Mawlana Hazar Imam and Alberta Premier Alison Redford engaged in discussion ahead of the signing of the Agreement of Cooperation between the Ismaili Imamat and the Government of Alberta. Photo: Alnoor Nathoo

Edmonton, 24 October 2012 — Mawlana Hazar Imam and Alberta Premier Alison Redford signed an Agreement of Cooperation today between the Ismaili Imamat and the Government of Alberta. The agreement facilitates further collaboration in the areas of health sciences, education, the environment, forestry and natural resources management, culture, and private sector and economic development.

Speaking at the signing, Premier Redford noted that the agreement will enable the Imamat and the AKDN “to share and learn together not only for the benefit of people in our province, but more importantly, I believe, for people around the world.”

The Premier acknowledged the AKDN’s commitment to civil society, education, health care, and to improving gender equality in societies and “circumstances that are very difficult.” Closer to home, she also noted important contributions made by members of the Ismaili community in Alberta, particularly towards multi-generational projects.

Mawlana Hazar Imam and Alberta Premier Alison Redford sign an Agreement of Cooperation between the Ismaili Imamat and the Government of Alberta in Edmonton. Photo: Alnoor Nathoo

“I must say in my experience in the last five years, people who are members of your faith community are incredible leaders in our community,” said Premier Redford.

Signed at Government House, the agreement notes that the Province and the Imamat share a commitment to confronting persistent, varied and large scale material poverty, recognising it as one of the great challenges facing the global community. Alberta and the Aga Khan Development Network will work together towards equitable human advancement and social justice.

“There are days in one’s life that mark an individual, that mark an institution,” said Mawlana Hazar Imam, “and today is one of those days.” Such days, he noted “open doors to the future, give you a sense of hope, a sense of confidence, a sense of not being alone in trying to achieve the goals that one has set.”

Mawlana Hazar Imam addresses the gathering at Government House, as Alberta Premier Alison Redford looks on. Photo: Alnoor Nathoo

Varying circumstances in countries of the world where the Imamat works mean that people are living with hope, but sometimes also sadness and difficulty, Hazar Imam said that the Ismaili Imamat has a duty “to try to convert these countries into countries of opportunity.”

“We can’t do that alone, but we can do it with Canada and we can do it with the province of Alberta,” said Hazar Imam.

The Ismaili Imamat and AKDN have agreements and memoranda of understanding with over 20 states and nations around the world, including the states of California, Texas and Illinois, as well as the East African Community, Germany, Mali, Portugal, and Tajikistan. The agreement with Alberta builds on a long history of cooperation.

Mawlana Hazar Imam in conversation with Premier Alison Redford and Ken Hughes, Minister of Energy, at the signing of the Agreement of Cooperation between the Imamat and Alberta. Photo: Alnoor Nathoo

As far back as the 1980s, Alberta Aid supported education, health and rural development initiatives of the Aga Khan Foundation, and in more recent years the University of Alberta and the Aga Khan University formalised their own partnership agreement. In 2009, Mawlana Hazar Imam announced plans to gift an Islamic garden to be situated at the University’s Devonian Gardens.

“How do you convince western societies that Islam is a faith of civilisation, and not just a faith?” asked Hazar Imam in his remarks. “Well I hope that the Islamic garden when it comes into place will be able to show a different aspect of our faith.”

Mawlana Hazar Imam speaks with Dr Lee Foote, Director of the University of Alberta; Dr John Kennelly, Dean of Faculty of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences; Firoz Rasul, President of the Aga Khan University; and Malik Talib, President of the Ismaili Council for Canada, at the University of Alberta Devonian Botanic Garden, which Hazar Imam visited immediately following the signing ceremony at Government House. Photo: Phil Musani

Mawlana Hazar Imam in Edmonton to sign historic agreement

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Arriving in Edmonton, Mawlana Hazar Imam is welcomed by Alberta Chief of Protocol Betty Anne Spinks, Minister Ken Hughes, Ismaili Council President Malik Talib, and Vice-President Moez Rajwani. Photo: Alnoor Nathoo

Edmonton, 23 October 2012 — Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived in the capital of Alberta this evening, where he will meet with Premier Alison Redford to sign an historic Agreement of Cooperation between the Ismaili Imamat and the Government of Alberta. The agreement is the first of its kind in Canada, and marks a special milestone for the Canadian Jamat.

