Introduction

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).

 

Articles related to: Mawlana Hazar Imam

Mawlana Hazar Imam is awarded Honorary Canadian Citizenship as he is joined by Prime Minister for Foundation Ceremony in Toronto

Mawlana Hazar Imam receives a certificate of Honorary Canadian Citizenship from Prime Minister Harper. Photo: Moez Visram

Toronto, 28 May 2010 — Mawlana Hazar Imam and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper were in Toronto today to mark the Foundation of the Ismaili Centre, the Aga Khan Museum and their Park situated in the city’s Don Mills area. The Prime Minister used the occasion to formally announce the Canadian Parliament’s unanimous decision to make Mawlana Hazar Imam an Honorary Canadian Citizen.

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Mawlana Hazar Imam arrives in Toronto ahead of Foundation Ceremony

At his arrival in Toronto, Mawlana Hazar Imam is greeted by James Moore, the Federal Minister of Canadian Heritage, and Kathleen Wynne, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation. Photo: Gary Otte

Toronto, 27 May 2010 — Following a short visit to Ottawa, Mawlana Hazar Imam landed in Toronto this afternoon, where he will participate in tomorrow’s Foundation Ceremony of the Ismaili Centre, the first-ever Aga Khan Museum for Islamic Art and Culture, and the park where they will be situated in the city’s Don Mills neighbourhood.

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Mawlana Hazar Imam arrives in Canada to lay foundation of Ismaili Centre, museum and park

Upon his arrival in Ottawa, Mawlana Hazar Imam was welcomed by Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Lawrence Cannon, Ismaili Council for Canada President Mohamed Manji, and other leaders of the Jamat and AKDN institutions in Canada. Photo: Zahur Ramji

Ottawa, 26 May 2010 — Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived in Ottawa this afternoon, marking the start of a two-day visit to Canada during which he will participate in the Foundation Ceremony of the Ismaili Centre, the first-ever Aga Khan Museum for Islamic Art and Culture, and the park where they will be situated in Toronto’s Don Mills neighbourhood.

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A half century of the Daily Nation

Stan Denman, Managing Director of Nation Printers and Publishers (now NMG), with Mawlana Hazar Imam and Vin Duncan, Production Manager of Nation Newspapers in 1981. Photo: Courtesy of Nation Media Group

When the Daily Nation was established in 1960, the newspaper business in Kenya was dominated by the colonial press, which did not represent the interests and aspirations of the local people. By staying true to its mission of helping the newly independent country discover its civic voice, the Nation emerged as the country’s most popular daily.

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Marking the 50th anniversary of the Daily Nation, Mawlana Hazar Imam announces a new journalism school to be situated in East Africa

Mawlana Hazar Imam delivering the Founder’s Address at the Pan-Africa Media conference, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Nation Media Group. Photo: AKDN/Gary Otte

Mawlana Hazar Imam announced the establishment of a new Graduate School of Media and Communications today, which will be part of the Aga Khan University (AKU) in East Africa. Hazar Imam made the announcement as part of his address at the inaugural Pan-Africa Media Conference, which marks the 50th Anniversary of the Nation Media Group.

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Mawlana Hazar Imam receives “Prix de l’Entrepreneur philanthropique de l’année 2009”

Prince Amyn, Princess Zahra and Prince Hussain joined Mawlana Hazar Imam at the Le Nouvel Economiste award ceremony, where Hazar Imam received the Prix de l’Entrepreneur philanthropique de l’année 2009 (2009 Philanthropic Entrepreneur of the Year Award). Photo: AKDN/Gary Otte

Mawlana Hazar Imam received the Prix de l’Entrepreneur philanthropique de l’année 2009 (2009 Philanthropic Entrepreneur of the Year Award) presented to him by Le Nouvel Economiste, at a ceremony held on 17 December at the Cour des Comptes in Paris.

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Mawlana Hazar Imam signs landmark agreements with California and Texas

Mawlana Hazar Imam and Governor Schwarzenegger engaged in conversation during the luncheon at Stanford Mansion. Photo: Zahur Ramji

Following his visit to Texas, Mawlana Hazar Imam traveled to Sacramento where he and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a landmark Agreement of Cooperation between the Ismaili Imamat and the State of California.

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Mawlana Hazar Imam signs agreement between the Ismaili Imamat and the State of Texas

Governor Perry and Mawlana Hazar Imam exchange friendly remarks before signing the Agreement of Cooperation. Photo: Zahur Ramji

At the invitation of Texas State Governor Rick Perry, Mawlana Hazar Imam traveled to Austin to sign an Agreement of Cooperation between the State of Texas and the Ismaili Imamat. During the visit, Hazar Imam and Governor Perry also held talks at the State Capitol on a range of issues of mutual interest.

