Features

When Lebanese landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic was commissioned to design the Aga Khan Park in Toronto in 2005, Mawlana Hazar Imam suggested he take a tour of Islamic gardens and architecture around the world, ranging from Fatehpur Sikri in India to Alhambra in Spain. In this interview, he explains how the research trip helped his design of the Aga Khan Park to capture the essence of the Islamic garden.

As we navigate through this uncertain time, it is important to acknowledge the changes that we are going through. It can be helpful for students to seek support and engage in activities that will encourage us to stay rational, kind, and compassionate to ourselves and towards others.

We are living in a different world compared to just three months ago. Critical parts of our lives have been uprooted and turned upside down, which has led to a further spiral of worry and stress. We want to be helpful, so we tend to share information that comforts and reassures us - however, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s accurate, and in fact, it often contributes to the growing uncertainty.

As Covid-19 continues to impact communities around the world and fundamentally change how we live our everyday lives, many of us are experiencing a toll on our mental health. Especially during times of uncertainty, it’s important to focus on our mental and emotional well-being in order to navigate these difficult circumstances in a healthy way. Here are some strategies to try in the weeks and months to come.

As Ismailis, we have always cared for one another in times of need. As Canadian Journalist Farah Nasser says, by practicing self-isolation and social distancing at this time, we are helping to curb the spread of the virus, and in the process, safeguarding the most vulnerable among us.