Upon his arrival Mawlana Hazar Imam was received by the Honourable Ken Hughes, Alberta’s Minister of Energy, and Chief of Protocol Betty Anne Spinks on behalf of the Government of Alberta. Ismaili Council for Canada President Malik Talib and Vice-President Moez Rajwani also welcomed Hazar Imam.

Source: Ismaili org

His Highness the Aga Khan was at Government House in Edmonton to sign an agreement of cooperation with the Alberta government on October 24, 2012. The Aga Khan is the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network and the 49th hereditary Imam (Spiritual Leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. Video by Larry Wong, Edmonton Journal

Click link to watch the short video at source

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Video+Khan+Edmonton/7440139/story.html

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Premier Alison Redford and His Highness the Aga Khan signing the Agreement of Cooperation. Photograph by Chris Schwarz/Office of the Premier.

His Highness the Aga Khan is the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims. He is also the Founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). AKDN is an international network of nine development agencies with mandates that include the environment, health, education, architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalization of historic cities.

Premier Alison Redford and His Highness the Aga Khan. Photograph by Chris Schwarz/Office of the Premier.

Alberta is seen as a world leader in health, environmental management and energy development on the international stage and partnerships like these give us yet another opportunity to share that expertise with the world. The Government of Alberta and the Imamat share a commitment to ensuring that the impoverished in our communities have access to the supports they need. This agreement allows us to build relationships beyond our borders in order to combat the problem of poverty not only here at home but across the globe…Premier Alison Redford, October 24, 2012.

Read and view many photos on Simerg com

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 His Highness the Aga Khan and Premier Alison Redford

Alberta Premier Alison Redford and His Highness the Aga Khan signed an Agreement of Cooperation to expand collaboration in the areas of health sciences, education, the environment, forestry and natural resources management, culture, and private sector and economic development. The agreement was signed on behalf of the Government of Alberta and the Ismaili Imamat. – October 24, 2012

10 Fotos 24. Oct 2012

Click the link to view more photos at source

http://www.flickr.com/photos/premierofalberta/sets/72157631845483138/

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1885: Enthronement at Age Seven as 48th Ismaili Imam

November 2, 2012 marks the 135th birth anniversary of the 48th Ismaili Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah, who was was born in Karachi in 1877. He succeded his father, Imam Shah Aly Shah (a.s.), Aga Khan II, to the hereditary Ismaili Imamat in August 1885, when he was only seven. Soon after assuming the Imamat, he reminded his followers of his noble status as well as lineage from the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.), and instilled in them courgage, confidence and hope at a time when they felt sad at the loss of their beloved 47th Imam. The seven years old Imam declared:

O Jamat do not consider me small. I am the descendant of the Prophet and my grandfather is Hazrat Amirul Mominin (Hazrat Ali) and my grandmother is Khatoon-e-Janat (the Lady of Paradise) Hazrat Bibi Fatima. I am the Light (Nur) of both Hazrat Ali and the Prophet (Muhammad). Though young in age I am exalted.

September 1, 1885: The 7-year-old Aga Khan III at his enthronement ceremony as 48th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Ismaili Muslims in Mumbai. He is surrounded by community elders. Photo: Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images, Copyright.

The Imam continued:

We Imams change the physical bodies in this world but our Nur is eternal and originates from the very beginning. You should therefore take it as one Nur. The Light of God is ever present. The Throne of the Imamat of Mawlana Murtaza Ali continues and it will remain till the Day of Judgement. – excerpts from “Le Renovation du Shiisme Ismailien en Inde et au Pakistan” by Michele Boivien.

