Simerg is an independent initiative dedicated to Ismaili Muslims, the Aga Khan — their Hereditary Imam — and the Ismaili Imamat, and Islam in general through literary readings, photo essays and artistic expressions
Farah Nasser, a seasoned award-winning Canadian journalist who has worked for Global News and Global National as an anchor for a decade, before leaving the network last summer, conducted a significant and enlightening interview with Princess Zahra Aga Khan, the eldest child of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan. The interview, held at the prestigious Aga Khan Centre in London, provided unique insight into Princess Zahra’s thoughts and perspectives.
The must-watch interview was aired on Ismaili.TV and on The Ismaili, the official website of the Ismaili Muslim community, on Friday, December 13, 2024, on the auspicious occasion of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 88th Salgirah (birthday).
Farah Nasser hands Princess Zahra Aga Khan a Tablet, requesting that she watch a 1994 clip from a Farman delivered by Mawlana Hazar Imam to the UK Jamat gathered in London. Photograph: Still photo from interview.
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Princess Zahra Aga Khan watches a video clip of her father, Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, telling his Ismaili community in the UK in August 1992 that the Princess graduated from university with an honours degree and would be joining him to work by his side. Photograph: Still photo from interview.
At the start of the interview, Farah presented Princess Zahra with a tablet and requested that she view a clip from a rare thirty-year video dating back to 1994. The next image captures Princess Zahra engrossed in the clip, where Mawlana Hazar Imam, her father, joyfully mentions her university graduation and future work alongside him. It was a poignant moment as Princess Zahra focused on the Tablet screen, witnessing her father’s heartfelt words:
“In the past,” Mawlana Hazar Imam said, “I have not talked about my family except when my children were born or when I got married, and I thought I should tell you today that my eldest child has graduated from university…. She has received an honours degree in Development Studies. She selected that subject as she aspired to work and serve the Jamat [Ismaili community] in the developing world. And in September, she will join me to work by my side.”
The announcement was met with joy and waves of applause.
With deep happiness, Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, shared the news with his spiritual children gathered in London, England, in August 1994, that his daughter Princess Zahra had graduated with honours and would be joining him to work by his side. The news was met with joy and a wave of applause. Photograph: Still photo from video watched by Princess Zahra.
In the interview, Princess Zahra shares her academic journey, including her unique concentration in Development Studies. The engaging twenty-five-minute conversation concludes with Farah Nasser asking the Princess to convey the murids’ (Ismaili followers) affection and birthday wishes to Mawlana Hazar Imam. Princess Zahra assures that she will pass on the greetings, noting that he always appreciates receiving messages. She also shares that Hazar Imam requested a chocolate cake for his birthday. We now present the full YouTube interview to our readers worldwide.
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, is presented with a birthday cake at the International Centre in Toronto ahead of his birthday on December 13, during his first visit to his Ismaili Muslim followers in Canada in November 1978. Photograph: Zeenat Virani Family Collection, Vancouver.
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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A beautiful greeting on the auspicious occasion of the birthday of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan. Photograph: Social Media.
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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.
Artistic greeting with a poem honouring Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan. Photograph: Social Media.
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A cake celebrating the birthday of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, with the red-green Ismaili flag containing the Aga Khan’s crest in the centre. Photograph: Social Media.
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A Swahili Song Honouring the Aga Khan on His Birthday
Swahili Song circulating on social media greeting His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan Mawlana Hazar Imam on his birthday (Salgirah or Khushiali Mubarak) and thanking him for his guidance.
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.
Artwork for Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan’s 88th Salgirah (birthday). The names Shah Karim and Imam-e-Zaman (Imam-of-the-Time) are repeated in Kufi Kairouani script and Square Kufic seven times. Calligraphy amd design by Karim Ismail, Toronto.
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
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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The Great Salt Lake at dusk taken from Antelope Island’s Buffalo Point lookout and picnic area, 2011. Photograph: Nurin Merchant.
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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Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, in Gorno-Bakakhshan Autonomous Province, September 1998. Photograph: Print edition, The Ismaili, Realizing the Social Conscience of Islam, December 1998.
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Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, on stage in the distance, amidst the Pamir Mountains and his followers in Gorno-Bakakhshan Autonomous Province, May 1995. Photograph: Print edition, The Ismaili, Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Visit to Central Asia, 22-31 May 1995.
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Joy in the faces of Ismaili children during Mawlana Hazar Imam His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province in May 1995. Photograph:Print edition, The Ismaili, Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Visit to Central Asia, 22-31 May 1995.
