The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Posted: 10 Jul 2007 09:08 PM CDT
Published on: 07/11/07
Excellent, thought-provoking article by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
By GORDON D. NEWBY
We are, according to all indications, living in a religious age. Church, synagogue and mosque attendance is increasing, and religious phrases are a greater part of our daily speech. “Have a blessed day,” “What Would Jesus Do?,” “God willing (Inshallah)” are a regular part of affirming the importance of religion in the lives of Atlantans and across America.
The same can be said about many parts of the world I have visited, the Middle East, South Asia, South Africa, just to name a few.
But religion is also under attack. The recent book by Christopher Hitchens, “God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything,” while over the top and often wrong, reflects what we read and hear in our popular media. Iraq, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Ireland, China and Brazil, to name just a few hot spots in the world, are all places racked by religious conflicts. A more careful look, however, lets us see a different picture of religion, one that is not often on the front page of our awareness.
On July 11, 1957, just 50 years ago, a young man of 20 named Karim became the Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, one of the major denominations within Shia Islam. With the title of Aga Khan IV, he is the 49th hereditary spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community and a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. One of his first acts was to visit the Ismaili communities scattered across more than 25 countries around the world, urging them to become citizens of those countries, where possible, and make positive contributions to their societies.
Following the Aga Khan’s leadership, each community of Ismailis contributes locally and internationally to making the world a better place. Focusing particularly on developing nations in Asia and Africa, the Aga Khan through the agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network has built over 300 educational institutions, including two universities, 200 clinics and health centers, five hospitals and other institutions dedicated to improving living conditions for the poor of the world, without regard to their faith, origin or gender.
The Aga Khan Development Network has recently embarked on a joint venture with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to promote “microfinance” opportunities in Asia and Africa.
As you get to know the members of the Ismaili community, you will see how they are inspired by the leadership of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. You will also understand why it is important for all of us to remember the 50 years of his Imamate on this, his golden jubilee, and to think how we can follow this example of making our world a better place. Religions may differ on theology and have frequently exacerbated divisions and conflict. But their positive attributes, shared values and impact on the world too rarely make the headlines. On this occasion, it may be worth reflecting and learning about how one man and his community can make a difference.