Ismaili Anthem

[mahebubchatur]

The following are the Ismaili anthem versions and translations. Does anyone know what else has changed in the anthem and when ? I have one sung anthem in words (..Shah Karim Shah..), and one with only the tune. Does anyone have any others?

Ismaili Anthem - Translation 2013

You are Aga Khan (Imam), by authority of the same divine authority of Prophet of Allah (PBUH) confirmed in the holy Quran

Oh Aga Khan, you are merciful, & You are our Imam of the time.

You love to help others with their problems. You are the guide to the world of heaven (guiding star)
With authority by succession from Hazrat Hassan and Hazrat Imam Hussain, and, Your family is the from the family of the Prophet of Allah – PBUH (ahl al Bait)

Your authority is also by authority from the chosen five - Prophet Muhammad, Hazrat Ali,Hazrat, Bibi Fatima, Hazrat Hasan, Hazrat Imam Husayn)

Imam's authority is everlasting, and may this authority shine on us, and continue forever

Your Murids seek to do, as you command and guide (Murid is one who has given allegiance (Baya't) to the Imam.

We all bow our heads before you, in a salute of honour & respect.

Ismaili Anthem (by Poet Dilgir 1925)

Noore-Rasulillah-s‚ bane‚ ho Aga Khan,
Shah Karim Shah, tu ho Sahibuz-Zaman;

Mushkil Kusha-ke pyare, Jannat-‚-Khatun-ke tare.
Hasan Husayn-ke sare, Noor-se ho khandan;

Panj-Tan ke ho sartaj, Kayam hat tera raj,
Juga juga jive tunm-ji sham, Muridon hat sab tere gulam,

Sar juka Kar, kar the hai salam.

Quote from Al Waez Abuali

“..Dilgir was a good friend of mine. He was over eighty six years old when he died in Mombasa, Kenya. Though his memory was affected by his advanced age, he recollected vividly the original version of the Salaami which is as follows:

Noor-e Rasoolullah se bane ho Aga Khan,
Sultan Mohammed Shah tum ho Saahibul Zamaan*

Mushkil Kusha ke piyaare, Jannat Khaoon ke taare,
Hassnain ke sahaare, Noor se ho Khaandan.

Panjtan ke ho Sirtaaj,
Qaayam hae tera Raaj;

Joog joog ji-o tum Zishaan,
Mureed hae-n tere gulaam;
Sir jhukae kar te hae -n Salaam

(* Mowlana Shah Karim tum ho Saahibul Zamaan)

[mahebubchatur]

The following are Ismaili anthems played including some in the presence of Hazar Imam. One in November 2008. Enjoy. If you know of any more, or have more information on the Ismaili Anthem please add them here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpIfvKWGlOo
http://youtu.be/HEY6gHJQT7w
http://youtu.be/Fze9ArTusds
http://youtu.be/UMKsdwwkJvI
http://youtu.be/TSoqtzPkpnE
http://youtu.be/SoDTYiOG3Vk
http://youtu.be/KioI0RS223A
http://youtu.be/dTy6nztzdHY
http://youtu.be/ELAYL-Z-j2c
http://youtu.be/NjmTKpVkYbA

[agakhani]

Ismaili Anthem!!!?? who awarded this title to above poem??

Not only you Mehbub but if anybody else knows that when MHI declared it as Ismaili anthem then please give me date and place otherwise it is a just poem I love to know !!

[Admin]

I am not sure where you are coming from but the Ismaili Anthem has been recited in the presence of SMS and the present Imam.

As the Jamat increased and more Ismailis from various background came into contact with the Imamat Institutions and the Jamat at large, an instrumental was approved and my understanding is that this would allow the Jamat to bring in the future a text in their own language but notably, the same tune recited in the presence of the last 2 Imams with the words "Noore Rasullilah" has been kept.

In the future, there may be some official versions of the text in Arabic, Farsi, Hindi, English etc... but for now Noore Rasullilah is the only known version supporting that tune of the official Ismaili Anthem.

[kmaherali]

There are related threads in this forum at:

Ismaili Anthem Lyrics

http://www.ismaili.net/html/modules.php ... ili+anthem

ISMAILI ANTHEM!!!!

http://www.ismaili.net/html/modules.php ... ili+anthem

[mahebubchatur]

This gives the history & what His Higness Mawlana Sultan Mohammed Shah said to the composer (Gilghir), and to the Leaders of the Institutions regarding the Ismaili Anthem link http://vimeo.com/28540409

[agakhani]

Thanks very much Mehboob, that is what I had asked in this forum earlier i.e who declared Ismailis anthem? also I want to know the history behind it which you provide today, thanks again. My all doubts has been cleared now.

