Prepared and compiled by MALIK MERCHANT
Page created: January 3, 2026, and last updated February 4, 2026, 02:33 AM (UK Time): The Aga Khan meets with UK Ismailis. Share this page with your family and friends in the UK and around the world with this short link: https://wp.me/p7IezD-gmu
Anchor Links: His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to the U.K.
Please visit this page frequently for updates on His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to the U.K. from February 1-5, 2026. For quick access to our stories posted on this page, please click on the following anchor links:
- February 3, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan grants Didar to his Jamat in the UK
- February 2, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan grants Didar to Ismaili Youth
- February 1, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan arrives in the UK.
- January 3, 2026: Message from Naushad Jivraj, the President, His Highness the Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for the UK
- January 1-2, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan announces official visit to the U.K.
- January 2, 2026: Essential details released by U.K. Ismaili institutions (this is updated regularly)
- March 13, 2025: Background note — King Charles grants the title of His Highness to the new Aga Khan
- Ginan: Supplication to the Imam-of-the-Time
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February 3, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan grants Didar to his community in THE UK, Ireland and Channel Islands
Following his meeting with Ismaili youth on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the Ismaili Centre in South Kensington, London, Mawlana Hazar Imam graced thousands of his community members in the UK, Ireland, and the Channel Islands with a Didar on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at London’s ExCeL Centre. Didar Mubarak banners hung overhead along the short walk from the train stations to the Didar hall at ExCel.
The Mukhi of London Darkhana submitted bayʿa to the Imam on behalf of the Jamat, and Naushad Jivraj, President of the Aga Khan Ismaili Council for the UK, delivered a loyalty address. A series of three gifts was presented to Hazar Imam. Members of the Jamat had collectively prepared an art installation—the Shukrana Mosaic—in which they reflect on the blessings in their lives, expressed through drawings, words, and colour. They also pledged acts of kindness in service of others, while young murids aged 8-14 shared stories about their lives for Hazar Imam’s sons Prince Irfan and Prince Sinan.
As Hazar Imam departed the Didar Hall, young volunteers and Jamati leaders gathered to bid him farewell. He later addressed interfaith couples before departing the venue.
Earlier in the day, Hazar Imam called upon the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan at City Hall, where they discussed the work of Imamat Institutions based in London.
Celebrations at ExCell continued late into the evening, featuring Dandhia (stick dancing) and Rass (hand-clapping), with the Khayal band keeping the Jamat of all ages energized. The music reverberated with lyrics reflecting Hazar Imam’s presence with the Jamat earlier that day.
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Coverage on external website(s): The following are links to external websites covering Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Didar to the UK Jamat on Tuesday, February 3, 2026:
The Ismaili: Post on ‘X’
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February 2, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan grants Didar to Ismaili Youth in London’s Darkhana Jamatkhana
On Monday, February 2, 2026, the second day of his visit to the UK, Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, in two separate sessions, granted his Didar to Ismaili youth in the intimate setting of the Darkhana Jamatkhana prayer hall at the Ismaili Centre, London.
Inspiring and heartwarming accounts about the youth Didar are circulating, and we hope to publish them after establishing contact with the writers in the coming days, as we did with an Ismaili youth who shared her experience in Lisbon, Portugal.
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Later, he met with leaders of the Ismaili Institutions at an institutional reception, in which he thanked attendees and their families for their service to the Jamat and wider society.
On Tuesday, February 3, Hazar Imam will grace the UK, Ireland and Channel Islands Jamats with a Didar at the ExCel Centre. The youths who met their beloved Imam at their previous meeting will also join thousands of Ismailis for the Didar. Mawlana Hazar Imam will also meet separately with multi-faith members at ExCel.
