IV Uniform Policy

 

Whilst we encourage adherence to the official uniform guidelines established for the UK and Europe, we recognise that volunteers from other countries, particularly transit volunteers, may wear official uniforms from their respective regions. To maintain decorum and consistency, we recommend aligning with the local uniform standards wherever possible. However, we cannot refuse or discourage our volunteers if they choose to wear their respective official uniforms.

Please note that in the UK and Europe, we are unable to facilitate official uniforms such as shalwar kameez or sarees due to logistical reasons. We kindly request all volunteers to adhere to the uniform policy to the best of their ability, ensuring they appear smart and professional. Wherever possible, volunteers are encouraged to incorporate navy blue attire to align with local guidelines.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in maintaining the standards and values of the Ismaili Volunteers.

 

White blouse
  • Plain, with collars (no transparent blouses)
  • Sleeved: full, three-quarters or half (no sleeveless and not rolled up)
  • Ironed
  • Tucked in or hanging out (fitted to waist)
Navy blue skirt or trousers
  • Not dark blue or any other colours
  • Plain navy blue, with no patterns, stripes, or major pleats
  • Skirts must cover the knee (to be worn with black tights)
  • No jeans, hipsters, or low riders
Scarf
  • Official IV scarf
  • To be worn as per the guidelines (refer to the video / picture)
Socks & tights
  • Plain black
  • No patterns, designs, or motifs
Shoes
  • Plain black
  • Comfortable
  • Flat or low heeled
  • No trainers, sandals, or casual pumps
Navy suit jacket
  • Optional during Jamatkhana time
  • Not dark blue or any other colours
  • Plain navy blue, formal, with no patterns, stripes, or major pleats
Jewellery / Accessories
  • Not excessive (only a watch, ring, studded earrings, and a small necklace that is not visible)
  • Hair should be neat and tidy, tied back to avoid contact with food or other items

Official IV Pin to be worn at all times on the left side of the shirt or suit

White shirt
  • Plain, with no patterns or stripes
  • Sleeved: full, three-quarters or half (no sleeveless and not rolled up)
  • Ironed
  • Tucked in
Navy blue trousers
  • Not dark blue or any other colours
  • Plain navy blue, with no patterns or stripes
  • No jeans, khakis, chinos, combats, or any other casual trousers
Tie
  • Official IV tie
  • To be worn as per the guidelines (the pin should not be worn on the tie)
Socks
  • Plain black
  • No patterns, designs, or motifs
Shoes
  • Plain black
  • Comfortable
  • No trainers, sandals
Navy suit jacket
  • Optional during Jamatkhana time
  • Not dark blue or any other colours
  • Plain navy blue, formal, with no patterns, stripes, or major pleats
Jewellery / Accessories
  • Not excessive (only a watch, ring, and studs)
  • Hair should be neat and tidy, tied back to avoid contact with food or other items

Official IV Pin to be worn at all times on the left side of the shirt or suit

Official IV Jumper / IV Cardigan
  • Optional
  • Can be worn during Jamatkhana time
Non-Official Jumper / Cardigan
  • Optional
  • Not dark blue or any other colours
  • Plain navy blue, formal, with no patterns, stripes, or major pleats
  • Can still be worn in any settings
IV Blue Polo

Permitted use:

  • The IV Blue Polo may only be worn during local Jamati events or while on duty in Jamatkhanas, except as noted below.

Prohibited use:

  • The IV Blue Polo must not be worn inside the prayer hall for any duty under any circumstances.

Uniform pairing:

  • The IV Blue Polo must be worn with navy blue bottoms for a consistent and professional appearance. Other colours or casual attire are not encouraged.

Accessories:

  • The IV pin must not be worn with the polo, as the polo already features the IV logo.

 IV Team Leaders must refrain from wearing the IV Blue Polo during Jamatkhana ceremonies to appropriately differentiate their role.

Top
  • White shirt or White polo
  • Plain, with no patterns or stripes
  • Sleeved: full, three-quarters or half (no sleeveless and not rolled up)
  • Ironed
  • Official IV Pin can be worn on the left side of the plain white top
  • The IV White Polo can also be worn
Blue bottoms
  • Any comfortable blue bottoms
  • Preferably plain navy blue, with no patterns or stripes
Socks
  • Plain black
  • No patterns, designs, or motifs
Shoes
  • Plain black
  • Comfortable
  • No trainers, sandals
IV White Polo

Eligibility:

  • The IV White Polo is exclusively for Foundation Junior Volunteers (under 9 years old).

Encouraged Use:

  • Foundation Junior Volunteers are encouraged to wear the IV White Polo at all times during their duties.

Prayer Hall Use:

  • Foundation Junior Volunteers are permitted to wear the IV White Polo inside the prayer hall while on duty.

Accessories:

  • The IV pin must not be worn with the polo, as the polo already features the IV logo.


Mawlana Hazar Imam’s message to the Jamat stated that the aim is

“to bring about standardisation and parity in the various elements relating to the organisation of the uniformed volunteers, without compromising their spirit of service”

and added that the new guidelines will fully respect the global Jamat’s socio-cultural diversity.

These guidelines are framed to comply with Hazar Imam’s guidance to update and contemporise the IV structure in a manner that respects the Jamat’s legacy, spirit, and tradition of voluntary service, provides consistency and clarity, and strengthens the operational capacity of the IV organisation worldwide.

Nomenclature

The approved term, “Ismaili Volunteers“, conforms with the objective of highlighting the identity of this institution as a faith-based civil society organisation with a cherished history and legacy.

Motto

The approved motto, khidma, (Arabic for “service”) expresses the core values of Ismaili volunteers. This serves to strengthen adherence to the commitment shared by Ismaili volunteers across all jurisdictions, ages, cultures, and ethnicities to submit unconditional service to the Imam and Jamat.

Badge description

A stylised depiction of the term Lillah, neatly arranged and repeated seven times in a composition of calligraphy brushes, symbolising the achievement of a unified goal. The official nomenclature “Ismaili Volunteers” and the motto “Service – Khidma” are in New Baskerville typeface.

This policy is designed to be used together with guidance from the Directors and Deputy Directors of each local Jamatkhana and may change at any time without prior notification.

Last updated: 24 January 2025