UK Didar dates, events and testimonies

Dates, testimonies, articles, descriptions
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Justaguest
Posts: 27
Joined: Mon Apr 07, 2008 11:18 am
Location: Sweden

Post by Justaguest »

Just to say:

According to what I heard, the Mukhi/Kamadias could not deliver
the message that Mowla gave them to relay to us on his departure
because the Jamat had already started vacating the hall immediately
after Mowla left the Hall, and while Mowla was still in the Building.

Alas, the lack of discipline was appalling towards the end. And
most who left did not even take with them the rubbish created
by the paper bags containing sweets and water we got on entry.
They were all left scattered all over the carpets with chocolate
smears and pieces scattred all over.

The rumble of loud talking and loitering in the hall stayed constant
while Mowla was still in the building despite the continuous request
for us to keep seated until Mowla left.


Some of us, who kept seated, were surrounded by theose standing and
chatting, totally indifferent to the fact that they were, now and again,
stepping on us.

I must say that it was not at all MUKHI/KAMADIASAHEB's fault
that the message was not delivered immediately, because the
mood was chaotic in the Hall. No discipline at all was visible.
SHAME.


An announcement was therefore made that due to the above
mentioned facts the message would be delivered to the Jamat
after or in-between the Dua.
The message to my understanding WAS delivered to the Jamat.


The Dua and the dinner were also delayed because, it seems,
the whole idea was to say the prayers in the Hall (if the Jamat
had remained seated) and that would have held the schedule
and we would have had more time to enjoy the dandias etc.


I am sure that if the members of the Jamat had to pay for the
package of water bottle and chocolates etc., then they would
have taken them with them on leaving the Hall.
But, a freebee can be disposed off anywhere for overstretched
volunteers to pick up. Eh! What a shame. Eh?

Call me a grumpy old git who complains, but really many
adults in our Jamats must shape up as far as discipline
on behaviour and hygiene is concerned.
Sorry to mention this, as unpleasant as it may sound.

Please think about the overstretched Volunteers, and give
them a hand instead of making their burden heavier.
It is their extremely hard work that gave us all that comfort
that we enjoyed in the HALL. Remember that.
They are worth "gold".
May Mowla Bless Them and their Families and Friends
at all times. Amen.


May Mowla Bless Us All and make us better persons
and I also apologise if I have, by this, hurt anyone's
feelings, but come on folks, we must shape up. Eh!
Musn't we?

Thank you.

Much Love to you All. :D

Humbly yours.

Please note: Nothing I have written is official. It is all as I myself saw it
and perceive it now. Everything is strictly my own opinion and I do not
represent any of our Institutions or Jamats./Thank you.
Admin
Posts: 6687
Joined: Mon Jan 06, 2003 10:37 am
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Post by Admin »

Image

http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page1730.asp

The splendid occasion marked the Aga Khan's succession to his grandfather's title as the leader of 15 million Ismaili muslims in 1957

Also present at the dinner hosted by the Queen was Princess Yasmina, the Aga Khan's half-sister, who is his late father Aly Khan's daughter by Rita
Hayworth Image
Photo: (c) PA mbdartz
Queen lays on golden jubilee banquet for the Aga Khan and family 8 JULY 2008

Both are ardent fans of horse racing and share an understanding of what it's like to hold an important ceremonial role. So the Queen was particularly glad to be hosting a glittering banquet for the Aga Khan's Golden Jubilee, which he celebrated last year.

Her guest at Monday's dinner in Buckingham Palace is a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and the leader of the world's 15 million Shia Ismaili Muslims. They've met up on several occasions since the Aga Khan succeeded his grandfather to the title in 1957.

To honour the milestone anniversary, the Queen wore an elegant gown adorned with golden sequins, as well as jewellery in gold and silver.

The golden theme was also picked up by the Aga Khan's sister Yasmina, thedaughter of his father Prince Aly and Hollywood actress Rita Hayworth. Shewas resplendent in a shimmering metallic floor-length creation, accessorised with a matching clutch.

Completing the family group at the gala was the Muslim leader's son Prince Hussain, with his American-born wife Kristin, who took the name Princess Khaliya on their marriage two years ago.

http://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/20 ... -aga-khan/

[image: The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh with The Aga Khan]

*The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh with The Aga Khan at Buckingham Palace
prior to a Dinner Party given by Her Majesty and His Royal Highness to mark
His Highness's Golden Jubilee, 7 July 2008.*
*(c) Press Association*

http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page1730.asp
mbdartz
kmaherali
Posts: 25107
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Updates from theismaili.org

http://www.theismaili.org/cms/484/United-Kingdom-visit

Monday, 7 July

Mawlana Hazar Imam together with Her Majesty the Queen during a dinner hosted by Her Majesty in honour of Hazar Imam at Buckingham Palace. Photo: Gary Otte

In the morning Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the Rt Hon Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for International Development at the Department for International Development. In the afternoon the Rt Hon David Cameron, Leader of the Opposition met with Mawlana Hazar Imam at the Ismaili Centre.

In the evening Her Majesty the Queen hosted a black-tie dinner in honour of Mawlana Hazar Imam at Buckingham Palace. The Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Duke of York from the Royal Family, and Prince Amyn, Princess Yasmin, Princess Zahra, Prince Rahim, Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya from the Imam’s family were also present at the dinner.

Additional photographs are available in the photo gallery. Updates on Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visit to the United Kingdom will continue to be posted at TheIsmaili.org.



Sunday, 6 July

Mawlana Hazar Imam is accompanied by President Zauhar Meghji of the Ismaili Council for the United Kingdom, as he leaves the Jamati institutional dinner held at the Banqueting House in Whitehall. Photo: Zahur Ramji

Today, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the Ismaili Leaders’ International Forum at the Ismaili Centre in London.

In the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam was the guest of honour at a dinner hosted by the Jamati Institutions of the United Kingdom, held at the Banqueting House in Whitehall. During the dinner, guests were treated to a musical performance by the Ismaili Ensemble. The piece, which was presented to Mawlana Hazar Imam as a gift, was approrpriately titled Armaghan — a Persian word meaning ‘gift.’



Saturday, 5 July

Mawlana Hazar Imam in conversation with volunteers as he departs the ExCeL centre following the Darbar. Photo: Zahur Ramji

This afternoon, the Jamat of United Kingdom and the countries under its jurisdiction, together with members of the international Jamat, gathered at the ExCeL centre in London for a highly anticipated Golden Jubilee Darbar.
aziz1631
Posts: 6
Joined: Wed Jun 27, 2007 1:27 pm

Post by aziz1631 »

YAM,<BR><BR>As u said I sent you an email requesting you to provide information about Darbar in Canada but I didn't receive your reply.<BR><BR>Please reply at your earliest. I would appreciate that.<BR><BR>Thanks and Regards<BR><BR>Abdul Aziz<BR><BR>
Important_Information wrote:MHI is visiting Portugal from 10th July to 14th July is confirmed.<BR><BR>Dear all YAM,<BR>(Reader with negative thoughts) You can start your criticism if you like as you did with me about UK Padramni <BR>Or<BR>Appreciate my work by thinking positively.<BR><BR>Remember that for India and Bangladesh GJ Padramni, I post 9 days prior to Jamati announcement. And for UK GJ Padramni I post 17 days prior to Jamati announcement and both dates were correct.<BR>I o&shy;nly post when I receive positive confirmation.<BR><BR>I am not in any Jamati Committee and neither under any oath, my intention is to give correct information to international jamat about Padramni dates; well before the announcement so Jamat can prepare them self much earlier.<BR><BR>If any o&shy;ne like to know unconfirmed dates about forthcoming GJ Padramni at different parts of world; you can ask me at: ihere@hotmail.co.uk<BR><BR>Kind regards<BR>Kasim Ali
xaf
Posts: 34
Joined: Mon Jul 04, 2005 2:10 am

Our esteemed leadership

Post by xaf »

Our esteemed Leadership: It is time to sit up and change your ways

Our Leadership Body is a truly admirable one. All leaders are so cultured, well-educated forward-thinkers, hardworking and excellent at organisation and communication. Truly they deserve to be leaders. I am saying this all sincerely and from the bottom of my heart. It is therefore a great pity that such a wonderful set of people are failing to recognise the fact that Mowla LOVES His jamat (and when I say love I mean an overpowering, unending and completely dedicated love) and therefore as His leaders they too should learn to develop LOVE for the jamat. If they do so sincerely, the jamat will learn to love and respect them too, in which case Mowla´s happiness will know no bounds and there will be no need for our Beloved Mowla to make such indirect but highly potent statements as He did for the leaders in His UK darbar. Let Mowla and His jamat freely see each other especially on this ocassion of His Golden Jubilee. Do not keep the jamat in the dark about Mowla´s programmes. Let the jamat gather where Mowla is supposed to make an appearance. And in this way, the Golden Jubilee will become more festive and memorable. How happy Mowla, in His tuxedo and bow-tie, was to see jamati members outside Buckingham Palace on 7th July at around 7 30pm. The driver slowed down and Mowla smiled and waved with both His hands at us. It was a pity that only a handful of jamat was there. The police constables were so cooperative and friendly. One of them even asked why such few people had come. They were expecting quite a crowd. Even the Noorani family (Prince Amin, Princess Yasmin, Prince Huseein and Princess Khaliya) smiled and waved happily at us. That is why I ask the leaders why remain so tight-lipped about Mowla´s programmes? Why let the jamat miss out on such wonderful opportunities? The jamat is happy to stand outside and catch a glimpse. The leaders are welcome to go inside and attend the ceremony. They deserve to do so. So why act so mean with the jamat? Afterall did it make the leaders happy to attend the banquet at Whitehall so furtively? It was an institution´s dinner. Whom do the institution´s serve? Should the jamat not have known about the gift to be given to Mowla on their behalf by the institutions?? Why was the gift not displayed first for the jamat to see? What would have been wrong if jamat had been allowed to line up outside the banquet hall in Whitehall to welcome Mowla as He went in to dine with the institutional leaders?
This is why Mowla was then compelled to make a dig at the leaders in His farman. Also Mowla´s arrival in the UK was very lowkey. The UK is renowned for its wonderful parades and pagaentry. Even HRH The Queen wore a special Gold sequinned gown at the banquet in Mowla´s honour. This shows that the UK Govt. would have had no problem in making Mowla´s arrival ceremonial and splendourous. So naturally everyone feels that it was our leaders who made His arrival so lackluster (no bands etc and NO JAMAT)
Our leaders NEED TO WAKE UP AND CHANGE THEIR WAYS....NOW BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!!
Admin
Posts: 6687
Joined: Mon Jan 06, 2003 10:37 am
Contact:

testimony

Post by Admin »

