Barakah is dedicated to Mawlana Shah Rahim al Hussaini, His Highness the Aga Khan, members of his family and the Ismaili Imamat – a Hereditary Divine Institution from the Time of the Prophet Muhammad and Imam Ali
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, confers the title of Diwan on Ismaili leader Shafik Sachedina and conveys blessings to Ismaili volunteers worldwide for their services
Over the past decades, Diwan Shafik has worked closely with the Imam-of-the-Time on some of the most significant and important issues affecting the Jamat’s well-being. The Imam-of-the-Time and the Jamat have benefited from his generosity of time and effort, which he has given selflessly and with wisdom.” — His Highness the Aga Khan, May 4, 2025.
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, with Diwan Shafik Sachedina and his wife Diwan-banoo Nadia Sachedina at his residence in Lisbon where he bestowed the title of Diwan upon Vazir Shafik Sachedina in recognition of his decades of devoted services to the Imamat and Jamat, May 4, 2025. Photograph: IPL / Akbar Hakim
Mawlana Shah Rahim Al Hussaini Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, the 50th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, has conferred the title of Diwan on Shafik Sachedina on May 4, 2025. In a Talika (written Holy Message) read out in Ismaili Jamatkhanas worldwide, Mawlana Hazar Imam explained the significance of the honour:
“The award of the title of Diwan in our Tariqah is one of the highest forms of recognition by which the Imam-of-the-Time acknowledges the services of a murid. Over the past decades, Diwan Shafik has worked closely with the Imam-of-the-Time on some of the most significant and important issues affecting the Jamat’s well-being. The Imam-of-the-Time and the Jamat have benefited from his generosity of time and effort, which he has given selflessly and with wisdom.”
Diwan Shafik has served the Imamat’s institutions in many senior roles such as, for example, President of the Ismaili Council for the UK, Head of the Department of Jamati Institutions, member of the Ismaili Leaders’ International Forum, and Governor of the Institute of Ismaili Studies. He accompanied Mawlana Shah Karim on many Jamati visits worldwide, the first being Mawlana Shah Karim’s visit to Moscow in January 1995 followed by his first historic visit to Tajikistan in May 1995.
“In looking to the future,” Hazar Imam stated in his Talika, “it is my wish that Diwan Shafik should continue with his invaluable role in supporting the work of the Imamat for the Jamat’s progress.”
Titles have played an important role throughout human history, conveying responsibility, distinction, and eminence. In Shia Ismaili tradition, the Imams-of-the-Time have granted titles when entrusting individuals with positions of important responsibility, and in recognition of devoted services and ongoing support to the Imamat, the Jamat, and wider society.
Hazar Imam concluded his Talika by saying:
“I take this occasion to send to all the volunteers — who give unconditionally of their time, wisdom and resources — my warmest and most affectionate loving blessings for their services to the Jamat and the Imam-of-the-Time.”
Barakah’s sister website, Simerg, has prepared an excellent article explaining the historical meaning and significance of the title of Diwan in Muslim and Ismaili history. The article composed by Alnoor Jehangir Merchant also includes the names of four Ismaili holders of the Diwan title since the reign of the 48th Ismaili Imam, Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, His Late Highness Aga Khan III.
1994 — 2025: Glimpses of Diwan Shafik Sachedina’s Historical moments with Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, and Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan V, and members of their family
Over the past 30 years, since 1994, Diwan Shafik Sachedina was a constant companion to Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, and members of his family, including Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Rahim Al Hussaini, on numerous global visits. We have chosen a few of his photographs to showcase his dedication, loyalty, and service to the Imam-of-the-Time. We congratulate Shafik Sachedina on the title of Diwan that Mawlana Hazar Imam has bestowed upon him, and we, along with Mawlana Shah Rahim as mentioned in his inspiring Talika, look forward to witnessing Diwan Shafik’s continued and future service to the Mawlana Hazar Imam and his Jamat. We also congratulate Diwan-banoo Nadia for her support to her beloved husband Diwan Shafik during his services to the Imam-of-the-Time.
1994: Mawlana Shah Karim at dinner hosted at Shafik Sachedina’s home
Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, appreciates music played by Mohamed Kassam — a lifetime musician — and his group during a reception held at the residence of Shafik Sachedina, who was at the time of Mawlana Shah Karim’s visit to the UK in 1994, the PresIdent of the Aga Khan Council for the UK. Photograph: Alijah Mohamed Kassam archives, UK.
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January 1995: Mawlana Shah Karim’s visit to Moscow
Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, meeting with Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, the Mufti of Muslims in Central Asia and Russia, outside Moscow’s main mosque. He is accompanied by Shafik Sachedina, the Aga Khan Council for the UK President at the time, January 1995. Photograph: Depth of Field: The Aga Khan Beyond the Lens, edited by Gary Otte, page 212.
