Category Archive: Islam

Photo Essay: Jalebi Takes Centre Stage at Eid ul-Fitr Celebrations at Montreal’s Headquarters Jamatkhana

Iconic Ismaili photographer Muslim Harji shares a beautiful collection of photos of the celebration of Eid ul-Fitr at Montreal Headquarters Jamatkhana, centered around the delicious Jalebi snack. Please view the photos and share them with your friends and family members around the world.

2021 in Photos: The Bellerive Room – the Ceramic Collection of the Late Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan and Princess Catherine Aga Khan

A collection of vibrant photographs of the ceramics housed in the Bellerive Room at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto.

Photo of the Day: Exciting New Encounters at Aga Khan Park at Peak of Summer: The Honey Bees, the Russian Sage, the Majestic Hawk, and the Beautiful Hibiscus, and a Snapping Turtle at Evergreen Brick Works

Nurin and her dad Malik take their cameras to wonderful parks in Toronto and come up with these wondrous photos of birds, insects and flowers at Aga Khan Park at the peak of summer.

Photo of the Day: The Simurgh at the Aga Khan Museum’s Beautiful Bellerive Room by Afraaz Mulji

Multi talented – musician, poet, writer – Afraaz Mulji reflects on his favourite ceramic piece, the Simurgh, situated in the Bellerive Room of the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto.

An inspiring walk through the Aga Khan Park in Toronto, in the midst of Covid-19 physical distancing

Story by MALIK MERCHANT Publisher-Editor Simergphotos,  Simerg, and Barakah with photographs by the author and SHAFIN JAMAL  A close-up of a tulip at the Aga Khan Park, Toronto. The tulip is seasonal, and blooms in… Continue reading

The Hajj: An Amazing Collection of 19th/20th Century Photos from the US Library of Congress

Compiled by MALIK MERCHANT (Publisher-Editor, Simerg, Barakah and Simergphotos) THE PILGRIMS’ JOURNEY TO MECCA Between 1900 – 1920. To Sinai via the Red Sea, Tor, and Wady Hebran. Mecca pilgrims on deck a ship. Photo: US Library… Continue reading

Aga Khan Museum and Ismaili Centre Draw Thousands during Doors Open Event Held in Toronto on May 25-26, 2019

More than 8,000 visitors attended the Doors Open event at the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre on May 25-26, 2019. This post captures the event through a selection of photographs.

Spain’s architectural masterpieces: The Al Hambra Palace in Granada and the Great Mosque in Cordoba through the Lens of Muslim Harji

The Magnificent Alhambra Palace and the Mosque of Cordoba Through the Lens of Muslim Harji.

Silk Road Travelogue by Ali Karim: (6) In Hunza’s Capital, Karimabad – Named after Prince Karim Aga Khan

Ali and Dilshad Karim at Altit Fort, strategically located, precarious for enemies. Legends speak of the spot where they are standing as the capital punishment spot where enemies were simply pushed over the… Continue reading

Ismaili Jamat in Moscow Celebrates Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 80th Birthday with A Wonderful Cultural Show – Must See

Ismaili youth performing at Moscow concert against  a backdrop photo of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit to Tajikistan. Introduced by Abdulmalik Merchant The Luzhniki Sports Arena became the venue on December 11, 2016, for… Continue reading

33 Awesome Photos that Summarize Our 2016 Posts: From Historical Visits and Landmark Ceremonies of His Highness the Aga Khan to Fantastic Travelogues and Photo Essays

PREPARED BY ABDULMALIK MERCHANT (Publisher/editor — Simergphotos, simerg and barakah) (The photos on this page are representative of some thirty photo pieces that we published in 2016. The photos are not shown in… Continue reading

“Horses” by Gulgee: An Exceptional Gift to His Highness the Aga Khan for His Landmark 80th Birthday

Ismail Gulgee Ismail Gulgee (1926 – 2007) COMPILED AND ADAPTED BY ABDULMALIK MERCHANT Editor/publisher, http://www.simergphotos.com Ismail Gulgee was born in Peshawar, Pakistan, in 1926. Since his childhood, Gulgee’s heart was in the visual arts. He dabbled in… Continue reading

Special Coverage – with an Exclusive Transcript – of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Visit to the UAE for the 2016 Aga Khan Award for Architecture Ceremony

I. A Photo Summary of the Six Winning Projects BAIT UR ROUF MOSQUE, DHAKA, BANGLADESH Architect: Marina Tabassum A REFUGE FOR SPIRITUALITY IN URBAN DHAKA, SELECTED FOR ITS BEAUTIFUL USE OF NATURAL LIGHT.… Continue reading

Exclusive: Photos of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Visit to Pakistan by the Late Abdul M. Ismaily (“Papa Jaan”)

Editor’s Note: Our multi-part series of photos of His Highness the Aga Khan, Mawlana Hazar Imam, taken by the late Rai Abdul M. Ismaily (1926-1981), lovingly known as “Papa Jaan,” continues with this… Continue reading

