Prepared and compiled by MALIK MERCHANT
Page created: October 18, 2025, and last updated November 12, 2025, 05:36 AM EST)
Anchor Links: His Highness the Aga Khanās visit to the USA
Please visit this page frequently for updates on His Highness the Aga Khanās first visit to the USA as the 50th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims. The official visit will take place from November 5 to 10, 2025, during which he will inaugurate the Ismaili Center Houston, a significant cultural and religious landmark for the Ismaili community, and meet with his followers residing in the Southwestern and Central United States. For quick access to our stories posted on this page, please click on the following anchor links:
NOTE: Ismaili Update (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.) YouTube videos that accompany the reports below are published by The Ismaili, the official website of the Ismaili community.
- November 10, 2025: Ismaili Update 6 video (Dallas visit)
- November 10, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan concludes historic USA visit with Jamat and youth Didars in Dallas (with a pictorial recap of the visit)
- November 9, 2025: Photo of the Day – His Highness the Aga Khan and his connection with the Ismailis
- November 9, 2025: Ismaili Update 5 video (second meeting with Ismaili youth and multi-faith members in Houston)
- November 9, 2025: A second group of Ismaili youth meets His Highness the Aga Khan in Houston
- November 8, 2025: Ismaili Update 4 video (meeting with Ismaili youth in the Darkhana at Ismaili Center, Houston)
- November 8, 2025: Ismaili youth meet their 50th Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, at the Darkhana Jamatkhana, at the Ismaili Center, Houston
- November 7, 2025: Ismaili Update 3 video (meeting with Ismailis and multi-faith members)
- November 7, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan visits the Ismailis in the USA for the first time as 50th Imam and designates the Jamatkhana in the new Ismaili Center, Houston, as the Darkhana of the USA
- November 6, 2025: Ismaili Update 2 video (inauguration of Ismaili Center, Houston)
- November 6, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan and Mayor John Whitmire inaugurate Ismaili Center, Houston
- November 5, 2025: Ismaili Update 1 video (arrival and keys to the cities of Sugar Land and Houston)
- November 5, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan begins USA visit
- November 4, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan to preside over the inauguration of Ismaili Center, Houston, on November 6, 2025.
- October 2025: Message from Jamati Institutions
- October 3, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan announces official visit to the USA
- September 29, 2025: McCarthy hands over Ismaili Center Houston as it nears completion
- Ginan: Supplication to the Imam-of-the-Time
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November 10, 2025: Ismaili Update 6 Video (final day of USA visit)
On the sixth and final day of Mawlana Hazar Imamās first official visit to the United States, he spent the day meeting with the Central region Jamat in Dallas before departing the country. During the final Didar of his trip, Hazar Imam was presented with a gift on behalf of the entire USA Jamat. Watch the video, and read Barakah’s story below.
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November 10, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan in Dallas
On November 10, 2025, Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, began his sixth and final day of his first official visit to the United States at Dallas Headquarters Jamatkhana, where he granted a Didar to youth from across the Central Region of the USA.
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These young members of the Jamat, who had been planning for the visit for several weeks, played a crucial role in areas such as sustainability, logistics, safety, communications, and transportation. Their dedication and hard work were evident in the successful execution of the visit.
Soon afterwards, Hazar Imam met Ismailis and their multi-faith spouses.
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The day concluded with a didar for the entire Central Jamat, a unique opportunity for them to reaffirm their baāya to the Imam-of-the-Time. This marked the first time an Ismaili Imam has granted a didar in the city of Dallas, making it a truly special event.
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The day was further enriched by the presentation to Mawlana Hazar Imam, on behalf of the entire USA Jamat, a remarkable and rare collection of 2,100 gold and silver Fatimid coins and glass weights, dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries CE These coins, minted in 24 different locations, spanned regions from North Africa to South Asia, adding to the event’s uniqueness.
Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit was filled with memorable moments for the USA Jamat, showcasing the Ismaili community’s devotion, dedication, and unity both before and during the visit. He inaugurated the Ismaili Center in Houston on November 6. He held Didars in Houston with the Jamat and Ismaili youth of the Southwest and Central region Jamats from November 7 to 9, and in Dallas with the Central USA Jamats and Ismaili youth on November 10. In both cities, he met with multi-faith families, highlighting the Imam’s wish for inclusivity and making non-Ismailis feel part of the Ismaili community.
