The.Ismaili | 04 November 2017 | Canada

FAQ

The following commonly asked questions and responses may assist you in your preparations for the Mulaqat. If you have a question that is not answered here, please call the Mulaqat Call Centre at 1-855-822-8060.

If you have a suggestion for a question that could be posted here for the benefit of others, please email us. (remove this?)Thank you.

FAQ- Français: link

Information for Multi-faith families and caregivers can be found here

 

General

1. Who will be able to participate in the Mulaqats?          

The mulaqat in Vancouver will be for those Jamats under the jurisdiction of the Council for British Columbia. The mulaqat in Calgary will be for the Jamats under the jurisdiction of the Councils for the Prairies and Edmonton. 

2. When will the visit take place?

April xxx in Vancouver and April in Calgary.

 

Session Timings

1. What is the schedule for the sessions at xxx?

For the 4 sessions taking place at xxx on Friday and Saturday, please note the following timings on both days.

Morning Session:

  • The Mulaqat Hall will open for entry at 7:00 a.m. for the morning sessions
  • Jamati members who arrive earlier will be hosted in a separate area until the Hall opens
  • The morning spiritual preparations program will commence at approximately 8:40 a.m.
  • Jamati members are requested to be seated inside the Mulaqat Hall no later than 9:00 a.m.
  • Following the morning session, the Jamat will be asked to vacate the Mulaqat Hall by noon in order to refresh the hall for the afternoon session.
  • Jamati members travelling by Wheeltrans should schedule pickup from the Bremner Boulevard, South Building entrance on level 500 at 11:30 a.m.

Afternoon Session: NEW TIMES

  • For the afternoon session, the Mulaqat Hall will open for entry at 2:30 p.m.
  • Jamati members who arrive earlier will be hosted in a separate area until the Hall opens
  • The afternoon spiritual preparations program will commence at approximately 4:00 p.m.
  • Jamati members are requested to be seated inside the Mulaqat Hall no later than 4:30 p.m.
  • Jamat who are in the afternoon session will complete evening prayers at MTCC. 
  • Jamati members travelling by Wheeltrans should schedule pickup from the Bremner Boulevard, South Building entrance on level 500 at approximately 8:00 p.m.

2. What is the schedule for ceremonies at the Ismaili Centre Burnaby?

Ceremony session timings at the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby

Timings and details for sessions at Ismaili Centre, Burnaby on Friday and Saturday mornings are as follows for BOTH DAYS:

  • Parking will not be permitted at the Ismaili Centre;
  • Drop off and pick-up are only permitted for Wheel-Trans users, and High Medical Needs murids;
  • Please schedule your TTC WheelTrans vehicles to drop you off at the Ismaili Centre Toronto at 8:00 a.m. and pick you up at 12:30 p.m. pickup;
  • For all others, parking and check-in will take place at East York Jamatkhana from 7:00-8:30 a.m.
  • A full security check will take place at East York Jamatkhana and light refreshments will be available;
  • After your security check, you will be transported to the Ismaili Centre, Toronto via shuttle buses departing from East York Jamatkhana;
  • Volunteers will direct you to your session;
  • The spiritual preparation and ceremony will commence at approximately 10:00 a.m.
  • Following the ceremony, buses will return to East York Jamatkhana at 12:30 p.m.;

Sunday Morning Ceremonies At The Ismaili Centre Burnaby

For EAST YORK, HALTON AND WINDSOR JAMATKHANAS:

  • Our Jamat will park and check-in at East York starting at 6:00 am

  • Shuttle buses will transport Jamati members to the Ismaili Centre

  • Doors to the Ismaili Centre will open at 7 am and close by 9:00 am

  • Please schedule any Wheel-Trans drop offs to the Ismaili Centre between 7 am – 8:30 am

  • Volunteers will direct you to your session

  • Wheel Trans buses may pick you up at 12:30pm from the Ismaili Centre

  • Anyone that is dropped off by family members at East York can be picked up at East York  at 1:30 pm

For PICKERING, OSHAWA, BELLEVILLE AND BOBCAYGEON Jamatkhanas:

  • Our Jamat will park and check-in at Scarborough JK starting at 6:00 am

  • Light refreshments will be available

  • Shuttle buses will transport Jamati members to the Ismaili Centre

  • Doors to the Ismaili Centre will open at 7 am and close by 9:00 am

  • Please schedule any Wheel-Trans drop offs to the Ismaili Centre between 7 am – 8:30 am

