Happy Imamat Day-2011
Happy Imamat Day-2011
Happy Imamat day and many Mubarakis to all Ismaili.net forum readers, may Almighty Allah shower you all with tons of happiness in your life,long life with good health, prosperity and strength to stay on Shiratul Mustakim on this auspicious occasion.
Imamat Day Mubarak!
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/1032/mailshot
Mawlana Hazar Imam greets the leaders of the global Ismaili Muslim community outside his residence on 11 July 2007. Photo: AKDN/Gary Otte
Fifty-four years ago, on the 11th of July 1957, Mawlana Hazar Imam succeeded his grandfather, Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims.
In keeping with the 1 400-year old tradition of Muslim leadership, covering all interpretations of Islam, Mawlana Hazar Imam has guided his murids in matters of faith and worked tirelessly to improve the quality and security of their lives. This latter concern extends not only to the Ismailis but all those who share their lives – locally, nationally and internationally.
Mawlana Hazar Imam's vision, as well as the Imamat's institutional capacity to catalyse human development, have been widely recognised by governments, international organisations and civil society institutions. Today, the Imamat’s privileged relationships with many of these enhance its capacity to contribute to human development on a global scale.
Imamat Day is an occasion to reaffirm our allegiance and gratitude to Mawlana Hazar Imam for his benevolence and guidance, and to renew our commitment to the ethics of the faith. On the occasion of the 54th anniversary of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s accession to the Ismaili Imamat, TheIsmaili.org extends warmest Imamat Day wishes to all Ismaili Muslims around the world.
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/1032/mailshot
Mawlana Hazar Imam greets the leaders of the global Ismaili Muslim community outside his residence on 11 July 2007. Photo: AKDN/Gary Otte
Fifty-four years ago, on the 11th of July 1957, Mawlana Hazar Imam succeeded his grandfather, Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims.
In keeping with the 1 400-year old tradition of Muslim leadership, covering all interpretations of Islam, Mawlana Hazar Imam has guided his murids in matters of faith and worked tirelessly to improve the quality and security of their lives. This latter concern extends not only to the Ismailis but all those who share their lives – locally, nationally and internationally.
Mawlana Hazar Imam's vision, as well as the Imamat's institutional capacity to catalyse human development, have been widely recognised by governments, international organisations and civil society institutions. Today, the Imamat’s privileged relationships with many of these enhance its capacity to contribute to human development on a global scale.
Imamat Day is an occasion to reaffirm our allegiance and gratitude to Mawlana Hazar Imam for his benevolence and guidance, and to renew our commitment to the ethics of the faith. On the occasion of the 54th anniversary of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s accession to the Ismaili Imamat, TheIsmaili.org extends warmest Imamat Day wishes to all Ismaili Muslims around the world.
http://www.dawn.com/2011/07/12/skardu-t ... gb-cm.html
Excerpt:
The Ismailee community observed 49th Imamat Anniversary of Prince Karim Aga Khan who was conferred upon the spiritual leadership by his grandfather Sir Sultan Mohammad Shah on July 1957 as the 48th Imam of the community.
Like other parts of the country, the day was dawned with special prayers for the solidarity, integrity and prosperity of the country and promotion of brotherhood among the Muslims.
Special functions, events and religious congregations were organised across the Gilgit-Baltistan which were attended by thousands of faithful.
The speakers paid rich tributes to the Imam and urged followers to forge unity and work for promotion of brotherhood.
They highlighted the significance of the day and stressed the need for following the teachings of Prince Karim Aga Khan in true sense to serve the humanity. The speakers congratulated the audience and said the day called for human service.
The community centres and worship points were decorated while the illumination on mountains gave an attractive look in this mountainous region.
Various sports and recreational activities were also held to celebrate the day. The chief minister, governor, speaker and deputy speaker of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly congratulated the Ismailee Muslims on this day.
