AlyMadad wrote:Please Note that Singapore Darbar is confirmed Dec. 1st-Dec. 4th 2008.
Mubaraki to all of you.
There was a LIF announcement today in JK to that effect. Visitors wishing to travel are advised that there is limited institutional capacity to handle visitors from abroad.
GREAT!!
So the doors are closed here also for those [disappointed] Internationalians of CANADA.
Can Any body tell me where to register online for Singapore Darbar.
I have came to know that there is a shortage of Volunteers there, I even want to give my service there as a volunteer, any concern person can help me in to this matters.
From what I have confirmed, the Darbaar is on 3rd Dec. Forgive me if this turns out to be wrong but seems like it will be held on 3rd Dec. I have confirmed it from local authority in Singapore but things can always change
<SPAN class=postbody>Dear all Ya Ali Madad<BR><BR>we are a group of iranian (about20) and we want to go to singapore for deedar.but unfortunately we could not get visa for singapore but we are going to malaysia the day after tomorrow (as it does nt need any visa).I would appreciate if any o­ne can inform me if there is a special facilities for ismailis in Malaysia to get visa of singapore for deedar(in less than three days). and if not please inform us to cancel our tickets.thanks alot</SPAN>
Has the Darbar date been announced as 3rd Dec yet because my husband's flights booked for a return o­n 4th Dec so i need to be sure please. if any o­ne can help me here.
Mawlana Hazar Imam is joined in applause by Presidentbanoo and the Vice-President of the Ismaili Council for Malaysia and Singapore, during a luncheon hosted by the Jamati institutions. Photo: Akbar Hakim
Mawlana Hazar Imam graciously granted a Golden Jubilee Darbar to the Jamat of the Far East, Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea as well as the thousands of members of the Jamat who had come from abroad.
Mawlana Hazar Imam then attended a luncheon hosted by the Jamati institutions of the Far East. During the lunch, youth from the Jamat staged a dance performance that highlighted the cultures of the 11 countries where members of the Far East Jamat reside.
The leadership also presented Mawlana Hazar Imam with a model of a traditional Thai house as a gift. Crafted by skilled goldsmiths, the model had taken more than 3 000 hours of workmanship to produce.
Immediately following the luncheon, Mawlana Hazar Imam prepared to depart Singapore. The Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Zainul Abidin Rasheed, bid him farewell on behalf of the Government. Senior Jamati leaders were also present as Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visit to the Far East drew to a close.
Additional photos are available in the gallery. Further details on Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit to Singapore will continue to be posted at TheIsmaili.org.
Tuesday, 2 December 2008
Mawlana Hazar Imam is greeted by President S R Nathan at the Istana in Singapore. Photo: Akbar Hakim
This morning, Mawlana Hazar Imam attended a meeting with President S R Nathan at the Istana, the official residence and office of Singapore’s Head of State.
Following the meeting, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong hosted a luncheon for Mawlana Hazar Imam.
Later in the afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs, George Yeo.
This was followed by a visit to the Singapore City Gallery which offered insight into the concept planning activities of Singapore's Urban Redevelopment Authority. Hazar Imam was hosted by the Authority’s CEO, Cheong-Chua Koon Hean.
Later on, Mawlana Hazar Imam also received a tour of Singapore’s Asian Civilisations Museum.
In the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam was the guest of honour at a dinner hosted by the Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim.
Monday, 1 December 2008
Mawlana Hazar Imam is received by Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Zainul Abidin Rasheed, upon his arrival. Photo: Akbar Hakim
Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived at Changi International Airport late this evening, commencing his Golden Jubilee visit to Singapore. His Excellency Zainul Abidin Rasheed, the Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, received Mawlana Hazar Imam on behalf of the government.
Inayat Bana, President of the Ismaili Council for Malaysia and Singapore, was joined by a delegation of Jamati leaders in welcoming Mawlana Hazar Imam on behalf of the Jamats from some eleven countries of South East Asia and Australasia. During the visit, it is expected that Hazar Imam will grant a Golden Jubilee Darbar to the Jamat of the Far East and Asia Pacific region.