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Imamat and the Imam of the Time

Each Imam presents to the world of his time that facet of the multi-faceted splendour the Ismailis call Imamat. All Ismaili philosophers have emphasized the principle of the Unity of Imamat under the superficial diversity exhibited by each Imam of the Time. It is in this sense that the Ismailis believe that Imam is the same irrespective of his own age or the time he lives in….The proverbial valour and exemplary statesmanship of Imam Mawla Murtaza Ali, the encyclopaedic erudition of Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq, the extraordinary intellectual brilliance of Imam al-Hakim bi Amrillah, the administrative ability of Imam Mustansir Billah (during the first half of his Khilafat), the political acumen of Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah (he defied geography and created history), the organizing genius of the present Imam, Shah Karim al-Husayni, are only some of the more spectacular characteristics exhibited by the Imam of the Time in accordance with the exigencies of the situations facing him….Excerpts from an article by the late Esmail Thawerbhoy, Ismaili lawyer and writer.

Read and view more on Simerg com

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Investiture of Imam Ali at Ghadir Khumm
Al-Biruni’s Chronology of Ancient Nations 161 AH 707 BC

Yaum-ul-Ghadir Mubarak Everyone!

Eid-e Gadhir is celebrated with great rejoicing by Shia Muslims where they remember Prophet Muhammad’s last instructions to the believers. Eid-e-Ghadir is one of the most important days of rejoicing for Shia Muslims around the world as that was the day our beloved Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.) declared Hazrat Ali’s vicegerency at Ghadir e Khumm on his return from his last pilgrimage which is known in history as ‘Hajjat-ul-Wida’. This took place on the 18th of Zil-Hajj, in 632 AC, 3 months before his demise, when the Prophet and his followers were returning from his last pilgrimage. Prophet Muhammad announced that he had received an important revelation from Allah, and made a halt at the pond called Ghadir Khumm. A make-shift dias was erected from sadles, sticks and camel skins and as soon as all the pilgrims were gathered, he acted upon the revelation of Ayah-e Gadhir Khumm.

“O Messenger (Prophet), deliver to the people what has been revealed to you from your Lord and if you do not do so then you will not have delivered His message and Allah will protect you from the people. For God does not guide those who reject Faith.”Ya ‘ayyuhar Rasoolu ballig maa unzila ilayka mir-Rabbik. Wa illam taf’al famaa ballagta Risaalatah. Wallaahu ya’simuka minan naas. Innal’laaha laa yahdilqawmal kaafiriin. Quran 5:67

The Prophet thence declared “‘Man Kuntu Mowlahu fa haza Aliyun Mowlahu’  – ‘He of whomever I am the Master-Lord (Mowla), Ali is hereby his Master-Lord (Mowla). Prophet Muhammad had been discoursing all the other revelations among the Muslims regarding the tenets and practice of the faith and about material life, and what could this verse of surpassing urgency mean and why was he admonished that if he did not reveal that message then his mission would be unfulfilled! Why had he been warned so strongly by Allah to deliver the message right away.According to Shia tradition, Prophet Muhammad had been apprehensive about declaring his own son-in-law and cousin Ali ibn Abu Talib as his spiritual (Amirul Momineen, Commander of the believers) and secular (Caliph, King) heir, for fear that it would divide the nascent Muslim community. The rich Muslims were already jealous of Hazrat Ali’s favored position with Prophet Muhammad (being married to Hazrat Fatima, being his cousin, appointed as Commander at many important battles) and in the above revelation God reassures him.

Al Muayyad talks about the Gadhir-e Khumm appointment in his Majalis as follows:

“It must be borne in mind that after the death of the Prophet the belief in the Wilayat of the Imams from his progeny is as important a part of our religion as the belief in the Wilayat of the Prophet in his lifetime. This is supported by the Tradition according to which the Prophet is reported to have said at ‘Ghadeer Khum’, “Am I not more precious to you than your own-selves.” This is an echo of the Qur’anic verse which says, “The Prophet is more dear to the ‘Momins’ than their own-selves to them.” It is said, that in response to this question by the Prophet, when the ‘Momins’ said “Yes, you are dearer to us than our own lives”, the Prophet said, “O God, be witness to their admission”. After this he said, “‘Ali is the master of one who acknowledges me to be his master. O God love those who love ‘Ali. Help those who help ‘Ali. Desert those who desert ‘Ali. Let the truth accompany ‘Ali wherever he goes.”

