Times of India 2 July 2017
Ismailis to celebrate 60 years of the Aga Khan's leadership in July
Diamond Jubilee in Newspapers
Prime Minister of Tanzania, Kassim Majaliwa unveils the Diamond Jubilee Motif
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2017/ ... lee-motif/
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PM Majaliwa commends Ismaili community role in development
The government has pledged to strengthen its partnership with the Ismaili community in the country.
More...
http://www.thecitizen.co.tz/News/PM-Maj ... index.html
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Tanzania Diamond Jubilee Parade Floats
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2017/ ... de-floats/
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2017/ ... lee-motif/
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PM Majaliwa commends Ismaili community role in development
The government has pledged to strengthen its partnership with the Ismaili community in the country.
More...
http://www.thecitizen.co.tz/News/PM-Maj ... index.html
******
Tanzania Diamond Jubilee Parade Floats
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2017/ ... de-floats/
Statement by the Prime Minister on Imamat Day
Ottawa, Ontario ‑
July 11, 2017
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Imamat Day:
“Shia Ismaili Muslims gather today in Canada and around the world to celebrate the diamond jubilee of their 49th hereditary Imam and spiritual leader, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.
“Since becoming Imam in 1957, the Aga Khan has used his role to advance global humanitarian causes, helping to support sustainable development and poverty reduction projects and enhance civil society and education around the world.
“His spirit of cooperation also led the Aga Khan to establish, in 2006, the Global Centre for Pluralism, in partnership with the Government of Canada, and to choose Ottawa as its headquarters. In recognition of his commitment to diversity and pluralism and his many humanitarian efforts on behalf of people around the world, the Government of Canada made His Highness an honorary Canadian citizen in 2009.
“On this day, I invite all Canadians to reflect on the Aga Khan’s example as he continues to inspire us to show compassion towards all those less fortunate than ourselves. To all Ismaili Canadians celebrating the Diamond Jubilee, I wish all of you Khushali Mubarak!”
http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2017/07/11/sta ... imamat-day
*******
Aga Khan’s Diamond Jubilee: A celebration of solid partnership
The government, the commercial sector and civil society all have a responsibility to create an environment of interacting forces coming together for development.
Political stability; safety and security; citizen rights; predictable democratic practices; and an efficient, impartial legal and administrative framework are imperative.
Civil society has to be active to complement the other sectors.
More...
http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Opinion/Ag ... index.html
********
Aga Khan 60th Anniversary Jubilee Puts Spotlight on Long-View for Development
Today is an occasion for celebration for the more than 15 million Ismaili Muslims around the world.
It is the 60th anniversary of Prince Karim al-Hussaini assuming leadership of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and the title of Aga Khan IV. He is a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and well-known as a wealthy horse breeder who helped save the historic French horse racing grounds Hippodrome de Chantilly.
Media often compare the Aga Khan to the Pope because of his role of spiritual leader for Ismailis. The multi-billion dollar development network he founded and still directs is rarely mentioned.
The global development projects under his purview are so vast that the comparison would be more accurate only if the Pope ran the World Bank, led agencies of the United Nations — and was the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the same time.
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), as it is called, spent more than $925 million last year on social programs, making it as big as well known NGOs like World Vision, Save the Children and Oxfam. And then there are the investments in hotels, electricity companies, financial services, media and tourism promotion that bring in $4.1 billion in annual revenue.
The profits from the investments and the millions of dollars donated by Ismaili Muslims each year all go back into paying for AKDN’s work.
More....
http://dawnsdigest.com/akdn/
*********
Aga Khan marks 60 years as leader of Ismaili Shias
11.07.2017‒
The Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Ismaili branch of Shia Islam, is opening a year-long jubilee to mark his 60th anniversary leading the community with a call on Tuesday for greater respect for pluralism in the Islamic world and action to reduce poverty.
Among Muslim leaders, the Aga Khan holds a unique position. The community he leads as "imam" is not large – around 20 million adherents, compared to the estimates of several hundred million followers of Shia Islam's main branch, known as the "Twelvers." Sunnis make up the majority of the approximately 1.5 billion Muslims around the world.
But while other Islamic communities have a fragmented leadership, the 80-year-old, Paris-based Aga Khan is accepted across the Nazari Ismaili community as the "imam", or spiritual head, giving him a singular status.
His voice is amplified by his wide-scale development programmes, funded from his immense wealth and contributions from Ismailis, who are mainly centred in South and Central Asia but have significant communities in Africa and a small presence in Syria and Lebanon. The Aga Khan Development Network operates in 30 countries, leading health, education and infrastructure programmes.
Throughout the Diamond Jubilee year that began on Tuesday, the Aga Khan will travel to countries where the network operates to launch new programmes to alleviate poverty and increase access to financing for housing, education and childhood development, the network said.
Born Prince Karim al-Husseini in Geneva, he succeeded his grandfather as Aga Khan on 11 June 1957, at the age of 20. He is the 49th Ismaili imam, a line that traces itself back to Islam's prophet, Muhammad.
It is part of the mandate of the imam to "try to contribute to improving the quality of life of the community and those among whom the community lives," the Aga Khan told reporters ahead of the jubilee. He said Muslims should work on building an "empathetic, welcoming, peaceful and generous" society, which he called "a fundamental ethic of our faith."
"All those are ethical principles of our faith, they're very clear," he said. "So it's really a question of how we put those principles in place in governance and civil society."
"The focus should be on building quality of life and pluralism – meaning "equity toward all people and backgrounds," he added. Muslim countries "have been pluralist for many centuries," but various forces, including colonialism, have separated them by ethnic groups and sect, he said.
"We are in a period of history where I think that inherited situation needs to be dealt with," he said. (AP)
Related articles on Qantara.de:
https://en.qantara.de/content/aga-khan- ... aili-shias
*******
Ismailis celebrate Diamond Jubilee of Aga Khan
Members of the Ismaili Muslim community in the UAE are celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of the Aga Khan, marking his 60th year as the 49th hereditary spiritual leader of the community.
The celebrations - which are being held worldwide - will bring together members of the Ismaili community, as well as partners of the Aga Khan Development network and government and religious leaders across 25 countries. The Diamond Jubilee celebrates the occasion on July 11 in which the Aga Khan succeeded his grandfather, Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, as the Imam of the Ismaili Muslims 60 years ago, at the age of 20.
In Dubai - which also hosts an Ismaili Centre on Oud Metha Road - the Ismaili community has also established the Aga Khan Early Learning Centre, a nursery which takes children between the ages of 12 and 48 months, as well as the Aga Khan Scouts and Guides, which has had a presence in Dubai for over 30 years.
"As a leader of the Aga Khan Scouts and Guides, the spirit of volunteering is central to everything we do. On the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee, we are reminded of that spirit and the lifetime of service which His Highness the Aga Khan has devoted to the community in the UAE and globally around the world," said Raheel Chagani, a Group Scout Leader at the Aga Khan Scouts and Guides. "He once said of volunteers that 'their spirit, generating new ideas, resisting discouragement, and demanding results, animates the heart of ever effective society'."
"I am very happy on this momentous occasion to be part of the celebrations which are a milestone for the Ismaili Muslim Community," he added.
Today, the Aga Khan leaders a community of 15 million Ismaili Muslims spread across South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America and the Far East.
He's also the Founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), one of the largest development organisations in the world, with 80,000 staff operating in more than 30 countries.
Annually, the AKDN spends $925 million on non-profit social and cultural development activities, and operates over 200 health care institutions, two universities, and 200 schools and school improvement programmes in various parts of the globe. Additionally, the AKDN operates over 90 project companies in post-conflict and transitional economies, ranging from a large-scale hydropower project in Uganda to a mobile phone company in Afghanistan, which collectively generate more than $4.1 billion revenues.
A number of social, cultural and economic projects - designed to alleviate poverty and increase access to finance for education, health, housing, early childhood development and infrastructure in developing countries - are expected to be launched on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee.
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/duba ... f-aga-khan
******
One Jamat Diamond Jubilee images from India.
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2017/ ... ebrations/
******
One Jamat Diamond Jubilee images from Pakistan.
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2017/ ... ebrations/
*****
Celebrating Diamond Jubilee: A look at the Aga Khan’s extraordinary partnership with Canada
Today, millions of Shia Ismaili Muslims around the world, including thousands in Canada, are marking a historic occasion as they celebrate the Diamond Jubilee (60th anniversary) of His Highness the Aga Khan.
On July 11, 1957, at the age of 20, Prince Karim Aga Khan succeeded his late grandfather as 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, becoming the spiritual leader of the community’s now 15 million followers across 25 countries around the world.