[Admin]

When Mowlana Sultan Muhammad Shah was 78 years old he attended a ball at the Savoy Hotel on the north bank of the River Thames, I think now it is managed by the Fairmont Group. He was delayed because of the traffic. That was on 22 June 1956 just after the second world war. That night, since the ball was in his honour, the Blue Room Orchestra played the Ismaili Anthem which Mowla had specially annotated for the occasion.

This is from memory, I am still looking more info on what exactly was the annotation. Any one with the whole story, please share here.

[mahebubchatur]

http://youtu.be/Fze9ArTusds
http://youtu.be/xpkTSITvkws
http://youtu.be/F4KQAzAIIN0

Ismaili Anthem - Translation

From the Noor of Prophet Mohammed (reflection of essence of Allah from Allah),
You are Aga Khan (Noor of Imams)

Imam (Shah), you are merciful, &
You are Imam of our time. (Hazar Imam)

Imam you are a guiding light in difficult times
You are a guide to the world of heavens (a guiding star)

By authority and succession to Hazrat Hassan and Imam Hussain,
You are from the family of the Prophet of Allah – (PBUH - ahl al Bait)

You are a reflection of the divine and the chosen, pure five
( Prophet Muhammad, Hazrat Ali, Hazrat, Bibi Fatima, Hazrat Hasan, Hazrat Imam Husayn)

Your divine authority is everlasting, and
May the light (reflection), of Allah shine, and continues to shine upon us forever

Imams Murids (believers) seek to do, as Imam guides them to do

We lower our heads before you, in a salute of respect, and peace.

The Ismaili Anthem by Poet Dilghir - Declared the Ismaili anthem by Aga Khan III (MSMS)

Noor-i-Rasoolillah se
Banai ho Aga Khan,
Mowlana Shah Karim,
Tum ho Sahebe-zaman.
Mushkil-kusha ke pyare,
Jannat-I-Khatoon ke tare,
Hasan Hussain-ke saare,
Noor-se ho khaandaan.
Panj-tan ke ho sartaaj,
Qaayam hai tera raaj ;
Joog joog jivo,
Tum-ji shaan.
Muridon hai sab tere Gulam;
Sar jooka kar karte hai salaam

http://youtu.be/Fze9ArTusds
http://youtu.be/xpkTSITvkws
http://youtu.be/F4KQAzAIIN0

[Admin]

Ismaili Anthem - Translation

From the Noor of Prophet Mohammed (reflection of essence of Allah from Allah),
You are Aga Khan (Noor of Imams)

Translation does not tally.

The word to word translation is accurate. Because everything in the material world comes from the Noor of Prophet Muhammad.

The author said on purpose "Aga Khan". He did not say "Noor of Imam" or "ImameZaman".

It is not the Noor of Imam that comes from the Noor of Muhammad. That is not what the wording says.

[kmaherali]

Abually Missionary said:

There is nothing wrong in it if the poet says: O Aga Khan, you are 'made' of the Noor of the Rasool of Allah. It is absolutely in line with a Tradition of the Holy Prophet that "I am from the Noor of Allah and every thing has been created from my Noor." Aga Khan is not the name of the Noo-e-Imamat; it refers the physical identity of the Holy Imam. According to another Tradition The Holy Prophet said: I am from Ali and Ali is from me. Once the Holy Prophet told Ali: Your flesh is my Flesh, your blood is my blood.

It is, therefore, quite all right if Dilgir says:: O Aga Khan, you are made of the Noor of the Prophett of Allah. I have translated according to the sense in the word 'bane ho' as 'you are from.'

Mowlana Imam Aga Sultan Mohammed Shah's mother tongue was Persian. He knew Arabic and Urdu very well. He was always happy every time he received the Salaami from his Jamat.

I gave the link before and here it is again!
http://www.ismaili.net/html/modules.php ... ili+anthem

[mahebubchatur]

Meaning of Ismaili Anthem

With authority bestowed upon you
By the Prophet of Allah (PBUH)

(Through the light – Nur of Hazrat Ali)

You are Aga Khan (Imam of the time),

Oh Aga Khan, you are merciful,
You are Imam of the time. (for Ismailis Muslims)

You love to help those in need (difficulty).

