Coming soon: Living Ismaili Traditions series
Created specifically for the Jamat, Living Ismaili Traditions (LIT) is the IIS’s first in-house series and is set to launch on September 2nd with Ismaili Festivals: Stories of Celebration by Dr Shiraz Kabani.
This innovative series will spotlight Ismaili histories and cultures, and through author reflections will explore what it means to be an Ismaili and part of the global Jamat.
The first title, Ismaili Festivals, is a unique and personal account of festivals and traditions from the author’s own lived experience as an Ismaili. Dr Kabani—who heads the IIS’s Department of Community Relations—shares 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’s Salgirah. Recalling lively episodes from his days as an inquisitive schoolboy in Pakistan, as well as his more recent experiences as a well-travelled alwaez—including late-night contemplative drives across Texas on Laylat al-Qadr and vibrant Imamat Day festivities in the heart of London—Dr 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 Jamat. Above all, they aim to tell the stories of the diverse living traditions that are the heartbeat of the Ismaili community today.
Ismaili Festivals will be available to order from local ITREBs in September.