While the majority of Ismailis live in Asia and Africa, there is a sizeable community in Canada, estimated at over 100,000. This diaspora dates back to the early 1970s when dictator Idi Amin came into power as Ugandan President and ordered the expulsion of Asian residents, including Hindus and Muslims.
Thousands of residents were told to pack up and leave Uganda, given 90 days to exit the country. It was then that the Aga Khan called then Canadian Prime Minister and longtime friend, Pierre Trudeau, asking for help. Canada opened its doors to thousands of Ismailis, the first time the nation had accepted such a large group of non-European refugees.
More..
http://dailyhive.com/vancouver/his-high ... artnership
Ottawa, Ontario ‑
July 11, 2017
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Imamat Day:
“Shia Ismaili Muslims gather today in Canada and around the world to celebrate the diamond jubilee of their 49th hereditary Imam and spiritual leader, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.
“Since becoming Imam in 1957, the Aga Khan has used his role to advance global humanitarian causes, helping to support sustainable development and poverty reduction projects and enhance civil society and education around the world.
“His spirit of cooperation also led the Aga Khan to establish, in 2006, the Global Centre for Pluralism, in partnership with the Government of Canada, and to choose Ottawa as its headquarters. In recognition of his commitment to diversity and pluralism and his many humanitarian efforts on behalf of people around the world, the Government of Canada made His Highness an honorary Canadian citizen in 2009.
“On this day, I invite all Canadians to reflect on the Aga Khan’s example as he continues to inspire us to show compassion towards all those less fortunate than ourselves. To all Ismaili Canadians celebrating the Diamond Jubilee, I wish all of you Khushali Mubarak!”
http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2017/07/11/sta ... imamat-day
*******
Aga Khan’s Diamond Jubilee: A celebration of solid partnership
The government, the commercial sector and civil society all have a responsibility to create an environment of interacting forces coming together for development.
Political stability; safety and security; citizen rights; predictable democratic practices; and an efficient, impartial legal and administrative framework are imperative.
Civil society has to be active to complement the other sectors.
More...
http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Opinion/Ag ... index.html
********
Aga Khan 60th Anniversary Jubilee Puts Spotlight on Long-View for Development
Today is an occasion for celebration for the more than 15 million Ismaili Muslims around the world.
It is the 60th anniversary of Prince Karim al-Hussaini assuming leadership of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and the title of Aga Khan IV. He is a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and well-known as a wealthy horse breeder who helped save the historic French horse racing grounds Hippodrome de Chantilly.
Media often compare the Aga Khan to the Pope because of his role of spiritual leader for Ismailis. The multi-billion dollar development network he founded and still directs is rarely mentioned.
The global development projects under his purview are so vast that the comparison would be more accurate only if the Pope ran the World Bank, led agencies of the United Nations — and was the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the same time.
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), as it is called, spent more than $925 million last year on social programs, making it as big as well known NGOs like World Vision, Save the Children and Oxfam. And then there are the investments in hotels, electricity companies, financial services, media and tourism promotion that bring in $4.1 billion in annual revenue.
The profits from the investments and the millions of dollars donated by Ismaili Muslims each year all go back into paying for AKDN’s work.
More....
http://dawnsdigest.com/akdn/
*********
Aga Khan marks 60 years as leader of Ismaili Shias
11.07.2017‒
The Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Ismaili branch of Shia Islam, is opening a year-long jubilee to mark his 60th anniversary leading the community with a call on Tuesday for greater respect for pluralism in the Islamic world and action to reduce poverty.
Among Muslim leaders, the Aga Khan holds a unique position. The community he leads as "imam" is not large – around 20 million adherents, compared to the estimates of several hundred million followers of Shia Islam's main branch, known as the "Twelvers." Sunnis make up the majority of the approximately 1.5 billion Muslims around the world.
But while other Islamic communities have a fragmented leadership, the 80-year-old, Paris-based Aga Khan is accepted across the Nazari Ismaili community as the "imam", or spiritual head, giving him a singular status.
His voice is amplified by his wide-scale development programmes, funded from his immense wealth and contributions from Ismailis, who are mainly centred in South and Central Asia but have significant communities in Africa and a small presence in Syria and Lebanon. The Aga Khan Development Network operates in 30 countries, leading health, education and infrastructure programmes.
Throughout the Diamond Jubilee year that began on Tuesday, the Aga Khan will travel to countries where the network operates to launch new programmes to alleviate poverty and increase access to financing for housing, education and childhood development, the network said.
Born Prince Karim al-Husseini in Geneva, he succeeded his grandfather as Aga Khan on 11 June 1957, at the age of 20. He is the 49th Ismaili imam, a line that traces itself back to Islam's prophet, Muhammad.
It is part of the mandate of the imam to "try to contribute to improving the quality of life of the community and those among whom the community lives," the Aga Khan told reporters ahead of the jubilee. He said Muslims should work on building an "empathetic, welcoming, peaceful and generous" society, which he called "a fundamental ethic of our faith."
"All those are ethical principles of our faith, they're very clear," he said. "So it's really a question of how we put those principles in place in governance and civil society."
"The focus should be on building quality of life and pluralism – meaning "equity toward all people and backgrounds," he added. Muslim countries "have been pluralist for many centuries," but various forces, including colonialism, have separated them by ethnic groups and sect, he said.
"We are in a period of history where I think that inherited situation needs to be dealt with," he said. (AP)
Related articles on Qantara.de:
https://en.qantara.de/content/aga-khan- ... aili-shias
*******
Ismailis celebrate Diamond Jubilee of Aga Khan
Members of the Ismaili Muslim community in the UAE are celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of the Aga Khan, marking his 60th year as the 49th hereditary spiritual leader of the community.
The celebrations - which are being held worldwide - will bring together members of the Ismaili community, as well as partners of the Aga Khan Development network and government and religious leaders across 25 countries. The Diamond Jubilee celebrates the occasion on July 11 in which the Aga Khan succeeded his grandfather, Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, as the Imam of the Ismaili Muslims 60 years ago, at the age of 20.
In Dubai - which also hosts an Ismaili Centre on Oud Metha Road - the Ismaili community has also established the Aga Khan Early Learning Centre, a nursery which takes children between the ages of 12 and 48 months, as well as the Aga Khan Scouts and Guides, which has had a presence in Dubai for over 30 years.
"As a leader of the Aga Khan Scouts and Guides, the spirit of volunteering is central to everything we do. On the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee, we are reminded of that spirit and the lifetime of service which His Highness the Aga Khan has devoted to the community in the UAE and globally around the world," said Raheel Chagani, a Group Scout Leader at the Aga Khan Scouts and Guides. "He once said of volunteers that 'their spirit, generating new ideas, resisting discouragement, and demanding results, animates the heart of ever effective society'."
"I am very happy on this momentous occasion to be part of the celebrations which are a milestone for the Ismaili Muslim Community," he added.
Today, the Aga Khan leaders a community of 15 million Ismaili Muslims spread across South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America and the Far East.
He's also the Founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), one of the largest development organisations in the world, with 80,000 staff operating in more than 30 countries.
Annually, the AKDN spends $925 million on non-profit social and cultural development activities, and operates over 200 health care institutions, two universities, and 200 schools and school improvement programmes in various parts of the globe. Additionally, the AKDN operates over 90 project companies in post-conflict and transitional economies, ranging from a large-scale hydropower project in Uganda to a mobile phone company in Afghanistan, which collectively generate more than $4.1 billion revenues.
A number of social, cultural and economic projects - designed to alleviate poverty and increase access to finance for education, health, housing, early childhood development and infrastructure in developing countries - are expected to be launched on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee.
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/duba ... f-aga-khan
******
One Jamat Diamond Jubilee images from India.
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2017/ ... ebrations/
******
One Jamat Diamond Jubilee images from Pakistan.
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2017/ ... ebrations/
*****
Celebrating Diamond Jubilee: A look at the Aga Khan’s extraordinary partnership with Canada
Today, millions of Shia Ismaili Muslims around the world, including thousands in Canada, are marking a historic occasion as they celebrate the Diamond Jubilee (60th anniversary) of His Highness the Aga Khan.
On July 11, 1957, at the age of 20, Prince Karim Aga Khan succeeded his late grandfather as 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, becoming the spiritual leader of the community’s now 15 million followers across 25 countries around the world.
While the majority of Ismailis live in Asia and Africa, there is a sizeable community in Canada, estimated at over 100,000. This diaspora dates back to the early 1970s when dictator Idi Amin came into power as Ugandan President and ordered the expulsion of Asian residents, including Hindus and Muslims.
Thousands of residents were told to pack up and leave Uganda, given 90 days to exit the country. It was then that the Aga Khan called then Canadian Prime Minister and longtime friend, Pierre Trudeau, asking for help. Canada opened its doors to thousands of Ismailis, the first time the nation had accepted such a large group of non-European refugees.