Exclusive: Photos of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Visit to Uganda by the Late Abdul M. Ismaily (“Papa Jaan”)

Editor’s Note: Our multi-part series of photos of His Highness the Aga Khan, Mawlana Hazar Imam, taken by the late Abdul M. Ismaily, lovingly known as “Papa Jaan,” continues with this post containing… Continue reading

A Historic Handshake Between Two Faith Leaders, His Highness the Aga Khan and Pope Benedict XVI

COMPILED AND PREPARED BY ABDULMALIK MERCHANT (Publisher-Editor http://www.simerg.com and http://www.simergphotos.com) As part of his famous Apostolic Journey to France in 2008, Pope Benedict XVI, on September 13, paid a visit to the “Institut De… Continue reading

The 2015 Travels and Accomplishments of a Global Humanitarian and Spiritual Leader, His Highness the Aga Khan

GLIMPSES OF THE 49TH ISMAILI IMAM’S WORK From the Aga Khan University Convocations in East Africa to the Signing of Agreement to Establish the Seat of the Imamat in Portugal to the Opening of… Continue reading

A Rare 1954 Video of the Hajj, With Footage of Mata Salamat, the Begum Aga Khan; and a Masterpiece Work of Art by the Begum of His Highness the Aga Khan

Note: We have noted that the video footage of Mata Salamat at the Hajj that was posted on Facebook is no longer available. Should you find the footage on the internet, please email… Continue reading

Dushanbe’s Ismaili Centre Through the Lens of Muslim Harji

Editor’s note: Muslim Harji’s series on Central Asia continues with a superb collection of photos of Dushanbe’s Ismaili Centre, which was inaugurated on October 12, 2009 by His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, President of… Continue reading

Prayer Houses of Badakhshan, Tajikistan, Through the Lens of Muslim Harji

Editor’s note: Montreal’s Muslim Harji, pictured above with Ismaili students in Khorogh, continues his special series on Central Asia with this special feature on Ismaili prayer houses in Badakhshan. Thousands of readers have… Continue reading

A Unique Video of the Signing Ceremony Establishing “Seat of the Ismaili Imamat” in Portugal

Editor’s note: We are pleased to offer our readers a link to an extraordinary footage shown on Portuguese Cable News Channel, SIC Noticias, of the signing ceremony that took place in Lisbon establishing… Continue reading

An Anthology of the Silk Road Through the Lens of Muslim Harji and Smithsonian’s Folklife Festival

Editor’s note: In this third part of a special photo series, Muslim Harji of Montreal focuses on Uzbekistan, with some stunning photos of Islamic buildings in the Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara,… Continue reading

An Ismaili Wedding in the Pamirs Through My Lens by Muslim Harji

Editor’s note: Our remarkable series of portraits from Badakhshan through the lens of (Montreal’s) Muslim Harji continues with this Part II exclusively dedicated to an Ismaili wedding in a small village in the Pamirs that… Continue reading

For 2015 Ottawa Doors Open, Simerg Visits 2 Muslim Centres, the Algerian Embassy and the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat

BY ABDULMALIK J. MERCHANT A fortnight ago, during the weekend of May 23-24th, 2015, the city of Toronto hosted its 16th Annual Doors Open allowing thousands of Toronto residents and visitors to explore… Continue reading

Photo Essay: Fabulous Photos of the Aga Khan Park and the Inauguration Ceremony

THE PATRON AND BUILDER Please click on photo(s) for enlargement THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY WITH PHOTOS OF THE AGA KHAN PARK ~~~~~~ COMPLETION AND CONNECTION “The Aga Khan Park now connects those buildings [the Aga… Continue reading

Exclusive Photo Essay: 2015 Navroz Celebrations in Montreal

Photo: Muslim Harji Editor’s note: Montreal, Quebec, has by far the largest population of Ismailis from Afghanistan of any city in the Western world. Numbering in their thousands, one is often left wondering on major… Continue reading

Islam and the Muslim World: An Interesting Collection of Prints, Photographs and Images at the US Library of Congress

I. THE ROTUNDA: GREAT CONTRIBUTIONS TO CIVILIZATION ~~~~~~~~ II. PRINTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS His Highness the Aga Khan ~~~~~~~~ Kedive of Egypt ~~~~~~~~ British Propaganda ~~~~~~~~ A Tajik Wedding Ritual ~~~~~~~~ Gracious Uzbek Lady… Continue reading

Image of the Year: “The Ismaili Imamat is Unique”, Mawlana Hazar Imam Our Guide, Hope and Inspiration

Please click on http://www.simergphotos.com for wonderful photo essays

New Delhi’s Spectacular Islamic Heritage Through a Canadian Lens

Editor’s note: Intrepid traveller Muslim Harji never fails to have a trip of a lifetime wherever he goes. New Delhi, the Indian capital was no exception judging by the pictures that he has captured, which cover the… Continue reading

