Chandraat, the Night of the New Moon, is a joyous celebration for Ismaili Muslims. It marks the start of a new Islamic month and is celebrated with great religious fervour. The 48th Hereditary Ismaili Imam, Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, His Highness the Aga Khan III (d. July 11, 1957), in a timeless message to his community in East Africa in the mid-1900s, described Chandraat as a blessed night that brings immense spiritual happiness and inner peace. This emphasis on the spiritual significance of Chandraat serves to uplift and connect the Ismaili community to their faith.
In Canada, Ismailis observed Chandraat on December 31, 2024 — which began the month of Rajab — when the New Moon’s illumination was 1.1%. The Jamatkhanas were filled to capacity, and in Calgary, Alberta, Ismailis welcomed 2025 with a festive dinner and a lively musical show in their respective Jamatkhana social halls after the religious ceremonies.
One of the highlights of the Chandraat evening was a special announcement by the Ismaili Leaders International Forum (LIF), a platform that brings together Ismaili leaders from around the world to discuss and address community issues. In this announcement, Mawlana Hazar Imam asked his senior LIF leaders to convey his blessings to the Jamat when they met him on the joyous occasion of his birthday. He turned 88 on December 13, 2024. Sweets blessed by the Imam during the meeting were distributed in the Jamatkhana, bringing everyone overwhelming happiness as they were about to enter 2025.
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On celebratory days and special occasions, Mawlana Hazar Imam sends a Talika (a holy written message) to convey special blessings to the Jamat. His message, read out on December 13, 2024, touched upon the state of affairs in the world today. It included a powerful reminder to the Jamat that throughout its history, it has faced challenges with strength and inspiration, derived from the Imam’s individual spiritual bond with his followers. Importantly, he reassured us that he would always be with us, even when he was not physically able to visit us, providing a comforting sense of support.
Now, our New Year Resolution for 2025, aside from our personal resolutions, whatever they may be, should focus on further strengthening the spiritual bond with the Imam by fulfilling his aspirations of the Jamat — to live in unity, be regular in the practice of our faith and understand the faith well, be in remembrance of Allah, build bridges with other communities, educate ourselves because our faith is a faith of intellect, and be generous in spirit as well as with wealth. Specifically, the Imam wishes his Jamat nothing but the best in both material and spiritual matters.
In addition, his recommendations on what it takes to be a global citizen are worth reflecting upon as we make our resolutions and commit ourselves to our future well-being and progress, both materially and spiritually, in 2025 and beyond.
Date posted: January 1, 2025.
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Simerg - Insights from Around the World 
Happy New Year to all my Ismaili friends and relatives.
Thank you so much; really well summarized, that besides personal resolutions, we must focus on the consistent essence of the guidance that Mowlana Hazar Imam has reiterated in so many farmans
Dear Simerg readers and family
As we welcome the arrival of the New Year, my family and I send our warmest greetings and prayers for peace to you and your loved ones.
This season invites us to pause and reflect on the journey of the past year—our blessings, achievements, challenges, and the growth that has shaped us individually and as a community. The New Year also offers a renewed sense of purpose and an opportunity to embrace the possibilities that lie ahead. It is a time to foster hope and work toward a future filled with unity, collective progress, and peace.
Every leader of a global community aspires to one common goal: peace—peace in every corner of the world, so that men and women may live in safety, build their futures with strength, courage, hope, and wisdom.
As we embrace the New Year with optimism, we hold in our hearts those around the world—including members of our global community—who face challenges arising from economic pressures or political instability. I pray for peace and healing in their lives. These moments remind us of our strength as a united community and the unwavering dedication of our elected leaders, who work tirelessly alongside institutions to ensure the safety, well-being, and resilience of all.
Once again, I wish you a Happy New Year filled with blessings and hope.
Warm regards