10th December 2021
My beloved spiritual children,
On the occasion of my birthday, the 13th of December 2021, I send my warmest and most affectionate paternal maternal loving blessings to all my beloved spiritual children throughout the world.
I give my best loving blessings for the souls of all my ruhani spiritual children, and I pray for the eternal peace and rest of their souls.
There has been significant progress around the world in combating COVID-19. However, given the unpredictability of the mutations and spread of this virus, I reiterate to my Jamat, as I have guided, on a number of occasions, the critical importance of undergoing, without hesitation or delay, the vaccination processes initiated by the respective health authorities, and to continue complying with all recommended safety protocols and guidelines.
The strength and resilience which my Jamat and its institutions have displayed in coping with the damaging consequences of the pandemic have been admirable. It is my conviction that the traditional values of our Tariqah – of commitment to the faith, unity, self-reliance, care and generosity for others – will serve the Jamat well as we plan for the future. I look to the Jamati institutions to draw lessons from the recent adversity as they plan for the Jamat’s safety and progress going forward. The Imamat and AKDN institutions will work closely with the Jamati institutions in this process.
At this time, my Jamats in some areas are facing a situation of insecurity and conflict. I have directed the Imamat and AKDN institutions to take all possible measures to assist the Jamati institutions in extending support to my Jamat in these difficult times. To all my beloved spiritual children in these Jamats, I convey my special loving blessings for mushkil-asan, and for strength and courage.
It gives me great satisfaction to share with my Jamat that, with the ongoing increase in my workload, my beloved family members, upon my request, have assumed additional responsibilities in order to assist me in a number of important areas of my work.
I am most touched that on the occasion of my birthday, senior Jamati leaders have presented a beautiful gift on behalf of my global Jamat, which I accept with appreciation and gratitude.
I send my best loving blessings to all the spiritual children who have sent messages of congratulations and good wishes on this occasion.
I send my most affectionate loving blessings for your good health and happiness, spiritual progress, worldly success, strength of faith, and unity, with best loving blessings for mushkil-asan. You are all most particularly in my heart, in my thoughts, and in my prayers.
Yours affectionately,
Aga Khan