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A PICTORIAL RECAP of His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to the USA
Readers will find stories related to this pictorial recap as they scroll down this special page prepared to celebrate Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit to the USA from November 5 to 10, 2025.
November 6, 2025: Inauguration of the Ismaili Center, Houston
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November 7 – 10, 2025: Portraits of His Highness the Aga Khan
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Houston and Dallas Honour His Highness the Aga Khan
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His Highness the Aga Khan brings joy, smiles and hope to Ismaili children and youth
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November 9, 2025: Photo of the day – His Highness the Aga Khan expresses his affection for his Ismaili followers in a beautiful moment
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November 9, 2025: Ismaili Update 5 Video (second meeting with Ismaili youth in Houston and arrival in dalls)
On November 9, 2025, Mawlana Hazar Imam concluded his visit to the Southwest USA with a second Youth Mulaqat and a second multi-faith reception, both held at the Ismaili Center in Houston. He then journeyed to Dallas, where representatives of five cities received him. Later, officials from all five cities presented Hazar Imam with various honours, including keys to their cities or proclamations. Watch the video, and read Barakah’s story below.
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November 9, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan has A second MEETING WITH Ismaili youth and multi-faith members in Houston, and travels to Dallas
Mawlana Hazar Imam completed his visit to the Southwest USA with a second youth Mulaqat and a multi-faith reception, both held at the Ismaili Center in Houston, on November 9, 2010.
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He then travelled to Dallas, where he was received at the airport by representatives of five cities, as well as representatives of Ismaili students and institutional leaders from around the country. Later, officials from all five cities presented Hazar Imam with various honours including key to their cities and proclamations.
Mawlana Hazar Imam will conclude his historic visit to the USA with Jamati and student mulaqats in Dallas on November 10, 2025.
External links: Please click on the following links for reports about Mawlana Hazar Imam’s last day in Houston and arrival in Dallas:
- The Ismaili: Mawlana Hazar Imam honoured upon arrival in Dallas
- Axios Dallas: Aga Khan IV makes rare visit to Dallas to meet officials, followers
- The Dallas Express: Prince Rahim Aga Khan V Visits Dallas, Meets Local Leaders
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November 8, 2025: Ismaili Update 4 Video (meeting with Ismaili youth ans multi-faith members)
Mawlana Hazar Imamās visit to the USA Jamat was filled with another joyous didar, a Youth Mulaqat, and another Multifaith family session. Postsecondary students across the country also contributed to Faces of the Future, incorporating Hazar Imamās guidance on technology and education. Watch this update, and read Barakah’s story below.
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November 8, 2025: History made as Ismaili youth meet their beloved Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, at the Darkhana Jamatkhana in Houston
The Ismaili youth of the Southwest region of the USA made history as they became the first Ismailis to meet Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, at the Darkhana Jamatkhana located within the newly inaugurated Ismaili Center in Houston. The Jamatkhana, as we reported earlier, was designated by Mawlana Hazar Imam as the Darkhana of the USA during his first meeting with the Ismailis of the southwestern United States on November 7. The Darkhana will be fully functional and open for worship in the near future, providing a sacred space for the Ismaili community.
The Imam had graciously granted a third Didar (physical meeting, lit. a glimpse) to members of his community at the NRG Stadium in Houston earlier in the day, completing his visits with the Southwest USA Jamat.
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In celebration of the students’ Didar in the newly designated Darkhana, post-secondary students from across the country united in a collective effort to contribute to an art installation titled “Faces of the Future.” The artwork is an interactive and innovative piece, representing hundreds of higher education institutions where Ismaili students are enrolled. It highlights how the youth of the Ismaili Jamat can, in their own ways, make a lasting positive impact on the world around them.
In the afternoon, Hazar Imam met with Ismaili institutional leaders from across the United States to hear about and offer guidance on priorities and initiatives for the community. The much-anticipated Didar in Dallas with the Central USA Jamat will take place on Monday, November 10. Mawlana Hazar Imam is scheduled to complete his official visit to the USA on the same day.
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November 7, 2025: Ismaili Update 3 (meetings in Houston with the Ismaili community)
On November 7, 2025, Mawlana Hazar Imam granted two Didar sessions in Houston and graciously designated the Jamatkhana at the Ismaili Center in Houston as the Darkhana for the US Jamat. Watch this update, and read Barakah’s story below.
