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
Global Encounters is on. Have you followed the sporting events? Here is Simerg’s post on getting to the trailhead. Then it becomes easy to get excited and see how your country’s athletes are participating in Global Encounters, happening now in Dubai.
To get a summary of all 17 sporting events taking place in Dubai, click on Sports Matches.
A Jubilee Games screen will be presented, with links to Medal Count and a Sports Blog (with a load more feature)
Of the 17 sports, click on the sport of interest to you displayed on the screen.
You will be presented with hyperlinks (for desktops, etc.) or a drop-down (for mobile) for various sporting disciplines (19+ singles, men’s singles, etc.). Click on what is of interest to you.
For scores for individual or group sports, click on ‘Schedule’ (I would prefer it to be precise and say ‘Scores and Schedule’).
The hyperlink ‘Standings’ provides a summary of performance for individual(s) or groups.
Ismaili.TV has hosted live streaming of key moments from the festival, and it will be exciting to follow the finals of group sports matches. I enjoyed seeing a series of inspiring and creative short films presented at the festival by talented Ismaili filmmakers from around the world.
Finally, Ismaili Update videos on the YouTube channel provide very brief, sketchy highlights of the day’s events. Click on the following:
The Ismaili Update: July 27, 2025
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The Ismaili Update: July 26, 2025
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The Ismaili Update: July 25, 2025
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The Ismaili Update: July 24, 2025
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The Ismaili Update: July 22, 2025
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The Ismaili Update: July 21, 2025
Please also visit our sister website, Barakah, for coverage of the opening day’s events, including speeches made by Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, and his younger brother, Prince Aly Muhammad.
Date posted: July 23, 2025. Last updated: July 28, 2025.
In an announcement published today, Monday, February 10, 2025, King Charles III has granted the title of “His Highness” to Prince Rahim Aga Khan. He continues the legacy as the 50th Hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, succeeding his father, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, who passed away in Lisbon on February 4, 2025. The following is the King’s full announcement (please click HERE to read it at source), followed by a Tweet on ‘X.’
The King is pleased to grant the new Aga Khan the title “His Highness”
Published 10 February 2025
The tradition of the title being accorded by the Monarch to the Ismaili Imams dates back to the first Aga Khan.
To mark the accession of Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan as the fiftieth hereditary Imam of the Shi’a Ismaili Muslim community, and in accordance with long-standing tradition, it has pleased The King to grant the new Aga Khan the title ‘His Highness’.
Background:
This title was initially granted to Aga Khan I in recognition of his role as spiritual head of the Ismaili community and as a religious leader of global importance. Many of the Ismaili community also reside in Commonwealth countries.
This tradition continues and now also recognises the work of Ismaili Imams in the fields of interfaith dialogue, education, healthcare, and other forms of socio-economic development which make a hugely positive contribution to communities worldwide.
The title ‘His Highness’ has been accorded by the British Monarch to the Ismaili Imams dating back to the first Aga Khan, who was resident in India and has continued to this day, being reconfirmed after each succession.
Records show that the title ‘His Highness’ was accorded to Aga Khan III by Queen Victoria in 1886 when he was just 9 years old, the year after his accession to the role of Imam. The title of ‘His Highness’ was accorded to Aga Khan IV by Queen Elizabeth II in July 1957 approximately a fortnight after he succeeded his grandfather.
It is understood that the designation of the title ‘His Highness’ to the Imam of the Ismailis by the British Monarchs is a reflection of the strong relationship which has existed over time between the families, the service to the Crown which the Imams have undertaken over the years (initially in Afghanistan and India in particular) and importantly the recognition of the leadership position of the Imam in respect of the Ismaili population which has been and continues to be present in many Commonwealth countries.
The Late Aga Khan IV had a warm relationship at a personal level with Her Late Majesty and His Majesty King Charles, as well as institutionally with the British Government in diplomacy and international statesmanship. This has been recognised for example through the events hosted by Her Late Majesty and the UK Government to mark His Late Highness’ Golden and Diamond Jubilees and the award of a Knighthood.
His Late Highness Aga Khan IV was the Founding Patron of the King’s Trust.
His Late Highness Aga Khan IV and all his children, including Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, and his children, are British citizens and have close affiliations to the UK. Prince Rahim’s mother is British as was his late paternal grandmother.
External coverage: The granting of the title of His Highness to Prince Rahim by King Charles has been published in media worldwide. Here is a selection:
Note: A version of this post appears on our sister website, Barakah, which is exclusively — and passionately — dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan.
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Simerg welcomes your messages of congratulations to His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan. Please click LEAVE A COMMENT. If you encounter problems, email the comments to mmerchant@simerg.com. Kindly note that we never publish your email address.
