Simerg is an independent initiative dedicated to Ismaili Muslims, the Aga Khan — their Hereditary Imam — and the Ismaili Imamat, and Islam in general through literary readings, photo essays and artistic expressions
Shortly after the launch of this website in 2009, Professor Ali M. Rajput, who has since passed away, shared his story of climbing Alamut at the remarkable age of 84. His story generated many comments from our readers. Since Alamut, along with its associated fortresses, was recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we encourage our readers to explore Ali M. Rajput’s fascinating first encounter with Alamut in 2007 and his inspiring climb to the top of the mountain. Please click on Alamut, where every stone tells a story.
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Dr. Ali Rajput riding a horse, which took him only halfway up. Determined and encouraged by his son, Karim, Rajput then walked the remainder of the way to the peak, even at the age of 84. Photograph: Ali M. Rajput Collection
The Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) had been planning since 2014 to submit the Alamut Castle for consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, the registration process encountered delays due to various factors. You can read more about the situation HERE.
Finally, in July 2026, the Fortress of Alamut and its associated strongholds in Iran were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. With 30 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list, including two natural sites, IRI is now among the top 10 countries in the world with the largest number of officially designated sites on the UNESCO list.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran submits one nomination file annually for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and we hope that during Sunday’s session [July 26, 2026], the Alamut file will be approved so that its World Heritage certificate can be issued in Iran’s name” — Seyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts.
The following is a brief description posted on the UNESCO World Heritage Convention website, which provides comprehensive details about the fortifications (for more details, please click on UNESCO: Alamūt Castle and Related Fortifications).
UNESCO: Alamūt Castle and Related Fortifications
Alamut Castle becomes Iran’s 30th UNESCO World Heritage site.
“The serial property comprises of Alamūt Castle and six associated fortifications — Lambesar, Navizaršāh, Šams Kelāyeh, Qosṭinlār, Širkūh, and Ilān — strategically positioned within the rugged landscape of the Alborz Mountains in Qazvin Province, northern Iran. From the late 11th century CE, Alamūt served as the political, military, and intellectual centre of the Nezāri Ismaʿilis, an influential Islamic movement whose reach extended across Iran and the wider Islamic world. This fortified network functioned both as a refuge and as a scholarly and cultural hub, sustaining the Nezāri community until the fall of Alamūt in 1256 and continuing to shape regional religious and intellectual history long thereafter. Together, the fortifications illustrate the strategic organisation, resilience, and cultural significance of the Nezāri Ismaʿili state.” (reproduced here under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0).
We also have links to other stories in the world media about Alamut’s designation as a World Heritage Site. Please click:
Iranian archaeologist Hamideh Choubak is being hailed online as a hero and the driving force behind Alamut Castle’s UNESCO listing after 25 years spent excavating, documenting and protecting the historic fortress. pic.twitter.com/FKaKaT7WiD
— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) July 28, 2026
This America 250 logo, designed for Simerg, unites national pride, historical significance, cultural inclusion, and future-facing optimism in a cohesive design as the USA celebrates its 250th birthday. Read more about the logo and the series HERE.
Simerg is excited to launch its special series, Letter to America, on August 2. This date marks the anniversary of 1776, when the Declaration of Independence — adopted on July 4 — was signed in Philadelphia, a city at the heart of American independence and history. Please read an introduction to the series HERE. The series will conclude at the end of 2026, and the submission deadline is November 30.
An Immigrant’s Journey: A Life Built Through Hard Work, Family, and Gratitude
By PYARALI KHOJA Chicago, Illinois
I came to the United States from Pakistan in September 1971 in search of a brighter future. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, I would like to share a few reflections on my journey and express my gratitude to this remarkable nation.
I was raised in a middle-class Ismaili Muslim family of ten — my parents, three brothers, four sisters, and me. We lived in a modest home in a peaceful gated community. Although four of us brothers were working, our family still lived from paycheck to paycheck, making every dollar count.
When I arrived in the United States, I dreamed of pursuing higher education. However, life had other plans. Having married at a young age, I carried the responsibility of supporting not only my family in America but also my loved ones back in Pakistan. As a result, my dream of earning a college degree had to be set aside.
My wife, Rashida, and I dedicated many years to volunteering at our Ismaili Jamatkhana, believing that serving our community was an important part of building a meaningful life.
Our first son, Khurshid, was born in 1973. I will never forget that my employer refused to give me even a couple of days off to be with my newborn son, taking advantage of the fact that I was working without proper documentation. It was a difficult and painful experience that many immigrants of my generation can understand.
When our second son, Zulfiqar, was born in 1980, circumstances had improved, and I was finally able to take a week off to be with my family — a blessing I deeply appreciated.
Throughout every challenge, my wife, Rashida, stood beside me with unwavering strength and love. She has been an extraordinary life partner and a devoted mother. Together, we worked hard, lived within our means, and made education the highest priority for our children.
By the grace of Allah, our sacrifices were rewarded. Today, Khurshid is a successful attorney and owner of his own law firm in California, while Zulfiqar serves as a Senior Vice President at a Fortune 500 company.