On behalf of Aliya, Alif and myself, I just wanted to let you
know that we had a lovely Darbar in Singapore this morning, and
you were all in our thoughts and prayers. Hazar Imam was very
happy and appeared very relaxed.
There were not more that 3500 people present, hence a very small
and intimate Darbar compared to the others that we have
attended. Considering the very small size of the Far East
Jamat, they pulled together their resources and did a fantastic
job at organising the 3 day celebration. They were very warm
and hospitable at all times, and on the whole, everything ran
like clockwork.
The Singapore Darbar was for jamats under the jurisdiction of
the Council for Malaysia and Singapore, and covered Thailand,
Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Japan, Phillipines, Indonesia and
Myanmar. Although the Australia, New Zealand and Papua New
Guinea jamats fall under the U.S. jurisdiction, they were also
very much included and given priority seating, as it was easier
for many of them to travel to Singapore rather than the USA. It
was really great to rub shoulders with members of the jamat from
the Far East and Down Under, as we have never really had contact
with them previously. We made some friends with people that we
will definitely keep in contact with.
Below is a summary of the key points from the Irshad. Please
bear in mind that this is my personal interpretation of what
Hazar Imam said, and my perceprion may well differ from the
original. There may also be some points that have been missed
out.
Hazar Imam commenced by thanking the volunteers for their
magnificent work, as well as the government of Singapore for
welcoming him and the visiting jamat so warmly.
He commented on the number of nationalities present in the hall,
and remarked that it was a true reflection of the globalisation
and diversity of the jamat, which is different to the situation
as it were in 1957. He went on to say that this globalisation
can have two separate effects. The first being negative,
causing the jamat to be dsipersed and weakened as a result and
the second to bring people together by enabling them to
pool together their expertise, thereby strengthening the
community. He advised us to aim for the latter effect and
to use the diversity of the jamat to our strength.
Hazar Imam said that the Jamat has been able to make many
countries around the world 'countries of opportunity', which is
very positive. He told us to bear in mind that some countries
are less favourable as 'countries of opportunity' than others at
different stages in time, and to think that all countries are at
the same level in terms of providing opportunities would be
unrealistic.
He spoke about the importance of education, targeting the youth
of the jamat, but also mentioning that it was applicable to the
middle aged and the aged, as we now live in a 'knowledge
society' which is merit based. He advised us to seek good
education, as this will enable us to develop competencies that
we will require in order to be successful going forward. He
urged the youth of the jamat to gain sound education and come
forward to work as leaders in institutions, that are in need of
our expertise.
Hazar Imam went on to say that we are facing a recession, and
that we should not think of it as a North American recession,
but rather as a global recession. He advised the jamat to
refrain from spending money where we don't need to, and not to
live 'glorified lifestyles'. He then corrected himself by
saying that glorified was the wrong word, and that he would call
it spendthrift! He suggested to us that in a recessionary
environment, working together would enable us to reduce costs
and enhance efficiency.
He talked about the importance of being regular in the practice
of our faith, and not to treat faith as something occassional,
because in Islam, faith should be incorporated in to one's daily
life. He also mentioned about living our lives within the
ethics of Islam, and used key words such as trust, loyalty and
generosity.
Hazar Imam highlighted his three aims at the start of the
Jubilee year, which are to erradicate poverty, as some members
of the jamat live in conditions that he would term unacceptable,
and that he would like them to be able to lead dignified lives.
He recognised that there was a lot of work required to make this
change, and that projects and solutions implemented by the end
of the year will aim to alleviate poverty with sustainable
effects as opposed to short termism. Secondly, in light of the
jamat living longer lives, which he sees as positive, he would
like the aged to be able to live in surroundings that offer them
care, love and dignity. The third project is related to
insitutional strength (building on the exisiting instituions)
and institututional equity (in countries where Jamat Khanas and
institutions don't exisit, in order to bring them up to par with
countries where they do exist).
Hazar Imam then went on to say that a Darbar is an occassion of
happiness, and that he would like each of us to be happy and
have a smile on our faces, as a smile is a blessing from Allah.