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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Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, addresses his followers in a mountainous setting during his visit to Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province in May 1995. Photograph: Print edition, The Ismaili, Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Visit to Central Asia, 22-31 May 1995.
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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Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, addresses his followers in Afghanistan gathered across the Panj River from the Tajikistan side during his visit to Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province in September 1998. Photograph: Print edition, The Ismaili, Realising the Social Conscience of Islam, December 1998.
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Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, walks through his followers during his visit to Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province in September 1998. Photograph: Print edition, The Ismaili, Realizing the Social Conscience of Islam, December 1998.
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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A mother with a child shows joy during Mawlana Hazar Imam His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province in May 1995. Photograph: Print edition, The Ismaili, Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Visit to Central Asia, 22-31 May 1995.
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Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, addresses his followers amid stunning Pamir Mountain scenery during his visit to Gorno-Bakakhshan Autonomous Province in September 1998. Photograph: Print edition, The Ismaili, Realizing the Social Conscience of Islam, December 1998.
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A view of the crowd as Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, visits his followers in Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province in September 1998. Photograph: Print edition, The Ismaili, Realizing the Social Conscience of Islam, December 1998.
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The joyful face of a young murid (follower) of Mawlana Hazar Imam His Highness the Aga Khan, during his visit to Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province in September 1998. Photograph: Print edition, The Ismaili, Realising the Social Conscience of Islam, December 1998.
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International Mountain Day: Champions of the Golden Valley
Champions of the Golden Valley. Photograph: Banff Centre.
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.
“As you build your lives, for yourselves and others, you will come to rest upon certain principles. Central to my life has been a verse in the Holy Quran which addresses itself to the whole of humanity. It says: ‘Oh Mankind, fear your Lord, who created you of a single soul, and from it created its mate, and from the pair of them scattered abroad many men and women. I know of no more beautiful expression about the unity of our human race — born indeed from a single soul.” — The Aga Khan, excerpt from an address to both the Houses of the Canadian Parliament, February 27, 2014, see featured photo at top of post.
A calligraphy by Toronto’s Karim Ismail depicting the 87th birthday of His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th Hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims. Please clik on image for special post.
On December 13, 2023, Ismaili Muslims around the world mark the 87th birthday of their Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan. Simerg’s sister website Barakah presents a special post for the birthday. Please click The Benevolent Imam.
At the age of 87, the current Aga Khan is the oldest living Imam in Ismaili history. On July 11, 2023, he celebrated his 66th Imamat Day, still 5 years away from the record breaking 71 years of his predecessor, Aga Khan III (d. July 11, 1957), who began his reign at the age of seven in August 1885. Canada is home to more than 100,000 Ismailis and the Aga Khan’s projects include the beautiful Aga Khan Garden in Edmonton — part of the University of Alberta’s Botanic Garden — and the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, two iconic Ismaili Centres in Toronto and Vancouver, and the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa. In Calgary, the Ismailis host the annual stampede breakfast which is open to the entire public. Thousands attend and enjoy this annual event.
[Ismaili Muslims around the world celebrated the 86th birthday of their 49th Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, on December 13, 2022. The following beautiful ode was submitted in our comments section by France’s Moez Nato as his feedback to Simerg’s article entitled Ismaili Muslims Celebrate 86th Birthday of Mawlana Shah Karim Al Hussaini Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan. We feel that the ode deserves a post in its own right and we are pleased to publish it as submitted by Moez, with minor editorial changes related to capitalization and spelling — Ed.]
By MOEZ NATO, France
In the name of Allah the Most Clement, the Most Merciful,
At the first hours of this blessed day of your birthday oh Beloved Khudavind, millions and millions of voices of your murids of your globalized Jamat, will invoke the Grace, the Mercy of Allah so that you have a good health, a long life, a serene family happiness and that all your dear wishes are realized.
And may you always remain this Bright Lighthouse in this world which is going through a deep sanitary crisis, accompanied by climatic disturbances, wars and the noise of boots, socio-economic troubles in a world in full geopolitical changes.
And we will also have, on this happy day, affectionate thoughts filled with gratitude, esteem and sincere recognition for all the members of your Noorani family for their tireless commitment to make radiate throughout the world all your wishes, projects and who present your Jamat, as Muslims Shia Ismaili Imami Nizari responsible, worthy and bearers of values and humanistic projects with universal scope.
On this happy anniversary day, we will renew as your spiritual children bound by the Bayat, our unwavering attachment to your Spiritual Authority. We humbly express our sincere shukranas for your high benevolence, your Hidayats, your Farmans to always protect us, guide us to the right path of Sirat al-Mustaqim and encourage us for the spiritual quest.