AS RECEIVED

Ya Ali Madad! To those of you whom I sent a previous email, I had sent half of what came to my mind but after that I recollected some more and I am happy to share it with you my version of what I understood.We had a wonderful Deedar! Mawla was in a very joyous mood. In his farman he gave the same guidance that He gave everywhere else. He said that before the end of the jubilee year his aim is to put in place three objectives. 1. To creat programs that will strenghen the institutions.2. Programs to try to help eliminate poverty of His murids and help build civil societies in the countries where His Murids live.and 3. Create programs that will help the aged live with dignity. He said to use prudent judgements as the forces were in work for a major slow down of the economy. He said that some might call it a slow down others might call it a recession. He said,'I don't care what they call it, What I care is to see that you are safe.' He went on to say that, 'You might be wondering why Hazer Imam is talking about the economy. I am telling all this because my leaders do not tell you what I tell them to tell you. [there was lot of clapping here.] He said,'Jubilee is the time of rejoycing so let us rejoice and be happy all togather.' [More clappings] He said that 63 countries were represented in the Darbar. He told us to convey His best blessings to our family and friends and our jamats when we went back to our respective countries. He said that those in the same profession in different countries should form partnerships in order to maximise the benefit. He said that western countries were mono economic.

When African countries will come togather politically, He also named a few contries, there will be a market of 250 million opening up and we should b ready to take advantage of it. He advised the jamat to form the strategy of getting out of partnerships in a way that would not harm others. He went on to say," I know my murids, they are individualists. 'I dont want to work with anybody, I don't trust anyone.' We are all brothers and sisters. Don't be dishonest to your brothers and sisters."

He said that now a days people practice their faith only at birth weddings and funerals. I want my murids to practice their faith rigourously. If it is not possible, then take a tasbi ad call Ya Ali, call Ya Muhammad, call the names of the Imam. Keep your faith with you at all times.

He also said that the present slowdown will end when the world will eventually find ways no longer to rely on oil. Until that happens, there will be bumps along the way. He even made gesture of his both hands jokingly at which the jamat responded by clapping. I can not give the whole farman but just a little bit that I can recall. Mubaraki to you all! Deedar Mubarak!
No_problem
Posts: 40
Joined: Tue Jun 17, 2008 5:47 am

Re: testimony

Post by No_problem »

Admin,

The above account is misleading. It doesn't convey the messages of MHI in any accurate way!

First, MHI didn't talk about 3 goals but 4 goals and the first was peace.

Second MHI didn't use words like, "prudent", "dishonest", "dont want to work with anybody", etc!!!!!!!!

Third, the comment on leaders was not said in this way!

Fourth: MHI didn't say that "the present slowdown will end when the world will eventually find ways no longer to rely on oil"!!!! His comment on oil was not like this.

Inshallah the Farman will soon be available to the Jamat ands then we will all listen to what MHI exactly. said.

Khushiali Mubarak to everyone.
Justaguest
Posts: 27
Joined: Mon Apr 07, 2008 11:18 am
Location: Sweden

Post by Justaguest »

[quote="xaf"]Our esteemed Leadership: It is time to sit up and change your ways

Our Leadership Body is a truly admirable one. All leaders are so cultured, well-educated forward-thinkers, hardworking and excellent at organisation and communication.............................",Unquote.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear xaf,

What you are saying is nothing new. Such things have been
going on for 100s of years.

Some leaders have withheld crucially important informations in
past that has affected the whole jamaats negatively without even
feeling anything about it. One of them said, "He could'nt care less".

Some have even stopped good things happening to the members of the jamaat by deeds and efforts of another member, just because they are jealous and worried that maybe the other guy would be rewarded
for it.
Some are so jealous & greedy that they can not bear to see any other person than themselves breathing the air happily..
Alas they themselves are not happy at all and therefore it does not
matter if they ruin some other people's lives, or throw a spanner
in their works.

Although (for example) the few genuine volunteers really worked miracles
there were some who were only content with pushing around their weight
and even insulting people left and right even on the day of deedar.
They succeeded in putting OFF the moods of those who were really going about their goal to enjoy the padramni mela. Such is life. There is not much one can do about it. Jealousy, greed, contempt etc., are horrible things.

However, if one looks at it as "all-in-a-package", then things are
plodding along quite Ok.
But, yes those leaders who constantly play games, connive
and play one murid against the other to stay in power etc.
They have no scruples, alas.

They really think that "The Day of Qiyamat" does not
apply to them. And then when the "malaikul mot - the black death"
faces them, they shiver like a leaf because they are afraid to leave
the false security they had on this Earth. Alas, the World is full of
such people. We have to live in it and with it.

I have come across leaders who have given an impression that
they want me to do sijjida to them rather than to Allah.
Believe me or not. They have behaved as if they are my "rizak
providers". Well, what can you do with them? Not much.
One just wonders how they get their positions.
That's all I can say.

On the other hand there are leaders and many others who serve
with great devotion and make great sacrifices and they are the
ones who made us have the wonderful Deedar on 5th July.
Shukr Mowla.

I can go on and tell you volumes about it. But, brother/sister just
bear with it and pray that Mowla gives them prudence to understand
how important it is to serve with good intentions.

Let us hope that Unity and brother/sisterhood will be strengthened
and shall prevail at all times in our community and that we will
not only be able to bring about prosperity, peace and happiness
to our brethren, but even those from other communities living
around us, as good citizens.

I am very grateful that this Forum is open for us to post our
commments.

Also, just to mentioned that many have posted their accounts
of the deedar. There may be some glitches in them and they may
not be very accurate. And therfore I think that we should fill in
the gaps ourselves and remove misprints or mistakes and then
enjoy the accounts with different perceptions posted thorugh
several different eyes & hearts.

My Many, Many Mubarakis to you all on this Imamat Day
Khushaly on Mowla having been on the Gaadi of Imamat
for 51 years today.

I pray that May Mowla bestow upon us all His Choicest
Blessings. Amen.

Humbly yours,
kmaherali
Posts: 25107
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

As received

...fyi...Rani Jadavji is a NON--ISMAILI

My Experience – Meeting His Highness Aga Khan

The early hours of the morning of Saturday 5th July 2008, I was
interrupted by a dream. The night before we had attended a family
wedding this was very enjoyable, naturally I was dreaming about this
when during this dream I had a very small moment/vision or dream
about being in a corridor where people were walking by in both
directions, they all seemed to know where they were going, I was
standing and then I sat down I felt lost and confused and had the
feeling that I should not be here. There was a murmur that the Aga
Khan is coming and a surge of people where coming towards me. At this
point of my dream it finished I did not see the Aga Khan, I woke up
to discover that it was 6am, another hour before we were due to get
up for our big day in Excel London for the didar.

On the way to Excel London, this was very exciting and I could hardly
contain myself the excitement and anticipation of perhaps a chance
meeting or even to see the Aga Khan was overwhelming.

Once inside Excel we joined our other family members who were already
seated in their place in the didar hall. As a non-ismaili I was
unable to join them however my husband and I decided to look around
and take the children to the play area, we also enjoyed some tea and
pastries.

At around 1pm my husband and I decided to visit the hall that I would
be in during the Aga Khan's visit, this hall was the Platinum suite
on the second floor. As we made our way to this hall, I realised that
it would be impossible for the Aga Khan to visit the non-ismaili as
we would be on the 2nd floor and it would be difficult to get to. I
had spoken to many of my family members both in the UK as well as
abroad about the Aga Khan's visit's to other countries and they all
assured me that the Aga Khan always make a short visit to the non-
ismaili's. When we left the platinum suite to go back to the main
boulevard my heart was broken I was very upset I had waited a year
just to get a glimpse of the Aga Khan and all hope was shattered as I
was sure that this time the Aga Khan would not be able to make the
visit.

As we approached the lift's to leave I had tears that were
uncontrollable and emotion I was unable to bear I was extremely
upset, my husband tried to console me by telling me that "don't worry
if you really feel from the heart you will get to see him".

I left my husband and the children outside N4 entrance of the main
boulevard where we would meet again after the didar. I steadily made
my way back to the platinum suite only to find that from my earlier
visit there now seemed to be quite a lot of people around 400, there
were provisions of tea, coffee and pastries. I took the liberty of
acquiring a coffee and some pastries and decided to find a seat
somewhere on the front row, just in case we did receive a visit.

Whilst seated there I introduced myself to a lady called Fermuda from
Nottingham who became a very good friend for the next 3-4 hours, we
talked about our families and how we both felt about meeting the Aga
Khan. Between 2-3pm we were shown a children's DVD, at 3pm we were
shown a DVD about the Aga Khan state visit to America Texas this was
very enjoyable. Just before showing the DVD, an announcement was made
about and a show of hands was asked to ascertain how many people if
had the chance would like to see the Aga Khan leave, the show of
hands was very popular as everybody put up their hands.

Both Fermuda and I were very excited we both felt the same and we had
talked and talked about how we would feel if we saw the Aga Khan and
even more had the opportunity to talk to him. I had decided to
rehearse a small speech if the Aga Khan was to approach me. The
excitement and anticipation was electrifying. We had been told that
we would see the Aga Khan leave through the west side of Excel London
centre, he would pass the non-ismaili's and we were also told on
numerous occasion's that the Aga Khan may stop and talk he may just
acknowledge us or he may just wave and leave, we did not know what to
expect. We were also told that if the Aga Khan was to stop and talk
we do not interrupt and only talk if spoken to first and only shake
hands if the Aga Khan was to extend his hand first.

Whilst waiting on the balcony of the platinum suite at 3.45pm I could
see my husband approaching with my 2 and half year old daughter
(Selina) she was upset and crying. I came towards him and he handed
her over to me saying "I have to go the Aga Khan is here and I don't
want to miss this, you have to keep her she keeps crying".

