawadans. One thing I must mention for those who keep track of MHI’s arm actions/position – Hazar Imam had both his arms straight down and not bent at the elbow – just in case anyone is wondering&#61514;. Hazar Imam finally got to the stage at around 5:30 pm. After the tilawat and recitation of Ginan (Ya Ali Khoob majalis) the President of the National Council presented the Imam with Jamati pledges and Mowla graciously accepted them. After the jamati kiryas like mehmani and Aab-e-Safa MHI came to the microphone. He thanked the jamat for their nazranas and explained how he planned to use them towards the end of year. He stressed upon the importance of education, talked a little about the economy, asked the jamat to not make hasty decisions about new ventures and taking care of the elderly. He also stressed unity in the family and also if some of us went into partnership to keep a door open, in case it didn’t work out, to leave without hurting the other. He asked to explain our faith when questioned and if the others didn’t understand, to leave them alone and not be angry about it.

There were around 300 members from India without the registration cards who had come for the Deedar and were let in at the end just before the arrival of MHI. There were around 200 or so members from other jamats also who were let in too. MHI mentioned the Indian jamat in a joking manner acknowledging their presence and gave them blessings for them and their jamats. It was funny the way Imam mentioned them like he was telling them why they bothered to come to USA, he was planning to come to India himself. Hazar Imam was in an extremely good mood and seemed very very happy.

One thing Hazar Imam mentioned which he did not at any other Darbar, to my knowledge, and that was for those of our jamat who do not come to JK and only show up occasionally. He had a very serious face when he said to not keep your faith for occasions only and that this “occasionality” must end. I guess it was for those of us who are “chandrati” or those who have kept one foot in Ismailism and the other elsewhere.

After a second time to the microphone, Hazar Imam left the Darbar hall at around 6:50 pm in the same manner as he had entered. On the way out he kind of slowed down where the stretchers were lined up with severely ill members and talked to the President. After leaving the Darbar hall, Hazar Imam went in to the adjacent room prepared for MHI’s rest and changed into a nice suit. On his way out of the building MHI stopped by a group of people who had gathered just before the exit doors of the building and spoke to them for a couple of minutes. I do not know who these people were. May be the non-ismaili spouses and their families? May be Jamati leaders and their families or the Donor’s and their families.

One thing I forgot to mention which was very funny. While speaking from the stage MHI asked the jamat to enjoy and celebrate after he left and to eat “Biryani” and play “Dandia Raas”. He said he hoped that someone would bring him the Biryani from the same pot and he will be eating it and that he will be present among us (not physically). The funny thing is, I was told later, that Biryani was not even on the menu that was to be served to the Jamat after the jamati services that night. The Food and Beverage committee and others, as I was told, frantically arranged for as much Biryani as possible in time to serve the jamat. They only had about an hour and a half to do that.

After MHI left the premises in a 5 or 6-limo motorcade with a police escort the jamat offered Dua and other services in the same hall before moving into the dinner area in the adjacent temporary shed. The food was great and plenty. For the enquiring minds the awal sufro went for “adhai lakh”.

All in all the arrangements were out of this world. The jamat was very comfortable with everything and the volunteers did a wonderful wonderful job considering it was a first event of this magnitude for the Southeast volunteers and they came thru with flying colors. Great job volunteers!! It was a very tiring day at the end but I wouldn’t have missed it the next day for anything. We left the convention center around 1:30 am.
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Post by Admin »

AS RECEIVED

------------------------
Subject: Fwd: Los Angeles DARBAR! U.S.A. jamat truly a jamat of destiny! 04/21/2008 08:57AM
Received from an Ismaili murid
Los Angeles

darbar april 15th 2008

The darbar held in LA has been one of the most joyous event -this event
will be remembered for ever and ever.

My hats off to the doctors and nurses who spent hours of devotion and cared for the disabled and the sick murids ! Their hearts and souls were full of compassion and love for these patients.

My mother who has been brain damaged and paralyed from head down for last 14 years was taken care by our wonderful nurses and doctors. I have no words to thank them but pray to mowla to grant them success, happiness and give them more courage so that they can serve the jamat.

During darbar my mother laid in bed with her eyes closed, my brother sat
next to her bed with his eyes shut also as tears were rolling down his eyes
...suddenly hazar imam stood by my mothers bed and said"i give you my best loving blessings for muskil aasan " hearing this my brother opened his eyes and mowla said again to him" i give her best blessings for muskil aasan khanavadan " when mowla walked away to see other patients my brother noticed my mother eyes wide opened!!!

I got a call from the nursing home this morning to go and see the nurse who was on duty today, that she has somthing to say to me. I just came back from the facility and have not stopped saying " sukir al hamdulilah."the nurse said to me that since yesterday my mother has been smiling what happened, where did she go yesterday and why is your mother smiling-she has been in this facility for so many years and no one has seen her smiling??

All I had to tell them is - my mother is very fortunate to be blessed by
our imam and walked away as I started to cry .

Yam

Fauzia
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Post by kmaherali »

Link to the Video - MHI Peterson lecture ATL.

http://www.c-spanarchives.org/library/i ... d=204955-1
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

Dear All,

The Peterson Lecture given by MHI was perhaps his most thought provoking public speech given during this GJ visit. It perhaps ranks as one of the most articulate speeches on the importance of education in contemporary times, the role of schools in cultivating the global citizen and the delicate balance between globalism and tribalism. If memory serves me right, MHI quoted the Quran and the relevance of its message in contemporary times, more frequently than in any speech given in the Western context in recent years. In his address, MHI gives a very eloquent rational for the vision of the Aga Khan Academies program and the choice of its curriculum.

As of today, the speech has only been viewed 60 times.

I would urge you and also encourage individuals in your circle of influence to visit the site and listen to the speech before it is taken off active listing.

In addition, I would also encourage you to ask your teams, RE Teachers, RE Management, TAs, TE's to promote this speech to their friends and family, for it carries important messages relevant to all constituencies.
http://www.c-spanarchives.org/library/i ... d=204955-1

Once you click the link it'll bring a static image, on the right you have two option of players, once you select the player the video will play.

Thanks!
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