As the new Ismaili Jamatkhana's doors swung wide open yesterday, its congregation welcomed the Plano community. Gov. Rick Perry and Mayor Pat Evans as well as other city council members and religious leaders of the community were on hand for the opening ceremony.
After Perry and Evans toured the building, they met in the social room to speak about their history and hopeful future with the Ismaili community in Plano. Both Perry and Evans were at the groundbreaking for the Jamatkhana over a year ago and were excited to see that the building was completed.
"This is a great day for Plano," said Evans. "The people of Plano are going to be delighted by the design and the intricate elements throughout the building. It so successfully integrates the traditional Islamic elements and I have to say I saw a little bit of Texas architecture, too."
Dr. Mahmoud Eboo elegantly articulated his pleasure of being part of the growing Ismaili community in Texas. He is hopeful to continue building on the ideals of balance between the spiritual and temporal mind, by laying a solid and diverse foundation in Texas.
"Texas is home to a very large portion of our community," said Eboo. "The economic vitality of Texas, the excellent schools and the quality of life in this part of Northern Texas, has encouraged our members to move to Plano."
Eboo also announced that a high profile center will be opened in Houston.
This will be the first Ismaili high-profile center in the United States.
"The High-Profile Center in Houston," said Eboo, "and those in the process of being built in Glenview, Illinois and Atlanta, Georgia, are spaces that embody those principles and ideals and, God willing, will become ambassadorial spaces for all of us to engage in."
Perry seemed enthused about the opportunities of diversity that the Ismaili community brings as well. He expressed gratitude to Dr. Eboo and His Highness Aga Khan in their past and future partnership.
Having worked with the Aga Khan in building a flourishing Muslim community in Texas, Perry knows that the people in the Ismaili community are passionate about putting faith into action.
"Serving as governor of one of the most diverse states in America," said Perry. "I am often reminded that whatever differences may exist on the surface, there is a common hope for the future that dwells in the heart of every Texan. And that is to leave our children with a world that is better than the one we live in today."
After the inauguration, outside of the banquet hall, food was served and a tour was given to the patrons. This was an excellent chance for the members of the Ismaili and members of the Plano community to get to know each other.
"It's an opportunity to bring to people of different disciplines, or faiths, together in the community," said Rizwan Shiekh, a member of the Ismaili community.
From: http://www.courier-gazette.com