Jimmy (Sadrudin) Rawji of Red Deer Ismaili Centre, as described by Rev. Ross Smillie of St. Andrew’s United Church

Rev. Ross Smillie

In Central Alberta, we have had really good relationships with a Muslim mosque in Red Deer, the Ismaili Centre. The Ismailis are a progressive Muslim group headed by the Aga Khan, who encourages his followers to seek out relationships with people of other faiths. One of the members of this mosque, a man named Jimmy Rawji, lives in Ponoka, and in obedience to the teachings of his Muslim community, he sought out the Ponoka United Church. Every Sunday, this Muslim man goes to the United Church and sings in their choir because he respects the worship of God in whatever form it takes and he believes that we need to build bridges and not barriers. Over a number of years, he has accompanied our confirmation classes on tours of the Isamaili Centre and given them talks on the Muslim faith. He is a man whom I admire and respect. He is a Muslim who strikes me as close to God. He is a Muslim whom I think offers a good example of the scandalous love that Jesus taught and to which his followers are called. And so I think that this weekend when we think about Jesus’ scandalous love for those whom we are tempted to despise and fear, we also are called to reach out to our Muslim neighbours.

via http://www.lacombeunitedchurch.ca/sermons2010/september%2012.html
http://www.lacombeunitedchurch.ca/index.html

Related: Jimmy (Sadrudin) Rawji – Ponoka’s volunteers given spirited ceremony
Related: Ismaili Community unveils New Centre – Red Deer Alberta

The Crucifixion in Shi‘a Isma‘ili Islam

As observed by millions of Christians around the world, Good Friday marks the day when Jesus Christ was crucified. For Christians, this event is the climax of sacred history: the death of Christ on the Cross is believed to have redeemed and cleansed the sin of humanity. Indeed, the efficacy of the entire Christian doctrine – adhered to by the largest number of people in the world – depends upon the event of the Crucifixion.

via The Crucifixion in Shi‘a Isma‘ili Islam | Ismā‘īlī Gnosis.

“Isma’ili Muslim Perspectives on Jesus”

Ismaili philosophers actually affirm that yes Christians should revere the cross and Muslims should revere the Shahada, because outwardly, these symbols are different, but inwardly there is a unity.

If there’s anything we can take away from these Shi’i Ismaili Muslim perspective … is that, while religion may have outward theological differences, these outward theological differences may be reconciled at the level of deeper esoteric meaning. And thus, outward diversity may in fact simply be a symbol of inward unity.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2Hy1j7-zCE

Visions of Jesus in Esoteric Islam: Shi‘i Isma‘ili Christology: A Student Presentation and Discussion Forum at Harvard Divinity School

Presented by Khalil Andani on Friday, March 1, 2013 – 2:15pm until 3:30pm in EST at Center for the Study of World Religions (CSWR) – Conference Room (Harvard Divinity School).

Facebook invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/413410935419037/

Earlier related: Video: Isma‘ili Muslim perpsectives on Jesus presented by Khalil Andani

Hussein Rashid was invited by Middle Church to preach. He delivers on Islam’s message of Mercy and Compassion

http://vimeo.com/50023841

All related Hussein Rashid: http://ismailimail.wordpress.com/tag/hussein-rashid/

Eboo Patel: US interfaith group reaches across spiritual divide – The National

In an America often convinced of the inevitable clash of civilisations, the challenges facing the IFYC and its leader, Eboo Patel, are considerable. The influential Rhodes scholar has worked with the Obama administration on several major interfaith projects. Yet he’s under no misconception that the IFYC can achieve its goal – making religious pluralism a social norm.

“We should not and cannot judge how we’re doing now against an issue that is going to last for the rest of human history,” 36-year-old Patel says during a recent interview at the IFYC offices just west of Chicago’s Loop. “The best thing we can do right now is help college campuses take this issue seriously and become ecologies that model interfaith cooperation and help young people start to see themselves as interfaith leaders.”

via US interfaith group reaches across spiritual divide – The National.

Public Event: Practicing Compassion: Multi-Faith Conversation at Esquimalt Jamatkhana

St. John’s joins Jewish, Muslim and Bahai communities to focus on the practice of compassion. Each community hosts one of 4 sessions. Based on Karen Armstrong’s book, Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life.

