Our Stories
See stories from the Ismaili Community around the world.
Composer Amin Bhatia wins Canadian Screen Award
23 July 2020
Amin Bhatia and his musical composing partner Ari Posner have been nominated for the Canadian Screen Awards for the last five consecutive years, including two nominations this year for Canadian TV shows. However, with no wins to show from the previous years, Amin wasn’t expecting to win this year.
Canadian Jamat works to improve healthcare systems around the world
14 July 2020
Mawlana Hazar Imam has frequently commented on the value of sharing our time and knowledge with Jamats around the world and with the communities in which they live. Canadian Ismaili health professionals have taken that message to heart, having a long history of partnering with the agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) to improve the quality of life of people around the world.
Salma Lakhani appointed as first Muslim Lieutenant Governor in Canadian history
1 July 2020
On 30 June 2020, Salma Lakhani, a member of the Jamat in Edmonton, was named as the next Lieutenant Governor of Alberta by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
College student and friends produce face masks for physicians
29 May 2020
For Sofia Babool, a 20-year-old sophomore studying neuroscience at the University of Texas at Dallas, conversation in recent weeks has centered around Covid-19. The world seems to be on pause; her school, favorite coffee shop, everything in her life has been turned upside down.
The blessing of helping others: Tajikistan’s heroes in action
24 May 2020
Members of the Jamat in Tajikistan are helping their communities — which are at high risk of natural disasters — as part of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), an integral part of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH)'s emergency management activities.
Kenyan Jamat serves those in need during pandemic
14 May 2020
During this time, through its Ismaili CIVIC initiative, the Kenyan Jamat has come together from across the country to volunteer time and resources to help those in need.
Ismaili designer makes face shields for health workers
28 April 2020
In mid-March, as Covid-19 arrived in Canada amidst fear and panic, Rahim Bhimani began talking with his peers in Toronto, discussing possible ways they could help to serve health care workers in the local area and beyond.
Ismaili community in Malaysia works with local organisation to support families
15 April 2020
Sixty Kuala Lumpur families in need were recently provided with much-needed care packages thanks to the Ismaili community in Malaysia working in partnership with Yayasan Chow Kit (YCK), a 24-hour crisis and drop-in centre.
Video: Navroz greetings from the global Jamat
19 March 2020
Navroz Mubarak from the global Jamat! While we are practicing physical distancing, remain connected to each other and celebrate the new year together with these video messages from all over the world.
Video: Ismailia Helping Society, India
7 March 2020
On the occasion of International Women's Day, we celebrate the work of the Ismailia Helping Society (IHS) in India. Established in 1936, under the guidance of Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, IHS was established to promote the economic advancement of women in the Jamat. Over 80 years later, IHS continues to empower women who leverage their traditional skills in art, crafts, and beadwork to create lifestyle products.
Global Encounters Expedition: Into the heart of India
17 February 2020
In December 2019, Global Encounters (GE) Expedition brought together young Ismailis from 13 countries to the rural areas of Southern Saurashtra in Gujarat to engage with the local Jamat and study the work of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). The impact of Expedition on its participants is well known, but the impact that Expedition has on the Jamat in Southern Saurashtra is equally profound.
Jubilee Arts legacy lives on in Syria
7 February 2020
The Syrian Jamat commemorated Imamat Day in 2019 by reminiscing about Jubilee Arts during an event where artists came together to perform traditional songs and dances, demonstrating dedication, passion, and excellence in their performances.