My life’s journey has taught me that hard work, perseverance, responsible financial planning, and faith can transform dreams into reality. If you work diligently, save for the future, and never lose hope, retirement can become one of the most fulfilling chapters of life.
Today, my wife and I are happily retired, grateful for the opportunities we were given and proud of the family we have built.
As we reflect on our journey, we offer our heartfelt thanks to the United States of America for welcoming us, giving us opportunities, and allowing us to build a life that once seemed beyond our reach. We remain forever grateful to this great nation.
Sincerely, Pyarali Khoja.
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A Heartfelt Thank You to America on Her 250th Birthday
By AZIZ HUSSAIN Lilburn, Georgia
On this proud and historic occasion of America’s 250th birthday, my family and I extend our deepest gratitude, respect, and love to this extraordinary nation — a nation that has given us not only a place to live, but a place to belong.
I came to Chicago from Pakistan in 1985 with my wife, Fariel, and our two young sons, Faisal Hussain and Asif Hussain, carrying with us our education, our values, and hearts full of hope and dreams. Like so many immigrants, we arrived with optimism for the future, but also with uncertainty about what lay ahead.
The early years were not easy. We had to learn a new way of life, adapt to a new culture, work hard to support our family, and help our children adjust to a new school system and society. There were struggles, sacrifices, and many challenges. Yet alongside those difficulties, we also found opportunity, kindness, and the promise of a better future.
Over time, America became much more than the country where we settled. It became our home — our sweet home. This nation gave our family safety, dignity, stability, and the opportunity to build a better life. It gave our children the gift of quality education, the freedom to dream, and the chance to succeed. It gave us access to healthcare, security, and the confidence that through honest work and perseverance, life could improve for our family and for future generations.
As an Ismaili Muslim family, we are especially grateful to America for protecting religious freedom and respecting the traditions and beliefs of people from all backgrounds.
That is one of the greatest strengths of this nation: people of different faiths, cultures, and communities can live together with mutual respect, shared hope, and a common commitment to a better future.
On this 250th birthday, we proudly say: God bless America.
Thank you for welcoming families like ours with open arms, for celebrating diversity as a strength, and for offering immigrants not only a home, but the chance to build a future with dignity and purpose.
America has been, and remains, a land of hope, opportunity, and freedom. Our family will always carry that gift with gratitude, pride, and enduring thanks.
With love, pride, and sincere gratitude, Aziz Hussain.
Editor’s note: On Friday, July 9, 2026, I attended the Generations Jamatkhana in Calgary, where an excerpt from a Farman Mubarak by Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, was read. This Farman, delivered during the students’ Didar in Toronto on March 31, 2026, advised us to explore our personal and family histories by asking questions such as “Who are you? Who are your parents? Who are your grandparents?” Mawlana Hazar Imam urged the young members of the community to speak with our elders to learn about our background (see page 41 of the Farman Mubarak book, from the Canada visit, March 26-31, 2026, available at Jamatkhana literature counters).
At once, my beloved friend Nizar Motani’s book, featured below as part of the Ismaili Authors Series, came to mind. As Nizar says, he hopes that his book, with the intriguing title Rolling Stone Gathers Much Moss, will inspire others to write about their families and life stories and to preserve family history before it is lost. In the series — see the list below — we have featured several Ismaili authors who have written informative, rich autobiographies. Aside from learning about our personal histories, Mawlana Hazar Imam has asked us to develop a habit of reading books. In this regard, we welcome the institutional initiative titled Gift of Reading, a collective pledge from the Canadian Ismaili community to Mawlana Hazar Imam in anticipation of his upcoming visit to Western Canada from July 24-26, 2026.
We value the insights of Ismaili authors worldwide and invite you to contribute to this ongoing series by submitting responses to our questions. Please see the details HERE. For any queries, please email Malik at mmerchant@simerg.com.
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Ismaili Authors Series: Rolling Stone Gathers Much Moss by Nizar A. Motani
Dr. Nizar Motani
Simerg: What is behind the naming of the title Rolling Stone Gathers Much Moss: A Stateless Ugandan Refugee’s Odyssey of Resilience and Reinvention?
Nizar Motani: The main title is a play on the proverb, “a rolling stone gathers no moss,” which suggests that constant change prevents one from putting down roots or achieving lasting success. My life has been the opposite. Despite being expelled from Uganda and experiencing many relocations and career changes, I ultimately settled in Atlanta, Georgia, where I built a fulfilling personal and professional life, showing that even a rolling stone can gather plenty of moss!
Simerg: Why would you want me or my family members to read the book and what will we learn?
Motani: I hope the book inspires others to write about their own families and life stories, and to preserve family history before it is lost. It reflects resilience in the face of the Ugandan expulsion and other life challenges, including periods of instability through several moves and changes in profession, and the gradual process of building a more settled and rewarding life. It highlights themes of charity, community involvement, and the importance of friendship and social connections. As I have humorously related several major foolish mistakes and devoted an entire chapter to my positive approach to health issues, there are some valuable lessons for readers. I also offer a rare perspective on colonialism, drawing on my background as an academic historian who navigated the middle tier in a tri-racial colonial society. Finally, a collection of photographs is included throughout the book, which I hope helps bring the story to life and make it even more enjoyable to read.