Unbeknown to me my husband and the children along with my father-in-
law where seated in the didar hall, on six large screens they could
see the Aga Khan was approaching the Excel centre as this was being
televised. My mother-in-law and my sister-in-law were seated on
chairs 20-30 yards away in the middle row. My daughter had been
asleep from 1.30pm when the Aga Khan was approaching she started to
wake up, once the Aga Khan was inside the building and inside the
hall she was fully awake. The Aga Khan walked around past my husband
and the children. After this she started to wine and cry that she
wanted her grandmother who happened to be somewhere else and
difficult to get to, my daughter was disrupting other's around her so
my husband made a decision to bring her out of the hall and take her
to the platinum suite and bring her to me.

I tried to console my crying daughter concerned that I would now not
get the chance to see the Aga Khan if I failed to calm her down.
After a sweetie and some water, she seemed to calm down and was quite
playfully. Both Fermuda and I were quite relieved that she was calm.
At around 4.30pm we were all asked to go into the platinum suite hall
and wait for further instructions, everyone had a sense of buzz
around them and all were anxious. Earlier 20 or so non-ismaili `s
were asked to volunteer with the ushering, both Fermuda and myself
were curious when they put into place to start to allow people to
descend the 2 floors.

Fermuda and myself happen to be at the front of the door, an
announcement was made that all women with young children and people
who had buggies and pushchairs were to come to the front. Both
Fermuda and I looked at each other in amazement it seemed that Selina
my daughter was sent to me for a reason and in a bit of a miracle. We
were at the front. We were all lead calmly down the first flight of
stairs to level one, were again we were at the front and had to wait
a further 30 mins or so. Around 5pm we were allowed to descend to the
ground floor, where again both Fermuda and I found ourselves right at
the front.

Whilst waiting for further instructions we talked to other non-
ismaili's who also felt as we did and were just as excited and
intrigued and so looking forward to the moment when we might see the
Aga Khan. Both Fermuda and I were beside ourselves with the fact that
Selina was with us and her being here had helped us to get that bit
closer to seeing the Aga Khan, I relayed my dream to Fermuda who said
that this sort of thing happens for a reason it must be kismet.
Selina was tense and had wanted to see her dad and grandmother but
generally she was playfully not quite the child I had been given a
few hours ago from which I was struggling to calm down.

At around 5.50pm we were lead to an area where the Aga Khan would
pass on the red carpet. Both Fermuda and I happen to be at the front
as we had envisaged and we were both counting our blessings. To my
right there were 3 people in a wheelchair and I remember a lady
talking about her grandchild who would have been very excited to see
the Aga Khan she was also excited and not sure how or what she would
say if addressed by the Aga Khan, I decided to take this opportunity
to rehearse a few lines of greeting if I was approached and how I
would act. I also talked to my daughter and ensured she was also
happy to say hello "ya-ali-madad", both Selina and I rehearsed our
lines several time. Fermuda was on my left along with another lady, I
think they thought I had lost it.

At 6.30pm it seemed that the Aga Khan would soon be coming out and
everyone again was told that he may come and talk, he may just
acknowledge or he may just wave, we were also told how to address the
Aga Khan if spoken to. The air of excitement was rapid and
overwhelming as everyone prepared for there individual feelings of
this experience.

Just then Fermuda said that she thinks the Aga Khan will come and
talk to me, she felt that my story so far was quite amazing and she
said that there's something about you, I have a feeling he will come
over. I had goose bumps when she said that but she felt quite sure
about this.

I was watching my right hand side as I knew that was the way the Aga
Khan would make his descend onto the red carpet. All of a sudden
there was some excitement to my right and the cameras were flashing,
and I said "Oh my god the Aga Khan is here". I caught a quick glimpse
of the Aga Khan and I felt goose bumps rise and my heart was pounding
as the Aga Khan walked onto the red carpet I could see that he was
being lead probably out of the building, but for some reason the Aga
Khan made a turn to his left and stood right in front of me.

My heart was going to jump out of my chest, I watched the Aga Khan
throughout and did not avert my eyes. When the Aga Khan stood in
front of me I became unaware of anyone else around me it felt as if
it was happening in slow motion and everybody else was blurred out.
I did not even look at my daughter. The Aga Khan addressed a small
group of people and from what I can remember he said, if there is
anyway in which we can help you, or if you have any suggestions and
anything that you would like to contribute please come forward. I am
unable to recall all of what the Aga Khan said as I was mesmerised
listening to his gentle voice.

The Aga Khan had his fingers interlocked and when talking he opened
his hands out slightly and in doing so brushed past my arm near my
elbow. I immediately felt blessed and a feeling ran through my body
of which I cannot find the words to describe, there probably is none,
as the feeling was so great.

When the Aga Khan had finished and started to walk away, we all
started to clap in excitement and joy that the Aga Khan had met with
us and had talked to us. I was shaking all over and tears ran down my
face I could not believe that I had got the chance to see the Aga
Khan and also to be blessed. I looked at my friend Fermuda who also
felt the same, we watched the Aga Khan leave and said our goodbye's
to each other and ran with joy and great pleasure of having been in
the presence of the His Highness the Aga Khan.

I ran to the rest of my family and told them of my experience, of
which they told others and so the news spread's.

I felt so overwhelmed with my experience that I wanted to share this
with others, it has been the best experience of my life I thoroughly
enjoyed the day and felt it a great honour to have had the chance not
only to see the Aga Khan but to hear his kind words.

A few days later, I felt compelled to put my experience into writing,
and so I have I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I have enjoyed
writing it.

The written word once read travels far like the word of mouth.

Written and complied by Rani Jadavji

My Experience – Meeting His Highness Aga Khan
Admin
Posts: 6687
Joined: Mon Jan 06, 2003 10:37 am
Contact:

Post by Admin »

AS RECEIVED

*Golden Jubilee Darbar, London Saturday 5th July 2008*

*Didar Mubarak to all our brothers and sisters worldwide.*

* *

*Below is a gist of the Farman made by Mowlana Hazar Imam at the London Golden Jubilee Darbar. *

*Please bear in mind that this is my understanding of it, and the Farman was very complex and long, and difficult to remember accurately.We hope and pray this summary does reflect the spirit of the Farman. *

* *

*This was indeed a very different Farman from the ones we have heard during the recent GJ Darbars. MHI was very informal and in an emotional and jovial mood. He however conveyed very important messages.*

MHI started by giving all of us present His best loving blessings. He said to all those who have come from outside, I want you to tell your families and your jamats that they are in my heart, in my thoughts and in my prayers.
Ameen

He said that Darbar is a celebration and a time to rejoice.

He referred to the President of UK National Council's speech mentioning that murids had come from 63 countries. MHI said that He was not sure about the 63 countries, and said "I should go back to school to learn my geography". *MHI was laughing.*

He thanked warmly the British government for the welcome and assistance. He also thanked the volunteers and leaders for making all the arrangements for the Darbar.

He spoke about the GJ objectives - institutional capacity, the ultra-poor and the needs of the elderly stating that people are living longer and we must make an extra effort to help them live a happy life. He mentioned the contribution of *Knowledge & Time* (*not TNK!)* and of material nazrana to enable those objectives to be met. He was hoping that the work would be done by the end of the Jubilee year.

He then turned to the economic situation. He said that "some people call it an economic slow-down and others call it a recession, whatever they want to call it, ….. be careful and cautious". He said "You may be asking yourselves why your Imam is speaking to you about economics, and the reason is because my leaders have asked me *(pointing to Himself*) to speak to you about this.

Although, *I am not sure that they are telling you what I am telling them*." (*Jamat applauded for 30 seconds*)

He said to form associations with other professionals. I want you to come together and work together so that you can cut costs and share your knowledge together. Fulfil your duties in that partnership and make sure that you have an exit strategy without causing any damage. He said that our society is individualistic and that the Jamat is also individualistic. 'I am concerned for my Ismaili spiritual children because I love you all. You are all brothers and sisters, and brothers and sisters *do not cheat each other'
*.

He spoke about the East African Community, naming the 5 countries, and said there will be opportunities in the market of 25 million citizens.

He spoke about the oil crisis and said that the fact that supplies would diminish has been known for decades.

There would be new forms of intelligent, innovative and imaginative energy sources.

He spoke about the practice of the faith. He said that there are some people who are only seen during birth and death but not at other times. With a hand gesture, He said "never let that happen". Tapping His jubba pocket, He said, keep a tasbih with you and call on the name of Ya Allah, the Prophets, the Imams. He said "*If you cannot* *practice your faith as rigorously as is required*, then spend that time during the day and anytime of the day no matter what you are doing towards your faith."

With reference to President's speech recalling this, and with great happiness He said, Of course today I place my hand on each individual, each individual, and your families and your jamats and give you all my special loving blessings, Khanavadan, Khanavadan, Khanavadan. (gesture of putting hand on the shoulder)

Look forward to the future, and yes there will be bumpy roads and bumpy times, but the human race has created vehicles even for bumpy roads *(wavelike hand gesture*), *(followed by applause from the Jamat*).





*Presidentsaheb followed by Vice-President presented a gift to MHI, and before VP had stepped down the from the stage, MHI rose and came back to the microphone. *

MHI said that the glass Flask was a wonderful gift from the Fatimid Period.
He reminded us that the Fatimid Period was a historic period and there is a lot of knowledge concentrated in our history from this time and that we should refer back to this knowledge as we seek to improve the practice of our faith.

*An airplane had gone roaring overhead from the nearby London City airport that serves the European cities. *

MHI said "I hope that all those from the 63 countries are not all planning to board from here" (*Jamat applauded*)

He said that today is a day of happiness and I wish each one of you to be happy, to have a smile on your face and that a smile is a blessing (*with a gesture of smile with one finger at the side of His face*).

I want you all to rejoice on this happy occasion and that I will be with you when you enjoy this evening. "I wish you to have a wonderful rest of the day." He gave us all his blessings again and said that I want you to take my blessings, my love, my affection to your family, to your Jamats wherever you come from. Khanadavan, Khanavadan, Khanavadan.

