2025 Ismaili Constitution 11 Feb 2025

[mahebubchatur]

My beloved spiritual children,
Today I ordained a document that reaffirms and updates the constitution of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, and which serves as the framework for the jamat’s organisation and governance.

This constitution of 11th February, 2025 will now apply for the jamat worldwide.

The updates reflect, amongst other things, the recognion of the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon, and the change in terminology which makes reference to persons and positions gender‐ neutral.

I will continue with the practice of adjusting the Constitution over me to take account of evolving jamats needs. Circumstances may require new or different and the responsibility of the Imam is to enable the institutions to be responsive to the needs of the Jamat and to anticipate the future.

I intend to provide continuity and stability in our institutions and will introduce changes in a measured way with the goal of constantly improving our efficiency and effectiveness . Hazar Imam 11 Feb 2025

"I AM MOST HAPPY TO INFORM MY JAMAT THAT I HAVE DIRECTED THAT THE UPDATED CONSTITUTION WHICH ENCOMPASSES THE INSTRUMENT I SIGNED ON THE OCCASION OF MY TAKHT-NISHINI BE MADE AVAILABLE TO MY JAMAT" HAZAR IMAM - AGA KHAN V 18 MARCH 2025.

[mahebubchatur]

The text of the first page of the amended constitution signed and ordained on 11 Feb 2025

Bismi-Lahi R Raheman R Rahim

Whereas

A. According to the last will and testament of Mawlana Shah Karim Al Husseini the forty ninth Imam of Ismaili Muslims as unsealed and proclaimed on 5th February two thousand and twenty five being the sixth day of Shaban one thousand four hundred and forty six (Hijri) At Lisbon Mawlana Hazar imam Prince Shah Rahim Al Husseini was duly declared in accordance with the historical tradition of Nass as the fiftieth Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims in direct lineal descent of Holy Prophet Mohammed (S A S) through Hazrat Mawlana Ali (A S) and Hazrat Bibi Fatima (A S)

B. The constitution of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims ordained by Mawlana Shah Karim dated 13 December 1986 and amended on 11 July 1998 recites that Mawlana Hazar Imam enjoys full authority of governance in respect of all religious and Jamati matters of Ismaili Muslims

C. The constitution states that Mawlana Hazar Imam has the sole authority to amend and such constitution or any provision thereof

D. It is the desire and hidayat of Mawlana Hazar Imam that the Ismaili Constitution be amended to incorporate changes since 11 July 1998

Now Thereafter

By this constitutional instrument and in accordance with the inherent right and absolute and unfettered power and authority vested in me as Hazar Imam and credited in the constitution of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, I Shah Karim Al Husseini holder of the office of the Ismaili Imamat am pleased to ordained and do hereby ordain that the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims wherever they may shall at all time be bound and governed by the constitution hereinafter appearing as amended and this constitution shall remain fully effective

Ordained under the sign manual seal of Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Rahim Al Husseini His Highness Prince Aga Khan fiftieth Imam of Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims

At the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon Portugal

This 11th Day of February two thousand and twenty five being

The 12th day of Shaban one thousand and forty six (Hijri), in the first day of his Imamat

Signed
Aga Khan


Letter and request to All Leaders - LIF Councils DJI

I extend my sincere gratitude to the Communication Team of the Ismaili Imamat for sharing the video of the formal signing of the amended constitution on 11th February 2025, as well as the signed first page by Hazar Imam, His Highness Aga Khan V. (see copy of text )

However, neither the first page, nor the full amended constitution referred to in this first page of the constitutional instrument, has still been shared with all the Jamat thus far (except for the same group of Leaders in de facto control for decades)

The amendments, effective from 11th February 2025, are significant as they incorporate *all* changes made since 11th July 1998. A full copy of that constitution has still not been provided. Every member of the Jamat must have a copy and read it with Farmans because a later Farman supersedes an earlier Farman and the constitution is a Farman too.

These include all constitutional instruments and changes, such as the establishment of the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat and the registered entities in Portugal.