Apr 29, 2012 – 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Location: Esquimalt Jamatkhana, 1250 Esquimalt Road

Multi-faith Conversation Series: Practicing Compassion

Ismaili Muslim community hosts at the Esquimalt Jamatkhana, 1250 Esquimalt Road, Esquimalt, BC

Series: Multi-faith Conversation Series 2012

Event type: Public

via The Church of St John the Divine.
Related tag: http://ismailimail.wordpress.com/tag/interfaith/

“Isma‘ili Muslim Perspectives on Jesus” and “Shia Isma‘ili Islam” – Two Absorbing Presentations by Khalil Andani

On Thursday, March 15, 2012, the University of Toronto and St. Michael’s College hosted The Christology Symposium – an academic forum featuring presentations on Jesus from multiple Christian and Muslim disciplines followed by a panel discussion. Among the participants was Khalil Andani who spoke on Shi‘a Isma‘ili Muslim Christology. Other lectures were Roman Catholic Christology by Greg Rupik; Sunni Muslim Christology by Shabir Ally; and Evangelical Christology by Dr. Tony Costa.

Khalil Andani’s presentation (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2Hy1j7-zCE), titled Shi‘a Isma‘ili Muslim Christology: Jesus in Classical Isma‘ili Thought summarized some of the classical Isma‘ili Muslim perspectives on Prophet Jesus or Hazrat Issa (a.s) that stem from the Fatimid Isma‘ili discourse on the absolute transcendence of God, the Universal Intellect (al-‘aql al-kull), and the Cycles of the Natiqs (Prophets) and the Imams. The presentation concluded by sharing an Isma‘ili ta’wil (esoteric interpretation) of the Christian Cross and the Islamic Shahada as outlined in the writings of Abu Yaqub al-Sijistani and Ja‘far al-Mansur al-Yaman which demonstrate the ecumenical and pluralistic approaches of the Fatimid Isma‘ili thinkers.

via “Isma‘ili Muslim Perspectives on Jesus” and “Shia Isma‘ili Islam” – Two Absorbing Presentations by Khalil Andani «.

Video: Isma‘ili Muslim perpsectives on Jesus presented by Khalil Andani at the Christology Symposium

“…the conditions of the dialogue between Christianity and Islam change completely as soon as the interlocutor represents not legalistic Islam but this spiritual Islam, whether it be that of Sufism or of Shi‘ite gnosis.”
(Henry Corbin, Spiritual Body and Celestial Earth, Prologue)

On Thursday, March 15, 2012, the University of Toronto and St. Michael’s College hosted “The Christology Symposium” – an academic forum featuring presentations on Jesus from multiple Christian and Muslim perspectives followed by a panel discussion. The presentations consisted of the following:

1. “Roman Catholic Christology” (at 5:50) – Greg Rupik (PhD Candidate, University of Toronto)

2. “Sunni Muslim Christology” (at 22:00) – Shabir Ally (PhD Candidate, University of Toronto)

3. “Evangelical Christology” (at 39:15) – Dr. Tony Costa (PhD)

4. “Shi‘a Isma‘ili Muslim Christology” (at 57:30) – Khalil Andani (Master of Theological Studies Candidate, Harvard University)

Khalil Andani’s presentation titled Shi‘a Isma‘ili Muslim Christology: Jesus in Classical Isma‘ili Thought summarized some of the classical Isma‘ili Muslm perspectives on Jesus which stem from the Fatimid Isma‘ili discourse on the absolute transcendence of God, the Universal Intellect (al-‘aql al-kull), and the Cycles of the Natiqs (Prophets) and the Imams. The presentation concluded by sharing an Isma‘ili ta’wil (esoteric interpretation) of the Christian Cross and the Islamic Shahada as outlined in the writings of Abu Yaqub al-Sijistani and Ja’far ibn Mansur al-Yaman which demonstrate the ecumenical and pluralistic approaches of the Fatimid Isma‘ili thinkers:

“It remains a question why discussions of the Islamic Jesus have not heretofore stressed the importance of the thought of these Isma‘ili scholars with regard to what is probably the great single obstacle in Muslim-Christian relations not to mention an extremely important feature of Muslim identity.”
(Todd Lawson, The Crucifixion and the Qur’an, 95)

Watch: Video of Khalil Andani’s Presentation Shi’a Isma’ili Muslim Christology:
Watch: Full Video of The Christology Symposium Presentations and Panel Discussion:

Further Reading on the subject of Isma’ili Muslim Christology can be found at:

1. Henry Corbin, Cyclical Time and Ismaili Gnosis, Tr. Ralph Manheim and James Morris, London: Kegan Paul International in association with Islamic Publications Ltd., 1983
2. Todd Lawson, The Crucifixion and the Qur’an, Oxford: Oneworld Publications, 2009
3. Khalil Andani, “They Killed Him Not”: The Crucifixion in Shi‘a Isma‘ili Islam
4. Khalil Andani, “The Common Word”: Reflections on Muslim-Christian Dialogue
5. Khalil Andani, The Metaphysics of the Common Word: A Dialogue of Eckhartian and Isma’ili Gnosis, Sacred Web Journals 2011 Part1, Part2

Khalil Andani is Chartered Accountant (CA) and is pursuing a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree at Harvard University. He holds Bachelor of Math (BMath) and Master of Accounting (MAcc) degrees from the University of Waterloo. Khalil is a contemporary Isma‘ili Muslim thinker whose areas of focus include theology, philosophy, metaphysics, hermeneutics (ta’wil), and the Perennial Philosophy (sophia perennis) – on which he writes and delivers presentations. Through his literary and intellectual activities, Khalil seeks to revitalize the Shi‘a Muslim intellectual tradition of philosophy and esoteric thought and explore the common ground between Islam and other faiths.

Related at Simerg.com: “Isma‘ili Muslim Perspectives on Jesus” and “Shia Isma‘ili Islam” – Two Absorbing Presentations by Khalil Andani

The Common Word for a Common Humanity: The Underlying Essence of the Message as Rooted in the Holy Scriptures of Islam and Christianity

By Nadim Pabani

In this study, the author will firstly examine The Common Word initiative and its formative roots. Secondly, he will overview some of the subsequent reactions from religious leaders and academic scholars in both the Christian and Muslim communities. While acknowledging that negative responses to The Common Word have arisen, the author will rather focus on the perceptions of the majority which reflect more favourably on the impact of the initiative. Finally, the author will suggest that it is possible to view The Common Word initiative as having been derived from the basic essence of both the Qur’anic and Biblical teachings in regards to the building of one’s social conscience through pluralism, humanism and universalism.

The author contends that the initiative and others of similar origin can prove revolutionary in impact, thus aiding in the bid to bridge the divide – through better understanding – which has unfortunately been ever-widening since the horrific events of 9/11.

Click here to read more: http://simerg.com/literary-readings/.

Compassion Conference aims for Muslim-Christian dialogue

Muslim-Christian dialogue will take center stage at the statewide gathering next weekend of the Catholic social justice organization, Pax Christi.

The “Compassion Conference” will be held at the University of the Incarnate Word and will feature academic experts on Islam as well as an array of local Muslim leaders and groups.

Other religious leaders also are taking part, but Muslims were asked to play a key role in planning this conference, organizers said.

via Compassion Conference aims for Muslim-Christian dialogue – San Antonio Express-News.

I-CERV (Ismaili Community Engaged in Responsible Volunteering) participates in Breakfast At Cathedral of Hope to serve the homeless

…information in Dallas Voice about BACH, the weekly Breakfast At Cathedral of Hope program in which church volunteers prepare and serve breakfast to the homeless…BACH stands for “Breakfast at the Cathedral of Hope,” a program that just celebrated its four-year anniversary in November.

–snip– This Saturday’s volunteers included members of the church community of the Cathedral of Hope, members of the Turtle Creek Chorale and a group of 14 students from “I-CERV,” the “Ismaili Community Engaged in Responsible Volunteering.” They are here once a month, all year long. Kenneth Campbell, the Interfaith Services Director Volunteer Coordinator of the Memnosyne Foundation, brought these energetic and focused youth.

via BACH for the holidays …. and beyond.

Article: “The Common Word”: Reflections on Muslim-Christian Dialogue – By Khalil Andani

“Say: O People of the Book! Come to a common word between us and you: that we shall worship none but God, and that we shall ascribe no partner unto Him, and that none of us shall take others for lords beside God. And if they turn away, then say: Bear witness that we are they who have surrendered (unto Him).”

(Holy Qur’an 3:64)

A unique feature of the modern age is the encounter taking place between people who belong to different religious traditions. Unfortunately, some have branded the particular encounter between Muslims and non-Muslims as a “clash of civilizations” when it is actually a “clash of ignorance”. An important aspect of such an encounter is the dialogue between Christians and Muslims – adherents of the two largest faiths in the world – and in this article I present a reflection on how such a dialogue can be approached from the eyes of a Muslim.

Lyn’s Blog: Trip to the Ismaili Jamatkhana in Burnaby

Mention the words Islam and Muslim to many in the street these days and their thoughts turn to Sharia Law condoning the cutting off of hands, suicide martyrs dreaming of virgin in paradise, raped women being stoned…and many more negative images.