More..
http://dailyhive.com/vancouver/his-high ... artnership
Statement by Minister Joly on Imamat Day / Khushiali
OTTAWA, July 11, 2017
Today, Ismaili Muslims across Canada and around the world reaffirm their spiritual allegiance to their Imam and renew their commitment to their faith.
Imamat Day, also known as Khushiali, commemorates the anniversary of the accession of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan as spiritual leader, or Imam, of Ismaili Shi’a Muslims. His Highness succeeded his grandfather, the Aga Khan III, on July 11, 1957, and has devoted himself to the spiritual and worldly progress of Ismailis for 60 years. The Aga Khan is also renowned worldwide for his tremendous contributions in the field of international development and promoting global pluralism. We are proud to count him as one of Canada's honourary citizens.
Canada is home to approximately 100,000 Ismailis, with the first arriving from Uganda in the 1970s. Since then, the Ismaili-Canadian community has grown and thrived, making significant contributions in all spheres of Canadian society, including politics, journalism, the arts and commerce.
Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of Canada’s heritage and identity. As we celebrate Canada 150, it is the perfect time to recognize the many communities that enrich and strengthen Canadian society.
As Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism, I would like to extend warmest Imamat Day wishes to Ismaili Muslims across Canada. Khushiali Mubarak!
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-herit ... hiali.html
*****
President felicitates Prince Karim Aga Khan
ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain congratulated Prince Karim Aga Khan on the diamond jubilee of his ‘Imamat’ of the Ismaili community.
He said Pakistan considered him a great friend, a patron and an ardent supporter of the cause of sustainable development. The president appreciated Prince Karim Aga Khan’s vision for development work in Pakistan, including projects with social, cultural and economic dimensions, a press release Tuesday said.
He also noted that under his able guidance and visionary leadership, the Aga Khan Development Network had undertaken several important projects in Pakistan, in the fields of education, health, rural development and poverty alleviation. He emphasised that Pakistan would continue to work with him in supporting the noble cause of development
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/215990 ... m-Aga-Khan
********
(In Urdu) journalist Mubashir Zaidi, Dawn Magazine editor Muhammad Zarrar Khuhro, and BBC Urdu columnist Wusat Ullah Khan discuss the achievements of Ismaili Imams, Ismaili community, and their social and welfare achievements in improving the quality of life.
https://www.facebook.com/ZHKDawn/videos/877746262377792
******
When Bombay was home to the Aga Khans
The Aga Khan IV, Prince Karim al-Husayni, the religious head of of the Ismaili Shia Imamat, celebrated the diamond jubilee year of his leadership earlier this week with the launch of many development projects. What is not very well known is that Bombay was a centre for the consolidation of the community and its religious leaders’ influence.
More...
http://www.gatewayhouse.in/bombay-home-to-aga-khans/
OTTAWA, July 11, 2017
Today, Ismaili Muslims across Canada and around the world reaffirm their spiritual allegiance to their Imam and renew their commitment to their faith.
Imamat Day, also known as Khushiali, commemorates the anniversary of the accession of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan as spiritual leader, or Imam, of Ismaili Shi’a Muslims. His Highness succeeded his grandfather, the Aga Khan III, on July 11, 1957, and has devoted himself to the spiritual and worldly progress of Ismailis for 60 years. The Aga Khan is also renowned worldwide for his tremendous contributions in the field of international development and promoting global pluralism. We are proud to count him as one of Canada's honourary citizens.
Canada is home to approximately 100,000 Ismailis, with the first arriving from Uganda in the 1970s. Since then, the Ismaili-Canadian community has grown and thrived, making significant contributions in all spheres of Canadian society, including politics, journalism, the arts and commerce.
Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of Canada’s heritage and identity. As we celebrate Canada 150, it is the perfect time to recognize the many communities that enrich and strengthen Canadian society.
As Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism, I would like to extend warmest Imamat Day wishes to Ismaili Muslims across Canada. Khushiali Mubarak!
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-herit ... hiali.html
*****
President felicitates Prince Karim Aga Khan
ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain congratulated Prince Karim Aga Khan on the diamond jubilee of his ‘Imamat’ of the Ismaili community.
He said Pakistan considered him a great friend, a patron and an ardent supporter of the cause of sustainable development. The president appreciated Prince Karim Aga Khan’s vision for development work in Pakistan, including projects with social, cultural and economic dimensions, a press release Tuesday said.
He also noted that under his able guidance and visionary leadership, the Aga Khan Development Network had undertaken several important projects in Pakistan, in the fields of education, health, rural development and poverty alleviation. He emphasised that Pakistan would continue to work with him in supporting the noble cause of development
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/215990 ... m-Aga-Khan
********
(In Urdu) journalist Mubashir Zaidi, Dawn Magazine editor Muhammad Zarrar Khuhro, and BBC Urdu columnist Wusat Ullah Khan discuss the achievements of Ismaili Imams, Ismaili community, and their social and welfare achievements in improving the quality of life.
https://www.facebook.com/ZHKDawn/videos/877746262377792
******
When Bombay was home to the Aga Khans
The Aga Khan IV, Prince Karim al-Husayni, the religious head of of the Ismaili Shia Imamat, celebrated the diamond jubilee year of his leadership earlier this week with the launch of many development projects. What is not very well known is that Bombay was a centre for the consolidation of the community and its religious leaders’ influence.
More...
http://www.gatewayhouse.in/bombay-home-to-aga-khans/
Dialogue of Civilizations: Aga Khan Celebrates 60 Years of Bridge-Building
In a 1993 article titled “The Clash of Civilizations” Samuel P. Huntington argued that in the post-Cold War world, Islamic extremism would become the biggest threat to world peace. The essay has become sort of a self-fulfilling prophecy. All you need to do to validate it is to turn on the internet or wherever you get your 24/7 “news”. Famously, the journal that published the essay also published a series of other essays sparking the debate: are we or are we not in the midst of a Clash?
Why bring up Huntington today? If you want to look for how the Clash is affecting worldviews you need not look further than President Trump’s speech in Poland last week. “The fundamental question of our time is whether the West has the will to survive,” he said. “Do we have the desire and the courage to preserve our civilization in the face of those who would subvert and destroy it?” If you read and watch the news with the same round-the-clock voracity that most of us do, it’s easy to see that public perception is divided: those who believe the West is in imminent danger from this Clash and those who believe in dialogue.
As His Highness, the Aga Khan celebrates a Diamond Jubilee today—60th year as the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the world’s Shia Ismaili Muslims—we are reminded that interfaith bridges of understanding are not the kind of stories that you hear about every day. Indeed, the 24/7 news cycle is not built to tell “soft news.” But if you fall into the camp of those who seek a world of bridges, you should know about the man who has been building them since he was a 21-year-old. The Aga Khan calls the clash of civilizations a “clash of mutual ignorance.” In his words: “The world we seek is not a world where difference is erased but where difference can be a powerful force for good, helping us to fashion a new sense of cooperation and coherence in our world and to build a better life for all.”
More...
http://www.diplomaticourier.com/dialogu ... -building/
In a 1993 article titled “The Clash of Civilizations” Samuel P. Huntington argued that in the post-Cold War world, Islamic extremism would become the biggest threat to world peace. The essay has become sort of a self-fulfilling prophecy. All you need to do to validate it is to turn on the internet or wherever you get your 24/7 “news”. Famously, the journal that published the essay also published a series of other essays sparking the debate: are we or are we not in the midst of a Clash?
Why bring up Huntington today? If you want to look for how the Clash is affecting worldviews you need not look further than President Trump’s speech in Poland last week. “The fundamental question of our time is whether the West has the will to survive,” he said. “Do we have the desire and the courage to preserve our civilization in the face of those who would subvert and destroy it?” If you read and watch the news with the same round-the-clock voracity that most of us do, it’s easy to see that public perception is divided: those who believe the West is in imminent danger from this Clash and those who believe in dialogue.
As His Highness, the Aga Khan celebrates a Diamond Jubilee today—60th year as the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the world’s Shia Ismaili Muslims—we are reminded that interfaith bridges of understanding are not the kind of stories that you hear about every day. Indeed, the 24/7 news cycle is not built to tell “soft news.” But if you fall into the camp of those who seek a world of bridges, you should know about the man who has been building them since he was a 21-year-old. The Aga Khan calls the clash of civilizations a “clash of mutual ignorance.” In his words: “The world we seek is not a world where difference is erased but where difference can be a powerful force for good, helping us to fashion a new sense of cooperation and coherence in our world and to build a better life for all.”