*Later, Mukhisaheb returned and conveyed the message from Mowla Hazar Imam.*

MHI wanted us to smile and be happy.

Mowla lifted the spirits of every murid in such a way that we all had tears in our eyes, and like a loving father He gave us Hidayat.

We offer our lakho lakho shukrana to our beloved Hazar Imam for the mercy and grace of His Zaheri and Batuni Didar, and for His Hidayat and prayers for all the murids all over the world.

We pray for a long and happy life for our Mowla, and that His chatra chayya hamesha asa mathi rahe. Ameen.

*We hope and pray that the Farman would be released to the Jamat at the earliest opportunity*.**

*Institutional Dinner, Whitehall, London Sunday 6th July 2008*

*At the Institutional dinner, MHI spoke for around 4 minutes. *

He started by saying He was to continue on the humorous mood from yesterday.He made reference to Wimbledon tennis having coincided with His visit (*laughter in the audience*), and made a joke about a Ferrari and mother-in-law.

At the line-up he spoke to the Major and told him to 'thank my volunteers for all the hard work they had done, they were wonderful and I am very proud of them'.


Regards,
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

As received

Written by a murid........

The crowd fall silent,
intezaar Begins with faces pale.
An aeroplane flies overhead
And some small children wail.

His frame so gracefully just washes
Over each murid,
While all in unison recite
Salwaat, their souls to feed.

His collar glints with every step,
His buttons match the show;
The brightness of each flash betrays
Each of His children's glow.

And as he passes, every soul
Comes into focus fast,
And just as quick rescinds into
The blurry crowd so vast.

His third objective - senior souls -
Are our Imam's first guests;
And after thirty-eight salwaats
He turns to greet the rest.

End poverty, and achieve world peace,
of course, the other two;
Not humble goals, and in his style,
He tells us what to do.

Enthroned, a gold hue fills the screens
Not only from his eyes,
But from the throne too and the garb
of leaders by his side.

An economics lesson sets his
warnings firm in stone,
Yet just as deftly softened with a
Humour-tempered tone.

He jabs at leaders, then at us
Just as a father would,
trust each other, share the load,
just like we know we should.

To round off his instruction set
He tells us to be glad,
Reminding us to celebrate,
At this the crowd go mad!

A Fatimid rock crystal flask
Nazrana made him shine,
A plane above us made Him joke
About all nations' airlines

Then all at once, before we knew,
The stage was empty space.
He took the non-Ismailis' ear
Before he left the place.

Yet even while he sailed away
In a line of jet black yachts,
Our eyes were filled with tears of joy,
Our stomachs tied in knots.

And cos of City airport,
Many planes above us sped,
Yet throughout the glorious farman
Not one flew overhead.
Admin
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Contact:

Post by Admin »

Padhramni Announcement
Today, Tuesday 8th July saw the end of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee Padhramni to the United Kingdom when Mawlana Hazar Imam bid farewell to the Jamat this morning from Battersea Heliport. The Heads of our National and International Jamati Institutions, together with representative Mukhi-Kamadias and Mukhiani-Kamadianis were present to bid Khudavind farewell on behalf of the Jamat. Before boarding the Imamat helicopter, Mawlana Hazar Imam bid Khuda Hafez to Mukhi-Kamadias and Mukhiani-Kamadianis and asked that his best wishes be conveyed to the Jamat for a very happy and memorable Golden Jubilee Padhramni to the United Kingdom.
On this historic occasion, the Jamati Institutions and namdar Mukhi-Kamadiasahebs and Mukhiani-Kamadianisahebas convey heartiest mubaraki to the Jamat.

We also offer mubaraki to all the volunteers, both uniformed and non-uniformed, who have worked tirelessly for the goals of the Golden Jubilee Padhramni.

We recognise, and greatly appreciate, the restraint shown by the Jamat in not congregating at venues where Mawlana Hazar Imam was present for official engagements.

The Jamat’s and the Volunteers’ generosity of spirit and goodwill have helped us to make Mawlana Hazar Imam happy during the Padhramni. Heartiest Mubaraki to each and every member of the Jamat for this achievement.

Mawlana Hazar Imam’s official engagements began on Thursday, 3rd July, when Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the Foreign Secretary, David Milliband at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. After the meeting, Mawlana Hazar Imam attended a celebratory lunch at Lancaster House which was given in his honour by the Government. The lunch was hosted on behalf of the Government by Jack Straw, the Secretary of State for Justice, and was attended by senior Government dignitaries. In welcoming Mawlana Hazar Imam to the lunch, Jack Straw paid fulsome tribute to Mawlana Hazar Imam for his humanitarian work. That afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the Prime Minsiter, Gordon Brown, at Downing Street.

On the evening of Thursday 3rd July, Mawlana Hazar Imam hosted the Imamat Dinner at which he thanked the British Government, and many other partners and donors who have supported the Aga Khan Development Network over the years. Mawlana Hazar Imam was accompanied by Prince Amyn, Prince Rahim, Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya. The dinner was attended by the former Prime Minister, Baroness Margaret Thatcher; the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities, and Skills John Denham; the Secretary-General of the Council of the European Union Javier Solana; Ambassadors from many countries and other senior dignitaries from arts, civic societies, Faith communities and industry. Addressing the gathering, Mawlana Hazar Imam referred to the progress made by the United Kingdom Jamat in the last 50 years and also talked about the Ismaili Centre and its work in building relations with the
wider society through sharing our cultural history and heritage. In response, the Secretary of State, John Denham, paid tribute to Mawlana Hazar Imam’s work for humanity and for the contribution our Imam has made in helping millions of people across the world.

On Friday 4th July, Mawlana Hazar Imam attended a Reception with the academic staff of the IIS and ISMC at the Ismaili Centre, and later held a meeting with the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.
Following the joyful Golden Jubilee Darbar on 5th July 2008, Mawlana Hazar Imam resumed his official engagements on Sunday, 6th July when Mawlana Hazar Imam chaired a meeting of the Leaders International forum at the Ismaili Centre. In the evening Mawlana Hazar Imam graced a dinner in his honour by our Institutions. Mawlana Hazar Imam was accompanied by Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya. During the dinner, the Ismaili Ensemble presented for the first time a special composition entitled Armaghan which is a Persian word meaning “The Gift”. The piece was specially commissioned by us to commemorate Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee Padhramni to the United Kingdom. The musical score, together with a CD of this special composition, were presented to Mawlana Hazar Imam at the dinner. In his remarks Mawlana Hazar Imam said that this had been a very happy visit, and he commended the United Kingdom Jamat for its support for the global Jamat over the last 50 years. Mawlana Hazar Imam also asked that the musical piece Armaghan is played for the Jamat at appropriate occasions and we will be organising this in due course.

Yesterday, Monday 7th July, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the Secretary of State for International Development, Douglas Alexander. In the afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam received David Cameron, Leader of the Conservative Party, at the Ismaili Centre. In the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam attended a dinner held in his honour by Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace which was attended by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Andrew. Mawlana Hazar Imam was accompanied by Prince Amyn, Princess Yasmin, Prince Rahim, Prince Hussain, Princess Khaliya and Princess Zahra. Mawlana Hazar Imam was received most warmly by Her Majesty and was accorded the utmost respect at this special event.

The Jamati Institutions and namdar Mukhi-Kamadiasahebs and Mukhiani-Kamadianisahebas convey heartiest mubaraki to the Jamat for Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee Padhramni to the United Kingdom Jurisdiction.
xaf
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Joined: Mon Jul 04, 2005 2:10 am

Post by xaf »

Admin wrote:Padhramni Announcement
We recognise, and greatly appreciate, the restraint shown by the Jamat in not congregating at venues where Mawlana Hazar Imam was present for official engagements.
Shame on whoever has uttered those words!
First of all, jamat was kept in the dark about Mowla's programmes and engagements. So many jamati members lusting to get a glimpse of Mowla here and there became sad and disillusioned. And now you have the audacity to thank the jamat for not congregating. Shame on you, whoever you are...
We sadly miss the days of leaders such as the late Diwan Sir Eboo who would actually open up the gates of Mowla's bungalow in Nairobi and allow the jamat to line up in the actual drive-way. It was the same Mowla. Infact, in those days He was even busier, at the peak of all His projects. Therefore shame on today's leaders for their narrowmindedness and very, very, very small hearts! And for becoming deliberately deaf and blind towards the fact that our beloved Mowla loves and adores His jamat and becomes more and more happy to see His jamat everywhere He goes.
My only prayer in this jubilee to my beloved Mowla is: Please Mowla, make our leaders nice and grant them compassion and generosity towards the jamat.
All of you join me in saying Ameen from the bottom of your hearts so that Mowla may grant this wish.
deal588
Posts: 12
Joined: Sat Jun 18, 2005 4:25 pm

Ameen

Post by deal588 »

I agree <FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: lawngreen" color=mediumblue>AMEEN</FONT>[/b]
kmaherali
Posts: 25107
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

As received.

Account of another non-Ismaili...

July 5, 2008: the most amazing day of my life, the deedar. I wanted to share my happiness and experience with my friends and family.

Few days before the deader i talk to one of my in-laws my Fib in Vancouver and she told me that Agha Khan will come to see non Ismail's as he has in the past Deedar's. Hearing that i was daydreaming and thinking how would it be like seeing him. The night before the deader, i told Karim my husband, i have a feeling that i will see Mullah bap very close up and if i get chance to talk to him i will tell him that he came in my dreams twice and now my dream came true.. BUT.. its not that easy, the moment you see him you forget everything.

This is what exactly happened.

We non Ismail's were in platinum room i would say there was about 5 to
600 of us. we all thought he will come up and see us in the room. I was talking to a friend that i met there, told her that i doubt he would come up here as the room was full and too long of away for him to get up there. I was praying that he would come up to see us as i been waiting for this day for long time. Then they announced that if we want to see him put our hands up and it is voluntary.

Not only i put my hands up i stood up as the excitement was taken over.
After few hours we all went to the exit corridor. As excited and nervous we all were i was thinking where can i stand to have a good view of him, all the front row was taken and full of people. After few minutes of panicking i thought to myself i came this close and yet so far, i would be so disappointed with myself if don't get to see him with the good view. After looking around i found place and stand behind wheelchair and i thought to myself, he will for sure will come and talk to them as they are in wheelchair, or at least i will see him clearly as he passes by.

we I've been told to refer to him as your highness and don't reach out
for him unless he offer his hand.