Video and Audio Files of this declaration: (See transliteration and translation below)

(…)

Read more View and watch on Amaana org

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Ismaili Org: Mawlana Hazar Imam attends inauguration of new EAC headquarters

Mawlana Hazar Imam looks on as Secretary General Ambassador Dr Richard Sezibera addresses the gathering during the official opening of the East African Community Headquarters. Photo: Zahur Ramji

Arusha, 28 November 2012 — Mawlana Hazar Imam took part today in the inauguration of the new headquarters of the East African Community (EAC). Together with EAC leaders and the heads of state from its member countries, Hazar Imam toured the facility and took part in inaugural ceremonies.

The new building sits on a 9.85 acre parcel of land in Arusha town near the Arusha International Conference Center — the site of the first EAC headquarters. The 14 925 square metre complex houses the EAC Secretariat, the East African Legislative Assembly and the East African Court of Justice. It includes state-of-the-art conference facilities, committee rooms, courtrooms, a library, an archive, a media centre, as well as shopping and dining facilities.

In July, Mawlana Hazar Imam and EAC Secretary General Ambassador Richard Sezibera signed an agreement to strengthen and broaden cooperation between the Aga Khan Development Network and the EAC in the areas of economic, social and cultural development throughout East Africa. The agreement, which aims to improve the quality of life of peoples in the region through employment creation, income generation and poverty reduction, also envisions the expansion of the Aga Khan University as a regional university for East Africa. AKU will set up centres or campuses in each partner state, in addition to establishing a principal campus in Arusha.

Mawlana Hazar Imam with heads of state, ministers and leaders of the EAC and other African dignitaries on the occasion of the inauguration of the new ECB headquarters. Photo: Zahur Ramji

Source: The Ismaili Org

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Related posts

• Finally, new offices for EA Community – Daily Nation Kenya
• Germany intensifies partnership with East African Community – Federal Foreign Office Press Release
• His Highness the Aga Khan in Arusha for opening of East African Community(EAC) headquarters
• Tanzania: Collaborate in projects, Aga Khan advises East African Community (EAC) – The Citizen News
• The East African Community (EAC) and Aga Khan Development Network Sign Agreement – EAC Photos at source
• EAC (East Africa Community Institute) Secretary General Holds Talks with His Highness The Aga Khan- News and photos
• Better Health for East Africa: East African Community, Aga Khan Development Network and KfW has developed an innovative programme for the health care system

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The government and the Aga Khan Trust have formalized the project to restore the Nairobi City Park. His Highness The Aga Khan and Prime Minister Raila Odinga signed the agreement to rehabilitate the Park at the Nairobi National Museum paving the way for the Aga Khan Trust to embark on the rehabilitation early next year.

http://www.ntv.co.ke

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Imamat Speeches, Interviews and Writings List at NanoWisdoms Archives. Please also visit the theme lists with the Extended and Short Quotes at bottom of this list.

24 October 2012
The Ismaili Imamat and the Province of Alberta ‘Agreement of Co-operation’ Signing Ceremony (Edmonton, Canada)

22 October 2012
Acceptance Address and Interview – David Rockefeller Bridging Leadership Award Ceremony hosted by the Synergos Foundation (London, United Kingdom)

20 October 2012
FMIC Women’s Wing Foundation Stone Ceremony (Kabul, Afghanistan)

8 October 2012
Bujagali Hydropower Project Inauguration Ceremony (Jinja, Uganda)

July 2012
Preface to ‘Architecture in Islamic Arts’ (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Singapore; St. Petersburg, Russia)

17 June 2012
Le Parisien Interview, Gilles Maarek, ‘Chantilly est un géant qui se réveille’ (Paris, France)

28 May 2012
Address at the Inaugural Pluralism Lecture, Global Centre for Pluralism (Ottawa, Canada)

1 April 2012
Jamati Institutional Leaders Dinner (Singapore) ·· incomplete

31 March 2012
‘Architecture in Islamic Arts’ Opening Ceremony – An Exhibition from the Aga Khan Museum (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) ·· incomplete

31 January 2012
Urban Land Institute’s Annual Conference Leadership Dinner (Paris, France)

More on Amaana org

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Click the picture of centres’s Roof Garden  to watch the Video at source

For one weekend each year, doors into buildings and spaces that would usually be closed to the public, are opened. Visitors are invited to view and celebrate the diverse architecture of the cities in which they live.

