In a recent study that asked Americans what was important for their identity, the majority of the respondents stated that their priorities were family, country, religious faith, and ethnic identity. While individuals may include work or hobbies as part of their identity, faith plays a major role in defining self-identity for most people. As Shia Ismaili Muslims, we have our own tariqah and interpretation of our faith, and we have been blessed with the presence of an Imam-e-Zaman for over 1,400 years to guide us in our material and spiritual lives. While the significance of the "Ismaili Muslim" aspect of one's identity may vary with individuals, nonetheless one would suspect that faith, and the Ismaili community, play a far greater role in the lives of the Jamat than this study would indicate.

 

A community is only as vibrant and active as its members, and depends primarily on their willingness to contribute of their time and knowledge voluntarily. The Ismaili tradition of voluntary service has a long history, and has continued with the creation of modern institutions by Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah and by Mawlana Hazar Imam, with the array of institutions in countries where the Jamat resides, as well as the developing world through the Aga Khan Development Network. The primary purpose of all these institutions is to improve the communities' quality of life based on the ongoing guidance and direction provided by the Imam. Such guidance for the Jamat, provided during triannual meetings and other forums, informs the programs and initiatives implemented by the Jamati Institutions.

 

The Jamati institutions organize programs that range from admitting a child to the faith, to the end of life passage and assistance during the bereavement process, from providing religious education, to supporting secular education, physical health to mental health, economic empowerment to dispute resolution, and providing spaces for intellectual, spiritual and social needs. These needs are met almost exclusively through volunteers, for whom, service to the community is a paramount ethic. It should be noted that the institutions are only as strong as the members of the community who volunteer their time and share their expertise. These pages describe the mandates and programs of several institutional endeavors to illustrate the type of the support systems and programs available.

 

The Jamatkhana space is central to our identity as this is where we meet to fulfill our religious obligations and needs, as well as cultural, educational and social programming, and to bond as a community. No matter where an Ismaili goes, there is comfort in the knowledge that he or she will be welcomed and feel at home in the Jamatkhana, with people who are united, caring, and share a common belief system and values. They know they are part of a global brotherhood.

 

The significance of a united community was exemplified during the Golden Jubilee of Mawlana Hazar Imam and during his visit to the United States in 2008. Thousands of individuals were committed to making the visit a success and an unforgettable moment in the life of every murid.

 

We are fortunate that, inshallah, we will be able to participate in another historic event, Hazar Imam's Diamond Jubilee, in 2017, celebrating his 60th year as our beloved Imam. The Jamati institutions will be preparing for this occasion and will call on the Jamat, once again, to volunteer their time, knowledge and expertise during this year of celebration and in achieving the goals of the Diamond Jubilee. This is an opportunity for all to participate and be involved—the essence of a vibrant and committed community.