Closure of Valley View JK in Dallas
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Guest
Closure of Valley View JK in Dallas
<P>I would like to discuss the hardship faced by the Jamat who attended Valley View JK. </P>
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Guest
<P>There are about 50 to 75 families who attended Valley View JK regularly are upset o­n the closure of this JK, as they do not have proper alternate JK to attend to, other than the Dallas HQ JK which is already over crowded and has very little room to accomodate the displaced Jamat from Valley View.</P>
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Guest
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Valley View Jamat is a victim of poor planning by the local leadership. They built an oversized JK in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com
smarttags" /><st1:City w:st="on">Plano</st1:City> (<st1:City w:st="on">Dallas</st1:City> area), and to cover their oversight, they are pushing Jamat all over North Texas to move to <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Plano</st1:place></st1:City>. They also went as far as closing Valley View JK, which has no connection to Plano JK as they are almost 20 miles apart.</P>
smarttags" /><st1:City w:st="on">Plano</st1:City> (<st1:City w:st="on">Dallas</st1:City> area), and to cover their oversight, they are pushing Jamat all over North Texas to move to <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Plano</st1:place></st1:City>. They also went as far as closing Valley View JK, which has no connection to Plano JK as they are almost 20 miles apart.</P>-
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Ismaili Muslims foster community, peace at Plano center
11:36 PM CDT on Sunday, August 20, 2006
By LINDA STEWART BALL / The Dallas Morning News
Hussein Sadruddin had seen the architectural model of the new
Ismaili Jamatkhana in Plano, but that paled in comparison to the
real thing.
When he first stepped into the sparkling Muslim worship and
community center recently, the Frisco man was in awe.
"It was mesmerizing," said Mr. Sadruddin, one of scores of Ismaili
Muslims in Collin County who had eagerly awaited completion of this
$7 million gathering place.
"It reminded me so much of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica in Paris," he
said, referring to a popular Catholic landmark in France. "I felt
the same serenity when I walked in there."
Ismaili Muslims follow the Shia tradition of Islam, which is a sect
of the Shiite group. As such, they believe in one God and consider
the Quran the holy text through which God's words were revealed to
the prophet Muhammad. They believe that Muhammad was the last of
God's messengers to mankind.
Unlike other Muslims, Ismailis don't refer to their place of worship
as a mosque.
The new Jamatkhana is scheduled to officially open Aug. 30 in a
major ceremony with various dignitaries - including Gov. Rick Perry
and Plano Mayor Pat Evans. However, Collin County Ismailis recently
held an inaugural prayer meeting there and are busy organizing and
getting settled.
"It's like a hub for us," said Andrea Merchant, a Plano resident who
converted to Islam from Catholicism when she married 17 years
ago. "Isn't it beautiful?"
Located on 8.5 acres on the northeast corner of Alma Road and
Seabrook Drive, the 30,000-square-foot building conveys the Ismaili
interpretation of their faith in a dynamic, contemporary way.
"It's very much a Muslim building, but it doesn't have to have the
same Islamic icons or symbols that everyone else has," said Rizwan
Sheikh, who is helping with the center's public relations.
Carrollton-based architect Hidell & Associates designed the
Jamatkhana. The entryway is a 32-foot-high wall of glass windows.
Geometric patterns, mainly octagonal shapes and concentric circles,
are featured throughout.
"We believe there is a balance between the religious side of things
and the temporal side of things,"said Jalal Babool of Plano, who
conducted tours of the center last week.
So the northwest side of the building is for worship. There's ample
storage area for shoes. And the 10,000-square-foot carpeted prayer
hall, which faces Mecca, can easily accommodate 1,400 people praying
on their knees. There are no pews, just a few chairs in one corner
for the elderly. The biggest prayer service of the week is Friday
night.
"It's nice and simple, and it's very, very calming and peaceful to
pray there," Mrs. Merchant said.
The center's southeast wing features classrooms and a social hall
for community activities, a food preparation area and administrative
offices.
A gurgling fountain greets visitors on either side. A walled
courtyard sits in back with lushly landscaped gardens - an oasis in
triple-digit heat.
The Jamatkhana is the first in Collin County and one of five in
North Texas.