With help of, and by the authority from Bibi Fatima

With help from Hazrat Hassan and Hazrat Imam Hussain,

Your family is of the Ahl Al Baya't, from the family of the Prophet of Allah (PBUH)

Your authority is by authority from the chosen five
Prophet Muhammad,
Hazrat Ali,Hazrat, Bibi Fatima, Hazrat Hasan, Hazrat Imam Husayn (PBUT)

Hazar Imam's authority is ever present (ever lasting),

May this authority (light-knowledge), shine upon us,
and continue forever more

Your Murids seek to do, and follow your Firmans (Command)
(A Murid is a believer and follower, who has given allegiance (Baya't) to the Imam of the time).

We bow down (our heads), before you,
In a salute of honour & respect for you

Noor-e-Rasulillah sae banea ho Aga Khan,

Noor-e-Rasulillah sae banea ho Aga Khan,
Shah Karim shaa tum ho Sahibuz zaman;

Mushkil Kusha-ke pyare,
Jannat-‚-Khatun-ke tare.
Hasan Husain-ke saare,
Noor-se ho khandan;

Mushkil Kusha-ke pyare,
Jannat-‚-Khatun-ke tare.
Hasan Husain-ke saare,
Noor-se ho khandan;

Panj-Tan ke ho sartaj,
Kayam haii yeh tera raj,

Panj-Tan ke ho sartaj,
Kayam haii yeh tera raj,

Juga juga jiyo tunm-ji shan,
Muridon haii sab tere gulam,
Sar juka kar katie haii salam.



https://youtu.be/Fze9ArTusds

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sDHId5eelTc

[kmaherali]

Nashid Al Imamah (Ismaili Anthem) by Sameer Jiva

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PnynBd ... e=emb_logo

I have had the honor and privilege of performing this beautiful piece, the Nashid Al Imamah (also referred to as the Ismaili Anthem) Live on several occasions, the most memorable was performing Live in front of Prince Hussain Aga Khan at the Golden Jubilee Games as well as the Fragile Beauty exhibition.

[mahebubchatur]

Another thread
viewtopic.php?p=73881#p73881

[mahebubchatur]

The Ismaili Anthem & Flag — Understanding the Meaning Behind the Symbols

The video below captures the recitation of the Ismaili Anthem with excerpts of recent and ongoing Didar visits of Aga Khan V the 50th Ismaili Imam

It is recited in its original Gujarati. For many the words may not be immediately understood—but the meaning behind them is both rich historic and significant.

⸻

What is the Ismaili Anthem?

Composed by the poet Dilgir, the Ismaili anthem is a devotional composition in praise of the Imam of the Time.

In essence, it can be understood as:

* A spiritual expression of devotion
* A reflection of faith essence and continuum
* A form of prayer and remembrance of Imam

Similar to how many national anthems express loyalty and identity, the Ismaili Anthem expresses a spiritual relationship—between a community members and their Imam.

⸻

English Translation (for wider understanding)

O Aga Khan, your Light (Nur) is from the Light (Nur) of the Prophet of Allah.

Shah Rahim Shah, you are the Imam of the Time.

You are the Beloved, the Reliever of Hardship, the light in the eyes of the Lady of Paradise.

Descended through Hasan, supported by Husayn, your family is filled with divine Light.

You are the Crown of the Panjtan—the Blessed Five.
Your reign is eternal and ever-present.

May you live, glorified forever.
Your followers stand at your service.

With bowed heads, they pray: Peace be upon you.

⸻

The Ismaili Flag — Colours with Meaning

The red and green of the Ismaili flag carry historical and spiritual significance:

* Red — associated with the sacrifice of Imam Husayn ibn Ali
* Green — associated with the legacy of Imam Hasan ibn Ali

As explained by Aga Khan III, these colours reflect a Shia Ismaili heritage that brings together sacrifice, guidance, and continuum

⸻

Why This Matters

Across the world, the Aga Khan Development Network works in diverse contexts, with people of many backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. The Ismailis live in over 100 countries around the world and pluralism is a part of their faith

Understanding the Ismaili heritage, symbols, and expressions of their faith & tradition helps provide deeper context and understanding to that globalised presence.


Learn More

For those interested in more on the history and background of the Ismaili Anthem:
https://lnkd.in/eiYrP9MK

⸻

The video below presents the original Gujarati recitation. The translation above in English is shared to help make its meaning understandable to a wider audience.
⸻
#Ismaili #AgaKhan #Culture #Heritage #Faith #GlobalUnderstanding #AKDN #Pluralism #Identity

Video

https://x.com/chaturmahebub/status/2045 ... hqfO552USg

[mahebubchatur]

Dear Leaders,

Ismaili Anthem

Please find attached my constitutional study series:

“Understanding the Ismaili Constitution 2025 – Study Series: The Nashid al-Imamah (Ismaili Anthem)”

The study paper examines the change in wording between the 1998 and 2025 Constitutions regarding the Nashid al-Imamah, specifically the reference from “lyrics and score” (1998) to “score” (2025), as set out by Mawlana Hazar Imam.