We were all anticipating his arrival. After few minutes i could hear some
excitement, people and cameras to my right, as he waved and talk to few people, he start walking toward us, the moment he reached us he left the red carpet and stand exactly in front of me, it was less then 1 meter to me.

With his gentle over powering voice he started by saying to us.

" The world and media makes us Muslim look really bad, then he looked
directly to me told me, don't listen to them, we are not bad people with
the very worm smile on his face.

As nervous as i was I said of course Mullah bapa. then he asked me.
I hope you are happy with your family? or Are you happy with your family, i cant remember it very well I replied i am Mullah bapa
Then he asked, if you have any question, idea or suggestion, please don't
hesitate to contact us and let us know.
I replied i will mullah papa. lol

I really wanted to reach to him, but i was so nervous and we also been told not to. Agha Khan said so much more as he was standing in front of me but i could not hear as i did not know where i was at that particular moment. As he was moving forward he give me a worm smile kind of like , that he could see and sense how nervous i was, or maybe he was wondering why am i keep calling him Mullah bapa, since i am not Ismail. :) Come to think of it, he actually didn't talk to the disabled people, but thanks to them i had great view of him and great chance to talk to him.

Then Agha Khan went out to see the volunteers. As he was leaving we were all very happy and start clapping. I was shocked,
overwhelmed and hugged a friend i met there and we were both very excited and said our goodbyes to rush and find our loved ones. I could not wait to see my husband and in-laws to share my joy, and overwhelming experience with them.

As i met Karim and Aly outside i run to them and before i could say anything they both said they saw me on TV when Agha Khan was talking to me. I told them what happened and wanted to cry so much but the moment i met my mother in-law i could not help it , i start crying, bless her she also start crying. It was tears of joy for both of us. At that point i was looking for my father in law and could not wait to tell him about it. We also had my husbands uncle and his wife there from Canada Ada and wadi ma, they were also very happy and over joyed. Our family and friend start hugging me and wanted to know what Agha Khan said to me. Every time i was trying to tell some one about it the treas would flow. it took me few hours to calm down. Now two weeks after dedaar there is not a day goes by that i don't think about it and replay the moment in my mind.

I never felt anything like that in my life. I am so lucky and blessed to have such opportunity and great experience in my life. I wish for all Ismaili and non Ismaili to experience what i have experienced.

It is difficult to describe my feeling and how exactly i felt at the moment, i
also know i may never have such experience in my life again.I will treasure this for the rest of my life.

I wish everyone health, wealth and happiness. I thought i share my overwhelming experience and happiness with everyone and hope you enjoyed reading this as much as i enjoyed the whole experience and writing it.

God bless

Fatana Pardhan
kmaherali
Posts: 25107
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

As recieved

Fourteen years I have waited
Waited to see my Imam
I yearn for my Mowla
My heart cries out for Him

My eyes longed to see him for so long
But my heart longed for Him even more
For He is the one who gives Mushkil Asaan
Carrying us through the troubles of this world

Three hours I had to prepare
The Intezaari programme then began
My family (physical and spiritual) were in my prayers
Tasbihs, Ginans, Qasidas and Quranic Ayats were recited

Ya Raheman, Ya Raheem
Ya Aale Nabi, Aulade Ali, Ya Mushkil Khusha, Ya Hazir Imam
Ya Ali tu Rahem Kar, Ya Mowla tu Fazal Kar
Ya Allah, Ya Wahab, Ya Ali, Allahu Samad

Ya Wadud, Ya Mawjud
Allahu Akbar, Subhan Allah, Al Hamdulillah
Allahuma Sale Allah Muhammediw Wa Aale Muhammed
Shrukan Lillah Walhamdu Lillah

Hazir Imam came to see us in the evening
Wearing his magnificent white Darbar clothes
How glowing he looked on this happy occasion
The anticipation and wait was finally over

The Salwaat was recited
As He walked through the long magnificent hall
'Khanavadhan', I heard Him say
As he walked past all His murids

My heart danced with joy
My eyes cried tears of happiness
My Imam had finally come to see me
I felt like I was in a dream

Hazir Imam's chain was placed around His neck
A chain that represents the Imamat
The magnificent light of Allah
Since our first Imam, Imam Ali (a.s.)

A Ginan full of love was recited
'Saheba Ji Tun More Maan Bhave'
Surat al Nisaa was partly recited
How serious our Imam looked

The president made an address
He talked about what our Imam has done for us
So much work he does for His murids
But do we even try to do as much in return?

Hazir Imam then made a Firman
How wonderful it was to hear Him speak
How much does He care for us?
It is an unquantifiable amount

He showered us with so many blessings
Each one of us individually
And to each member of our families and Jamats
He truly has spoilt us

But what have I given Him
For the unconditional love He freely gives us ?
What have I done to reciprocate this?
I am not deserving of such love

He gives us so much of His time
So why can't we recognise this?
Why is this relationship so one-sided?
I am not worthy of His love

A fruit offering was made
Then an offering by some of the European Jamats
The Nazrana was given to our Imam
He blessed the water and gave us Niyaz

Once more he blessed us individually
How fortunate we are to receive this
No worldly relation comes close to this kind
It is one of spiritual only

Then it was time for our Imam to leave
An hour had gone by but it felt like a minute
My heart danced at having received his Didar
Shukar Mowla, He blessed us with His presence

He walked through the long hall again
Giving us even more blessings
Just how much He spoils us!
We are not worthy of such kindness

He gave blessings to those who were sick
Blessings of Mushkil Asaan
Tears continued to roll down my face
My Imam had been to visit

He went to His private room
Whilst the Jamat sang a Ginan
We all stood to say Shukar tasbih
For receiving our Imam's didar

My Imam came to visit and left very quickly
But he hasn't left me at all - He's still by my side
Whenever I need Him, He is there for me
And I just have to call Him with my heart

(author anonymous)
kmaherali
Posts: 25107
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Updates from theismaili.org.
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/505/Jamat ... ilee-visit

Jamat rejoices during Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visit

A volunteer welcomes an elderly member of the Jamat and offers assistance. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for the UK

Mawlana Hazar Imam's recent Golden Jubilee visit to London was a time of celebration for the Jamats of the United Kingdom, Europe, and the global Jamat that came to join in the festivities.

With Jamati members visiting from many countries, ExCeL London became a focal point for a global gathering of murids who rejoiced at the accomplishments of the Imam and the community over the past 50 years.

Prior to the Jubilee visit itself, the volunteers from across the United Kingdom prepared to welcome and accommodate the Jamat from around the world. Some rehearsed for Taarif, a special cultural programme. Others helped to set up the hall, create sustenance packages, operate registration desks and telephone information lines, and greet and orient Jamati members as they arrived.

The hard work, dedication, and preparation of the many volunteers was evident during the visit. The Jamat rejoiced as they played raas, partook in meals together, and got to know their brothers and sisters from around the world.

“This was such a happy occasion, and I must thank the volunteers for all their hard work,” remarked one Jamati member from Canada. “The whole week of celebrations was extremely well-organised, and everyone had a smile on their face.”

These sentiments were echoed by Jamati members from around the world, a testament to the dedication of the many volunteers that made it possible.

One volunteer from London summed it up well: ”It was a lot of hard work, but it was our pleasure to do this kind of service for our beloved Imam, who has done so much for us already.”


Decorations are hung at ExCeL London in preparation for Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visit. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for the UK

Volunteers prepare food trays for the Jamat during the visit. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for the UK

A volunteer smiles as she serves food at ExCeL London. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for the UK

Children participate in creative activities such as tasbih-making and face painting. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for the UK
kmaherali
Posts: 25107
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

As received

I, myself was born a Sunni Muslim and have been married to a Shia Ismaili man for over nine years. We both felt that there was no great need for me to adopt the Ismaili faith as being a Muslim there wouldn’t be a real disruption or clash in our beliefs. We have two children (who thanks to my brother-in-law!) were brought into the Ismaili faith. The children would now and again along with my husband attend Jamatkhane. I, myself would attend on big occasions but always felt a little barrier. I wasn’t able to be with my family in the prayer hall so I kind of stuck out like a sore thumb when I was sat waiting downstairs on my own! With work commitments, and the fact that we lived so far away from Jamatkhane, we didn’t attend regularly so in a sense it was not a main part of our life.

Golden Jubilee celebrations were going to be taking place in London later in the year and months before all I knew was that we would be attending and one day during that week Hazar Imam would be attending. I will be honest with you at this stage to me it was a formality to be there. Again I knew that I would be segregated and my duty was to make sure that my husband and children had a great experience. I was happy for my husband as he had explained what a massive occasion this was for Ismaili’s. I was happy for him but I didn’t think anything else of it.

When the time came for the Deedar we had major work commitments, lots of different things were going on but we knew that dates had been confirmed so we knew when to go. My husband insisted that we completely switch off from work and start to enjoy the experience as this was a once in our lifetime event celebrating 50 years of Hazar Imam’s Imamat. Now switching off from work is hard for us as we both work live and breathe our Business but we both switched off. I became excited for once about the prospect of meeting Hazar Imam, as my husband and sister-in-law had said to me that Hazar Imam always makes a point of speaking to the non Ismaili spouses and I would probably get a chance to speak to Hazar Imam, now being the one who was always left out I felt like the special one. All of a sudden I had a spark inside me, I was excited too, I was happy too.

As many people may have experienced it was very difficult to get hotel rooms in London that week, but small miracles started to happen. My brother-in-law was able to get us a room at a hotel whose website I was on at the time and I knew had no rooms available! The whole journey, the hospitality we were shown by the hotel staff, was so pleasant. We were only 10 minutes away from London Excel. We attended the evening celebrations before the Deedar day and enjoyed being with friends and family. Everything was so well organised. It was a pleasure to be part of the experience.














