Daily Times

LAHORE: His Highness the Aga Khan will mark his Diamond Jubilee – 60th year as the 49th 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), government and faith community leaders in over 25 countries.

Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan said, “The occasion of Diamond Jubilee occurs once in every five hundred years. Not every human being can witness such an event during his lifetime, but you are immensely fortunate to have been blessed to be a part of such a glorious event, in your life. Until now, only three out of 48 Imams have had their Diamond Jubilee celebrated. It’s time you all to unite and become one.”

In Pakistan, the day starts with recitation of verses from the holy Quran and special prayers for peace and prosperity of the country. In Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral the day is celebrated with more zeal and zest. People from all walks of life, especially children and women, take part in day-long special celebrations. Tourists, both foreign and local, get a chance to be part of these celebrations. Traditional dish harisa is prepared which is later distributed among the participants. In the evening, young people illuminate mountains with fireworks. On the next day, a cultural event is organised that features traditional music, dances and food.

The day brings a year of milestone announcements by the Imam for a global commitment to partnerships based on the principles of ethics in action, peace and pluralism.

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 in some of the world’s most remote and troubled regions.

The Aga Khan is a direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Twenty-year-old Aga Khan succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan as the Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims sixty years ago.

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 and responsibility for religious institutions and activities of his followers worldwide.

Published in Daily Times, July 11^th , 2017.