Every year on 13 December, Ismailis around the world celebrate Salgirah, the birthday of our present, living Imam Mawlana Shah Karim al-Hussaini Aga Khan. Since July 1957 when Mawlana Hazar Imam acceded to the Imamat, like his predecessors, he has devoted himself to the material and spiritual well-being of the Ismaili community. Salgirah is an occasion to reflect on the Imam’s role as well as his endeavours to improve the quality of life of our Jamat.
Today we are celebrating the 88th birthday of our beloved Mawlana Hazar Imam. It is an occasion to reflect on this unique bond we have with our Imam, as well as to strengthen our own bonds with each other as his spiritual children, united by the spiritual allegiance we have pledged.
Throughout his life, Mawlana Hazar Imam has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life of the Jamat and the societies in which his murids live. He provides an exemplary model of Muslim leadership that emphasises both material and spiritual wellbeing of the community. Mawlana Hazar Imam’s repeated emphasis on the ethics of Islam, which include virtues of generosity, compassion, tolerance, humility, peace, kindness to others, and search for knowledge. Thanks to his interpretation of the Qur’an, our Imam helps us to adapt and find balance between the teachings of Islam and modern day life’s needs and requirements.
We encourage the Jamat to attend the ceremonies in large numbers to express our allegiance, love and devotion to our beloved Imam.