More...
http://www.diplomaticourier.com/dialogu ... -building/
Edmontonians celebrate Aga Khan’s Diamond Jubilee
https://www.facebook.com/GlobalEdmonton ... 154205927/
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(Video) Nairobi, Kenya: Ismaili community celebrates 60 years with Aga Khan as their spiritual leader
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4bOL9m9vr8
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Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel congratulates His Highness the Aga Khan and the Ismaili community on the occasion of Diamond Jubilee
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2017/ ... d-jubilee/
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Toronto City Councillor and former MP Jim Karygiannis extends best wishes on the occasion of Imamat Day
http://karygiannis.net/wp/2017/07/09/ju ... mamat-day/
****
Mayor Crombie Marks Imamat Day
“On behalf of the City of Mississauga and Members of Council, we join with our local Shia Ismaili Muslim community to mark the historic diamond jubilee of the 49th hereditary Imam and spiritual leader, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.
More...
http://www.mayorcrombie.ca/mayor-crombi ... mamat-day/
****
Fabian Dawson: Aga Khan’s diamond jubilee brings focus to spiritual leader’s contributions to world
http://theprovince.com/opinion/op-ed/fa ... s-to-world
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Canada’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 7158441077
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USA’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 7158441077
*****
Aga Khan defines role of Islamic bodies
RELIGIOUS institutions in the Islamic world should try to improve the quality of life of Muslims as well as of other groups with whom they live, Prince Shah Karim Al Hussaini, the 49th Imam of the Ismaili Shias, said in an interview with Dawn on the eve of diamond jubilee celebrations of his inheritance of the leadership of the community.
He laid out “the parameters within which religious institutions in the Muslim world can work”, outlining the need to “use material resources for the fulfillment of these objectives obligated by the Muslim faith”.
For the jubilee year, the Aga Khan said he hoped to lead his community to “identify various resources in the civil society in the countries in which [they] are engaged and support them in their mandate.”
He expanded on the mandate and explained that the goal was to continue working towards “improving quality of life, eliminating unfairness, fraud, and giving families the opportunity to think that their future generations can live in an improved society.”
More..
https://www.dawn.com/news/1344481
https://www.facebook.com/GlobalEdmonton ... 154205927/
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(Video) Nairobi, Kenya: Ismaili community celebrates 60 years with Aga Khan as their spiritual leader
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4bOL9m9vr8
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Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel congratulates His Highness the Aga Khan and the Ismaili community on the occasion of Diamond Jubilee
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2017/ ... d-jubilee/
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Toronto City Councillor and former MP Jim Karygiannis extends best wishes on the occasion of Imamat Day
http://karygiannis.net/wp/2017/07/09/ju ... mamat-day/
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Mayor Crombie Marks Imamat Day
“On behalf of the City of Mississauga and Members of Council, we join with our local Shia Ismaili Muslim community to mark the historic diamond jubilee of the 49th hereditary Imam and spiritual leader, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.
More...
http://www.mayorcrombie.ca/mayor-crombi ... mamat-day/
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Fabian Dawson: Aga Khan’s diamond jubilee brings focus to spiritual leader’s contributions to world
http://theprovince.com/opinion/op-ed/fa ... s-to-world
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Canada’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 7158441077
******
USA’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 7158441077
*****
Aga Khan defines role of Islamic bodies
RELIGIOUS institutions in the Islamic world should try to improve the quality of life of Muslims as well as of other groups with whom they live, Prince Shah Karim Al Hussaini, the 49th Imam of the Ismaili Shias, said in an interview with Dawn on the eve of diamond jubilee celebrations of his inheritance of the leadership of the community.
He laid out “the parameters within which religious institutions in the Muslim world can work”, outlining the need to “use material resources for the fulfillment of these objectives obligated by the Muslim faith”.
For the jubilee year, the Aga Khan said he hoped to lead his community to “identify various resources in the civil society in the countries in which [they] are engaged and support them in their mandate.”
He expanded on the mandate and explained that the goal was to continue working towards “improving quality of life, eliminating unfairness, fraud, and giving families the opportunity to think that their future generations can live in an improved society.”
More..
https://www.dawn.com/news/1344481
PHOTOS: QUEBEC ISMAILIS CELEBRATE MAWLANA HAZAR IMAM’S DIAMOND JUBILEE
https://barakah.com/2017/07/13/photos-q ... d-jubilee/
https://barakah.com/2017/07/13/photos-q ... d-jubilee/
http://www.monitor.co.ug/OpEd/Commentar ... index.html
The Monitor, Uganda
Wednesday July 19 2017
The Aga Khan Diamond Jubilee: Special connection for Uganda Ismailis
By Vali Jamal
I looked recently at our newspapers to find if any attempt was made in the coverage of the Aga Khan’s Diamond Jubilee (60 years of ascending the throne of the Ismaili Imamat on July 11) to show the importance of the landmark for Uganda Ismailis and even Uganda. What we got was the standard material about what the Aga Khan Development Network does in Uganda. Lots, but without that special connection, the story is like “Hamlet without the Prince”.
Allow me to fill in two connecting - and connected - events which make the observance of the Diamond Jubilee so emotion-packed for Uganda Ismailis everywhere. The first is that one ceremony for the coronation of the Aga Khan had perforce to be performed on the grounds of the Ismaili jamatkhana (prayer house) in Kampala because of a last-minute objection by the Lukiiko against a non-Baganda king being coronated on public Buganda land. The original site chosen was Nakivubo stadium.
Just in 10 days or so, volunteers came together from all villages to build the stage. Exams were very near, but we spent as much time as we could on the grounds of the jamatkhana and during the days of the ceremony itself. Because of the small size of the compound, the emotions could be seen on every face and on every mouth, the story was of the “miracle” that was actually happening. A band had come from Pakistan who wore Scottish kilts and played bagpipes.
The old Aga Khan’s Begum joined in the celebrations at night.
Fifteen years later (February 1972), the same jamatkhana was the scene of the Imam’s visit to his jamat and within just another six months, of the Asian expulsion. I was in Uganda that year collecting data for my dissertation at Stanford. The special Aga Khan angle in the expulsion starts with the fact that a majority of Ismailis had taken out Uganda citizenship on the guidance of the Imam himself and were rendered stateless in the verification exercise. Things were frantic as people went from one embassy to another to find a host country. Then the rumour that the Canadians were coming came true – and that then brings us the very special Aga Khan angle in the story.
The Canadian mission set up in the Aga Khan’s IPS (Industrial Promotion Services) building, no less. In writing a book I came across the diary of the chief of the Canadian mission that had come to process us – Roger St Vincent. I took lots of extracts out of it to make the story come alive. The Aga Khan’s role is evident there and it also comes through in people’s own stories. My parents and elder sister and brother-in-law passed the Canadian interviews. Younger sister and husband wanted to stay on their accepted Uganda citizenship, but were scared off when gunmen appeared at their gate. They too secured Canadian visas.
There is more of the Aga Khan angle! Unknown to most people, at the last week of the expulsion deadline, some 6,000 Uganda Asians were practically stateless as they had given up on their plans to stay on in Uganda on their confirmed citizenship, or were handicapped or of mixed race and practically abandoned by their families. Amin was ratcheting up the rhetoric: So you want to stay on in Uganda? Feel welcome to go dig the shambas. The UNHCR advised people to simply throw away their Uganda passports and report at their staging posts.
The Aga Khan’s uncle Prince Sadruddin was the head of the HCR at that time. Within just a week or so, the HCR took away the 6,000 or so stateless Uganda Asians and sheltered them in centres in five European countries. At this time, UNHCR were dealing with 500,000 displaced persons from Southern Sudan and yet they devoted so much attention to us! The Aga Khan and UNHCR are accorded “hero” status in my book, along with Canadian prime minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau.
There is a sequel even less often brought out: The 7,000 or so Uganda Asians (of all sects) that Canada took were the first batch of non-white refugees they were accepting, against sporadic opposition from the right-wingers. Within just six months or so of arriving in Canada, the refugees had found their own feet in business and professions, so much so that the next Canadian prime minister Chretien, was quoted as ruing why more of the Uganda Asians had not come to settle in his constituency.
But there is more: Our successful resettlement in Canada encouraged Canada to accept thousands of refugees from Vietnam and that then contributed to Canada incorporating multiculturism in its law in 1987.
And that encouraged His Highness the Aga Khan in establishing the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa, rather than what at that time was seen as its “natural” setting – London. Quite evidently, the Global Centre is a celebration of what Canada is, and the Uganda Asian resettlement done under no other than the Aga Khan contributed to it!
So much to remember in Uganda at this landmark jubilee of our Imam! Our Uganda jamat now consists of only 250 or so “original” Uganda Ismailis, swamped by 10 times as many “newcomer” Ismailis from India and Pakistan. I am quite certain as many Uganda Ismailis living in the diaspora countries will come for the jubilee ceremonies to make this a happy reunion.