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Mawlana Hazar Imam opens “a park for all seasons” in the Khorog city centre

Mawlana Hazar Imam arrives at Khorog Park together with the First Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan and the Governor of Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast. They are accompanied by the General Manager of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and the AKDN Resident Representative for Tajikistan. Photo: Gary Otte

A newly revitalised Khorog City Park was inaugurated on 10 October 2009 by First Deputy Prime Minister Asadullo Gulomov of the Republic of Tajikistan, in the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam. The Park is a significant new green space that will serve the residents of the capital of the Gorno-Badakhshan autonomous region in Tajikistan.

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Mawlana Hazar Imam visits East Africa

In advance of the inaugural ceremony, Mawlana Hazar Imam, accompanied by Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya, tours Forodhani Park with Luis Monreal, General Manager of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. Photo: Zahur Ramji

Mawlana Hazar Imam, accompanied by Princess Zahra, is currently on a brief tour of East Africa to review the progress of Aga Khan Development Network initiatives in the region. Photographs of Hazar Imam’s visit to Mombasa and Nairobi can be viewed here.

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Update: Mawlana Hazar Imam is made an honorary citizen of Canada

The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, with Mawlana Hazar Imam in front of the Prime Minister’s residence at 24 Sussex Drive in Ottawa. Photo: Gary Otte

19 June 2009 — Today, the Canadian House of Commons gave unanimous consent to a motion granting Honorary Canadian Citizenship to Mawlana Hazar Imam. In a statement, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he looks forward “to welcoming the Aga Khan back to Canada as an Honorary Citizen.”

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Canada visit

Mawlana Hazar Imam waves as he prepares to depart Canada, completing his Golden Jubilee visit to the country. Photo: Gary Otte

During his Canadian visit, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the Governor-General of Canada, as well as senior government and Jamati leaders, and granted four Golden Jubilee Darbars across the country. Hazar Imam was joined by the Prime Minister for the opening of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa.

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Eight hundred year-old Cambridge University awards Mawlana Hazar Imam an honorary degree

University of Cambridge Chancellor, His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, and Vice Chancellor Professor Alison Richard with Mawlana Hazar Imam and other honorary degree recipients. Photo: University of Cambridge

In a colourful and historic ceremony held on Friday, 12 June, the University of Cambridge conferred upon Mawlana Hazar Imam an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity. Hazar Imam became the first Muslim to receive the distinction in the University’s long and storied history.

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University’s international ambitions resonate with students

Mawlana Hazar Imam at the University of Alberta Convocation ceremony where he was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree. Photo: Moez Visram

That students at the University of Alberta are inspired to make an international impact through their activities is no coincidence. Their school is engaged in an array of international collaborations around the world, a fact remarked upon by Mawlana Hazar Imam in his convocation address.

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International agreement signed between the Portuguese Republic and the Ismaili Imamat

Mawlana Hazar Imam arrives at the Portuguese Ministry of State and Foreign Affairs with Foreign Minister Luis Amado for the signing of the international agreement between the Portuguese Republic and the Ismaili Imamat. They are accompanied by AKDN Resident Representative Nazim Ahmad and President Amirali Bhanji of the Ismaili Council for Portugal. Photo: Ricardo Oliveira and Nuno Saraiva

An historic international agreement was signed between the Portuguese Republic and the Ismaili Imamat on matters relating to religion, cooperation, culture and education. The agreement was signed by Foreign Minister Luis Amado and Mawlana Hazar Imam at the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (em Português)

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Being human together

Mawlana Hazar Imam addresses the 2009 Conference of the Global Philanthropy Forum in Washington, DC. Photo: AKDN/Zahur Ramji

Reflecting on Mawlana Hazar Imam's speech at the 2009 Conference of the Global Philanthropy Forum, Asif Penwala explores the connection between philanthropy, the ethic of compassion and voluntary service. He observes how this relationship comes together within the Jamat, as well as the wider sphere of the Ismaili Imamat. Also see the video.

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Canadian Jamat jubilant over visit

A group of Ismailis in Vancouver hold a banner welcoming Mawlana Hazar Imam to the city on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee visit to Canada. Photo: Asif Bhalesha

For the Canadian Jamat, a year-and-a-half of anticipation, planning and hard work culminated in Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visit to the country in November 2008. Some 20 000 volunteers ensured that the experience was a happy and memorable one.