The Ismailis' spiritual leader, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan,
chooses sites very carefully, followers said.
Plano's increasingly diverse society, with its reputation for
quality schools, safety, economic growth and proximity to Dallas,
made it a desirable location.
"His followers can contribute and thrive in such an environment,"
said Mrs. Merchant, stressing that their faith strongly encourages
volunteerism and community involvement.
"You're dealing with smart professionals, smart people who want to
help," said Mrs. Merchant, a mother of two and a project manager for
Sun Microsystems.
An estimated 20,000 Ismailis live in Texas, half of whom live in the
Dallas-Fort Worth area. Most came from East Africa, India, Pakistan
and Afghanistan.
Until the new building was completed, hundreds of congregants were
commuting to an Ismaili center in Carrollton or gathering at a
temporary site in Plano.
In addition to charitable acts, followers say the faith promotes
tolerance and understanding.
"I don't see this center as just a place of worship and gathering
for Ismaili Muslims," said Mr. Sadruddin, an immigration lawyer. "In
these troubling times, this will provide an opportunity for people
of different faiths to come together and have a better understanding
of Islam."
Mrs. Merchant agreed, saying that her Methodist friends are eager to
visit the Jamatkhana.
"We really so needed this," she said.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent ... 05264.html
11:36 PM CDT on Sunday, August 20, 2006
By LINDA STEWART BALL / The Dallas Morning News
Hussein Sadruddin had seen the architectural model of the new
Ismaili Jamatkhana in Plano, but that paled in comparison to the
real thing.
When he first stepped into the sparkling Muslim worship and
community center recently, the Frisco man was in awe.
"It was mesmerizing," said Mr. Sadruddin, one of scores of Ismaili
Muslims in Collin County who had eagerly awaited completion of this
$7 million gathering place.
"It reminded me so much of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica in Paris," he
said, referring to a popular Catholic landmark in France. "I felt
the same serenity when I walked in there."
Ismaili Muslims follow the Shia tradition of Islam, which is a sect
of the Shiite group. As such, they believe in one God and consider
the Quran the holy text through which God's words were revealed to
the prophet Muhammad. They believe that Muhammad was the last of
God's messengers to mankind.
Unlike other Muslims, Ismailis don't refer to their place of worship
as a mosque.
The new Jamatkhana is scheduled to officially open Aug. 30 in a
major ceremony with various dignitaries - including Gov. Rick Perry
and Plano Mayor Pat Evans. However, Collin County Ismailis recently
held an inaugural prayer meeting there and are busy organizing and
getting settled.
"It's like a hub for us," said Andrea Merchant, a Plano resident who
converted to Islam from Catholicism when she married 17 years
ago. "Isn't it beautiful?"
Located on 8.5 acres on the northeast corner of Alma Road and
Seabrook Drive, the 30,000-square-foot building conveys the Ismaili
interpretation of their faith in a dynamic, contemporary way.
"It's very much a Muslim building, but it doesn't have to have the
same Islamic icons or symbols that everyone else has," said Rizwan
Sheikh, who is helping with the center's public relations.
Carrollton-based architect Hidell & Associates designed the
Jamatkhana. The entryway is a 32-foot-high wall of glass windows.
Geometric patterns, mainly octagonal shapes and concentric circles,
are featured throughout.
"We believe there is a balance between the religious side of things
and the temporal side of things,"said Jalal Babool of Plano, who
conducted tours of the center last week.
So the northwest side of the building is for worship. There's ample
storage area for shoes. And the 10,000-square-foot carpeted prayer
hall, which faces Mecca, can easily accommodate 1,400 people praying
on their knees. There are no pews, just a few chairs in one corner
for the elderly. The biggest prayer service of the week is Friday
night.
"It's nice and simple, and it's very, very calming and peaceful to
pray there," Mrs. Merchant said.
The center's southeast wing features classrooms and a social hall
for community activities, a food preparation area and administrative
offices.
A gurgling fountain greets visitors on either side. A walled
courtyard sits in back with lushly landscaped gardens - an oasis in
triple-digit heat.
The Jamatkhana is the first in Collin County and one of five in
North Texas.
