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
His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th Hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, passed away on February 4, 2025, aged 88, after an Imamat of 67 years. His funeral will take place in Lisbon on Saturday, February 8 AT 11:00 AM GMT (6:00 AM EST Canada and USA). It will be relayed live from the Ismaili Centre Lisbon and viewers around the world will be able to watch it on Ismaili TV. Arrangements have also been made to screen the ceremony live in Jamatkhanas for the Jamat to take part in this historic and important ceremony.
The burial will follow a day later, on Sunday February 9, in a private ceremony in Aswan, Egypt, where his grandfather, the 48th Imam, Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, is buried.
We invite our readers to share their condolences and tributes to the 49th Ismaili Imam, a chance to express their respect and love for the departed spiritual leader. I am sure we have beautiful memories of how the Imam and his work have impacted us and our families. We might be able to recall an incident as a volunteer that has touched us or some other profound incident or experience. Your submission of a tribute will touch and inspire others and have a historical impact.
The Aga Khan: A Legacy of 67 Years of Imamat
“The closer you come, the more you will see Him,” a digital portrait by Akber Kanji of Toronto, Canada, depicting the projects of Mawlana Shah Karim during his Imamat. Click on image for enlargement.
Submission rules: These guidelines are designed to ensure a smooth and respectful interaction in our community. Every submission should include a verifiable name and an email address. Anonymous messages will not be accepted. Kindly note that we never publish your email address. Messages should contain a minimum of 90 characters (as, for example, the first sentence in this paragraph). They should preferably not exceed 200 words (the approximate length of this post), but we will accept longer messages. All messages will be reviewed and, if necessary, edited for clarity before publication. To submit your message, please click LEAVE A COMMENT. Should you encounter issues submitting comments through this post, email them to mmerchant@simerg.com, and I will post them on your behalf.
Note: A version of this post appears on our sister website, barakah.
For the past 24 hours, Ismaili Muslims worldwide have been united in a profound sense of loss over the death of their 49th beloved Imam, Mawlana Shah Karim Al Hussaini, His Highness the Aga Khan. His passing on February 4, 2025, in Lisbon at the age of 88 has brought the community of twelve million together in collective grief.
During this moment of sadness, the famous tradition (Hadith) of the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him and his family) and the Qur’anic verses which follow have been comforting factors, while the Ismaili community awaited the announcement of who had been designated to continue the Hereditary Imamat:
“I am leaving behind me two things: the Book and my Progeny. If you hold fast to them, you will never go astray”
and the Quranic verses (3:33-34):
“Verily, God did choose Adam and Noah, the progeny of Abraham, and the progeny of Imran above all the worlds, descendants, one from the other: And God heareth and knoweth all things”
We have learnt with deep happiness that the late 49th Imam, Mawlana Shah Karim, has designated, through the Nass, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, as our beloved 50th Imam. A press release (PDF format) dated February 5 2025 issued in Lisbon by the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat says:
“Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V was today named the 50th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, following the unsealing of the Will of his late father, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, who died in Lisbon, Portugal yesterday, aged 88. Prince Rahim Aga Khan V is a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny) through his daughter, Hazrat Bibi Fatima, and the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law, Hazrat Ali, the fourth Rightly Guided Caliph of Islam and the first Shia Imam.
“Throughout their 1,400 year history, the Ismailis have been led by a living, hereditary Imam. The Ismailis live in over 35 countries and number approximately 12 to 15 million.”
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Mawlana Shah Karim, His Highness the Aga Khan (d. February 4, 2025), the 49th Hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, and Prince Rahim walk through a gathering of Ismaili Muslims during their visit to Kenya in March 1981. They were 45 and 10 years old, respectively. Photograph: Canadian Ismaili, Imamat Day Issue, July 11, 1981, Vol. 1/No. 6, print version.
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Mawlana Shah Karim, His Highness the Aga Khan (d. February 4, 2025), and Prince Rahim, now the 50th Ismaili Imam, tour Filtisac, an enterprise in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, which manufactures jute and polypropylene bags, as part of the Golden Jubilee visit to West Africa between April 23 to May 1, 2008. Photograph: Gary Otte/The Ismaili United States of America, December 13, 2008, print version
We congratulate our (new) Hazar Imam, Prince Rahim, on becoming our 50th Imam and pledge our loyalty to him, as we had to Mawlana Shah Karim during his 67 glorious years of Imamat. We also congratulate his entire family on this historic news.
We congratulate Ismailis worldwide on Prince Rahim’s appointment as our 50th Imam. We are now under his loving care and protection, as we were in Mawlana Shah Karim’s throughout his Imamat.