With your constant Guidance, O Being of Light, we seek, as murids living a faith of conviction, as ambassadors of Islam, as worthy and responsible dais, to apply the precious precepts of the ethics of our faith. And as you advice us, we never forget to always remember the presence of Allah in our life journey.
And in this troubled world, we seek, thanks to your vision of a contemporary enlightened Islam, to extend these precepts in our daily commitments as loyal, responsible and committed citizens in the pluralist, tolerant and generous civil society.
Good health and long life to our Imam of the Present Time!
Date posted: December 13, 2022. Last updated: December 17, 2022.
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REVIEW SIMERG’S TABLE OF CONTENTS AND VISIT ITS SISTER WEBSITES
Before departing this website, please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought-provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and Simergphotos. The editor may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com.
On the auspicious occasion of His Highness the Aga Khan’s 86th birthday on December 13, 2022, we wish Ismailis around the world and friends of the Ismaili community Salgirah Mubarak.
Since the time of Hazrat ‘Ali, the first Shia Imam, the Light (Noor) of Imamat has illuminated the path of followers and guided their spiritual and intellectual understanding of Islam. His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan is the current bearer of the Light. He is the 49th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims and a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) through his cousin and son-in-law, Hazrat ‘Ali, and his wife, Hazrat Fatima, the Prophet’s daughter. Ismailis affectionately address him as Mawlana Hazar Imam (meaning Our Lord, the Present Living Imam).
Article continues below; please click on calligraphy to read complete piece in Barakah, a website dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan
Calligraphy: Border – Shah Karim in square Kufi; Central – Shah Karim Imam-e-Zaman in eastern Kufi. Artist: Karim Ismail, Toronto, Canada.
Upon acceding to the Imamat on July 11, 1957 at the age of 20, His Highness declared that he had dedicated his life to the uplift and progress of Ismailis worldwide. Few at that time could have imagined the scope and depth of this lifelong commitment, which today exceeds not only to the Ismaili Muslims, but also to the wider communities within which they live.
Continuing his forefathers’ long tradition of Muslim leadership and service to humanity, His Highness, has devoted more than 65 years of his life towards upholding the dignity of man, promoting peace and stability and working towards the common good of all peoples, regardless of their origin or religion.
As Ismailis around the world celebrate the 86th birthday of His Highness, they express their heartfelt gratitude to him for his love and guidance that has enriched their lives and enlightened their souls.
Date posted: December 11, 2022. Last updated: December 12, 2022.
Featured image at top of post: Mawlana Hazar Imam is presented with a birthday cake by Ismaili leaders in Toronto, Canada, November 1978. Photograph: Zinat Virani Family Collection, Vancouver.
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Simerg welcomes your feedback. Please click Leave a comment. Your letter may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation.
REVIEW SIMERG’S TABLE OF CONTENTS AND VISIT ITS SISTER WEBSITES
Before departing this website, please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought-provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and Simergphotos. The editor may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com.
[A similar version of this piece also appears on Simerg’s sister website Barakah that was inaugurated in 2017 to celebrate the Hereditary Leadership (or Imamat) of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan. The origins of the Divine Institution of Imamat that His Highness leads go back to the time of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s) who designated and appointed his cousin and son-in-law, Hazrat Ali (a.s.), to continue to govern the Muslim community in spiritual and temporal matters. His Highness is the 49th Imam in this succession of Hereditary Imams — Ed.]
In the Talika Mubarak (holy written message) of December 10, 2021 that was sent to the world-wide Jamat on the auspicious occasion of his 85th birthday on December 13, Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, said: “I am most touched that on the occasion of my birthday, senior Jamati leaders have presented a beautiful gift on behalf of my global Jamat, which I accept with appreciation and gratitude.”
Porcelain vases presented to Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, on his 85th birthday on December 13, 2021. Photo: The Ismaili.
The ‘beautiful gift’ referred to by the Imam was a pair of porcelain vases, and The Ismaili provided a brief description and photograph of the two vases in a post dated December 12, 2021.
However, the happiest moment was for the Jamats worldwide to see Mawlana Hazar Imam himself holding one of the two vases in a garden setting at his Lisbon residence, with what appears to be an orange or clementine tree in the background. What a beautiful photo Fernando Costa captured for all of us to see, and give us so much joy.
