Heartiest Congratulations to the USA Jamat for an outstanding Golden Jubilee Celebration! What a beautiful reception our Beloved Mowla was accorded in Austin and in Atlanta at the airports. Many congratulations to all those involved in carrying this out. It truly gladdened my heart. I wish similar receptions could have been accorded to Him in Los Angeles and Chicago.
Our Beloved Mowla was indeed very very happy. His smiles were reaching His eyes. But why would He not be? The arrangements made by the US Jamat were fantastic. Indeed they were very generous as well as cordial and courteous at all times. But especially so in Chicago. We arrived at midnight and volunteers were still there at the airport. They guided us cordially and arranged for a shuttle to our hotel. The next day, at registration, the volunteers showed no irritation whatsoever at our having come so late to pick up the cards. Thereafter volunteers urged us to have refreshments before entering the Darbar hall. That was very kind of them. The refreshments were plentiful and delicious too, and volunteers kept on insisting that we take more and more. Generous snack bags were provided at the entrance to the Darbar hall and volunteers guided us courteously towards our seating area, wherein we were free to seat ourselves wherever we wanted. Upon minutes before Mowla's arrival, all the volunteers went and sat behind the jamat and not infront by the runners, as has happened in several other countries. This humility is admirable. After the Darbar, the volunteers rushed to get the snacks out and went around inviting the jamat to fortify themselves before attending the jamatkhana ceremonies. Later on, dinner was served in a smooth and organised manner and all volunteers were courteous, cordial and served portions with generosity.
As we stepped outside the Rosemont Convention Centre, we were shocked to see that the volunteers had lined up a fleet of taxi cabs for the jamat's use. In other places, it has been a nightmare getting to our hotel from the Darbar hall as there have been no arrangements for taxis and/or shuttles. This was indeed very very considerate of them. Those who attended all four Darbars like we did, will bear testimony that Mowla cracked the most jokes and was the most smiley in Chicago. This shows how happy Mowla becomes when the jamat is well looked after by the volunteers and there is generosity and consideration in arrangements.
All in all, the US Darbars were fabulous but Chicago was definitely the icing on the cake! Congratulations and Deedar Mubarak to all!
USA: Didar date, events and testimonies
Update from theismaili.org
United States of America visit
Saturday, 19 April 2008
Mawlana Hazar Imam speaks to leaders of the Jamat from across the United States, who had gathered at Atlanta`s Fulton County Airport to bid him farewell. Photo: Zahur Ramji
Having visited the states of Texas, California, Illinois and Georgia, Mawlana Hazar Imam departed the United States today, concluding his Golden Jubilee visit to the country. Leaders of the USA Jamat gathered at the airport to bid Hazar Imam an emotional farewell.
Additional photographs are available in the Texas, California, Illinois, and Georgia galleries. Also see the video of Mawlana Hazar Imam's arrival in Austin.
Friday, 18 April 2008
Mawlana Hazar Imam in conversation with an Ismaili involved in the field of Education at the reception following the IBO meeting. Salim Bhatia, Director of the Aga Khan Academies Programme looks on. Photo: Gary Otte
This morning, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with Governor Sonny Perdue and First Lady Mary Perdue of Georgia at the Governor’s Mansion. During a lunch hosted in honour of Mawlana Hazar Imam, Governor Perdue paid tribute to the Imam’s work and vision. “The Aga Khan is not only a spiritual leader to millions but also a champion for causes benefiting the developing countries of the world,” said the Governor. “His devotion to lifting up others through faith and service is an example to us all.”
Mawlana Hazar Imam thanked the Governor for his warm welcome to Georgia and expressed his appreciation for the United States’ relief efforts in Central Asia. “Islam is a faith of generosity; it is not always seen as a faith of generosity. You have an ethic of generosity in the United States. Generosity is also an ethic of our faith. Our faith reminds us constantly to care for the poor, the weak and the marginalized in society” he explained.
Also see photographs at the official website of the Governor of Georgia.
In the afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam delivered the annual Peterson Lecture to the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) at their annual meeting. The event also coincided with the 40th anniversary of the IBO.
In his speech, Mawlana Hazar Imam commented on the importance of pluralism. “Experience tells us that people are not born with the innate ability nor the wish to see the other as an equal individual in society,” he said. “Pluralism is a value that must be taught,” he added.
He also spoke about the challenges facing educationalists. "I believe that the coexistence of these two surging impulses — what one might call a new globalism on one hand and a new tribalism on the other — will be a central challenge for educational leaders in the years ahead.,” he said. “And this will be particularly true in the developing world with its kaleidoscope of different identities," he added.
Also see the press release and the full text of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s speech, as well as the speech by Dr Monique Seefried, Chairman of the IB Board of Governors on the AKDN website.
Following the lecture, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the Board of Governors of the IBO as well as educators and teachers invited to the event.
“This country is the leader in the knowledge society. I think that there probably isn’t an area of human endeavour, in which we do not have today a murid who is exceptional in his own or her own field.”In the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam was the guest of honour at a dinner hosted by the Jamati Institutions of the USA. During the dinner, guests were treated to performances of music and dance reflecting the multiple traditions within the Jamat. Hazar Imam was particularly touched by the entertainment and paid tribute to the performers who were selected from across the United States.
In his address to the gathering, President Eboo, thanked Mawlana Hazar Imam on behalf of the Jamat, for having undertaken this extensive visit to the USA. He also presented a gift to Hazar Imam on behalf of the assembled leadership.
In his address to the leadership, Mawlana Hazar Imam commented that this had been a very happy visit and expressed his admiration to the USA Jamat for the progress they have made. “This country is the leader in the knowledge society. I think that there probably isn’t an area of human endeavour, in which we do not have today a murid who is exceptional in his own or her own field.”
Upon Mawlana Hazar Imam’s departure, he posed for a photograph with the talented youth who had performed earlier in the evening. After his departure, the excitement and happiness was evident as the leadership and the youth broke into singing and dancing.
United States of America visit
Saturday, 19 April 2008
Mawlana Hazar Imam speaks to leaders of the Jamat from across the United States, who had gathered at Atlanta`s Fulton County Airport to bid him farewell. Photo: Zahur Ramji
Having visited the states of Texas, California, Illinois and Georgia, Mawlana Hazar Imam departed the United States today, concluding his Golden Jubilee visit to the country. Leaders of the USA Jamat gathered at the airport to bid Hazar Imam an emotional farewell.
Additional photographs are available in the Texas, California, Illinois, and Georgia galleries. Also see the video of Mawlana Hazar Imam's arrival in Austin.
Friday, 18 April 2008
Mawlana Hazar Imam in conversation with an Ismaili involved in the field of Education at the reception following the IBO meeting. Salim Bhatia, Director of the Aga Khan Academies Programme looks on. Photo: Gary Otte
This morning, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with Governor Sonny Perdue and First Lady Mary Perdue of Georgia at the Governor’s Mansion. During a lunch hosted in honour of Mawlana Hazar Imam, Governor Perdue paid tribute to the Imam’s work and vision. “The Aga Khan is not only a spiritual leader to millions but also a champion for causes benefiting the developing countries of the world,” said the Governor. “His devotion to lifting up others through faith and service is an example to us all.”
Mawlana Hazar Imam thanked the Governor for his warm welcome to Georgia and expressed his appreciation for the United States’ relief efforts in Central Asia. “Islam is a faith of generosity; it is not always seen as a faith of generosity. You have an ethic of generosity in the United States. Generosity is also an ethic of our faith. Our faith reminds us constantly to care for the poor, the weak and the marginalized in society” he explained.
Also see photographs at the official website of the Governor of Georgia.
In the afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam delivered the annual Peterson Lecture to the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) at their annual meeting. The event also coincided with the 40th anniversary of the IBO.
In his speech, Mawlana Hazar Imam commented on the importance of pluralism. “Experience tells us that people are not born with the innate ability nor the wish to see the other as an equal individual in society,” he said. “Pluralism is a value that must be taught,” he added.
He also spoke about the challenges facing educationalists. "I believe that the coexistence of these two surging impulses — what one might call a new globalism on one hand and a new tribalism on the other — will be a central challenge for educational leaders in the years ahead.,” he said. “And this will be particularly true in the developing world with its kaleidoscope of different identities," he added.
Also see the press release and the full text of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s speech, as well as the speech by Dr Monique Seefried, Chairman of the IB Board of Governors on the AKDN website.
Following the lecture, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the Board of Governors of the IBO as well as educators and teachers invited to the event.
“This country is the leader in the knowledge society. I think that there probably isn’t an area of human endeavour, in which we do not have today a murid who is exceptional in his own or her own field.”In the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam was the guest of honour at a dinner hosted by the Jamati Institutions of the USA. During the dinner, guests were treated to performances of music and dance reflecting the multiple traditions within the Jamat. Hazar Imam was particularly touched by the entertainment and paid tribute to the performers who were selected from across the United States.
In his address to the gathering, President Eboo, thanked Mawlana Hazar Imam on behalf of the Jamat, for having undertaken this extensive visit to the USA. He also presented a gift to Hazar Imam on behalf of the assembled leadership.
In his address to the leadership, Mawlana Hazar Imam commented that this had been a very happy visit and expressed his admiration to the USA Jamat for the progress they have made. “This country is the leader in the knowledge society. I think that there probably isn’t an area of human endeavour, in which we do not have today a murid who is exceptional in his own or her own field.”