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November 7, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan makes history as he graces his community in the USA with his first Didar (Glimpse) as their 50th Imam
On November 6, 2025, Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, and Houston Mayor John Whitmire inaugurated the Ismaili Center in Houston, which features a prayer hall, the Jamatkhana, of impressive capacity, accommodating approximately 1,500 people. It’s essential to note that in countries where Ismaili Muslims reside in large numbers and have several houses of worship, the Imam-of-the-Time (Hazar Imam) plays a pivotal role in selecting one to serve as the country’s principal or chief Jamatkhana, a decision made with great care and consideration.
In a significant announcement during his two meetings (Didar) with his followers in Houston, Texas, on Friday, November 7, 2025, Mawlana Hazar Imam, in his Farman (guidance), designated the Ismaili Center Jamatkhana as the Darkhana of the USA. It is worth noting that the designation of a Jamatkhana as a Darkhana can change over time, particularly if a significant portion of the community relocates to other areas of a city or country, as has occurred in Karachi, Pakistan, and Nairobi, Kenya, over the past few decades. Those two decisions were made by Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV.
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Along with this historic announcement, Mawlana Hazar Imam also provided guidance (Farman) to the Jamat on many aspects of human life, behaviour, and worldly and spiritual responsibilities. He reaffirmed his boundless love and affection for his spiritual children, the Ismailis, and conveyed his guidance and blessings to the worldwide Ismaili community. In addition, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers for their tireless efforts in organizing the visit. His Farmans to the Jamats in the USA will be read out in Jamatkhanas around the world and also distributed as printed books in the coming weeks.
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The Mukhis of Houston Principal and Austin Jamatkhanas submitted bayŹæa (oath of allegiance) to the Imam on behalf of the Jamat, and Al-Karim Alidina, President of the Aga Khan Ismaili Council for the USA, also delivered a welcome address.
To commemorate this special occasion, the Southwest jurisdiction Jamat prepared a sustainable art installation entitled Unity in Motion. The installation is one of two sustainability-focused art pieces, crafted entirely from recycled materials. The artwork reflects and celebrates the Jamatās enduring commitment to environmental stewardship and a greener, more sustainable world.
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Mawlana Hazar Imam later met with multi-faith family members at the newly opened Ismaili Center in Houston. In the coming days, Hazar Imam will continue to meet with his Jamat from the Southwest and Central USA regions in Houston and Dallas, before his scheduled departure on November 10, 2025.
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November 6, 2025: Ismaili Update 2 (inauguration of the Ismaili Center, Houston)
Ismaili Update 2 carries the story of the inauguration on November 6, 2025, of the Ismaili Center, Houston by Mawlana Hazar Imam and the Mayor of Houston, the Honorable John Whitmire. Watch the video, and read Barakah’s eyewitness account of the historic event below.
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November 6, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan and Mayor John Whitmire inaugurate Ismaili Center, Houston
Note: The following is an abbreviated version of the post about the inauguration of the Ismaili Center, Houston. For the complete post, including additional photographs, please click HERE.
AN EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT BY MALIK MERCHANT
Thursday, November 6, 2025, marked a historic day in the life of the Ismaili Muslims of the USA as Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, the 50th Hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, and the Honorable Mayor of Houston, John Whitmire, officially inaugurated the Ismaili Center in Houston.
It was also a historic day in the context of six other beautiful Ismaili Centres that were conceived and inaugurated around the world between 1985 and 2014 by His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, Mawlana Shah Karim, the 49th Imam. The Ismaili Center Houston, first conceived by Mawlana Shah Karim in 2006, was inaugurated by his Hereditary successor, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan.
The new seventh Ismaili Center in Houston is situated on more than nine acres of gardens and green space. It is in close proximity to Houston’s downtown core, featuring fantastic cultural spaces. Houston is ranked as Americaās most ethnically diverse major city and is home to thriving communities that have shaped its reputation for innovation, the arts, and culture. Among these vibrant communities is the diverse Ismaili community, estimated to be around 30,000 strong. The Ismaili Center, with its unique architecture and cultural programs, will serve as a hub for cultural, artistic and educational exchange, connecting the Ismaili community with the rest of Houston and contributing to the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
Mawlana Hazar Imam’s uncle, Prince Amyn, the younger brother of the late Imam, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, and his two younger brothers, Prince Hussain and Prince Aly Muhammad, attended the ceremony alongside members of Congress, Texas state legislators, and representatives of faith communities from across the country.