We can be sure many of the stories above will be remembered. Uganda’s “pluralism” too, under President Museveni’s repossession overture to the departed Asians will be celebrated then. What a win-win!
Dr Jamal was a senior research economist, UN-ILO, 1976-2001. vali.jamal@yahoo.com
The Monitor, Uganda
Wednesday July 19 2017
The Aga Khan Diamond Jubilee: Special connection for Uganda Ismailis
By Vali Jamal
I looked recently at our newspapers to find if any attempt was made in the coverage of the Aga Khan’s Diamond Jubilee (60 years of ascending the throne of the Ismaili Imamat on July 11) to show the importance of the landmark for Uganda Ismailis and even Uganda. What we got was the standard material about what the Aga Khan Development Network does in Uganda. Lots, but without that special connection, the story is like “Hamlet without the Prince”.
Allow me to fill in two connecting - and connected - events which make the observance of the Diamond Jubilee so emotion-packed for Uganda Ismailis everywhere. The first is that one ceremony for the coronation of the Aga Khan had perforce to be performed on the grounds of the Ismaili jamatkhana (prayer house) in Kampala because of a last-minute objection by the Lukiiko against a non-Baganda king being coronated on public Buganda land. The original site chosen was Nakivubo stadium.
Just in 10 days or so, volunteers came together from all villages to build the stage. Exams were very near, but we spent as much time as we could on the grounds of the jamatkhana and during the days of the ceremony itself. Because of the small size of the compound, the emotions could be seen on every face and on every mouth, the story was of the “miracle” that was actually happening. A band had come from Pakistan who wore Scottish kilts and played bagpipes.
The old Aga Khan’s Begum joined in the celebrations at night.
Fifteen years later (February 1972), the same jamatkhana was the scene of the Imam’s visit to his jamat and within just another six months, of the Asian expulsion. I was in Uganda that year collecting data for my dissertation at Stanford. The special Aga Khan angle in the expulsion starts with the fact that a majority of Ismailis had taken out Uganda citizenship on the guidance of the Imam himself and were rendered stateless in the verification exercise. Things were frantic as people went from one embassy to another to find a host country. Then the rumour that the Canadians were coming came true – and that then brings us the very special Aga Khan angle in the story.
The Canadian mission set up in the Aga Khan’s IPS (Industrial Promotion Services) building, no less. In writing a book I came across the diary of the chief of the Canadian mission that had come to process us – Roger St Vincent. I took lots of extracts out of it to make the story come alive. The Aga Khan’s role is evident there and it also comes through in people’s own stories. My parents and elder sister and brother-in-law passed the Canadian interviews. Younger sister and husband wanted to stay on their accepted Uganda citizenship, but were scared off when gunmen appeared at their gate. They too secured Canadian visas.
There is more of the Aga Khan angle! Unknown to most people, at the last week of the expulsion deadline, some 6,000 Uganda Asians were practically stateless as they had given up on their plans to stay on in Uganda on their confirmed citizenship, or were handicapped or of mixed race and practically abandoned by their families. Amin was ratcheting up the rhetoric: So you want to stay on in Uganda? Feel welcome to go dig the shambas. The UNHCR advised people to simply throw away their Uganda passports and report at their staging posts.
The Aga Khan’s uncle Prince Sadruddin was the head of the HCR at that time. Within just a week or so, the HCR took away the 6,000 or so stateless Uganda Asians and sheltered them in centres in five European countries. At this time, UNHCR were dealing with 500,000 displaced persons from Southern Sudan and yet they devoted so much attention to us! The Aga Khan and UNHCR are accorded “hero” status in my book, along with Canadian prime minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau.
There is a sequel even less often brought out: The 7,000 or so Uganda Asians (of all sects) that Canada took were the first batch of non-white refugees they were accepting, against sporadic opposition from the right-wingers. Within just six months or so of arriving in Canada, the refugees had found their own feet in business and professions, so much so that the next Canadian prime minister Chretien, was quoted as ruing why more of the Uganda Asians had not come to settle in his constituency.
But there is more: Our successful resettlement in Canada encouraged Canada to accept thousands of refugees from Vietnam and that then contributed to Canada incorporating multiculturism in its law in 1987.
And that encouraged His Highness the Aga Khan in establishing the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa, rather than what at that time was seen as its “natural” setting – London. Quite evidently, the Global Centre is a celebration of what Canada is, and the Uganda Asian resettlement done under no other than the Aga Khan contributed to it!
So much to remember in Uganda at this landmark jubilee of our Imam! Our Uganda jamat now consists of only 250 or so “original” Uganda Ismailis, swamped by 10 times as many “newcomer” Ismailis from India and Pakistan. I am quite certain as many Uganda Ismailis living in the diaspora countries will come for the jubilee ceremonies to make this a happy reunion.
We can be sure many of the stories above will be remembered. Uganda’s “pluralism” too, under President Museveni’s repossession overture to the departed Asians will be celebrated then. What a win-win!
Dr Jamal was a senior research economist, UN-ILO, 1976-2001. vali.jamal@yahoo.com
http://www.coastweek.com/4028-extra-01.htm
Coastweek, Kenya - Tuesday, 25 July 2017
His Highness Aga Khan Commenced His Diamond Jubilee
Gouvieux, France -- His Highness the Aga Khan commenced his Diamond Jubilee, or 60th year as the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the world’s Shia Ismaili Muslims.
This worldwide celebration brings together the global Ismaili community, partners of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), and government and faith community leaders in over 25 countries.
It also commences a year of milestone announcements by the Aga Khan for a global commitment to partnerships based on the principles of ethics in action, peace and pluralism.
“During the Jubilee year and in the future, poverty alleviation will continue to be a primary area of focus for my Jamat and all the AKDN institutions,” said the Aga Khan in an address to the global Ismaili community.
The Aga Khan emphasised Diamond Jubilee priorities, including the promotion of early childhood and primary education, strengthening institutions, and invigorating civil society.
He thanked partners of the AKDN for their continued contributions.
His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan | Coastweek
Coastweek -- His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan. PHOTO CREDIT: COURTESY OF AGA KHAN DEVELOPMENT NETWORK
Over the past six decades, the Aga Khan has transformed the quality of life for millions of people around the world.
In the areas of health, education, cultural revitalisation, and economic empowerment, he has worked to inspire excellence and improve living conditions and opportunities including in some of the world’s most remote and troubled regions.
In Islam’s ethical tradition, religious leaders not only interpret the faith but also have a responsibility to help improve the quality of life of their community and the societies among which they live.
For the Aga Khan, this has meant dedicating his life to addressing the concerns of the developing world.
Following in the tradition of his forefathers—going back over a thousand years to the establishment, by the Ismaili Imams, of the earliest universities and institutions of learning in the Muslim world—the Aga Khan has continued to emphasise the importance of education for both men and women.
He has established centres of learning that are at the forefront of international teaching practice, knowledge and scientific research, including the Aga Khan University, the University of Central Asia, and the Aga Khan Academies.
“Ours is an intellectual tradition which premiates the pursuit of knowledge that is to be used,” said the Aga Khan, “for the good of larger society. Live your faith through acquiring knowledge with which to help others.”
The Aga Khan and the Shia Ismaili Muslim Community
The Aga Khan is a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) through his cousin and son-in-law Ali, the first Imam, and his wife Fatima, the Prophet’s daughter.
He succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan as the Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims sixty years ago, at the age of 20.
Today, His Highness the Aga Khan leads a global community of some 15 million Shia Ismaili Muslims, living predominantly in South Asia, Central Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, North America, and the Far East.
Like the Muslim world as a whole, the Ismaili community represents a rich diversity of cultures, languages, and nationalities. His role as Imam includes the interpretation of the faith for his community and responsibility for religious institutions and his followers worldwide.
The Aga Khan and the AKDN
Driven by the ethics of his faith and the Imam’s hereditary responsibility to improve the quality of life for his community and for those amongst whom they live, the Aga Khan has been at the forefront of innovation in development during his 60 years as Imam.
He is Founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), one of the most comprehensive development networks in the world today.
The AKDN operates in over 30 countries principally in Central and South Asia, Eastern and Western Africa and the Middle East.
Its activities contribute to the employment of over 80,000 staff, making one of the largest development organisations in the world.
Inspired by the Islamic ethic of compassion and responsibility to care for the needy, the AKDN works for the common good of all citizens, regardless of their gender, origin, or religion.
The AKDN’s agencies have mandates ranging from health and education to architecture, microfinance, disaster reduction, rural development, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalisation of historic cities—all of which are catalysts for development.
Together, they contribute towards building a vibrant civil society that addresses the needs of vulnerable populations.
AKDN spends US$ 925 million dollars annually on non-profit social and cultural development activities – a threefold increase over the past ten years.