The Ismailis' spiritual leader, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan,
chooses sites very carefully, followers said.
Plano's increasingly diverse society, with its reputation for
quality schools, safety, economic growth and proximity to Dallas,
made it a desirable location.
"His followers can contribute and thrive in such an environment,"
said Mrs. Merchant, stressing that their faith strongly encourages
volunteerism and community involvement.
"You're dealing with smart professionals, smart people who want to
help," said Mrs. Merchant, a mother of two and a project manager for
Sun Microsystems.
An estimated 20,000 Ismailis live in Texas, half of whom live in the
Dallas-Fort Worth area. Most came from East Africa, India, Pakistan
and Afghanistan.
Until the new building was completed, hundreds of congregants were
commuting to an Ismaili center in Carrollton or gathering at a
temporary site in Plano.
In addition to charitable acts, followers say the faith promotes
tolerance and understanding.
"I don't see this center as just a place of worship and gathering
for Ismaili Muslims," said Mr. Sadruddin, an immigration lawyer. "In
these troubling times, this will provide an opportunity for people
of different faiths to come together and have a better understanding
of Islam."
Mrs. Merchant agreed, saying that her Methodist friends are eager to
visit the Jamatkhana.
"We really so needed this," she said.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent ... 05264.html
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Guest
New Ismali facility opens today
by Cory J. Mageors, Staff Writer
Today, Gov. Rick Perry and Mayor Pat Evans will speak at the new Ismaili Jamatkhana on Alma Dr. for the building's grand opening.
The Ismaili Jamatkhana is a 30,000 sq ft. building that represents the Ismaili philosophy of balance in all aspects of life.
The belief in balance is uniquely represented in the outlined patterns and geometrical structure of their latest addition to Plano architecture. Each section of the building was extensively planned out and adds another aesthetic structure to the community.
"If you notice, there are three octagons that begin at the front of the building and link to each other," said Jalal Balobool, the director of operations at the Jamatkhana. "As you enter the building, on the floor, the shapes continue to link and this is what we call the axis of the building."
The entrance itself is in the shape of an octagon. Two wings flank its left and right sides. Towards the back of the building is a bubbling fountain surrounded by a garden. Three more linked octagons create the identity of the center of a cerebral mind.
"The axis and the links themselves represent more than simple shapes," said Balbool. "They represent the balance between the spiritual and temporal beings, the foundation of the Ismaili belief."
The thought of the building as more than just concrete and metal thrown together must be considered figurative to be understood literally.
To the left of the entrance is the prayer hall, which is used for worship and is a tranquil setting. This side of the building symbolizes the spiritual balance of the Islamaili faith.
Over 1,400 storage spaces for shoes have been built for worshipers to remove their soles and woes before entering the hall.
"When going into a spiritual place, removing your shoes is like leaving what you have on them behind," said Rizwan Sheike, a member of the Islamaili community. "From the time you enter to the time you get into the prayer hall, it prepares you for meditation."
To the right of the entrance are the administrative offices and educational centers, which represent the material and social sides of life.
A social room which can be used for banquets and meetings is filled with state of the art technology, so that any occasion can be serviced. Perry and Evans will speak in this room.
Surrounding the building is a walkway which allows worshipers to take a stroll, and prepare their minds for worship.
The building was put in place by the Aga Khan Development Network, which works to benefit the community through volunteer work and program planning. Many volunteers helped in the process of planning and building the beautiful structure.
"The people of the Ismaili community spent many hours working on the Jamatkhana," said Sheike. "Just like our worship, it is not something we do; it is simply part of who we are."
The Jamatkhana can hold 1,400 people. So far they have drawn just more than 800 to worship as of last week. However, with the rapid growth of the Islam community in Plano, more will be expected.
The quality of the Plano school system is also alluring to the Ismaili community. The level of education and academic achievement is the ideal perspective for budding brilliance to nurture their minds.
"We are the fabric of Texas just like anybody else," said Sheike. "That is why we asked Gov. Perry and Mayor Evans to come. We believe strongly in good education, and that is why we decided to build this center here."
