Simerg is an independent platform that focuses on the dissemination of knowledge about the faith, culture and news pertaining to the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims led by their Hereditary Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, through literary readings as well as artistic and textual expressions. It also brings to its readers news, events and programs that are of interest to all readers, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Simerg supports 2 more independent initiatives, Barakah.com and Simergphotos.com
The Aga Khan’s principles and aspirations for a peaceful and equitable world
Simerg and its sister website Barakah are pleased to launch a permanent PODCAST series that will contain timeless words from 65 years of speeches, interviews and messages that His Highness the Aga Khan has delivered since he became the 49th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims on July 11, 1957. The Aga Khan’s perennial words accentuate the common goal of societies living in the spirit of one humanity as well as flourishing in all areas of human endeavour. Appropriately, with Muslims commencing the auspicious and happy Eid ul-Fitr festivities from Friday, April 21, 2023, following the end of the month of Ramadhan, the first Podcast is of a written holy message (or Talika) that the Aga Khan sent to his followers on the occasion of Eid ul-Fitr in May 2020, at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. The full English text of the Talika with its translation in eight languages can be read HERE.
The Aga Khan’s special Eid ul-Fitr message of May 23, 2020
His Highness the Aga Khan’s Eid ul-Fitr message of May 23, 2020.
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Inline images below represent the Imam and his bond with his spiritual children
TEXT
My beloved spiritual children,
On the occasion of Eid ul-Fitr, I send my special loving blessings to my Jamats throughout the world for your happiness, peace, safety, and good health. My family joins me in wishing you all Eid Mubarak.
At this difficult time, I applaud, with the highest admiration and gratefulness, the selfless services of all my Jamati volunteers, as well as the doctors, nurses, paramedics and support workers in the AKDN and other health facilities and related programmes: Their exemplary courage, commitment and dedication in extending care and comfort to my Jamat and others, and especially to those who are vulnerable and sick, is an outstanding actualization of the human values and ethics that all faiths cherish.
It is my wish that my Jamat should look to the future with hope and courage, in keeping with its age-old tradition of unity, generosity and mutual support which has at all times enabled it to move forward to a position of enhanced strength and resilience, from generation to generation.
My spiritual children should always remain mindful that it is the principles of our faith that will bring peace and solace in these times of uncertainty. I am with my Jamat at all times, and each of you, individually, is always in my heart, in my thoughts and in my prayers.
I send my most affectionate paternal, maternal loving blessings to all my Jamat – for happiness, good health, confidence and security in your lives ahead, and for mushkil-asan.
Yours affectionately,
Aga Khan
Date posted: April 21, 2023. Last updated: April 26, 2023 (improved version of podcast reading.)
My beloved spiritual children, On the occasion of Eid ul-Fitr, I send my special loving blessings to my Jamats throughout the world for your happiness, peace, safety, and good health. My family joins me in wishing you all Eid Mubarak. At this difficult time, I applaud, with the highest admiration and gratefulness, the selfless services of all my Jamati volunteers, as well as the doctors, nurses, paramedics and support workers in the AKDN and other health facilities and related programmes: Their exemplary courage, commitment and dedication in extending care and comfort to my Jamat and others, and especially to those who are vulnerable and sick, is an outstanding actualization of the human values and ethics that all faiths cherish.
It is my wish that my Jamat should look to the future with hope and courage, in keeping with its age-old tradition of unity, generosity and mutual support which has at all times enabled it to move forward to a position of enhanced strength and resilience, from generation to generation. My spiritual children should always remain mindful that it is the principles of our faith that will bring peace and solace in these times of uncertainty. I am with my Jamat at all times, and each of you, individually, is always in my heart, in my thoughts and in my prayers. I send my most affectionate paternal, maternal loving blessings to all my Jamat – for happiness, good health, confidence and security in your lives ahead, and for mushkil-asan. Yours affectionately, Aga Khan
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