Ottawa, Canada – July 7, 2016: His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan’s 59 years of Imamat was celebrated at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat at a reception organised by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Resident Representative for Canada.
AKDN Representative Dr Mahmoud Eboo and his wife Karima hosted the event, which was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Governor General, Parliament and the Government of Canada, as well as civil society leaders and members of the Ismaili community, including Ismaili Council for Canada President Malik Talib.
“[The Ismaili Imamat is] the ancient and historical institutional office representing the succession of Ismaili Imams from the first Imam, Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib, the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law.
Throughout history, the Ismaili Imamat has been an institution that has sought to uphold the values of a thinking Islam, of pluralism as a fundamental ethic, of the inherent value of human dignity, and of our shared responsibility for the environment. The Imamat has pursued this through the building of civil society capacity in support of governments.
Here in Canada, the Global Centre for Pluralism, a 50/50 partnership between the Government of Canada and the Imamat, will formally open its headquarters at 330 Sussex in 2017 during Canada’s sesquicentennial and His Highness’ Diamond Jubilee.
Additionally, the Imamat has formal agreements with the provinces of Alberta and Ontario, as well as partnerships with British Columbia and Quebec and with Canadian universities including the University of Alberta, McGill, McMaster, University of Toronto, Simon Fraser University, and Seneca College.”
– Dr. Mahmoud Eboo, AKDN Resident Representative
The Honourable Senator Peter Harder addressed the gathering on behalf of the government and acknowledged the millions of Ismailis around the world who celebrate Imamat Day, and applauded the contributions that Canadian Ismailis make to Canada.
“I am delighted to mark the 59th anniversary since Prince Karim Aga Khan became the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, having descended directly from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family).
And next year, as Canadians celebrate our country’s 150th anniversary, we will also celebrate His Highness’ Diamond Jubilee.
In marking those happy milestones together, let us find new opportunities to strengthen our friendship and advance our shared and deeply held values.”
– Peter Harder, Senator – Government of Canada
Senator Harder said that Canada looks forward to Mawlana Hazar Imam’s continued counsel on how the country can continue to “promote diversity and help build peace and stability around the world.”
Approximately 100 guests were present at the evening event. They learnt of the scope and breadth of the work of the Ismaili Imamat, the many of countries in which the AKDN operates, as well as the activities of the various agencies in those countries. Some ambassadors, while aware of the Development Network’s engagement in their own countries, were astonished at the extent of its contributions in other parts of the world.
Discover, Explore and Learn more via:
- The Ismaili | Canadians fête Imamat Day at Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat
- The Hill Times | Diplomatic party circuit busy as summer gears up
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Research, Insight & Perspective by A. Maherali
Ismailimail 
Thank you for sharing. It is indeed a very special day for Ismaili’s around the world and also seeing all Heads of
different States recognizing this day and their messages to His Highness The Aga Khan,
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Very good, thank you Canada!
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