Since 1992, Open House has taken place in cities around the world including London, Lisbon, New York and Helsinki. Celebrating its 20th anniversary with the theme The Changing Face of London, Open House London took place on the weekend of 22 – 23 September and drew approximately 250,000 visitors. They took the opportunity to reflect on how the city has changed in the past two decades, and how it will continue to change in the coming 20 years.

To be part of Open House London, a building must meet specific criteria, including being an example of “design excellence.” Buildings such as the Bank of England Museum, the Royal Courts of Justice, the BBC Television Centre, and the Ismaili Centre, London were among the 750 that participated this year.

Situated in London’s cultural heartland, surrounded by the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum, the Ismaili Centre has taken part in Open House London since 2001. The Centre is an original building, and while it draws inspiration from traditional Islamic architecture, it blends serenely into its surroundings. Its Islamic roots become clearly evident to visitors who, upon entering the building, are greeted by the calligraphic Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim adorning the wall and the distinctive geometrically patterned floor and fountain.

Since the Ismaili Centre’s opening in 1985, Nizam Abdullah has been welcoming visitors and guiding them on tours of the building. He is confident that the Centre — renowned for features such as its unique Roof Garden, which reveals a spectacular view of the surrounding South Kensington buildings— will continue to attract visitors at outreach events like Open House. Visitors leave with a better understanding of Islam, the Ismaili community and the significance of the Centre.

Over the years, says Abdullah, non-Ismaili visitors have recommended that their friends also visit the Centre to learn about a community that values peace, education and self-reliance and who strive to live in harmony with the wider society.

Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Salgirah and the Depth of His Love for the Jamat

The term Salgirah is of Persian origin. Sal means anniversary and girah means knot and hence Salgirah literally means ‘an anniversary knot added on to a string kept for the purpose’. This article approaches the subject of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s birthday in terms of the Imam’s love for his murids and the love and devotion of the murids for their Imam.

In Metaphoric Ginan “Eji Dhan Dhan Aajano” Pir Sadr al-Din Asks Mu’mins to Act Righteously and Gain Spiritual Recognition of Imam-e-Zaman

The Ginan has attained a very special status because it is primarily recited during the festivities marking the Salgirah of the Imam. The appropriateness of reciting Eji Dhan Dhan Aajano during the Salgirah will become apparent as we try to understand the ginan and its underlying spiritual teachings.

The Preamble Of “The Constitution of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims”

The new Ismaili Constitution was ordained, signed and sealed by His Highness the Aga Khan on December 13th, 1986, his 50th birthday. His Highness did this with the belief that the Constitution would provide a strong institutional and organizational framework for his Ismaili community to contribute meaningfully to the societies among whom they live.

His Highness the Aga Khan and the Ismailis

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On the occasion of His Highness the Aga Khan’s 75th birthday on December 13, 2011, Simerg published a three-part photo essay tribute to the 49th Ismaili Imam. The series has been consolidated into a captivating one piece photo essay, which can be read at Simerg’s companion photo blog, Simergphotos, by clicking on the above link.

Source: Simerg com

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His Highness the Aga Khan Mowlana Hazar Imam – Spiritual Leader of Shia Ismaili Muslims

The first Imam Hazrat Ali was appointed as as his successor by Prophet Muhammad at Ghadir e Khumm when he declared:
He of whomever I am the Master-Lord Mowla, Ali is his Master-Lord Mowla! Imam Ali plays a pivotal role in the spiritual lives of his followers as do his successors and we are blessed to be led by the 49th Imam!
Video and Audio Files of this declaration: Haq Ali Mowla Ali Ali Manaqib by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Man kunto Mowla Ali Mowla Manaqib by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan – my favorite – First ever Qawwali composed by Amir Khusraw

Man kunto Mowla Ali Mowla Rahat Fateh Ali KhanEnglish commentary

Dam Mast Qalandar Qawwali by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Man kunto Mowla Ali Mowla Sabri Brothers3 Parts

Man qunto Mowla Snippet by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (.au file)

                     Quran Sura 4:174, 175

Yaa- ‘ayyu-hannasu qad
O mankind! Verily

Jaa- ‘akum
There hath come to you

Bur-hanum
A convincing proof

Mir Rabbikum
From your Lord:

Wa ‘anzalnaa ‘ilaykum
For We have sent unto you

Nuram mubiinaa
A light (that is) manifest.