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 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.
Much of the inspiration for my paintings comes from Mawlana Hazar Imam His Highness the Aga Khan’s guidance to the Ismaili community on the importance of brotherhood, pluralism, and living a life where we “do not forsake the soul for the material world.” Indeed, I draw continued encouragement from the Imam’s guidance as an artist and in my daily life.
Take Me Away by Shafina Jaffer. Medium: Oil on canvas. Size: 200 x 80 cm (78.7 x 31.5 in). This painting was projected on the facade of Windsor Castle during the Coronation Concert honouring the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, on May 7, 2023. Shafina presented the original painting to Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, for the auspicious occasion of Navroz, March 21, 2024. Photograph: Shafina Jaffer collection.
Last year, I curated a painting for King Charles’s coronation, and on the occasion of Navroz — the Persian New Year — on March 21, 2024, the same painting, “Take Me Away,” was gifted to Mawlana Hazar Imam, who graciously accepted it and encouraged me to pursue my talents. His message moved me, and as a show of gratitude to celebrate his 67th Imamat Day on July 11, 2024, I have embarked on a series of Mawlana Hazar Imam portrait paintings that will be presented in the coming months on this website.
Simerg and its sister website, Barakah, share the first painting in this series that captures a very youthful Hazar Imam. When asked about my choice to depict Mawlana Hazar Imam at this age, I explain that it’s the image that has been etched in my mind growing up: a sympathetic, youthful figure radiating with light. This personal connection with the Imam drives my artistic expression and deepens my sense of gratitude.
Delving into mixed-media mediums, I use my heritage and strong affiliation with spirituality to sow the seeds of my creativity. Since completing my Graduate Diploma (Art & Design) and Master’s Degree (Painting) from the Royal College of Art, I have explored the intricacies of nature, human relationships, and spirituality within the field of art and their interrelationship.
Religion and spirituality are not just important themes in my art; they are the essence of my work, reflecting my deep exploration of faith and the human connection to the divine. My canvases are vibrant and alive, filled with a playful mix of colour, form, and texture, with natural mediums playing a pivotal role. Faith pushes me to transcend the physical and visible, uncovering what resides at the core and infusing the outer edges with life. Indeed, with such portraiture of the Imam, the lines between literal and divine interpretation are moving and profound.
Please click on image for enlargement
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, by Shafina Jaffer. Medium: Oil, Gold and Charcoal; Size: 42 x 32 cm. Original photograph for painting: Gary Otte (cover page and page 121 of Depth of Field: The Aga Khan Beyond the Lens).
This portrait of the Aga Khan, painted with meticulous care and deep gratitude, captures his serene and compassionate essence. I have highlighted his gentle smile and thoughtfully intelligent eyes, conveying wisdom and kindness. The subtle use of colours and shading brings out the depth of his character and position in humanity, reflecting his profound impact as a spiritual leader and guide. One can easily see an overarching glow settled upon the canvas — reflecting his holy and elevated demeanour.
The border, crafted in real gold and liquid charcoal, symbolizes his love for nature and adds a unique, elegant touch to the piece. This artwork is a heartfelt tribute, expressing deep appreciation for the Aga Khan’s guidance and positive influence on my life and practice. It stands as a testament to the enduring respect and admiration he commands.
Upon gazing at this painting, one can forget that it is not a photograph. My brush has sought to create a three-dimensional profound effect which makes it appear that the face is emerging from the confines of the page to look into the viewer’s eyes, saying:
“Everybody makes mistakes. Never regret them; correct them. There’s no such thing as a perfect world or perfect life” — His Highness the Aga Khan.
Date posted: July 9, 2024.
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Work in progress, as Ismaili artist Shafina Jaffer paints a portrait of His Highness the Aga Khan in her studio in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The iconic artist was invited to the residence of the US Ambassador to Tanzania on US Independence Day, July 4, 2024, to exhibit her paintings featuring African women.
“Forwarded many times” is a ubiquitous term on the WhatsApp platform. I am of course delighted when my referrals to articles posted on my three blogs get “forwarded many times”. However, I feel helpless when I receive messages and dateless photographs and quotes that I have to authenticate by doing searches on Google and other search engines as well as visiting my own websites! These messages come from all segments of the Ismaili Jamat (community) including highly educated youth and professionals. Everybody wants to be recognized for their speedy forwards. For example, a photograph of His Highness the Aga Khan — Ismailis respectfully address him as Mawlana Hazar Imam — taken with a Federal German minister some 15 years ago got forwarded a few months ago without a date and made all recipients think it was “yesterday’s” photograph. I can cite many other similar examples.