The GB government had announced a local holiday while strict security measures were adopted on the day. —Correspondent
Excerpt:
The Ismailee community observed 49th Imamat Anniversary of Prince Karim Aga Khan who was conferred upon the spiritual leadership by his grandfather Sir Sultan Mohammad Shah on July 1957 as the 48th Imam of the community.
Like other parts of the country, the day was dawned with special prayers for the solidarity, integrity and prosperity of the country and promotion of brotherhood among the Muslims.
Special functions, events and religious congregations were organised across the Gilgit-Baltistan which were attended by thousands of faithful.
The speakers paid rich tributes to the Imam and urged followers to forge unity and work for promotion of brotherhood.
They highlighted the significance of the day and stressed the need for following the teachings of Prince Karim Aga Khan in true sense to serve the humanity. The speakers congratulated the audience and said the day called for human service.
The community centres and worship points were decorated while the illumination on mountains gave an attractive look in this mountainous region.
Various sports and recreational activities were also held to celebrate the day. The chief minister, governor, speaker and deputy speaker of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly congratulated the Ismailee Muslims on this day.
The GB government had announced a local holiday while strict security measures were adopted on the day. —Correspondent
Minister Kenney issues statement recognizing Imamat Day
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department ... -07-11.asp
Ottawa, July 11 2011 – The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement recognizing Imamat Day:
“Today is Imamat Day and I am pleased to join Ismailis in Canada and around the world in marking the 54th anniversary of the accession of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan as Imam of the Shi'a Ismaili Muslims.
“We are honoured and privileged to have so many connections between Canada and the work of the Aga Khan.
“Among the connections: Toronto will be home the Aga Khan Museum when it opens in 2013. Sharing the same site will be an Ismaili Centre – the second such community centre in Canada and one of only a handful in the world.
“Then there is the Global Centre for Pluralism located in Ottawa, an international centre for research, education and exchange about the values, practices and policies that make up successful pluralist societies.
“These initiatives exemplify the vision of the Aga Khan, who has acknowledged Canada as a model for the world when it comes to pluralism.
“There’s yet another connection. At a ceremony in May 2010, in a moment of great pride for Canadians, His Highness was bestowed with honourary Canadian citizenship by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
“As Prime Minister Harper has said, the Aga Khan’s ‘name has become synonymous with humanitarian aid and development in countries beset by conflict and poverty. Just as importantly, he has worked tirelessly as a bridge-builder between faiths and cultures.’
“For all Canadians, Imamat Day provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about the remarkable contributions of the Aga Khan and the Canadian Ismaili community.
“As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I extend sincere congratulations to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan on the 54th anniversary of his accession as Imam, and sincere gratitude for his continued commitment to Canada.”
For further information (media only), please contact:
Candice Malcolm
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department ... -07-11.asp
Ottawa, July 11 2011 – The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement recognizing Imamat Day:
“Today is Imamat Day and I am pleased to join Ismailis in Canada and around the world in marking the 54th anniversary of the accession of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan as Imam of the Shi'a Ismaili Muslims.
“We are honoured and privileged to have so many connections between Canada and the work of the Aga Khan.
“Among the connections: Toronto will be home the Aga Khan Museum when it opens in 2013. Sharing the same site will be an Ismaili Centre – the second such community centre in Canada and one of only a handful in the world.
“Then there is the Global Centre for Pluralism located in Ottawa, an international centre for research, education and exchange about the values, practices and policies that make up successful pluralist societies.
“These initiatives exemplify the vision of the Aga Khan, who has acknowledged Canada as a model for the world when it comes to pluralism.
“There’s yet another connection. At a ceremony in May 2010, in a moment of great pride for Canadians, His Highness was bestowed with honourary Canadian citizenship by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
“As Prime Minister Harper has said, the Aga Khan’s ‘name has become synonymous with humanitarian aid and development in countries beset by conflict and poverty. Just as importantly, he has worked tirelessly as a bridge-builder between faiths and cultures.’
“For all Canadians, Imamat Day provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about the remarkable contributions of the Aga Khan and the Canadian Ismaili community.