Fa- ‘ammal’lazina ‘aamanu
Then those who believe

Bil-laahi wa’ -tasamu
In God, and hold fast

Bihi fasa-yud-khiluhum fi
To Him, – soon will he

Rahmatim-minhu
Admit them to Mercy

Wa Fazlin
And Grace from Himself,

Wa yah-dihim ‘ilayhi
And guide them to Himself

Siraatam Mustaqima.
By a straight path.

Event

The Shia Imam’s Birthday – Decendant of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

Read full on Amaana org

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By Gulnor Saratbekova

Special to Simerg

Mawlana Hazar Imam is seen addressing the Jamat of Ishkashim in Badakhshan during his first historic visit to the Pamirs in 1995.

I can still remember how our usual summer vacation in 1990 became a complete nightmare in the blink of an eye. My oldest brother and I were sent to Khorog on vacations each summer. We were thrilled to spend our vacations there, in our beautiful Khorog, with our cousins and friends. It was something we were always looking forward to each summer, without even imagining that anything would change; but everything changed this particular summer.

The situation in the capital, Dushanbe, and its surroundings started to show evidence of tension. Political issues were the crux of this angst. Watching hundreds of discontented people on the news, protesting in the main squares of Dushanbe and other places was something unusual for us all to see. Within the context of a Communist background where protests, demonstrations and freedom of speech were sure paths to one’s death, to see such events was rare.

Read full article on Simerg com

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To commemorate Salgirah, the NanoWisdoms Archive of Imamat Speeches, Interviews and Writings is pleased to bring this important documentary for all to enjoy and learn from.

During the 1960s HIS HIGHNESS the Aga Khan, then a young man in his 20s, led a consortium of private investors in the transformation of some 35 miles of desolate, untouched Sardinian coast line at Costa Smeralda, into a world class tourist destination. At an estimated 1969 cost of £70 million (approximately $200 million then, or £1.1 billion ($1.7 billion) today), the development was among the largest private construction projects of its time and put up some 9,000 buildings.

In 1986 the Aga Khan characterised the Costa Smeralda project as an enterprise “that probably one day will … come to be an important prop for our development efforts in the Third World,” (1). Indeed, Costa Smeralda is an invaluable case study (2), pioneering principles of environmentalism in the leisure industry and also impact investment — a concept the Aga Khan today considers as “one of the most important … in the last 50 years” (3) and a fundamental precept of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED).

“A Man of the World” is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the Sardinian development as well as the Aga Khan’s private and public life as Imam of the Ismaili Muslims. The programme, which features extensive excerpts from his interview, highlights his roles, objectives, principles and ethics which guided his vision and strategy in Sardinia.

More on Ismaili Mail

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I drop things to read and listen to his speeches, it’s all about pluralism.  I urge fellow humans to consider listening to him. His talks encompass the idea embedded in God being the God of the universes, not for the 47% but for the full 100% of his creation.  Prophet Muhammad is the mercy to mankind, not just Muslims but the entire 100% of humanity, what he preached was to create cohesive societies, where no human had to live in fear of the other. The only fear he advocated was fear of God for doing wrong to fellow beings. 

Aga Khan lives by example to his 15 Million plus followers around the world. The best way to learn about him is his work, the development work to uplift the ones in the ditches, his institution teaches them how to catch the fish and be self supporting. Visit www.akdn.org/ 

“The Imām knows from which drop of sperm the Imām after him will come”

“His sperm was kneaded along with his intellect.”

“And we come from the Light of God.”

(Imām Ḥasan ‘alā dhikrihi al-salām)

December 13 marks the 76th birthday of Mawlānā Shāh Karīm al-Ḥusaynī (Aga Khan IV), the Haḍir Imām (Present Imām) of the Shī‘ī Ismā‘īlī Muslims.  Imām Shāh Karīm is the forty-ninth hereditary Imām in direct lineal descent from Ḥaḍrat ‘Ali ibn Abi Ṭālib, the first of the Imāms in the Cycle of the Prophet Muḥammad.

