Created specifically for the聽JamatAssembly or religious congregation; also a term used by the Nizari Ismailis for their individual communities., Living Ismaili Traditions (LIT) is the IIS鈥檚 first in-house series and is set to launch on September 2nd with聽Ismaili Festivals: Stories of Celebration聽by Dr Shiraz Kabani.
This innovative series will spotlight Ismaili histories and cultures, and through author reflections will explore what it means to be聽an Ismaili and part of the global聽Jamat.
The first title, Ismaili Festivals, is a unique and personal account of festivals and traditions from the author鈥檚 own lived experience as an Ismaili. Dr Kabani鈥攚ho heads the IIS鈥檚 Department of Community Relations鈥攕hares some of his most compelling memories, questions and insights.
You will discover details of how different Ismaili traditions around the world celebrate shared festivals such as Nawruz and the Imam鈥檚 Salgirah. Recalling lively episodes from his days as an inquisitive schoolboy in Pakistan, as well as his more recent experiences as a well-travelled聽alwaez鈥攊ncluding late-night contemplative drives across Texas on Laylat al-Qadr and vibrant聽Imamat聽Day festivities in the heart of London鈥擠r Kabani describes key aspects of these special occasions.
The forthcoming titles in the LIT series will be informative and inspiring reads for members of the聽Jamat. Above all, they aim to tell the stories of the聽diverse聽living traditions that are the heartbeat of the Ismaili community聽today.
Ismaili Festivals will be available to order from local ITREBs in September.
