Throughout history, Ismaili Muslims have been led by a living, hereditary Imam-of-the-Time descended from the progeny of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) through his cousin and son-in-law, Hazrat Ali, and his daughter, Hazrat Bibi Fatima.
On 13 December 2023, the global Jamat will celebrate the 87th birthday of our present living Imam, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan. Born in Geneva, Switzerland in 1936, he succeeded his grandfather to become the 49th Imam at the age of 20.
During over six decades of his Imamat, Mawlana Hazar Imam has devoted himself to the spiritual and worldly progress of Ismailis everywhere. Throughout this time, he has also been recognised as an influential and respected leader on the world stage, by virtue of his commitment to peace, hope, and upholding the dignity of humankind.
The celebration of Hazar Imam's birthday is an occasion for Ismailis to reflect on the unique spiritual bond that links each murid to Hazar Imam. It also affords the Jamat an opportunity to express its love, loyalty, and devotion to the Imamat, which binds the Ismaili community together as one.
Salgirah Khushiali Mubarak!