The soft tunes from a team of musicians from Central Asia filled the air as the 3rd-floor social hall, the space chosen for the inauguration, began to fill up shortly after 10:00 AM. A simple yet beautiful stage had been set up with flags of the USA, the State of Texas, and the Ismaili Imamat at one end, and the inauguration plaque, waiting to be unveiled, at the other. When the arrival of His Highness the Aga Khan’s motorcade was announced, everyone’s attention was drawn to the TV screen. His Highness then warmly received Mayor John Whitmire. The audience was asked to rise as the dignitaries entered the inauguration hall. A rendering of the American National Anthem was sung by a group of Ismaili youth, followed by a musical rendition of the Nashid al Imamah, a significant part of the Ismaili community’s culture during events such as this. This Nashid is somewhat equivalent in tune to what was once regarded by community members as its anthem, the “Noore-Rasullilah,” which marked the commencement of important events for decades before the musical rendition of the Nashid was introduced during the Golden Jubilee of His Late Highness in 2008.
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The recitations were then followed on the stage with an Arabic reading of a Quranic verse from Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13) and its English translation, which reads as follows:
“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” ā Al-Hujurat, The Dwellings, 49:13.
Al-Karim Alidina, President of the Aga Khan Ismaili Council for the USA, welcomed guests and traced the projectās origins to a long-term vision. āHis Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan had a decades-long aspiration to establish an Ismaili Center in the United States,ā he said, āone that would reflect the values and identity of the Ismaili community. So today marks a moment of pride and joy for the community.ā
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In his extempore speech, Mayor Whitmire passionately spoke of the magnitude and historic nature of the landmark occasion. āThe Ismaili community working with the city of Houston residents,ā he said, āour region, our state of Texas, and the United States — weāre making a statement today that weāre all in this together. The Mayor looked forward to the Centerās impact in the city and beyond: āThis is only the beginning of something great,ā he said. His remarks were met with a rousing reception from the audience and greatly appreciated by His Highness.
In his address, Mawlana Hazar Imam reflected on his father Mawlana Shah Karimās vision for the building and its gardens, his personal interest in their design, and his wish to designate the Ismaili Center in Houston as a Diamond Jubilee project. Mawlana Hazar Imam also spoke about his own aspirations for the building and its intended use. āThis building may be called an Ismaili Center, but it is not here for Ismailis only. It is for all Houstonians to use; a place open to all who seek knowledge, reflection, and dialogue,ā he said.
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āWhether through hosting recitals, launching books, presenting concerts, promoting local artists, or offering training, our intent is to provide a constant rhythm of events that spark curiosity, engender understanding, and encourage exchange.ā However, in his remarks, he did emphasize the importance of the building as a Jamatkhana, a space for Ismaili worship.
Hazar Imam thanked the Mayorās office, design team, project committee, leaders of the Jamat, donors, and the many volunteers for their time, effort, and dedication. His Highness also acknowledged the support of the mayors preceding Mayor Whitmore. He thanked the entire building team, including the architect, the landscape architects, and the engineers.
In paying a special tribute to his uncle Prince Amyn, he said that his “guidance, commitment, and close personal engagement over many years have been pivotal to the creation of Ismaili Centres across the world, and to this Ismaili Center here in Houston. He has been a constant and regular presence on this site and at deliberations throughout planning and execution. I am profoundly grateful for his insight and contribution.ā
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The Mayor and His Highness then unveiled the plaque, etched in Gold. The plaque spanning 12 rows reads:
BISMILLAHIR RAHMANIR RAHIM (inscription is in Arabic)
THE CREST OF THE ISMAILI IMAMAT
followed by:
THE OPENING CEREMONY OF
THE ISMAILI CENTER
WAS PERFORMED BY
THE HONORABLE JOHN WHITMIRE
MAYOR OF HOUSTON
IN THE PRESENCE OF
HIS HIGHNESS PRINCE RAHIM AGA KHAN
FIFTIETH IMAM
OF THE SHIA IMAMI ISMAILI MUSLIMS
ON NOVEMBER SIXTH, 2025
After congratulatory exchanges, the dignitaries left the inauguration hall. Many visitors stayed behind to have their photos taken on the stage in front of or alongside the Flags and the inauguration plaque. In contrast, others were guided to the reception area in the large verandah where volunteers walked around and served a variety of tasty hors d’oeuvres accompanied by delicious light sherbet and a fruit drink.