Upon Mawlana Hazar Imam’s departure, he posed for a photograph with the talented youth who had performed earlier in the evening. After his departure, the excitement and happiness was evident as the leadership and the youth broke into singing and dancing.
I have put (my comments) in the parenthesis and any [secondhand accounts] in the square brackets, and the {are to further curtail any misunderstanding or further explanation of the comments} in the braces and the rest are firsthand accounts. After this post I am not willing to reply to any argument or debates as I am sharing everything I have experience or noticed.
Chicago Apr 15:
The announcement was made by the Northeastern Council President after the second dua that The Imam had landed at 6:45pm. And He was greeted by the Presidents of both Northeastern and Midwestern Councils and among them were deputy governor.
After everyone got up for towbo, the Chicago Mukhi and his assistant (sorry I don’t know the correct title or pronunciation of the Assistant Mukhi) left the convention center and were substituted by the Northlake Mukhi and his assistant. The President for the Midwestern Jamet did not return to the convention center (perhaps, the Chicago: President, Mukhi and the assistant were meeting with The Imam).
There was registration was going on that evening and from what I had observed was that, at beginning there was some hesitation to give out Darbar Cards to folks who had either registered or attended Darbar elsewhere. After the realization of total numbers (and capacity) and also there were folks who had the misfortune of being on MD80 crafts bound for LA had no other alternative but go to Chicago were in this group.
Chicago Apr 16:
It seemed that there was a long line to enter the Darbar hall but it moved pretty quickly. First your Darbar entry card scanned and I checked, next the metal detector (set on the highest sensitivity of course) so just about everyone was scanned by the handheld wand just like the airports but no one told anyone to take off the watches and bets until they were through the metal detectors. All purses and bags were checked for contrabands: lighters, sharp objects, mp3 players (ipods), cameras, cellphones, all electronic devices (no ds2s or game boys) and on and on. However, no personal wheelchairs or strollers were allowed but there ware (company, itreb approved) wheelchairs provided.
After that everyone was queued into one line where GJ lapel pins were handed out. And then the plastic bags for the shoes. Next the line split into two where everyone was told to have their shoes removed and placed into the plastic bags.
The only thing that I caused the {there were only two lines after the scanning} to backup was, adding bananas to the snack bags.
The front half of the hall was for the US jamet; I know because I was carded and so were others {before and after me} before I was allowed to access that area. The Stage front and center was reserved for Mukhis, Mukhianis and their assistants (let’s call the” MMAs”) of the Northeastern and Midwestern Jamets and their MMAs but no children of the MMAs were allowed. MMAs were told if they must sit with their kids they have to be outside of the reserved area.
Just as any other Deedars/Darbars there was the mad scramble to straightening and cleaning of the runners. I had noticed that in Canada the runners were Blue in color and Chicago had Red (I guess the “red carpet treatment”), at first there was clear plastic tarp/sheet was on it to keep it clean. 45 min before the arrival the plastic was rolled up and the mad dash began with carpet sweepers, the straightening of the runners but as Jamet was taking sets the were on the runners. There were convention employees on hand to help with straightening of the carpets and the runners. As per Occupational Safety & Health Administration aka OSHA agency of the US Department of Labor, rules they cannot remove their shoes while on the job site but no one thought/anticipated or provide shoe/boot covers for them (duh!) instead they made frowning gestures. (Deer readers don’t get upset; someone could have offered part of their scarf if you were so offended by their shoes on the carpet).
Someone who was leading the zikar (please not every ‘z’ is a “dh” someday I’ll have enough time to post the misconceptions and origins and pronunciation of words that may be Language or Region specific or origins) of tasbi was also announcing The Imam’s departure for the Darbar and arrival to the Darbar and mentioned how much time The Imam spent in the Darbar hall, he mentioned that The Imam spent 30min in San Antonio and 45min in LA and our goal was to reach the 45min marker (the message I thought we was we are competing for more time! Hey nothing wrong with that)
10 min before The Imam entered the hall, Jamet was pretty much settled down and one of the “deedar core-team” members went around placing /stapling the arrows on the runners for The Imam to follow and follow He did (guess The Imam was the only one listening to the directions) ! The first arrow was placed after the bedridden and sick area where there was an intersecting runners, one towards the stage and there other towards the mainly International Jamet that was seated in the chairs.
Just side note:
Along with the National Council President traveling with the Imam to Darbars are the MMAs of the Sugarland Darkhana.
The delayed video of The Imam’s arrival to the convention center shown meeting with the MMAs representing the Northeastern and Midwestern US Jamets; The Imam entered the Darbar hall, as planned for 5:30pm followed by the Chicago Mukhi and his Assistant; the Mukhiani and her assistant were at the seated at the stage, stage left, of The Imam’s Chair. (Stage right is the opposite side if you are the audience).
He entered the hall with the traditional hat and GJ robe on with the Left bent at the elbow, fingers and lips moving (as He was saying/blessing and as if He had a tasbi in his hand). After He made His first turn and few yards up His elbow straighten and did walk the rest with both hands straight. (To me it seemed as the sleeves of the GJ robe were too long and/or the robe was a size too large. This is something I had noticed on the Homage Ceremony video, when He hangs Has hands down, it just looks too large or as if He was hunched over or slouching, {as if is used in positive sense and by hunching and slouching is not meant for disrespect}).
Total walking time from Entering the Darbar hall to stage was about 13-15 mins
On stage time 42-43 min
Total walking time from Stage to the Exit 20 min
(I guess we did well!)
On the return The Imam did visit the Sick and the Bedridden; first isle in this area, He wanted to go across and come back up the next isle, but was blocked and waited and peered through the hall curtain to see if there was anyone on the other side, and finally the path was cleared for Him and He came up the second isle and He stopped at one bedside, asked the Mukhi (Chicago) about the person in bed and asked to translate for the Imam to the person, and gave blessings next He walked around the last two isles and made another shorter stop and the very last bed the lady was fairly alert than the rest crying and reached out to Him with her hands but He continued on to the Doctors seated just before the doorway and thanked them for their services and gave them blessings and just before He left the hall He placed His hand on the lady volunteer to His left who was holding the curtain open for Him and give her blessings before entering His Private area where He again met with the Regional MMAs who was escorted off right after The Imam left the stage.
There was half of the square on the Darbar hall that He did not walk through because the arrow diverted Him so that He’d be able to come around to the elderly and the sick.
Since The Imam had expressed His desire to meet with the Non Ismail Children and Spouse aka NICS family members at San Antonio [the area for NICS {in San Antonio} was farther from the Imams Private and the last minute change was made at LA, Chicago and Atlanta to have NICS area moved next to His Private Area] and He did meet with the people gathered there, in Chicago. (I have heard other rumors, and rumors that are more embellished than the facts and I CANNOT repeat them as I have not been able to verify and trust me I have done my home work and if you pay attention to the rumors it is always a Hindu person this and that. In past I have traveled great distance just to check on those stories and that’s all they have been embellishments or not true at all; however, I have noticed that during many lectures for GJ the lecturers have utilized the word “mythology”, my kudos!).
Apr 16 JK:
The congregational services were conducted by the New York’s MMAs. Also in the attendance were all MMAs representing the Midwestern and Northeastern Regions including the Sugarland- Darkhan’s but the Council Presidents {national, Midwestern and Northeastern} were not there (I am not complaining I am sure they were accompanying the Imam).
The first Dua was conducted by a Syrian Woman, and keeping with non-Indian origin traditions was provided with written Dua to read from. (it is not that we don’t memorize the dua but more for sticking to the words).
The Awal Mehamani started and another lingo but soon to English after $2,500. And all English until it ended at $100,000 (as Houstonian Yao Ming would say “you can you take a check!”) by Travelers Check.
The second Dua by the local Chicago woman and very short announcement and it was over? At least I thought so I got up and so did the others and it turn out the Assistant wanted to give out more prayers…
After works there was a pip (Scottish) bad playing and food and dandya, folkdances and music representing all other countries (except the host country {I know, I know no Canadian music either, isn’t Canada the 51st state anyway?, before you Mounties get angry think first, isn’t 51st supposed to be the salvation? Or wouldn’t calling it a 51st state be bringing down the boarders? How about 51st is my way of calling it our own?}, I was hoping for Pink’s let’s get to party started…)
Chicago Apr 15:
The announcement was made by the Northeastern Council President after the second dua that The Imam had landed at 6:45pm. And He was greeted by the Presidents of both Northeastern and Midwestern Councils and among them were deputy governor.
After everyone got up for towbo, the Chicago Mukhi and his assistant (sorry I don’t know the correct title or pronunciation of the Assistant Mukhi) left the convention center and were substituted by the Northlake Mukhi and his assistant. The President for the Midwestern Jamet did not return to the convention center (perhaps, the Chicago: President, Mukhi and the assistant were meeting with The Imam).
There was registration was going on that evening and from what I had observed was that, at beginning there was some hesitation to give out Darbar Cards to folks who had either registered or attended Darbar elsewhere. After the realization of total numbers (and capacity) and also there were folks who had the misfortune of being on MD80 crafts bound for LA had no other alternative but go to Chicago were in this group.