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Exile did not break and has not broken Nizar. Nor has it broken many of us of his generation. Instead, we have accepted it as an opportunity to contribute on a global scale. This, I think, is the message, the heritage and the value of Nizar’s autobiography — Professor Austin Bukenya, Makerere University, former columnist of the Nairobi-based Daily Nation.
Front cover of Nizar Motani’s “Rolling Stone Gathers Much Moss,” 238 pp, June 4, 2026. Click AMAZON to purchase the book.
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Simerg: What inspired you to write the book?
Motani: I have enjoyed writing since my school days, when my teachers first encouraged me. Later, my Ph.D. supervisor at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), the renowned Africanist Professor Roland Oliver, remarked that I had a considerable gift for writing in the English language. Over the years, I wrote articles and book reviews, including reviews of memoirs, which eventually led me to realize it was time to write my own. I wanted to preserve both my family’s remarkable history and the story of my own eight-decade journey before more of the people who held those memories passed away—and before my own advancing age and health challenges made the task more difficult. As friends and potential readers also began to leave us, I felt an even greater urgency to write. The COVID-19 pandemic provided the time and opportunity to finally begin my memoir.
Simerg: How can one purchase the book ?
Motani: The book can be purchased on AMAZON in paperback and e-book formats.
Simerg: How did you find a publisher for the book?
Motani: Based on a recommendation from a fellow academic whom I previously worked with, I initially contracted with an assisted self-publishing service, but later switched to self-publishing independently through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing which offered more control, flexibility, and faster time to publication.
Simerg: Did you hire an editor, an illustrator or did you do all the work by yourself?
Motani: My son Abdul and my brother Azeem dedicated significant time to editing the book, and they worked with a professional for the cover design.
Simerg: Which was your first book, and how many have you written?
Motani: In 1977, my Ph.D. thesis was published as an academic monograph for scholarly audiences, but this memoir is my first book written for a general readership. I had a stellar eight-year lecturing career as a history professor at two well-respected universities (Bowdoin College and Western Michigan University) in the United States. As a result of my impressive presentations at major academic conferences, I was invited to contribute chapters to books by several distinguished professors. Over the years, I have also written numerous papers, articles, and book reviews that appeared in various publications, as well as on this website and its sister website, Barakah. These works are detailed in the appendix of my book, which also includes the full text of three of my articles on Uganda.
Simerg: How long did it take you to write the book — from start to finish?
Motani: I began writing notes in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic and, with much procrastination, continued writing over the next few years. As I am not very tech-savvy, I relied on my son to help transform the material into a book, including organizing, editing, and other general production work. Given the scale of the task and his full-time job, progress was gradual at times. The book was finally published in June of 2026.
Date posted: July 10, 2026. Last updated: July 10, 2026.
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Dr. Nizar Motani
About the author: Born and raised in Uganda before its independence from colonial Britain, Nizar A. Motani has conducted extensive research on “Uga-Indians” and earned a Ph.D. in African history from the University of London School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), just before the 1972 expulsion of Asians from Uganda, which rendered him stateless. A timely offer brought him to the United States as a professor, where he eventually became a citizen. Over time, he transitioned from academia to business and finance, demonstrating the same rigor and creativity that marked his scholarly work. A talented writer, storyteller, and speaker, Dr. Motani is especially known for his dynamic and captivating style. Friends and colleagues alike admire his quick wit, outrageous anecdotes, and unforgettable sayings, which bring both humour and insight to every conversation. Dr. Motani and his wife, Yasmin, are now retired in Atlanta, Georgia, where they have resided since 1989.
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Links to the Ismaili Authors’ Series (in chronological sequence, oldest article first)
Before departing this website please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and Simergphotos. Simerg’s editor Malik Merchant may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com. You can also stay updated by following Malik on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram, and by subscribing to Simerg at the top right of this page.
Having lived in the USA for over forty years since arriving from South Asia in 1981, I felt it was important to acknowledge the opportunities America has provided to my family and me on its 250th birthday. What began as a small personal effort — sending notices to my contacts in the USA to ask for their stories about their homeland, which I would later share with significant American institutions such as the Smithsonian and the Library of Congress — gained new significance, meaning, and momentum when Malik Merchant, publisher and editor of Simerg, encouraged me to invite Ismaili Muslims of all ages across the country to participate in “Letter to America” and to transform the project into a special series on Simerg. This series, like Simerg’s acclaimed series I Wish I’d Been There and Thanking Ismaili Historical Figures, aims to preserve stories, inspire reflection, and highlight the valuable contributions of Ismaili Americans to our society. Your individual stories and voices will help us reflect on our shared history and community achievements.
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The Logo for Simerg’s “Letter to America” Series
Logo conceived and designed by Chicago’s Salim Sopariwalla, July 4, 2026.
