Understanding AKDN
Alwaez Dr. Karim Gulamali speaks on the Power of New Beginnings, explaining the Fresh Start Effect and, using stories and anecdotes from history, drawing lessons and directions for a happier and more fulfilling New Year.
Alwaez Dr. Karim Gulamali speaks on the Power of New Beginnings, explaining the Fresh Start Effect and, using stories and anecdotes from history, drawing lessons and directions for a happier and more fulfilling New Year.
On February 26th, 2020, the University of Central Asia (UCA) and Cambridge Commonwealth, European and International Trust (Cambridge Trust), and extended their partnership agreement to develop faculty across Central Asia for a further three years.
On February 26th, 2020, the University of Central Asia (UCA) and Cambridge Commonwealth, European and International Trust (Cambridge Trust), and extended their partnership agreement to develop faculty across Central Asia for a further three years.
Reflections on 2020 and a Look Ahead with Dr. Shiraz Kabani>
Reflections on 2020 and a Look Ahead with Dr. Shiraz Kabani>
This talk will revolve around a simple question: at the time of this global pandemic, where do we seek answers? Are they to be found in faith and religious practice? Or should people exclusively seek every answer under these circumstances from science? The question of the interaction between faith and intellect (or rather science) as two sources of knowledge has been at the heart of major theological and philosophical currents in the Muslim world. How do we resolve these tensions without obviating either faith or science? Dr. Daryoush Mohammad Poor explores this theme and refers to Ismaili tradition and primary sources to demonstrate that there is no conflict between faith and science and both serve a purpose, both have weight and significance as well as the ability to reinforce one another.
On 25 November 1977, Mawlana Hazar Imam inaugurated The Institute of Ismaili Studies. On Friday 24 November 2017, we celebrated its 40th anniversary in the presence of Prince Rahim, where we celebrated the people who contributed to developing an academic centre for Ismaili studies, that has had a significant impact on the field of Shi‘i and Ismaili studies in the last 40 years.
Ismaili Centre, London 25th Anniversary.
We live in a world where we are often around people who are different from us. Research shows that humans are born with a bias in favour of those who are similar to them and against those who are different. Thus, this talk argues that it is imperative for the survival of civilised society that the value of pluralism is encouraged and taught at all levels of society.
The Aga Khan Master Musicians perform at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the Jubilee Concert series on 21 June 2018.
Ginans - Ismaili religious literature originating from the religion-cultural context of the Indian Subcontinent, has sometimes been viewed as “lacking Islamic personality”. This talk will challenge this view and introduce audiences to multiple examples of religious poetry used by various Muslim traditions from the region to highlight typical characteristics of the literature that are greatly influenced by South Asian cultural contexts. The talk will also introduce the audience to multiple IIS publications that one can turn to in order to learn more and gain further insights into this topic.
A panel discussion with AKU’s leadership, including Trustees Princess Zahra Aga Khan and Naguib Kheraj, President Rasul, and Provost Amrhein, on the university’s future growth and its aspirations to become a liberal arts institution - United Kingdom 29 September 2018.
Ginans - Ismaili religious literature originating from the religion-cultural context of the Indian Subcontinent, has sometimes been viewed as “lacking Islamic personality”. This talk will challenge this view and introduce audiences to multiple examples of religious poetry used by various Muslim traditions from the region to highlight typical characteristics of the literature that are greatly influenced by South Asian cultural contexts. The talk will also introduce the audience to multiple IIS publications that one can turn to in order to learn more and gain further insights into this topic.
Exploring select examples from the Dawr al-Satr (765-909 CE) and the Fatimid period (909-1171 CE) of our history, Dr. Shainool Jiwa illustrates how the Imams and the leadership at the time dealt with challenging circumstances of their age, using them as a springboard for laying stronger foundations for the future of the Jamat across various regions of the world.
This session discusses the ethical framework that informs a cosmopolitan mindset. It explores the various dimensions of the ideas of cosmopolitanism and cosmopolitan ethics, including some critiques and constraints, to help Jamat develop a grounded appreciation of this concept.
Global Centre For Pluralism Lecture 2018 - Part 2 of the sixth Annual Pluralism Lecture: a Q&A session with Karen Armstrong, author, and religious historian.
Opening session of the IIS's 25th Anniversary conference "Word of God, Art of Man - the Qur'an and its Creative Expressions" at The Ismaili Centre, London, including keynote address by Mawlana Hazar Imam and Professor Oleg Grabar (Princeton University), introduced by Professor Azim Nanji (Director, IIS).
A panel discussion with the Aga Khan University's leadership including AKU Trustees Princess Zahra Aga Khan and Naguib Kheraj, President Rasul and Provost Amrhein, on the university’s future growth, and its aspirations to become a liberal arts institution.
On 25 November 1977, His Highness the Aga Khan officially inaugurated The Institute of Ismaili Studies. On Friday 24 November 2017, we celebrated its 40th anniversary, where the Board of Governors hosted an event to celebrate the people who have contributed to developing an academic centre for Ismaili studies, that has had a significant impact on the field of Shi‘i and Ismaili studies in the last 40 years.
The short documentary, Islamic Gardens: Catalysts for Change, is about the vast network of parks and gardens around the world developed by the Ismaili Imamat, under the leadership of His Highness the Aga Khan.
Gardens bring people of different backgrounds together to enjoy and appreciate nature. They also seek to improve people’s quality of life by providing spaces for reflection, spirituality, education and leisure.
The creation of parks and gardens has been an important part of the AKDN's work, with the objective of using green spaces to catalyse positive economic, social and cultural change. This short documentary "Islamic Gardens: Catalysts for Change" is about the Network’s vast network of parks and gardens. It explores their significance and the reasons for creating and revitalising parks and gardens, including their role as spiritual and communal spaces, in environmental stewardship, their capacity to act as springboards for economic development, and their role as educational spaces to teach about the rich diversity and heritage of Muslim cultures and civilisations.
The film looks at the numerous park and garden projects undertaken by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, as well as those found in the Ismaili Centres and many other spaces globally, with special focus on the three projects opened during the Diamond Jubilee year of the Aga Khan: the Sunder Nursery in India, the Islamic Gardens at Kings Cross found in the Aga Khan Centre in London, and the Aga Khan Garden in Edmonton.
You can read more about AKDN's Parks and Gardens projects on the AKDN website »