The Guiding Light

The Guiding Light Follow for content regarding the global Ismaili community.

In a world that so easily turns away,these words return us to the heart of our faith.Take care of each other. Do not lea...
09/04/2026

In a world that so easily turns away,
these words return us to the heart of our faith.

Take care of each other. Do not leave anyone isolated or alone. Bring them into your loving fold. Do not judge people.

This is not only kindness. It is akhlaq — the living ethics of Islam. To honour the dignity Allah has placed in every soul. To refuse the coldness of indifference. To make community a place of refuge, not a court of verdicts.

The Qur’an calls us to stand for justice,
to speak with gentleness, to protect the neighbour, the stranger, the one who sits apart.

The Prophet ﷺ taught that faith is incomplete
until we wish for others what we wish for ourselves.

Mawlana Hazar Imam’s guidance at the Toronto Youth Mulaqat asks the same of us, simply and without excuse: see one another.
Reach for one another. Hold one another.

May we be a jamat that leaves no one outside the fold.

🫂Share this with someone who needs to know they are not alone.

Intezar is the heart standing at the door.Not restless, but ready.In these days we recite Salawat, each blessing a lamp ...
09/04/2026

Intezar is the heart standing at the door.
Not restless, but ready.
In these days we recite Salawat, each blessing a lamp lit for the path,
so the soul is washed and waiting
for the Holy Didar.

This is our Tohfa: faith, commitment, gratitude, and the quiet rhythm of Salawat
as India prepares to receive Mawlana Hazar Imam, September 9 - 15, 2026.

Intezar-e-Didar.

The blessed pause before the Encounter.

ઇંતેઝાર એટલે હૃદયનું દ્વાર પાસે ઊભું રહેવું.
અધીરું નહીં, તૈયાર.
આ દિવસોમાં આપણે સલવાત પઢીએ —
દરેક દુરૂદ એક દીવો —
જેથી આત્મા શુદ્ધ થઈને
પવિત્ર દીદારની રાહ જુએ.
આ છે આપણો તોહફો:
ઈમાન, વફાદારી, આભાર
અને સલવાતની શાંત ધૂન.
૯–૧૫ સપ્ટેમ્બર ૨૦૨૬,
મૌલાના હાજર ઇમામ ભારતમાં પધારે.
ઇંતેઝાર-એ-દીદાર.
મુલાકાત પહેલાની ધન્ય રાહ.

Nothing nourishes the soul but the light of the Beloved.— RumiThe mountains stand. The Jamat gathers. The Imam walks amo...
09/04/2026

Nothing nourishes the soul but the light of the Beloved.
— Rumi

The mountains stand.
The Jamat gathers.
The Imam walks among us.
That is the light.

Ya Ali Madad.

Jummah MubarakMay this blessed Friday fill your heart with peace, your home with barakah, and your life with Allah’s end...
09/04/2026

Jummah Mubarak

May this blessed Friday fill your heart with peace, your home with barakah, and your life with Allah’s endless mercy. 🤲🌙

09/04/2026

Canada as a living example of pluralism.

In Vancouver on July 25, 2026, Mawlana Shah Rahim Aga Khan V spoke of what happens when a society lifts the constraints of conflict, poverty, exclusion, and fragile institutions — and creates space for people to begin again without surrendering who they are.

“It is here in Canada that pluralism, quiet determination, and a commitment to your fellow citizens come together in beautiful harmony.”

For generations, members of our community arrived at moments of profound uncertainty. Given the chance to start again, they answered through work, enterprise, service, and commitment to this country.

Grateful to call Canada home.🍁🇨🇦

Video credit: theIsmaili

The announcement of a new partnership between the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and the Bank of Syria and Overseas is anothe...
09/03/2026

The announcement of a new partnership between the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and the Bank of Syria and Overseas is another important example of the Ismaili Imamat’s enduring commitment to Syria’s future.

The Ismaili presence in Syria spans more than a millennium, with communities that have contributed to the country’s rich history, culture, and intellectual life for centuries.

Speaking at the European Union’s Standing with Syria Conference in Brussels on 17 March 2025, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V underscored that enduring connection:

“The Shia Ismaili Muslim community, of which I am the Imam, has been established in Syria for more than 1000 years. The Ismaili Imamat and the Aga Khan Development Network renew today the pledge of our ongoing and permanent support for the Syrian people, and our determination to help foster peace, hope, and development for a better future.”

At the same conference, Aga Khan V announced a commitment of a minimum of €100 million over two years on behalf of the Ismaili Imamat and the Aga Khan Development Network to support Syria’s recovery and long-term development.

This newly announced AKF partnership will help expand access to finance for startups and small and growing businesses across Syria through Accelerate Prosperity Syria, empowering entrepreneurs, creating jobs, and strengthening economic resilience.

As Syria continues its journey of recovery and renewal, initiatives such as this demonstrate how a relationship spanning more than a thousand years continues to be translated into practical investments in opportunity, dignity, and human potential.

Not just a wave. A glance that finds us. A love that turns stone to ruby.Ya Ali Madad.
09/03/2026

Not just a wave. A glance that finds us. A love that turns stone to ruby.

Ya Ali Madad.

The thunder of hooves, the pursuit of excellence, and a passion passed from one generation to the next.From Aga Khan III...
09/03/2026

The thunder of hooves, the pursuit of excellence, and a passion passed from one generation to the next.

From Aga Khan III’s visionary investment in thoroughbred breeding, to Aga Khan IV’s stewardship of one of the world’s most respected racing and breeding operations, and now Princess Zahra Aga Khan’s leadership, this remarkable legacy continues to shape the sport of kings.

More than trophies and victories, this story is about dedication, patience, and a deep respect for the horse. Across decades, Aga Khan-owned and bred champions have captivated racing fans around the world, earning success on the track while preserving bloodlines that have influenced the future of thoroughbred racing.

A legacy built on excellence. A tradition rooted in passion. A love of horses that continues to inspire generations.

🏇✨ From Aga Khan III to Aga Khan IV to Princess Zahra Aga Khan—the race goes on.

🏛️ The Aga Khan Award for Architecture has officially arrived in Australia! 🇦🇺Don’t miss this exclusive exhibition showc...
09/02/2026

🏛️ The Aga Khan Award for Architecture has officially arrived in Australia! 🇦🇺

Don’t miss this exclusive exhibition showcasing the 2025 Cycle Winners — a celebration of design excellence from around the world.

As part of the tour, AKAA Director Farrokh Derakhshani delivered a public lecture at UTS: University of Technology Sydney titled “Beyond Design: How Architecture Is Judged.”

The talk explored how exceptional architecture goes far beyond aesthetics — spotlighting projects like Bangladesh’s Rohingya Refugee Response community spaces, a 2022 Award winner, and the powerful social impact design can have.

📍 Visit the Exhibition at UTS Central
🗓️ 1–11 September | 9am–6pm

Don’t miss the chance to explore some of the world’s most inspiring architecture, right here in Sydney.

ANZ

On This Day — September 2, 1962Prince Karim Aga Khan inaugurated the Muhammedi Girls’ Academy in Malir, Karachi.In his s...
09/02/2026

On This Day — September 2, 1962

Prince Karim Aga Khan inaugurated the Muhammedi Girls’ Academy in Malir, Karachi.

In his speech he said it is easy to speak of bold plans; it is another thing to see them come to life. He thanked the Youth Services, the donors, and the Government, and reminded everyone that the real work, choosing staff and maintaining the institution, was only beginning.

A historic step in the Imamat’s lifelong commitment to girls’ education and the progress of the Jamat.

Ya Ali Madad

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