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Having relished the tasty hors d’oeuvres, the visitors were then delighted as Prince Amyn, Prince Hussain, and Prince Aly Muhammad joined them and freely mingled with the crowd, happily taking pictures with them.
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I had been introduced to the Ismaili Center, along with several other media representatives, in a three-hour session the day before, on Wednesday, November 4. However, time was limited to visit the many spaces within and outside the Center, as preparations had to be finalized for the following day’s inauguration.
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On inauguration day, after most of the visitors had left, I spent a considerable amount of time touring the interior and exterior of the building. I was fascinated by the Center’s interconnected wings, each of which features a soaring eivan — an open-sided veranda that provides shaded spaces for gathering and reflection, as well as the classrooms, the theatre room, and the more than 30 artistic works that were being mentioned as being a permanent feature of the Center.
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Outside, the visitors are welcomed by a diverse array of green spaces that change with the seasons. These include reflecting pools, flower beds, lawns, and walkways. The gardens are home to 800 trees and native floodplain species, carefully chosen to suit the local environment. As the landscape architect explained, the entire outdoor space will take on a different appearance as plants and trees grow over the coming months. The elusive monarch butterflies added a touch of enchantment.
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Reflecting the late Imam’s desire to infuse the Gardens with a sense of whimsy, he proposed planting cacti around one of the reflecting ponds. As a flag enthusiast, I made my way to one of the Center’s gates to capture the American, Texas, and the Ismaili Imamat Flags fluttering in the breeze — it was a patient wait, as the wind was calm. In every corner of the two longitudinal gardens, I experienced a serene and beautiful environment.
Back inside, I observed the heart of the building filled with natural light, with views of the sky above. The in-out concept presented a visitor from the outside at any entrance. The myriad offices, meeting rooms, social halls, exhibition space, and a theatre offer places for learning and contemplation as well as entertainment.
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The diamond-shaped Jamatkhana prayer hall, which can accommodate up to 1,500people, is surrounded by panels featuring calligraphy that bears the words “Allah,” “Ali,” and “Muhammad.” The beautiful carpet is lightly coloured. My greatest wish to participate with my brothers and sisters within the Jamatkhana space for prayers will not be fulfilled as the Ismaili Center’s official opening will take place days after my departure.
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For the hundreds of thousands who will visit the Center in the future, Ismailis and non-Ismailis alike, its opening marks a milestone moment for the 50th Ismaili Imam, and his spiritual children, the Ismailis, in the USA and worldwide.
As Mawlana Hazar Imam explained in his speech: āIt is my deep hope, that with your engagement, this Center will lift spirits and broaden horizons; this Center will bring people together, strengthen bonds, and help us all, collectively, to bring happiness and harmony to societies here and elsewhere.ā
A note to all our readers: Over the coming week, we will be providing more detailed descriptions of the Ismaili Center in Houston, accompanied by captivating photographs and videos. We will also share the incredible challenges that the architect, engineers, and landscape designers faced in overcoming the challenges presented by the site, bringing you a visual journey of their work.
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November 5, 2025: Ismaili Update 1– His Highness the Aga Khan’s arrival in the usa
Ismaili Update 1 covers Mawlana Hazar Imam’s arrival in Houston, his meetings with leaders of Sugar Land and Houston where the Mayors awarded him with keys to their respective cities.
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November 5, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan begins his visit to the USA: He will inaugurate the Ismaili Center, Houston, and grace the Ismailis with Didar
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan, arrived in Houston, Texas, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, marking his first official visit to the United States of America as the 50th Hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, directly descended from the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him and his progeny). He succeeded his father, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, to the Imamat on February 4, 2025. Accompanying him on this visit are his uncle, the late Aga Khan’s younger brother, Prince Amyn, and his younger brothers, Prince Hussain and Prince Aly Muhammad.
His Highness was received by the Honourable Carol McCutcheon, Sugar Landās Mayor; Rick Miller, the Mayor Pro Tem of Sugar Land; Al-Karim Alidina, President of the Aga Khan Ismaili Council for the USA and a delegation of Ismaili leaders.
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Following a welcome by an honor guard, a musical ensemble made up of youth from across the region performed the U.S. National Anthem and the Nashid al-Imamah. He was presented with a key to the city of Sugar Land by Mayor McCutcheon in recognition of the Ismaili community’s contributions to the broader community and the work of the Imamat globally.
