Many government leaders including the Canadian Prime Minister, federal and provincial leaders as well as mayors of different cities across Canada have sent messages of congratulations and well wishes on the occasion of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 63rd Imamat Day; we publish below a selection of these messages.
Statement by the Prime Minister on Imamat Day
July 11, 2020
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Imamat Day:
“Today, Ismaili Muslims in Canada and around the world will celebrate Imamat Day. This day marks the 63rd anniversary of the accession in 1957 of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan as the 49th hereditary Imam – spiritual leader – of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.
“The Aga Khan has devoted himself to improving the lives of all people, regardless of their origin, background, or faith. His tireless work, through the Aga Khan Development Network, has advanced humanitarian causes, promoted health and education, especially for women and girls, in some of the poorest regions of the world, and encouraged us all to be more active and engaged in our communities.
“The values that His Highness promotes – pluralism, compassion, and respect for diversity and human rights – are those that we Canadians hold dear. We are proud to have bestowed honorary Canadian citizenship on the Aga Khan, and are honoured to be the home of both the Aga Khan Museum and the Global Centre for Pluralism. The Centre’s work continues during COVID-19, as it plays a leadership role to advance diversity and pluralism at a time when the health, social, and economic impacts of the pandemic are compounding existing inequalities in our society.
“Ismaili communities in Canada are working to support our response to COVID-19, with volunteers providing thousands of cloth masks to essential workers, over 10 tonnes of non-perishable food items for food banks, and vital blood donations in support of National Blood Donor Week. These are perfect examples of Ismaili Canadians’ long-standing commitment to volunteerism, and the core values of peace, compassion, and care for the vulnerable. And today, even as the celebrations will look different due to COVID-19, we still take the time to acknowledge this work and the other important contributions that the Aga Khan and Ismaili Canadians have made to the richness and diversity of our country.
“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I extend our best wishes to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan and thank him for his important work in Canada and around the world.
“Khushiali Mubarak!”
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The Honourable Janet Austin – Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia
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The Honourable Jason Kenney – Premier of Alberta
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His Worship Naheed Nenshi – Mayor of Calgary
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His Worship John Tory – Mayor of Toronto
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Statement by Minister Chagger on Imamat Day
From: Canadian Heritage
Statement
OTTAWA, July 11, 2020
Today, Ismaili Muslims in Canada and around the world celebrate Imamat Day, marking the 63rd anniversary of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV becoming the 49th Imam and spiritual leader of the Shi’a Ismaili Muslims.
The Aga Khan has dedicated his life to promoting pluralism and peace. The depth and breadth of the humanitarian and development work of the Ismaili Muslim community extends to the four corners of the globe. Our country shares in the fundamental goals of promoting health, education, and stability around the world. With that, we are very proud that the Aga Khan, an honorary Canadian citizen, has chosen Canada as the home of the Aga Khan Museum, the Aga Khan Garden, and the Ismaili centres. Moreover, the Global Centre for Pluralism stands as a remarkable symbol of partnership between Canada and His Highness.
On this Imamat Day, as Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, I encourage Canadians of all backgrounds to learn more about the contributions made to our society by more than 100,000 members of the Canadian Ismaili Muslim community. As we support each other in the fight against COVID-19, we must also remember our collective responsibility to combat Islamophobia, prejudice, and hate. Together we can become better, stronger, and more inclusive.
On behalf of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Government of Canada, I offer my best wishes on Imamat Day. Khushiali mubarak!
Date posted: July 12, 2020.
Before departing this website please take a moment to visit Barakah’s Table of Contents for links to more than 200 pieces dedicated to Mawlana Hazar Imam, his family and the Ismaili Imamat.
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