  • Volunteers will direct you to your session

  • Wheel Trans buses may pick you up at 12:30pm from the Ismaili Centre

  • Anyone that is dropped off by family members at Scarborough JK can be picked up at Scarborough at 2:00 pm

DOWNTOWN, WILLOWDALE AND NIAGARA FALLS JAMATKHANAS

  • Our Jamat will be required to park their vehicles at the Celestica Building located at 844 Don Mills Road commencing at 6 am. 
  • Shuttle buses will be on-site to transport you to the Japanese Cultural Centre for check-in and registration commencing at 6:00 am
  • Please do not park at the Japanese Culture Centre
  • If you are being dropped off, you can be dropped off directly at the Japanese Cultural Centre for security check-in and registration
  • After your security check, shuttle buses will transport you to the Ismaili Centre
  • The Ismaili Centre doors will open at 7 am and close by 9 am
  • Wheel trans buses can drop off at the Ismaili Centre between 7 am-8:30 am
  • Volunteers will direct you to your ceremonies;
  • Following the ceremonies, Wheel Trans buses can pick up at 12:30 pm from the Ismaili Centre.
  • Following the ceremonies, please proceed to the Japanese Cultural Centre where shuttles will transport you back to the Celestica Building 
  • Anyone that is dropped off by family members at the Japanese Cultural Centre can be picked up at the Japanese Cultural Centre at 1:30 pm.

BARRIE, BRANTFORD, ETOBICOKE, GUELPH, HAMILTON, HEADQUARTERS, KITCHENER AND LONDON JAMATKHANAS

  • Our Jamat will park and check-in at East York starting at 6 am
  • Shuttle buses will transport Jamati members to the Ismaili Centre
  • Doors to the Ismaili Centre will open at 7 am and close by 9:00 am
  • Please schedule any Wheel-Trans drop off’s to the Ismaili Centre between 7 am – 8:30 am
  • Volunteers will direct you to your Madhaan Chanta session
  • Wheel Trans buses may pick you up at 12:30pm from the Ismaili Centre
  • Anyone that is dropped off by family members at East York can be picked up at East York  at 1:30 pm

Sunday Afternoon Ceremonies at the Ismaili Centre Burnaby

BARRIE, HEADQUARTERS, RICHMOND HILL AND ETOBICOKE  JAMATKHANAS

  • Our Jamat will be required to park their vehicles at the Bell Canada Building located at 100 Wynford Drive or the Scotia Bank building at 90 Wynford Drive
  • Please walk to the Japanese Cultural Centre for check-in and registration commencing at 1:00 pm
  • Please do not park at the Japanese Culture Centre
  • If you are being dropped off, you can be dropped off directly at the Japanese Cultural Centre for security check-in and registration
  • After your security check, Shuttles will transport you to the Ismaili Centre
  • The Ismaili Centre doors will open at 2 pm and close by 4 pm
  • Wheel trans buses can drop off at the Ismaili Centre between 2:15 and 3:30 pm
  • Following the ceremonies, Wheel Trans buses can pick up at 6:30 pm from the Ismaili Centre.
  • Following the ceremonies, there will be shuttles to the parking lots 
  • Anyone that is dropped off by family members at the Japanese Cultural Centre can be picked up at the Japanese Cultural Centre at 7:00 pm.
  • Please proceed to York Mills Galleria or Marc Garneau for Jamatkhana Ceremonies

KITCHENER, HAMILTON, BRAMPTON, GUELPH, BRANTFORD, LONDON AND ST. THOMAS JAMATKHANAS

  • Our Jamat will be required to park their vehicles at the Ontario Science Centre located at 770 Don Mills Road commencing at 1:00 pm
  • Registration and Security Checks will take place inside the Ontario Science Centre, 
  • Light refreshments will be available
  • Shuttle buses will transport Jamati members to the Ismaili Centre
  • The Ismaili Centre doors will open at 2 pm and close by 4 pm.
  • Wheel Trans can arrive direct to the Ismaili Centre between 2:15 – 3:30pm
  • Following the Ceremonies, Wheel trans can pick up murids at the Ismaili Centre at 6:30 pm 