It operates more than 200 health care institutions, 2 universities spanning 6 countries, and 200 schools and school improvement programmes in some of the most remote and poorest parts of the developing world.
At the same time, AKDN operates over 90 project companies in post-conflict and transitional economies, helping to lay the foundations of economic development in these countries.
These companies, which range from a large-scale hydropower project in Uganda to a mobile phone company in Afghanistan, now generate over US$ 4.1 billion in revenues.
Surpluses from these activities are re-invested into development projects.
Each year, among numerous other interventions, the AKDN provides quality health care to five million people, improves teaching for two million students from preschool to university level, generates electricity for ten million people, and helps eight million to achieve greater food security, raise household incomes, and improve their overall quality of life.
In keeping with tradition, the Aga Khan’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations will include the launching of new social, cultural, and economic development projects.
New projects and initiatives to be announced or dedicated this year include coordinated programmes to alleviate poverty, increased access to finance for education, health and housing, early childhood development, and infrastructure (principally, water, energy and telecommunications) projects in developing countries.
Additional resources and capacity will be added to the institutions of the AKDN, including the Aga Khan University and the University of Central Asia.
The Aga Khan believes diversity should inspire, not divide, and that enhancing pluralism is a crucial building block for constructing peaceful and successful societies.
In 2006, the Aga Khan and the Canadian government established the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa to conduct research and advance knowledge about the values that underpin inclusive pluralistic societies.
The Aga Khan has enhanced dialogue and fostered collaboration between faith communities and has been a strong advocate for an improved understanding of Islam.
He has emphasised Islam as a thinking, spiritual faith that teaches compassion and tolerance and upholds the dignity of mankind. Rejecting the notion of an inevitable conflict between peoples, he has called this a “clash of ignorance” rather than one of civilisations.
In his own words: “The world we seek is not a world where difference is erased but where difference can be a powerful force for good, helping us to fashion a new sense of cooperation and coherence in our world and to build together a better life for all.”
The Diamond Jubilee provides an occasion to improve understanding – including of Islam and Muslim civilizations - and foster collaboration between different peoples and faith communities across the globe.
Coastweek, Kenya - Tuesday, 25 July 2017
His Highness Aga Khan Commenced His Diamond Jubilee
Gouvieux, France -- His Highness the Aga Khan commenced his Diamond Jubilee, or 60th year as the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the world’s Shia Ismaili Muslims.
This worldwide celebration brings together the global Ismaili community, partners of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), and government and faith community leaders in over 25 countries.
It also commences a year of milestone announcements by the Aga Khan for a global commitment to partnerships based on the principles of ethics in action, peace and pluralism.
“During the Jubilee year and in the future, poverty alleviation will continue to be a primary area of focus for my Jamat and all the AKDN institutions,” said the Aga Khan in an address to the global Ismaili community.
The Aga Khan emphasised Diamond Jubilee priorities, including the promotion of early childhood and primary education, strengthening institutions, and invigorating civil society.
He thanked partners of the AKDN for their continued contributions.
His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan | Coastweek
Coastweek -- His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan. PHOTO CREDIT: COURTESY OF AGA KHAN DEVELOPMENT NETWORK
Over the past six decades, the Aga Khan has transformed the quality of life for millions of people around the world.
In the areas of health, education, cultural revitalisation, and economic empowerment, he has worked to inspire excellence and improve living conditions and opportunities including in some of the world’s most remote and troubled regions.
In Islam’s ethical tradition, religious leaders not only interpret the faith but also have a responsibility to help improve the quality of life of their community and the societies among which they live.
For the Aga Khan, this has meant dedicating his life to addressing the concerns of the developing world.
Following in the tradition of his forefathers—going back over a thousand years to the establishment, by the Ismaili Imams, of the earliest universities and institutions of learning in the Muslim world—the Aga Khan has continued to emphasise the importance of education for both men and women.
He has established centres of learning that are at the forefront of international teaching practice, knowledge and scientific research, including the Aga Khan University, the University of Central Asia, and the Aga Khan Academies.
“Ours is an intellectual tradition which premiates the pursuit of knowledge that is to be used,” said the Aga Khan, “for the good of larger society. Live your faith through acquiring knowledge with which to help others.”
The Aga Khan and the Shia Ismaili Muslim Community
The Aga Khan is a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) through his cousin and son-in-law Ali, the first Imam, and his wife Fatima, the Prophet’s daughter.
He succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan as the Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims sixty years ago, at the age of 20.
Today, His Highness the Aga Khan leads a global community of some 15 million Shia Ismaili Muslims, living predominantly in South Asia, Central Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, North America, and the Far East.
Like the Muslim world as a whole, the Ismaili community represents a rich diversity of cultures, languages, and nationalities. His role as Imam includes the interpretation of the faith for his community and responsibility for religious institutions and his followers worldwide.
The Aga Khan and the AKDN
Driven by the ethics of his faith and the Imam’s hereditary responsibility to improve the quality of life for his community and for those amongst whom they live, the Aga Khan has been at the forefront of innovation in development during his 60 years as Imam.
He is Founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), one of the most comprehensive development networks in the world today.
The AKDN operates in over 30 countries principally in Central and South Asia, Eastern and Western Africa and the Middle East.
Its activities contribute to the employment of over 80,000 staff, making one of the largest development organisations in the world.
Inspired by the Islamic ethic of compassion and responsibility to care for the needy, the AKDN works for the common good of all citizens, regardless of their gender, origin, or religion.
The AKDN’s agencies have mandates ranging from health and education to architecture, microfinance, disaster reduction, rural development, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalisation of historic cities—all of which are catalysts for development.
Together, they contribute towards building a vibrant civil society that addresses the needs of vulnerable populations.
AKDN spends US$ 925 million dollars annually on non-profit social and cultural development activities – a threefold increase over the past ten years.
It operates more than 200 health care institutions, 2 universities spanning 6 countries, and 200 schools and school improvement programmes in some of the most remote and poorest parts of the developing world.
At the same time, AKDN operates over 90 project companies in post-conflict and transitional economies, helping to lay the foundations of economic development in these countries.
These companies, which range from a large-scale hydropower project in Uganda to a mobile phone company in Afghanistan, now generate over US$ 4.1 billion in revenues.
Surpluses from these activities are re-invested into development projects.
Each year, among numerous other interventions, the AKDN provides quality health care to five million people, improves teaching for two million students from preschool to university level, generates electricity for ten million people, and helps eight million to achieve greater food security, raise household incomes, and improve their overall quality of life.
In keeping with tradition, the Aga Khan’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations will include the launching of new social, cultural, and economic development projects.
New projects and initiatives to be announced or dedicated this year include coordinated programmes to alleviate poverty, increased access to finance for education, health and housing, early childhood development, and infrastructure (principally, water, energy and telecommunications) projects in developing countries.
Additional resources and capacity will be added to the institutions of the AKDN, including the Aga Khan University and the University of Central Asia.
The Aga Khan believes diversity should inspire, not divide, and that enhancing pluralism is a crucial building block for constructing peaceful and successful societies.
In 2006, the Aga Khan and the Canadian government established the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa to conduct research and advance knowledge about the values that underpin inclusive pluralistic societies.
The Aga Khan has enhanced dialogue and fostered collaboration between faith communities and has been a strong advocate for an improved understanding of Islam.
He has emphasised Islam as a thinking, spiritual faith that teaches compassion and tolerance and upholds the dignity of mankind. Rejecting the notion of an inevitable conflict between peoples, he has called this a “clash of ignorance” rather than one of civilisations.
In his own words: “The world we seek is not a world where difference is erased but where difference can be a powerful force for good, helping us to fashion a new sense of cooperation and coherence in our world and to build together a better life for all.”
The Diamond Jubilee provides an occasion to improve understanding – including of Islam and Muslim civilizations - and foster collaboration between different peoples and faith communities across the globe.
A full 10 pages coverage of H.H. The Aga Khan Diamond Jubilee anniversary has been published in The Monitor, Uganda on 25 July 2017. Here is the PDF file which we suggest to download and read:
http://ismaili.net/timeline/2017/2017-07-11-monitor.pdf
http://ismaili.net/timeline/2017/2017-07-11-monitor.pdf
http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2017/07/ ... bangladesh
Shia Ismaili leader Prince Karim Aga Khan’s role lauded in Bangladesh
Senior Correspondent, bdnews24.com
Published: 2017-07-28 01:02:12.0 BdST
Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali has praised the Shia Ismaili community’s spiritual leader Prince Karim Aga Khan for his global role.
He spoke at a reception celebrating the diamond jubilee of the Aga Khan as the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the world’s Shia Ismaili Muslims in Dhaka on Thursday .
Ali said like his grandfather, he focused on efforts concerning the well-being of his own community and the wider Muslims as well.
