The Ismaili Jamatkhana opens today and adds an aesthetic accent to Plano's landscape./ Cory Mageors
Star Community Newspapers
http://www.mckinneymessenger.com/articles/2006/08/31/plano_star-courier/news/news%2005.txt
by: Cory J. Mageors, Staff Writer
(Created: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 12:06 AM CDT)
The Ismaili Jamatkhana opens today and adds an aesthetic accent to Plano's landscape./ Cory Mageors
Today, Gov. Rick Perry and Mayor Pat Evans will speak at the new Ismaili Jamatkhana on Alma Dr. for the building's grand opening.
The Ismaili Jamatkhana is a 30,000 sq ft. building that represents the Ismaili philosophy of balance in all aspects of life.
The belief in balance is uniquely represented in the outlined patterns and geometrical structure of their latest addition to Plano architecture. Each section of the building was extensively planned out and adds another aesthetic structure to the community.
"If you notice, there are three octagons that begin at the front of the building and link to each other," said Jalal Balobool, the director of operations at the Jamatkhana. "As you enter the building, on the floor, the shapes continue to link and this is what we call the axis of the building."
The entrance itself is in the shape of an octagon. Two wings flank its left and right sides. Towards the back of the building is a bubbling fountain surrounded by a garden. Three more linked octagons create the identity of the center of a cerebral mind.
"The axis and the links themselves represent more than simple shapes," said Balbool. "They represent the balance between the spiritual and temporal beings, the foundation of the Ismaili belief."
The thought of the building as more than just concrete and metal thrown together must be considered figurative to be understood literally.
To the left of the entrance is the prayer hall, which is used for worship and is a tranquil setting. This side of the building symbolizes the spiritual balance of the Islamaili faith.
Over 1,400 storage spaces for shoes have been built for worshipers to remove their soles and woes before entering the hall.
"When going into a spiritual place, removing your shoes is like leaving what you have on them behind," said Rizwan Sheike, a member of the Islamaili community. "From the time you enter to the time you get into the prayer hall, it prepares you for meditation."
To the right of the entrance are the administrative offices and educational centers, which represent the material and social sides of life.
A social room which can be used for banquets and meetings is filled with state of the art technology, so that any occasion can be serviced. Perry and Evans will speak in this room.
Surrounding the building is a walkway which allows worshipers to take a stroll, and prepare their minds for worship.
The building was put in place by the Aga Khan Development Network, which works to benefit the community through volunteer work and program planning. Many volunteers helped in the process of planning and building the beautiful structure.
"The people of the Ismaili community spent many hours working on the Jamatkhana," said Sheike. "Just like our worship, it is not something we do; it is simply part of who we are."
The Jamatkhana can hold 1,400 people. So far they have drawn just more than 800 to worship as of last week. However, with the rapid growth of the Islam community in Plano, more will be expected.
The quality of the Plano school system is also alluring to the Ismaili community. The level of education and academic achievement is the ideal perspective for budding brilliance to nurture their minds.
"We are the fabric of Texas just like anybody else," said Sheike. "That is why we asked Gov. Perry and Mayor Evans to come. We believe strongly in good education, and that is why we decided to build this center here."