Eight parishioners from St. Philip’s-by-the-Sea decided on Tuesday November 15th to accept the free invitation of Naz Rayani and Mona Goode from the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society (CSRS) at the University of Victoria to tour The Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre in Burnaby. We sought the truth behind those stereotypes.

It was a dark and freezing morning shortly after six…

Click here to read at the source: Lyn’s Blog: TRIP TO THE ISMAILI JAMATKHANA IN BURNABY.

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, Glenview, reflection by Murad Bhaidani, president of His Highness Prince Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for the Midwestern United States

Glenview Clergy Association is sponsoring Glenview’s annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 23 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2328 Central Road (at Shermer Road), Glenview.

The service will bring together members and clergy from faith communities around Glenview. The service will include an interfaith choir and a reflection by Murad Bhaidani, president of His Highness Prince Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for the Midwestern United States and member of the Glenview Ismaili Jamatkhana.

Participation in the chorus is open to all. Choir members will arrive at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church at 6:30 p.m., to review the music and practice.

The collected offering will be divided among the Northfield Township Food Pantry, Glenview Youth Services’ Easing Fund and the Glenview Police Citizens’ Emergency Assistance Fund. All who attend are encouraged to bring cans of staple food, pet food or boxes of household paper supplies, which will be collected and donated to the Northfield Township Food Pantry (for a list of the most needed items visit http://www.twp.northfield.il.us/pantry.htm).

via community briefs – Glenview Announcements.

Shainool Jiwa: Muslim-Christian Engagement in early Fatimid Egypt

The Fatimid conquest of Egypt in 969 CE placed the Ismaili Imam-caliphs at the helm of its diverse ethnic and religious populace. The Christians of Egypt constituted a sizeable proportion of the Egyptian populace, with Copts forming the majority and Melkites and Nestorians constituting significant minorities. The tolerant attitude of the Fatimid Imam-caliphs to their Christian subjects has been long noted in the sources as well as in contemporary scholarship. However, the presumptions underlying the Fatimid attitude have oftentimes been premised on the view that as Shia Ismaili Imams, the Fatimids were a minority regime who had little recourse but to bolster their authority by seeking rapprochement with other significant constituencies, such as the Christians. It is generally held that this was primarily driven by the need to offset the influence of the Sunni majority and to curb the influence of the Abbasid regime, which had previously governed Egypt and continued to exert its influence in the region.

via Shainool Jiwa: Muslim-Christian Engagement in early Fatimid Egypt.

Karim Family service – St. David’s United Church

This week’s service was a little different. Instead of our usual sermon the congregation invited the Karim family of West Vancouver to come and share their gift of music and to tell us a little of how they live their faith as Ismaili Muslims.

First, nine-year-old Jamil gave a talk describing some of the misperceptions of Islam in the West (see the text of this talk below). Then parents Amin and Nermin, along with Jamil and his older brother Zia and sister Safiya, gave a moving rendition of their song “Generosity” from their CD “and the Light goes on”. They also sang “Raise the Flag” to close the service.

Listen to the Podcast:

via St. David’s United Church » Blog Archive » Karim Family service.

Earlier related: Small steps, big beliefs: Family charity aims to aid unwed mothers in Muslim Pakistan

President Ismaili Council for British Columbia, Samira Alibhai and others visit the Christ Church Cathedral

http://bcove.me/z4f0y7qa

Rice University Boniuk Center’s Sacred Sites Quest

The Boniuk Center’s Sacred Sites Quest (SSQ) is one of the signature programs for high school students. Its aim is to enhance religious literacy, promote interfaith dialogue, collaboration and tolerance, and to enable participants to leave a creative legacy as a permanent public artistic expression of the SSQers’ adventures together.

http://boniuk.rice.edu/Content.aspx?id=538

In 2011, the Boniuk Center’s SSQ enrolled 24 students from over a dozen different high schools throughout greater Houston. This multifaith group was intentionally diverse—as were the college student mentors and adult chaperones working with the SSQ cohort.

About half of the 2011 SSQers were Ismaili Muslims. Another handful were Jewish. Most of the remaining HS student participants were raised in various Christian denominations. Some of them continued to indentify as Christian; others described themselves as currently agnostic, “uncertain, questioning” or “actively exploring” their faith commitments and religious beliefs.

http://boniuk.rice.edu/Content.aspx?id=567
http://boniuk.rice.edu/default.aspx
Participating Organizations: http://boniuk.rice.edu/Content.aspx?id=564

Sacred Sites Quest – for the Ismaili Jamatkhana & Center Visit

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