Mawlana Hazar Imam then visited Houston City Hall to meet with the cityās Mayor, the Honorable John Whitmire, who also presented him with a Key to the City of Houston, and who will be the Chief Guest at the Opening Ceremony of the Ismaili Center in Houston. The momentous occasion will be streamed live on The Ismaili TV on November 6, ensuring that all of us, regardless of our location, can be part of this historic event. Coverage will begin at 10:15 AM local time.
Barakah and its sister websites, Simerg and Simergphotos, will feature special pieces and photo essays of the Ismail Center in Houston over the coming days.
During his visit, His Highness will grace the Ismaili communities in the Southwestern and Central United States with didar (lit. a glimpse). This physical meeting, a lifetime wish of every Ismaili, is a source of great excitement and anticipation. The Ismailis in the region have been fervently preparing for this visit for weeks, following the announcement on October 5.
Post by the Ismaili on X: His Highness the Aga Khan’s arrival and visit to Houston City Hall
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External links: Please click on the following link(s) for additional details and photos of His Highness the Aga Khanās arrival in the USA:
Correction (November 7, 2025): In a picture caption in the original version of this report, we inadvertently mentioned Al-Karim Alidina as the President of the Ismaili Council for Canada instead of the USA. We have corrected this error and apologize for this mistake.
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November 4, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan to preside over the inauguration of the Ismaili Center, Houston, on November 6, 2025
On Thursday, November 6, 2025, the Ismaili Center in Houston will be inaugurated, a momentous occasion that marks a significant milestone in the history of the Ismaili community in the United States. This historic event, graced by the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan, the 50th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, is a testament to the enduring legacy of Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV. He had commissioned all seven Ismaili Centres during his lifetime, and presided over the inauguration of each of the six buildings that were completed between 1985 and 2014.
Members of Mawlana Hazar Imamās family will join him at the inauguration ceremony of the Ismaili Center, Houston. The historic event will be streamed live on The Ismaili TV. Coverage will begin at 10:15 AM local time.
Barakah has published an excellent post providing a timeline of the Ismaili Center in Houston from the moment its development was confirmed by Mawlana Shah Karim in 2018 until its completion in late September 2025.
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October 2025: Message from the Ismaili Institutions in the USA on His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit
Please watch the following video message from Al-Karim Alidina, President, Council for USA, Murad Abdullah, Chairman, ITREB USA and Celina Shariff, Vice-President, Council for USA on the occasion of Mawlana Hazar Imamās Visit to the United States.
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October 3, 2025: Announcement of His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to THE usa and Registration
In a Talika Mubarak (holy written message) read in Jamatkhanas worldwide on or around October 3, 2025, Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, informed his Ismaili community (Jamat) that he will undertake an official visit to the USA from November 5-10, 2025. This visit holds historical significance as he will inaugurate the Ismaili Center in Houston, a landmark event that marks a significant chapter in the history of the USA community.
Following the announcement, the Ismaili Institutions in the USA published details about the eligibility and registration for mulaqats (meetings) with Mawlana Hazar Imam.
For this first visit, Mawlana Hazar Imam will meet with the Jamats of the Southwestern and Central United States as follows (except otherwise stated, all locations/cities in Texas).
Central United States Region Jamatkhanas: Albuquerque (New Mexico), Dallas HQ, Denver (Colorado), Lewisville, Little Rock (Arkansas), Mid-Cities, Oklahoma City (Oklahoma), Plano, Tri-Cities, Tyler, Waco
Southwest United States Region Jamatkhanas: Austin, Austin Downtown, Austin South, San Antonio, Beaumont, Clear Lake, College Station, Corpus Christi, Houston Headquarters, Harvest Green, Katy, Principal, Spring, Sugar Land
Youth Mulaqat: Mawlana Hazar Imam will also grace Ismaili youth between the ages of 15-25 of these afore-mentioned Jamatkhanas with mulaqat.
Additionally, he will meet with spouses in multi-faith families (i.e., those with one Ismaili spouse and the other from a different faith or belief), with primary residence in the Central or Southwestern jurisdictions.