Chicago Apr 16:
It seemed that there was a long line to enter the Darbar hall but it moved pretty quickly. First your Darbar entry card scanned and I checked, next the metal detector (set on the highest sensitivity of course) so just about everyone was scanned by the handheld wand just like the airports but no one told anyone to take off the watches and bets until they were through the metal detectors. All purses and bags were checked for contrabands: lighters, sharp objects, mp3 players (ipods), cameras, cellphones, all electronic devices (no ds2s or game boys) and on and on. However, no personal wheelchairs or strollers were allowed but there ware (company, itreb approved) wheelchairs provided.
After that everyone was queued into one line where GJ lapel pins were handed out. And then the plastic bags for the shoes. Next the line split into two where everyone was told to have their shoes removed and placed into the plastic bags.
The only thing that I caused the {there were only two lines after the scanning} to backup was, adding bananas to the snack bags.
The front half of the hall was for the US jamet; I know because I was carded and so were others {before and after me} before I was allowed to access that area. The Stage front and center was reserved for Mukhis, Mukhianis and their assistants (let’s call the” MMAs”) of the Northeastern and Midwestern Jamets and their MMAs but no children of the MMAs were allowed. MMAs were told if they must sit with their kids they have to be outside of the reserved area.
Just as any other Deedars/Darbars there was the mad scramble to straightening and cleaning of the runners. I had noticed that in Canada the runners were Blue in color and Chicago had Red (I guess the “red carpet treatment”), at first there was clear plastic tarp/sheet was on it to keep it clean. 45 min before the arrival the plastic was rolled up and the mad dash began with carpet sweepers, the straightening of the runners but as Jamet was taking sets the were on the runners. There were convention employees on hand to help with straightening of the carpets and the runners. As per Occupational Safety & Health Administration aka OSHA agency of the US Department of Labor, rules they cannot remove their shoes while on the job site but no one thought/anticipated or provide shoe/boot covers for them (duh!) instead they made frowning gestures. (Deer readers don’t get upset; someone could have offered part of their scarf if you were so offended by their shoes on the carpet).
Someone who was leading the zikar (please not every ‘z’ is a “dh” someday I’ll have enough time to post the misconceptions and origins and pronunciation of words that may be Language or Region specific or origins) of tasbi was also announcing The Imam’s departure for the Darbar and arrival to the Darbar and mentioned how much time The Imam spent in the Darbar hall, he mentioned that The Imam spent 30min in San Antonio and 45min in LA and our goal was to reach the 45min marker (the message I thought we was we are competing for more time! Hey nothing wrong with that)
10 min before The Imam entered the hall, Jamet was pretty much settled down and one of the “deedar core-team” members went around placing /stapling the arrows on the runners for The Imam to follow and follow He did (guess The Imam was the only one listening to the directions) ! The first arrow was placed after the bedridden and sick area where there was an intersecting runners, one towards the stage and there other towards the mainly International Jamet that was seated in the chairs.
Just side note:
Along with the National Council President traveling with the Imam to Darbars are the MMAs of the Sugarland Darkhana.
The delayed video of The Imam’s arrival to the convention center shown meeting with the MMAs representing the Northeastern and Midwestern US Jamets; The Imam entered the Darbar hall, as planned for 5:30pm followed by the Chicago Mukhi and his Assistant; the Mukhiani and her assistant were at the seated at the stage, stage left, of The Imam’s Chair. (Stage right is the opposite side if you are the audience).
He entered the hall with the traditional hat and GJ robe on with the Left bent at the elbow, fingers and lips moving (as He was saying/blessing and as if He had a tasbi in his hand). After He made His first turn and few yards up His elbow straighten and did walk the rest with both hands straight. (To me it seemed as the sleeves of the GJ robe were too long and/or the robe was a size too large. This is something I had noticed on the Homage Ceremony video, when He hangs Has hands down, it just looks too large or as if He was hunched over or slouching, {as if is used in positive sense and by hunching and slouching is not meant for disrespect}).
Total walking time from Entering the Darbar hall to stage was about 13-15 mins
On stage time 42-43 min
Total walking time from Stage to the Exit 20 min
(I guess we did well!)
On the return The Imam did visit the Sick and the Bedridden; first isle in this area, He wanted to go across and come back up the next isle, but was blocked and waited and peered through the hall curtain to see if there was anyone on the other side, and finally the path was cleared for Him and He came up the second isle and He stopped at one bedside, asked the Mukhi (Chicago) about the person in bed and asked to translate for the Imam to the person, and gave blessings next He walked around the last two isles and made another shorter stop and the very last bed the lady was fairly alert than the rest crying and reached out to Him with her hands but He continued on to the Doctors seated just before the doorway and thanked them for their services and gave them blessings and just before He left the hall He placed His hand on the lady volunteer to His left who was holding the curtain open for Him and give her blessings before entering His Private area where He again met with the Regional MMAs who was escorted off right after The Imam left the stage.
There was half of the square on the Darbar hall that He did not walk through because the arrow diverted Him so that He’d be able to come around to the elderly and the sick.
Since The Imam had expressed His desire to meet with the Non Ismail Children and Spouse aka NICS family members at San Antonio [the area for NICS {in San Antonio} was farther from the Imams Private and the last minute change was made at LA, Chicago and Atlanta to have NICS area moved next to His Private Area] and He did meet with the people gathered there, in Chicago. (I have heard other rumors, and rumors that are more embellished than the facts and I CANNOT repeat them as I have not been able to verify and trust me I have done my home work and if you pay attention to the rumors it is always a Hindu person this and that. In past I have traveled great distance just to check on those stories and that’s all they have been embellishments or not true at all; however, I have noticed that during many lectures for GJ the lecturers have utilized the word “mythology”, my kudos!).
Apr 16 JK:
The congregational services were conducted by the New York’s MMAs. Also in the attendance were all MMAs representing the Midwestern and Northeastern Regions including the Sugarland- Darkhan’s but the Council Presidents {national, Midwestern and Northeastern} were not there (I am not complaining I am sure they were accompanying the Imam).
The first Dua was conducted by a Syrian Woman, and keeping with non-Indian origin traditions was provided with written Dua to read from. (it is not that we don’t memorize the dua but more for sticking to the words).
The Awal Mehamani started and another lingo but soon to English after $2,500. And all English until it ended at $100,000 (as Houstonian Yao Ming would say “you can you take a check!”) by Travelers Check.
The second Dua by the local Chicago woman and very short announcement and it was over? At least I thought so I got up and so did the others and it turn out the Assistant wanted to give out more prayers…
After works there was a pip (Scottish) bad playing and food and dandya, folkdances and music representing all other countries (except the host country {I know, I know no Canadian music either, isn’t Canada the 51st state anyway?, before you Mounties get angry think first, isn’t 51st supposed to be the salvation? Or wouldn’t calling it a 51st state be bringing down the boarders? How about 51st is my way of calling it our own?}, I was hoping for Pink’s let’s get to party started…)
As received:
========
A Summary of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Darbar in Los Angeles
On April 15, 2008
First of all Deedar Mubarak to all of you as we had the best Deedar in Los Angeles. This kind of Deedar is one we consider we will never receive anywhere and our hearts are fulfilled as we have been blessed and we are one of those fortunate ones to have attended this wonderful Darbar.
Below is a summary of what we can remember about the Deedar and Hazar Imam’s Farman Mubarak as He made some very important points.
We arrived in LA on Friday, April 11 and had to go to Santa Monica Jamatkhana as the LA Convention Centre was not ready until the day of the Darbar. There were shuttle buses from the hotel to take us to the overflow hall, Barker Hall, as their permanent Santa Monica Jamatkhana was full. However Barker Hall was so nicely set up as a Jamatkhana and the Jamat was given dinner on both days at the Hall after the regular Jamatkhana ceremonies. Shuttles were available from 10 pm to return to the hotel so that those who wanted to stay and play dandia raas they could and would take a later shuttle.
Prior to the Darbar, on Sunday the Convention Centre was open at 10:00 am for picking up our Entry cards and people could register if they had not done so on-line. It was unfortunate that their computer system crashed and people stood in line for an hour and a half before the system was restored. Once that was done, everyone was taken very speedily and they issued us with cards to enter the Darbar Hall.
There were several activities during this time and we participated in the Adaab and Deedar Workshop where we were taught what is Deedar and the meaning of Adaab. Everyone knows that Adaab means respect, humility and the way you conduct yourself before, during and after the Departure of the Imam from the Darbar Hall and it was amazing.
There were so many sessions and we also helped out in Jura packing as we were told they needed volunteers but fortunately most of the work had been completed. The LA Jamat is 2,600 and about 15,000 international visitors arrived and they treated us with humility, respect and warmth. That is the true meaning of what our faith is all about. Many activities were going on as people attended Tasbih making workshops as they were making tasbihs which they later gave out to all those who attended the Darbar.
We were served with breakfast, lunch and Dinner and they had outside professional caterers to serve us. It was truly so organized and the set-up was such that people had so many food stations to go to and move quickly to get meals.
Jamatkhana was at the Convention Centre from Monday and we were served with dinner followed by Dandia Raas.
The Day of the Darbar
The gates opened at 4 am. We woke up at 2:30 am and when we arrived at the Darbar Hall by the Shuttle, there were so many people already waiting in line outside since entry was not yet permitted.
We went through a very quick security check which was very well organized and moved thousands of people expeditiously.