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May 1995: Mawlana Shah Karim’s visit to Gorno-Badakhshan, Tajikistan
Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, with Shafik Sachedina on a light truck on the Osh-Murghab-Khorog Road that connects Tajikistan with Kyrgyzstan during his first visit to the Autonomous Gorno-Badakhshan in Tajikistan, May 1995; Photograph: Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit to Central Asia, May 22-31, 1995, published by Islamic Publications Limited, London, England.
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January 1998: Mawlana Shah Karim’s visit to the Institute of Ismaili Studies, London
Mawlana Shah Karim views the display of manuscripts and rare items at the IIS Library, with Dr. Duncan Haldane, Dr. Shafik Sachedina, Mr. Zauhar Meghji, Dr. Aziz Esmail and Fahmida Suleman looking on, January 22, 1998. Photograph: (Late) Sadruddin Verjee.
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July 2000: Mawlana Shah Karim in Aswan for the burial of Begum Mata Salamat
Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, with his family members, his uncle the Late Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan, and his younger brother Prince Amyn, at the funeral of his grandfather Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah’s widow, Begum Mata Salamat in Aswan, Egypt. Also paying respects are local officials and Ismaili leaders, with Shafik Sachedina, standing at left. Photograph: Depth of Field: The Aga Khan Beyond the Lens, edited by Gary Otte, page 107.
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November 2005: Mawlana Shah Karim at the Garden of Babur, Afghanistan
Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, explores the Garden of Babur. With him are Luis Montreal (left). the General Manager of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, and Jalyon Leslie, the architect for the restoration of the garden and tomb of the first Mughal Emperor, Babur. Following behind is Shafik Sachedina, in dark glasses, November 2005. Photograph: Depth of Field: The Aga Khan Beyond the Lens, edited by Gary Otte, page 158.
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November 2008: Mawlana Shah Karim’s Golden Jubilee Visit to Canada (Arrival at Ottawa Airport)
Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, with Canadian Government Leaders, as he is welcomed to Canada, with a rendition of Nashid al-Imamah (musicians not shown) during his Golden Jubilee visit arrival to Ottawa on November 8, 2008. Shafik Sachedina and the Aga Khan Council for Canada President Mohamed Manji are in the row behind Mawlana Shah Karim. Photograph: Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Karim Al Hussaini Aga Khan, Golden Jubilee 1957-2007, The Ismaili Canada, page 13.
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December 1-3, 2008: Mawlana Shah Karim’s visit to the Far East
Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, accompanied by Shafik Sachedina (left), meets with His Excellency President S. R. Nathan of Singapore at the Istana, the official residence and office of Singapore’s Head of State, during his Golden Jubilee visit to Singapore, December 1-3, 2008. Photograph: Special edition, Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Karim Al Hussaini Aga Khan, Golden Jubilee 1957-2007, The Ismaili Canada, page 135.
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December 6, 2008: Mawlana Shah Karim at the inauguration of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat
Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, introduces Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife Laureen Harper to members of his family at the inauguration of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa, as Shafik Sachedina and President Mohamed Manji look on from the main entrance, December 6, 2008. Photograph: Special edition Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Karim Al Hussaini Aga Khan, Golden Jubilee 1957-2007, The Ismaili Canada, page 131.
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May 11, 2016: Mawlana Shah Karim introduces the First Five Senior Officials of the Ismaili Imamat in Portugal
December 2016: Mawlana Shah Karim’s 80th birthday, Aiglemont, France
Gulgee’s “Horses” is gifted to Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV by Ismaili leaders Mahmoud Eboo (right) and Shafik Sachedina (left) on behalf of the entire Ismaili leadership and the worldwide Ismaili community on the celebration of his milestone 80th birthday held at Mawlana Shah Karim’s Aiglemont residence, December 2016. Photo: The Ismaili (still from official video).
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July 11, 2018: Mawlana Shah Karim designates the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon
On the occasion of the designation of the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat, known as the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat, Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, is presented with a gift on behalf of the global Ismaili community by Ismaili leaders Shafik Sachedina (left) and Mahmoud Eboo in Lisbon, July 11, 2018. Photograph: The Ismaili / Akbar Hakim.
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Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, and members of his family take a group photo with Ismaili leaders on the steps of the Henrique Mendonça Palace on the morning of July 11, 2018, when the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat was designated by Mawlana Hazar Imam as the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat. Shafik Sachedina is pictured to the right, just behind Mawlana Shah Karim’s left shoulder. Photograph: The Ismaili.
