By MOHEZ NATO

A solemn and reverent gathering of great significance will occur in Ismaili Jamatkhanas all over the world on Sunday, March 16, 2025, as the Chehlum — or Chalismo in Gujarati — of Mawlana Shah Karim Al Hussaini, His Highness the Aga Khan IV, is observed. It will mark the 40th day of mourning for the late Imam, who passed away on February 4, 2025, at the age of 88.

The Imamat, a divinely ordained Institution of immense spiritual significance, has stood for 1392 years since the designation of the first Imam, Hazrat Ali (may peace be upon him), by the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him and his progeny) as his successor at the famous event at Ghadir-Khumm. This historical event, whose authenticity is unquestionable, is supported by the Quranic verse, “O Apostle, deliver (to the people) what has been revealed to you from your Lord. And if you would not do so, then you have not delivered His Message…” (Qur’an 5:67), and the Prophetic tradition “He whose Mawla (Lord) I am, Ali is his Mawla.”

His Highness the Aga Khan V, Mawlana Shah Rahim, succeeded his father, Aga Khan IV, to the Imamat as the 50th Imam.

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Observing Chehlum, derived from the Farsi word “Chehelom” (40th), or Chalismo, is a deeply rooted custom spanning many religions and cultures, including Islam. In Islam, the 40-day mourning period following a death is a tradition that can be adapted to individual and family circumstances. For instance, the period can be shorter if some close family members and other loved ones attending the funeral have to return to their places of residence. This flexibility in the mourning period allows for understanding and empathy toward those who need to resume their everyday lives. However, the 40-day period of bereavement continues to be observed by members of the family living in the same town as the deceased, highlighting the deep respect and cultural significance of this tradition.

[Mawlana Shah Karim, who became the 49th Imam on July 11, 1957, upon the death of his grandfather, Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III, made a significant request during his visit to Kenya the following month. He asked for the observance of Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah’s chehlum with solemnity and special prayers as was being done in London, England, in a few days, around August 21. This information is recorded in the archival notes of the editor’s late father, Jehangir Merchant.]

During the bereavement period, loved ones offer prayers and engage in deep reflection on the life of the departed. They attend Jamatkhana daily or as regularly as possible, finding comfort in the familiar rituals. Individually, they spend time reciting Qur’anic verses, Salwats, and other prayers for the deceased’s soul and their own courage and fortitude. Many find solace in reciting appropriate Qasidas and Ginans — poems and hymns — that prompt introspection on the spiritual journey and the meaning of life. Some take on special commitments in memory of the departed, a practice that encourages personal growth and reflection.

The Chalismo of Mawlana Shah Karim on March 16 is a solemn occasion. It allows us to invoke the name of Allah and remember His clemency, mercy, and grace. These divine attributes enable us to live according to the ethics of our esoteric faith. We do so under the benevolence of Mawlana Shah Karim and, now, under the unwavering spiritual guidance of our present Imam, Mawlana Shah Rahim Hazar Imam.

On the 40th day of mourning, communion and deep emotion, the Ismailis will express their shukranas, their profound gratitude to Mawlana Shah Karim Al Hussaini for his Benevolence, his Protection, and his Farmans, and for having guided the community spiritually and materially for 67 years of his Imamate. 

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Let us also extend our gratitude to the Imam’s family members for their unwavering commitment to expanding the influence of the works and institutions established worldwide during the previous Imam. Their efforts, particularly over the past three years, have kept us united as a community and strengthened our shared commitment to humanity’s well-being.

As was the wish of our 49th Imam, we will remain confident and united as “One Jamat” in its diversity, expressing solidarity, justice, tolerance, mutual respect, compassion and the sharing of Time and Knowledge. This is how we will not only escape fear in these troubled times but also face the hazards and trials of everyday life with resilience. Let us say Ameen to the Divine Will and invoke Ya Allah, the most Clement, full of Mercy. 

By Allah’s Grace, let us express our Shukranas to our 50th Imam, Mawlana Shah Rahim Hazar Imam, our Protector and Lighthouse. Let us choose a spiritual life based on a quest to recognize the balanced life of din (faith) and dunya (world), and invoke Allah’s Permanence, thereby enriching our spiritual link with the Imam-of-the-Time. 

Our first Imam, Mawlana Hazrat Ali, urged us to apply the following precept relentlessly:

“Respect the human being, for if he is not your brother in religion, he is your brother in humanity.”

Rest in peace, Mawlana Shah Karim Al Hussaini. We are deeply grateful for your support. We will honour your memory by working actively with courage and hope under the aegis of your son, Mawlana Shah Rahim Al Hussaini Hazar Imam, to support our sisters and brothers who live in countries in conflict. Our commitment to caring for the dignity of the elderly and fighting against extreme poverty will be a testament to our shared values under your guidance.

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And, as Mawlana Shah Karim lovingly told us throughout his Imamat that he was by us all the time, whether he was physically present or not, we are reassured of this inspiring message when Mawlana Shah Rahim declared in his Takht-nishini Farman in Lisbon on February 11, 2025:

“If you have worries and concerns, turn to your Imam. Your Imam is with you. Wherever you are, your Imam is with you, and you are with the Imam.”

Date posted: March 13, 2025.
Last updated: March 15, 2025.

Correction: In the original version of this post, Chehlum was misspelled as Chelhum. We apologize for the typo.

External website: The Ismaili, the official website of the Ismaili community, has a brief piece Marking 40 days since the passing of our beloved Mawlana Shah Karim.

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About the author: Born and raised in Madagascar, Mohez Nato left for France in the late 1960’s. After completing his PhD, he worked as a teacher-researcher in Plant Biotechnology at the University of Paris Sud XI from 1971 to 2011. Now retired, Mohez does voluntary work giving courses in French-speaking universities in countries like Burkina Faso, Lebanon, Benin, Algeria and Tunisia. He has served in the Ismaili community in numerous voluntary positions, for which he was bestowed with the title of Alijah by Mawlana Shah Karim. We invite you to read his earlier pieces, Ode to the Imam of the Present Time and Laylat al-Qadr, published in Barakah and Simerg.

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