The Darbar Hall opened and we were given a snack bag with all kinds of goodies and bottled water.
We were so fortunate to be able to sit in the front row (exactly from the stage) and this is where I feel Mowla sensed the unity in the Jamat and was so happy. LA Jamat told us that our Imam has told us that we are one united Jamat so why should there be a distinction between LA locals and International visitors. Everyone was allowed to sit together and LA locals were not given a spot in the front but they mingled with all of us.
The ambience in the Darbar Hall was befitting to this lovely Golden Jubilee Darbar.
There was so much discipline, harmony and tolerance and we feel strongly that the Imam could see this and He was always happy throughout the Darbar and in the lounge.
We have never sat so close to the stage in our own cities or any other places where this Darbar is held and therefore this made it so special.
There were huge screens where you could see every feature of the Imam or the reciters if you chose not to look at the stage.
At 5.05 am morning dua was recited and we were so grateful.
The Intezar program was going to start at 7:30 am so that they would settle all the Jamat; allow them to go to the washrooms, etc. We all prayed in our own ways for a couple of hours. There was something special about the hall and it was so serene and calm.
We were each given a Tasbih which was made as I mentioned earlier.
We also received the Golden Jubilee pin which you get at all Darbars.
Intezar Program
This was the most spiritual, heart-warming Intezar Program that we participated in and there is absolutely no comparison between past Deedar experiences and we feel there never will be anywhere else as the program was thought out so well.
The participants for the Intezar program were all seated on the left side of the stage and it was so organized as they were groups of people who led the recitation of giriyazari Tasbih and they all were given a schedule and seated in the same manner and therefore followed and stood on the side so that when the previous reciters completed, the next group directly went on stage. This was superb organization.
The Intezar program started with the ginan “Tamakun Sadhare So din, bohot huaa re piya, Meh dekhun tumari vatare, maherbaan merey, Saheb merey, Dayavant mere, Sirjanhaar Mere, Ya Shah tuja bina so dina javenge kaisage piyaji. We had tears in our eyes as this is the most touching ginan.
Then one after another the most befitting waezes, giriyazari Tasbih, and ginans were recited that you definitely knew that this program was very well thought out. We heard the giriyazari Tasbih “Ya Ale Nabi, Aulad-e-Ali, Ya Mushkil Kusha, Ya Hazar Imam” throughout with the Salwat and many other powerful giriyazari tasbihs. The ginans were chosen that they made the Jamat emotional. They recited, “Sami Maraji, Uniya bee uniya ame kiriyana hina(n), Toh Amne Che Aash tamariyaji. Of course the worse “Hariya so hariya ne sukabi hariya, Jo hove nazar tamariyaji. Mitha so mitha ne kadva bhi mitha, to aah gurke vachne fal mitharaji.
Other Ginans recited were Saheb ji More Man bhave….Jeh jeh mangu…. and the Qasida Dum a dum Ali Ali. Then there was Allah Ek Kasam Sabuka, duniya uski saari, avi chal naam Khudavind bhaniye, , Aur sab mitiya keri baji…..(absolutely emotional). There was Ab teri muhobbat lagi, Aash tamhari shri ho – we recited this ginan twice, Hu re piya, Dasi tori, tu Chinta mori kyun na karo, khidmat……..(Jamat was crying in this ginan. Anand, Anand, etc.
The tasbihs were also upstanding so the Jamat could stretch their legs. They included all the powerful giriyazari tasbihs. We felt we were in heaven.
Just before Hazar Imam left his residence, they recited “Aankha ladi joi joi thaki, Kyare avey moro Sham, partake jaani paaye padun Vala, Nami nami karun paranam, Mitha Sha samarun meh tero naam, Ya Shah samarun men tero naam, Khudavind samarun meh tero naam……This touched everyone’s heart as the Intezar had begun intensely and we could feel our heartbeats that our Mowla will be amongst us in a short while.
When minutes were remaining for Hazar Imam to come, they recited the above Ginan “Aankh ladi joi joi thaki and their tune is so different and so soothing that we knew Mowla is not far away.
We knew when Mowla arrived as our heart beat faster.
Hazar Imam arrived around 10:55 am so we did giriyazari for three and a half hours and He went into his lounge and changed into His ceremonial Robe and Topi and He entered the Hall. Mashalla, He looked majestic and he walked for so long on all the red carpets on one side of the Deedar Hall and we thought he would not pass by us but He did on his way out and it was an exceptional experience – one that we will NEVER forget.
Hazar Imam was smiling so much and He looked majestic in his Golden Jubilee jabo.
During this time the Jamat followed the Al-Waez’s lead in reciting Salwat softly and their concept was that if you recite Salwat softly then if you are fortunate enough that when Mowla is passing by, and you are fortunate enough to have eye contact with Him, He is saying Duas that you can hear. I think most people from Vancouver found it strange as we recite loud salwats. I thought this concept completely made sense and Hazar Imam was smiling so much that you could feel He was very happy.
During this walkabout, there was pin drop silence as we all unitedly recited the salwat softly. I have yet to see such discipline in the Jamat.
He was so happy as He went onto the stage to take His seat in the beautiful chair. You could see He had a frozen right shoulder and He used his left hand to give Khanavadan and he kept pressing his left arm but look at the sacrifices Mowla makes for us. Despite His recent injury, He still travels to come and give us Deedar.
Mukhi Saheb presented the gold chain which was incredible. We have never seen such a unique and heavy gold chain before and Hazar Imam did not remove it but kept it on till the end.
After the Mukhi Kamadia Sahebs and Mukhiani Kamadian Sahebas presented a mehmani, then Imam nodded to the two young Ismailis (probably in the late twenties) to proceed with the Ayat. This is the first time a female recited the Ayat and Hazar Imam just stared at her as she said it so beautifully. He looked all around the Jamat as if He was taking in the face of every murid. Then the translation was read by a male student.
This was followed by the ginan “Satgur Miliya Mune Aaaj Paami chu raaj and 4 verses were recited and the Imam was so engrossed in listening to the ginan.
Hazar Imam was smiling so much that we could see He was so happy. The discipline continued throughout the Darbar.
The President of the National Council for USA then gave his loyalty speech and it was very heart-warming and touching. He was so eloquent and when he said that we were so grateful to Imam-e-Zaman Shah Karim Al Husseini, our beloved 49th Imam for giving us 50 years of continuous guidance; devotion and support. Hazar Imam smiled but wiped a tear. He is becoming so emotional these days and we also cried. Then when the President made the pledges on behalf of the Jamat, after every pledge, we all said Ameen and the Imam at the end say Ameen too. He acknowledged every pledge by nodding His head.
Then the moment we had all been waiting for is to hear our Imam and He walked to the mike and started His Farman by giving best blessings to all those who were in the Darbar. He said it does not matter if you are not from Los Angeles and especially for those of you who have come from outside Los Angeles, please give my best blessings to your family and to your jamats and convey the message that they are also in my heart and in my prayers.
He started the Farman by telling the Jamat to have a big smile on their faces and to have this smile of happiness all day long. He said smile with happiness; smile for your family; smile for unity and He used so many lines to tell us to smile always.
He acknowledged the wonderful work done by the volunteers and gave His best blessings.
He thanked the Governor of California and with the help his state had been able to assist with the arrangements of His visit to California. He was so happy on how he was welcomed by the Governor of California and he also thanked them for working with our Jamat in making this trip possible.
Hazar Imam then talked about the slowing down of the economy and He said this was not only applying to the USA but also to other parts of the world. He said this called for some measures the Jamat must take in ensuring they are not hit too hard with this economic slow down. He sad that this called for being cautious on how we handle our resources; to be prudent and to be aware that so many countries were going through crises but we would have to handle this economic slow down.
Hazar Imam said Life has its challenges but we should still look forward to the future with optimism.
This was a bad time for some countries particularly where democratic practices have changed and in other places where people are facing many problems. He said that it may take some time to get these countries back to its normal state and there is always hope.
Hazar Imam then touched upon the Best Practice method used in the Western World. It was so important during this economic slow down to work unitedly with individuals who are in the same profession as us but by joining resources, it would help tremendously to get through this economic slow down.
He then referred to the way that Islam is being interpreted and the misunderstanding people have about Islam. He said that we should explain what Islam is and the ethics of our faith but if the person does not understand, He said “Let it Go”. Do not get over-emotional.
Hazar Imam talked about the regular practice of our faith. Regular attendance in Jamatkhana is good but that is not the only thing that is important. The remembrance and awareness of our faith should be with us every moment of the day. Even if we spend 20 seconds in remembering our faith as often as we can, it is considered as an act of prayer. Hazar Imam said it so well “You have a Tasbih – take your Tasbih and call Allah, call Hazrat Ali and call Prophet Muhammad and this remembrance of our faith and being conscious of the presence of Allah in our daily lives is the true meaning of Islam. We should have our faith on our minds at all times and that is through the remembrance of our faith.
Hazar Imam then touched upon the ethics of our faith and that we must not forget the ethics of our faith. The ethics of generosity, kindness, of sharing, assisting those who come to you for help. Not only to those whom you know but even outside the community. If someone comes for help, give them the assistance they need.
Hazar Imam then continued that be loyal to your faith; always be truthful in your daily lives – our faith is one of peace, of kindness, of humility.
