Aga Khan Islamic Community Center to be built on Allen Parkway and Montrose

Ismaili here! The proposed center on Allen Parkway and Montrose will be an Ismaili Center. This is a little different than the place of worship (JamatKhana). Currently, there are 5 in the world, with a 6th coming to Toronto. The Houston Center will be the first in the U.S.

Per the Ismaili center website, "The Ismaili Centres are symbolic markers of the permanent presence and core values of Ismaili communities around the world. Incorporating spaces for social and cultural gatherings, intellectual engagement and reflection, as well as spiritual contemplation, they are bridges of friendship and understanding, and serve to enhance relationships among faith communities, government and civil society."

I highly suggest checking out the pictures of the current Ismaili centers:

London:

http://www.theismaili.org/cms/851/Gallery-Architecture-of-the-Ismaili-Centre-London

Burnby (Canada)

http://www.theismaili.org/cms/858/Gallery-Architecture-of-the-Ismaili-Centre-Burnaby

Lisbon:

http://www.theismaili.org/cms/852/Gallery-Architecture-of-the-Ismaili-Centre-Lisbon

Dubai:

http://www.theismaili.org/cms/810/The-Ismaili-Centre-Dubai

Dushanbe:

http://www.theismaili.org/cms/841/The-Ismaili-Centre-Dushanbe


I'm sure the one in Houston will be as beautiful if not better especially since it will be right across the Tolerance statues which were funded by private donors including the Aga Khan.

https://www.google.com/search?q=tolerance+statues&sa=X&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&ei=euSfUfK-PKbkyQHu8YCICw&ved=0CCsQsAQ&biw=1252&bih=609

 

That would be the Robinson Warehouse, formerly Sears.

2006


1943

Source: http://blog.chron.com/bayoucityhistory/2010/10/sears-in-houston/

 

Sounds like the Ismaili/Muslim divide is more like Mormon/Christian than Protestant/Catholic*.

Is that about right? Or have I just typed the most offensive sentence ever?

*Edit

 

I think that would be generally accurate. Most mainstream Muslims can't wrap their heads around the status and privileges of their Aga Khan. Although I don't agree with their exact views, I respect their emphasis on education, community well-being, and philanthropy.

Some female friends of mine say they think Ismailis are easier to date given how undogmatic they tend to be versus the average Sunni muslim. Almost every Ismaili I know is an affulent (yet crooked) businessman who focuses on secular needs and desires rather than spiritual experiences.

 

I guess they're also easier to date since Mainstream Islam discourages dating.

 

I have never laughed so hard at something posted here..

 

I suggest you read up on Aga Khan and Ismailis first. I'm sure the FBI doesn't want to waste their time over here.

 

Can't tell if the misspelling of they're in that picture is intentional or not, lol.

 

Ismaili's (Khoja Muslims) are wealthy folks and quite modern. My good friend is an Aga Khan follower and his family runs half of the business in East Africa. I've been to JK before. A lot of cute chicks. The last people on Earth who would need to be investigated for suspicious dealings would be Ismaili's.

 

Aga Khan has always been a bit of a Playboy figure. A mix of socialite, religious leader and philanthropist. Watch this profile on him here:

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