“As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I extend sincere congratulations to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan on the 54th anniversary of his accession as Imam, and sincere gratitude for his continued commitment to Canada.”
For further information (media only), please contact:
Candice Malcolm
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
Govt lauds Aga Khan
Mr Mbabazi (L) and Mr Ahmed (R) toasting during the celebrations. PHOTO BY ISAAC KASAMANI
By Juliet Kigongo (email the author)
Posted Thursday, July 21 2011 at 00:00
Government has commended the Aga Khan Development Network for its tremendous contribution to the overall development of the country through its multifaceted investments.
“It is this kind of visionary thinking and the deep investment of His Highness the Aga Khan through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) that is redefining the potential of the developing world,” said Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi.
Mr Mbabazi made the remarks during celebrations to mark 54 years of His Highness the Aga Khan since he became the 49th Imam of the Worldwide Shia Ismaili Muslim Community on the Imamat Day, in Kampala on Tuesday.
The Interrelationship
Mr Mbabazi said it is also important to recognise the interrelationship between the social and economic programmes of the AKDN.
He said the direction of AKDN in various areas of investment are aligned with the government’s national development priorities in areas of infrastructure development through energy and transportation as well as building human capacity through education and healthcare.
Mr Mbabazi described the Agha Khan as a firm believer in the potential of Africa.
He said the leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community is also an advocate of excellence in development and has emphasised the importance of achieving global standards in the developing world.
Mr Mahmood Ahmed, a representative of the Aga Khan Development Network Uganda, said the Ismaili Imamat has devoted its energy and effort towards addressing issues about humanity. It also seeks to demonstrate by example those values, ethics and principles which seek to fulfil mankind’s duty.
“The AKDN is the contemporary expression of the human values which are realised through our many projects and initiatives, particularly in the developing world. This is often in partnership with the countries and organisations you represent and anchored by AKDN’s diplomatic presence in a number of countries, including Uganda,” Mr Ahmed said.
Ethical literacy
He asked for ethical literacy as one necessary dimension for the building of strong and lasting institutions in Uganda.
“Building institutions is a vital component of development and has very far reaching consequences if handled correctly,” he said.
http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/ ... index.html
Mr Mbabazi (L) and Mr Ahmed (R) toasting during the celebrations. PHOTO BY ISAAC KASAMANI
By Juliet Kigongo (email the author)
Posted Thursday, July 21 2011 at 00:00
Government has commended the Aga Khan Development Network for its tremendous contribution to the overall development of the country through its multifaceted investments.
“It is this kind of visionary thinking and the deep investment of His Highness the Aga Khan through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) that is redefining the potential of the developing world,” said Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi.
Mr Mbabazi made the remarks during celebrations to mark 54 years of His Highness the Aga Khan since he became the 49th Imam of the Worldwide Shia Ismaili Muslim Community on the Imamat Day, in Kampala on Tuesday.
The Interrelationship
Mr Mbabazi said it is also important to recognise the interrelationship between the social and economic programmes of the AKDN.
He said the direction of AKDN in various areas of investment are aligned with the government’s national development priorities in areas of infrastructure development through energy and transportation as well as building human capacity through education and healthcare.
Mr Mbabazi described the Agha Khan as a firm believer in the potential of Africa.
He said the leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community is also an advocate of excellence in development and has emphasised the importance of achieving global standards in the developing world.
Mr Mahmood Ahmed, a representative of the Aga Khan Development Network Uganda, said the Ismaili Imamat has devoted its energy and effort towards addressing issues about humanity. It also seeks to demonstrate by example those values, ethics and principles which seek to fulfil mankind’s duty.
“The AKDN is the contemporary expression of the human values which are realised through our many projects and initiatives, particularly in the developing world. This is often in partnership with the countries and organisations you represent and anchored by AKDN’s diplomatic presence in a number of countries, including Uganda,” Mr Ahmed said.
Ethical literacy
He asked for ethical literacy as one necessary dimension for the building of strong and lasting institutions in Uganda.