It also notes that in recent years the Anthem has primarily been performed in musical form without public recitation of the lyrical text at major institutional events, and that no formal public explanation has been issued despite requests for clarification.

In light of this, I respectfully seek clarification:

Was the omission of the word “lyrics” from Article 5.2 of the 2025 Constitution deliberate (and not an error), and if so, is there any authorised explanation or guidance from Mawlana Hazar Imam regarding this change?

If no such guidance or annotation is available, I would be grateful for confirmation so that a formal request for clarification may be made. This would help avoid uncertainty and speculation.

With respect and regards,
M Chatur

Understanding the Ismaili Constitution 2025

Study Series: The Nashid al-Imamah (Ismaili Anthem)

Introduction

Among the distinctive symbols of the Ismaili Imamat recognised in the Constitution is the Nashid al-Imamah, commonly known as the Ismaili Anthem.

Murids are familiar with hearing the Anthem or its melody at significant religious and community occasions. However, fewer may be aware that the Anthem is not merely a devotional composition. It is expressly recognised in the Constitution of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims and forms part of the constitutional identity of the Imamat and the global Jamat.

This study examines the constitutional status of the Ismaili Anthem, its historical background, and the significance of the constitutional changes between 1998 and 2025.

The Ismaili Anthem

Historical accounts attribute the composition of the Anthem to the poet Fazal Walli Nathoo “Dilgir” in Zanzibar in the early 1920s.

The Anthem originated as a devotional poem and act of prayer (dua and praise poetry) within a religious and spiritual literary tradition. At the time of its composition, it was not originally conceived as a formal “anthem” in the modern constitutional sense, but rather as a devotional composition expressing love, praise, and spiritual devotion.

Historical accounts further indicate that it was first heard publicly in 1929, when Mawlana Sultan Muhammad Shah (Aga Khan III) encountered the composition during a visit to Zanzibar. On hearing it, he is recorded in historical sources as having immediately recognised and acclaimed it as the Anthem of the Ismaili community.

From this point onward, the composition transitioned from a devotional poem into a recognised communal and ceremonial Anthem within the Jamat.

The Anthem became widely known as the Salaami or Nashid al-Imamah and has been recited on important Jamati occasions and also in the presence of the Imam and at major official gatherings and state visits.

The Ismaili Anthem contains references to:

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family);
Hazrat Ali;
Hazrat Bibi Fatima;
Imam Hasan;
Imam Husayn;
The Panjtan Pak;
The Imam of the Time.

The original text is written in a devotional style common to South Asian Muslim traditions of the period.

Original Text

Noore-Rasulillah-s bane ho Aga Khan,
Shah Karim Shah, tu ho Sahibuz-Zaman;

Mushkil Kusha-ke pyare, Jannat-e-Khatun-ke tare,
Hasan Husayn-ke sare, Noor-se ho khandan;

Panj-Tan ke ho sartaj, Kayam hai tera raj,
Juga juga jive tum-ji shan, Muridon hai sab tere gulam,

Sar juka kar karte hai salam.

Contemporary English Translation

You are Aga Khan (the Imam of the Time) through the same Divine Light (Noor) bestowed through the Prophet of Allah.

O Imam, you are the Imam of the Time and a source of guidance and mercy.

Beloved of the Mushkil Kusha and descendant of the noble family of the Prophet, your lineage proceeds through Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn.

Your authority continues through the blessed succession of the Panjtan Pak: Prophet Muhammad, Hazrat Ali, Hazrat Bibi Fatima, Imam Hasan, and Imam Husayn.

May your spiritual authority and guidance endure throughout all ages.

Your murids are devoted to your guidance and remain faithful to the Bay’ah they have given to you.

With bowed heads, we offer our respectful salutation.

Constitutional Recognition in the 2025 Constitution

Article 5.2 of the 2025 Constitution provides:

“Mawlana Hazar Imam has designated the nashid al-imama (Ismaili anthem) having such score and subject to such code as to the usage thereof as may be prescribed from time to time by Mawlana Hazar Imam.”

