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 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

Source – About

Eboo Patel: Effort Fosters Tolerance Among Religions – NYTimes.com

Mr. Patel started the Youth Core in 2002 with a Jewish friend, a $35,000 grant from the Ford Foundation and one full-time paid staff member, April Mendez, an evangelical Christian who still works with the organization as vice president for leadership.

Mr. Patel’s parents were Indian immigrants from the Ismaili Shiite sect (led by the imam Aga Khan IV), which is known for its philanthropic work. But Mr. Patel spent his days at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and afterward running away from his own roots, searching for spiritual identity and purpose.

By LAURIE GOODSTEIN – Published: June 13, 2011

CHICAGO — For a guy who is only 35 and lives in a walk-up apartment, Eboo Patel has already racked up some impressive accomplishments.

Read at the source: http://www.nytimes.com

Muslim-American Activism: Baptists, Ismaili Texans Get to Know Each Other, Thanks to Becky Miller

“I think the Ismailis are a remarkable people,” said Becky Miller, a former mayor of the City of Carrollton, Texas. On Jan. 17 Miller and eight representatives of the First Baptist Church of Carrollton visited Headquarters Jamatkhana in Dallas, TX, where the local Ismaili community in Carrollton worship. The Shi’i Imami Ismaili Muslims, generally known as the Ismailis, belong to the Shi’i branch of Islam—the other major branch being Sunni.

A Lecture and Discussion: “Islam: Beyond the Headlines” – Professor Ali Asani

When: 7 Jun 2011 – 17:30
Where: THE TEMPLE CHURCH, OFF FLEET STREET, LONDON EC4Y 7 BB

There will be ample time for Q & A; the discussion will be followed by refreshments in the Round Church

Following a series of public discussions on “Islam in English Law”, 2008-9, we are very pleased to welcome Professor Ali Asani (Harvard) to the Temple Church in June.

via A Lecture and Discussion: “Islam: Beyond the Headlines” – Professor Ali Asani, Professor of Indo-Muslim and Islamic Religion and Cultures, Harvard University | Migrants’ Rights Network (MRN).

“They Killed Him Not”: The Crucifixion in Shi‘a Isma‘ili Islam

“They Killed Him Not”: The Crucifixion in Shi‘a Isma‘ili Islam

By: Khalil Andani

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. Interestingly, the faith of Islam, the second largest religion in the world after Christianity, seems to offer a completely different understanding of this event – it appears to deny the Crucifixion altogether. The only verse of the Holy Qur’an which speaks of the Crucifixion is the following:

wa-mā qatalūhu wa-mā salabūhu wa-lākin shubbiha lahum
They killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them.
– Holy Qur’an 4:157

While it is true that most Qur’anic commentators came to deny the crucifixion of Jesus, this view is not actually rooted in the Qur’anic verses but comes from commentaries which rely on other extra-Qur’anic sources. The denial of the historical crucifixion was only one view among others on the subject to emerge from the Islamic world. There have been alternate interpretations of the same Qur’anic verses which collectively offer a range of perspectives on the crucifixion – from total denial to actually asserting that the crucifixion did take place historically.

One of the schools of Islamic thought and philosophy which actually affirms the historicity of the Crucifixion and, in fact, glorifies it, is the tradition of Shi‘a Isma‘ili Islam. The Isma‘ili Muslim philosophers of the tenth and eleventh centuries were able to achieve a remarkable reconciliation and rapprochement between the Qur’anic and Christian views of the Crucifixion.

This article explains the Isma‘ili Muslim understanding of the Qur’anic verses on the Crucifixion, the meaning of the Crucifixion in Isma‘ili eschatology, and the esoteric exegesis (ta’wil) of the Cross, as articulated by the medieval Isma‘ili thinkers. These Isma‘ili perspectives, in their pluralistic and ecumenical outlook, can play a great role in opening further doors of understanding and recognition between the faiths of Christianity and Islam in the modern age.

Click above PDF or here to read the article.

Join Victoria Interfaith Dialogue Project for an Interfaith Open House with the Ismaili Muslim Faith Community

The Victoria Interfaith Dialogue Project invites you to learn about different religions, promote understanding and build new relationships.  All events are family-­friendly and everyone is welcome!

Muslim Open House
Date: Sunday April 17th 2011
Time: 1-3pm: tour and reception
Place:1250 Esquimalt Rd.,
Ismaili Jamatkhana

http://www.icavictoria.org
http://www.icavictoria.org/sites/default/fs/Interfaith%20Open%20House%20Poster%20ICA.March%208%202011_0.pdf

Victoria News – Opening doors to religious understanding

Opening the door was all it took to bring in people curious to know more about different faiths in Greater Victoria.

Over the past three months, seven places of worship have hosted open houses to welcome the public, including those from other faiths, to create understanding, dispel any misconceptions and build a strong sense of community.

The eighth and final open house takes place this Sunday (April 17) at the Ismaili Jamatkhana Muslim Centre, capping off a successful inter-faith initiative.

