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Elders of communities in the Tian-Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan recall stories of the Great Urkun in 1916 when Kyrgyz locals fled their homes during a Tsarist invasion. Desperate to save their families, some parents tied their children to horses. These horses brought the children to safety, carrying them across mountains alone for days.

We’re experts at ignoring adverts: slogans on billboards, jingles on TV – we tend to dismiss them as hype. But attempts to manipulate us are becoming more effective and difficult to avoid.

Yesterday, 12 May, Monsignor Peña Parra, the Substitute for the Secretariat of State at the Vatican, was welcomed to the Ismaili Centre Lisbon by Prince Rahim, accompanied by Nazim Ahmad, Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to Portugal, and Rahim Firozali, President of the Ismaili Council for Portugal.

As part of the one percent of the population who stammer (stutter), I know first-hand the challenges that come with having one. I remember the feeling of dread when being asked my name or if I had to speak on the telephone. Ever since I was young, I’ve been on a journey to find the courage to face my speaking fears.

On the occasion of Eid ul-Fitr, The Ismaili presents a song by younger members of the Jamat, entitled Bismillah. Meaning “In the name of Allah,” Muslims say Bismillah before starting a prayer, enjoying a meal, embarking on a journey, or beginning a difficult task. Invoking the name of Allah can bring us comfort and strength, and helps us to remember Him in everything we do. In most forms of Sign Language, Bismillah is expressed via a simple gesture; the index finger starts at the lip and is then raised towards the sky.