Yesterday, Friday July 14, 2023, thousands of Ismailis around the world including me received the worst ever forward from multiple sources. It is difficult to trace where the original message came from, and the person who first sent out the message should feel ashamed for causing anxiety to thousands of Ismailis around the world for hours. Just over 3 years ago, following some thoughtless forwards of unauthenticated messages, Aniza Meghani of London, England, had contributed this must read piece Ismailis on Social Media: You Need to Take Care and STOP Indiscriminate Likes, Follows and Forwards!
The FAKE message sent on July 14 stated that prayers were in order because Malik Talib, the Chairman of the Leaders Ismaili Forum (LIF), received a call from Mawlana Hazar Imam to “immediately come back to Lisbon”. The FAKE message further goes on to state that before returning to Lisbon, Talib left a message with a Mukhi (congregational leader) in Vancouver “to ask the Jamat to pray for Mawla’s health” (the Aga Khan is also addressed as Mawla by his devout followers.) Some individuals who personally forwarded me the message dutifully told me that the message was not verified. Others, however, did not and I politely responded to them to stop forwarding the message.
Through my contact with the most credible sources, I learnt that the news was FAKE. I immediately sent a message to my WhatsApp contacts, and they were thankful that their anxious moments had ended.
In the next line, the FAKE communication that I received stated, “Jamat [members of the community] is advised that there is a SPECIAL message from the LIF which will be read tonight” [Friday, July 14]. Of course, many went to their respective Jamatkhanas with a concern in their minds about the FAKE message that had accompanied this line.
The Ismaili Jamat has remained steadfastly united for decades by respectfully following the Imam-of-the-Time and his appointed institutions. The Imam has repeatedly asked the Ismailis to follow instructions from institutions.
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The Ismailis have had to confront physical harm through the ages. We have been challenged and our missionaries and scholars have responded and continue to respond intellectually to such challenges.
Today, there are certain elements in society that do not welcome the Ismailis, and will do everything in their power to harm the Jamat or cause disunity. It could happen through a bad Tweet or a WhatsApp or social media message, combined with emails to hundreds of recipients to give the FAKE message some authenticity. Indeed, the FAKE message was also distributed in an email originating from Ismaili sources to more than 200 recipients. I was among the recipients.
We have to be intelligent and vigilant about both external and internal threats. We have to learn about our faith and bear in mind that important decisions relating to the Jamat and the Imamat will come from the Office of the Imam. We have to learn to be patient.
Now that I have dealt with this FAKE matter let me mention a few things that DID take place on Friday, the 14th:
(1) Malik Talib was sighted in Vancouver. He had already arrived back in his home town several hours earlier, and was never asked to return to Lisbon; and
(2) An announcement from the LIF was read in Jamatkhanas around Canada. It mentioned that a group of leaders from the LIF met with the Mawlana Hazar Imam in Lisbon on the occasion of his 66th Imamat Day. During the meeting, a gift was presented to him on behalf of the worldwide community. The Imam deeply appreciated the gift and conveyed his blessings to the worldwide Ismaili community. A description of the beautiful gift will appear in our sister website Barakah, as soon as we have more details about it. This message from the LIF was truly welcome on a day that had begun with a FAKE message!
In conclusion, we need to be aware of this virus of FAKE news and the serious and harmful consequences of thoughtlessly and irresponsibly forwarding unauthenticated messages.
On a personal note, nothing is more satisfying and can bring greater happiness and one closer to the Imam-of-the-Time and the Noor (Light) of Imamat than reciting the Salawat — one, two, ten or more — everyday, whether the Imam is well or unwell. It seeks Allah’s blessings on Muhammad and the progeny of Muhammad.
Date posted: July 15, 2023.
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Featured photo above: The Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies, the oldest humanities research institute in Canada, on May 20, 2016 conferred an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters upon His Highness the Aga Khan, in recognition of his work to advance, and advocate for, pluralistic societies across the globe. Richard Alway, Praeses of the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies congratulates the Aga Khan upon conferring the honorary degree. Photo: AKDN/Zahur Ramji.
THE AGA KHAN’S DUAL MANDATE IS TO INTERPRET ISLAM AND TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF HIS ISMAILI FOLLOWERS AND THE POPULATIONS AMONG WHOM THEY LIVE
The Aga Khan
Times of India: What is our most precious asset as human beings?
The Aga Khan: A value system that is both time-resistant and time-adaptable.
Times of India: And the worst?