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, is seen holding one of the two 19th century porcelain vases that was presented to him by leading Ismaili leaders on behalf of the global Ismaili community on the occasion of his 85th auspicious birthday on December 13, 2021. Photo: Fernando Costa / IPL via The Ismaili.
This pair of porcelain lavender-ground vases were made in 1874 at the Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres, which became the preeminent porcelain manufacturer in Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries. During the 19th century, the Sèvres factory’s output reflected an ongoing desire for technical innovation as well as a wide embrace of diverse decorative and historical styles. The shape and design of these vases is based on a Persian metal prototype and, as such, they are recorded in the Sèvres Archives as ‘Vase Bouteille Persane’. Eighteen similar vases were entered for sale in January 1874 and described as ‘fond sous couverte et décor en or’ (under cover and gold decoration) at a cost of 95 francs each. [1]
Detail of vase presented by the worldwide Ismaili community to Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, on the auspicious occasion of his 85th birthday, December 13, 2021.
Of Islamic shape, the ovoid body of each vase continues in a long narrow elongated tapered neck, all made in three sections and each joined with two slender fillets of ormolu. The vases are decorated with elaborate Persian gold-powder motifs in the form of interlacing scrollwork and arabesques on the body and ornamented fillets on the neck in heightened relief against a pale lavender or ‘fond changeant’ ground. Designed by the important Parisian sculptor, Albert Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (1824-1887), the vases exist in several versions that differ according to their colour and decoration.
The lavender colour of the vases presented to Mawlana Hazar Imam is very unusual — it changes according to the light under which it is placed, from purple/grey in daylight to pale pink in artificial light. This change of colour according to its exposure to light is due to a mixture of vanadium oxide and cerium oxide. This use of the ‘chameleon’ paste was invented in 1848 by the Sèvres factory chemist Alphonse Louis Salvetat for the 1862 Universal Exhibition held in London to promote the savoir-faire (know how) of the world’s rapidly expanding industries.
Detail of vase presented by the worldwide Ismaili community to Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, on the auspicious occasion of his 85th birthday, December 13, 2021.
While similar vases in blue and white are to be found in private and museum collections, vases in this pale lavender colour are exceptionally rare. The vases bear, on the underside, green printed lozenge and iron-red decore marks, as well as various incised potters inscriptions, of the Sèvres factory. The vases, each of which is 55 cm in height, are in extremely fine condition. Using the same techniques pioneered during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres continues to produce some of the most high quality works of porcelain art — vases, painted plaques, dinner services, figures — to this day, and it is therefore not surprising that Sèvres is such an integral part of the landscape of the decorative arts today.
Date posted: December 25, 2021.
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[1] Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres Archive, Registre Vr, 1 iere serie, vol.2, fol. 247.17.
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I went to bed late last night and my eyes did not open for me to be able to attend this morning’s (December 13, 2021) Baitul Khayal Salgirah Majlis for Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 85th birthday. When I woke up at 5:45 am and looked out, the skies in Toronto were covered with clouds, except in the horizon where it was clear. The weather forecast had called for a clear sunny day, and trusting it I set forth in my car for the Port Union Waterfront Park. When I reached there, the sky situation was reversed. The horizon was cloudy but the skies above me were clear. Really, nothing can beat the twilight when there are some clouds in the horizon.
Shortly after sunrise, Lake Ontario, Port Union Waterfront Park, Toronto, 7:51 AM, December 13, 2021. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg.
I reached the Park 45 minutes before sunrise. The clear waters of Lake Ontario and strong waves added to my excitement and anticipation of the sunrise. When the sun rose at exactly 7:42 AM, 147 million kilometres from earth, it created a beautiful streak on the clouds that were in the horizon. Birds flew around joyfully.
Porcelain vases presented to Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, on his 85th birthday on December 13, 2021. Photo: The Ismaili.
Before I had left home, I had read the Ismaili piece about the world wide Jamat presenting Mawlana Hazar Imam with the 85th birthday gift consisting of a pair of porcelain vases made in the nineteenth century in Paris. The article mentions that the vases “are decorated with elaborate Islamic Persian motifs of gilt scrollwork, arabesques, and stylised flowers in heightened relief against a pale lavender background.” It further says: “The lavender colour of the vases is extremely unusual — changing according to the light under which it is placed, from purple/grey in daylight to pale pink in artificial light.” I thought about this gift and wondered as I was taking photos of the twilight and the sunrise, how the vases might look if they were placed on a piece of rock near where I was standing, with the morning sunlight shining on them.
Ismaili Flag at Aga Khan Park. Play video and also listen to Nashid al Imamah. Video by Malik Merchant/Simerg, December 13, 2021. The Nashid played by the 116th Army Band during Mawlana Hazar Imam’s arrival in Atlanta, USA, 2018, for his Diamond Jubilee.
The crystalline dome of the Ismaili Headquarters Jamatkhana under blue skies, Toronto, December 13, 2021. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg.
Driving back home, the sun was now higher up, and the sky was blue everywhere without a cloud in sight. How could I not stop at the Aga Khan Park to see my favourite objects — the Ismaili Flag and the Ismaili Jamatkhana dome? The flag was shining under the sunlight, and the dome was particularly inspiring under blue skies. Seeing the flag, I felt particularly proud and recollected the recording of the Nashid al Imamah played by the USA 116th Army Band when Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived in Atlanta for his Diamond Jubilee visit in 2018. I took a video of the Ismaili flag and incorporated the recording of the Nashid into the video (watch video above).
Lourenço Marques, 1958: Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.) and current 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims is seen taking a keen interest as Alwaez Jehangir explains the Gujarati history texts that were used to impart religious education to Ismaili youth in Mozambique. Photo: Jehangir Merchant Family Collection.
Today, as Mawlana Hazar Imam celebrates his 85th birthday, my beloved late papa Jehangir would have turned 93. He died in May 2018 at the age of 89. And of course I remembered my late mum Malek (Mrs. Merchant), who would write loving cards for him on his birthday. Together, they had served the Imam of the Time, the Jamat and its institutions for more than 60 years. I did one thing at Port Union Waterfront Park. I walked an extra 174 steps, the sum of the two birthdays my family is celebrating today. Fortunately, I have good recollections of my childhood. When I was very little, aged less than 5 years and in Lourenço Marques (now Maputo), I one day asked my dad very innocently, how come Mawlana Hazar Imam was much younger than him. And his reply was that the age of the Imam was immaterial because he is the bearer of the Noor of Imamat, and all the Imams are the same because they have the same Light. He also gave me a little history lesson that Imam Sultan Mahomed Shah was only 7 when he became the Imam in August 1885. That faith and belief have been with me ever since, and you can read more about the philosophical and historical perspective on the Noor of Imamat HERE.
Happy Salgirah Mubarak to Ismailis around the world.
Date posted: December 13, 2021.
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We welcome feedback from our readers. Please complete the LEAVE A REPLY form below or click Leave a comment . Your letter may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation.
Before departing this website please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and Simergphotos.
Simerg’s sister website Barakah which is dedicated to Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, members of his family and the Ismaili Imamat, is pleased to present a profound reading on the subject of Imamat along with a special piece of art by Karim Ismail on the auspicious occasion of Hazar Imam’s 85th Salgirah. The post includes the singing of the Ginan (Hymn) Dhan Dhan Aajno by the (Late) Alwaez Shamshu Bandali Haji, and also has links to its explanation as well as 25 other recitations of the same Ginan by Ismaili singers from around the world. Please click 85th Salgirah Mubarak or on the image below.
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, is in his 65th year of Imamat and celebrates his 85th birthday on December 13, 2021. Please click on image for Imamat reading.
Date posted: December 11, 2021.
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Featured image at top of post: In centre, a calligraphy by Toronto’s Karim Ismail and on either side of the art work two paintings of Mawlana Hazar Imam by Vancouver based artist Azeez Khanbhai, who was featured recently in Barakah.
We welcome feedback from our readers. Please complete the LEAVE A REPLY form below or click Leave a comment. Your letter may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement marking the birthday of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan:
“Today, we join Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims in Canada and around the world to celebrate the 84th birthday of their spiritual leader, His Highness the Aga Khan.
“A global humanitarian, the Aga Khan has made it his mission to build a better, more peaceful world. In a year where we have seen inequalities compounded by the effects of a global pandemic, His Highness has continued to work to help reduce poverty, advance gender equality, and improve health care and education. Whether through his Global Centre for Pluralism in Canada or the Aga Khan Development Network, his tireless efforts have helped make Canada, and the world, more inclusive.
“The Aga Khan shares many of the values Canadians hold dear, including kindness, compassion, and respect for diversity. In a world often fraught with division, His Highness has continually worked to bring people together. His unwavering dedication to helping others is an inspiration to us all. For these reasons, he was named an honorary Canadian citizen and invested as an honorary Companion of the Order of Canada.
“Today, Sophie and I thank the Aga Khan for his outstanding leadership. We wish him continued health and happiness on this special day and for years to come.
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