Coverage on external website(s): The following are links to external websites covering Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Didar to the UK Ismaili youth on Monday, February 2, 2026:
The Ismaili: Post on ‘X’
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February 1, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan arrives in the UK
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, arrived in London on Sunday, February 1, 2026, for a five-day visit during which he will meet his community of the UK and Ireland. He is scheduled to meet with Ismaili youth in two separate sessions on Monday, February 2, at the Ismaili Centre located in London’s South Kensington. On Tuesday, he will hold a Didar for his Jamat at the ExCel Centre and meet with multi-faith members.
David Pearey, Special Representative of the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, warmly welcomed His Highness upon his arrival. Naushad Jivraj, the President of the Aga Khan Ismaili Council for the UK and a delegation of Ismaili leaders that included the Mukhi, Kamadia, Mukhiani and Kamadiani — the congregational leaders of the London Darkhana Jamatkhana — and the Chairman of the Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board for the UK, were also among those present at the airport to receive Mawlana Hazar Imam.
This is the Aga Khan’s first visit to his followers in the UK and Ireland since he became the Imam on February 4, 2025, succeeding his father, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, to the Hereditary Throne. His earlier visits were to Portugal, the USA, Uganda, Kenya and France. Preparations for the UK visit have been underway for weeks since it was announced on January 1, 2026. Volunteers have been working tirelessly to ensure a smooth and meaningful experience for all. Amidst celebrations, workshops, and planning sessions, Jamati members of all ages have given their time, energy and devotion to prepare to welcome their beloved Imam to the UK.
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Coverage on external website(s): The following are links to external websites covering Mawlana Hazar Imam’s arrival in the UK on Sunday, February 1, 2026:
1. The Ismaili Post on ‘X’
2. The Ismaili Update 1: YouTube Video of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Arrival in the UK
Earlier on Sunday, February 1, 2026, Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived in London for a five-day visit and was welcomed by representatives of the United Kingdom government and leaders of the Jamat. Please watch the arrival video below.
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Barakah will provide comprehensive coverage of the Aga Khan’s first visit to his community in the UK since becoming the 50th Imam on February 4, 2025. Please also read our special feature article, Mawlana Hazar Imam’s First Year of Imamat.
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PRE-ARRIVAL NEWS AND EVENTS
January 3, 2026: Message from the President of the Aga Khan Council for the UK
A special video message from Naushad Jivraj, President of the Ismaili Council for the United Kingdom Jurisdiction on the occasion of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit to the United Kingdom.
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jANUARY 1-2, 2026: Announcement of His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to THE u.k
In a Talika Mubarak (holy written message) read in Jamatkhanas in the UK and other parts of the world on January 1-2, 2026, Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, informed his Ismaili community (Jamat) that he will undertake an official visit to the U.K in February 2026. The Ismaili, the official website of the Ismaili community, reports that the visit will take place from February 1 to 5, and will include the Jamat of the Republic of Ireland. Mawlana Hazar Imam also told the Jamat about plans for a separate trip to Germany, for which dates will be announced later. To focus his attention on the Jamat in the U.K., Mawlana Hazar Imam does not wish members of the Jamat from other countries to travel to the U.K. during the visit.
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January 2, 2026: U.K. visit essential details
Following the announcement, the Ismaili Institutions in the U.K. published essential details and programs related to the visit. Please visit the following pages on the Ismaili website:
- U.K. Visit: Didar Booklet
- U.K. Visit: The Ismaili Instagram page has posted the above image that provides details of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s program on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the ExCel Centre
- U.K. Visit: Preparing Our Hearts for Didar (Primary resources, continued)
- U.K. Visit: In the Presence of the Imam (Secondary resources, continued)
- U.K. Visit: Food & Beverage
- Dastan – a post-Didar program at ExCel designed to unite the Jamat in a shared experience.