Simergphotos: Celebrating Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 78th Salgirah (Birthday) With a Rich Collection of Photos and Quotes

Compiled and Prepared by Malik Merchant Editor, Simergphotos and Simerg The images and quotes published below represent: Mawlana Hazar Imam’s family; the Imam’s affection and love for all his murids; the breadth and… Continue reading

Photos and Videos: Simerg Captures the Spirit of the Jamat on the Opening Day of the Ismaili Centre in Toronto, Canada

Jamat and Volunteers Speak from the Heart on this Auspicious and Historical Day BY MALIK MERCHANT Editor, Simerg and Simergphotos Happy Ismaili youth pictured at the Park at 10:30 pm after completing their… Continue reading

September 18, 2014: Opening Day of the Majestic new Aga Khan Museum

BY MALIK MERCHANT Editor, Simerg and Simergphotos Tanzanian Altaf Hirani (centre) with friends I was hoping to be at the new Aga Khan Museum in Toronto well before it opened to the public… Continue reading

Photo Essay: Stunning Photos of North America’s First Ismaili Centre and Jamatkhana as the Second Ismaili Centre in Toronto is Set for an Official Opening Ceremony on September 12, 2014

Editor’s note: Mohib Ebrahim, the founding publisher and editor of Nanowisdoms, recently visited the first North American purpose built high profile Ismaili Centre and Jamatkhana located in Burnaby, British Columbia, and came away… Continue reading

His Highness the Aga Khan’s Historic Visit to the Parliament of Canada: A Collection of Photos and Speech Excerpts

“As we all know, Canada is home to a well-established and fast-growing Ismaili community. His Highness has therefore become an increasingly frequent visitor, and always a welcome one.” — Prime Minister Stephen Harper… Continue reading

The Magnificent Aga Khan University, its Symbolic Logo and the Elegant Jamiapoash Worn by His Highness the Aga Khan for the University’s Convocation

THE AGA KHAN UNIVERSITY When the Charter of the University was first granted in 1983, His Highness the Aga Khan concluded his speech on the occasion with the words, “In everything we do… Continue reading

Glimpses from the 2013 Aga Khan University Convocation, with a Summary of Seven Key Themes in His Highness the Aga Khan’s Address

Compiled and Prepared by Abdulmalik Merchant (Publisher-Editor, Simergphotos and Simerg) 1. SUCCESS STORY: THE CONSTITUENTS WHO MAKE IT HAPPEN “I am delighted, first of all, to extend my warmest congratulations to our graduands and to… Continue reading

Chinese Female Imams – A Short 8-Minute Film

“EDUCATING A WOMAN MEANS EDUCATING A WHOLE FAMILY” China’s Hui Muslims are unique in many respects. The country’s second-largest ethnic minority share linguistic and cultural ties with the majority in China that have… Continue reading

Google and Nasir al-Din Tusi

By Malik Merchant, Editor One would think that Gerald Ferreira of 3d Car Shows would only focus on cars. Only my love for cars and what Ferreira’s website represents would take me there, but yesterday I… Continue reading

The Tradition of Amulets and Talisman in the Muslim World

INTRODUCTION (Introduction adapted from The Metropolitan Museum of Art) An amulet [similar to a talisman] is any object that is imbued with protective powers, and all cultures and faiths have manifestations of such… Continue reading

Peaceful Times and Fond Memories of Salamiyya, Syria….Then Terror Strikes Violating the Qur’anic Injunctions on the Sanctity of Life

INTRODUCTION Jabal Mashhad is one of the two mausoleums in Syria which is of special historical significance to Ismailis. The mausoleum is thought to hold the tombs of the 8th Ismaili Imam, Wafi Ahmed,… Continue reading

Historical Images: The Blue Qur’an from the Fatimid Period, “A Very Spiritual Piece”

Compiled by Malik Merchant Editor, Simergphotos.com & Simerg.com INTRODUCTION: On Sunday November 25, 2012, Simergphotos began a weekly/bi-weekly series of historical illustrations that underline an artistic, ethical, moral, religious or scientific theme. This… Continue reading

Historical Images: Ibn Sina and His Canon of Medicine

“THE ENDURING RESPECT IN THE 21ST CENTURY FOR A BOOK WRITTEN A MILLENIUM EARLIER IS A TESTIMONY TO IBN SINA’S ACHIEVEMENT” –  Mona N. Tibi and Emilie Savage-Smith Compiled by Malik Merchant Editor, Simergphotos.com… Continue reading

Historical Images: President Thomas Jefferson’s Copy of the Qur’an

  Compiled by Malik Merchant From time to time Simergphotos will publish historical illustrations that underline an artistic, ethical, moral, religious or scientific theme. This piece introduces readers to a rare copy of… Continue reading