“Building institutions is a vital component of development and has very far reaching consequences if handled correctly,” he said.
http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/ ... index.html
Prince Karim Aga Khan IV and the Ismaili Sect of Shia Islam
By The World ⋅ July 26, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment
This month, members of the Nizari Ismaili branch of Islam celebrate 54 years since their leader took over.
Prince Karim Aga Khan the IV doesn’t exactly fit the profile you’d expect of a Muslim holy man. He’s a half-European billionaire, a former world-class skier, and the one-time stepson of Hollywood legend Rita Hayworth.
To his followers, he’s a living legend, a direct descendent of the prophet Mohammed. But he has also become a significant figure in international development, literally reshaping the landscape.
High up in the Pamir Mountains of Eastern Tajikistan, bulldozers are moving mounds of earth to make way for a new college campus. When it’s finished, people are expected to come from around Central Asia to study here.
Signs expressing devotion to the "Aga Khan", imam of the Nizari Ismaili branch of Islam, are visible throughout the Pamir Mountains of Eastern Tajikistan, where the vast majority of residents are his followers. (photo: Lily Jamali)
This is just one planned branch of the University of Central Asia, with others underway in nearby Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
The funding comes from the Aga Khan Development Network, which doles out more than half a billion dollars a year to philanthropic projects. It’s a secular organization.
But the man behind the foundation is the leader of the Nizari Ismailis, the second largest branch of Shia Islam, with an estimated 15 million followers worldwide. They’re scattered throughout at least 25 nations, including sizeable populations in the U.S. and Canada.
In Tajikistan, Nizari Ismailis make up the majority in the Pamir Mountains, a range whose height has earned it the moniker the “Roof of the World.” Photos of their leader, known as “the Aga Khan,” grace the walls of virtually every home and business here.
Last week, Nizari Ismailis celebrated the Aga Khan’s rise to the position of “imam.” Dr. Ali Mohammad Rajput is a Khalifa in the city of Khorog, Tajikistan. He said each imam chooses his successor from among his male descendents. The current Aga Khan was chosen by his grandfather.
“He’s the 49th imam after Ali,” Rajput said. “We Ismailis see him as the imam of our time.”
Ismailism is an offshoot of Shia Islam. The sect broke away in the 8th century after a dispute over succession. The Aga Khan leads the largest group of Ismailis, although there are other sects. Druze and Alevis are considered Ismailis. Dr. Rajput said the Aga Khan urges his followers to find common ground with all faiths.
“Aga Khan told me you must build bridges. Make bridges to others. Make friendships,” Rajput said.
That theme was mentioned again and again at a recent public prayer service in Khorog, Tajikistan, commemorating the Aga Khan’s 54th year as imam.
Although his personal life makes him a frequent subject in European gossip pages, the Aga Khan has said he prefers to stay out of the limelight, allowing his development work to speak for itself. That work is on display throughout Tajikistan, a former Soviet Republic and the poorest nation in Central Asia. In the tradition of Nizari Ismailis, who are credited with building Cairo and Al-Azhar University, the world’s first, he’s built schools, hospitals and parks here.
Construction is currently underway at the University of Central Asia's Tajikistan branch in Khorog, with others also underway in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The campuses are among the many projects in Central Asia lead by the Aga Khan Development Network. (Photo: Lily Jamali)
Shortly after the U.S.S.R. fell in the early 90s, Tajikistan descended into five years of civil war. Iftikhor Kukanboev teaches religion in Khorog. He said the Aga Khan provided help to the Pamir region when no one else did.
“There was a lot of support from his Highness the Aga Khan,” Kukanboev said. “All the roads were blocked to this part of the world, there was no food provision coming, there was nothing and this was the imam who provided people with food and everything.”
Despite the Aga Khan’s efforts in this far corner of the world, poverty continues to plague Tajikistan. Nizari Ismailis are among thousands of Tajiks who go abroad each year in search of work.
