Ismaili and Aga Khan in History: Today0720

Today in History: July 20

1945, July 20: The first “Ismaili Mission Conference” was held in the auditorium of the Aga Khan High School, Dar-es-Salaam to discuss the religious education and the training of the missionaries and teachers. The Imam inaugurated the Conference on July 20, 1945 and told the delegates that the Africans should no longer rely on missionaries from abroad, but produce its own manpower in their Mission Centre. He further said: "I cannot go further without telling you at once that we all owe a great debt of gratitude to Mr. Macklai who has accomplished a wonderful work. He has, like anybody else, weaknesses but he has done a great deal of work that will remain historical, and has made a great name for Ismailis amongst all learned circles by establishing the Islamic Research Association and by getting men like Dr. Ivanow and Mr. Fyzee to look into the ancient documents. And, I think, we cannot do better than pass a resolution of thanking and appreciating the work done by Mr. Macklai." During his speech in the last session, Imam Sultan Muhammed Shah said, “As rightly said by one of our missionaries, Mr. Hamir Lakha, that with regard to religion you must never reason with people who have no religion. This is perfectly true because Islam and Ismailism are built on Iman and Momin.”

The burial ceremony of Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah was performed on Friday, July 20, 1957. Mawlana Hazar Imam led the funeral prayers. Mowlana Shah Karim also gave Didar to the leaders on the same dayat Semirames Hotel at 11.30 p.m.

1998, July 20: The Spanish magazine Hola published more photos of the Portugal visit by Mowlana Shah Karim and Begum Inaara. So did the French Point de Vue.

2004, July 20: THE Aga Khan, the leader of the Ismaili Muslims, yesterday arrived in the country for a private visit during which he will attend the 50th anniversary of the Kibuli-based Uganda Muslim Education Association today. Sources in the Office of the President, said the Aga Khan is scheduled to hold talks with President Yoweri Museveni today. [New Vision]

2004, July 20: Speaking at a luncheon hosted by the Aga Khan Development Network Resident Representative Mr Anil Ishani at Serena Hotel, yesterday, Mr Khaemba said the opening of Aga Khan University, in Nairobi, would address the health staff shortage in the country, especially for doctors in special fields. The luncheon was hosted by the network's resident representative Anil Ishani and attended by Princess Zahra Aga Khan. [Daily Nation]