Posted on Jun 30, 2016 in
FEATURES
The challenges to pluralism and cosmopolitanism were the focus of the Aga Khan’s address at Harvard University’s Weatherhead Center for International Affairs in November 2015.
Photo by AKDN/Farhez Rayani.
COMMUNITY CULTURE |By Zeenat Kassam Mitha –
Many know His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV through his humanitarian efforts and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), his role as Imam (spiritual leader) of the Ismaili community and his love of life through sports, but few may be acquainted with the history behind the Institutions of the Imamat (office of the Imam) and the AKDN. For Ismailis, however, this history comes alive every July 11th.
It was in 1957 when Prince Karim Aga Khan, then only 20 years old and a student at Harvard University, succeeded his grandfather as the 49th hereditary spiritual leader of the Ismailis. “Overnight, my whole life changed completely. I woke up with serious responsibilities toward millions of other human beings. I would have to abandon my hopes of studying for a doctorate in history,” said The Aga Khan in a Sports Illustrated interview on August 10, 1964, the same year he skied in the Olympics. Today, he leads approximately 15 million followers around the world whose focus is on humanitarian efforts and voluntary service. Several thousand Ismailis reside in Fort Bend County and volunteer through civic, cultural and non-profit organizations or give back in ways that make a difference to humanity.
The Aga Khan skiing in the 1964 Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria.
Imamat Day is celebrated yearly by the Ismaili community to mark Prince Karim’s accession to the Imamat on July 11th. This recognition is central to the Ismaili faith and provides an occasion to express gratitude to him for a centuries-old tradition: guidance in matters of faith and in improving the quality of their lives. “My friends at school know how important Imamat Day is to me and my family, and we love to celebrate it,” said 15 year-old Sugar Land resident Rifaa Tajani.
While at Harvard University, Prince Karim Aga Khan, or “K” as he was called by his classmates, left abruptly when he learned of the death of his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah, Aga Khan III, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Community at that time. When the will was opened, he discovered that he had been named the next Imam of the Ismailis. He then traveled to many countries visiting Ismaili communities to meet local leaders and to understand the conditions under which the community lived. Eighteen months later, he returned to Harvard to complete his education with new titles and responsibilities as head of a community living in over a dozen countries. Karim Aga Khan IV graduated from Harvard in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts Honors Degree in Islamic History. He resides in France, close to his work.
Rice farmers in Madagascar speaking with the Aga Khan in 2008. Ten thousand farmers are participating in an Aga Khan Foundation program that has seen their rice yields increase by as much as 600 percent, improving their standard of living.
The Aga Khan is a direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh*). Through his daughter Fatima and his son-in-law Hazrat Ali, Ismailis believe that Prophet Muhammad advised his followers to accept Ali and his descendants to guide the community at all times after his death. Those who followed that tradition were Shia Muslims. The Shia community separated during the time of the sixth Imam, Ismail; those who followed the descendants of Ismail are known as Ismailis.
The Aga Khan’s ancestors founded the City of Cairo in the 10th century and ruled much of North Africa and parts of the Middle East for 200 years. They also established one of the world’s first universities, Al Azhar, which is still prominent today. The Aga Khan retains the hereditary title of “Prince” from his ancestors. The title “Aga Khan” meaning Commanding Chief dates to 1818 and was granted to Karim Aga Khan’s great grandfather, Hassan Ali Shah, the 46th Ismaili Imam, by the Shah of Persia. “His Highness” was granted by Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth in 1959 and was also given to his grandfather before him. “He is our guiding light, as the Imams have been throughout the centuries, and we have much to be grateful for, especially on Imamat Day,” said Fort Bend practicing physician and Ismaili Council for USA President Barkat Fazal. “Next year we are looking forward to commemorating his Diamond Jubilee, 60 years as Imam.”
To go back in history, in the mid 1900s, Aga Khan III left his impact as an advocate for women’s education to promote their socioeconomic wellbeing and intellectual growth. He emphasized to his followers that a girl should not be married too young but instead be given a chance to study. He said to his followers, “If I had two children, and one was a boy and the other a girl, and if I could afford to educate only one, I would have no hesitation in giving the higher education to the girl.” In doing so, he reorganized the priorities of the Ismaili community. In addition, he contributed financial resources and maximized opportunities to advance women’s education. He established over 200 schools in India and East Africa during the first half of the 20th century.
His Highness the Aga Khan, center, with Mali Prime Minister Timbuktu, right, in 2003. The Aga Khan Trust for Culture has restored several important historic sites in the country, as well as created a major urban park for its residents. Photo by Gary Otte.
Prince Karim Aga Khan had large shoes to fill, succeeding his beloved grandfather. Amongst his goals are the alleviation of global poverty, the promotion of pluralism, peace and tolerance and what he calls cosmopolitan ethics. Even though his development work began over 50 years ago, he established the AKDN in 1973. He is founder and chairman of what is now one of the largest private development networks in the world. AKDN works toward improvement of the environment, health, education, architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalization of historic cities. AKDN is non-denominational and works to improve the welfare and prospects of people in the developing world, particularly in Asia and Africa, where there are volunteers to assist. AKDN aims to improve living conditions and opportunities for people, regardless of their religion, race, ethnicity or gender. A significant portion of the funding for development activities comes from national governments, multilateral institutions and private sector partners. The Aga Khan provides regular funding for administration, new program and country initiatives and for many core activities. The Ismaili community contributes invaluable volunteer time, professional services and financial resources.
Today, the AKDN operates in over 30 countries around the world, employing approximately 80,000 people, the majority of whom are based in developing countries. The AKDN’s annual budget for non-profit development activities is over $600 million. The project companies of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development generated revenues of $3.5 billion, with profits being reinvested in further development activities. In the United States, the office of the Imamat has signed Agreements of Cooperation with the States of Texas, California and Illinois, providing a framework for the AKDN to work with state institutions in a number of areas, from education to health care and disaster management. “Now more than ever, the work of the AKDN is critical to lasting peace and stability in so many countries. Our emphasis on pluralism, building permanent institutions and strengthening civil society mitigates disintegration and civil strife,” said Aleem Walji, Chief Executive Officer of the Aga Khan Foundation USA.
The Aga Khan has received 20 honorary degrees, including degrees from Harvard and Brown, and 40 medals and awards from institutions and governments around the world for his numerous endeavors. Last May, the Pontifical Institute for Mediaeval Studies in Toronto awarded him an honorary degree for his service to humanity. And while he does not see himself as a philanthropist, he was also awarded the Andrew Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy.
The legacy the Aga Khan has created is of great magnitude for his community and humanity. The celebrations during Imamat Day are a tribute to him that reflect the Ismaili community’s deep gratitude.