The Aga Khan: Killing, indeed all violence. Going by the record of the last 50 years, this is what offends me most.” (READ MORE )
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M. Hamilton Morgan
In this vast tapestry of the interaction of Muslims with each other, and with other cultures and faiths, there is one tradition that unfailingly continues the progressive heritage of classical Islam — profoundly intellectual, open, tolerant, pacific — and in particular one leader who has made it especially attuned to the many difficulties of the world today. That would be Ismailism and its revered Imam, the current Aga Khan IV — Michael Hamilton Morgan (READ MORE)
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James Wolfensohn
“….It is the extraordinary sense of humanity that he [the Aga Khan] has. The great depth of real feeling for real people wherever they find themselves in society. He is a holy man. He is the leader of his faith. He’s a man who represents the very best in Islam.” — James Wolfensohn (READ MORE)
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Andrew Kosorok
As Imam for the Nizari Ismailis, the Aga Khan’s responsibility and sacred calling is to provide for the security of his people, guide them in interpretation of the Faith, and do everything possible to ensure for them a worthwhile quality of life….the Aga Khan sees his responsibility in a more expansive way. If good can be done for the sake of the Ismaili family, that good is also extended to the areas within which the Ismailis are found — and by extension, to the world — Andrew Kosorok (READ MORE)
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Mohamed Arkoun
“If we speak with our children with heresiographic mind we are totally lost. We are totally away from the humanistic representation like His Highness the Aga Khan is insisting to have among us. So this is a very important issue on which we have all to reflect and to develop our endeavor.” — Mohamed Arkoun (READ MORE)
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Nizar Motani
The Aga Khan projects Islam’s best principles and practices. Consequently, many like-minded institutions have rewarded him with an impressive range of honors, elevating him to the status of a distinguished, globally respected visionary leader — Nizar Motani (READ MORE)
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Date posted: August 24, 2022.
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Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa during their nikah ceremony in September 2013. Photo: TheIsmaili / Gary Otte
Compiled by Simerg
Following last October’s happy announcement by Prince Rahim Aga Khan and Princess Salwa that that they were expecting their first child, a son named Prince Irfan, was born in Geneva, Switzerland on 11 April, 2015. The couple were married in September 2013 in the grounds of the Château de Bellerive, overlooking the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland.
An official announcement on the community’s website, http://www.theismaili.org, said that both Princess Salwa and Prince Irfan were in good health. Mawlana Hazar Imam’s special message to the global Jamat on this occasion expressed the great happiness of both his as well as the family of Princess Salwa. Jamats around the world received the news of Prince Irfan’s birth with immense joy and traditional celebrations.
The Meaning of Irfan
Irfan is an indirect Qur’anic name for boys. Irfan means “wisdom”, or more correctly, Wisdom with a capital W. It refers to all that is good and true of thoughts and deeds. It is derived from the Ain-R-F root (to know, to recognize), which is used in many places in the Holy Qu’ran, [1] as in the following verse:
Transliteration:
Wa Jā’a ‘Ikhwatu Yūsufa Fadakhalū `Alayhi Fa`arafahum Wa Hum Lahu Munkirūna — Sura Yusuf, Chapter 12, Verse 58
Translation:
And the brethren of Joseph came, and entered unto him, and he knew them, but they knew him not — Holy Qur’an, 12:15, translation by A.J. Arberry.
The Term Irfan in Islamic Mysticism
The term ‘irfan (gnosis), which literally meaning knowledge, is widely applied in Islamic mysticism. In the mystical context, like another term in the same family, mari’fa, which is also translated as gnosis, the knowledge is of certain kind which can be achieved neither through the senses nor experience, nor through reason nor narration, but rather is acquired by inner witnessings and interior unveilings. [2] It is that knowledge that unites man with God after penetrating and transforming him completely.
The famous prayer of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s) sums up the end toward which the gnostic strives with all his mind, soul and body:
“O God, deliver us from preoccupations with worldly vanities and show us the nature of things ‘as they really are’. Remove from our eyes the veil of ignorance, and show us things as they really are…Deliver us from ourselves, and accord us intimate knowledge of Thee.” [3]
We rejoice with our thousands of readers around the world on the wonderful news of the birth of Prince Irfan, and join with jamats around the world to congratulate Mawlana Hazar Imam, Prince Rahim, Princess Salwa and their families, with prayers for Prince Irfan’s long life and well being.
We also sincerely hope and pray that the birth of Prince Irfan may bring immense barakah and peace to jamats worldwide.
We encourage readers to express their wishes and thoughts on the birth of Prince Irfan by clicking on Leave a comment or scrolling down to the comments box below.
Date posted: Friday, April 17, 2015. Last updated: Tuesday, April 21, 2015.
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This compiled piece contains excerpts from the following sources:
Simerg - Insights from Around the World 