Albert Museum, itself an architectural wonder
of London constructed of red brick and
Portland stone. Our guide told us that, when architects started conceptualizing the Ismaili Centre, they considered the architecture of the Victoria and Albert Museum. One notable aspect they took to heart was the light color of the façade and embraced the use of materials compatible with those of the V&A and other surrounding buildings.
They also took account of the many lessons learned from consultations with leaders of the Ismaili community, renowned Islamic scholars and architects and designers specialized in Islamic art and design. Their goal was to create a space both of place and distinction, a place within history located at one of the busiest intersections in London, a place where individuals could find peace and solitude within bustle, a place that respected the traditions and teaching of the Ismaili community while recognizing its place in the world at large.
The interior had, in contrast to my initial experience, led us back to the exterior, which, in turn, as we were leaving the building, now had us thinking about the whole. As was stated earlier: out of simple wonder, we were about to embark on a new course of learning – one which would introduce us to His Highness the Aga Khan, the Ismaili Community, the role of human dignity, and how it comes to be expressed in various programs.
The Unique Position of the Aga Khan and the Ismaili Community
Religions large and small are often criticized for their insular society, their top-down structure, their demand that followers strictly adhere to doctrine, their doctrinal fights with other religions, and their condemnation of secular organizations and practices. Religious institutions and the leaders that represent them are rarely recognized for their openness, their engagement with others, or their acceptance of pluralism.
The one exception to this norm might possibly be His Highness the Aga Khan and the Shi‘a Imami Ismaili Muslims. His Highness the Aga Khan is the 49th hereditary Imam (Spiritual Leader) of the Shi‘a Ismaili Muslims. He is also a living embodiment of Islam’s ethical tradition, where leaders not only interpret the faith but improve the quality of life both in the communities and societies in which they live.
Shi‘a Imami Ismaili Muslims
The two major interpretations of Islam are Sunni and Shi‘a. While Sunnis and Shi‘as share many core beliefs, including the Oneness of Allah and that Prophet Muhammad was his final messenger who received revelations recorded in the Qur’an, Sunnis differ from Shi‘a on the point of whether the Prophet Muhammad designated a successor.
The Ismailis are the only Shi‘a Muslims who embrace a living, hereditary Imam. Specifically, Ismaili Muslims believe the legacy of Prophet Muhammad could only be entrusted to a member of his own family. The person they believe was entrusted with that legacy was Ali, Prophet Muhammad’s cousin, the husband of his daughter and only surviving child, Fatima. When the Shi‘a divided, the Ismailis gave allegiance to Imam Jafar as-Sadiq’s eldest son, Ismail, from whom they derive their name.
The Ismaili community thus believe they both adhere to and represent a 1400-year tradition of Shi'a values. These values involve a
Left:
The Ismaili Roof Garden
Photo
Courtesy of:
The Ismaili Centre
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