The Shia Ismaili Muslims are a community of ethnically and culturally diverse peoples living in over 25 countries around the world, united in their allegiance to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan (known to the Ismailis as Mawlana Hazar Imam) as the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader), and direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family). This is the official website of the Ismaili Muslim community.

Golden Jubilee

Canada visit

Mawlana Hazar Imam with Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, at Rideau Hall. Photo: Gary Otte

Wednesday, 19 November
Today, Mawlana Hazar Imam called on the Governor General of Canada at Rideau Hall. Later, Hazar Imam held meetings with Canadian government ministers as well as the President of the Canadian International Development Agency.

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Asia

Civic participation and institutional expertise assist villages in Tajikistan to prepare for natural disaster

In the Ghund Valley of Shugnan district in 2004, community members engage in a mapping exercise to gauge their preparedness for potential disasters. Photo: Courtesy of FOCUS

Thousands of families living in Tajikistan experience earthquakes and other hazards throughout the year that impact their lives and livelihoods. Focus Humanitarian Assistance strives to reduce the impact of natural disasters through community-based initiatives.

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North America

The way we celebrate

 Photo: Aziz Ladha

In the days leading up to Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visit to Canada, the diversity of the Jamat’s cultural roots will come alive in celebration. Events have been planned across the country under the theme One Jamat, One Heart.

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Europe

Euroventures Conference 2008: Accelerated growth through cross-border collaboration

Manley Hopkinson, at the 2008 Euroventures Conference, spoke of being caught on his sailboat during a hurricane and how he overcame the obstacles. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for the EU

Amidst a global atmosphere of financial uncertainty, the second annual Euroventures Conference featured a series of speakers that focused on opportunities instead of obstacles. Over 250 Ismaili entrepreneurs and professionals from ten countries across Europe gathered from 4 – 5 October at Le Palais des Congrès de Paris.

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Middle East

Qatar’s quest to build a knowledge society

The Weill Cornell Medical College in Doha’s Education City. Photo: Vobios (Flickr.com)

Qatar is in a hurry to meet the challenges of a dynamically changing world by transforming itself into a knowledge society. Its leaders are propelling the nation on a quest for excellence in education.

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International Programmes

Ali to Karim ends USA tour with final performance in Houston

Ali to Karim scene: A Fatimid Pageant in Cairo. Photo: Hyder Ali

After captivating the Jamat and, in a special way, bringing the history of the Ismaili Imams so close to the Jamat during their tour of the United States, the cast and crew of ALI TO KARIM: A Tribute to the Ismaili Imams share their parting reflections and memories of what the experience was like for them."

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Africa

Illustrated publication on Ismaili history launched in Kenya by The Institute of Ismaili Studies

Dr Farhad Daftary addresses the audience at the launch of the book “The Ismailis: An Illustrated History” which he co-authored with Dr Zulfikar Hirji. Photo: Zahir Daya

Kenya hosted the first major launch of an Institute of Ismaili Studies publication outside North America and Europe. The authors and staff of The Institute recounted the journey of the making of the book, and its importance at this juncture in Ismaili history.

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Golden Jubilee

Find out more on the Golden Jubilee