To understand and adhere to the constitution or to enable & ensure accountability, every Ismaili Muslim need to have access to the full constitution and all the accompanying Farmans. This is in accordance with a part of the 1998 constitution available to the Jamat online

Regrettably, these have still not been provided despite repeated requests. This access should include both the amended constitution on 11Feb /025, and previous versions to ensure historical continuum and context.

I respectfully urge that the full constitution, & Farmans along with all the amendments and instruments, be made urgently accessible and online - as Imam asked us to make use of technology as part of best practice

Given that the document was formally signed and approved by Hazar Imam on 11th February 2025, it is evident that the document was ready at the time and could have been uploaded within hours and a link given.

Not providing full access undermines the community's ability to abide by His Highness's Farmans & guidance. Furthermore, those responsible for withholding these documents are acting in contravention of Farmans, disrespecting Hazar Imam, and violating their own oaths of office and pledges, reaffirmed as recently as 11th July 2025 (link to pledges below)

The constitution governs the Jamat ( all religious and Jamati Matters) AND also the numerous and substantial global entities affiliated with the Ismaili community. Making these foundational documents accessible is paramount and aligns with the directives in Farmans.

I respectfully recommend that those in positions of control who have failed and effectively are refusing to provide these documents either make them available promptly or step aside to allow for a more transparent and responsible appointments which are according to Farmans and following them

Pledges on 11 Feb 2025 https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/6p7am204 ... 4k000&dl=0

LIF - Announcement https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ixz35124 ... 3vy7k&dl=0

[mahebubchatur]

A letter - reminder & requesting the full constitution and clarification

On Wed, 4 Jun 2025 at 08:40, Mahebub Chatur <mahebubchatur@gmail.com> wrote:


Subject: Release of the Full Amended Ismaili Constitution of 11 February 2025 and All Related Governance Instruments as directed by Hazar Imam also on 18 March 2025

Dear All including members of the Noorani Family

Ya Ali Madad.

To all Leaders members of the Jamat and all leaders entrusted with this sacred duty, and who have committed under oath, to share and uphold Imam’s Farmans & to ensure & serve the spiritual and material needs of the Jamat.

As you know a significant milestone -Takth Nashini -Deedar - Bayah occurred on 11 February 2025, when Hazar Imam ordained the amended Constitution of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.

Subsequently, on 18 March 2025, Mawlana Hazar Imam reminded leaders to release the amended Constitution to the entire global Jamat. This instruction remains outstanding, as do many others.

We urge all leaders to now fulfill this instruction by releasing the full and inclusive Constitution, which includes all related instruments and regulatory frameworks, and to respond to specific requests.

⸻

1. Clarifying Institutional Structures and Governance

1.1 This request also relates to the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat, which is registered in Portugal and represented by individuals including Shafik Sachedina, Nazim Ahmad, and Malik Talib, who have publicly described themselves as senior officials.

1.2 It is important to distinguish clearly between the person of the Imam-of-the-Time, who carries the Noor of Imamat and receives the Bay‘ah of murids, and all leaders or entities registered or operating under the Ismaili Constitution, which are institutional in nature and accountable to the Jamat under the Constitution that has been ordained for the governance and benefit of the community.

1.3 The full composition of the Diwan, its Board of Directors, and other appointed officials has not been disclosed to the Jamat.

1.4 Additionally, several individuals, including Aga Khan IV (now V), have been publicly recognized by the Portuguese government with diplomatic status, including through Portuguese citizenship or special immunity arrangements. AKDN country representatives have at times—and now—carried the title of Ambassadors of the Ismaili Imamat, reportedly having diplomatic privileges like ambassadors of countries.

1.5 While this diplomatic and legal recognition of the Ismaili Imamat enhances its supranational legitimacy and status, it also reinforces the obligation of transparency and full disclosure of the Constitution and institutional structure to the global Jamat—whom the Constitution governs—and of all those appointed to serve under it. These disclosures have not yet been provided despite repeated requests.

