The natural beauty and resources of our world are entrusted to us during our lifetime, and we must leave the world improved — the Aga Khan, September 1998

By MALIK MERCHANT

December 11, 2024, is International Mountain Day. As readers of this and its sister website Simergphotos are aware, I have presented awe-inspiring photographs of the Canadian Rockies, a sight to behold during my visits to Banff, Jasper and Waterton National Parks, and the Kananaskis, among other places. Growing up in Africa, I saw Kilimanjaro, Mt. Kenya and Mt Meru, but my first true love with mountains began in Salt Lake City as I watched the New Moon over the city, surrounded by the beautiful Wasatch Range in 1979/1980.

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With millions of Ismail Muslims worldwide celebrating the 88th birthday — the Salgirah — of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, on December 13, 2024, what mountain thoughts and pictures come to my mind on this celebratory International Mountain Day? None other than the awe-inspiring beauty of the Pamirs of Gorno-Badakhshan, where the Aga Khan, with the Pamir Range as a stunning backdrop, met with his tens of thousands of followers in 1995 and 1998.

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In a stunning setting, surrounded by the Pamirs, the Aga Khan said:

“The Qur’an refers very often to nature as a reflection of Allah’s power of creation, and it says, look at the mountains, the rivers, the trees, the flowers, as evidence of Allah’s love for the people whom He has created. Today, I look at the environment and I say to you, I believe Allah is smiling upon you, and may His smile always be upon you” — His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, Gorno Badakhshan (Tajikistan), May 27, 1995.

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The Aga Khan’s love for his followers, whom he addresses as “My Beloved Spiritual Children,” is unwavering. He has said, “No mountains, no river, no desert can separate the Imam from his murids” (2008, Paris), and “You must remember that Imam loves you more, much more than you can ever love him, and you must be strong in this knowledge” (1964, Karachi).

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On this auspicious 88th birthday of Mawlana Hazar Imam, let every Ismaili be “strong in this knowledge,” considering that each Ismaili has been designated as his dai (missionary). This role empowers us and entrusts us with great responsibility, inspiring us to carry out our duties with utmost dedication. We understand that this role comes with challenges, but these challenges make our commitment and perseverance all the more critical. Mawlana Hazar Imam bestowed this honorific historic title of the dai during his year-long visits to Ismailis worldwide during his Diamond Jubilee, which commenced on July 11, 2017.

As we bring you these delightful photographs of Mawlana Hazar Imam in mountainous settings, along with the joyous faces of his spiritual children, we convey Salgirah Mubarak to Ismailis worldwide, friends of the Ismailis, and all our readers. We wish everyone happiness, success, and fulfilment of all your wishes.

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International Mountain Day: Champions of the Golden Valley

And, on this Happy Mountain Day, I venture to Canmore, Alberta, a short distance from Calgary, to experience the Banff Film Festival’s 2024 Award-Winning Film Champions of the Golden Valley, which won the Grand Prize. Against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s remote mountains, a newfound passion for skiing brings together young athletes from rival villages. With only makeshift wooden skis and an unyielding determination, their devoted coach, Alishah Farhang, orchestrates a ski race that fosters unity and serves as a beacon of hope, transcending the hardships surrounding them. I can’t wait to share my review of this film with you all soon.

Date posted: December 11, 2024.

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