His Highness the Agha Khan…..in Texas
This past weekend I attended an event hosted by Governor Perry celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the imamate of His Highness the Agha Khan, who is the 49th in a hereditary lineage of imams stretching back to Prophet Muhammad. His Highness is the spiritual leader of the world community of Ismaili Muslims, who are a part of Shi’ite Islam.
The world – at least in the West and here in Texas – doesn’t know enough about the Ismailis. And it’s time we do. This worldwide, transnational community of Muslims supports major intellectual, artistic, humanitarian, cultural and archaeological projects around the world. Moreover, within the next 10 years or so, Houston will become the North American headquarters for Ismaili Islam, and they will construct a worship and community center on several acres of centrally located real estate at Studemont and Allen Parkway. Houston will join and elite handful of other large international cities in being a hub for the global humanitarian efforts of this impressive group.
I still get asked all the time: “where are the moderate Muslims?” Well, they are all over the place – here in Houston, in Texas, in the United States – all over the world in fact. The Ismaili community is but one of any number of groups and branches in Islam made up of people who, like most everyone else here, works hard to raise their families, have a nice life, and contribute to the community.
I encourage you to learn about this group. You can start your inquiry at an official site of Ismaili Islam – http://www.theismaili.org/. Check it out. I hope you’ll be pleased.
Ismailimail 
The Ismaili Mail has covered the visit of His Highness very extensively. Jill Carroll has also spoken out her true feelings after seeing and listening to His Highness. The community has to also come out of their shell and speak out with courage how Ismailies practice the teaching of Islam.
Mansur
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