He then talked about social habits which are damaging to one’s health and He really stressed that we should stay away from these habits which would be detrimental to our health.
Hazar Imam reminded us of His Golden Jubilee objectives. He was very, very grateful to the Jamat for their extreme generosity in the Material and Time and Knowledge nazrana presented by the Jamat and He said all this expertise in the Jamat will now help the Imamat in their endeavours to strengthen our institutions. He said as soon as the Time and Knowledge would start, so many people all over the world will benefit from this as people offer their expertise in helping the Imamat to fulfill its objectives.
Hazar Imam said one objective was that this Time and Knowledge Nazrana will assist in building strong institutions and improving on our institutions to meet the needs of the Jamat.
The second objective was that He wants to eradicate poverty from this world. He does not like to hear the word “poor” and He knows there are so many of our murids who are living a very poor quality of life. He said the conditions are so bad in so many countries where the living conditions must be improved so that the murids can have a good quality of life. He said it might take a couple of generations but this initiative will start in this Golden Jubilee Year as in many countries, our murids live in extreme poverty.
His third objective was (and he said Alhamdullilah), longevity or life span has increased for individuals and people now live much longer than they used to. This affects the aged whom He is very concerned about. He wants to ensure that the aged do not lose their dignity. He wants to ensure the aged are well looked after so that they also live a good quality of life.
Hazar Imam then gave best blessings to the youth to succeed in their education. He said that there are so many opportunities for good, educated individuals in so many parts of the world – not just in the USA or Canada or Australia or New Zealand but also in the developing world. He said the youth should strive to have a good sound education to access all these opportunities that existed in the developing world.
Hazar Imam gave best blessings for good health, prosperity, long lives, unit in the family, lots of barakat, for mushkilasan and that ALL our wishes be fulfilled, Ameen. He also gave His best blessings for souls of all ruhani members and prayed for their eternal peace.
Hazar Imam thanked the California Jamat for the wonderful gifts that they had presented Him and gave His best blessings.
He once again told us that although He may not be with us physically but He will remember the face of every murid present here and also those who have not been able to attend. He said “You are always in my heart, every one of you and in my prayers. I am with you ALL THE TIME.
He once again repeated that the Imam is always with you and He has every murid in his heart and in his prayers. He was so emotional when He said this.
Hazar Imam then said that He knows that we will be celebrating tonight with Dandia Raas. He said I want you all to be very happy today and to play Dandia Raas and although physically I will not be there, but tonight I will be dancing and playing Dandia Raas with you.
Once again, He gave us blessings and asked us to be happy. He said the Imam is always with you at all times.
Hazar Imam then started His descent and walked right by us on the red runner and we were so fortunate that the Imam made eye contact with us and said some dua. We were crying and so fulfilled by the warmth that the Imam had left us with.
He walked again on all the runners on the second half of the Hall. He also stopped by the people who were on stretchers and stopped asked Mukhi Saheb something. He also stopped by a mentally challenged man. He made His way back a second time and stopped by all the people in the stretchers and wheel chairs and gave His blessings.
He then went into the lounge and was there for 55 minutes. He was in the Darbar for one hour and 5 minutes and 55 minutes in the lounge which is a record.
While He was in the lounge, the Alwaez had complete control of the Jamat by telling them that Hazar Imam was still amongst us and no-one, not even the volunteers should move or stand up. Instead he started the Jamat to rise and say the Shukrana Tasbih. This young graduate from Harvard who was the Al-Waez was absolutely superb. He maintained discipline in the Jamat and we did giryazari tasbihs softly for the 55 minutes while Imam was still in the lounge.
We have never ever witnessed such discipline and the Alwaez kept the Jamat busy by having them recite the various giryazari tasbihs softly as he said that the Imam was still amongst us and it is Imam’s right to get this adaab from us. We must not stand up and start talking, etc..
Mukhi Saheb came in after Hazar Imam left at 2 pm and addressed the Jamat that Imam was so very happy. Mukhi Saheb, on behalf of the Jamat asked for forgiveness for any shortcomings and Hazar Imam replied that he was immensely happy. He was very, very happy in the way the Jamat had organized His visit.
Kamadia Saheb then shared that Mukhi Saheb gave an arji to Hazar Imam on behalf of the Australia/New Zealand Mukhi Kamadia that they wondered if Imam would consider visiting Australia. Hazar Imam laughed and said that He was already busy breeding thoroughbreds and when He is tired of that, He will start breeding Kangaroos and visit Australia. The Jamat all laughed.
Hazar Imam told Mukhi Saheb to tell the Jamat that He was so happy.
It was the most incredible Deedar we have experienced and we are so blessed and fulfilled.
Shukar Mowla.
========
A Summary of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Darbar in Los Angeles
On April 15, 2008
First of all Deedar Mubarak to all of you as we had the best Deedar in Los Angeles. This kind of Deedar is one we consider we will never receive anywhere and our hearts are fulfilled as we have been blessed and we are one of those fortunate ones to have attended this wonderful Darbar.
Below is a summary of what we can remember about the Deedar and Hazar Imam’s Farman Mubarak as He made some very important points.
We arrived in LA on Friday, April 11 and had to go to Santa Monica Jamatkhana as the LA Convention Centre was not ready until the day of the Darbar. There were shuttle buses from the hotel to take us to the overflow hall, Barker Hall, as their permanent Santa Monica Jamatkhana was full. However Barker Hall was so nicely set up as a Jamatkhana and the Jamat was given dinner on both days at the Hall after the regular Jamatkhana ceremonies. Shuttles were available from 10 pm to return to the hotel so that those who wanted to stay and play dandia raas they could and would take a later shuttle.
Prior to the Darbar, on Sunday the Convention Centre was open at 10:00 am for picking up our Entry cards and people could register if they had not done so on-line. It was unfortunate that their computer system crashed and people stood in line for an hour and a half before the system was restored. Once that was done, everyone was taken very speedily and they issued us with cards to enter the Darbar Hall.
There were several activities during this time and we participated in the Adaab and Deedar Workshop where we were taught what is Deedar and the meaning of Adaab. Everyone knows that Adaab means respect, humility and the way you conduct yourself before, during and after the Departure of the Imam from the Darbar Hall and it was amazing.
There were so many sessions and we also helped out in Jura packing as we were told they needed volunteers but fortunately most of the work had been completed. The LA Jamat is 2,600 and about 15,000 international visitors arrived and they treated us with humility, respect and warmth. That is the true meaning of what our faith is all about. Many activities were going on as people attended Tasbih making workshops as they were making tasbihs which they later gave out to all those who attended the Darbar.
We were served with breakfast, lunch and Dinner and they had outside professional caterers to serve us. It was truly so organized and the set-up was such that people had so many food stations to go to and move quickly to get meals.
Jamatkhana was at the Convention Centre from Monday and we were served with dinner followed by Dandia Raas.
The Day of the Darbar
The gates opened at 4 am. We woke up at 2:30 am and when we arrived at the Darbar Hall by the Shuttle, there were so many people already waiting in line outside since entry was not yet permitted.
We went through a very quick security check which was very well organized and moved thousands of people expeditiously.
The Darbar Hall opened and we were given a snack bag with all kinds of goodies and bottled water.
We were so fortunate to be able to sit in the front row (exactly from the stage) and this is where I feel Mowla sensed the unity in the Jamat and was so happy. LA Jamat told us that our Imam has told us that we are one united Jamat so why should there be a distinction between LA locals and International visitors. Everyone was allowed to sit together and LA locals were not given a spot in the front but they mingled with all of us.
The ambience in the Darbar Hall was befitting to this lovely Golden Jubilee Darbar.
There was so much discipline, harmony and tolerance and we feel strongly that the Imam could see this and He was always happy throughout the Darbar and in the lounge.
We have never sat so close to the stage in our own cities or any other places where this Darbar is held and therefore this made it so special.
There were huge screens where you could see every feature of the Imam or the reciters if you chose not to look at the stage.
At 5.05 am morning dua was recited and we were so grateful.
The Intezar program was going to start at 7:30 am so that they would settle all the Jamat; allow them to go to the washrooms, etc. We all prayed in our own ways for a couple of hours. There was something special about the hall and it was so serene and calm.
We were each given a Tasbih which was made as I mentioned earlier.
We also received the Golden Jubilee pin which you get at all Darbars.
Intezar Program
This was the most spiritual, heart-warming Intezar Program that we participated in and there is absolutely no comparison between past Deedar experiences and we feel there never will be anywhere else as the program was thought out so well.
The participants for the Intezar program were all seated on the left side of the stage and it was so organized as they were groups of people who led the recitation of giriyazari Tasbih and they all were given a schedule and seated in the same manner and therefore followed and stood on the side so that when the previous reciters completed, the next group directly went on stage. This was superb organization.
The Intezar program started with the ginan “Tamakun Sadhare So din, bohot huaa re piya, Meh dekhun tumari vatare, maherbaan merey, Saheb merey, Dayavant mere, Sirjanhaar Mere, Ya Shah tuja bina so dina javenge kaisage piyaji. We had tears in our eyes as this is the most touching ginan.