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LOGO DESCRIPTION
This America 250 logo, conceived and designed by Chicago’s Salim Sopariwalla for Simerg’s special series “Letter to America”, unites national pride, historical significance, cultural inclusion, and future-facing optimism in a single, cohesive design as the USA celebrates its 250th birthday.
The bald eagle evokes an immediate connection to American identity, freedom, strength, and civic responsibility, while its outstretched wings symbolize protection, aspiration, and the many stories that shape the nation. The wings are designed as a mosaic, representing the many people, places, communities, landscapes, professions, families, and stories that together shape America, supporting the theme “One Nation. Many Stories. Shared Future.”
The eagle holds wheat to symbolize growth, prosperity, and stewardship, while the arrows represent courage, resilience, and the defence of liberty and shared values. The geometric crest at the eagle’s centre adds refinement and reflects harmony, pluralism, and the beauty of diverse communities coming together.
The 13-star arc represents the original 13 colonies and directly connects the design to America’s founding in 1776. The enlarged center star creates a strong focal point, symbolizing unity, shared purpose, courage, resilience, and the defence of liberty.
The colour palette is intentional: The red, white, and blue honour the American flag — the red represents great courage and bravery, blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice, white represents purity and innocence — the green represents growth, renewal, and pluralism, and gold adds a commemorative tone worthy of a 250th anniversary celebration.
This logo honors America’s past, reflects its diverse present, and points confidently toward its shared future.
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Participants in the series will also share how America and Americans have enriched their lives materially, culturally, and scientifically; challenged them; fulfilled their hopes or raised concerns; and shaped their dreams of living in America.
“Letter to America” is open to all Ismaili residents of the USA and to interfaith members of resident Ismaili families. We invite contributions from students, professionals, business leaders, Ismaili institutional leaders, educators, scientists, innovators, and ordinary hardworking people, recognizing the diverse perspectives that strengthen residents and our communities where we live.
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250th Declaration of Independence Stamps, sheet of 20, issued by the US Postal Service. The stamp is designated as a Forever stamp and can be used for 1st-class (1 oz) letters within the USA, even if postage rates increase. Please visit USPS for more details and to purchase this and other stamps and cancellations.
The guidelines for “Letter to America” are as follows:
The letter must be original, at least 100 words long, and should not exceed 500 words;
Your submission should include your name, address, and contact information, including your telephone number, to verify your contribution. Anonymous contributions will not be accepted. Note: Personal contact information will not be published in the article; it is required only for verification;
Each submission should include the contributor’s brief profile of no more than one hundred (100) words. The contributor may also submit a profile photo, which will be included with the letter and the profile;
You can submit up to three JPEG images to substantiate your contribution and life in the USA;
It is open to Ismaili residents of all ages and interfaith members of resident Ismaili families;
Young adults up to the primary level should submit their contribution with their parents’ consent;
The publication of each “Letter to America” will be at the absolute discretion of the publisher and editor of this website and of Sadruddin Noorani, the founder of the series;
The deadline for submission is November 30, 2026; and
The submission should be emailed to Simerg’s editor at mmerchant@simerg.com with the subject line “Letter to America”.
It is my sincere hope that the series will be educational and inspiring for readers, historians, educators, researchers, students, and future generations, and that it will offer reflections that will lead to a more dynamic Ismaili community in the years to come, as the community, both institutionally and individually, continues to build on the solid progress it has made since Ismaili Muslims began settling in the USA as early as the 1950s and in larger numbers from the 1970s onward. The series will commence the week of August 2, 2026, and conclude at the end of 2026.
Featured image at the top of the post: A cancellation issued by the US Postal Service on July 4, 2026, in Philadelphia, a city central to American independence and history, where the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted on July 4, 1776, and signed on August 2, 1776. NOTE: The image has been annotated with “Letter to America” to reflect this special series.
Date posted: July 4, 2026. Last updated: August 2, 2026.
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About the series founder: Sadruddin Noorani is a community leader, entrepreneur, and public servant who arrived in the United States in 1981 and made Chicago his home. In 1989, he became the first Ismaili Muslim elected to public office in the United States, serving five consecutive terms on Chicago’s Local School Council. He continues to serve on several nonprofit and government boards, including the Alzheimer’s Association. Noorani has authored more than 60 articles on Ismaili history, faith, culture, and rituals, underscoring his deep knowledge of Ismaili traditions and civic issues. He is also an avid philatelist, specializing in postage stamps and postal history related to the Abrahamic faiths, with a particular focus on Ismaili history, its Imams and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
About the logo designer: Salim Sopariwalla is an accomplished Senior IT leader with over 15 years of experience leading Enterprise AI, digital transformation, and strategic technology initiatives across Fortune 500 organizations. Beyond his professional career, Salim serves as a Safety Volunteer, IPN Career Coach and Mentor, and AI Trainer within the Ismaili community. A conference speaker and lifelong learner, he is passionate about developing leaders, fostering innovation, and creating lasting business and social impact through service, collaboration, and continuous learning.
God chose Adam and Noah and the House of Abraham and the House of Imran above all beings, the seed of one another; God hears, and knows — Qur’an, 3:33-34, translation by A. J. Arberry, see Corpus Quran for multiple translations.
