INFORMATION GUIDE
MULAQAT CALL CENTER 1-855-55-DJUSA (1-855-553-5872) Daily 10:00 a.m. midnight Central Standard Time WEBSITE ADDRESS The.Ismaili/USAVisit Please note that any information provided here is subject to change. For updates and additional information, please visit the Ismaili USA app, The.Ismaili/USAVisit website, the Diamond Jubilee Bulletin and Jamati announcements regularly. Please have the notifications turned on in the Ismaili USA app, to ensure you receive real-time and important updates. You can also call the Mulaqat Call Center at 1-855-55-DJUSA (1-855-553-5872) between 10:00 a.m. and midnight CST, 7 days a week.
GENERAL INFORMATION GUIDE 3 On this joyous occasion of Mawlana Hazar Imam s visit to the United States, the Jamati Institutions convey heartiest Mubarakis to you and your families. This is a time of great happiness, as well as reflection and spiritual transformation, as the Jamat comes together to participate in this historic and momentous occasion. As we prepare for the Mulaqat, let us ensure that our spirit of generosity, compassion, and unity is reflected in every thought, word and action. We wish each of you a fulfilling and meaningful experience. The information that follows, which includes logistics and other pertinent details, will help you prepare for this milestone Mulaqat. For answers to questions not addressed here, please visit the Diamond Jubilee website, the Diamond Jubilee app, the Mulaqat Information Desk or call the Mulaqat Call Center.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Click on an item below to go directly to it Registration Medical & Special Needs Transportation & Lodging Interfaith Families Pre-Departure Checklist Safety & Security Important Reminders
GENERAL INFORMATION GUIDE 5 REGISTRATION United States of America Residents Only All Jamati members will require Entry Cards in order to enter the Mulaqat Hall for the ceremony. Everyone is required to register for the Mulaqat at their respective Jamatkhanas by February 25, 2018, to receive their Entry Cards in their Jamatkhanas. Those who have completed their Diamond Jubilee Registration Forms will be notified via email when their Entry Cards are ready to be collected at the Jamatkhana listed on their Diamond Jubilee Registration Form. Each Jamati Member registered will receive Entry Card(s) to participate in the assigned ceremonies. Entry Card Pick Up Any adult member of the family with a valid ID and Registration Form Number will be able to pick up the Entry Card package for the entire family.
GENERAL INFORMATION GUIDE 6 Definition of a Valid Photo ID A valid ID can be any form of officially issued US Photo ID, which has a name, date of birth (preferred), and photo of the Jamati member. It can be issued by the US federal or state government. It can be a passport, driver s license, or state ID. It can also be US issued school, college or University ID. The ID will be considered invalid if the picture on the ID does not resemble the Jamati Member. Access to Mulaqat Halls A valid Entry Card and valid ID will be required for all adults for entry to the Mulaqat Halls. The doors to the Mulaqat venues will be open to the Jamat at scheduled times only. Jamat is encouraged to plan their arrival time accordingly. Jamat is reminded that no access will be provided to the venue prior to the Mulaqat day. Jamat is respectfully requested to not go to the venue outside of their assigned Mulaqat ceremony times.
GENERAL INFORMATION GUIDE 7 MEDICAL & SPECIAL NEEDS Jamati members requiring medical or special assistance should indicate that in their Registration forms. They will be contacted by an Health Board member to further determine the specific needs and answer any questions. Those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, or heart disease, are advised to keep an adequate supply of medication and carry copies of prescriptions with a doctor s name and contact information and, where appropriate, MedicAlert bracelets, EpiPen, insulin shots, etc. Health care professionals and ambulances will be on site to address medical emergencies. Should any member of the Jamat encounter a health problem at any time, immediately alert a Volunteer on duty near you or a Heath Board/ Medical Volunteer, who will be wearing white coats. There will also be a First Aid Center on site. Members Who Are Terminally Ill Or In Hospice Care Relatives of Jamati members who are terminally ill or in hospice care should indicate MM medical need on the registration form and a Health Board Member will contact you.