“The Aga Khan’s work is underpinned by an emphasis on Islam as a spiritual faith which cherishes the role of the intellect, teaches compassion and tolerance, and upholds the dignity of humankind”.
He also praised the role of the Aga Khan Development Network in Bangladesh and said the network is committed to enhancing its investments in the education sector with the establishment of the Aga Khan Academy Dhaka which is to be located on approximately 20 acres of Network-owned land in Bashundhara.
The academy will be comprised of world-class facilities and become part of an integrated network of 18 such academies being built globally.
The Shia Ismaili community organised the reception at a Dhaka hotel.
The Aga Khan is a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through his cousin and son-in-law Ali, the first Imam, and his wife Fatima, the Prophet’s daughter.
At the age of 20, he succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan as the Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims 60 years ago.
Today, the Aga Khan leads a global community of some 15 million Shia Ismaili Muslims, living predominantly in South Asia, Central Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, North America, and the Far East.
July 11 marks the day of his accession to the Ismaili leadership.
Shia Ismaili leader Prince Karim Aga Khan’s role lauded in Bangladesh
Senior Correspondent, bdnews24.com
Published: 2017-07-28 01:02:12.0 BdST
Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali has praised the Shia Ismaili community’s spiritual leader Prince Karim Aga Khan for his global role.
He spoke at a reception celebrating the diamond jubilee of the Aga Khan as the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the world’s Shia Ismaili Muslims in Dhaka on Thursday .
Ali said like his grandfather, he focused on efforts concerning the well-being of his own community and the wider Muslims as well.
“The Aga Khan’s work is underpinned by an emphasis on Islam as a spiritual faith which cherishes the role of the intellect, teaches compassion and tolerance, and upholds the dignity of humankind”.
He also praised the role of the Aga Khan Development Network in Bangladesh and said the network is committed to enhancing its investments in the education sector with the establishment of the Aga Khan Academy Dhaka which is to be located on approximately 20 acres of Network-owned land in Bashundhara.
The academy will be comprised of world-class facilities and become part of an integrated network of 18 such academies being built globally.
The Shia Ismaili community organised the reception at a Dhaka hotel.
The Aga Khan is a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through his cousin and son-in-law Ali, the first Imam, and his wife Fatima, the Prophet’s daughter.
At the age of 20, he succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan as the Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims 60 years ago.
Today, the Aga Khan leads a global community of some 15 million Shia Ismaili Muslims, living predominantly in South Asia, Central Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, North America, and the Far East.
July 11 marks the day of his accession to the Ismaili leadership.
http://www.parismatch.com/Royal-Blog/Mo ... te-1319213
Paris Match Royal BlogMonde
L’Aga Khan, prince philanthrope, fête soixante ans à la tête de sa communauté
Paris Match| Publié le 29/07/2017 à 06h00
Le leader spirituel de 15 millions d’Ismaéliens, musulmans chiites pacifiques, désigné à l’été 1957 par son grand-père l’Aga Khan III, a, depuis, tracé sa voie.
S’appuyant sur ses principes religieux qui impliquent d’améliorer la vie des siens et des populations locales, le prince a transformé l’existence de millions de gens, notamment dans les régions les plus reculées ou instables de la planète. A travers son solide réseau de développement social, l’AKDN, l’imam visionnaire œuvre pour la santé, l’éducation, la prévention des catastrophes, l’autonomisation économique, le microfinancement, la culture…, avec un trésor de 925 millions de dollars par an dont les dividendes sont réinvestis dans leurs activités propres. Une entité intervenant dans plus de 30 pays, en Asie centrale, en Asie du Sud, en Afrique orientale et occidentale et au Moyen-Orient. Fidèle à la tradition de ses ancêtres, le père de Zahra, Rahim, Hussain et Aly, grand seigneur, entretient néanmoins le mystère quand on lui demande qui sera son successeur à la tête de cet empire économique et confessionnel.
De sa voix à l’inimitable tonalité orientale, il répond seulement que ses trois aînés ont déjà des responsabilités au sein de l’AKDN et ont grandi dans cette éthique… Côté flamboyant, à Chantilly, domaine dont il est l’un des mécènes, Son Altesse consacre de grands moyens à son écurie de course. Une passion familiale et une réussite personnelle, avec l’un des plus beaux élevages sur terre. Mais lorsqu’on le complimente sur le pluralisme de son action, bon prince, il explique : « J’ai favorisé le dialogue et la collaboration entre les communautés religieuses et beaucoup plaidé en faveur d’une meilleure compréhension de l’islam. » Sans doute heureux d’avoir œuvré ainsi, l’Aga Khan n’en parle guère. C’est ça, la classe !
Paris Match Royal BlogMonde
L’Aga Khan, prince philanthrope, fête soixante ans à la tête de sa communauté
Paris Match| Publié le 29/07/2017 à 06h00
Le leader spirituel de 15 millions d’Ismaéliens, musulmans chiites pacifiques, désigné à l’été 1957 par son grand-père l’Aga Khan III, a, depuis, tracé sa voie.
S’appuyant sur ses principes religieux qui impliquent d’améliorer la vie des siens et des populations locales, le prince a transformé l’existence de millions de gens, notamment dans les régions les plus reculées ou instables de la planète. A travers son solide réseau de développement social, l’AKDN, l’imam visionnaire œuvre pour la santé, l’éducation, la prévention des catastrophes, l’autonomisation économique, le microfinancement, la culture…, avec un trésor de 925 millions de dollars par an dont les dividendes sont réinvestis dans leurs activités propres. Une entité intervenant dans plus de 30 pays, en Asie centrale, en Asie du Sud, en Afrique orientale et occidentale et au Moyen-Orient. Fidèle à la tradition de ses ancêtres, le père de Zahra, Rahim, Hussain et Aly, grand seigneur, entretient néanmoins le mystère quand on lui demande qui sera son successeur à la tête de cet empire économique et confessionnel.
De sa voix à l’inimitable tonalité orientale, il répond seulement que ses trois aînés ont déjà des responsabilités au sein de l’AKDN et ont grandi dans cette éthique… Côté flamboyant, à Chantilly, domaine dont il est l’un des mécènes, Son Altesse consacre de grands moyens à son écurie de course. Une passion familiale et une réussite personnelle, avec l’un des plus beaux élevages sur terre. Mais lorsqu’on le complimente sur le pluralisme de son action, bon prince, il explique : « J’ai favorisé le dialogue et la collaboration entre les communautés religieuses et beaucoup plaidé en faveur d’une meilleure compréhension de l’islam. » Sans doute heureux d’avoir œuvré ainsi, l’Aga Khan n’en parle guère. C’est ça, la classe !
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/6486630/w ... -mulaqaat/
Who is the Aga Khan and why is his Diamond Jubilee being celebrated?
The 81-year-old is known as a man of few words but his tireless work over six decades has seen communities across the world thrive
By Sofia Petkar
8th June 2018, 10:56 pm
THE Aga Khan is one of the world’s most generous philanthropists and the spiritual leader of more than 15 million Ismaili Muslims worldwide.
He has spent the last 60 years beautifully bridging gaps between communities, ensuring his legacy breaks boundaries between religions, cultures and societies. But just who is he and why is this such a special year for him?
The Aga Khan keeps a low profile but has been a driving force behind many global changes over the past six decades
The Aga Khan keeps a low profile but has been a driving force behind many global changes over the past six decades
Who is the Aga Khan?
The Aga Khan’s full title is His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.
Although he is known as a man of few words, he is in fact the 49th and current spiritual leader of around 15 million Ismaili Muslims, who are scattered across 25 countries.
While most Ismailis live in African and Asian countries – there are sizable communities in Britain as well as the US and Canada.
The Aga Khan has a British passport but he lives in France and is among the top 15 of the world’s wealthiest royals.
According to Forbes magazine, he’s worth an incredible £800 million.
He assumed the role of the 49th Imam (or spiritual leader) of the Shia Imami Ismailis on July 11 1957 at the age of 20 – succeeding his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah.
When this happened, he was in his junior year at Harvard and it was the first time in the family’s 1,300-year history that a generation had been skipped over.
In March, Queen Elizabeth hosted a special dinner at Windsor Castle to honour the Aga Khan's tireless work for the wider community
In March, Queen Elizabeth hosted a special dinner at Windsor Castle to honour the Aga Khan's tireless work for the wider community
What is his Diamond Jubilee all about?
In 2017, the Aga Khan began his Diamond Jubilee year – that is, the completion of 60 years at the helm of the Ismaili community.
The last 11 months have seen countless celebration, festivities and the launch of dozens of new projects in his honour that will go on to benefit not just the Ismailis, but every man, woman and child worldwide, regardless of their creed, colour, background or financial standing.
