What's New
AKF supports effort to eliminate tuberculosis globally
11 October 2023
Worldwide, tuberculosis (TB) is known to have the highest death rate of all infectious diseases — far more than Covid-19. Approximately 10 million new cases of TB emerge annually, more than 4 million of which are thought to be undiagnosed. Efforts to find effective and accessible therapies are therefore essential, especially for the developing world.
Music video: Dil Mera Bhaari Hai
9 October 2023
To coincide with World Mental Health Day, The Ismaili presents Dil Mera Bhaari Hai (My heart is heavy). The song explores themes of anxiety, depression, and grief, and the role of faith as a central feature of our lives to which we can turn for comfort and solace.
How to combat loneliness
9 October 2023
In quiet periods of our lives, loneliness can appear like an uninvited guest. It's a universal human experience that affects people of all ages and circumstances. By understanding its signs and extending a helping hand, we can make our neighbourhoods and communities more inclusive and supportive.
Investing in excellence
4 October 2023
The 20th-century writer William Arthur Ward once said that “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” Continuing Professional Development (CPD), is increasingly seen as a vital part of a teacher’s toolkit, to ensure they continue inspiring each other and those around them.
Muslim Footprints episode 8: Muslim Spain
3 October 2023
This week on the Muslim Footprints podcast, we discuss the legacy of Islam in the Iberian Peninsula. Professor Brian Catlos accompanies us on an expedition through al Andalus to discover Islamic influences in its art and culture. Tune in to learn more.
Video: The Ismaili Update — September recap
29 September 2023
In our latest episode of The Ismaili Update, we look back at the exciting stories from the worldwide Jamat during the action-packed month of September.
How to talk to children about money
28 September 2023
Financial literacy is the ability to understand and use skills like budgeting, personal spending management, and investing. With these skills, we can better our relationship with money and understand how using it wisely can improve our financial security. So, the question is, why aren’t we teaching children about this sooner?
The timeless relevance of a liberal arts education
28 September 2023
In ancient Athens and in Fatimid Cairo, a liberal arts education was considered the hallmark of a well-rounded citizen. This approach is vital today for its ability to foster critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. That’s why the Aga Khan University’s newest faculty has built its undergraduate curriculum around it.
Bytes of history: The digital revolution in cultural preservation
28 September 2023
As people spend more time immersed in TikTok, Instagram Reels, and other social media feeds, there’s a common perception that society is losing touch with history and culture. However, technology also opens up avenues to strengthen our relationship with our cultural heritage. Institutions like the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) have launched initiatives that leverage technology to make culture-based content easy to access.
What practices do Ismailis observe in jamatkhanas?
27 September 2023
Ismaili practices in jamatkhanas are expressions of the spiritual bond between the hereditary Ismaili Imam-of-the-Time and his followers, as conveyed in the pledge of allegiance (bay‘a) that each Ismaili offers to the Imam. They include various forms of prayer mentioned in the Holy Qur’an and other expressions of piety and devotion through which Ismailis seek God’s grace and mercy through the intercession of the Prophet and the Imams. Jamatkhana practices are the sole prerogative of the Imam-of-the-Time and are specific to the Ismaili community.
How sustainable is your cup of chai?
27 September 2023
When you’re next at the grocery store, reaching for that package of milk, why not consider an alternate option that’s more eco-friendly? To help keep your consumption as sustainable as possible, we’ve done some digging to unearth the most sustainable milk alternatives, and reviewed their taste and suitability for your tea and coffee needs!
A story of fashion and compassion
27 September 2023
Salima Visram grew up in Kenya — a land of striking beauty and vibrant colours. She always had selfless aspirations: her initial career goal was to work for the UN. But while at university in Canada, she learned about different ways to make a positive impact on the world, and her journey took an unexpected detour.
