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
The Ismaili Imamat is a Hereditary Institution and originates from the time the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him and his family) appointed Hazrat Ali — his cousin and son-in-law — to succeed him as the Imam at a pivotal gathering held between Mecca and Medina following his final pilgrimage. The current Hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, directly descended from Imam Ali (may peace be on him), is His Highness the Aga Khan (actual name Shah Karim Al Hussaini) who is lovingly addressed by his Ismaili Muslim followers as Mawlana Hazar Imam (Our Lord, the manifest and present living Imam).
Canada is home to more than 100,000 Ismailis and the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, the Aga Khan Garden in Edmonton, and the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa are just some of the many projects of the Ismaili Imamat in Canada. The Aga Khan’s younger brother Prince Amyn has been singularly involved in these and other projects of the Imamat around the world for almost six decades and we honour him today, September 12, 2023, as he celebrates his 86th birthday. Please click Prince Amyn Aga Khan or on the photographs to find out more about his contribution and devotion to the Imamat.
Prince Amyn Aga Khan, seated at left, looks on as his older brother, His Highness the Aga Khan, addresses his Ismaili Muslim followers at a Darbar — a grand ceremonial gathering — in Lisbon, Portugal, during his Diamond Jubilee celebrations in July 2018. Photograph: The Ismaili.
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.
____________________
FEEDBACK
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.
Simerg - Insights from Around the World 