GENERAL INFORMATION GUIDE 8 Wheelchairs and Walkers Members of the Jamat requiring the use of a permanent wheelchair or walker throughout the ceremony are requested to bring their own to the venue. Make sure to include your name and phone number on your equipment. Temporary wheelchairs will be available to transport Jamati members to their seats, meals and restrooms. There will be a designated area for wheelchair seating. Chairs Jamati members requiring chairs should indicate that in their Registration Forms. Chairs will be available for certain segments of the Jamat, including: Members 70 years or older Expectant mothers Special Needs members Members with certain medical conditions or those recovering from a major surgery that requires the use of chair NOTE: The number of chairs are limited. Jamati members are earnestly asked to not request a chair if they can sit on the floor per our tradition and practice. This will allow those who need a chair to have access to a chair. Chair request code will be printed on the Mulaqat Entry Cards. There are no reserved chairs, members can select any available chair in the designated areas. Parents with Young Children Arrangements will be made to accommodate families with young children. Mothers will have access to a baby room and nursing areas. Baby diapers,
GENERAL INFORMATION GUIDE 9 tissues, milk bottles, baby food, noiseless or stuffed toys, child carriers and car seats will be permitted inside the Mehmani Hall. Stroller storage will be available outside the Mehmani Hall before security. Child/Adult Identification Wrist Bands Blank wrist bands will be provided for children age 6 years and under as part of the Entry Card package for the family. Parents are urged to complete the information and place the wrist band on the child. Wrist bands will also be provided for those who have selected a Medical Code on the Registration Form. For lost or missing children or adults, please inquire at the Lost & Found/ Information Desks located at the Mulaqat venue. Refreshments Light snacks will be served on site and water bottles will be available. There are limited exceptions made for individuals with certain medical conditions (e.g. diabetics, those with food sensitivities), as well as parents of young children who require milk, baby formula and/or light snacks. In those cases, please ensure that all items are nut free. We kindly request that Jamati members refrain from eating during the actual ceremony and that any trash is discarded appropriately.
GENERAL INFORMATION GUIDE 10 Health and Wellness Please consider the following tips for staying well. Be sure to bring: Health card/private medical insurance information Medications for the day, as they will NOT be available at the venue EpiPen if you have known life-threatening allergic reactions Medic-alert bracelet/card List of any allergies or medical conditions Name and contact information of closest relative and/or next of kin Doctor s name and phone number Keep emergency contact information as well as list of medications and allergies with you Stand up and stretch periodically Drink plenty of water Please wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizer regularly Cough/sneeze into your sleeve, not your hands, and avoid touching your eyes, nose & mouth If you feel sick, let someone know and seek the assistance of a medical professional Locate the First Aid stations & Quiet Rooms Coordinate a family meeting location in case of separation Dress appropriately for the weather
GENERAL INFORMATION GUIDE 11 TRANSPORTATION & LODGING Airline discounts have been negotiated with major U.S. airlines. Booking instructions along with discount codes for major airlines will be sent to each registered family by email. More codes will continue to be added over the next few days. Please note that discount codes have been negotiated strictly for travel related to the Mulaqat. The Jamat is requested to utilize the codes solely for personal airline bookings to the Mulaqat cities and refrain from sharing them on social media. A package of useful information on booking air travel is available by going to Travel Tips & Tricks. Car Rental discount codes are available at Car Rental Code. Discounted prices are being negotiated with hotels in Atlanta and Houston. A hotel booking site has been developed for Jamati members to access all the selected hotels. For Atlanta hotels, please visit Atlanta Lodging For Houston hotels, please visit Houston Lodging Please be sure to check the cancellation policies before you book as hotels have different policies depending on the rate offered.
GENERAL INFORMATION GUIDE 12 Please ensure that you book the rooms that are best suited to your needs. Rooms with two beds are usually in short supply as compared with rooms with just one bed. Changes may not be possible once you arrive at the hotel. Airport and Hotel Welcome Desks Mulaqat Information Center volunteers will be available at the airport and lobby of selected hotels to provide information to Jamati members staying at those hotels during the Mulaqat. Transportation from Selected Hotels Transportation will be available from certain hotels to the Mulaqat venues via Jamati shuttles and buses at pre-scheduled times to ensure a timely arrival based on traffic patterns. Individuals staying in hotels that are not on the selected shuttle route, or who are staying with relatives/friends, are responsible for their own transportation. Alternatively, the Jamat can arrive at the designated hotels where transportation is provided and utilize the service. Hotels on the lodging booking site where shuttles are offered will be tagged Shuttle to Mulaqat Venues. Shuttle services from hotels will only be scheduled to accommodate those who submit the request by following the Shuttle Request Form link. The jamat is requested to please assist the team by submitting their request form
GENERAL INFORMATION GUIDE 13 to allow for proper planning. The form requires your Form ID which is the 6-digit registration code unique to each family and which appears on the personalized emails sent to you. This will link your personalized schedule to your shuttle request. Jamati members are responsible for their own transportation to and from the airport. If you decide to rent a vehicle, be sure it has adequate insurance. Most states require personal liability insurance. Those who take prescription medicine should keep it easily accessible and be prepared for unexpected traffic or delays along the way that could make the drive longer.