The Diwan has issued a brief biography (PDF format) of Prince Rahim.
Once again, we express our shukrana to Mawlana Hazar Imam on his appointment as our beloved 50th Imam. We look forward to being his devoted and beloved Spiritual Children and holding firm to the Rope of Imamat.
Date posted: February 5, 2025.
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We invite our readers to submit comments on this historic and transformative moment in Ismaili history, with the appointment of Prince Rahim as the 50th Hereditary Ismaili Imam. Please click LEAVE A COMMENT.
The birth anniversary of Hazrat Ali (Peace be on him), the son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (May Peace be on him and his progeny), and the first Imam of Shia Muslims and the 4th Caliph of Islam, is a highly anticipated and significant event that will be observed by the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslim community and other Shia communities on or around January 12, 2025, the thirteenth day in the seventh Islamic month of Rajab. Hazrat Ali was born in Mecca on March 17, 599 A.C, and January 2025 marks his 1425th birth anniversary.
We present highlights of three essential books on Imam Ali from whom the present 49th Hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, is directly descended. The Preamble of the Shia Imami Ismaili Constitution affirms as follows:
“In accordance with Shia doctrine, tradition, and interpretation of history, the Holy Prophet (s.a.s.) designated and appointed his cousin and son-in-law Hazrat Mawlana Ali Amiru-l-Mu’minin (a.s), to be the first Imam to continue the Ta’wīl and Ta‘līm of Allah’s final message and to guide the murids, and proclaimed that the Imamat should continue by heredity through Hazrat Mawlana Ali (a.s) and his daughter Hazrat Bibi Fatimat-az-Zahra, Khātun-i-Jannat (a.s)”
and
“Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Karim al Hussaini, His Highness Prince Aga Khan, in direct lineal descent from the Holy Prophet (s.a.s.) through Hazrat Mawlana Ali (a.s.) and Hazrat Bibi Fatima (a.s), is the Forty-Ninth Imam of the Ismaili Muslims.”
The Sacred Foundation of Justice in Islam: The Teachings of ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib
The book, edited by M. Ali Lakhani and introduced by the renowned philosopher Seyyed Hossein Nasr, is a treasure trove of three thought-provoking essays. Lakhani’s award-winning essay, The Metaphysics of Human Governance: Imam ‘Al, Truth and Justice at the International Congress on Imam ‘Ali, Tehran, 2001, is followed by the second prize essay by Reza Shah-Kazemi, A Sacred Conception of Justice: Imam Ali’s Letter to Malik al-Ashtar (read letter excerpts HERE). Both essays have been recommended by the esteemed Professor Nasr as ‘obligatory reading,’ A testament to their quality and significance. The third essay, ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib’s Ethics of Mercy in the Mirror of the Persian Sufi Tradition’ by Leonard Lewisohn, offers a unique perspective. The book is available in Kindle and paperback editions, making it easily accessible to all on Amazon. The book may be in stock at Jamatkhana literature counters worldwide.
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Spiritual Quest: Reflections on Qur’anic Prayer According to the Teachings of Imam Ali
The Qur’an is the sacramental foundation of prayer in Islam. Its inspirational power is perpetually renewed by Muslims, who recite and meditate upon it daily. This succinct monograph, Spiritual Quest: Reflections on Qur’anic Prayer According to the Teachings of Imam ‘Ali, part of occasional papers published by the Institute of Ismaili Studies in London, provides a unique contemporary insight into the spiritual, intellectual and moral dynamics set in motion by the short Qur’anic chapters recited in their prayers by Muslims of all traditions, but which are particularly recommended within Shi’i Islam.
Dr Shah-Kazemi’s profound engagement with the chapters of the Qur’an, including the ‘Opening’ (al-Fatiha) chapter, is a testament to his intellectual depth. He bases his philosophical reflections on the teachings of Imam ‘Ali, delving into the intricate relationship between the moral and the mystical aspects of the texts. The result is a stimulating philosophical meditation that probes the profound meaning within the verses of a Revelation, which has been a constant source of inspiration, nourishment, and fulfillment for the spiritual quest of Muslims. The book is available in Kindle and Paperback editions on Amazon and may be in stock at Jamatkhana literature counters worldwide.