Several important observations arise from this provision:

The Anthem exists because it has been designated by Mawlana Hazar Imam.
The Anthem remains under the authority of Mawlana Hazar Imam.
The Anthem is recognised alongside the Imamat Crest and Personal Standard as an official symbol of the Imamat.
The Constitution refers specifically to the Anthem’s score (musical composition or melody).
The Anthem is subject to such code (rules governing its use) as may be prescribed from time to time by Mawlana Hazar Imam.
Constitutional Recognition in the 1998 Constitution

Article 16.2(b) of the 1998 Constitution provided:

“There shall be the Nashid al-Imamah (Ismaili anthem) having such lyrics and score and which shall be subject to such code as to the usage thereof as may be prescribed from time to time by Mawlana Hazar Imam.”

The 1998 Constitution therefore expressly referred to both:

Lyrics; and
Score.

The Anthem was also recognised alongside the Ismaili Flag as part of the history and tradition of the Jamat.

A Significant Constitutional Change

One of the most notable changes between the 1998 and 2025 Constitutions is the removal of the word “lyrics.”

1998 Constitution

“having such lyrics and score”

2025 Constitution

“having such score”

The omission of the word “lyrics” appears deliberate.

Several observations may be made:

The Constitution now focuses upon the Anthem’s musical composition or melody.
Greater emphasis may be placed upon the Anthem as a ceremonial and constitutional symbol.
The change may allow flexibility regarding language, translation, or textual presentation while preserving the recognised melody.
The original Anthem contains devotional terminology that can be difficult to translate accurately into contemporary English.

For example, the word “gulam” is often translated literally as “slave.” However, in the context of classical South Asian devotional literature, it frequently conveys meanings closer to devotion, allegiance, service, humility, loyalty, and obedience rather than slavery in its modern legal sense.

Historical and linguistic changes can therefore create challenges when translating devotional texts from one period and culture into another.

Whether the removal of the word “lyrics” from the 2025 Constitution was intended to address such issues, or was made for entirely different reasons, is not explained in the Constitution itself.

This raises a legitimate constitutional question for students of the Constitution:

Was the omission of the word “lyrics” deliberate, and if so, what annotations or guidance (if any) were provided by Mawlana Hazar Imam that led to this constitutional change?

The Anthem and the Constitutional Symbols of the Imamat

The 2025 Constitution places the Anthem alongside:
The Imamat Crest; and
The Personal Standard.
The 1998 Constitution similarly associated the Anthem with:
The Imamat Crest;
The Personal Standard; and
The Ismaili Flag.
This positioning suggests that the Anthem is more than a devotional hymn. It functions as one of the recognised constitutional symbols of the Imamat and the Jamat.

Just as a national anthem expresses identity and allegiance within a nation-state, the Nashid al-Imamah expresses the spiritual relationship between the murid and the Imam of the Time.
Constitutional Authority Over the Anthem

Both the 1998 and 2025 Constitutions make clear that:

The Anthem exists under the authority of Mawlana Hazar Imam.
The use of the Anthem is subject to codes prescribed by Mawlana Hazar Imam.
The Constitution does not place authority over the Anthem in any council, board, committee, or institution.
Ultimate authority regarding the Anthem remains vested in Mawlana Hazar Imam.
This reflects the broader constitutional principle that the symbols of the Imamat derive their authority directly from the Imam

Questions for Reflection

Why does the Constitution place the Anthem alongside the Imamat Crest and Personal Standard?
What is the significance of the removal of the word “lyrics” from the 2025 Constitution?
Does the constitutional focus on the score indicate that the Anthem is now primarily recognised through its melody rather than its text?
How should historical devotional language be understood when translated into contemporary English?
Would an authorised commentary on the constitutional change assist murids in understanding the evolution of this important symbol of the Imamat?
Conclusion

The Nashid al-Imamah occupies a unique place within the constitutional framework of the Ismaili Imamat.

The Constitution recognises it not merely as a devotional composition but as an official symbol of the Imamat, subject to the authority and guidance of Mawlana Hazar Imam.

The transition from the 1998 wording — “lyrics and score” — to the 2025 wording — “score” — represents one of the more interesting constitutional developments relating to the symbols of the Imam and Imamat.

As the Constitution itself does not explain the reason for this change, it remains an appropriate subject for respectful study, reflection, and, where appropriate, requests for authorised clarifications.

A request has also been made to the leadership for any official explanations, annotations, or institutional records relating to this change, including clarification on whether the omission of the word ‘lyrics’ in the 2025 Constitution was intentional by Hazar Imam and, not an administration error.

M Chatur