Then one after another the most befitting waezes, giriyazari Tasbih, and ginans were recited that you definitely knew that this program was very well thought out. We heard the giriyazari Tasbih “Ya Ale Nabi, Aulad-e-Ali, Ya Mushkil Kusha, Ya Hazar Imam” throughout with the Salwat and many other powerful giriyazari tasbihs. The ginans were chosen that they made the Jamat emotional. They recited, “Sami Maraji, Uniya bee uniya ame kiriyana hina(n), Toh Amne Che Aash tamariyaji. Of course the worse “Hariya so hariya ne sukabi hariya, Jo hove nazar tamariyaji. Mitha so mitha ne kadva bhi mitha, to aah gurke vachne fal mitharaji.
Other Ginans recited were Saheb ji More Man bhave….Jeh jeh mangu…. and the Qasida Dum a dum Ali Ali. Then there was Allah Ek Kasam Sabuka, duniya uski saari, avi chal naam Khudavind bhaniye, , Aur sab mitiya keri baji…..(absolutely emotional). There was Ab teri muhobbat lagi, Aash tamhari shri ho – we recited this ginan twice, Hu re piya, Dasi tori, tu Chinta mori kyun na karo, khidmat……..(Jamat was crying in this ginan. Anand, Anand, etc.
The tasbihs were also upstanding so the Jamat could stretch their legs. They included all the powerful giriyazari tasbihs. We felt we were in heaven.
Just before Hazar Imam left his residence, they recited “Aankha ladi joi joi thaki, Kyare avey moro Sham, partake jaani paaye padun Vala, Nami nami karun paranam, Mitha Sha samarun meh tero naam, Ya Shah samarun men tero naam, Khudavind samarun meh tero naam……This touched everyone’s heart as the Intezar had begun intensely and we could feel our heartbeats that our Mowla will be amongst us in a short while.
When minutes were remaining for Hazar Imam to come, they recited the above Ginan “Aankh ladi joi joi thaki and their tune is so different and so soothing that we knew Mowla is not far away.
We knew when Mowla arrived as our heart beat faster.
Hazar Imam arrived around 10:55 am so we did giriyazari for three and a half hours and He went into his lounge and changed into His ceremonial Robe and Topi and He entered the Hall. Mashalla, He looked majestic and he walked for so long on all the red carpets on one side of the Deedar Hall and we thought he would not pass by us but He did on his way out and it was an exceptional experience – one that we will NEVER forget.
Hazar Imam was smiling so much and He looked majestic in his Golden Jubilee jabo.
During this time the Jamat followed the Al-Waez’s lead in reciting Salwat softly and their concept was that if you recite Salwat softly then if you are fortunate enough that when Mowla is passing by, and you are fortunate enough to have eye contact with Him, He is saying Duas that you can hear. I think most people from Vancouver found it strange as we recite loud salwats. I thought this concept completely made sense and Hazar Imam was smiling so much that you could feel He was very happy.
During this walkabout, there was pin drop silence as we all unitedly recited the salwat softly. I have yet to see such discipline in the Jamat.
He was so happy as He went onto the stage to take His seat in the beautiful chair. You could see He had a frozen right shoulder and He used his left hand to give Khanavadan and he kept pressing his left arm but look at the sacrifices Mowla makes for us. Despite His recent injury, He still travels to come and give us Deedar.
Mukhi Saheb presented the gold chain which was incredible. We have never seen such a unique and heavy gold chain before and Hazar Imam did not remove it but kept it on till the end.
After the Mukhi Kamadia Sahebs and Mukhiani Kamadian Sahebas presented a mehmani, then Imam nodded to the two young Ismailis (probably in the late twenties) to proceed with the Ayat. This is the first time a female recited the Ayat and Hazar Imam just stared at her as she said it so beautifully. He looked all around the Jamat as if He was taking in the face of every murid. Then the translation was read by a male student.
This was followed by the ginan “Satgur Miliya Mune Aaaj Paami chu raaj and 4 verses were recited and the Imam was so engrossed in listening to the ginan.
Hazar Imam was smiling so much that we could see He was so happy. The discipline continued throughout the Darbar.
The President of the National Council for USA then gave his loyalty speech and it was very heart-warming and touching. He was so eloquent and when he said that we were so grateful to Imam-e-Zaman Shah Karim Al Husseini, our beloved 49th Imam for giving us 50 years of continuous guidance; devotion and support. Hazar Imam smiled but wiped a tear. He is becoming so emotional these days and we also cried. Then when the President made the pledges on behalf of the Jamat, after every pledge, we all said Ameen and the Imam at the end say Ameen too. He acknowledged every pledge by nodding His head.
Then the moment we had all been waiting for is to hear our Imam and He walked to the mike and started His Farman by giving best blessings to all those who were in the Darbar. He said it does not matter if you are not from Los Angeles and especially for those of you who have come from outside Los Angeles, please give my best blessings to your family and to your jamats and convey the message that they are also in my heart and in my prayers.
He started the Farman by telling the Jamat to have a big smile on their faces and to have this smile of happiness all day long. He said smile with happiness; smile for your family; smile for unity and He used so many lines to tell us to smile always.
He acknowledged the wonderful work done by the volunteers and gave His best blessings.
He thanked the Governor of California and with the help his state had been able to assist with the arrangements of His visit to California. He was so happy on how he was welcomed by the Governor of California and he also thanked them for working with our Jamat in making this trip possible.
Hazar Imam then talked about the slowing down of the economy and He said this was not only applying to the USA but also to other parts of the world. He said this called for some measures the Jamat must take in ensuring they are not hit too hard with this economic slow down. He sad that this called for being cautious on how we handle our resources; to be prudent and to be aware that so many countries were going through crises but we would have to handle this economic slow down.
Hazar Imam said Life has its challenges but we should still look forward to the future with optimism.
This was a bad time for some countries particularly where democratic practices have changed and in other places where people are facing many problems. He said that it may take some time to get these countries back to its normal state and there is always hope.
Hazar Imam then touched upon the Best Practice method used in the Western World. It was so important during this economic slow down to work unitedly with individuals who are in the same profession as us but by joining resources, it would help tremendously to get through this economic slow down.
He then referred to the way that Islam is being interpreted and the misunderstanding people have about Islam. He said that we should explain what Islam is and the ethics of our faith but if the person does not understand, He said “Let it Go”. Do not get over-emotional.
Hazar Imam talked about the regular practice of our faith. Regular attendance in Jamatkhana is good but that is not the only thing that is important. The remembrance and awareness of our faith should be with us every moment of the day. Even if we spend 20 seconds in remembering our faith as often as we can, it is considered as an act of prayer. Hazar Imam said it so well “You have a Tasbih – take your Tasbih and call Allah, call Hazrat Ali and call Prophet Muhammad and this remembrance of our faith and being conscious of the presence of Allah in our daily lives is the true meaning of Islam. We should have our faith on our minds at all times and that is through the remembrance of our faith.
Hazar Imam then touched upon the ethics of our faith and that we must not forget the ethics of our faith. The ethics of generosity, kindness, of sharing, assisting those who come to you for help. Not only to those whom you know but even outside the community. If someone comes for help, give them the assistance they need.
Hazar Imam then continued that be loyal to your faith; always be truthful in your daily lives – our faith is one of peace, of kindness, of humility.
He then talked about social habits which are damaging to one’s health and He really stressed that we should stay away from these habits which would be detrimental to our health.
Hazar Imam reminded us of His Golden Jubilee objectives. He was very, very grateful to the Jamat for their extreme generosity in the Material and Time and Knowledge nazrana presented by the Jamat and He said all this expertise in the Jamat will now help the Imamat in their endeavours to strengthen our institutions. He said as soon as the Time and Knowledge would start, so many people all over the world will benefit from this as people offer their expertise in helping the Imamat to fulfill its objectives.
Hazar Imam said one objective was that this Time and Knowledge Nazrana will assist in building strong institutions and improving on our institutions to meet the needs of the Jamat.
The second objective was that He wants to eradicate poverty from this world. He does not like to hear the word “poor” and He knows there are so many of our murids who are living a very poor quality of life. He said the conditions are so bad in so many countries where the living conditions must be improved so that the murids can have a good quality of life. He said it might take a couple of generations but this initiative will start in this Golden Jubilee Year as in many countries, our murids live in extreme poverty.
His third objective was (and he said Alhamdullilah), longevity or life span has increased for individuals and people now live much longer than they used to. This affects the aged whom He is very concerned about. He wants to ensure that the aged do not lose their dignity. He wants to ensure the aged are well looked after so that they also live a good quality of life.
Hazar Imam then gave best blessings to the youth to succeed in their education. He said that there are so many opportunities for good, educated individuals in so many parts of the world – not just in the USA or Canada or Australia or New Zealand but also in the developing world. He said the youth should strive to have a good sound education to access all these opportunities that existed in the developing world.
Hazar Imam gave best blessings for good health, prosperity, long lives, unit in the family, lots of barakat, for mushkilasan and that ALL our wishes be fulfilled, Ameen. He also gave His best blessings for souls of all ruhani members and prayed for their eternal peace.
Hazar Imam thanked the California Jamat for the wonderful gifts that they had presented Him and gave His best blessings.
He once again told us that although He may not be with us physically but He will remember the face of every murid present here and also those who have not been able to attend. He said “You are always in my heart, every one of you and in my prayers. I am with you ALL THE TIME.
He once again repeated that the Imam is always with you and He has every murid in his heart and in his prayers. He was so emotional when He said this.
