J. Nuraney: On Tuesday some 25,000 Shia Ismaili Muslims opened their hearts and welcomed their spiritual leader, His Highness the Aga Khan, to Vancouver.
The visit of His Highness marked the celebration of his 50 years of leadership. It was the golden jubilee of the Imamat. His Highness is the 49th direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad — peace be upon him — through his daughter Fatima and son-in-law Imam Ali.
The Aga Khan has emphasized the view of Islam as a thinking spiritual faith, one that teaches compassion and tolerance and upholds the dignity of man, Allah’s noblest creation. In the Shia tradition of Islam, it is the mandate of the imam of the time to safeguard the individual’s right to personal intellectual search and to give practical expression to the ethical vision of society. The Islamic message inspires that.
As part of the commemoration of His Highness the Aga Khan’s golden jubilee, which began on the 11th of July, 2007, he has been paying official visits to some 35 countries, using these occasions to recognize the friendship and longstanding support of leaders of states, governments and other partners in the work of the Ismaili Imamat and to set the direction for the future, including the launching and laying of foundations for major initiatives and programs.
Our Premier had the opportunity to meet with His Highness, and my community really appreciates that gesture. The Shia Ismaili Muslim community of British Columbia takes great pride in offering homage and considered themselves fortunate to have participated in the celebration of the golden jubilee.
Ismailimail 