What has this experience been like as a guide at the Ismaili Center?
I would say a multiple of sensations, experiences, and lived experiences. With each visit, I confirm how much this space represents in terms of pride and identity. A "home" that we like to share with those who visit us. I also confirm how much, spaces built to reflect a vision, depth of thought, creativity and spirituality, reverberate these elements in a very subtle way in all of us and in those who visit us, bringing us together as a single Humanity. This space, in fact, shapes and transforms us.
How do you see the Center 20 years from now?
A stimulating and challenging question. I would say that it will be a space increasingly open to society, an identity factor increasingly relevant for future generations, a pole of aggregating initiatives for the common good, and a space that will continue to motivate excellence.
What aspect of the Center impresses you the most?
I would say that the Center as a whole touches me deeply and impresses me the way it profoundly, serenely, and permanently shapes us. Of all the spaces, I would highlight the entrance and the prayer room. The entrance because of the message it sends to all those who attend and visit. The prayer room because it offers a unique space for the practice of faith and spiritual experience.
Which space in the Center best reflects the aspirations of Mawlana Hazar Imam?
It is a very difficult question and I will not be able to answer it satisfactorily. Still, in an exercise of reflection, I would say that above all the prayer room because a common humanity and a more just society is built on a spiritual foundation that is intended to be strong. The Noble Hall, the multipurpose room and the exhibition hall which, as a whole, allow the building of bridges with other faiths and with society in general.
As a guide at the Ismaili Center, what was the most memorable moment you experienced?
There was a visit that I will never forget because of the mutual impact and empathy it generated between visitor and guide. I was asked to give a tour to one of the directors of GLS who was curious about the Center and the community. He was an Austrian gentleman in his 40s who professed the Jewish religion. At the end of the visit, the gentleman was visibly moved to know and discover a facet of Islam that he did not know and that unites us all in a common Humanity. Here is the vision of Mawlana Hazar Imam touching and molding the spirits of those who visit us and us as regular visitors and users of the Center. I will never forget this visit.
What message would you leave for future guides?
First of all that it is a privilege to be a guide at the Ismaili Center and to be hosts to all who visit us. Enjoy each visit and welcome with a deep sense of gratitude the impact you make on those who visit. May they use this role as a springboard to deepen and learn about our history, our journey, and how much of a blessing this Center is to all of us.
A final note to the team that has been leading the group of guides. It is a demonstration of how to build institutions based on quality, organization, merit, humility, and a spirit of dedication without the pursuit of protagonism, but only with the spirit of serving. An example to be followed. Thank you.
About Riaz
Institutionally, his path counts with his contribution in different positions, as Chariman of AKEB, Member of ITREB, Member of the European Council and Member of the National Council of AKF.
Currently he is a Member of NCAB, Al-waez certified by the Institute of Ismaili Studies and guide at the Ismaili Center.