GENERAL INFORMATION GUIDE 14 INTERFAITH FAMILIES Attending a Mulaqat visit from Mawlana Hazar Imam is a unique, special and much-anticipated experience for Ismailis around the world. The events and programming surrounding Mulaqat are focused primarily on Tariqahrelated activities and are religious in nature. During the Mulaqat, members of the Ismaili faith participate in a series of religious services. For interfaith spouses and children who are attending to support their families, a comfortable room is available to use while they wait during these services. The interfaith family room will be located before entering the security scanners. The room will have comfortable seating, media, snacks and activities for children.
GENERAL INFORMATION GUIDE 15 PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST Please ensure: Each family member has a Mulaqat Entry Card AND any necessary ceremony cards along with a valid photo ID for all adults (as defined on page 6). Each family member has any necessary medications and/or medical aids. Any items on the prohibited Items list have been left at home. Enough travel time has been allowed in the event of traffic.
GENERAL INFORMATION GUIDE 16 SAFETY & SECURITY Jamati members will be required to undergo a security check prior to entering the Mulaqat Ceremony Halls. The security process will involve electronic security scanning to ensure prohibited items are not allowed in the halls. Jamati members are requested not to bring large purses or bags. Electronic Device Policy and Prohibited Items To enhance the Jamat s experience, electronic devices including mobile phones, devices capable of recording, capturing audio, video or still images, storing, broadcasting or receiving data are prohibited and will not be permitted inside the Mulaqat Halls. We humbly request Jamat s cooperation and understanding. In addition to all electronic devices, the following items will not be permitted into any of the Mulaqat Halls: back packs luggage/carry on bags strollers pets signs of any kind video games balloons folding chairs laser pointers selfie sticks food and beverage from outside (except what is provided by the institution or anything required for medical needs)
GENERAL INFORMATION GUIDE 17 Mobile Phones/Electronic Devices The Jamat is respectfully requested not to bring any mobile phones, smartphones, smart watches or electronic devices capable of recording audio/video or transmitting data including tablets and personal computers. These items will not be allowed in any of the Mulaqat Halls. On-site Lockers A limited number of lockers will be available at the venue that can be rented from a third party vendor for a cost. The institution is not responsible for any loss or damage of items stored in the lockers. We suggest that if you decide to rent a locker, only rent one per family. We cannot guarantee availability of lockers for every family. Note that the locker location may not be very convenient to the Mulaqat Halls. We do not have any other alternate storage facility. You may also choose to leave your phones and electronic devices in your car if you are driving. Facilities at the Venue Please visit the Mulaqat Information Desks in your Jamatkhana or at the venue for general inquiries or for directions to any of the following: Quiet rooms/senior comfort zones First aid stations
GENERAL INFORMATION GUIDE 18 Lost and found Family meeting location (inside and outside Ceremony Hall) Facility for interfaith family members and interfaith caregivers Private spaces for nursing mothers and baby changing stations Registration desks On-site Information desks Stroller storage* Luggage storage Volunteer sign-up or check-in Restrooms *Please note that strollers will not be allowed into the ceremony hall.
GENERAL INFORMATION GUIDE 19 IMPORTANT REMINDERS Protect your Home and Business When Traveling The Council would like to remind the Jamat to take appropriate safety measures to protect their homes, businesses, and vehicles during the visit. For those traveling from outside the Mulaqat city, please ensure that your homes are properly locked, security alarm activated, lights turned on as appropriate, mail placed on hold, and your vehicles are parked securely. Additionally, Law Enforcement Officials commonly advise individuals not to post their vacation information on social media until after they have returned. Access to Local Jamatkhana and Overflow Jamatkhana All local Jamatkhanas in Atlanta and Houston will be open throughout the Mulaqat days. Overflow Jamatkhanas in Atlanta and Houston will be open one day before the first day of Mulaqat in that city and will stay open throughout the Mulaqat days for the city. Ask-Me Volunteers For any information, refer to the Ask-Me volunteers stationed at multiple locations at the Venue on the day of the Mulaqat.
GENERAL INFORMATION GUIDE 20 Sanctity of Space The venue for the Mulaqat, in which the Jamat will be in the physical presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam, is intended to be a space for peaceful congregation and contemplation. Therefore, we kindly request the Jamat s assistance and cooperation with the volunteers, so that we can maintain a peaceful, dignified and clean space appropriate for religious ceremonies of this nature.
The.Ismaili/USAVisit 1-855-55-DJUSA 1-855-553-5872