In a vibrant celebration of Ismaili Muslim values — mentorship, public service, and collaboration —  the Ismaili Council for the Central US launched its Ismaili Civic Leadership Program on September 7th, 2024. This dynamic initiative is designed to cultivate leadership and civic engagement, bringing together a selected group of 30 participants to meet one Saturday each month.

This program’s objective is to actualize Mawlana Hazar Imam’s guidance to share our time and knowledge for the betterment of society. Over the nine-month program, participants will explore how to contribute to improve our communities by being engaged civically in their cities and states, while upholding the values of our Ismaili Muslim tradition.

The launch event featured a stellar lineup of expert speakers, including city and community leaders, non-profit executives, faith scholars, and industry specialists. Central US President Karim Farishta’s welcome address inspired attendees with a message of service, urging them to dedicate their time and knowledge to uplift others and strengthen the communities where we all thrive together.

Following the welcome, Aly Manji, Member for Communications and Publications, energized the crowd, emphasizing the vital role of the portfolio and the responsibility of each participant to drive meaningful, lasting change, “...to act and not take this as just a theoretical process, program, or exercise, but how quickly we can move from observers to participants.’ He added, ”Real lasting change takes time, it will not be easy but long-term benefits are profound.”

During a captivating fireside chat, National Council President Al-Karim Alidina delved into the importance of civic engagement. He emphasized that now is the time for the selected leaders to advocate for issues that benefit humanity and the greater good. He added, “Others will better understand the Ismaili community and change their perception of Islam and Muslims through our civic engagement. Our traditional values of compassion, generosity, humility, empathy, and improving the quality of life, are ones that will resonate with them.”

In her closing remarks, Almas Mascatwalla, a member of the Communication and Publications team and the designer and content creator for the Ismaili Civic Leadership training program, emphasized the importance of integrating faith into our daily actions. She inspired attendees to harness the potential for change by fostering relationships that expand knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

Views of the participants echoed sentiments of Nazim Ali, a distinguished business developer, owner, and analyst, with a proven track record of leadership as Honorary Secretary of the Arkansas Business Alliance from Little Rock. He remarked, “Hearing President Al-Karim Alidina’s perspective that through our capacity for relationship building we need to change the narrative, really resonated with me.”

“Ismailis are permanently here as a community in the United States; therefore, civic engagement is not an option, it is a requirement. We need to find ways to be actively engaged,” noted Feroz Nizamdin from Dallas.

Munira Sarfani, a Family Nurse Practitioner from Dallas, commented on the impact of the program:

“The session challenged me to consider my evolving identity as an American Ismaili Muslim Woman. To examine, situate, accept, and internalize one’s identity is crucial while attempting to grow in civic engagement. I find myself asking, how do the historical context of my faith and the migration experiences of my ancestors shape this identity?”

With an electric atmosphere and a commitment to collective impact, the Ismaili Civic Leadership Program is set to inspire the next generation of leaders and strengthen the fabric of the Ismaili community as one Jamat.

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