Today the Ismailis are the only Shia community who, throughout history, have been led by a living, hereditary Imam in direct descent from the Prophet — His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, Parliament of Canada, Ottawa, February 27, 2014.
On Wednesday May 27, 2026, corresponding to the 10th day of the Islamic month of ‘DhuI-Hijjah, Muslims in Canada and around the world celebrated the Festival of Sacrifice or Eid al-Adha at the completion of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
Little is it known in the broader context and understanding of Islamic history, that on the 18th day of ‘DhuI-Hijjah, a week following his final pilgrimage, the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him and his progeny) — based on a divine command from Allah — designated Hazrat Ali as his successor and the first in the continuing line of Hereditary Imams. This event took place in 632 CE and is observed by all Shia Muslims, including the Ismailis, as Eid-e Ghadir because it occurred at Ghadir Khumm, a valley between Mecca and Medina.
The majority of the Muslims, the Sunnis, do not accept the Shia version of this historic event and do not associate it with Ali’s succession to Muhammad. Thus, the world’s lack of knowledge about a pivotal historic moment in Islam.
For the Shia Ismaili Muslims, who will be commemorating this historic day on or around June 3, 2026, this event is of added significance as they are led by a living Hereditary Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, whom they lovingly and respectfully address as Mawlana Hazar Imam (Our Lord the Present/Living Imam).
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan, the 50th Hereditary Imam, who succeeded to the Throne of Imamat on February 4, 2025.
The late Aga Khan in a rare interview with France’s journal, Politique International, has comprehensively described the general Shia understanding of Imamat, the Sunni belief as well as his own status as follows:
“The religious leadership of the Ismaili Imam goes back to the origins of Shia Islam when the Prophet Muhammad appointed his son-in-law, Ali, to continue his teachings within the Muslim community. The leadership is hereditary, handed down by Ali’s descendants, and the Ismailis are the only Shia Muslims to have a living Imam, namely myself. The other Shia — the Twelvers — revere a “hidden” Imam who will return on the Day of Judgment to take part in the final judgment.
“It is the presence of the living Imam that makes our Imamat unique.
“The Sunni are completely different in that they do not accept the idea of continuity of religious leadership by members of the Prophet’s family.”
“The Ismaili Imamat is a supra-national entity, representing the succession of Imams since the time of the Prophet. But let me clarify something more about the history of that role, in both the Sunni and Shia interpretations of the Muslim faith. The Sunni position is that the Prophet nominated no successor, and that spiritual-moral authority belongs to those who are learned in matters of religious law. As a result, there are many Sunni imams in a given time and place. But others believed that the Prophet had designated his cousin and son-in-law, Ali, as his successor. From that early division, a host of further distinctions grew up — but the question of rightful leadership remains central. In time, the Shia were also sub-divided over this question, so that today the Ismailis are the only Shia community who, throughout history, have been led by a living, hereditary Imam in direct descent from the Prophet.”
In historical sources, it is recorded that on the way back to Medina after performing a pilgrimage to Mecca, the Prophet received a revelation that Ismaili Muslims recite in their daily prayers:
“O Messenger, deliver that which has been sent down to thee from thy Lord; for if thou dost not, thou wilt not have delivered His Message. God will protect thee from men. God guides not the people of the unbelievers” — Qur’an, 5:67, translation by A.J. Arberry, see Corpus Quran.
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“We search for a union with the family of the Chosen (Prophet Muhammad). We search for the truth of son after son. We are totally obedient to his offspring, one of the other. There is no other thing we can add to this but itself. We endeavour in our faith so that we do not turn out to be faithless.” — Ismaili poet Nizar Quhistani in reference to the Qura’nic verses mentioned at top of post
Upon receiving this revelation, the Holy Prophet stopped at an oasis known as Ghadir Khumm, and addressed a large gathering of Muslims who had accompanied him.
In History in Quotations M. J. Cohen and John Major write:
“Muhammad said: ‘He of whom I am the Mawla, Ali is his Mawla. O God, be the friend of him who is his friend and be the enemy of his enemy.’
“This became the proof text for the Shia claim that Ali, the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law, was the Prophet’s rightful successor after the Prophet’s death in 632. The meaning of Mawla here probably implies the role of patron, lord or protector.”
In an entry for the Encyclopaedia of Islam, 2nd edition, (EI2), under the title Ghadir Khumm, L. Veccia Vaglieri writes:
“Ghadir Khumm is famous in the history of Islam because of a sentence (or some sentences) in favour of ‘Ali which the Prophet uttered there during a discourse….Taking ‘Ali by the hand. he asked of his faithful followers whether he, Muhammad, was not closer to the Believers than they were to themselves; the crowd cried out: “It is so, O Apostle of God!”, he then declared. “He of whom I am the mawla, of him ‘Ali is also the mawla (man kuntu nawlahu fa-‘Ali mawlahu)
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Images of some stamps and coins issued by the Islamic Republic of Iran between 1990 and 2010 commemorating the Idd-e-Ghadir. The inscriptions inlude the Shahada, Qur’anic ayats and the declaration made by Prophet Muhammad at Ghadir Khumm, “Mun Koontu Mawla, Fa Hada, Aliyun Mawla” meaning “He of whom I am the Mawla Ali is also the Mawla.”
