A view of the Glenview Jamatkhana front entrance. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for the USA
On 2 December 2008, 200 guests gathered for the opening of a new Jamatkhana in Glenview, Illinois. Construction of the project began a year ago, and its completion was eagerly anticipated by the Chicago-area Jamat.
The inaugural plaque is unveiled by Illinois First Lady Patricia Blagojevich and President Mahmoud Eboo of the Ismaili Council for the USA. Standing with them are President Mansoor Virani of the Ismaili Council for the Midwest United States, President Kerry Cummings of the Village of Glenview, and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. Photo: Anwar Merchant
The inaugural plaque was unveiled by Illinois’ First Lady, Patricia Blagojevich. She was accompanied on stage by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Kerry Cummings, President of the Village of Glenview, Dr. Mahmoud Eboo, President of the Ismaili Council for the USA, and Dr. Mansoor Virani, President of the Ismaili Council for the Midwest United States. Also among the distinguished guests were consuls general, mayors, state representatives and leaders of other faith communities.
During his welcome address, President Eboo situated the Jamatkhana among the variety of spaces of worship in Islam. “The Jamatkhana in Glenview, as with all Ismaili Jamatkhanas around the world, reflects in its space and usage three dynamics,” he described. “The prayer hall for worship and contemplation, the social hall for engagement with others and the gardens to appreciate and enjoy God's creation and to which we welcome our neighbours.”
A lunch reception followed the ceremonies and guests had an opportunity to tour the facility. Set on 9.3 acres of land, the 26 000 square foot Jamatkhana includes a prayer hall, administrative offices, classrooms, and spaces for social gatherings. The social hall will be available for lectures and presentations to Glenview residents and other visitors, while tours of the building will be offered to the public.
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky of the 9th Congressional District of Illinois, addresses guests during the opening ceremony. Photo: Anwar Merchant
“This is truly a beautiful building and I was struck by the serenity of the prayer hall and the care and thought that has been taken in its design,“ said the First Lady, following her tour. “I have no doubt that you will use the facility to reach out to others and be the valuable and valued community that you have become wherever you have established yourselves.”
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, who had met Mawlana Hazar Imam when he received the Vincent Scully Prize in 2005, spoke of the work of the Aga Khan Development Network, referencing the Ismaili Centres and other major building projects around the world. Of the Glenview facility, she said: “This is clearly an oasis of calm within a bustling metropolis, and its architecture is fitting for Glenview.”
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and President Mahmoud Eboo admire a tapestry stitched by volunteers from the Jamat. Photo: Anwar Merchant
President Cummings appreciated the building’s design, describing it as the “Ruby of Glenview” — a reference to the eleventh century Ismaili Da’i and poet, Nasir Khusraw, sometimes remembered as the Ruby of Badakhshan. “I have no doubt, it will be visited by many and much will be written about its intrinsic beauty,” she said.
Ismailiworld - Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment