Category Archives: His Highness the Aga Khan

The Rt. Honourable Brian Mulroney, His Highness the Aga Khan and the Ismaili Muslim Community

3 March 2024

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By MALIK MERCHANT

The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, who passed away on February 29, 2024, served as Canada’s 18th Prime Minister from September 18, 1984 until June 25, 1993. Expressing sadness at his passing, the current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: “Mr. Mulroney loved Canada….and made significant progress on important issues here at home and around the world. He negotiated the Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement and, later, the expanded North American Free Trade Agreement with the United States and Mexico. He worked hard to build bridges between French and English Canada. He was at the forefront of environmental issues, helping secure an air quality agreement with the United States to reduce acid rain, championing the first Canadian Environmental Protection Act, and creating several new national parks. And he exemplified Canadian values, standing up against apartheid in South Africa.”

Mr. Mulroney’s accomplishments will be etched into Canadian history books forever.

But how will a religious community such as the worldwide Ismaili Muslim community remember Mr. Mulroney for generations or centuries to come when it tells its story?

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Brian Mulroney and Family
A beautiful photograph of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and his family that was released by the Prime Minister’s office in Ottawa on December 5, 1991 for the 1991 official Christmas card. From left, top row: Mark, then aged 12, Benedict, 15; Middle row: Caroline, 17, Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney, Nicolas, age 6, Mrs. Mila Mulroney; Bottom row: Clover the dog. Photograph: The Office of the Prime Minister (Brian Mulroney).

The answer lies in Prime Minister Brian Mulroney’s opening of the community’s first purpose-built Jamatkhana and Ismaili Centre in North America in Vancouver. The historic event took place on August 23, 1985, in the presence of His Highness the Aga Khan, who is fondly and respectfully addressed by his Ismaili Muslim followers as Mawlana Hazar Imam (Our Lord, the Present Living Imam). The Aga Khan is the 49th Imam in direct succession of Hereditary Imams beginning with Imam Ali, who was designated by the Prophet Muhammad to succeed him to continue his teachings within the Muslim community.

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Plaque commemorating the opening of the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre in Vancouver by the Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney on August 23, 1985.
His Highness the Aga Khan and the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Brian Mulroney shake hands after the unveiling of the plaque commemorating the opening of the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre Vancouver on August 23, 1985. Looking on is the President of the Aga Khan Council for Canada, Farouk Verjee. Photograph: The Ismaili. Please click on photo for story and photographs.

At the end of his speech on the inauguration of the landmark Jamatkhana the Aga Khan declared, “Mr Prime Minister, it is my privilege to ask you to declare open this building, which symbolises the Ismaili Community’s confidence in its future as an integral part of the nation you lead.”

The Prime Minister unveiled the opening plaque, making it a truly proud and historic moment for Ismailis around the world, and especially those who have made Canada their home.

We have the Ismaili Centre opening day story, including Prime Minister Brian Mulroney’s speech, HERE, along with rare photographs of the Aga Khan with Mr. Mulroney taken at Harrington Lake in 1992.

Date posted: March 3, 2024.

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The Spiritual Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad, with Recitation of Verses from the Kalam-i Mawla of Hazrat Ali, the First Imam

5 February 2024

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The month of Rajab, 7th in the Islamic calendar, marks two important anniversaries — the birth of the first Shia Imam and Islam’s 4th Caliph, Hazrat Ali (may peace be upon him), on the 13th of Rajab (which was observed on January 24, 2024), and the Shab-i-Miʿrāj on the 26th of Rajab commemorating the blessed night when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny) ascended to the heavens. The Mi’raj of the Prophet Muhammad will be observed by Ismaili Muslims in Canada and several other countries around the world on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

Mi’raj is an Arabic word which literally means a ‘ladder’ and refers to an experience in the life of Prophet Muhammad which took place during the night. Thus, sometimes it is referred to as the ‘night journey’ of the Prophet. The first verse of Surah al-Isra (The Night Journey) in the Holy Qur’an says:

“Glory be to Him, who carried His servant by night from the Holy Mosque to the Further Mosque the precincts of which We have blessed, that We might show him some of Our signs. He is the All-hearing, the All-seeing.” — 17:1, translated by A.J. Arberry, see Corpus Qur’an for multiple translations.

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Library of Congress [Unidentified Persian treatise on the Miʻrāj and several other topics from the Hadith
Six images from a total of 408 from an unidentified Persian treatise on the Miʻrāj and several other topics from the Hadith (traditions) of the Prophet Muhammad. Image: US Library of Congress. For more details please click https://www.loc.gov/item/2016397783/

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Bustan of Sadi, persian poet, Miraj, the ascension of the Prophet Muhammad to the heavens, simerg
Fragment from page 7 of the Bustan of Sadi. The last two lines of poetry on this page extol the Prophet’s miraculous ascension to the heavens (mi’raj): One night he sat (on his flying steed Buraq) and passed through the heavens. / In majesty and grandeur, he exceeded the angels. / So impulsive, he urged (his steed) into the plain of closeness (to God) / While Gabriel remained behind him at the Lote Tree (of the Limit). Image: Wikipedia.

Among Sufis and other Islamic esoteric traditions, such as those practiced by Ismaili Muslims, Mi’raj is considered the highest point of spiritual perfection an individual can attain through religion and the practice of faith. Believers long to experience a Mi’raj, just as the Prophet experienced it. The Shia Ismailis seek out this spiritual elevation under the guidance of the Imam-of-the-Time, presently Mawlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, who leads his followers to self-awareness, spiritual insight and elevation. This is clearly noted in the Preamble of the Ismaili Constitution in paragraph (F), which reads:

“Historically and in accordance with Ismaili tradition, the Imam of the time is concerned with spiritual advancement as well as improvement of the quality of life of his murids. The Imam’s ta‘lim lights the murid’s path to spiritual enlightenment and vision. In temporal matters, the Imam guides the murids, and motivates them to develop their potential.”

His Highness the Aga Khan is the 49th Hereditary Imam, directly descended from Hazrat Ali, whose remarkable teachings have come down to us through the preservation of his sermons and teachings which are recorded in works such as Nahj al-Balaghah. Close to the heart of the Ismaili Muslims are poems of the Imam Ali known as Kalam-i Mawla that have been rendered into Hindi. The verses speak about the conduct, behaviour and action of man during his sojourn on earth (please read Farouk Topan’s excellent piece Kalam-i-Mawla)

We are pleased to provide a recitation of verses from the Kalam of Hazrat Ali that focus on ethics, spirituality and the Mi’raj of the Prophet Muhammad. The verses are recited by Alnoor Saleh and have been downloaded from the MUST VISIT website Ginans Central, which is maintained by Karim Tharani of the University of Saskatchewan.

Date posted: February 6, 2024.

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Rare Photographs of the Aga Khan’s 1978 Visit to Methan, a Small Village in Sidhpur, India, for Foundation of a New Ismaili Jamatkhana

25 January 2024

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Please click: THE AGA KHAN IN METHAN

The Aga Khan with Ismailis in Methan

Nazar Kasamali Momin of Houston, Texas, went through his family archives, and came across a very rare collection of photos of His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to the small village of Methan, in Sidhpur, India. It appears that the 1978 visit did not receive much media coverage, and even the Ismaili world is unaware about the historical visit. We are pleased to present a selection of photographs from Momin’s collection, along with his report of the visit. His piece appears on our sister website, Barakah, which is dedicated to the Aga Khan, the 49th Hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims. Please click The Aga Khan in Methan.

The Aga Khan performs foundation of new Ismaili Jamatkhana in Methan, India
The Aga Khan at the foundation for a new Jamatkhana for the Ismaili Muslim community in Methan, India. Please click on photograph for full story and more photos.

Date posted: January 25, 2024.

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The Nad-e ‘Ali Mughal Panel Presented to the Aga Khan, the 49th Hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims

24 January 2024

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As Shia Ismaili Muslims in Canada and around the world commemorate the birth anniversary of their first Imam, Hazrat Ali, our sister website, Barakah, presents a a special post about a Mughal panel that was presented to His Highness the Aga Khan on the auspicious occasion of his 87th birthday, December 13, 2023. The panel bears an invocation to Imam Ali, from whom the Aga Khan is directly descended. Please click NAD-E ‘ALI to read more about the significance of this “wonderful” and “special” artistic work from the 16/17th century.

Date posted: January 24, 2024.

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The Aga Khan: Benevolent Imam of the Ismaili Muslims

12 December 2023

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“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.

PLEASE CLICK: THE AGA KHAN

The Aga Khan Birthday December 13, 2023.
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.

Date posted: December 12, 2023.

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Video: The 2023 Global Pluralism Award Ceremony Held on November 14 in Ottawa in the Presence of Princess Zahra Aga Khan

14 November 2023

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Note to readers: The program commences in the YouTube video below shortly after the 22-minute mark with Omar Sachedina, the Chief News Anchor and Senior Editor for CTV’s national evening newscast CTV National News, acting as the emcee. Princess Zahra Aga Khan, who is a Board Member of the Global Centre for Pluralism, presented the prizes on behalf of her father, His Highness the Aga Khan, the Chairman of the Board. This was the 4th edition of the Award which is held every 2 years. A report and photographs of the event will be shared later with our readers on our sister blog Barakah, which is dedicated to the Aga Khan.

Date posted: November 14, 2023.

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On World Architecture Day, the Aga Khan’s Inspired Vision of Architecture by Bruno Freschi (OC)

2 October 2023

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Please click: The Architecture of Empathic Pluralism

Bruno Freschi (Order of Canada, OC) discusses his project of building the first Ismaili Centre in North America in Burnaby, British Columbia, and his compassionate journey with His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th Hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, in creating a new Jamatkhana for the Ismailis. Freschi writes: “The journey was a patient, creative search with the Ismaili community, exploring architecture for an established culture in a new community. In all his architectural undertakings, His Highness has honoured both the Islamic architectural traditions and evolutions of that heritage within diverse cultures.” READ MORE

Ismaili Centre Vancouver Bruno Freschi, Order of Canada,
Courtyard looking toward the front entry portal of the Ismaili Centre Vancouver at night time: Please click on photo for Bruno Freschi’s insightful piece on the Aga Khan. Photograph: © Mohib Ebrahim.

Date posted: October 2, 2023.

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The Aga Khan on Prophet Muhammad: We Present a Historic and Timeless Speech by the 49th Hereditary Ismaili Imam, as Muslims Around the World Celebrate “Mawlid” – the Prophet’s Birth Anniversary

23 September 2023

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Please click: The Aga Khan on Prophet Muhammad

Known as Mawlid or Mild-un-Nabi, the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him and his family) is celebrated in different parts of the world by reflecting on his rich and inspirational life. In 2023, the anniversary falls on September 26/27, equivalent to the 12th day of the Muslim month of Rabi Al-Awwal, in the Islamic year 1444 Hijri. The Islamic calendar is roughly 10 days shorter than the Gregorian Calendar every year.

The Aga Khan’s speech was made at a special Seerat Conference honouring the life of Prophet Muhammad. Attended by eminent Muslims and non-Muslims historians and scholars from around the world, the speech answers the question: What should Muslim Societies seek to be in the future?

Did Muslims and Islamic countries and their leaders take up the clarion call and follow the 49th Ismaili Imam’s timeless advice given 47 years ago? Please read the Aga Khan’s 1976 insightful speech by clicking HERE.

Date posted: September 23, 2023.