“It really confirms the diversity and the richness in the Greater Victoria region,” said Steven Baileys, multicultural program co-ordinator with the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria.

Together with the Victoria Multifaith Society and the South Island Dispute Resolution Centre, the three organizations have helped facilitate a unique learning and sharing opportunity.

via Victoria News – Opening doors to religious understanding.

Adherents of different faiths seek to break down barriers at dinner

More than 200 Christians, Jews, Muslims and Baha’is joined together in an interfaith dinner Saturday night at Congregation Beth Shalom in Naperville.

Event co-chairman Bernie Newman said they were thrilled at the response, which exceeded expectations.

“We have never done anything like this before,” he said. “Other faiths regularly visit us, but this is the first time we have put on a dinner like this. A lot of people that come here want to get a deeper understanding of their own faith because the roots of many faiths stem from Judaism.”

Congregation representatives were invited to experience Ramadan at the Islamic Center of Naperville last summer.

“That was one of the inspirations for this event,” said Newman

–snip–

Hasein Mansy of the Islamic Center of Naperville believes a successful interfaith effort locally sends a message to the rest of the world.

“Unfortunately, in today’s world, there is an abundance of mistrust, ignorance, fear, injustice, and violence,” Mansy said. “We hope that a successful interfaith effort in Naperville could serve as a role model for the world, showing that by goodwill, tolerance and open-mindedness, they can also succeed.”

According to Nizar Jiwani of Ismaili Jamatkhana, Naperville is an ideal place for interfaith dialogue.

“Having intelligent and informed discussions is a major part of a civil society, and this dinner is a perfect example,” he said. “These dinners are a great way to build understanding between religious groups and to promote goodwill.”

More: http://napervillesun.suntimes.com/news/

Search “Naperville” at Ismailimail

Sacred Songs, Sacred Sites: Visits to Houston area faith communities – Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center

Join Interfaith Ministries and the Houston Arts Alliance for a series of visits to Houston area faith communities. Explore the artistic and cultural traditions that make each worship experience unique. Transportation will not be provided and there will be no shuttle service between sites.

OnSite/InSight presents a rare opportunity to enjoy the visual, song, story, architectural and food traditions of four different religious institutions at their place of worship. An informal program at each institution of approximately two hours will showcase traditions that form an intrinsic part of their religious practice. Participants are invited to attend one or more sites. [...]

Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center
February 27, 2011
1700 First Colony Blvd, Sugar Land TX 77479
10:30am-12:30pm

Opened in 2002, the Ismaili center is Sugar Land is a center for prayer and reflection as well as for social and cultural gatherings. Ismaili Centers worldwide are symbolic markers of the permanent presence of the Ismaili community and a symbol of the confluence between the spiritual and the secular in Islam.

via https://imgh.org/interfaith-relations.

Aliya Hirji to present on “Interfaith Dialogue and Education for Women in the Qur’an: A Canadian-Ismaili-Muslim Woman’s Perspective”

Interfaith Dialogue and Education for Women in the Qur’an:
A Canadian-Ismaili-Muslim Woman’s Perspective

Aliya Hirji will help to break down stereotypes through a journey using the Qur’an, stories in other books, and her own humorous experiences of growing up as a young Ismaili Muslim woman. Aliya Hirji is the Senior Intern at the Iona Pacific Inter-Religious Centre and an alumna of UBC.

March 4, 2011 at Iona Pacific Inter-Religious Centre, Vancouver

http://miketodd.typepad.com/files/theoontapv04.pdf
Aliya Hirji « Iona Pacific.

Studying Modern Islam Series (Audio), with Dr Hussein Rashid

Hussein Rashid recently gave a series of three talks at Central Synagogue in NYC about Islam. Two of the lectures have been posted on the website.  You can listen here or download at the source.

Looking at the Qu’ran

Who Speaks for Islam?

http://www.centralsynagogue.org/index.php/community_programs/of_note/1939/

Church offers variety of winter activities » Local News » NewburyportNews.com

NEWBURYPORT — The First Religious Society of Newburyport announces events at its 26 Pleasant St. church and lower meeting hall in the coming weeks.

Sunday, Jan. 30, 10:30 a.m: Sunday Service, “Seeking the Face of God,” given by Ali Asani.

“When Moses came at the time appointed by us and his Lord spoke to him, he said, ‘My Lord, show Yourself to me: let me see You.’ God said ‘You will never see Me, but look at that mountain; if it remains standing firm, you will see Me.’ When his Lord revealed Himself to the mountain, He made it crumble: Moses fell down in a swoon.” — Quran 7:143

Dr. Asani will be discussing this quotation and others related to seeking a view of the deity. He was born in Nairobi, Kenya, and is professor of Indo-Muslim and Islamic Religion and Cultures at Harvard.

via Church offers variety of winter activities » Local News » NewburyportNews.com, Newburyport, MA.