He related a story that took place at the beginning of the
Jubilee year, when the leaders requested if they could have new
jubos (robes), as the previous ones were tired looking. They
went through this lengthy process which ended up being like a
fashion show! The problem he said is that all his leaders are
different heights, but the jubos seem to be of a standard
height, and therefore we've ended up in a situation where some
people's jubos reach their waist, and others reach their knees!
There were bursts of laughter amongst the jamat, as Hazar Imam
went from one joke to another! He was using his hands to
illustrate the lengths from waist to knee, which made it even
more funny!
On that note, he requested us to have fun with the celebrations
tonight, and to be happy and smiley always. He gave lots of Dua
for the ruhani members and the enitre global jamat.
Hazar Imam also addressed the non Ismaili spouses before he left
the venue.
As I said earlier, this is a gist of the Irshad.
Kindly excuse anything that may have been left out or
misinterpreted, as you read or listen to the original Farman in
due course.
VISIT BY HIS HIGHNESS THE AGA KHAN 2 DECEMBER 2008
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRESS STATEMENT
VISIT BY HIS HIGHNESS THE AGA KHAN
2 DECEMBER 2008
His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam of the Shia Ismaili community, is currently in Singapore on a visit from 1 to 3 December 2008. His Highness called on President S R Nathan this morning and was hosted to lunch by Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo also met with His Highness this afternoon.
They discussed developments in the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia, as well as the unfolding global financial crisis. Both sides affirmed the importance of promoting inter-faith understanding and interaction, as well as the role of civil society and capacity building, to help build social cohesion and harmony in societies. Discussions also centred on developing new areas of exchanges and collaboration, particularly in the fields of higher education and vocational and skills training. Our leaders conveyed their warmest congratulations on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee to His Highness.
His Highness and his delegation will be hosted to dinner by Minister for the Environment and Water Resources and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Dr Yaacob Ibrahim this evening.
. . . . .
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
2 DECEMBER 2008
Aga Khan December 03, 2008
I learnt much from my meeting with the Aga Khan yesterday. The present Aga Khan is the 49th Imam of the 15 million Nizari Ismaili Shias living in different parts of the world. Through his foundation, the Aga Khan Development Network, he funds all kinds of philanthropic activities in many countries serving Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Once discriminated against in Iran where the Aga Khan's family was from, the Ismaili community there now lives in harmony with the other Shias.
While in Singapore, he met President Nathan and SM Goh Chok Tong. I discussed with the Aga Khan how Singapore and his foundation could work together in Asia and Africa. I also explained what we try to achieve through the Singapore Cooperation Programme which celebrated the enrolment of the 50,000th trainee last year.
The Aga Khan has a deep sense of humanity. He talked about the importance of 'cosmopolitan ethics', based not on religious beliefs but on the common brotherhood of man which all religions subscribe to. If we concentrate on the well-being of the child, all of us can find common cause. If our starting point is a religious abstraction, the differences can never be bridged.
We also reflected on the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai. In India, his foundation supports many activities in many states to help Muslims so that they do not become a marginalised community.
Also thanks to all MY volunteers worldwide for all work during all golden jubillee works and duas to all....
Forwarding as received :
Point format of HI's Firman:
Very very happy
64 countries represented of which 10 or 12 were from the Far East
This shows how global the Jamat has become
Globalisation goes 2 ways : bad as the Jamat can become disunited because of distances; lack of faith. good as it can be strong
Prays that Jamats will work together
Seek opportunities in countries that have them
Education is core to and for the Jamat : educate small and big children ; key to the Jamat ; future Jamati leaders will be educated children
Thanked the Jamat for Nazrana generosity but we have a long way yet to go
Recession is global and for a few years : live prudently; don't live a glorious life, no glorious is the wrong word, live spendthrift lives; no unnecessary investments or assets
Tackling 3 key GJ points of poverty, old age and Jamat building. By the end of the year, He will have programmes in place for the elderly and the poor.
