PRIME Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday issued the following statement on Imamat Day:
“Today, on Imamat Day, we join Ismaili Muslims in Canada and around the world to celebrate and honour the remarkable spiritual leadership of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV as the 49th hereditary Imam.
“Over the last 66 years, the Aga Khan has improved the lives of millions of people around the world. Through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), His Highness works to reduce poverty, improve education and health care, empower women and girls, and help develop infrastructure in underserved regions.
“Today we celebrate the rich heritage, remarkable achievements, and ongoing contributions of Ismailis to our country. Through their unwavering dedication to service and helping those in need, the Ismaili Muslim community exemplifies the best of what it means to be Canadian.
“In recognition of his commitment to the values of compassion, pluralism, and respect for human rights, and his contributions to Canada, the Aga Khan was granted honorary Canadian Citizenship in 2010. Canada hosts the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, the beautiful Aga Khan Garden in Edmonton, and partners with the AKDN in the Global Centre for Pluralism and the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa, to invite people of all faiths, origins, and cultures to learn and reflect on the actions we can take to build a more inclusive world.
“On Imamat Day, as we draw inspiration from the Aga Khan’s humanitarian values, we reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous Canada for everyone.
“Khushiali Mubarak!”
PREMIER David Eby issued the following statement marking Imamat Day:
“Today, Ismaili Muslims in British Columbia and around the world will celebrate Imamat Day.
“This year marks the 66th anniversary of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV becoming the 49th hereditary imam and spiritual leader of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.
“The Aga Khan is an inspiring leader, philanthropist and humanitarian who has dedicated his life to promoting peace, pluralism and human rights – values shared by many British Columbians.
“The Aga Khan is also an honorary Canadian citizen who has made significant contributions to our country and our province. He established the Ismaili centre in Burnaby, a place of faith and a place of community that welcomes Ismailis and non-Ismailis alike.
“Imamat Day, also known as Khushiali, offers an opportunity for all British Columbians to learn more about Isma’ilism and the many contributions Ismailis have made to our province. It also serves as a reminder that Ismailis and other Muslims continue to face Islamophobia and that we all have role to play in condemning hate and creating a more inclusive province.
“Today, I extend my best wishes to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV and the Ismaili Muslims throughout British Columbia. Together, we celebrate our shared values and our shared future.
“Khushiali Mubarak!”
CONSERVATIVE Party Leader Pierre Poilievre released the following statement on Imamat Day:
“Today, in over 25 countries worldwide, more than 12 million Ismaili Muslims celebrate the succession of His Highness Mawlānā Hazar Imam as the Aga Khan – the 49th hereditary spiritual leader of their faith.
“With gratitude, Ismaili Muslims reflect on their belief in God’s provision of the Aga Khan, who has guided their community for the past 66 years. As the Imam of the Time, his Highness has been a steadfast champion of Ismailis, working to uplift others, champion pluralism, and spread the message of hope and peace central to their faith.
“On Imamat Day, Canadians join with all Ismailis to honour the Aga Khan’s many achievements and his contributions to advancing freedom and democracy around the world. We celebrate with the thousands of Ismaili Muslims in Canada who have been blessed by his leadership and continue to be a source of life and light in their communities every day.
“On behalf of the Conservative Party of Canada, Happy Imamat Day! Khushiali Mubarak!”