BOBCAYGEON, DONMILLS, NIAGARA FALLS, PICKERING AND WILLOWDALE JAMATKHANAS

  • Our Jamat will park and check-in at East York starting at 1:00 pm;
  • Refreshments will be available at East York;
  • Shuttle buses will transport Jamati members to the Ismaili Centre;
  • Doors to the Ismaili Centre will open at 2:00 pm and close by 4:00 pm;
  • Please schedule any Wheel-Trans bus drop off’s to the Ismaili Centre between 2:15 pm – 3:30 pm
  • Volunteers will direct you to your Madhaan Chanta session;
  • Wheel Trans busses may pick you up at approximately 6:30 pm from the Ismaili Centre;
  • Anyone that is dropped off by family members at East York can be picked up at East York  at 6:30 pm

Monday Afternoon Ceremonies at the Ismaili Centre Burnaby

SCARBOROUGH JAMATKHANA

  • Please park your car and complete registration and security check at Scarborough commencing at 10:00 am;
  • Refreshments will be available;
  • Shuttle buses will transport Jamati members to Ismaili Centre;
  • The Ismaili Centre doors will open at 2:00 pm and close by 4:00 pm;
  • Wheel Trans buses can drop murids off directly to the Ismaili Centre between 12:00 – 2:00 pm;
  • Please arrange for Wheel Trans pick up at approximately 5:00 pm; 
  • Anyone that is dropped off by family members at Scarborough can be picked up at Scarborough at 6:00 pm;

UNIONVILLE JAMATKHANA

  • Please park your car and complete registration and security check at Unionville JK commencing at 10:00 am;
  • Refreshments will be available;
  • Shuttle buses will transport Jamati members to Ismaili Centre;
  • The Ismaili Centre doors will open at 2:00 pm and close by 4:00 pm;
  • Wheel Trans buses can drop murids off directly to the Ismaili Centre between 12:00 – 2:00 pm;
  • Please arrange for Wheel Trans pick up at approximately 5:30 pm; 
  • Anyone that is dropped off by family members at Unionville can be picked up at Unionville at 6:30 pm;

SUDBURY AND DON MILLS JAMATKHANAS

  • Please park your car and complete registration and security check at East York JK commencing at 11:00 am;
  • Refreshments will be available;
  • Shuttle buses will transport Jamati members to Ismaili Centre;
  • The Ismaili Centre doors will open at 2:00 pm and close by 4:00 pm;
  • Wheel Trans buses can drop murids off directly to the Ismaili Centre between 12:00 – 2:00 pm;
  • Please arrange for Wheel Trans pick up at approximately 5:30 pm; 
  • Anyone that is dropped off by family members at East York can be picked up at East York at 6:00 pm;

MEADOWVALE AND MISSISSAUGA JAMATKHANAS

  • Please park your car and complete registration and security check at the Ontario Science Centre at 770 Don Mills Road commencing at 11:00 am;
  • Refreshments will be available;
  • Shuttle buses will transport Jamati members to Ismaili Centre;
  • The Ismaili Centre doors will open at 2:00 pm and close by 4:00 pm;
  • Wheel Trans buses can drop murids off directly to the Ismaili Centre between 12:00 – 2:00 pm;
  • Please arrange for Wheel Trans pick up at approximately 5:00 pm; 
  • Shuttle buses will drop the Jamat back at the Ontario Science Centre to pick up their cars

BRAMPTON, OSHAWA AND RICHMOND HILL JAMATKHANAS

  • Please park your car and check in at East York JK commencing at 1:00 pm;
  • Refreshments will be available at East York
  • Shuttle buses will transport Jamati members to Ismaili Centre;
  • The Ismaili Centre doors will open at 2:00 pm and close by 4:00 pm;
  • Wheel Trans buses can drop murids off directly to the Ismaili Centre between  2:15 – 3:30 pm;
  • Volunteers will direct you to your session
  • Please arrange for Wheel Trans pick up at approximately 6:30 pm; 
  • Anyone that is dropped off by family members at East York can be picked up at East York at 6:30 pm;

 

Registration

1. I was not able to register prior to the deadline of xxx. Is it possible to register now?

 

2. When can I pick up my Mulaqat Access Card?

BC

 

Calgary

 

Please make sure to have your original government issued photo ID when picking up Access Cards.

