Prepared and compiled by MALIK MERCHANT

So high the fort and climbing steep,
And surging round its base the sea;
I am a fish of the briny deep,
Ah Love, haste Thou to succour me.
Thy absence frets my heart’s commotion,
Beloved come home, my Love return;
Forgive Thy slave his scant devotion,
Show me Thy face, to Thee I turn.
Thy absence frets my heart’s commotion —
(Verse 1 of Ginan Ooncha Re Kot, freely rendered in English
by Late Esmail Thawerbhoy, Ilm July 1977.)

I. What is Didar?

In the Shia Ismaili Muslim tradition, Didar, which means ‘glimpse’, ‘seeing’ or ‘vision’, is a rare and unique experience, with profound spiritual significance. The physical Didar refers to the occasions when Ismailis are graced with the opportunity to see and be in the presence of their Imam-of-the-Time. The present living Imam — respectfully addressed as Mawlana Hazar Imam — is Mawlana Shah Rahim Al Hussaini, His Highness the Aga Khan V, who succeeded his late father, Mawlana Shah Karim, as the 50th Hereditary Imam on February 4, 2025.

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This physically uplifting event is also a spiritually enriching experience, filled with emotions that resonate deeply, and which provides immense joy and happiness and an increased bond and love for the Imam. The Imam, as the Bearer of the Noor of Imamat, fills the physical space with his spiritual aura, enhancing the Didar experience for everyone around him as he blesses them and inspires and motivates his spiritual children towards their spiritual and worldly upliftment.

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The spiritual Didar, an indescribable event, refers to an experience in which one, through the guidance and support of the Imam and special early morning meditative prayers, internally experiences the presence of God’s light, leading to a profound sense of personal enlightenment, strength, happiness and inspiration.

We present a short video titled “What is Didar?” published on the official website of the Ismaili community and available on YouTube. Alongside, we offer a special downloadable PDF that serves as a comprehensive guide, enlightening readers about Imamat and the historical perspective of Didar over 1400 years of Ismaili history. This publication of 35 essential readings on Imamat is a treasure trove of knowledge and understanding. It was a valuable resource for the Jamats in Kenya, Uganda and the USA, which were graced with the Didar of Mawlana Hazar Imam between August 27 and November 10, 2025.

The excitement for his visit to Portugal between December 1-4, 2025, is palpable as the Ismailis in Portugal and its jurisdiction, the Jamat in Spain, prepare for the Didar through special Intezari (awaiting) programs. We are thrilled to share these resources with you.

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II. THE DIDAR: LIFE’S ULTIMATE PURPOSE BY IMAM MUSTANSIR BI’LLAH
from OUR downloadable SPECIAL SERIES on imamat and didar

The following is an excerpt by the 32nd Ismaili Imam, Mawlana Mustansir bi’llah (15th century), from our publication entitled “Aspects of Imamat and the Didar of the Imam of the Time — thirty-five short essential readings” which can be downloaded in PDF format HERE. It is a treasure trove of knowledge. The excerpt has been adapted from The Ismailis in the Middle Ages, by Shafique N. Virani.

“They (the Jamat) have given up their property, and even their lives. All of them have faithfully submitted their religious dues. Others have travelled long distances through arduous conditions by land and sea, braving storms and incurring significant expense. Some attend religious assemblies to increase their knowledge, while others, without any worldly motive, perform acts of charity to benefit the poor. Some have acted with noble actions in the cause of faith, including special devotions, worship, and especially remembrance (zikr), continually invoking The Lord throughout the night, never neglecting God for even a moment, and worshipping Him out of passionate devotion.

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“All believers are urged to come into the presence of the Imam and to see him with their own eyes. Thus, the esoteric (batini) vision, realized through pious works and the constant remembrance of God during the nightly vigil, as well as the exoteric (zaheri) vision, achieved by travelling to the Imam’s residence and beholding the gateway of God’s mercy, becomes the ultimate purpose of human life.

“Piety should be for the purpose of recognizing and beholding God, which is achieved through the recognition and vision of the Imam of one’s time.”

Date posted: August 16, 2025.
Last updated: November 24, 2025 (this piece was originally posted on August 16, 2025, ahead of His Highness the Aga Khan’s visits to Kenya, Uganda and the USA. The visit to France had already taken place in July. The post has been slightly revised to reflect his visit to Portugal from December 1 to 4, 2025.)

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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 diverse and extensive content on Barakah’s Home Page or Table of Contents, with over 450 captivating and insightful articles and visuals dedicated to Mawlana Hazar Imam, members of his family and the Ismaili Imamat. You’ll find a variety of content, from historical insights to current events. And don’t forget to visit our sister websites, Simerg and Simergphotos. You can stay updated by following Malik on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.