On Deedar day we got to Excel in good time everything was going smoothly. The night before me and my husband had checked out the Platinum Suite where the non Ismaili spouses would be housed during the Deedar. I had felt slightly disappointed as there were escalators and stairs to go up the two floors, I remember telling my husband and sister-in-law that there was no way that Hazar Imam would see us as they wouldn’t bring Him up the escalators! However, I had to make the effort for my husband and children remembering it wasn’t about me. They were here to celebrate the Golden Jubilee and do Deedar, but the spark had been lit inside me I now wanted more. As time went on my lovely husband came with me to the Platinum Suite, making sure I was okay but now had to leave me to enter the Darbaar Hall with the children, has it was nearing the time of Hazar Imam’s arrival. I decided to walk back down with them. I felt a tinge of sadness when saying our goodbyes but I was also happy for them as I had begun to realise what everything was all about.

As I made my way back up the escalators I spent some time looking at the paintings that were on display but quickly realised that I had seen them before so I didn’t feel like pondering. I had to face the inevitable and make my way up to the Platinum Suite and sit it out. I got myself a drink, they were playing a children’s film I remember thinking great they could have at least put on a Bollywood movie! I decided to ensure I got a seat on the front row as there was a microphone stand and I felt that if Hazar Imam was to visit the Platinum Suite to address us I wanted a front row seat.

Now I believe that everything that took place that day happened for a reason as you will go on to find. I sat on the front row and eventually a lady arrived and sat next to me next to her family. She spoke to me and I conversed with her, a little while later another lady approached us and sat with us who I began chatting to also. I remember feeling a little pressured to continue conversing with the first lady, and trying to involve her in conversations whilst I chatted with my new friend, just to be polite! Now I am a naturally bubbly person I like to say it how it is also and I had met another lady so similar she was lovely. I was really touched by her pureness and want in meeting Hazar Imam. She wasn’t even Muslim and referred to Him has Hazar Imam, now I never did as I felt that being Sunni Muslim He wasn’t my Imam so I would always refer to him as The Aga Khan. We spoke about our disappointment in being upstairs and had both felt that they wouldn’t bring Hazar Imam upstairs.











As time went on a couple of volunteers came to the stand and explained to us that there would be an opportunity for us to see Hazar Imam as He left the building. This was the moment we (me and my friend) had been waiting for! We listened and concentrated so hard to their every word. They said that they would have to wait for a call when they knew Hazar Imam would be leaving the building and we would have only 10 minutes to get down the stairs and to the designated area. They just had to work out the logistics of getting so many people down in a safe and orderly manner. A little while later the volunteers even came back and asked for a show of hands who would actually want to see Hazar Imam. I would say 90% of the people in the room raised their hands so that confirmed it they would have to organise it for us.

That was it from then on me and my friend made it our mission to ensure we were the first to get down those stairs. We joked so much about it I laugh now just thinking of it. We were so alike, just as I had wanted to sit on the front row so had she in fact she later had said to me that when she was looking for a seat she had clocked me and thought that I didn’t look like part of the family who were sat next to me and maybe I to was on my own so she felt comfortable approaching the seats near me. I truly believe that we were both meant to meet as you will realise as you read on.

As time passed we decided now that it was time to start making our way towards the doors leading out to the escalators as we both knew that that would give us a head start to get downstairs. I said goodbye to the other lady sat with me and we went towards the exit. We both got ourselves a drink and tried to act normal as we kept edging more and more towards the escalators!

A little more time passed, whilst we were chatting my friend spots her husband racing up the stairs with their little daughter! He looked stressed and the little girl looked even more stressed knowing her father was leaving her. I remember thinking oh no there’s no chance of us being allowed at the front now as the volunteers would make us stand at the back because they wouldn’t want crying children making noise as Hazar Imam was leaving! I quickly searched my tiny bag (beautiful but highly impractical!) for something to give the little girl to console her. Great, I had found my sons last opal fruit he had asked me to save for him. That had done the trick she had started to calm down. Within minutes of the little girl being dropped to her mother the volunteers started gathering everybody to give instructions. They wanted parents with children to make their way down the escalators first! We couldn’t believe it. I quickly became the little girls Auntie and we made our way down. From that moment on I knew I was going to see and meet Hazar Imam I knew it and I believed it.










Again me and my friend and her lovely daughter found ourselves front of the queue. There was security at the bottom doors and we weren’t allowed to go through until the ok was given. It was still quite away from the actual exit so I knew we would still need to rush to get a good spot. We were so excited we spoke to an elderly lady who briefed us on an experience she had had at a previous Deedar and said how it can get quite messy as people would push and shove you out of the way just to be near or get a glimpse of Hazar Imam. I was taken aback why non Ismailis would be so desperate to see Hazar Imam.

It was time to open the doors, the volunteers said first to be allowed out to make their way to the line up were elderly people, people in wheelchairs and parents with children in pushchairs and then the rest could follow. My friend hesitated as we had no pushchair I looked on as the elderly lady ran towards the designated area she turned back to see if we were following I grabbed my friends arm and pulled her and we ran for it! I was elated the whole way through this was all meant. We got a fantastic spot at the front(…of course!) by the side of us were people in wheelchairs everybody was so excited there was such a buzz, we watched as all the uniformed volunteers were lining up outside. I was trying to look out for my sister-in-law and two nieces as they had been volunteering throughout the Golden Jubilee Celebrations in London.

Whilst waiting I started to feel a mixture of emotions, nervousness, joy, overwhelming feelings. I felt like any second I could burst into tears. I even joked about it with my friend. Me and my friend practised speeches and looked at each other in amazement as we relayed to each other the way we had got to where we were. Her daughter now was as quiet as a mouse. I told my friend that I knew and believed Hazar Imam would address us because of our story, I knew it and felt it in my heart and soul.

I, a Sunni Muslim was about to see the 49th Imam a direct descendant of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) that was huge. Wow, me I couldn’t believe it that moment onwards I believed. If you do not already understand it is like meeting The Prophet (p.b.u.h) or Hazrat Ali themselves as had I been born 1400 years ago and the Prophet (p.b.u.h) was going to come to the town we lived in you think we wouldn’t have dropped everything to go and see Him or even just being in the surrounding areas that He was in, to feel the Spirit, to feel the Noor and listen to what He told us and what He wanted us to do to stay in God’s Path. Well this was the same thing as I was born in this age in Hazar Imam’s time, so this to me was exactly the same thing. That spark inside me was now glowing brightly.

Hazar Imam was leaving shortly the volunteers came down the line and briefed us on etiquette how to address him not to try and touch him etc. I remember saying to the man I hope He comes towards us and speaks to us and he said if you are blessed He will.

The time was here Hazar Imam appeared. The first section of people were clambering over one another to shake his hand. He spoke to them and then proceeded down the red carpet. This was it, it was our turn Hazar Imam was led down the carpet and came off the carpet and walked straight towards us. My heart was beating so fast I could feel it in my throat!

Hazar Imam was so happy to see us as he approached we all clapped as if it was a natural thing to do and we all did it spontaneously. I was delighted I felt so so happy I was grinning like a Cheshire cat. My Hazar Imam was stood right in front of me He spoke to us with such a kind and gentle voice. He wanted us to be more involved in the things they did as a community and an organisation. He wanted to know if we had any suggestions to put them forward as He wanted people like us to be involved. I was mesmerised I was glued to every word He spoke. He looked at me a few times while speaking to us and I felt electric. I was gleaming I felt I had received. This was it this was my chance to speak I felt this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, my family would be so proud of me. So when the time was right and Hazar Imam was finishing what he said He looked at me as though He knew I was going to speak and I said it would be a great pleasure to be part of it and it was an honour to have met Him. He smiled at me again I felt electric He thanked me and I was gleaming has He left us to speak to others further down, we clapped again we were ecstatic. I was grinning from ear to ear we watched him leave. Although his physical form had left the building I felt that I had received and felt that Noor and Spirit inside of me although He had gone I was still happy I still felt his presence. My friend was ecstatic as while Hazar Imam had addressed us His hand had brushed against her arm, she felt electric, we were so filled with joy and emotion. All we wanted to do then was find our families and share the experience with them we hugged one another and said our goodbyes and left to search for our families.

I had arranged to wait in the Platinum Suite for my husband and children. All I could do was think of how I was going to tell them. They would be so happy and amazed that I had met Hazar Imam I had spoken to Him he had spoken and looked and smiled at me. Wow me the non Ismaili spouse always sat away from everyone, always kept out. I was gleaming still smiling infectiously. I found my husband and children, as I approached my husband and children he was smiling back and I remember saying you are not going to believe what happened to me and he said I know I saw you on the screen! I couldn’t understand we didn’t realise but at the time every thing was being filmed and streamed back live into the screens in the Darbaar hall. I was overjoyed I felt in a way that in that respect my family had experienced what I had experienced too. I relayed the whole story to him, I was on a high even when writing this I feel the same elation as though it happened today.

We went to the celebration hall to meet with other family and friends. My sister-in-law and nieces ran towards me so full of joyous emotions they too had seen me on the screen I hugged them tight. I was so happy, they too had shared my experience with me. All evening I would relay my story again and again. I actually started to edit to a very short and revised version as I had fast realised that I would lose my voice otherwise!







I was still smiling I felt elated I felt different. I was a new person my whole life had changed. I was happy a happiness I had never experienced. I was at peace I was calm I felt wise I felt I had a purpose. This was the start of my journey this was the start of me being on God’s Path. I loved life. That evening the journey home was so spiritual. My husband and I talked and talked about Hazar Imam about Ismailism about God about Religion in such a deep and meaningful way. I told my husband that I felt different so so different. He knew he could see it just by looking at me.

Going back to real life, work commitments were still there, the busy lifestyle we had led was still there. But something had changed, a whole big weight had been lifted off my shoulders I had no worries in the world. How is something going to effect me when I had the Spirit and Noor with me guiding me, protecting me all the time. Remember, I had gone to London as a duty to my husband and children and God had rewarded me with so so much more.

I said to my husband that I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to be more giving. I wanted Hazar Imam to be pleased that we were wanting to help and make a difference to peoples lives whether in a monetary form or in a spiritual form. I had never been a greedy person, but obviously had desires for nice things and wanted to earn money to be able to have those nice things. Now I had changed my principles. My outlook on life had changed I now wanted to earn money to be able to afford to make a difference to a poor family or pay for a sick person’s medicine for example. I would feel much happier in doing that then buying material things for myself. My love for money had disappeared.