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Justice and Remembrance: Introducing the Spirituality of Imam Ali
Reza Shah-Kazemi’s award-winning bookJustice and Remembrance: Introducing the Spirituality of Imam Ali, published by I. B. Tauris in association with the Institute of Ismaili Studies in London, is the first serious engagement in English with the intellectual principles underpinning the first Shia Imam’s teachings. Hazrat Ali is a monumental figure in Islamic tradition. However, despite the immense importance of Imam Ali, there is a dearth of literature in Western languages about his life and thoughts. Therefore, this book is a welcome and valuable addition to the available sources. It consists of three parts. Part one introduces the person of Hazrat Ali in a general manner and focuses particularly on the spiritual and ethical content of his teachings. Part two evaluates ʿHazrat Ali’s ‘sacred conception of justice.’ Part three addresses the theme of spiritual realization through the remembrance of God, the central mystical practice of the Sufis. Justice and Remembrance will be of great value to students and scholars of Islamic thought and those interested in the relationship between spirituality and ethics. Amazon lists its availability in Kindle, Paperback and Hardback formats, ensuring that readers can access the book in their preferred format. The print editions may be used or new. The book may be in stock at Jamatkhana literature counters worldwide. The first edition of the book was published in 2006.
A video interview about the book with the author Reza Shah Kazemi can be seen on the IIS website.
Date posted: January 11, 2025.
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The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) website provides a comprehensive list with brief descriptions of all its publications since it was founded by Mawlana Hazar Imam in 1977. Please click on the IIS publications listing. A few publications are also available as Audiobooks.
A new Moon occurs when all of the Sun’s light is reflected away from Earth, and the side of the Moon facing Earth is barely visible, as illustrated in the above NASA photo.
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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New Year 2025 decoration in the foyer of Calgary Headquarters Jamatkhana, December, 31, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg.
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.
Our sister website, Barakah.com, established independently in 2017, is a treasure trove of information dedicated to Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family).
Barakah logo
The word Barakah is inspired by the Arabic root b-r-k; its most fundamental meaning is ‘Blessing’, conferred by the Divine upon humankind.
You’ll find informative articles there, including the latest pieces on the Aga Khan’s sister, Princess Yasmin, and her incredible commitment over the past 40 years to eradicating Alzheimer’s, and a tribute to the late Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who received the Aga Khan on numerous occasions during his visits to India. We assure you that visiting Barakah will be not only informative but also enjoyable, strengthening your connection to the work of the Ismaili Imam through the Aga Khan Development Network, which is dedicated to improving the quality of life of those in need, mainly in Africa and Asia, irrespective of their origin, faith, or gender.
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Princess Yasmin Aga Khan addresses a Gala event to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Association and Late Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (d. December 27, 2024) receives His Highness the Aga Khan in 2013. Please click on image for link to these and other stories on Barakah.com
It will be of particular interest for Canadians to note that aside from the beautiful Ismaili Centres in Toronto and Vancouver, the Aga Khan has created a lovely museum in Toronto, the Aga Khan Museum, the first such museum in North America dedicated to Islamic Art and Culture, and the Aga Khan Garden, which is a gift to the University of Alberta and is part of the University’s magnificent Botanic Gardens in Parkland County near Edmonton. American readers might note that Houston, Texas, will house a superb purpose-built Ismaili Center. There are more than 200,000 Ismailis in North America.
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Aga Khan Garden, University of Alberta Botanic Garden, Parkland County, Alberta. Photograph: Nurin Merchant/Simerg. For stories and photographs about the Garden and other travel narratives, please visit Simergphotos.
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The Ismaili Center Houston is under construction and is scheduled to be completed in late 2025. Image: Imara Houston Inc. /IPL via The Ismaili (the official website of the worldwide Ismaili community
Featured image at the top of post: Cover page of “Where Hope Takes Root” featuring selected speeches of His Highness the Aga Khan (see book review HERE), the logo of Barakah, and the Aga Khan addressing his subjects in the Pamir mountains of Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province, Tajikistan, in 1995.
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.
Premier John Horgan meets Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, on May 18, 2018, in Vancouver, on the occasion of his Diamond Jubilee. Forming the backdrop are the flags of the Ismaili Imamat, which bears the Imamat crest, Canada and British Columbia. Photograph: Province of British Columbia.
We have learnt with deep sadness that the former Premier of British Columbia, John Horgan, who served as the province’s leader from 2017 until 2022, has passed away of cancer at the age of 65. In a statement posted to X by Horgan’s longtime friend and press secretary, Sheena McConnell, the Horgan family said he passed away peacefully at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria on the morning of November 12, 2024.
Horgan’s dedication to public service is evident in his political career. He was first elected to the B.C. legislature in 2005 and became leader of the NDP in 2014. His leadership skills led to his election as B.C.’s premier in 2017. He continued to serve until 2022 when he decided to step down due to health reasons. His commitment to serving the public was further demonstrated when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed him Canada’s ambassador to Germany in November 2023.
