Social media platforms are filled with unique and beautiful birthday (Salgirah) greetings, birthday cakes and artwork on the auspicious occasion of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan’s 88th birthday.
Born on December 13, 1936, he became the 49th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismailis on July 11, 1957. At 88, Mawlana Hazar Imam is the oldest living Imam in Ismaili history, and his reign of 67 years is the second longest. His grandfather ruled for an astonishing 71 years and celebrated the Platinum Jubilee.
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As Ismailis celebrate their Imam’s birthday, they take pride in the historical significance of his reign, which has inspired and guided the community through the years. They are also mindful of their brothers and sisters’ difficulties in conflict areas in several parts of the world. The messages embedded in several greetings reflect the problematic situation and include inspiring prayerful notes.
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A Swahili Song Honouring the Aga Khan on His Birthday
We join Ismailis worldwide in conveying our gratitude to our beloved Imam on his 88th birthday for guiding his spiritual children on the Straight Path, Blessing us and always keeping us under his loving paternal-maternal care. We pray for the happiness and mushkil ahsan — protection from difficulties — of Ismailis around the world.
We also invite you to read a special and extraordinary post on our sister site, Barakah. Please click on His Highness the Aga Khan and His People: A Deep Spiritual Bond as the Ismailis Celebrate the 49th Imam’s 88th Birthday on December 13, 2024.
Date posted: December 13, 2024.
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