For those left behind, devotion has helped them hold on while their nation continues to find its footing.
http://www.theworld.org/2011/07/prince- ... hia-islam/
By The World ⋅ July 26, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment
This month, members of the Nizari Ismaili branch of Islam celebrate 54 years since their leader took over.
Prince Karim Aga Khan the IV doesn’t exactly fit the profile you’d expect of a Muslim holy man. He’s a half-European billionaire, a former world-class skier, and the one-time stepson of Hollywood legend Rita Hayworth.
To his followers, he’s a living legend, a direct descendent of the prophet Mohammed. But he has also become a significant figure in international development, literally reshaping the landscape.
High up in the Pamir Mountains of Eastern Tajikistan, bulldozers are moving mounds of earth to make way for a new college campus. When it’s finished, people are expected to come from around Central Asia to study here.
Signs expressing devotion to the "Aga Khan", imam of the Nizari Ismaili branch of Islam, are visible throughout the Pamir Mountains of Eastern Tajikistan, where the vast majority of residents are his followers. (photo: Lily Jamali)
This is just one planned branch of the University of Central Asia, with others underway in nearby Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
The funding comes from the Aga Khan Development Network, which doles out more than half a billion dollars a year to philanthropic projects. It’s a secular organization.
But the man behind the foundation is the leader of the Nizari Ismailis, the second largest branch of Shia Islam, with an estimated 15 million followers worldwide. They’re scattered throughout at least 25 nations, including sizeable populations in the U.S. and Canada.
In Tajikistan, Nizari Ismailis make up the majority in the Pamir Mountains, a range whose height has earned it the moniker the “Roof of the World.” Photos of their leader, known as “the Aga Khan,” grace the walls of virtually every home and business here.
Last week, Nizari Ismailis celebrated the Aga Khan’s rise to the position of “imam.” Dr. Ali Mohammad Rajput is a Khalifa in the city of Khorog, Tajikistan. He said each imam chooses his successor from among his male descendents. The current Aga Khan was chosen by his grandfather.
“He’s the 49th imam after Ali,” Rajput said. “We Ismailis see him as the imam of our time.”
Ismailism is an offshoot of Shia Islam. The sect broke away in the 8th century after a dispute over succession. The Aga Khan leads the largest group of Ismailis, although there are other sects. Druze and Alevis are considered Ismailis. Dr. Rajput said the Aga Khan urges his followers to find common ground with all faiths.
“Aga Khan told me you must build bridges. Make bridges to others. Make friendships,” Rajput said.
That theme was mentioned again and again at a recent public prayer service in Khorog, Tajikistan, commemorating the Aga Khan’s 54th year as imam.
Although his personal life makes him a frequent subject in European gossip pages, the Aga Khan has said he prefers to stay out of the limelight, allowing his development work to speak for itself. That work is on display throughout Tajikistan, a former Soviet Republic and the poorest nation in Central Asia. In the tradition of Nizari Ismailis, who are credited with building Cairo and Al-Azhar University, the world’s first, he’s built schools, hospitals and parks here.
Construction is currently underway at the University of Central Asia's Tajikistan branch in Khorog, with others also underway in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The campuses are among the many projects in Central Asia lead by the Aga Khan Development Network. (Photo: Lily Jamali)
Shortly after the U.S.S.R. fell in the early 90s, Tajikistan descended into five years of civil war. Iftikhor Kukanboev teaches religion in Khorog. He said the Aga Khan provided help to the Pamir region when no one else did.
“There was a lot of support from his Highness the Aga Khan,” Kukanboev said. “All the roads were blocked to this part of the world, there was no food provision coming, there was nothing and this was the imam who provided people with food and everything.”
Despite the Aga Khan’s efforts in this far corner of the world, poverty continues to plague Tajikistan. Nizari Ismailis are among thousands of Tajiks who go abroad each year in search of work.
For those left behind, devotion has helped them hold on while their nation continues to find its footing.
http://www.theworld.org/2011/07/prince- ... hia-islam/