Hazar Imam then said that He knows that we will be celebrating tonight with Dandia Raas. He said I want you all to be very happy today and to play Dandia Raas and although physically I will not be there, but tonight I will be dancing and playing Dandia Raas with you.
Once again, He gave us blessings and asked us to be happy. He said the Imam is always with you at all times.
Hazar Imam then started His descent and walked right by us on the red runner and we were so fortunate that the Imam made eye contact with us and said some dua. We were crying and so fulfilled by the warmth that the Imam had left us with.
He walked again on all the runners on the second half of the Hall. He also stopped by the people who were on stretchers and stopped asked Mukhi Saheb something. He also stopped by a mentally challenged man. He made His way back a second time and stopped by all the people in the stretchers and wheel chairs and gave His blessings.
He then went into the lounge and was there for 55 minutes. He was in the Darbar for one hour and 5 minutes and 55 minutes in the lounge which is a record.
While He was in the lounge, the Alwaez had complete control of the Jamat by telling them that Hazar Imam was still amongst us and no-one, not even the volunteers should move or stand up. Instead he started the Jamat to rise and say the Shukrana Tasbih. This young graduate from Harvard who was the Al-Waez was absolutely superb. He maintained discipline in the Jamat and we did giryazari tasbihs softly for the 55 minutes while Imam was still in the lounge.
We have never ever witnessed such discipline and the Alwaez kept the Jamat busy by having them recite the various giryazari tasbihs softly as he said that the Imam was still amongst us and it is Imam’s right to get this adaab from us. We must not stand up and start talking, etc..
Mukhi Saheb came in after Hazar Imam left at 2 pm and addressed the Jamat that Imam was so very happy. Mukhi Saheb, on behalf of the Jamat asked for forgiveness for any shortcomings and Hazar Imam replied that he was immensely happy. He was very, very happy in the way the Jamat had organized His visit.
Kamadia Saheb then shared that Mukhi Saheb gave an arji to Hazar Imam on behalf of the Australia/New Zealand Mukhi Kamadia that they wondered if Imam would consider visiting Australia. Hazar Imam laughed and said that He was already busy breeding thoroughbreds and when He is tired of that, He will start breeding Kangaroos and visit Australia. The Jamat all laughed.
Hazar Imam told Mukhi Saheb to tell the Jamat that He was so happy.
It was the most incredible Deedar we have experienced and we are so blessed and fulfilled.
Shukar Mowla.
The 2nd Dua was recited by a woman from Minneapolis.unnalhaq wrote: The first Dua was conducted by a Syrian Woman, and keeping with non-Indian origin traditions was provided with written Dua to read from. (it is not that we don’t memorize the dua but more for sticking to the words).
The second Dua by the local Chicago woman and very short announcement and it was over?
Shams
AS RECEIVED
-----------------
The Golden Jubilee darbar in Atlanta on the 17th April was attended by Jamati members from I believe 26 countries. A rough estimate, I was told, was between 18 to 20 thousand. The hall at GICC was extremely well decorated and so was the Stage. It had a large arch with MHI’s chair in front of it and the Golden Jubilee emblem in the middle of the Arch surrounded by two smaller arches on each side. All the arches had sort of like a canopy above them. I was told these were same arches used in Dubai(?). The Darbar hall itself was almost a perfect square with atleast four huge tv screens in different areas so it didn’t matter where you sat, you had a great view.
We arrived at the venue around 10:00 am and were efficiently guided to the security check lines. People were pouring in from everywhere. Parking was arranged off the property and there were shuttles everywhere. If anyone is familiar with the shuttle service at the Atlanta area Jamatkhanas, they would know that the volunteers did not disappoint the jamat at the Darbar venue. There were around 5 to 6 thousand people already there ahead of us. In the area immediately next to the security check lines, abundant breakfast was available. The Darbar hall was opened for public at 12:00 pm. We got into the Darbar hall sometime after 1:00 pm. Once inside the hall we were overwhelmed by the atmosphere. Everything changed about us as soon as we stepped inside the hall – like we left the whole physical world outside the doors (alongwith the cellphones ). We were free to sit wherever we liked and we found a spot by the runner and settled down. Soon after we were offered a bag of goodies including sandwiches, fruits, water, and the all important “mithai”. The volunteers were everywhere to look after the jamat’s needs. They were very accommodating and humble.
As time went by, the jamat started pouring into the hall and soon it was full, yet comfortable. The intezari venti and giryazari tasbihs started around 2:45 pm. There were people going back and forth to the bathrooms etc. creating nightmares for the volunteers but that was nothing out of the ordinary. The volunteers handled everything in a very professional manner.
MHI arrived around 5:10 pm and walked around the Darbar hall wearing his Golden Jubilee attire and the usual smile and blessing the jamat on both sides of the runner with Khanawadans. One thing I must mention for those who keep track of MHI’s arm actions/position – Hazar Imam had both his arms straight down and not bent at the elbow – just in case anyone is wondering. Hazar Imam finally got to the stage at around 5:30 pm. After the tilawat and recitation of Ginan (Ya Ali Khoob majalis) the President of the National Council presented the Imam with Jamati pledges and Mowla graciously accepted them. After the jamati kiryas like mehmani and Aab-e-Safa MHI came to the microphone. He thanked the jamat for their nazranas and explained how he planned to use them towards the end of year. He stressed upon the importance of education, talked a little about the economy, asked the jamat to not make hasty decisions about new ventures and taking care of the elderly. He also stressed unity in the family and also if some of us went into partnership to keep a door open, in case it didn’t work out, to leave without hurting the other. He asked to explain our faith when questioned and if the others didn’t understand, to leave them alone and not be angry about it.
There were around 300 members from India without the registration cards who had come for the Deedar and were let in at the end just before the arrival of MHI. There were around 200 or so members from other jamats also who were let in too. MHI mentioned the Indian jamat in a joking manner acknowledging their presence and gave them blessings for them and their jamats. It was funny the way Imam mentioned them like he was telling them why they bothered to come to USA, he was planning to come to India himself. Hazar Imam was in an extremely good mood and seemed very very happy.
One thing Hazar Imam mentioned which he did not at any other Darbar, to my knowledge, and that was for those of our jamat who do not come to JK and only show up occasionally. He had a very serious face when he said to not keep your faith for occasions only and that this “occasionality” must end. I guess it was for those of us who are “chandrati” or those who have kept one foot in Ismailism and the other elsewhere.
After a second time to the microphone, Hazar Imam left the Darbar hall at around 6:50 pm in the same manner as he had entered. On the way out he kind of slowed down where the stretchers were lined up with severely ill members and talked to the President. After leaving the Darbar hall, Hazar Imam went in to the adjacent room prepared for MHI’s rest and changed into a nice suit. On his way out of the building MHI stopped by a group of people who had gathered just before the exit doors of the building and spoke to them for a couple of minutes. I do not know who these people were. May be the non-ismaili spouses and their families? May be Jamati leaders and their families or the Donor’s and their families.
One thing I forgot to mention which was very funny. While speaking from the stage MHI asked the jamat to enjoy and celebrate after he left and to eat “Biryani” and play “Dandia Raas”. He said he hoped that someone would bring him the Biryani from the same pot and he will be eating it and that he will be present among us (not physically). The funny thing is, I was told later, that Biryani was not even on the menu that was to be served to the Jamat after the jamati services that night. The Food and Beverage committee and others, as I was told, frantically arranged for as much Biryani as possible in time to serve the jamat. They only had about an hour and a half to do that.
After MHI left the premises in a 5 or 6-limo motorcade with a police escort the jamat offered Dua and other services in the same hall before moving into the dinner area in the adjacent temporary shed. The food was great and plenty. For the enquiring minds the awal sufro went for “adhai lakh”.
All in all the arrangements were out of this world. The jamat was very comfortable with everything and the volunteers did a wonderful wonderful job considering it was a first event of this magnitude for the Southeast volunteers and they came thru with flying colors. Great job volunteers!! It was a very tiring day at the end but I wouldn’t have missed it the next day for anything. We left the convention center around 1:30 am.
-----------------
The Golden Jubilee darbar in Atlanta on the 17th April was attended by Jamati members from I believe 26 countries. A rough estimate, I was told, was between 18 to 20 thousand. The hall at GICC was extremely well decorated and so was the Stage. It had a large arch with MHI’s chair in front of it and the Golden Jubilee emblem in the middle of the Arch surrounded by two smaller arches on each side. All the arches had sort of like a canopy above them. I was told these were same arches used in Dubai(?). The Darbar hall itself was almost a perfect square with atleast four huge tv screens in different areas so it didn’t matter where you sat, you had a great view.
We arrived at the venue around 10:00 am and were efficiently guided to the security check lines. People were pouring in from everywhere. Parking was arranged off the property and there were shuttles everywhere. If anyone is familiar with the shuttle service at the Atlanta area Jamatkhanas, they would know that the volunteers did not disappoint the jamat at the Darbar venue. There were around 5 to 6 thousand people already there ahead of us. In the area immediately next to the security check lines, abundant breakfast was available. The Darbar hall was opened for public at 12:00 pm. We got into the Darbar hall sometime after 1:00 pm. Once inside the hall we were overwhelmed by the atmosphere. Everything changed about us as soon as we stepped inside the hall – like we left the whole physical world outside the doors (alongwith the cellphones ). We were free to sit wherever we liked and we found a spot by the runner and settled down. Soon after we were offered a bag of goodies including sandwiches, fruits, water, and the all important “mithai”. The volunteers were everywhere to look after the jamat’s needs. They were very accommodating and humble.
