Thursday, July 12, 2007
Community – Calgary’s Ismaili Muslim community spent Wednesday celebrating the golden jubilee of their spiritual leader, Prince Karim Aga Khan.
It was 50 years ago that the Swiss-born, 20-year-old Harvard University student succeeded his grandfather as the 49th hereditary imam of Ismailis.
Roughly 10,000 Ismailis live in Calgary, according to community volunteer Sameera Sereda.
While no formal celebrations were planned around the city, Sereda said the community marked the event with early-morning prayers, luncheons and group dinners.
While the jubilee marks a milestone for the community, Sereda said it’s “really the start of year-long celebration and reflection” on the global efforts initiated by the Aga Khan — four upcoming Canadian projects include the construction of a Toronto museum.
The Aga Khan is responsible for providing spiritual guidance to his followers and also for developing non-denominational humanitarian goals around the world.
© The Calgary Herald 2007
Calgary Herald – Calgary Herald Digital
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