Smile is a blessing from Allah (sent this message again with Mukhi Kamadia when He left)
His joke : when the GJ commenced, the leadership asked for a change in the Juba dress rather like a fashion show and when one was finally selected the Jubas were all of the same size so some wear them till up here and some till down there , but the leadership now has new Jubas
Lots of Dua'shish for gobal Jamat
Very happy with Nazrana generosity
Institutions to have access to all Jamati members
I think the designer's during Mawlana Sultan Muhammad's time were highly creative - the Juba's were vibrant and made a statement. I find the Golden Jubilee Juba somewhat on the dull side....where are our designer's...I thought we had one or two who were world class.
As is so often the case, may be magazine and print designers did the design....and did not put the models on the runners for a proper critique...
The design on the Golden Jubilee Jubo dates back to the Fatimid Period. All the Jubos from Hazar Imam's GJ, the Noorani Family (the ones they were wearing on July 11, 2007), and the Jubos for the Mukhis and Kamidias - They all had something to do with the Fatimid Period. Every little detail resembles something. For example, if you look closely, Hazar Imam's Jubo has 7 buttons in the front. Each button has 7 stones (don't know which kind). So all together, there are 49 stones for the 49th Imam!! So before we start judging the jubos, please keep in mind that they are somehow linked with the Fatimid Era, and that Hazar Imam has approved those.
Beautiful, magnificent darbars in Canada and Singapore. Both jamats deserve a pat on their backs.
In Darbars, the heart is in-charge. At that time of spiritual awareness and emphasis, the mind with its endless issues has to be controlled and be made to take a back seat to the heart. Mowla's physical presence makes the heart overflow with joy and when Mowla becomes jovial and declares openly that He wants to have fun with the jamat because that is what a darbar is, then the heart which is already overflowing with joy, brims over into physical and vocal expression. Our faces blossom into smiles and our hands automatically come together to ... CLAP!!!!!! And since the heart is in-charge, and the owner of that heart is jovial and in a fun-loving mood, there is absolutely nothing wrong with smiling, laughing and clapping.
And yet, a particular Al-waez has been nominated since the darbars of Canada to very emphatically and effectively make the jamat refrain from clapping. He was also given a special mission to do the same in Singapore. WHY???
This is now a situation whereby the mind is being made to over-rule the heart which is WRONG, WRONG, WRONG! So I say this is yet another diabolical move employed to show that jamat knows nothing and there are some know-it-alls who HAVE to be listened to and followed.
Many of my fellow murids will attest to this when I say that when clapping occured in the darbars of Nairobi, London, and Portugal, our beloved Mowla became even more jovial. He did not display the slightest bit of discomfiture, nor did He look at all miffed or show that this was a breach of etiquette. In fact, the reverse was highly apparent to all, especially in London. This is because deedar and darbars are heart-to-heart connections with the Divine. The heart is basically a hill-billy whose actions cannot be controlled or converted overnight into hoity-toity, stiff lipped elitist behaviour. Al-waezes like this one and all those who are responsible for giving him such mandates are trying to convert a down-to-earth, sincere, heart-felt environment that reeks of honesty and love into a pretentious, upper class, corseted environment of upright posture in which every move and every action is precalculated and predetermined. In such cases, I have clearly noted that Mowla becomes less spontaneous and refrains from having fun. After all, in Toronto and Calgary and Vancouver, the little bit of humour was actually a veiled message to the volunteers who brought him into the darbar site in an undesirable manner. The fun was conspicuously missing from the farman mubarak.
I know many will be upset by my writings today but I am speaking from the heart and every word I say is true whether liked or not.
In conclusion, we wish our Mowla to be sincerely happy and that can only happen when murids follow their hearts' desires. So if the heart wants to clap, it should receive that satisfaction. And surely, jamat should be given some credibility as far as intelligence is concerned. Surely, people will not just start clapping inappropriately. They will clap when Mowla indicates so. Therefore, I say firmly DOWN with such Al-waezes and their la-di-dah instructions and a plea to my fellow murids: Keep the darbars honest by following your hearts. Let us keep away from hypocrisy and if the Al-waezes and leaders all collectively wish to lay an egg just because of clapping at Mowla's jokes, then let them do so.
With Ya Ali Madad.