As time went by, the jamat started pouring into the hall and soon it was full, yet comfortable. The intezari venti and giryazari tasbihs started around 2:45 pm. There were people going back and forth to the bathrooms etc. creating nightmares for the volunteers but that was nothing out of the ordinary. The volunteers handled everything in a very professional manner.
MHI arrived around 5:10 pm and walked around the Darbar hall wearing his Golden Jubilee attire and the usual smile and blessing the jamat on both sides of the runner with Khanawadans. One thing I must mention for those who keep track of MHI’s arm actions/position – Hazar Imam had both his arms straight down and not bent at the elbow – just in case anyone is wondering. Hazar Imam finally got to the stage at around 5:30 pm. After the tilawat and recitation of Ginan (Ya Ali Khoob majalis) the President of the National Council presented the Imam with Jamati pledges and Mowla graciously accepted them. After the jamati kiryas like mehmani and Aab-e-Safa MHI came to the microphone. He thanked the jamat for their nazranas and explained how he planned to use them towards the end of year. He stressed upon the importance of education, talked a little about the economy, asked the jamat to not make hasty decisions about new ventures and taking care of the elderly. He also stressed unity in the family and also if some of us went into partnership to keep a door open, in case it didn’t work out, to leave without hurting the other. He asked to explain our faith when questioned and if the others didn’t understand, to leave them alone and not be angry about it.
There were around 300 members from India without the registration cards who had come for the Deedar and were let in at the end just before the arrival of MHI. There were around 200 or so members from other jamats also who were let in too. MHI mentioned the Indian jamat in a joking manner acknowledging their presence and gave them blessings for them and their jamats. It was funny the way Imam mentioned them like he was telling them why they bothered to come to USA, he was planning to come to India himself. Hazar Imam was in an extremely good mood and seemed very very happy.
One thing Hazar Imam mentioned which he did not at any other Darbar, to my knowledge, and that was for those of our jamat who do not come to JK and only show up occasionally. He had a very serious face when he said to not keep your faith for occasions only and that this “occasionality” must end. I guess it was for those of us who are “chandrati” or those who have kept one foot in Ismailism and the other elsewhere.
After a second time to the microphone, Hazar Imam left the Darbar hall at around 6:50 pm in the same manner as he had entered. On the way out he kind of slowed down where the stretchers were lined up with severely ill members and talked to the President. After leaving the Darbar hall, Hazar Imam went in to the adjacent room prepared for MHI’s rest and changed into a nice suit. On his way out of the building MHI stopped by a group of people who had gathered just before the exit doors of the building and spoke to them for a couple of minutes. I do not know who these people were. May be the non-ismaili spouses and their families? May be Jamati leaders and their families or the Donor’s and their families.
One thing I forgot to mention which was very funny. While speaking from the stage MHI asked the jamat to enjoy and celebrate after he left and to eat “Biryani” and play “Dandia Raas”. He said he hoped that someone would bring him the Biryani from the same pot and he will be eating it and that he will be present among us (not physically). The funny thing is, I was told later, that Biryani was not even on the menu that was to be served to the Jamat after the jamati services that night. The Food and Beverage committee and others, as I was told, frantically arranged for as much Biryani as possible in time to serve the jamat. They only had about an hour and a half to do that.
After MHI left the premises in a 5 or 6-limo motorcade with a police escort the jamat offered Dua and other services in the same hall before moving into the dinner area in the adjacent temporary shed. The food was great and plenty. For the enquiring minds the awal sufro went for “adhai lakh”.
All in all the arrangements were out of this world. The jamat was very comfortable with everything and the volunteers did a wonderful wonderful job considering it was a first event of this magnitude for the Southeast volunteers and they came thru with flying colors. Great job volunteers!! It was a very tiring day at the end but I wouldn’t have missed it the next day for anything. We left the convention center around 1:30 am.
AS RECEIVED
------------------------
Subject: Fwd: Los Angeles DARBAR! U.S.A. jamat truly a jamat of destiny! 04/21/2008 08:57AM
Received from an Ismaili murid
Los Angeles
darbar april 15th 2008
The darbar held in LA has been one of the most joyous event -this event
will be remembered for ever and ever.
My hats off to the doctors and nurses who spent hours of devotion and cared for the disabled and the sick murids ! Their hearts and souls were full of compassion and love for these patients.
My mother who has been brain damaged and paralyed from head down for last 14 years was taken care by our wonderful nurses and doctors. I have no words to thank them but pray to mowla to grant them success, happiness and give them more courage so that they can serve the jamat.
During darbar my mother laid in bed with her eyes closed, my brother sat
next to her bed with his eyes shut also as tears were rolling down his eyes
...suddenly hazar imam stood by my mothers bed and said"i give you my best loving blessings for muskil aasan " hearing this my brother opened his eyes and mowla said again to him" i give her best blessings for muskil aasan khanavadan " when mowla walked away to see other patients my brother noticed my mother eyes wide opened!!!
I got a call from the nursing home this morning to go and see the nurse who was on duty today, that she has somthing to say to me. I just came back from the facility and have not stopped saying " sukir al hamdulilah."the nurse said to me that since yesterday my mother has been smiling what happened, where did she go yesterday and why is your mother smiling-she has been in this facility for so many years and no one has seen her smiling??
All I had to tell them is - my mother is very fortunate to be blessed by
our imam and walked away as I started to cry .
Yam
Fauzia
------------------------
Subject: Fwd: Los Angeles DARBAR! U.S.A. jamat truly a jamat of destiny! 04/21/2008 08:57AM
Received from an Ismaili murid
Los Angeles
darbar april 15th 2008
The darbar held in LA has been one of the most joyous event -this event
will be remembered for ever and ever.
My hats off to the doctors and nurses who spent hours of devotion and cared for the disabled and the sick murids ! Their hearts and souls were full of compassion and love for these patients.
My mother who has been brain damaged and paralyed from head down for last 14 years was taken care by our wonderful nurses and doctors. I have no words to thank them but pray to mowla to grant them success, happiness and give them more courage so that they can serve the jamat.
During darbar my mother laid in bed with her eyes closed, my brother sat
next to her bed with his eyes shut also as tears were rolling down his eyes
...suddenly hazar imam stood by my mothers bed and said"i give you my best loving blessings for muskil aasan " hearing this my brother opened his eyes and mowla said again to him" i give her best blessings for muskil aasan khanavadan " when mowla walked away to see other patients my brother noticed my mother eyes wide opened!!!
I got a call from the nursing home this morning to go and see the nurse who was on duty today, that she has somthing to say to me. I just came back from the facility and have not stopped saying " sukir al hamdulilah."the nurse said to me that since yesterday my mother has been smiling what happened, where did she go yesterday and why is your mother smiling-she has been in this facility for so many years and no one has seen her smiling??
All I had to tell them is - my mother is very fortunate to be blessed by
our imam and walked away as I started to cry .
Yam
Fauzia
Link to the Video - MHI Peterson lecture ATL.
http://www.c-spanarchives.org/library/i ... d=204955-1
http://www.c-spanarchives.org/library/i ... d=204955-1
Dear All,
The Peterson Lecture given by MHI was perhaps his most thought provoking public speech given during this GJ visit. It perhaps ranks as one of the most articulate speeches on the importance of education in contemporary times, the role of schools in cultivating the global citizen and the delicate balance between globalism and tribalism. If memory serves me right, MHI quoted the Quran and the relevance of its message in contemporary times, more frequently than in any speech given in the Western context in recent years. In his address, MHI gives a very eloquent rational for the vision of the Aga Khan Academies program and the choice of its curriculum.
As of today, the speech has only been viewed 60 times.
I would urge you and also encourage individuals in your circle of influence to visit the site and listen to the speech before it is taken off active listing.
In addition, I would also encourage you to ask your teams, RE Teachers, RE Management, TAs, TE's to promote this speech to their friends and family, for it carries important messages relevant to all constituencies.
http://www.c-spanarchives.org/library/i ... d=204955-1
Once you click the link it'll bring a static image, on the right you have two option of players, once you select the player the video will play.
Thanks!
The Peterson Lecture given by MHI was perhaps his most thought provoking public speech given during this GJ visit. It perhaps ranks as one of the most articulate speeches on the importance of education in contemporary times, the role of schools in cultivating the global citizen and the delicate balance between globalism and tribalism. If memory serves me right, MHI quoted the Quran and the relevance of its message in contemporary times, more frequently than in any speech given in the Western context in recent years. In his address, MHI gives a very eloquent rational for the vision of the Aga Khan Academies program and the choice of its curriculum.
As of today, the speech has only been viewed 60 times.
I would urge you and also encourage individuals in your circle of influence to visit the site and listen to the speech before it is taken off active listing.
In addition, I would also encourage you to ask your teams, RE Teachers, RE Management, TAs, TE's to promote this speech to their friends and family, for it carries important messages relevant to all constituencies.
http://www.c-spanarchives.org/library/i ... d=204955-1
Once you click the link it'll bring a static image, on the right you have two option of players, once you select the player the video will play.
Thanks!