⸻

2. What Constitutes the Full and Complete Ismaili Constitution (as Amended on 11 February 2025)

2.1 All Prior Constitutional Instruments:

• 2.1.1 Including the 1986 Constitution, 1998 amendments, and all national and international rules and regulations adopted before 11 February 2025.

• 2.1.2 These provide continuity and foundational legitimacy to the new constitutional framework.

2.2 The Amended Global Constitution of 2025, including:

• 2.2.1 The updated structure of the Ismaili Imamat.

• 2.2.2 Governance rules for Apex Institutions such as:

• The International Ismaili Forum,

• The International Conciliation and Arbitration Board,

• AKDN, Aga Khan University, Aga Khan Foundation, and others.

2.3 National Constitutions and Jurisdictional Rules:

• 2.3.1 Every National Council’s constitutional framework, adapted to local legal requirements.

• 2.3.2 Applicable procedures for institutional appointments, dispute resolution, community engagement, and financial reporting.

2.4 Conciliation and Arbitration Board (CAB) Rules:

• 2.4.1 Both global and national rules governing internal dispute resolution.

2.5 The Obligation to Provide the Constitution to Every Member:

• 2.5.1 The Constitution expressly mandates that it must be made available to every murid.

• 2.5.2 This requirement arises from the central role of the Constitution in governing the Bay‘ah (allegiance) between each murid and the Imam-of-the-Time.

2.6 Farmans as Binding and Interpretive Authority:

• 2.6.1 The Constitution confirms that Farmans are foundational guidance.

• 2.6.2 It further states that a more recent Farman overrides any earlier Farman in case of inconsistency.

• 2.6.3 Therefore, the Constitution must be read alongside all relevant Farmans, which must be made available to the Jamat for it to fully understand and comply with constitutional principles.

⸻

3. Our Requests Regarding the Constitution

3.1 In light of the above, we humbly and respectfully repeat our request:

• 3.1.1 That the full and consolidated Constitution, as amended on 11 February 2025, be formally released to the global Jamat, in both digital and printed formats as appropriate;

• 3.1.2 That it be accompanied by:

• 3.1.2.1 All historical and current constitutional texts;

• 3.1.2.2 Applicable rules and regulations, both national and international;

• 3.1.2.3 A clearly structured explanation of how all components interact within the framework of the amended Constitution;

• 3.1.2.4 An updated and comprehensive collection of relevant Farmans, especially those addressing institutional governance, murid rights, and constitutional interpretation.

⸻

4. Context: Portugal Agreements and Institutional Sovereignty

4.1 As referenced previously, the Ismaili Imamat was formally recognized as a sovereign, supranational institution under a series of agreements with the Portuguese Republic, most notably the 2015 Protocol Establishing the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon. This Protocol builds upon earlier agreements from 2005, 2008, and 2009.

4.2 The 2015 Protocol affirms:

“…the Ismaili Imamat as a supranational entity representing the succession of Imams and exercising spiritual and institutional authority for the governance and leadership of the Ismaili community worldwide.”

4.3 This international agreement acknowledges and confirms that His Highness the Aga Khan, as Imam-of-the-Time, exercises this authority through the Constitution, which He has ordained for the governance and benefit of the community. The Constitution establishes the framework for institutional conduct and spiritual leadership and is an extension of the Imam’s mandate to guide the community with continuity of divine guidance.

4.4 Crucially, the Constitution affirms the Bay‘ah (allegiance) of each murid to the Imam-of-the-Time—a deeply personal and spiritual relationship rooted in loyalty, devotion, and accountability. The Constitution further defines Farmans—the Imam’s guidance—as binding and interpretive sources of authority, with explicit provisions stating that any new Farman supersedes earlier ones in the case of inconsistency.

4.5 In accordance with both the Constitution and the 2015 Portugal Protocol, it is not only appropriate but imperative that:

• 4.5.1 The full amended Constitution of 11 February 2025 be provided to every murid;

• 4.5.2 All associated global and national rules and regulations are part of the constitution to be provide ;

• 4.5.3 And that the Constitution be read together with Farmans, as explicitly required within its text.