For picture of the new J.K. pls click on:
http://www.courier-gazette.com/articles ... s%2005.txt
by Cory J. Mageors, Staff Writer
Today, Gov. Rick Perry and Mayor Pat Evans will speak at the new Ismaili Jamatkhana on Alma Dr. for the building's grand opening.
The Ismaili Jamatkhana is a 30,000 sq ft. building that represents the Ismaili philosophy of balance in all aspects of life.
The belief in balance is uniquely represented in the outlined patterns and geometrical structure of their latest addition to Plano architecture. Each section of the building was extensively planned out and adds another aesthetic structure to the community.
"If you notice, there are three octagons that begin at the front of the building and link to each other," said Jalal Balobool, the director of operations at the Jamatkhana. "As you enter the building, on the floor, the shapes continue to link and this is what we call the axis of the building."
The entrance itself is in the shape of an octagon. Two wings flank its left and right sides. Towards the back of the building is a bubbling fountain surrounded by a garden. Three more linked octagons create the identity of the center of a cerebral mind.
"The axis and the links themselves represent more than simple shapes," said Balbool. "They represent the balance between the spiritual and temporal beings, the foundation of the Ismaili belief."
The thought of the building as more than just concrete and metal thrown together must be considered figurative to be understood literally.
To the left of the entrance is the prayer hall, which is used for worship and is a tranquil setting. This side of the building symbolizes the spiritual balance of the Islamaili faith.
Over 1,400 storage spaces for shoes have been built for worshipers to remove their soles and woes before entering the hall.
"When going into a spiritual place, removing your shoes is like leaving what you have on them behind," said Rizwan Sheike, a member of the Islamaili community. "From the time you enter to the time you get into the prayer hall, it prepares you for meditation."
To the right of the entrance are the administrative offices and educational centers, which represent the material and social sides of life.
A social room which can be used for banquets and meetings is filled with state of the art technology, so that any occasion can be serviced. Perry and Evans will speak in this room.
Surrounding the building is a walkway which allows worshipers to take a stroll, and prepare their minds for worship.
The building was put in place by the Aga Khan Development Network, which works to benefit the community through volunteer work and program planning. Many volunteers helped in the process of planning and building the beautiful structure.
"The people of the Ismaili community spent many hours working on the Jamatkhana," said Sheike. "Just like our worship, it is not something we do; it is simply part of who we are."
The Jamatkhana can hold 1,400 people. So far they have drawn just more than 800 to worship as of last week. However, with the rapid growth of the Islam community in Plano, more will be expected.
The quality of the Plano school system is also alluring to the Ismaili community. The level of education and academic achievement is the ideal perspective for budding brilliance to nurture their minds.
"We are the fabric of Texas just like anybody else," said Sheike. "That is why we asked Gov. Perry and Mayor Evans to come. We believe strongly in good education, and that is why we decided to build this center here."
For picture of the new J.K. pls click on:
http://www.courier-gazette.com/articles ... s%2005.txt
High Profile J.K. for Houston confirmed at Plano's opening
High Profile J.K. for Houston confirmed at Plano's opening
Opening ceremony brings high profile players
As the new Ismaili Jamatkhana's doors swung wide open yesterday, its congregation welcomed the Plano community. Gov. Rick Perry and Mayor Pat Evans as well as other city council members and religious leaders of the community were on hand for the opening ceremony.
After Perry and Evans toured the building, they met in the social room to speak about their history and hopeful future with the Ismaili community in Plano. Both Perry and Evans were at the groundbreaking for the Jamatkhana over a year ago and were excited to see that the building was completed.
"This is a great day for Plano," said Evans. "The people of Plano are going to be delighted by the design and the intricate elements throughout the building. It so successfully integrates the traditional Islamic elements and I have to say I saw a little bit of Texas architecture, too."
Dr. Mahmoud Eboo elegantly articulated his pleasure of being part of the growing Ismaili community in Texas. He is hopeful to continue building on the ideals of balance between the spiritual and temporal mind, by laying a solid and diverse foundation in Texas.
"Texas is home to a very large portion of our community," said Eboo. "The economic vitality of Texas, the excellent schools and the quality of life in this part of Northern Texas, has encouraged our members to move to Plano."
Eboo also announced that a high profile center will be opened in Houston.