“Most of those sources which form the basis of our knowledge of the life of the Prophet pass in silence over Muhammad’s stop at Ghadir Khumm….Consequently, the western biographers of Muhammad, whose work is based on these [Sunni] sources, make no reference to what happened at Ghadir Khumm. It is however certain that Muhammad did speak in this place and utter the famous sentence…the hadiths are so numerous and so well attested by the different isnads that it does not seem possible to reject them.” (Note: special access is required to read articles in EI2. Vaglieri’s piece was reproduced in full in the UK Ismaili Association’s publication Ilm, December 1976, pages 28-30, with the permission of E.J. Brill, publishers of EI2.)
The Prophet, about 90 days before his death, was transferring his own spiritual authority bestowed upon him by Allah to Hazrat Ali, making him — and all the Imams that follow — the Amirul Mu’minin, or Master of the Believers.
On instruction from Prophet Muhammad, Hazrat Ali received baiyat (the oath of allegiance), from the Muslims assembled there, including Umar b. al-Khattab, Islam’s second Caliph, as stated in Vaglieri’s piece in EI2.
According to Shia traditions and sources, following the proclamation, the final verse of the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet:
“Today I have perfected your religion for you, and I have completed My blessing upon you, and I have approved Islam for your religion” — Qur’an 5:5/3, translation by A. J. Arberry, see Corpus Qur’an.
This marked the end of the period of Nabuwwa, or Prophethood, and the historical beginning of the Institution of Imamat.
Eid-e Ghadir is an anniversary of special significance to all Shia Muslims, as it is also associated with the well-attested tradition in which the Prophet is said to have proclaimed:
“I am leaving among you two matters of great weight (al-thaqalayn), the Book of Allah and my kindred (itrati), the People of my House (Ahl al-Bayt), and these two shall never be separated until they return to me at the Pool [of Kawthar in Paradise on the Day of Judgement]…”
The Shia Ismaili tradition bears witness to the continuity of the authority vested at Ghadir Khumm. Today, this leadership and authority is vested in Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Rahim al Hussaini, His Highness the Aga Khan V.
The Rope of Imamat has continued over 1,400 years, from Hazrat Ali, to the present 50th hereditary Imam and direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad through Hazrat Ali and Hazrat Bibi Fatima al-Zahra, Khatun-i Jannat.
In commemorating Eid-e Ghadir, the Ismaili Muslims celebrates the seminal event of Ghadir Khumm, reaffirming their allegiance to the Imam-of-the-Time as the direct lineal successor and inheritor of the authority of Hazrat Ali.
Date posted: June 2, 2026.
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Featured image at top of post: An Arabic-script ambigram, where ‘Muhammad’ upside down is read as ‘Ali’ and vice versa.
A special note about the Encyclopaedia of Islam, Second Edition (EI2): Finished in 2005, the EI2 is a massive resource spanning five decades of scholarship. It sets out the present state of our knowledge of the Islamic World. It is a unique and invaluable reference tool, an essential key to understanding the world of Islam, and the authoritative source not only for the religion, but also for the believers and the countries in which they live.
We extend our heartiest felicitations to Muslims around the world, our readers, and friends of the Muslim community on the auspicious and joyous occasion of Eid al-Adha, which is being celebrated worldwide starting May 26, 2026. We pray for your happiness, peace, and good health. We wish you all a happy Eid Mubarak.
Canada Post has continued its tradition by issuing a Booklet of 6 Permanent™ domestic rate stamps to commemorate the festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in March and May 2026, respectively. This is Canada Post’s eighth Eid stamp, a testament to its ongoing commitment to celebrating the country’s cultural diversity. The previous Eid stamps were issued in 2017, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
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STAMP
One of three stamps issued in different colours by Canada Post to commemorate the 2026 Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
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STAMPS BOOKLET COVER
Eid (2026): booklet of 6 Permanent™ stamps produced by Canada Post.
Eid al-Fitr signifies the end of fasting during Ramadan and was observed on or around March 20, 2026. Eid al-Adha will fall on or around May 26, 2026, to mark the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorating Ibrahim’s (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, to God. Eid al-Adha is held at the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
The 2026 stamp, a unique addition to the previous years’ series, integrates stylized images of a maple leaf — a symbol of Canadian identity — into an Islamic pattern to reflect Canada’s cultural diversity and inclusivity and to celebrate the significance of Eid for the Muslim community. Stamps can be ordered on the Canada Post website HERE. The page also provides an excellent overview and further insights into the 2026 stamp.
Please note that if you order four sets of booklets, each with six stamps, at CDN $7.44 per booklet, postage is free! You can use the stamp for all your first-class letters within Canada indefinitely.