Although the first visit to the USA is specifically for Jamati members residing in the Jamatkhanas listed above, the institution encourages and appreciates the registration of all Ismailis in the USA to facilitate future visits. Registration details, requested for completion by October 12, are available on the official Ismaili USA page HERE. Please also see The Ismaili: USA Visit Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page and visit the special USA Visit page for more information, including access card pickup, reciter auditions, volunteer engagement, accessibility, travel and accommodations, as well as special celebrations and youth events that are being held ahead of the visit.
This will be the Aga Khan’s first visit to the USA since becoming the 50th Ismaili Imam on February 4, 2025, and the fourth to his spiritual children following his recent visits to France, Kenya and Uganda (click on the links for Barakah’s special coverage of the visits.)
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Hazar Imam has expressed his intention to meet with his Jamat in other regions of the United States in the near future. He has specifically asked Ismailis from different parts of the USA or other countries not to travel to these regions during his visit, as he wishes to focus his attention on the Jamat of the Southwestern and Central United States. The Imam has previously expressed his desire and intention to travel extensively and meet with as many Jamats around the world as possible in person.
We heartily congratulate the USA Jamat on Mawlana Hazar Imamās forthcoming visit, an event that we are eagerly anticipating. We are fully committed to providing comprehensive coverage of the visit, ensuring that you are well-informed, as we did with his Jamati visits to France, Kenya, and Uganda. We also had special coverage of his visit to Kyrgyzstan for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture ceremony.
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September 29, 2025: Builder of the Ismaili Center Houston hands over building to owner
In a story dated September 29, 2025, the Texas and Southeast edition of Engineering News-Record (EN-R), a trusted source in the industry, announced the completion of the Ismaili Center Houston by McCarthy Building Companies, which was in charge of its construction. According to the report, the Center has been handed over to its owner, with staff training and furniture installation in progress, marking a significant accomplishment and closure. Please read the EN-R article HERE.
The late Prince Karim Aga Khan, who was well regarded for his love of the transformational potential of landscape and architecture, personally oversaw the project’s design elements. His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, his eldest son and heir, has been tasked with completing it after his death earlier this year — World Architecture, October 15, 2025.
McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., renowned for constructing numerous Houston cultural landmarks, used cutting-edge construction techniques to execute the project’s complex architectural elements, showcasing its commitment to innovation and excellence. Founded by a humble Irish immigrant who built his first barn in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1864, today Timothy McCarthyās lumber business has grown into one of the largest and most diversified commercial construction companies in America. Please read the background story to the project, McCarthy To Build First Ismaili Center
World Architecture has published a beautiful story about the Ismaili Center Houston, entitled Farshid Moussavi-designed Ismaili Center Houston nears completion across from Buffalo Bayou Park.
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Ginan: A perennial supplication to the Imam-of-the-Time and from all his spiritual children worldwide
Transliteration
Eji, Aash Karine Ya Ali hun tere dar ubhi,
Kar jodine em mangu Ya Shah;
Dejo didar tusi mahavar datar Shah,
Hama tere charane lagu.
Translation
With hope I stand at Thy door,
O Ali! And sincerely beg of Thee;
Bless me with Thy Holy Didar,
O Great Lord and Benefactor!
At Thy Feet I fall to prostrate
and
O Exalted Islam Shah [Imam-of-the-Time]
Our Lord and Master of the Age,
To you our hearts devoutly supplicate,
O the Eternal King and Lord of our souls!
Grace us with your visit to the Indian Subcontinent
[The Imam’s base at the time was in Iran.]
O Ali! You are Eternal,
You are the Lord of Eternity.
You alone are the Knower of the End,
Of the End that has no End
(Verses from Venti Ginan and Anant Akhado composed by Pir Hasan Kabirdin)
Date posted: October 18, 2025.
Last updated: November 12, 2025.
Please also read: Didar of the Imam-of-the-Time: Lifeās ultimate goal by Mawlana Mustansir biāllah, 15th Century
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Barakah 
Malik all your readers including, of course, myself and our entire family are highly indebted and will remain indebted during our lifetimes to you for your updated and timely information on this very important subject since our most beloved Rahim Shah’s appointment and taking over as the 50th Imam. Shukran Lillah Wal Hamdulillah.
As a very ardent follower of your blog (including other sister blogs) since their inception, my sincerest best wishes and prayers will always be there for you to enjoy good health and circumstances to continue this selfless service to the community and to humanity generally for many years to come. Inshaallah.
Best wishes, warm regards, affectionate thoughts and prayers.
Kamrudin Abdulrasul Rashid – Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
November 9, 2025.
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