On December 13th Ismaili Muslims all over the world celebrate the birthday of His Highness the Aga Khan. We join in their rejoicing and wish His Highness and his followers “Salgirah Mubarak”.
His Highness the Aga Khan became Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims on July 11, 1957 at the age of 20, succeeding his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan. He is the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims and 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.
The Aga Khan spent his early childhood in Nairobi, Kenya, and then attended Le Rosey School in Switzerland for nine years. He graduated from Harvard University in 1959 with a BA Honors Degree in Islamic history.
Like his grandfather Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan before him, the Aga Khan has, since assuming the office of Imamat in 1957, been concerned about the well-being of all Muslims, particularly in the face of the challenges of rapid historical changes. Today, the Ismailis live in some 25 countries, mainly in West and Central Asia, Africa and the Middle East, as well as in North America and Western Europe.
Earlier this year, on February 27 2014, His Highness the Aga Khan delivered a historic address to a joint session of the Canadian Parliament at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper. During the address, His Highness described the importance of civil society as a stabilizing force and cited Canada as a successful example. The Aga Khan and Prime Minister also signed a Protocol of Understanding, which provides a framework and strategic direction for the Ismaili Imamat and Canada.
On September 12, 2014 the Ismaili Centre Toronto and Aga Khan Museum were formally opened by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in the presence of His Highness the Aga Khan. The two buildings are situated within a 6.8-hectare landscaped park. Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki designed the Aga Khan Museum, while Indian architect Charles Correa designed the Ismaili Centre. The park, which features a formal garden, was designed by architect Vladimir Djurovic of Lebanon.
During the Opening Ceremony of the Ismaili Centre Toronto, His Highness the Aga Khan remarked that these spaces “will be filled with sounds of enrichment, dialogue and warm human rapport, as Ismailis and non-Ismailis share their lives in a healthy gregarious spirit.”
Prime Minister Harper commented that the site will be “a source of inspiration, spiritual renewal and cultural awareness.” The Prime Minister paid a special tribute to the Aga Khan’s vision of Islam, which “stresses its social traditions of peace, tolerance and pluralism.”
“The decision to establish this significant initiative in Canada reflects the deep and longstanding partnership between the Imamat and Canada,” said the Prime Minister.
The Aga Khan Museum is the first museum in North America dedicated to the arts of Muslim civilizations. It is dedicated to presenting an overview of the artistic, intellectual, and scientific contributions that Muslim civilizations have made to world heritage.
The Ismaili Centre Toronto is part of a network of Ismaili Centres that inculdes Vancouver, London, Lisbon, Dubai and Dushanbe.The Ismaili Centres incorporate spaces for social and cultural gatherings, intellectual engagement, and spiritual reflection.
The establishment of these institutions in Toronto reflects the Aga Khan’s longstanding relationship with Canada and his appreciation for the country’s commitment to pluralism and cultural diversity. Together, these global institutions will contribute to a better understanding among different communities and cultures.
We rejoice in celebrating the happy occasion of His Highness’ birthday alongside his followers in Canada and all over the world and wish them all “Salgirah Mubarak”.