This will be the first Ismaili high-profile center in the United States.
"The High-Profile Center in Houston," said Eboo, "and those in the process of being built in Glenview, Illinois and Atlanta, Georgia, are spaces that embody those principles and ideals and, God willing, will become ambassadorial spaces for all of us to engage in."
Perry seemed enthused about the opportunities of diversity that the Ismaili community brings as well. He expressed gratitude to Dr. Eboo and His Highness Aga Khan in their past and future partnership.
Having worked with the Aga Khan in building a flourishing Muslim community in Texas, Perry knows that the people in the Ismaili community are passionate about putting faith into action.
"Serving as governor of one of the most diverse states in America," said Perry. "I am often reminded that whatever differences may exist on the surface, there is a common hope for the future that dwells in the heart of every Texan. And that is to leave our children with a world that is better than the one we live in today."
After the inauguration, outside of the banquet hall, food was served and a tour was given to the patrons. This was an excellent chance for the members of the Ismaili and members of the Plano community to get to know each other.
"It's an opportunity to bring to people of different disciplines, or faiths, together in the community," said Rizwan Shiekh, a member of the Ismaili community.
Photo at link:
http://www.courier-gazette.com/articles ... s%2008.txt
Opening ceremony brings high profile players
As the new Ismaili Jamatkhana's doors swung wide open yesterday, its congregation welcomed the Plano community. Gov. Rick Perry and Mayor Pat Evans as well as other city council members and religious leaders of the community were on hand for the opening ceremony.
After Perry and Evans toured the building, they met in the social room to speak about their history and hopeful future with the Ismaili community in Plano. Both Perry and Evans were at the groundbreaking for the Jamatkhana over a year ago and were excited to see that the building was completed.
"This is a great day for Plano," said Evans. "The people of Plano are going to be delighted by the design and the intricate elements throughout the building. It so successfully integrates the traditional Islamic elements and I have to say I saw a little bit of Texas architecture, too."
Dr. Mahmoud Eboo elegantly articulated his pleasure of being part of the growing Ismaili community in Texas. He is hopeful to continue building on the ideals of balance between the spiritual and temporal mind, by laying a solid and diverse foundation in Texas.
"Texas is home to a very large portion of our community," said Eboo. "The economic vitality of Texas, the excellent schools and the quality of life in this part of Northern Texas, has encouraged our members to move to Plano."
Eboo also announced that a high profile center will be opened in Houston.
This will be the first Ismaili high-profile center in the United States.
"The High-Profile Center in Houston," said Eboo, "and those in the process of being built in Glenview, Illinois and Atlanta, Georgia, are spaces that embody those principles and ideals and, God willing, will become ambassadorial spaces for all of us to engage in."
Perry seemed enthused about the opportunities of diversity that the Ismaili community brings as well. He expressed gratitude to Dr. Eboo and His Highness Aga Khan in their past and future partnership.
Having worked with the Aga Khan in building a flourishing Muslim community in Texas, Perry knows that the people in the Ismaili community are passionate about putting faith into action.
"Serving as governor of one of the most diverse states in America," said Perry. "I am often reminded that whatever differences may exist on the surface, there is a common hope for the future that dwells in the heart of every Texan. And that is to leave our children with a world that is better than the one we live in today."
After the inauguration, outside of the banquet hall, food was served and a tour was given to the patrons. This was an excellent chance for the members of the Ismaili and members of the Plano community to get to know each other.
"It's an opportunity to bring to people of different disciplines, or faiths, together in the community," said Rizwan Shiekh, a member of the Ismaili community.
Photo at link:
http://www.courier-gazette.com/articles ... s%2008.txt
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samirgillani
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- Joined: Fri Sep 08, 2006 11:44 pm
"The High-Profile Center in Houston," said Eboo, "and those in the process of being built in Glenview, Illinois and Atlanta, Georgia, are spaces that embody those principles and ideals and, God willing, will become ambassadorial spaces for all of us to engage in." <BR><BR>i had no idea they were planning for high profile JKs in Chicago and Atlanta! thats amazing! we really need new JKs here in Atlanta very badly. We have way too many temp. JKs. Inshallah we will get them soon!!! 