Lisbon Didar Dec 2025
Highlights for Youth
- Honoring the Founders:
MHI highlighted the courage and commitment of the pioneering generation—our grandparents—who relocated 50 years ago to begin a new life. There was a strong expression of pride in the success and positive impact they have achieved.
- A Call for Gratitude and Contribution: For the younger generation, who primarily know Portugal as their homeland, the message was one of profound gratitude. Their current wellbeing is a result of the foundation laid by their grandparents and the dedicated hard work of their parents. MHI encouraged active engagement and contributing back to the community, emphasizing that continued progress requires effort, not complacency.
Portugal Deedar 1st - 5th Dec 2025
Re: Portugal Deedar 1st - 5th Dec 2025
On 3 December, Mawlana Hazar Imam granted a didar for the Jamats of Portugal and Spain.The Mukhi of Darkhana submitted bayʿa to the Imam on behalf of the Jamat, and President of the Ismaili Council Yasmin Bhudarally delivered a loyalty address.
In his Farman, Mawlana Hazar Imam expressed his concern about the President of Portugal’s ill health and said that he has extended best wishes for the President’s speedy recovery on behalf of the Jamat and his family.
Hazar Imam also informed the Jamat of his decision to reformat the merit-based undergraduate scholarship that is administered by Aga Khan Education Boards in selected countries by forgiving all outstanding loans and making the scholarship entirely grant based for current and future awardees. Hazar Imam explained that this is part of his desire to help remove the barriers to accessing quality higher education. The scholarship programme was established by Mawlana Shah Karim in the 1990s and has enabled thousands to access undergraduate degrees. Further details will be provided by the Education Boards in due course.
A gift was presented to Hazar Imam on behalf of the Jamat, consisting of two 19th century works on the Islamic architecture of Al-Andalus. The region of Al-Andalus in the Iberian Peninsula was home to diverse communities between the 8th and 13th centuries, and a place where different skills and ideas were seen as a source of strength.
The Islamic architectural heritage of al-Andalus includes iconic landmarks in the Spanish cities of Granada, Córdoba, and Seville, along with more recent discoveries in the Portuguese cities of Lisboa, Mértola, Silves, and Sintra.
Together, these texts—among the most significant publications documenting the historic architecture of the region—evoke a landscape that championed tolerance, creativity, and pluralism.
Later today, Hazar Imam will grant a youth mulaqat and meet with multi-faith family members.
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Re: Portugal Deedar 1st - 5th Dec 2025
Summary – Farman Mubarak, Lisbon (3 Dec 2025)
1. Bay‘ah and Love
• Shah Rahim expresses deep love for the Jamat.
• Accepts the Bay‘ah pledged on behalf of the Jamat.
• Emphasizes the permanent, spiritual bond between Imam and murid. - Bayah
• Gives blessings for spiritual elevation, worldly success, Mushkil Āsan, and peace worldwide.
2. Reflection on Lisbon
• Lisbon holds special meaning: linked to his father, to the start of his own Imamat, and to Ismaili history.
• Sends wishes for the Portuguese President’s recovery.
• Expresses gratitude for Portugal’s long-standing friendship.
3. Education Initiative
• Announces a major reform to the global undergraduate scholarship programme
• Loan component removed → fully grant-based.
• Will expand to academic and vocational training.
• All outstanding scholarship loans waived.
• Education is lifelong;
Beneficiaries of Efucation should serve humanity with their knowledge.
4. Portuguese Jamat’s Journey
• Marks 50 years (Golden Jubilee) since the arrival from Mozambique in 1975.
• Praises the sacrifice of early migrants and
urges the younger generation to honour and care for seniors.
5. Duty to Action Pluralism and our values
“ We value pluralism and diversity. Our values are peaceful and inclusive. It is not enough to say that we have these values, we must also express these values in our actions, we must live these values. “
• Jamat should strengthen Portugal through:
• Service
• Ethical citizenship
• Participation in civil society
• Invest not only in property but in contributions to the fabric of Portuguese society.
• “Help others rise with you” — material success must uplift others.
• Unity in the Jamat is essential.
6. Emphasis on Languages
• Learn and maintain multiple languages.
• Portuguese for integration and Lusophone opportunities.
• English is essential as the global and Jamati language and is the language of Farmans - to read and understand
7. Diversity, Women, and Family Life
• Diversity is a divine gift.
• Women’s education and economic empowerment are essential.
• Couples should share family and household responsibilities equally.
• Extended family members of other faiths are fully part of our community life (except not participating during congregational prayer).
8. Ethics, Faith, and Prayer
• Keep Allah close; live an ethical, spiritual, prayerful life.
• Tasbih given as a reminder to nourish the soul and live with faith.
• Encourages attending Jamatkhana, praying together, and practising gratitude.
9. Blessings for Family, Unity & Well-Being
• Blessings for good health, unity, courage, compassion, success, and deep lasting happiness.
10. Upon Departure
• Accepts mehmanis, Ab-e-Shafa, and Nazrana (to be used for the Jamat under Portugal’s Council).