The Diamond Jubilee year is effectively a celebration of the Aga Khan’s vision and tireless work, which has steered the Ismaili community through six decades of sweeping changes in the global landscape.
These changes have been on a scale that is unprecedented in history and during a period which has seen massive social, political and economic challenges.
The 81-year-old is also currently on a worldwide ‘tour’ where he is personally meeting as many of his followers as he is able, and using each visit to launch a Diamond Jubilee legacy project that will live on for generations.
The Aga Khan owned Shergar - once the most famous and valuable racehorse in the world
5
The Aga Khan owned Shergar - once the most famous and valuable racehorse in the world
Is the Aga Khan visiting the UK soon?
The humble leader is due to visit the United Kingdom at the end of June where he will spend two days meeting the British Ismaili community in private gatherings.
During his time in the UK, he will personally open the Aga Khan Centre in London’s thriving ‘Knowledge Quarter’ at King's Cross.
The Aga Khan Centre has been designed by Maki and Associates and the project was led by Fumihiko Maki, one of Japan’s most distinguished contemporary architects.
The centre will provide a new home for a number of UK based organisations founded by His Highness the Aga Khan.
These include The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS), the Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC) and the Aga Khan Foundation UK (AKF UK).
These Institutions have been operating in the UK for many years and are part of a mission and mandate to increase knowledge and understanding of Muslim civilisations and help improve the quality of life for people around the world.
The Aga Khan Centre will also help connect the public to global development issues and the Aga Khan Foundation’s work to improve the quality of life for people of all faiths and backgrounds in some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities.
The building will stand proudly alongside the new offices of Facebook and Google.
The Aga Khan is one of the world's 15 richest royals and had been honoured in a number of countries worldwide including Portugal and Canada
The Aga Khan is one of the world's 15 richest royals and had been honoured in a number of countries worldwide including Portugal and Canada
Is the Aga Khan friends with the Queen?
Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Karim are old friends, and it was the Monarch who bestowed the title of ‘His Highness’ on the Aga Khan in 1957 on his ‘Imamat’ – the year of his accession as hereditary leader of the Shi’a Ismaili Muslims.
The Aga Khan holds a number of titles and honours worldwide, and was most notably appointed Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2004.
In March 2018, Queen Elizabeth hosted the Aga Khan and his family at Windsor Castle to celebrate his Diamond Jubilee.
In attendance were a number of members of the Royal Family, including The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, The Duke of York, The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.
The event acknowledged historic linkages between the Ismaili Imamat and the British Monarchy and longstanding connections between the Ismaili Community, the institutions of the Aga Khan Development Network and the United Kingdom.
The AKDN works toward improvement of the environment, health, education, architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalisation of
The AKDN works toward improvement of the environment, health, education, architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalisation of historic cities
What is the Aga Khan Development Network?
The staggeringly large Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) works across 30 countries around the world, and employs 80,000 people.
It was established to improve the quality of life not just for Ismailis, but also for the wider communities in which they lived.
For over 60 years, the AKDN has been building institutions and delivering essential services by creating schools and hospitals, newspapers and electricity generation plants, and social programmes of all kinds.
The collective agencies work towards multiple causes – these include the elimination of global poverty and the advancement of the status of women, among others.
And that’s not all.
Worldwide, the Aga Khan’s name can be seen on a number of hospitals, schools and universities – each facility employing, assisting, treating and educating without discrimination.
Who is the Aga Khan and why is his Diamond Jubilee being celebrated?
The 81-year-old is known as a man of few words but his tireless work over six decades has seen communities across the world thrive
By Sofia Petkar
8th June 2018, 10:56 pm
THE Aga Khan is one of the world’s most generous philanthropists and the spiritual leader of more than 15 million Ismaili Muslims worldwide.
He has spent the last 60 years beautifully bridging gaps between communities, ensuring his legacy breaks boundaries between religions, cultures and societies. But just who is he and why is this such a special year for him?
The Aga Khan keeps a low profile but has been a driving force behind many global changes over the past six decades
The Aga Khan keeps a low profile but has been a driving force behind many global changes over the past six decades
Who is the Aga Khan?
The Aga Khan’s full title is His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.
Although he is known as a man of few words, he is in fact the 49th and current spiritual leader of around 15 million Ismaili Muslims, who are scattered across 25 countries.
While most Ismailis live in African and Asian countries – there are sizable communities in Britain as well as the US and Canada.
The Aga Khan has a British passport but he lives in France and is among the top 15 of the world’s wealthiest royals.
According to Forbes magazine, he’s worth an incredible £800 million.
He assumed the role of the 49th Imam (or spiritual leader) of the Shia Imami Ismailis on July 11 1957 at the age of 20 – succeeding his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah.
When this happened, he was in his junior year at Harvard and it was the first time in the family’s 1,300-year history that a generation had been skipped over.
In March, Queen Elizabeth hosted a special dinner at Windsor Castle to honour the Aga Khan's tireless work for the wider community
In March, Queen Elizabeth hosted a special dinner at Windsor Castle to honour the Aga Khan's tireless work for the wider community
What is his Diamond Jubilee all about?
In 2017, the Aga Khan began his Diamond Jubilee year – that is, the completion of 60 years at the helm of the Ismaili community.
The last 11 months have seen countless celebration, festivities and the launch of dozens of new projects in his honour that will go on to benefit not just the Ismailis, but every man, woman and child worldwide, regardless of their creed, colour, background or financial standing.
The Diamond Jubilee year is effectively a celebration of the Aga Khan’s vision and tireless work, which has steered the Ismaili community through six decades of sweeping changes in the global landscape.
These changes have been on a scale that is unprecedented in history and during a period which has seen massive social, political and economic challenges.
The 81-year-old is also currently on a worldwide ‘tour’ where he is personally meeting as many of his followers as he is able, and using each visit to launch a Diamond Jubilee legacy project that will live on for generations.
The Aga Khan owned Shergar - once the most famous and valuable racehorse in the world
5
The Aga Khan owned Shergar - once the most famous and valuable racehorse in the world
Is the Aga Khan visiting the UK soon?
The humble leader is due to visit the United Kingdom at the end of June where he will spend two days meeting the British Ismaili community in private gatherings.
During his time in the UK, he will personally open the Aga Khan Centre in London’s thriving ‘Knowledge Quarter’ at King's Cross.
The Aga Khan Centre has been designed by Maki and Associates and the project was led by Fumihiko Maki, one of Japan’s most distinguished contemporary architects.
The centre will provide a new home for a number of UK based organisations founded by His Highness the Aga Khan.
These include The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS), the Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC) and the Aga Khan Foundation UK (AKF UK).
These Institutions have been operating in the UK for many years and are part of a mission and mandate to increase knowledge and understanding of Muslim civilisations and help improve the quality of life for people around the world.
The Aga Khan Centre will also help connect the public to global development issues and the Aga Khan Foundation’s work to improve the quality of life for people of all faiths and backgrounds in some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities.
The building will stand proudly alongside the new offices of Facebook and Google.
The Aga Khan is one of the world's 15 richest royals and had been honoured in a number of countries worldwide including Portugal and Canada
The Aga Khan is one of the world's 15 richest royals and had been honoured in a number of countries worldwide including Portugal and Canada
Is the Aga Khan friends with the Queen?
Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Karim are old friends, and it was the Monarch who bestowed the title of ‘His Highness’ on the Aga Khan in 1957 on his ‘Imamat’ – the year of his accession as hereditary leader of the Shi’a Ismaili Muslims.
The Aga Khan holds a number of titles and honours worldwide, and was most notably appointed Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2004.
In March 2018, Queen Elizabeth hosted the Aga Khan and his family at Windsor Castle to celebrate his Diamond Jubilee.
In attendance were a number of members of the Royal Family, including The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, The Duke of York, The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.
The event acknowledged historic linkages between the Ismaili Imamat and the British Monarchy and longstanding connections between the Ismaili Community, the institutions of the Aga Khan Development Network and the United Kingdom.
The AKDN works toward improvement of the environment, health, education, architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalisation of
The AKDN works toward improvement of the environment, health, education, architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalisation of historic cities
What is the Aga Khan Development Network?
The staggeringly large Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) works across 30 countries around the world, and employs 80,000 people.
It was established to improve the quality of life not just for Ismailis, but also for the wider communities in which they lived.
For over 60 years, the AKDN has been building institutions and delivering essential services by creating schools and hospitals, newspapers and electricity generation plants, and social programmes of all kinds.
The collective agencies work towards multiple causes – these include the elimination of global poverty and the advancement of the status of women, among others.
And that’s not all.
Worldwide, the Aga Khan’s name can be seen on a number of hospitals, schools and universities – each facility employing, assisting, treating and educating without discrimination.