Trudeau expressed his condolences in a statement posted to social media:
“John Horgan believed in the power of public service. He saw it as a privilege, as a way to help others and to make our country better. He loved British Columbia. As premier, he had a tenacity, passion and dedication for his work that very few could match.
B.C. Ismailis will fondly remember the late Premier, who received their 49th Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, Mawlana Hazar Imam, on May 4, 2018, upon the occasion of his Diamond Jubilee.
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Premier John Horgan meets Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, on May 18, 2018, in Vancouver, on the occasion of his Diamond Jubilee. Photograph: Province of British Columbia.
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Premier John Horgan meets Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, on May 18, 2018, in Vancouver, on the occasion of his Diamond Jubilee. Photograph: Province of British Columbia.
In a statement issued on meeting the 49th Hereditary Ismaili Imam, the Premier said:
“For the last 60 years, His Highness the Aga Khan has provided spiritual leadership to the world’s Shia Ismaili Muslims.
“In this role, he has dedicated his life to making life better for people. His work to eliminate poverty, give children early learning opportunities, and improve health care has helped people around the globe.
“It was a great honour to meet His Highness on the occasion of his Diamond Jubilee, and to welcome him to British Columbia.
“Canada’s Ismaili community has pledged to volunteer for one million hours in celebration of this special year. Our province and our country is a better place thanks to this ethic of volunteerism and compassion, shared by Ismaili people around the world.”
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Prince Rahim Aga Khan (left), representing the Ismaili Imamat, and British Columbia’s Premier John Horgan display the Accord to the audience after the signing ceremony as Princess Zahra and BC’s Minister of Forest Katrine Conroy look on. The event was hosted on September 29, 2022, at the Pan Pacific Hotel at the iconic Canada Way in Vancouver’s beautiful waterfront. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Barakah.
On September 29, 2022, before stepping down as the premier, he signed an Accord of Cooperation with Prince Rahim Aga Khan, representing his father, at the Pan Pacific Hotel at the iconic Canada Place on Vancouver’s waterfront. The Accord, a significant milestone, was deeply rooted in the 50-year history of the Ismaili Community in Canada and Mawlana Hazar Imam’s lifetime of work to improve quality of life. The Agreement, a call to action, served to advance partnership and collaboration on one of the most pressing issues of our time: the urgent and critical issue of climate change.
During this challenging time, we express our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Ellie, and their two sons, Evan and Nate.
In his Talika (written message) to his Ismaili Muslim followers, His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th Hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims and direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him and his family), mentioned that his family members at his request had assumed additional responsibilities to assist him in important areas of his work. The Aga Khan’s younger brother, Prince Amyn, his eldest child, Princess Zahra, and his three sons, Prince Rahim, Prince Hussain and Prince Aly Muhammad, have responded magnificently to the Imam’s call, showing a united front in their efforts.
Pope Francis warmly greeted Prince Rahim Aga Khan during their private audience in Lisbon, Portugal, on August 4, 2023. The Pope was visiting Lisbon for World Youth Day. Photograph: Vatican News. Please click on the image for Prince Rahim’s articles.
They have travelled worldwide to review the work of the Ismaili Imamat and attended significant events related to the expansion and development of ongoing and new projects. Prince Rahim, a graduate of Brown University, celebrated his 53rd birthday on October 12, 2024, and he is arguably perhaps the busiest among all family members. Our sister website highlights 53 years of his life through a two-part series. Please read Prince Rahim Aga Khan (1971-2021) and Prince Rahim Aga Khan (2022-2024).
Featured photo at the top of post: Prince Rahim, in the company of his father, His Highness the Aga Khan, visited an Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) project in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, in 2008.
Date posted: October 12, 2024. Last updated: October 22, 2024.
We were so humbled to honour Princess Zahra, and it was an inspiration to hear about the many projects in healthcare and education that she and the Aga Khan Development Network have spearheaded globally. Through her work, Princess Zahra is building hope and trust in a world where both are greatly needed — Bonna Kol, President of Asia Society Texas Center. READ MORE
As Princess Zahra Aga Khan, eldest child of His Highness the Aga Khan, 49th Hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, celebrates her 54th birthday on September 18, we present pictorial highlights of her life from 1970 to 2024. Please read MORE.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan (centre) gets a tour of Ireland’s Maynooth University while signing a Memorandum of Understanding between the University and Aga Khan University. This first-of-its-kind partnership between AKU and an Irish university will promote collaboration in research, student and staff mobility, and knowledge exchange in mutual expertise and development areas. Photograph: Maynooth University via AKDN.
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