4.6 This alignment between our religious governance and international recognition also reaffirms that transparency, knowledge, and access to constitutional instruments are not only internal matters—they are part of the formal public commitments made by Imam in Farmans and Imamat as recognized by the state. It is therefore both a religious and legal duty to ensure that every murid has free and informed access to the full Constitution that governs their spiritual material and institutional life and under laws of the country

⸻

5. Final Reflection

5.1 The Constitution is not merely an administrative charter — it is a Farman, under our Bay‘ah—a living expression of the Imam’s guidance, a framework for murids to fulfill their allegiance, and the cornerstone of our collective identity, accountability, and unity as a global Jamat.

5.2 Knowledge of it is not optional — it is our right, our duty, and our safeguard.

5.3 Please feel free to share or clarify any of the above with Farmans.

With prayers for wisdom, justice, and integrity in service of the Imam and the Jamat,


More - full article re Bayah - Noor -Farmans http://ismaili.net/timeline/2025/bayah.pdf

The Agreement with Portugal in 2015

http://heritage.ismaili.net/files/proto ... rtugal.pdf

Mahebub Chatur

[mahebubchatur]

On Tue, 10 Jun 2025 at 19:15, Mahebub Chatur <mahebubchatur@gmail.com> wrote a further reminder and request


Dear All Leaders including the Noorani Family

I refer to the many reminders and requests made by the Jamat over the years for the full and now the amended Ismaili Constitution to be provided to me and all the Jamat

The most recent reminder was given directly by Mawlana Hazar Imam to the Leaders entrusted on 18 March 2025.

Despite this, the Constitution has still not been made available in full to the entire Jamat-community, nor has any timeline for its release been communicated.

This continued silence is not only deeply concerning, but also contrary to the Bay‘ah sworn under oath by the Leaders—most recently reaffirmed by them on 11 February 2035—to uphold and serve the Imam’s guidance and the Constitution faithfully.

As clearly affirmed in numerous Farmans, the Constitution itself is a divinely ordained Farman , and therefore withholding it directly undermines both the spirit and letter of our Imam’s Farmans and the Bayah of those withholding it from the Jamat

In further support of earlier Farmans , I am attaching a short clip in Urdu from a Waez (religious address) delivered by Alwaez Kamaluddin, a globally respected Ismaili missionary. In this clip, he also, clearly states:

• The Ismaili Constitution is a public document, ordained by Mawlana Hazar Imam, and must be made available to all members of the Jamat. Every Ismaili must read share understand it and share it

• He reaffirms the spiritual truth that the Light (Noor) of Ali-Allah has come with the Imam, carrying a Divine mandate from the will of Allah —a central foundation of Ismaili faith

Alwaez Kamaluddin is a distinguished religious educator authorised by ITREB Pakistan, & globally recognized for his decades of service across many countries.

He has delivered Waezes both in the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam during Deedar ceremonies and in preparation for such congregations. He and his wife—also a trained Waez—were among those who taught the young Shah Karim and his brothers in Kenya, and had access to Farmans and direct guidance from the Imam during that time. His words and insights from Farmans therefore carry deep credibility

The attached audio clip (with the full Waez available for those interested) is further evidence of the Imam’s Farmans and of the Noor - divinely ordained authority that guides our community.

It reaffirms that the Constitution and Farmans are not private or restricted, but are meant to be known, understood, and upheld by the entire Jamat.

In this context, I respectfully & firmly remind & renew the request to our Leaders to:

• Provide the full Constitution including that ammended on 11 Feb 2025, without any more delay;

• Make all Farmans available, in accordance with the Imam’s guidance & as the constitution is to be read with Farmans ;

• Respond to pending community requests transparently and in the spirit of Farmans Bayah and service to Imam & Jamat

This is not only a constitutional and religious responsibility, but also a matter of moral & legal integrity and accountability under Farmans and our Bayah ( link http://ismaili.net/timeline/2025/bayah.pdf

With best wishes and Ya Ali Madad,

Link to Audio clip

https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxtI73GE4J5r ... UCN1lL89Jd

M Chatur