The magnificent work of Ismaili volunteers

Conscious volunteers. Photo: Muslim Harji

By MUSLIM HARJI

The Ismaili community of the Quebec and Maritime Time Provinces, with the Ottawa Jamat joining them, will gather in Montreal on November 21 for religious meetings with their beloved 49th Imam, Mawlana Shah Karim al Hussaini Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan.

Mawlana Hazar Imam will first preside over the inaugural Pluralism Awards on Wednesday November 15 at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat Building in Ottawa.

After the Pluralism Awards, Mawlana Hazar Imam will travel to Toronto for religious gatherings with the Ontario Ismaili community (except Ottawa members who will be in Montreal) from November 17-20. Mawlana Hazar Imam will then proceed to Montreal for another extraordinary and joyful day with his excited followers.

Diligent team of ​leaders and volunteers working together to ensure a stress-free registration. Photo: Muslim Harji.

As a united community under the leadership of their Imam, the Ismaili community benefits strongly from the work of thousands of volunteers who serve Ismaili institutions in different areas of endeavours. The highly energetic volunteers, whatever their age, come together even at short notices, for example at events such as Mawlana Hazar Imam’s upcoming visit, to ensure that the work that needs to be carried is organized well and that adequate resources are available for a happy and successful outcome for the community and their Imam.

Enthusiastic ​volunteer registration. Photo: Muslim Harji

Non-badged volunteers registering to undertake specific duties. Photo: Muslim Harji.

The task of registering thousands of community members who will be attending the  event in Montreal was one of the first tasks that fell on the volunteers. Not only did they have to register each individual family and their members for the event, but they also had to register hundreds of “unbadged” volunteers who came forward to serve in their own specialized areas, for example doctors, nurses, first aid workers, social workers,  child care attendants etc.

Considering the number of individuals who had to be registered, I witnessed first hand how well the volunteers had been trained — by other volunteers — to ensure a very smooth registration process.

Swift registration. Photo: Muslim Harji

Parents and children at registration desks. Photo: Muslim Harji.

The volunteers took great care to ensure that every family and professional was treated with kindness, respect and courtesy during the registration process. I found the registration process smooth flowing and stress free. The Jamat too has to be credited for their discipline and patience during the registration process.

It was inspiring to be around these dedicated volunteers and we say a big bravo to the super Montreal team for mehman nawazi ( مہمان نوازی or hospitality).

Volunteers – always respectful, kind and considerate; jamati members – appreciative and patient. Photo: Muslim Harji

We wish everyone, volunteers and jamati members alike, a very peaceful and satisfying time with Mawlana Hazar Imam, and we pray that his visit will bless all of us with happiness and success in our spiritual and material lives.

Date posted: November 11, 2017.
Last updated: November 11, 2017, 17:30 EST.

Correction: An earlier version of this post misstated the location of the Pluralism Award ceremony that will be held in Ottawa on November 15.  The award ceremony will take place at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat Building and not at the Global Centre for Pluralism. We apologize for the error.

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In addition to his past outstanding photo essays for this blog’s sister websites, namely Simerg.com and Simergphotos.com, Muslim Harji’s most recent contribution for this blog Quebec Ismailis Celebrate Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Diamond Jubilee was received with enthusiasm from around the world. He and his wife Nevin have lived in Montreal for over 35 years, where they raised two children and ran a successful business. Upon retiring in 2004, Muslim and Nevin started to explore the world. All told, together and individually, they have visited almost 50 countries around the globe, and plan to continue fostering their love for travelling the world. 

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