It is natural that as we reflect and interiorize the joys, sights, and emotions of mulaqats (encounters) with Mawlana Hazar Imam, including the most recent in Toronto and Montreal and earlier ones in London, Lisbon, Houston, Dallas, Kampala, Nairobi, and Paris, the post-mulaqat vacuum may create a sense of post-visit sadness, the familiar “post-mulaqat blues.” The chores of daily life, briefly set aside, once again claim our attention, and for some, the bliss of the Imam’s physical presence begins to fade.
This pining is not new; it is a sacred ache echoed throughout our history. Pir Sadardin opens one of his most tender Ginans with the voice of a devotee who cannot bear the distance from her Beloved. The longing is immediate, visceral, and unembellished. The murid speaks from the raw centre of separation, confessing that even a single day without the sight of her Master becomes unbearably heavy. This is the earliest articulation of what we today call the post-mulaqat ache, the spiritual disorientation that follows the withdrawal of physical presence. The Ginan does not quiet this ache; it reveals its holiness. It teaches that yearning itself is a form of devotion, a sign that the heart has recognized its axis.
Eji tamaku(n) sadhaare so din bohotaj huaare piaa, me(n) dekhu(n) tumaari vaatare; saheb mere dayaava(n)d mere, meherebaan mere, aasaa tuj binaa so din jaave(n)ge kaisaa piaaji
TRANSLATION:
O Beloved, with your departure my days becomes unbearably heavy. I stand waiting on Your path, longing for Your sight. My Master, my Compassionate One, my Merciful One — how shall a day pass without You, O Beloved?
The murid pines for his return, experiencing those “post-mulaqat” pangs where the physical distance feels like an unbearable void.
Yet our tradition also gives us a counterweight and an anchor that transform longing into intimacy. In his Farman delivered in London at the youth mulaqats on February 2, 2026 (morning and afternoon) and to the Jamat the following day, repeated during visits to other Jamats, Mawlana Shah Rahim offered a statements of such depth that it leaves an indelible imprint on the active imagination:
“Remember that I am always connected to you, I am always with you, and I am always here” (February 2) and “Whether you are in this hall or outside of it, I have seen you. And I am taking with me the picture of everyone of you. I have seen you and you will stay in my heart. I have seen you all.” (Didar, February 3, 2026)
Mawlana Shah Rahim Al Hussaini Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, the 50th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.
This is not metaphor. It is metaphysics. It is the Imam articulating the ontological truth of the Imam–murid bond: a presence that does not wane with geography, time, or circumstance.
To navigate the landscape of longing, we turn to the “Active Imagination,” a term Henry Corbin used in his commentary on Avicenna’s visionary recitals. Active Imagination is the faculty that allows us to configure the spiritual universe as a concrete reality. Without it, the “presence” that gives joy to the heart begins to fade.
This practice of keeping the Presence alive finds its roots in the Prophetic tradition. In Bukhari, Hadith #8 (narrated by Omar) states that one must worship as if one sees God; and if one sees Him not, know that He sees you. This Hadith is the quintessential reflection on Active Imagination — it calls us to keep a constant, living presence in the heart at all times, transforming “absence” into an “ever-present gaze.”
Mystical traditions like ours recognize two conditions of consciousness: al-Hal, a transient state like sadness or ecstasy, and al-Maqam, a permanent station achieved through effort and grace. Pir Sadardin’s Buj Niranjan describes the vacillating soul:
Kabuek hanse aur kabuek rove Kabuek lag piya gal sove……(4)
TRANSLATION
Sometimes she cries, at others she laughs; Sometimes she is as if in the embrace of the Beloved.
The aim of the seeker is to move from the transient Hal to the permanent Maqam: the encounter with Higher Reality. One Ginan that provides the elixir for this journey is “Eji Hete Sun Milore Mara Munivero” by Sayyid Imamshah. Its verses reveal spiritual secrets:
Do not see Him far, He is intimately mingled in your heart, Just as fragrance is intimate with the flower……(4)
Verse 5 reinforces this, demanding the engagement of Active Imagination:
The Lord is mingled with every atom of your body… Perform your devotion with the knowledge that He is forever seated in your heart……(5)
In essence, the “presence” never left. Faith is the ultimate essence of Active Imagination. Just as the moon lights the night and the sun lights the day, faith lights the heart (Ghat ajvaro Iman sun). An additional essence is Love. In the Ginan “Patak Patra ne Parkine,” Sayyid Imam Shah, identifies this vital essence. What these traditions — and the Imam’s own words — indicate is that a combination of faith, love and Active Imagination provides continual reinforcement of the Presence.
The remedy for the “blues” is not to wait for the next physical meeting, but to practice the continual remembrance that He is ever-present, seated eternally within the heart.
And the Ginanic tradition brings this truth to its most intimate expression. Sayyid Imam Shah crystallizes the entire metaphysics of “Presence” in one luminous verse:
Eji Rome rome maaro Shah vase Ane antar nahi ek til, Evo jaanine bhagtaai kijiye Shah partak betha dil……(5)
TRANSLATION
O momins! Within every hair of the body, my Imam resides, He is not remote even by the distance of a single grain. By regarding Him thus, perform your devotions; the Imam is present and seated in the heart.