3. Can I be registered for more than one ceremony during the Mulaqat?

If eligible, Jamati members can register for different ceremonies. Please refer to the age requirements for specific ceremonies.

4. Are visitors from outside Western Canada allowed to attend any of the Mulaqats?

No, the Mulaqats are only for those resident in Western Canada.

5. What are some of the forms of acceptable IDs for registration?

The following forms of original and valid IDs are acceptable: 

  • Provincial Drivers Licence 
  • Provincial Health Card
  • Provincial Photo Identification Card
  • Canadian Birth Certificate - for children under the age of 18
  • Work Permit (including for TKN) or Super Visa with Supplementary ID
  • Supplementary ID must include the individual's name and residential address in Eastern Canada (e.g. utility bill)

All IDs must be current (up-to-date) and valid.

6. Can I bring a fax print-out, photocopy or electronic ID?

No, only original IDs will be accepted.

7. How do I get a chair at the venue?         

All chairs requested during the pre-registration exercise have been approved for those 70 years old and over. For anyone under 70 requiring a chair, please visit the registration desk for assessment.

8. I have vision, hearing, medical or mental health needs. What should I do?

Those who have family members with significant medical or mental health needs, who are legally blind, or who are deaf, have been asked to indicate this at the time of registration. If you were not able to provide this information at the time of registration, or if the health status of a member of your family has changed since you registered, please contact the Special Needs Medical team to update your information.

The Special Needs Medical team can be accessed via the Mulaqat Call Centre at 1-855-822-8060. 

9. What is the Mulaqat Call Centre information?

The Mulaqat Call Centre is open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. (PST) daily.  The Call Centre number is 1-855-822-8060.

 

The Venue (See Transportation section for detailed parking and drop off information)

1. What can I expect when I arrive at the Mulaqat venue?

BC

 

 

Calgary

 

2. Is there parking available at the venue?

Parking will be available at and around the venue but there is no guarantee of available spots. Given that these parking lots are situated in busy locations and they also carry a cost, we recommend the use of public transportation. Please see the Transportation section of the website.

3. Can I bring my cell phone to the Mulaqat hall?

Electronic Devices

In order to establish an environment for peaceful contemplation at the Mulaqat, and for security purposes, all electronic devices including wearable electronic devices such as fitbits will not be permitted in the Mulaqat hall. Please note that any devices left in coats in the coat check area will be left at individual risk.

4. What if there is an emergency and a phone is needed?

Emergency access to phones will be arranged.  For all emergencies, seek the help of the nearest volunteer.

5. Will food be provided at the Mulaqat?

During the Mulaqat, please note that due to the multiple sessions and facility restrictions, only light snacks and refreshments will be available.

Please do not bring water bottles of any kind to the venue.  Water will be provided to the Jamat at the venue. (Milk and baby formula for young children is permitted).

Maps of the venue will be provided in the coming days.

6. Will there be any reserved seating?

There will be no reserved seating for any members of the Jamat including leadership. Chairs will be provided to members of the Jamat with appropriately designated Mulaqat Access Cards.Volunteers will guide you to the appropriate area upon arrival.

7. What is the process for wheelchairs?

Wheelchair ushering will be provided for those who require it. Members of the Jamat requiring the use of a wheelchair throughout the ceremony must bring their own to the venue. There will be a designated area for wheelchair seating.

8. Where do I drop-off family members ?

xx is very accessible by public transit.  You are strongly encouraged to use this option.

 

9. Can I park at the Ismaili Centre Burnaby?

Parking will NOT be permitted at the Ismaili Centre.

Drop off and pick-up only permitted for Wheel-Trans users, High Medical Needs murids and those who are unable to travel on a shuttle bus.

Please schedule your TTC WheelTrans vehicles to drop you off at the Centre at 8:00am for your session, and pickup at 12:30pm for departure.

10. Where do I park for ceremonies at the Ismaili Centre Burnaby?

Parking and check-in for Ismaili Centre Burnaby ceremonies will take place at xx

For more information see the Transportation section

 

Volunteering

1. I want to perform seva during the Mulaqat. How can I do so?  

A large number of opportunities are available for members of the Jamat interested in offering seva during this historic time. Please visit the Seva Desk in Jamatkhana to sign up for volunteer opportunities for the Canadian Mulaqats.