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The commemoration of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee draws to a close

Mawlana Hazar Imam addresses leaders of the Jamat, who had come to pay homage on behalf of the Jamat on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee. Photo: Aziz IslamshahThe commemoration of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years since he became the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, drew to a close on Mawlana Hazar Imam’s birthday, 13 December 2008.

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France visit diary

Mawlana Hazar Imam, Prince Amyn, Prince Hussain and senior Jamati leaders applaud the young Ismailis who performed during the dinner hosted by the Jamati institutions in France. Photo: Akbar Hakim

Mawlana Hazar Imam granted the final Darbar of his Golden Jubilee in Paris, and was joined by Prince Amyn, Princess Zahra, Prince Rahim, Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya. Hazar Imam also met with senior government and Jamati leaders in France, and signed an agreement between the AKDN and the French Republic.

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Canada visit diary

Mawlana Hazar Imam waves as he prepares to depart Canada, completing his Golden Jubilee visit to the country. Photo: Gary Otte

During his Canadian visit, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the Governor-General of Canada, as well as senior government and Jamati leaders, and granted four Golden Jubilee Darbars across the country. Hazar Imam was joined by the Prime Minister for the opening of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa.

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Eleven countries, one Jamat united in celebration

Members of the Jamat from Japan perform in “Rangeen Safar” — a showcase of the cultures of the countries in which the Ismaili Imams resided over 1 400 years, as well as the countries where the Far East Jamat lives today. Photo: Akbar Hakim

Jamati members from 11 countries of the Far East are gathering in Singapore for Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visit. The events and celebrations leading up to the Darbar reflect the diversity of the Jamat in the region.

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Speech at the Foundation Ceremony of The Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre, Khorog

Describing a vision for Khorog as “the Jewel of the Pamir,” Mawlana Hazar Imam delivers his address at the foundation laying ceremony for the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre in Khorog. Photo: Gary Otte

Speech by Mawlana Hazar Imam at the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of The Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre, Khorog on Monday, 3 November 2008

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Jamat prepares for Mawlana Hazar Imam’s arrival in Tajikistan

A commemorative Golden Jubilee banner decorates Rudaki Avenue, the main street of Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s capital. Photo: Moez Visram

The Jamat of Tajikistan is eagerly awaiting the commencement of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit with anticipation and excitement. From sprucing up the streets to holding celebratory community gatherings, members of the Jamat are preparing for the country’s first Darbars in ten years.

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Syria visit diary

President Nasser al-Maghout of the Ismaili Council for Syria bids farewell to Mawlana Hazar Imam at the conclusion of his Golden Jubilee visit to Syria. Photo: Gary Otte

In his six-day visit to Syria, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with senior government leaders, including the President and Prime Minister, and oversaw the establishment of various projects and agreements between AKDN institutions and the Syrian government. Hazar Imam also granted Golden Jubilee Darbars in Salamieh and Al-Khawabi, and met with senior Jamati and institutional leaders.

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Seeds of hope: Cultivating democracy, pluralism and civil society

Where Hope Takes Root: Democracy and Pluralism in an Interdependent World. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Canada

Where Hope Takes Root is a collection of speeches given by Mawlana Hazar Imam over the past six years. Its publication coincides with the Golden Jubilee, which presents an opportunity to reflect on 50 years of Imamat, as well as the key themes and ideas that underlie the Imam’s work.

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Portugal visit diary

Mawlana Hazar Imam heads toward his plane prior to departing Lisbon at the conclusion of his Golden Jubilee visit to Portugal. Photo: Zahur Ramji

During his visit to Portugal, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with senior government leaders, including the President and the Prime Minister, and together with the Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon, witnessed the signing of an agreement between the Catholic University of Portugal and the Aga Khan University. Hazar Imam also met with senior Jamati leaders and granted a Golden Jubilee Darbar in Lisbon.

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United Kingdom visit diary

Leaders of the Jamat gather at the London Heliport as Mawlana Hazar Imam prepares to depart the United Kingdom. Photo: Gary Otte

Between 2 – 8 July 2008, Mawlana Hazar Imam visited the United Kingdom, where Her Majesty the Queen hosted a dinner in his honour. Hazar Imam also met with senior UK government leaders, including the Prime Minister, as well as senior Jamati and institutional leaders, and granted a Golden Jubilee Darbar at the ExCeL centre.

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Bangladesh visit diary

Mawlana Hazar Imam is joined by Bangladesh’s Honourable Adviser for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed, in unveiling the plaque marking the foundation of the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre in Dhaka. Photo: Gary Otte

During his visit to Bangladesh between 19 – 22 May 2008, Mawlana Hazar Imam granted a Golden Jubilee Darbar to the Jamat in Dhaka. Hazar Imam also presided over the foundation of the Aga Khan Academy and the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre Dhaka.