• Appreciates Nazrana on Islamic architecture of Andalucía.
• Gives special blessings to all volunteers for their unity, dedication, and service.
11. Closing Prayer
• Prays for:
• Strength on Sirat al-Mustaqim
• Mushkil Āsan
• Purity of soul
• Spiritual strength
• Unity
• True happiness
• Urges the Jamat to remember this Didar as he will—with love, happiness, and deep connection.
1. Bay‘ah and Love
• Shah Rahim expresses deep love for the Jamat.
• Accepts the Bay‘ah pledged on behalf of the Jamat.
• Emphasizes the permanent, spiritual bond between Imam and murid. - Bayah
• Gives blessings for spiritual elevation, worldly success, Mushkil Āsan, and peace worldwide.
2. Reflection on Lisbon
• Lisbon holds special meaning: linked to his father, to the start of his own Imamat, and to Ismaili history.
• Sends wishes for the Portuguese President’s recovery.
• Expresses gratitude for Portugal’s long-standing friendship.
3. Education Initiative
• Announces a major reform to the global undergraduate scholarship programme
• Loan component removed → fully grant-based.
• Will expand to academic and vocational training.
• All outstanding scholarship loans waived.
• Education is lifelong;
Beneficiaries of Efucation should serve humanity with their knowledge.
4. Portuguese Jamat’s Journey
• Marks 50 years (Golden Jubilee) since the arrival from Mozambique in 1975.
• Praises the sacrifice of early migrants and
urges the younger generation to honour and care for seniors.
5. Duty to Action Pluralism and our values
“ We value pluralism and diversity. Our values are peaceful and inclusive. It is not enough to say that we have these values, we must also express these values in our actions, we must live these values. “
• Jamat should strengthen Portugal through:
• Service
• Ethical citizenship
• Participation in civil society
• Invest not only in property but in contributions to the fabric of Portuguese society.
• “Help others rise with you” — material success must uplift others.
• Unity in the Jamat is essential.
6. Emphasis on Languages
• Learn and maintain multiple languages.
• Portuguese for integration and Lusophone opportunities.
• English is essential as the global and Jamati language and is the language of Farmans - to read and understand
7. Diversity, Women, and Family Life
• Diversity is a divine gift.
• Women’s education and economic empowerment are essential.
• Couples should share family and household responsibilities equally.
• Extended family members of other faiths are fully part of our community life (except not participating during congregational prayer).
8. Ethics, Faith, and Prayer
• Keep Allah close; live an ethical, spiritual, prayerful life.
• Tasbih given as a reminder to nourish the soul and live with faith.
• Encourages attending Jamatkhana, praying together, and practising gratitude.
9. Blessings for Family, Unity & Well-Being
• Blessings for good health, unity, courage, compassion, success, and deep lasting happiness.
10. Upon Departure
• Accepts mehmanis, Ab-e-Shafa, and Nazrana (to be used for the Jamat under Portugal’s Council).
• Appreciates Nazrana on Islamic architecture of Andalucía.
• Gives special blessings to all volunteers for their unity, dedication, and service.
11. Closing Prayer
• Prays for:
• Strength on Sirat al-Mustaqim
• Mushkil Āsan
• Purity of soul
• Spiritual strength
• Unity
• True happiness
• Urges the Jamat to remember this Didar as he will—with love, happiness, and deep connection.
Re: Portugal Deedar 1st - 5th Dec 2025
On the second day of his visit to Portugal, Mawlana Hazar Imam granted a mulaqat to young people in the intimate setting of the Darkhana prayer hall.
Later, he addressed multifaith couples in the Great Hall. “I would like our community to treat non-Ismaili spouses the same way they treat Ismaili spouses, the same way they treat anyone as part of the family,” Hazar Imam stated. “I think we have an opportunity in this country, as a community—and this is also thanks to our spouses—to truly prosper. We have a responsibility to keep the country strong and also to serve this country.”
“Our faith is rooted in a set of values and principles, which include a code of conduct and behavior comprised of kindness, generosity, tolerance, helping those in need, service, and mutual care. I believe these values are universal. For Ismailis, living according to these ethical principles is an expression of our faith. Thus, although our specific practices, rituals, words, and prayers may differ, I believe that most faith communities share common values and principles and, in many cases, share stories and prophets, books, angels, and God. These are humanistic values.”
Raquel Fonseca, a member of a multifaith family, thanked Hazar Imam on behalf of the guests: “This visit brought us closer to the Ismaili Community,” she said.
“We are especially grateful for your spiritual leadership, which inspires our spouses, our children, and our families with values of service, integrity, and compassion. Your Highness, thank you for your vision, your generosity, and for welcoming us with genuine affection.”
Next, Hazar Imam admired an art installation entitled Journey Home, created by the Jamat of Portugal and Spain, made with sustainably sourced materials. The work depicts hundreds of water droplets, each with a handwritten message for the Imam, flowing towards a sculpted sea.