2. Can volunteers request duties at the time of arrival at the Mulaqat?

Duties will be assigned ahead of the Mulaqat. We request that you sign up for duty ahead of time so that you can be appropriately allocated a duty.  If there is a need for additional volunteers on-site, we will have a registration desk set-up, however, there are no guarantees that any duties will still be available. 

 

Health

1. Instead of addressing medical concerns in Jamatkhana at the registration desk, is there a telephone number I can call to address my medical concerns in a more confidential space?

Yes.  You can call the Mulaqat 2018 Call Centre to ask for assistance or you can ask to be contacted by a member of the special needs medical team who can discuss your medical concerns as they pertain to attending the Mulaqat. 

Mulaqat 2018 Call Centre: 1-855-822-8060

2. What type of information should I carry with me at the Mulaqat if I have medical concerns that your team should be aware of?

It is advisable to wear a medic alert bracelet if you have one. 

Please also fill out and bring a copy of your Health Passport so that all of your relevant medical information is documented and readily accessible by team members in the event of an emergency. Health Passports will be distributed in Jamatkhanas.

3. What if I have any mental health, behavioral, or memory related conditions, or other medical needs that require continuous assistance?

Please register with the special needs team if this is the case. It will remain private and confidential.

4. I/family member am/is currently in the hospital. If my/their doctor gives me/them permission, can I/they attend the Mulaqat?

Yes.  If your doctor gives you clearance to attend you may be able to.

Please register and advise the Special Medical Needs team of your medical needs so that we can organize for your care in the Mulaqat hall. 

We will also need to consult with your doctor to get more information regarding your medical needs.

5. I currently have a multi-faith caregiver. I would like to attend Mulaqat but I need special attention. Will there be someone to help me?

Yes. While Mulaqat ceremonies are underway, you will be cared for in the medical needs area by Jamati health professionals.  After all religious ceremonies are complete, you will be able to reunite with your caregiver.

6. Can a family member stay with me in the designated area?

Yes. A family member can stay in the designated area. All multi-faith family members will be welcomed in the multi-faith room during Mulaqat ceremonies, which is outside the Mulaqat hall.  After all religious ceremonies are complete, you will be able to reunite with your family.

7. What if my health status changes prior to the Mulaqat?

Family members of murids who experience a significant change in medical status, such as hospital admission, prior to the Mulaqat are advised to call the Medical Advisory Service hotline at 416-751-4001 x460 or contact Mukhi/Kamadia Sahebs or Mukhiani/Kamadiani Sahebas.

8. What will happen if I have a caregiver who will be coming to the Ismaili Centre Toronto with me?

Certain Jamati members who are participating in ceremonies at the Ismaili Centre Toronto have already been identified and assessed as having high medical needs.  These murids will be permitted to be accompanied by a caregiver or family member to the Centre. These caregivers and family members have already been identified through the registration process.  

Due to the private nature of the ceremonies the caregiver or family member will not be present during the ceremony.  They will be hosted in a separate area and reunited with the murid after the ceremony has been completed. This policy will be strictly enforced.

Arrangements will be made to assist murids requiring assistance during the ceremony.

 

Contributions

1. Can I still contribute to the Diamond Jubilee Fund?        

Jamati contributions towards the Diamond Jubilee Fund and Material Nazrana, as well as niyats for Time and Knowledge Nazrana are being accepted every evening. Please see volunteers at the desk in the foyer.

 

General

1. Are there special programs in BUI/Religious Education classes to help prepare for the Mulaqat visit?              

Special sessions to help our students prepare for Mawlana Hazar Imam's upcoming visit will take place in all BUI Centres. Students who are not registered in BUI are warmly invited to participate. For more information, speak to the local BUI Principal.

2. What is the process to get a letter for work or education purposes?         

Members of the Jamat who require a letter regarding the Mulaqat for their employer or educational institution are requested to contact their local Council office.

3. If I am travelling from a distance, what accommodations are available?             

Special rates have been secured for hotels in Vancouver and Calgary. Booking information is available at the hospitality site.

This webpage will continue to be updated with more detailed information regarding the visit, so we encourage you to visit it again. In particular, we will add details regarding the on-site experience by xx please visit after that date.

We also encourage you to sign up for the Digital Al-Akhbar and download the IICanada app to get updates on this visit as well as other events.

For more information, you may also call the Mulaqat 2019 Call Centre at 1-855-822-8060.