Films and Videos
Music video: We serve the Jamat
4 December 2020
In celebration of International Volunteer Day, The Ismaili is pleased to present We serve the Jamat, performed in Farsi by Najib Shirzad and volunteers from the Jamat in Afghanistan. The song depicts the humility and commitment of volunteers who ensure the wellbeing of the entire community, year after year.
Music video: We are IVC
4 December 2020
Released to coincide with International Volunteer Day, We are IVC honours the Ismaili Volunteer Corps and others who continue a long-standing tradition by offering tireless and dedicated service to the Jamat and beyond.
Video: Pursuing dreams on the roof of the world
25 November 2020
Sadaqat aspires to become a writer. Although he suffers from a childhood impairment and the distance from his village to school is two kilometres, he does not allow his condition or the stretch of road to hinder him on the path to achieving his dream.
Music video: Ay banday (O believer)
23 November 2020
The Ismaili is pleased to present Ay Banday performed by Zainab Baloch. The song’s lyrics represent a reminder of the transient nature of this world, and urge the listener to reflect on one's purpose in life.
Music video: Chehra Tera
9 November 2020
The Ismaili is pleased to present Chehra Tera with music by Alykhan Surani, performed by Zaheed Damani and Anar Hussainaly, and filmed at the Aga Khan Garden in Alberta. The song’s lyrics explore the notions of longing and search, and illustrate how the signs we seek are often closer than we may realise.
Music video: Zahe Muqaddar
27 October 2020
To mark the occasion of Milad-un-Nabi this week, The Ismaili is pleased to present Zahe Muqaddar performed by Karim Javed Alwani. Originally sung by Qari Waheed Zafar Qasmi, Zahe Muqaddar is a Na’at written in praise of Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him and his family). This video was recorded in the Garden of Light at the Aga Khan Centre in London. The marble screens in the garden are inscribed with poetry by celebrated Persian poets and extracts from the Qur’an.
Music Video: Ya Ali Madad
18 October 2020
The Ismaili is pleased to present Ya Ali Madad, performed by the Dhun Kids. This light-hearted song features young members of the Jamat greeting each other across the world, and illustrates our shared sense of community, regardless of where we come from.
Music video: Badle gi (It will change)
5 October 2020
The Ismaili is pleased to present Badle gi, performed by Fitoor the Band. The song’s lyrics represent a monologue influenced by the current pandemic. It touches on how human actions — often driven by greed and self-interest — have negatively impacted the natural environment and our own wellbeing, and expresses hope and optimism that things will now change for the better.
Video: Planning for Opportunity
5 October 2020
This year’s theme for World Habitat Day, Housing for All: A Better Urban Future, is an opportunity to reflect on the state of housing in our towns, cities, and communities, exploring how we can build stronger, more resilient settlements.
Video: Teachers - Shaping the future of our Jamat
4 October 2020
In celebration of World Teachers’ Day, The Ismaili presents a new short film featuring Bait-ul Ilm teachers and students in the UK jurisdiction Jamat, discussing the value of Religious Education and the recent adaptation to online classes.
Music Video: Calmate
21 September 2020
The Ismaili is pleased to present Calmate, performed by Hip-Hop artist Fidah, who in this song explores the balance between faith and world, and encourages open conversation on the existential questions of life.
Music Video: Nur
15 September 2020
The Ismaili is pleased to present an original composition entitled Nur by Conchord, a musical trio based in the United States. The lyrics contain themes of Divine Light and the grace of God, and the song features an English translation of ayat an-Nur from the Qur’an.