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India visit diary

Mawlana Hazar Imam meets with Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. Photo: Gary Otte

Mawlana Hazar Imam's Golden Jubilee visit to India between 12 – 19 May 2008 included stops in Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat. In addition to granting Darbars to the Jamat, Hazar Imam met with government leaders and visited AKDN institutions and projects in various parts of the country.

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West Africa visit diary

Mawlana Hazar Imam is greeted by His Excellency President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal. Photo: Gary Otte

Mawlana Hazar Imam travelled to Mali, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal during his Golden Jubilee tour of West Africa. During the tour, Hazar Imam was warmly welcomed by government leaders from all countries as he attended to various AKDN programmes and initiatives in the region.

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United States of America visit diary

Mawlana Hazar Imam and Princess Zahra walk under a sabre arch salute presented by the Sol Ross volunteers of Texas, as they disembark in Austin, USA. Photo: Gary Otte

Mawlana Hazar Imam made an eight-day Golden Jubilee visit to the United States from 11 – 19 April 2008. During the visit, Hazar Imam granted Darbars in Texas, California, Illinois and Georgia, met with government leaders, and delivered the International Baccalaureate Organisation Peterson Lecture.

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United Arab Emirates visit diary

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum bids farewell to Mawlana Hazar Imam at the Royal Terminal of Dubai International Airport, as members of the Jamati leadership look on. Photo: Gary Otte

In March 2008, Mawlana Hazar Imam travelled to the United Arab Emirates for a Golden Jubilee visit. During the busy four day trip, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the Jamat and presided over the historic opening of the Ismaili Centre Dubai.

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Opening of the Ismaili Centre Dubai

The entrance of the Ismaili Centre, Dubai is adorned by fountains, trees and a five-arched teak and meranti portico. Photo: Gary Otte

Mawlana Hazar Imam officially opened the Ismaili Centre Dubai on 26 March 2008. Information about the opening of the Centre, including the press release, Mawlana Hazar Imam's speech, videos, photographs and fact sheets can be found here.

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Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Ismaili Centre, Dubai

Mawlana Hazar Imam addresses the guests at the opening ceremony of the Ismaili Centre Dubai. Photo: Gary Otte

Speech made by Mawlana Hazar Imam at the inauguration of the Ismaili Centre Dubai on 26 March 2008.

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Under the Eaves of Architecture

Cover of book showing Burnaby Jamatkhana, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Photo: Photo: Anar Simpson

Philip Jodidio, educated at Harvard where he studied economics and art history, has written more than 50 books on architecture around the world. Jodidio recently finished Under the Eaves of Architecture The Aga Khan: Builder and Patron. Anar Simpson, International Editor, TheIsmaili.org,  talks with Jodidio about this book.

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Madagascar visit diary

Mawlana Hazar Imam at Ivato airport bidding farewell to the President of the National Assembly of Madagascar, Jacques Sylla before boarding his plane. Photo: AKDN/Gary Otte

Following his visit to Mozambique, Mawlana Hazar Imam was received as a State Guest in Madagascar. During his four day visit, he met with senior government officials, visited AKDN projects and met with the Jamat.

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Mozambique visit diary

Mawlana Hazar Imam bidding farewell to the Jamat of Mozambique upon his departure from Pemba airport. Photo: AKDN/Lucas Moura

Mawlana Hazar Imam's second Golden Jubilee visit to the Jamats in Africa began in Mozambique. As a State Guest, Mawlana Hazar Imam held a number of meetings with Senior Government officials, visited AKDN field projects and met with the Jamat.

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East Africa visit diary

Mawlana Hazar Imam being presented with a bouquet of flowers by seven-year-old Ramla Saleh upon arrival in Nairobi. Photo: AKDN/Aziz Islamshah

Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visits commenced with East Africa in August 2007.  In Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, he met with the Jamat and with government and civic leaders.  Mawlana Hazar Imam also announced a number of significant new AKDN initiatives.

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Golden Jubilee

Mawlana Hazar Imam is joined in applause by Presidentbanoo and the Vice-President of the Ismaili Council for Malaysia and Singapore, during a luncheon hosted by the Jamati institutions. Photo: Akbar Hakim

On 11 July 2007, Mawlana Hazar Imam completed 50 years as Imam (spiritual leader) of the Ismailis. Fifty years ago, at the age of 20, he succeeded his grandfather, Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.

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