I now wanted to be the person in our family that brought us together and united us in our faith. Although if you recall at the start of my story I mentioned we felt that there was no need for me to adopt the Ismaili faith. We now realised that that was what had been missing in our lives for all those years. We needed to become One. I told my husband that I now realised and knew that this was a once in a lifetime occasion and never again would there be a Golden Jubilee Celebration for our Hazar Imam and we must go to the next Deedar. It so clicked to me why my Brother-in-law would drop everything to go and do Deedar in all the different Countries previous to the London Deedar. I so understood the love he felt for the Imam because I felt that same love for the Imam too.

Mine and my husband’s outlook on life changed after the London Deedar. We had all our faith in our God in our Prophet (pbuh) in Hazarat Ali and in all our Imams right up to the present 49th Imam. We believed our prayers would be answered even before saying our prayers. We realised that during the years when times were hard if we had problems in the Business we would pray but when everything was good we weren’t that spiritual. We realised that faith or being an Ismaili did not have an on and off switch, you can’t just switch on when you need help when you need guidance but switch off when you don’t need it. A lot of things happen to us which I would like to keep private, things which only made our faith so much stronger and made us so much happier.



We now were going to make a big change to our lives as this was our Destiny. We dropped everything, we prioritised ourselves for a change and made it our mission to go to the Portugal Deedar. We registered got the dates but soon realised all flights had gone and the ones that were available were extremely expensive. We spent hours on the Wednesday night trying to get flights and hotels but weren’t able to do so. We went to sleep that night knowing that if it is God’s will we would go. The Deedar in Portugal was going to be on Sunday we were on Thursday and we really knew that we were cutting it fine.

As we travelled to work that morning discussing how we could get flights to different areas and then maybe get connecting flights to Lisbon our phone rang it was a travel agent I had called the night before but they hadn’t called me back. I explained to the lady that we had to be in Lisbon on such and such dates and please get us the flights and accommodation. She was lovely I explained that we had scoured the internet and she was our only hope. She said she would look into it and would call me back later that morning.

Now, because we led such busy lives and worked so hard we rarely went abroad for holidays as work commitments didn’t allow us to and in mine and my husband’s heart not once did we look at this as a holiday this to us was like a pilgrimage. I actually remember thinking that I shouldn’t be bothered at the cost of the trip so I wasn’t as the whole experience would be priceless. We knew God would make a way for us to be there.

Many conversations later our flights plus accommodation were booked all we had to do was organise a car, coach or flight to Lisbon on the day of the Deedar. We would be flying the next morning at 6am, we were over the moon we were excited. I was feeling the same sense of elation I had felt in London.

That night I didn’t sleep I spent the whole night ironing our clothes, packing our case and making sure we had everything organised. We were ecstatic, early in the morning at 3am we left for the airport, not happy about going abroad but happy we were going to be able to do Deedar again because we had immense love for our Hazar Imam, Love for our faith - Islam.

When we landed in Portugal we tried to organise ways of getting to Lisbon so had managed to get all the relevant information we needed to make sure we got to the Deedar. If you remember I said that because of heavy work commitments we never got the chance to go abroad for a holiday. We now know and believe that God gave us a gift He knew the way in which we came to do Deedar in Portugal and we truly believe that He rewarded us with a holiday as we got the chance to stay on a wonderful beach resort for two days prior to going to Lisbon for the Deedar. The children were over the moon they loved the whole experience as so did we. The people were so nice to us, I’ll always remember our time there.

The hotel we were staying at the bus stop for the coach leaving to Lisbon only happened to be right outside! We left late Saturday afternoon. We had a fantastic four hour trip in a luxury coach to Lisbon, they even played Spiderman 3 movie, my sons all time favourite superhero! So the whole journey was pleasant. We got a train after that. It was a great adventure for us and we were finally at our destination.

That evening at the Hall we met a man who became our companion for the evening along with his sister we decided to go and eat together, it was late but we wanted to eat Nando’s style chicken being in Portugal and all! We had found a place and believe it or not whilst there met the Mukhi Sahib and his wife. He was the Mukhi Sahib for the Dharkhane Jamat for Lisbon and they would be like the main hosts for Hazar Imam during the Deedar to Portugal. They were so kind to us. We felt quite honoured to have met him the night before the Deedar.

Our Children were now getting quite sleepy and it was time for us to make our way to the Hotel where my husband’s mother, brother and family were staying. On the way to the hotel the taxi in which we were travelling drove into oncoming traffic that was coming from the left of us. Thank God the car that was about to collide into us miraculously braked sharply and stopped within a hairs breadth of us! God had saved us we were quite shocked the poor taxi driver was pretty shaken up too. We slept well that night it had been a long day.

The next morning was Deedar day, we were excited again my husband and children would get a chance to see Hazar Imam and hear Him address them. It really is such a special and auspicious occasion for Ismaili’s, I hope you the reader knows this. I had obviously prepared myself for the fact that I may not see Hazar Imam this time and also if the non Ismaili spouses did get an opportunity maybe this time I wouldn’t be so lucky and may well be right at the back. Honestly I really believe though that just to be in the same Country as Hazar Imam was an honour for me, as I felt his presence always since London.

We got to the Hall and believe it or not we soon realised that I to, like my husband and children had been given an Ismaili card as opposed to a non Ismaili card this gave me entry to the Darbar Hall. It was without saying we would never take advantage of that how could I be there I couldn’t cheat the system, there are reasons why non Ismailis do not enter the Darbaar Hall during prayers and the Deedar and I now had great respect for that. We ourselves, fast realising that the next doors led to the Darbaar, approached volunteers and explained that I needed to be shown where to go as I was a non Ismaili. Eventually after quite a trek we were put on a bus and driven to the area. My husband and children got off a stop before my stop and the bus was now pretty empty I sat looking back waving to my family happy for them but yet again a little sad but realised that I would have to face the inevitable again and sit it out!

The Marquee that we were housed in was lovely a lot of effort had been made. I managed to get a seat on the front row, I was becoming quite good at this don’t forget! A lot more people were coming in and they soon ran out of chairs so a lot of people were stood crowding the entrance. A volunteer spoke in Portuguese and thankfully later came back and spoke in English explaining that there maybe a chance for us to see Hazar Imam. But that was it, I didn’t know how or when or where so I felt a little vulnerable. I really didn’t know what was happening they closed the Marquee entrance and a while later re-opened them then people started to leave, I wasn’t sure what was happening I decided to walk out too.

To my amazement our Marquee was actually right outside the area where Hazar Imam would be exiting. There was a red carpet area and people started to line up, I too lined up I got a space right at the front and pretty level to the path that Hazar Imam would be walking down. I couldn’t believe it, again I was starting to feel exhilarated.

The volunteers came down the line and explained that it may not be for an hour or so before Hazar Imam would be leaving so if we wished we could wait back in the Marquee. I said I would wait as did a few others. I remember a man to the side of me who stood the whole while waiting patiently to see Hazar Imam. I decided to sit on the floor as ladies reading can understand my sandals were getting quite uncomfortable! I had a tasbi and during the time I waited I prayed. I felt so much at peace I felt so spiritual I felt so happy. While I sat there a young lady approached me and sat with me saying she to would join me to sit on the floor as it seemed like a good idea. I told her that I had this spot now and wasn’t going to lose it! Once again I met a lovely person who I became friends with during my wait to see Hazar Imam. We spoke a lot about Faith she was a Christian and I told her of my experiences in London. We shared a laugh and a joke as well and the time passed pleasantly.

Again the volunteers came down the line making sure we all knew the proper etiquette etc when and if Hazar Imam would address us. Now every body was standing back outside waiting for Hazar Imam. The time was near this time I felt so emotional yet I was composed I also knew that I would be seeing Hazar Imam again and He would see me, I knew it I just knew. I remember hearing a helicopter above and the security and bodyguards were all around yet that moment, I knew that if any lunatic or terrorist had tried to do or sabotage this auspicious occasion, I would happily shield or take a bullet for my Imam as I know many of you would too and like many of you I have unconditional love for my Hazar Imam.

The uniformed volunteers and scouts all rushed into position, the doors opened and after a short while Hazar Imam appeared I felt I knew Him so well at this stage I was so happy to see Him again. He went to address the volunteers the camera man was filming this time I knew there was a possibility it was being shown live on the screens inside so I was excited at the prospect of my family seeing what was happening outside. As Hazar Imam was led down the carpet He saw me, He knew me He knew I was there. I am not speaking in a physical sense I mean spiritually.















As He was led away he looked over at me again. I was smiling I was so happy He went to the start of the line and spoke to people and made His way towards us and then stood right in front of me I was in the presence of Hazar Imam again, it was unbelievable. Again I had that Cheshire cat grin on my face I was locked in His every kind and gentle word He looked and smiled at me whilst speaking to us in His beautiful voice. Again I received I was so high I felt I was elevating I listened attentively to His words again I wanted to speak to him as He explained how Islam was a Religion of peace and has He was drawing to a close I said to Him that we could see that what He portrayed was very peaceful and it showed that it was a Religion of peace and that it was a pleasure to be in His presence. He smiled at me and thanked me for my kind words. I looked in His eyes and again I received. I smiled as He went away to meet and greet others He waved at us all and left. We waved back and I felt complete. Again I hugged my friend and said goodbye. We were excited about meeting our families and telling them what had happened. I was walking on air I was smiling so much I couldn’t wait to see my family. I remember thinking if it hadn’t been shown on the screen they would be so shocked to hear me tell them that I had met and spoken to Hazar Imam again!

I had arranged to meet my husband in a certain spot inside so I waited patiently for him as I waited I watched people whilst still gleaming and smiling. My family were approaching me, my husband my children, my bother-in-law and sister-in-law and their children. As I saw them I knew they had seen it on the screen I hugged each and everyone of them there was so much emotion about what had happened they were so happy for me and I for them. I knew that my life would never be the same again.

Coming back to England me and my husband went back to our lives that we had left behind again we were not the same people just as when we came back from London Deedar we had changed this Portugal Deedar had completed our change.