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May 2024: Princess Zahra Aga Khan’s Visit to Pakistan
Princess Zahra Aga Khan is greeted with a bouquet of flowers upon arriving at the new Aga Khan Hostel in Sherqilla as Princess Zahra’s son Ilyan and Ismaili leaders Shafik Sachedina and Malik Talib, among others, look on, May 23, 2024. Photograph: AKDN/Akbar Hakim.
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July 1, 2024: Prince Amyn Aga Khan’s visit to Houston to review the progress of the new Ismaili Center
Prince Amyn Aga Khan, the Honorable Mayor of Houston John Whitmire, and leaders of the Ismaili community, including Shafik Sachedina (3rd from right), USA Aga Khan Council President Alkarim Alidina and Vice President Celina Shariff, discuss the progress of the Ismaili Center in Houston, July 1, 2024, Photograph: IPL / Akbar Hakim.
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July 11, 2024: A Gift to Mawlana Shah Karim on his 67th Imamat Day
Ismaili leaders Shafik Sachedina (left) and Malik Talib present the gift of a Monumental Basin to Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, on the auspicious occasion of his 67th Imamat Day. Looking on are Mawlana Shah Rahim Hazar Imam, Prince Aly Muhammad, Prince Irfan Irfan, and Prince Sinan, with Ismaili leaders Nazim Ahmad and Sultan Ali Allana, July 11, 2024. Photograph: The Ismaili.
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February 9, 2025: Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Rahim Al Hussaini in Aswan for the burial of his beloved father and our 49th Imam, Mawlana Shah Karim
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, and his children Prince Irfan and Prince Sinan, accompanied by the Governor of Aswan and Shafik Sachedina ( left, pointing his hands), transferring the casket of the Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, across the River Nile, Aswan, Egypt, for burial in the mausoleum of Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, His Late Highness Aga Khan III, February 9, 2025. Photograph: Akbar Hakim / IPL.
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February 10, 2025: Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Rahim Al Hussaini hosts leaders of the Bohra Community at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon
Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Rahim Al Hussaini, His Highness the Aga Khan, receives leaders of the Dawoodi Bohra community representing His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon, to convey their condolences on the passing of Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, as (l to r) Sultan Ali Allana, Shafik Sachedina, and Nazim Ahmad look on, February 10, 2025. Photograph: The Ismaili.
Date posted: May 5, 2025. Last updated: May 19, 2025 (typo).
Before you leave, remember that Barakah’s editor, Malik, is here to assist you. If you have any questions or feedback, please scroll down to leave a comment or send an email to mmerchant@barakah.com. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the wealth of content on Barakah’s Home Page or Table of Contents, with over 350 pieces dedicated to Mawlana Hazar Imam, members of his family and the Ismaili Imamat. And don’t forget to visit our sister websites, Simerg and Simergphotos. You can also stay updated by following him @Facebook, @X and @LinkedIn.
With heartfelt joy and profound gratitude, we celebrate the honor graciously bestowed by Mawlana Hazar Imam Imam upon Mr. Sachedina—a moment of deep significance and immense happiness for all who hold him in esteem.
Most exciting and timely post about significant historical event in our life which coincidentally were conveyed to the Ismailis across the world on my 85th Birthday yesterday. Alhamdulillah.
Diwan Shafik Sachedina is in fact a long family acquaintance from Tanzania and a most devoted, dedicated and an exceptional person in the service of the Imams. Pray that he enjoys and long healthy life to continue to serve Hazar Imam, Imamat and the Community in future. Ameen.
Our grateful thanks also go to Malik Merchant for his very timely post including the historical pictures and information about Diwan Sachedina. Prayers for Malik also to enjoy good health to continue to serve in pursuit of imparting knowledge. Ameen.
Barakah 
With heartfelt joy and profound gratitude, we celebrate the honor graciously bestowed by Mawlana Hazar Imam Imam upon Mr. Sachedina—a moment of deep significance and immense happiness for all who hold him in esteem.
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Most exciting and timely post about significant historical event in our life which coincidentally were conveyed to the Ismailis across the world on my 85th Birthday yesterday. Alhamdulillah.
Diwan Shafik Sachedina is in fact a long family acquaintance from Tanzania and a most devoted, dedicated and an exceptional person in the service of the Imams. Pray that he enjoys and long healthy life to continue to serve Hazar Imam, Imamat and the Community in future. Ameen.
Our grateful thanks also go to Malik Merchant for his very timely post including the historical pictures and information about Diwan Sachedina. Prayers for Malik also to enjoy good health to continue to serve in pursuit of imparting knowledge. Ameen.
Kamrudin Abdulrasul Rashid, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
May 5 2025.
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