By KARIM ISMAIL
My art employs mostly numerical symbolism. Numbers such as 1, 3, 5 and 7, are usually incorporated in my art of calligraphy. Number 1, for example, symbolizes Allah and the concept of “tawheed” and number seven symbolizes the values of the essential philosophy of the Ismailis. I also draw inspiration from Quranic ayats.
Some of my works have been exhibited in London, England, the Roy Thompson Hall in Toronto, London Ontario, and Kitchener-Waterloo Ontario.
For the 63rd Imamat Day of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, I have designed two greetings. The first greeting, above, has 63 crescent moons. In Islam, the crescent moon has a numerical value of seven. The second greeting (below) has a central heptagon.
The publisher and editor of Barakah joins me in wishing Imamat Day Mubarak to Ismailis all over the world, with prayers for everyone’s good health, strength in Iman, family unity and the fulfillment of all our wishes. May we fulfill the aspirations that Mawlana Hazar Imam has of each one of us of staying on the path of Sirat al Mustaqim, excelling in our studies and endeavours, and fulfilling our material and spiritual responsibilities.
May we always remain under the guidance, loving care and protection of the Imam of the Time. Amen.
Date posted: July 9, 2020.
Before departing this website please take a moment to visit Barakah’s Table of Contents for links to more than 200 pieces dedicated to Mawlana Hazar Imam, his family and the Ismaili Imamat.
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Originally from Uganda, Karim Ismail lived in England before settling in Canada. By profession, he is a Pharmacist (retired). It was in England, in 1986, that he came across the artwork of a German Muslim, Karl Schlamminger (1935-2017), at the Ismaili Centre London. Karl’s artwork on calligraphy and geometrics, had a profound effect on Karim. He is frequently seen conducting calligraphy workshops for children at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto. Karim was also active on the literature counter at the Ismaili Centre Toronto, before the closure of Jamatkhanas due to Covid-19.
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Barakah 
11 juillet 2020
Imamat Day Mumbarakis !
Avec humilité, rendons Grâce à la Miséricorde d’Allah .
Sukar Mowla….pour nous donner comme Témoins Privilégiés , la possibilité de célébrer ce jour anniversaire de Ton accession à la Responsabilité Religieuse Suprême comme Imam du Temps Présent…
En ce jour, exprimons humblement nos Sukranas pour Sa bienveillance et renouvellons notre indéfectible attachement à Son Autorité spirituelle.
Nous traverserons une période difficille, la crise sanitaire de plus en plus stressante et angoissante est toujours présente.
On voit aussi arriver des difficultés sociales et économiques qui ne vont pas nous épargner !
Face à cete situation calamiteuse, il est primordial de préserver, de renforcer nos liens d”unité dans notre propre cercle familial. Et plus que jamais, il nous faut rester un “One Jamat ” responsable, compassionnel, solidaire, fraternel et sans frontières.
Et nous devons être exemplaires comme citoyens loyaux, membres actifs de la société civile, animés d’une solide conviction et exprimer notre éthique de la foi comme musulman Shia Ismaili Nizari.
Et quelque soient les difficultés actuelles, gardons un Tasbih avec nous, ayons confiance, espoir et efforçons nous de rester sur la voie droite du Siratal Mustaquim.
N’hésitons pas à privilégier, plus que jamais, notre statut de Dai et donc nous engager comme des êtres spirituels vivant une expérience humaine !
Tous les Les Farmans du dernier Diamond Diamond Jubilee nous invitent à s’approprier un véritable itinéraire intérieur car la quête de l’élévation spirituelle est un gage d ‘un bonheur matériel serein.
Mumbarakis et que Mowla Hazar Imam continue à veiller avec bienveillance, affection et à protéger tous Ses Murids du monde entier.
Ya Ali madat,
Mohez , Farida nato et famille
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