On 13th December 2016, Ismailis around the world celebrated Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 80th birthday.
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 13th December 2016, the global Jamat celebrated the 80th 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 recognized as an influential and respected leader on the world stage, by his commitment to peace, hope, and upholding the dignity of humankind.
The celebrations of Hazar Imam's birthdays are an occasion for Ismailis to reflect on the unique spiritual bond that links each murid to Hazar Imam. It also allows the Jamat to express its love, loyalty, and devotion to the Imamat, which binds the Ismaili community together as one.
Salgirah Khushiali Mubarak!