Now we are so much happier both in personal and our Business lives we have so much more spirituality which we share with each other and our children. We love giving Dason we give it with a smile knowing that it will make a difference to people’s lives. My husband and children regularly attend Jamatkhane. We are in the process of moving to a new home which is ironically two minutes from Jamatkhane, we had started to purchase this many months before the London Deedar. We are always listening to beautiful tasbihs and a song cd (which was compiled by volunteers to celebrate the Golden Jubilee), in the home or in the car on journeys and we often all sing a long to them. We have Hazar Imam with us every minute of every day for Guidance we are so fortunate that we have the Noor in us. I hope that you the reader if still searching close your eyes, open your heart, open your soul and receive it because its always been there beside, you just have to Believe.







Our faith is the main foundation in our lives that everything is built on now and we wouldn’t have it any other way. I have had many discussions with my husband about our experiences and with my brother-in-law and sister-in law. I remember my brother-in-law saying to me right now you are the talk of the town it wont always be like this, some people will want to take it away from you, there are a lot of politics and people may offend you and hurt your feelings. I said it would never change me nobody can or could ever take my soul away from me. I would just smile at them.

Now I wake up I smile, I drive I smile, I work I smile, I pray I smile. My journey has begun and I’m loving every minute of it becoming an Ismaili now is a mere formality, I love life and am unafraid of death.

My whole life has changed. I have changed……. I feel I have been Born Again.


For my loving husband and beautiful children who I love and cherish, for my brother-in-law, my sister-in-law my true friend, and for all those people who Believe……
zeeshan30
Posts: 15
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2008 7:50 am

Post by zeeshan30 »

fantastic post this-brought tears to my eyes...
AlyMadad
Posts: 51
Joined: Mon May 26, 2008 1:27 pm

Post by AlyMadad »

[quote="kmaherali"]As received

I, myself was born a Sunni Muslim and have been married to a Shia Ismaili man for over nine years. We both felt that there was no great need for me to adopt the Ismaili faith as being a Muslim there wouldn’t be a real disruption or clash in our beliefs. We have two children (who thanks to my brother-in-law!) were brought into the Ismaili faith. The children would now and again along with my husband attend Jamatkhane. I, myself would attend on big occasions but always felt a little barrier. I wasn’t able to be with my family in the prayer hall so I kind of stuck out like a sore thumb when I was sat waiting downstairs on my own!

dear sister !
Yous see that now and undrestand the noor and lights of happiness from MHI and you enjoy it in every moment of your life, that now you have in your daily life a head.
You and your family are more happy for these Darbars visit Because MHI knew that something is disturbing in your heart/mind and by talking to you directly to see into your eyes which is eyes always has a direct contact to the heart now there is no distubing thing in your heart / mind.
But you have to know that you are the one that lucky person had this apertunity of that moment.
don't thing that you were a non ismaily muslim and you are not part of our comunnity or else.
I have to give you an exmple in Portugal Darbar that one ismaily family with kids came from other euroup country for the didar and darbar in Portugal (She was prepared early sunday morning with family and sitting in the Hotel room up to 10:30 / 11:00 o'clock then cames to the Darbar Hall asking what time MHI is coming? OH Mawla it was a difficult answer to give that the Didar is already done She was crying but was too late .)

and we all know that in Portugal around 10 to 20 km any where you go around of Darbar hall you can see all Jamats is walking , and in evey single hotel you stay there were jamats staying and also that person was able to set in the Darbar hall with other Jamats but she wasn't that much lucky as you were on that moment of life.
IN this case you should not worry that or thing that way you are not part of our family as a Ismaily sisters and brothers and when i was reading your notes my eyes were with tears and so happy for you and your family and what your brother-in-law said to you he is right and always gives you good advise for you and your family.

Good luck and YAM
nomiali
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Sep 18, 2008 5:50 pm

Ismailies in Stockholm

Post by nomiali »

YAM

Currently I am in Stockholm, Sweden for my master studies, I wanted to know the address & timings of Stockholm Jamat Khana and if possible contact no of ismailies already in Stockholm.
jeeshanali
Posts: 86
Joined: Tue Apr 22, 2008 1:05 am

Post by jeeshanali »

Dear Nomiali

Here is your answer

Stockholm
Dua time : Fri 7.00pm
Polygonvagen 6
17500 Jarfalla

Contact: Arzina Samji Blomquist
010 46 838 9225(R)

Contact: Nassim Haque
010 46 758 10810(R)

Thanks

jeeshan
Admin
Posts: 6687
Joined: Mon Jan 06, 2003 10:37 am
Contact:

Post by Admin »

Saturday nation dated 28 November has an article on page 21 about the Dubai financial fiasco.

I quote here one sentence: "The events in Dubai in recent days are one of the hiccups if you like, one of the difficulties, which affirms that we were right to highlight the uncertainty ahead of us and that the road ahead could be a bumpy one" European Central Bank Governing Council member Athanasiois Orphanides said.

Those who attended the G.J. Didar in London more than a year ago remember the joke our Imam made about the bumpy road ahead :-)

This is how our Imam helps us live in our times, hopefully ahead of our times.
Important_Information
Posts: 60
Joined: Tue Nov 06, 2007 8:17 am

Today Unexpected Didar of Hazar Imam at Ismili centre UK

Post by Important_Information »

Today unexpected Didar of Mowlana Hazar Imam at Ismili centre London UK 6th Mar 2011 at 3.00pm.

Yes it was a day-time Mijalas today at London Darkhana and after the Biryani and Samosa, suddenly we were told that Hazar Imam is coming to the JK in few mins and within few movements MHI car came and parked in JK parking, MHI came out of the car and wave His hand with smiling face to the Jamat in the side Garden and then MHI entered in the building from side door and went towards the lift where the Jamat were waiting and had an excellent didar, MHI was very happy. The time was about 3.00pm, that time the lunch was already finished but about half of the member where still there.
I understand that many murid may think that it is not a didar; but we all know that this is also a dershan of Murshid and that is blessing for us.
We knew that MHI is in the UK for a few days but we were not expecting this unforgettable happy event so I am just sharing with world jamat and giving mubaraki to all those who were present there.
YAM
Kasim Ali
agakhani
Posts: 2059
Joined: Wed May 07, 2008 8:49 am
Location: TEXAS. U.S.A.

congratulations.

Post by agakhani »

Whether it is preprogrammed didar or unexpected/surprised didar like this, didar is didar as long as Jamats are there and MHI give blessing to jamat,
so don't think it is not a didar. Congratulations to you and peoples of that particular jamat khana who were present during this surprised didar.

As per one waez, if you see MHI in his office, in any airport, in shopping mall or any other places where jamat are not involved and if yo see him
then this seeing doesn't count as a didar, but if he give you blessing during this meeting then blessing will benefits you.
shiraz.virani
Posts: 1256
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Post by shiraz.virani »

As per one waez, if you see MHI in his office, in any airport, in shopping mall or any other places where jamat are not involved and if yo see him then this seeing doesn't count as a didar, but if he give you blessing during this meeting then blessing will benefits you.
Deedar/Didar = Vision / Glimpse / Meet someone / See someone / Darshan / and so

Who was the waezeen ?? Ill have to have a word with this guy and ask him whether he knows the meaning of Deedar/Didar in 1st place !!! :D
agakhani
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Post by agakhani »

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 Ill have to have a word with this guy and ask him whether he knows the meaning of Deedar/Didar in 1st place !!! 
You don't need to talk with this waezin rather than this you need to talk with your self.
Admin
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Post by Admin »

There is another concept of Didar. Didar is given, not taken

Imam can decide to give Didar wherever he wants to whichever he want so in a crowd of 100 people looking at the Imam, some will get his Didar and some will not. it will depend on how pure and how charged they are at the moment they see the Imam and most of all it will depend on Imam.

Imam can give Didar in a formal Mulakat or He can give Didar at the horse-race or in the street or at the Ismaili Centre. Nobody can dictate to the Imam where or when to give Didar to His Murid.
salimamotani
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Joined: Tue Dec 28, 2010 10:56 pm

Re: Today Unexpected Didar of Hazar Imam at Ismili centre UK

Post by salimamotani »

Important_Information wrote:Today unexpected Didar of Mowlana Hazar Imam at Ismili centre London UK 6th Mar 2011 at 3.00pm.

Yes it was a day-time Mijalas today at London Darkhana and after the Biryani and Samosa, suddenly we were told that Hazar Imam is coming to the JK in few mins and within few movements MHI car came and parked in JK parking, MHI came out of the car and wave His hand with smiling face to the Jamat in the side Garden and then MHI entered in the building from side door and went towards the lift where the Jamat were waiting and had an excellent didar, MHI was very happy. The time was about 3.00pm, that time the lunch was already finished but about half of the member where still there.
I understand that many murid may think that it is not a didar; but we all know that this is also a dershan of Murshid and that is blessing for us.
We knew that MHI is in the UK for a few days but we were not expecting this unforgettable happy event so I am just sharing with world jamat and giving mubaraki to all those who were present there.
YAM
Kasim Ali
really mowla gave a didar and that to unexpected. really suprised that this happened especially with what has been going on. did mowla give a firman talk to any one or anything. if you could share what he said it would be greatly appreciated
salimamotani
Posts: 20
Joined: Tue Dec 28, 2010 10:56 pm

Post by salimamotani »

shiraz.virani wrote:
As per one waez, if you see MHI in his office, in any airport, in shopping mall or any other places where jamat are not involved and if yo see him then this seeing doesn't count as a didar, but if he give you blessing during this meeting then blessing will benefits you.
Deedar/Didar = Vision / Glimpse / Meet someone / See someone / Darshan / and so

Who was the waezeen ?? Ill have to have a word with this guy and ask him whether he knows the meaning of Deedar/Didar in 1st place !!! :D

no i am sorry shiraz this is wrong. a deedar in ismaili term is just not a glimpse of mowla. it is a spiritual connection. A non ismaili cannot have the didar of mowla. many non ismailis see mowla!! are u saying they got his didar. On the streets mowla's noor (which is the deedar) cannot be seen unless ur a true murid and even at that mowla decides to let u see his noor. Only during a actual deedar does mowla lets out his noor. It is said that if a non ismaili some how was able to see the noor of mowla he would go blind.
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