Here, the journey ends where it truly begins: in the heart, where the Imam has always been. And as mentioned earlier, Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Farman becomes the final seal on this truth:
“Remember that I am always connected to you, I am always with you, and I am always here.”
Date posted: May 9, 2026.
NOTE: A version of this piece also appears on Barakah, which is dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, members of his family and the Ismaili Imamat.
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Shiraz Pradhan
About the author: Shiraz Pradhan, a regular contributor to Barakah and its sister website, Simerg, is an international consulting engineer, author, and long‑time researcher of the Ginan tradition. He serves as Chairperson of the Association for the Study of Ginans, an international organisation dedicated to preserving and advancing Ginan scholarship. His interests span the Vedas, Judeo‑Christian history, and Sufism, reflecting his broad engagement with spiritual traditions. His forthcoming book, “Amrapuri: Exploring the Evolution of Nizari Ismaili Satpanth through the Prism of Ginan Literature,” brings together years of dedicated study.
While we celebrate the important milestones of Prince Hussain Aga Khan and his nephew, Prince Irfan, over the past 12 months since their last birthdays, we also share their personal stories from childhood. Prince Hussain, an underwater photographer and active in the work of the Ismaili Imamat, exemplifies dedication. Prince Irfan, age 11, is being introduced to the worldwide Ismaili community and the work of the Imamat, as his father wishes. Please click the photos below to view their respective posts.
The Aga Khan’s visit: Last updated April 5, 2026, 19:11 EDT
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, bestowing his Didar in Toronto before his departure, March 31, 2026. Photograph: Still from the Ismaili Update 8.
At the conclusion of His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to Canada, we provide anchor links to Barakah’s day-by-day coverage of his historic first visit to Canada as the 50th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims.
Conceived and created by Nurin Merchant, this Navroz greeting incorporates roses and jasmine, which are extremely popular in Iran during Navroz. The base of the picture shows shoots of wheat grass, signifying robust evergreen health throughout the year..
Eid al-Fitr Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Mark Carney
March 19, 2026 Ottawa, Ontario
“Tonight, Muslims in Canada and around the world will celebrate Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Over the coming days, Muslims will gather with family and friends to enjoy feasts, exchange gifts, recite prayers, and reflect on the spiritual lessons of Ramadan. Before this sacred celebration starts, Muslims will give Zakat al-Fitr. This is an act of charity that reflects the spirit of generosity at the heart of Islam.
As Eid sheds light on the importance of community, unity, and faith, we are reminded that these values are embedded in the many contributions Canadian Muslims make to building a stronger, more resilient country.
I wish a blessed and happy Eid al-Fitr to all those celebrating. Eid Mubarak.”
Read the Prime Minister’s Eid al-Fitr statement at source in English HERE and in French HERE.
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Nowruz Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Mark Carney
NOTE: The image of the haft-sin table is not part of the Prime Minister’s statement.
March 20, 2026 Ottawa, Ontario
“Nowruz – also known as the Persian New Year – marks the arrival of spring and the promise of renewal for millions of people in Canada and around the world, including Iranian, Kurdish, Afghan, and Central Asian communities.
Today, families and friends gather around the haft-sin table to share meals, read poetry, and welcome the year ahead with optimism. This is also a time when loved ones will pause to reflect on the moments over the year that brought them joy, and the people in their lives who made them special.
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To celebrate the new year, families gather around a specially prepared holiday table to make wishes for the coming months. Items on the haft sin table refer to new life and renewal. Haft sin table at the Freer|Sackler’s, 2013 Nowruz celebration. Photograph: Freer|Sackler staff photographer.
During this time of profound uncertainty for Canadians with ties to people and communities throughout the Middle East, this spirit of renewal and optimism is especially important. The moments that bring people together and deepen our sense of belonging can be a source of peace and stability.
Nowruz underscores the strength that comes from Canada’s diversity. The communities who celebrate Nowruz have helped build a more prosperous and resilient country.
I wish all those celebrating a happy Nowruz.
Har Ruz etan Nowruz, Nowruz etan Pyrouz.”
Read the Prime Minister’s Nowruz statement at source in English HERE. and in French HERE.
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Nowruz Message by the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres
Click HERE for a video message by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the International Day of Nowruz 2026. The text follows:
“Dear friends,
For more than 300 million people around the world, Nowruz represents renewal.
A new year.
A new spring.
A new chance to build bridges of understanding and mutual respect among all cultures and peoples.
In these difficult and divided times, the message of Nowruz is vital.
Its timeless values of diversity, dialogue, understanding and reconciliation represent a powerful path to achieving the peace, human rights and dignity that the United Nations works for each and every day.
The challenges faced by the human family are immense.
But Nowruz can be our guide.
Across all nations and cultures, let’s walk together as we build a more peaceful, sustainable and inclusive world for all people.
May this Nowruz bring joy, health, prosperity and peace”.
Read the Secretary General’s message at source HERE. Also, read a post on the history and significance of Nowruz on the UN website HERE.
Date posted: March 20, 2026. Last updated: March 21, 2026 (reformatting).
Simerg - Insights from Around the World 