Each Imām, with respect to his subtle soul, is the bearer or locus of manifestation (mazhar) of the eternal Light (nūr) of Imāmah – otherwise known as the Universal Intellect (al-‘aql al-kull), the Muhammadan Reality (al-ḥaqīqah al-Muḥammadīyyah), the Eternal Imām, etc. which is the first originated being (al-mubda‘ al-awwal) in the metaphysical hierarchy of existence (Click Here to Read Further).

Red more on Ismaili Gnosis com

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CHITRAL, Dec 13: The Ismaili community in Chitral celebrated the 76th birthday of their spiritual leader, Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV with great pomp and show and enthusiasm on Thursday.

A Salgirah cake is being cut in Chitral

Reports received here from different parts of Chitral, especially Yarkhun valley, Laspur, Mastuj, Booni, Garam Chashma, Arkari, Madaklasht etc., said that special congregations were held to celebrate the event. On this occasion, cakes were cut in houses and religious organizations and offices. People said bakery and other shops saw huge rush of buyers in Chitral,  Mastuj and Booni for about three days.(…)

Read more on Chitral Today Net

LARISSA CAHUTE
VANCOUVER DESI

The Ismaili community across British Columbia will gather for a prayer Thursday evening to recognize His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan’s 76th birthday.

“It’s a very important time for everyone to celebrate and reflect on the vast work that His Highness has undertaken around the world,” said Ali Solehdin, a volunteer from within the Ismaili community.

Read more on Vancouver Desi com

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Mawlana Shah Karim al-Hussaini marking his second birthday with Prince Sadruddin and Prince Amyn on December 13, 1938.

BY NOORANI DATOO

Dear Mowla,
We never imagined the day would come so fast
Seventy-six glorious years outclassed
Together we celebrate your birthday!
As one united, global jamat

Dear Mowla,
You pray for us
You breathe for us
You work for us
You dream for us
Your murids, we are.

Dear Mowla,
Your efforts unite us
Your prayers ignite us
We ask for your pardon if we’ve erred in any way
If we forget to remind ourselves
What you do for us every day.

Dear Mowla,
Excellence
Education
Values
Ethics
We are ambassadors of these words
This our gift we give to you

Dear Mowla,
You bring us together
From, Toronto to London
Karachi to Lisbon
Uganda to Chicago

Dear Mowla,
We know you love us immensely
And you are here with us spiritually
But this is YOUR day
With your big family around the world
We love you and wish you a happy 76th birthday.

Read more on Simerg com

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By Azim Nanji

In common with all major Shiʿite groups, the Ismaʿilis (q.v.) believe that the Imamate is a divinely sanctioned and guided institution, through whose agency Muslims are enabled to contextualize the practice of their faith and to understand fully the exoteric and esoteric dimensions of the Qurʾān. The Imamate exists to complement prophethood and to ensure that the divine purpose is fulfilled on earth at all times and in all places.

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The modern period. The modern period, from the middle of the 19th century, is marked by the transition of the Imamate from Persia to India and then to Europe. It is largely dominated by the lives and activities of three Imams: Ḥasan ʿAli Šāh, Aga Khan I (q.v., d. 1881), Solṭān Moḥammad Šāh, Aga Khan III (d. 1957), and the present Imam, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV (b. 1936).

In its modern and contemporary context, the Imamate has been able to provide Ismaʿili communities with guidance and structures to contextualize and implement their faith in a changing world. Among the Nezāri Ismaʿilis, who have emerged in the last hundred years as a well-organized and coherent Muslim community, the Imamate has created new institutions for the governance, social development and religious continuity of the various worldwide communities, spread in some thirty countries. In addition, by creating a global network of institutions, under the umbrella of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the Imam of the time, Prince Karim Aga Khan, building on the groundwork laid by his grandfather, the previous Imam, has sought to realize the social conscience of Islam, through programs that promote social, cultural, and educational development, encompassing some of the poorest areas of Africa and Asia, to serve significant populations, regardless of their origin, gender, or religion. In this way, the Imamate continues to provide guidance and support to Ismaʿili communities and the populations among whom they live (Daftary, pp. 504-48).

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