- U.K. Visit: Arrangements for children
- U.K. Visit: Learning from Mawlna Hazar Imam’s teachings (Primary resources, continued)
- U.K. Visit: The Light that shines my way ( Secondary resources, continued)
- U.K. Visit: ExCel Locker booking
- U.K. Visit: Sustainability — Our commitment and actions
- U.K. Visit: Sustainability Charter
- U.K. Visit: The Light Within (Secondary resources, continued)
- U.K. Visit: Why do we need a Guide (Primary resources, continued)
- U.K. Visit: Early Years Learning Resources
- U.K. Visit: Youth Learning Resources
- U.K. Visit: Adult Learning Resources
- U.K. Visit Accommodation
- U.K. Vsit: Time off Letters (for schools and employers)
- U.K. Visit: Curiosity and Wonder
- U.K. Visit: Searching for Light
- U.K. Visit: Didar day key information
- Didar: Tuesday, February 3, at ExCel London
- Youth Mulaqats: Monday, February 2, and Tuesday, February 3, at the Ismaili Centre London
- Interfaith Family Meeting: Tuesday, February 3, at ExCel London
- UK. Visit: Travelling to ExCel
- U.K. Visit: Your Stories, Our Gift: Your story matters. Share it with Princes Irfan and Sinan
- U.K. Visit: Expressions of Shukhrana (Gratitude and thanks)
- U.K. Visit: Kindness and Pledges
- U.K.Visit: Race to the Didar
- U.K. Visit: Resources
- U.K. Visit: Registration and Registration Eligibility
- U.K. Visit: Didar day key information (Jamati Didar at ExCel London)
- U.K. Visit: Call for Volunteers
- U.K. Visit: Auditions Update
- U.K. Visit Auditions (deadline January 9),
- U.K. Visit: Gratitude to Kindness – Gifts to Mawlana Hazar Imam
- U.K.Visit: Youth Programmes
- UK Visit: Wara (reciter) auditions (deadline January 9)
- U.K. Visit: Youth Mulaqat (Youth Didar at the Ismaili Centre, London)
- U.K. Visit: Inter-faith meeting
- U.K. Visit: Access Line for assistance
- U.K. Visit: Calendar of events (January 5 to February 1)
We also recommend that you click on the following links to learn about the special status of the Imam and other pertinent material on the Didar of the Imam-of-the-Time.
- Special status of the Imam
- Didar of the Imam-of-the-Time: Life’s ultimate goal by Mawlana Mustansir bi’llah, 15th Century
The visit to the UK will be the Aga Khan’s sixth to his spiritual children since becoming the Imam on February 4, 2025, following his recent visits to France, Kenya, Uganda, the USA and Portugal (click on the links for Barakah’s special coverage of the five trips).
We heartily congratulate the Jamat of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland and share their excitement for this event. We are fully committed to providing comprehensive coverage of the visit, ensuring that our readers worldwide are well-informed, as we did with Mawlana Hazar Imam’s earlier visits.
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March 13, 2025: A background note
Within days of becoming the 50th Imam upon the death of his father, Mawlana Shah Karim, on February 4, 2025, His Majesty King Charles III conferred the title of His Highness to Mawlana Hazar Imam. This act continues a historic tradition where the Monarch bestows the title, symbolizing the enduring bond between the British Crown and the Ismaili community, dating back to the first Aga Khan.
The background details regarding the granting of the title of His Highness to Mawlana Hazar Imam and his immediate 4 predecessors, from Aga Khan I to Aga Khan IV, can be read under the story titled The King is pleased to grant the new Aga Khan the title “His Highness”.
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Ginan: A perennial supplication to the Imam-of-the-Time 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: January 3, 2026.
Last updated: February 2, 2026 (Aga Khan meets Ismaili youth)
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How do you register for the Didar?
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Visit the registration desk in your local Jamatkhana, or ask for assistance by calling the AccessLine on 020 8191 0911, or emailing accessline@iiuk.org.
Please also see REGISTRATION at https://the.ismaili/gb/en/news/registration-for-united-kingdom-visit and REGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY at https://the.ismaili/gb/en/news/registration-eligibility
Thank you.
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