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Princess Zahra Aga Khan: Dedicated to the Service of Humanity Through the Ismaili Imamat

17 September 2023

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For almost three decades, Princess Zahra Aga Khan has immersed herself in the work of the Ismaili Imamat, a Hereditary Divine Institution which is led by her father, His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th Imam in direct descent of the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him and his family). The scope of the work of the Imamat extends to all areas of human endeavour and the entire family of the Aga Khan contributes to Ismaili institutions around the world as well as to the Imamat’s primary development organization, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

Princess Zahra is one of four children of the Aga Khan. As she celebrates her 53rd birthday on September 18, we bring to our readers her beautiful story through a selection of photographs that we have been able to gather from printed Ismaili community magazines as well as the official websites of the Ismaili Imamat. Please click PRINCESS ZAHRA AGA KHAN.

Albertans and Canadians may note that she was here 12 months ago for the opening of the Diwan Pavilion at the Aga Khan Garden in Edmonton, part of the University of Alberta’s Botanic Garden. The garden was a gift from the Aga Khan to the university.

Princess Zahra Aga Khan
Please click on photo for story of Princess Zahra Aga Khan.

Date posted: September 17, 2023.

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Imam Husayn by Wilfred Madelung

28 July 2023

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Featured photo at top of post: A general view of the Imam Husayn (Hussein) Mosque in Karbala, Iraq. The photo was taken between September 26 and October 12, 1932. Photograph: G. Eric and Edith Matson Photograph Collection, Library of Congress, Washingon D.C.

INTRODUCTION: Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Karim al Hussaini, His Highness the Aga Khan, is the 49th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, and directly descended from Hazrat Ali and his son Imam Husayn.

Imam Husayn B. ‘Aly began his reign as the 2nd Ismaili Imam* on the death of his father, Hazrat Ali on January 27, 661 CE who, 29 years earlier in 632 CE, had been publicly proclaimed by the Prophet Muhammad (May peace be upon him and his progeny) to be his successor at Ghadir Khumm.

The succession ended the cycle of the Divine Institution of Nubuwwah and ushered the world into a new era of the Divine Institution of Imamat. Thus, the Imams directly descended from the Prophet Muhammad, from Hazrat Ali to Mawlana Shah Karim, have continued to guide their murids (followers) in the ta’wil (interpretation) and talim (teaching) of the Holy Qur’an for the last 1391 years.

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Entrance to to the great mosque, holy city of the Shia Muslims. Photograph: G. Eric and Edith Matson Photograph Collection, Library of Congress,
A 1932 photograph showing the entrance to the great mosque at Karbala, the holy city of e Shia Muslims. Photograph: G. Eric and Edith Matson Photograph Collection, Library of Congress, Washingon D.C.

Imam Husayn was martyred in the Battle of Karbala on the 10th day of the Muslim month of Muharram, or October 10, 680, at the age of 54, and was succeeded to the Hereditary throne of Imamat by Imam Zainul Abideen.

The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, and thus shorter than the 365 day solar calendar by roughly 11 days. This year (2023), the 10th day of Muharram falls on or around July 28/29, almost 1343 years since the Imam’s tragic death at the hands of Yazid’s army.

Please download the PDF version of Wilfred Madelung’s excellent piece on Imam Husayn B. ‘Ali published on the IIS website. Note: The eminent German scholar Professor Madelung passed away in May 2023 and the IIS has published an In Memoriam in his honour HERE

Also read one of Simerg’s earlier pieces on Imam Husayn where Muslim and non-Muslim sources speak about the Karbala tragedy

Date posted: July 28, 2023 (This post is an update to earlier versions of the article that has appeared periodically on this website over the past few years.)

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*Note: In the Shia Imami Nizari Ismaili tradition Imam Husayn’s brother, Hazrat Hassan, is not counted as an Imam. However, he is regarded as their second Imam by other Shia Muslims, thus making Imam Husayn as their 3rd Imam.