Inspired by Portugal's deep cultural connection to the sea, the installation celebrates water as a symbol of each murid's spiritual journey. Each drop follows a unique course, but all unite in the vast ocean—a metaphor for Allah, the source of sustenance and light.
As he left the Ismaili Center, young volunteers and medalists from the Jubilee Games gathered to bid him farewell. Later, Hazar Imam returned to the Center to meet with Jamat leaders at an institutional reception.
https://the.ismaili/pt/pt/news/mawlana- ... -in-lisbon
Re: Portugal Deedar 1st - 5th Dec 2025
The Ismaili Update: Portugal visit - Part 2
Yesterday afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam graced the Jamats of Portugal and Spain with didar, and earlier today he granted a mulaqat to the young members of the Jamat. Learn about the gift presented to him, and see the celebrations from a special 24 hours in Lisbon.
Watch now : https://youtu.be/VuzO95tQ6lg
Yesterday afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam graced the Jamats of Portugal and Spain with didar, and earlier today he granted a mulaqat to the young members of the Jamat. Learn about the gift presented to him, and see the celebrations from a special 24 hours in Lisbon.
Watch now : https://youtu.be/VuzO95tQ6lg
Re: Portugal Deedar 1st - 5th Dec 2025
On the second day of his visit to Portugal, Mawlana Hazar Imam granted a youth mulaqat in the intimate setting of the Darkhana prayer hall.
He later addressed multifaith couples in the social hall. “I would like our community to treat non-Ismaili spouses the same as they treat Ismaili spouses, the same as they treat anyone as part of the family,” Hazar Imam said. “I think we have an opportunity in this country as a community—and that’s also thanks to our spouses—to really thrive. We have a responsibility to keep the country strong, to serve this country as well.”
“Our faith is rooted in a set of values and principles, which include a code of conduct and behaviour that comprise kindness, generosity, tolerance, helping those in need, service, looking after each other. I think these values are universal. For Ismailis, living according to these ethical principles is an expression of our faith. So whilst our ritual practices and specific words and prayers may differ, I find that most faith communities share common values and principles and in many cases share stories and prophets, books, angels and God. These are humanistic values.”
Multifaith family member Raquel Fonseca thanked Hazar Imam on behalf of the guests: “This visit brought us closer to the Ismaili community,” she said.
“We are especially grateful for your spiritual leadership, which inspires our spouses, our children, and our families with values of service, integrity and compassion. Your Highness, thank you for your vision, your generosity, and for welcoming us with such heartfelt warmth.”
Hazar Imam then observed an art installation, titled Journey Home, that was co-created by the Portugal and Spain Jamats, out of sustainably-sourced materials. The artwork depicts hundreds of drops of water, each with a hand-written message to the Imam, flowing toward a sculpted sea.
Inspired by Portugal’s deep cultural connection to the sea, the installation celebrates water as a symbol of each murid’s spiritual journey. Each drop follows a unique voyage, yet all merge into the vast ocean—a metaphor for Allah, the source of nourishment and light.
As Hazar Imam departed the Ismaili Centre, young volunteers and Jubilee Games medal winners gathered to bid him farewell. Later in the afternoon, Hazar Imam returned to the Centre to meet with Jamati leaders at an institutional reception.
He later addressed multifaith couples in the social hall. “I would like our community to treat non-Ismaili spouses the same as they treat Ismaili spouses, the same as they treat anyone as part of the family,” Hazar Imam said. “I think we have an opportunity in this country as a community—and that’s also thanks to our spouses—to really thrive. We have a responsibility to keep the country strong, to serve this country as well.”
“Our faith is rooted in a set of values and principles, which include a code of conduct and behaviour that comprise kindness, generosity, tolerance, helping those in need, service, looking after each other. I think these values are universal. For Ismailis, living according to these ethical principles is an expression of our faith. So whilst our ritual practices and specific words and prayers may differ, I find that most faith communities share common values and principles and in many cases share stories and prophets, books, angels and God. These are humanistic values.”
Multifaith family member Raquel Fonseca thanked Hazar Imam on behalf of the guests: “This visit brought us closer to the Ismaili community,” she said.
“We are especially grateful for your spiritual leadership, which inspires our spouses, our children, and our families with values of service, integrity and compassion. Your Highness, thank you for your vision, your generosity, and for welcoming us with such heartfelt warmth.”
Hazar Imam then observed an art installation, titled Journey Home, that was co-created by the Portugal and Spain Jamats, out of sustainably-sourced materials. The artwork depicts hundreds of drops of water, each with a hand-written message to the Imam, flowing toward a sculpted sea.
Inspired by Portugal’s deep cultural connection to the sea, the installation celebrates water as a symbol of each murid’s spiritual journey. Each drop follows a unique voyage, yet all merge into the vast ocean—a metaphor for Allah, the source of nourishment and light.
As Hazar Imam departed the Ismaili Centre, young volunteers and Jubilee Games medal winners gathered to bid him farewell. Later in the afternoon, Hazar Imam returned to the Centre to meet with Jamati leaders at an institutional reception.