Diwan of Ismaili Imamat - Seat of Imamat Portugal
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Diwan of Ismaili Imamat - Seat of Imamat Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal, 3 June 2015
Portugal’s Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Rui Machete and His Highness the Aga Khan today signed a landmark Agreement between the Republic of Portugal and the Ismaili Imamat for the establishment of a formal Seat of the Ismaili Imamat in Portugal. The Agreement marks the first such accord in the Imamat’s modern history. It will come into effect once it has been approved by Portugal’s Parliament and ratified by the President of the Portuguese Republic.
Also present at the signing ceremony was Portugal’s Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho and other senior government officials.
Thanking the government for inviting the Ismaili Imamat to establish its permanent seat in Portugal, the Aga Khan, Spiritual Leader (Imam) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, hailed the agreement as a historic milestone in the Imamat’s history, which spans more than 1400 years. He noted that the agreement provides an enabling framework, which will facilitate the work of the Ismaili Imamat and the Imam globally.
The accord will result in intensified cooperation between Portugal and the Ismaili Imamat in supporting research and the knowledge society and in improving the quality of life of Portugal’s inhabitants.
The new agreement builds on a series of earlier accords. They include an agreement on religious and cultural matters and a protocol on international cooperation with the Aga Khan Development Network, which serves communities across the world irrespective of their ethnicity or faith. The Ismailis are an ethnically and linguistically diverse Shia community residing in many countries across the world. In Europe, Portugal has one of the largest concentrations of Ismaili Muslims.
The Ismailis are the only Shia Muslim community led by a living Imam who is vested with global religious authority and has the responsibility for the community’s spiritual and material well-being.
The Imamat is the institution or office of the Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.
For further information please contact:
Nazim Ahmad
Ismaili Imamat Delegation
Rua São Domingos a Lapa, 58
1200-836 Lisbon, Portugal
Tel: 213949110
Portugal’s Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Rui Machete and His Highness the Aga Khan today signed a landmark Agreement between the Republic of Portugal and the Ismaili Imamat for the establishment of a formal Seat of the Ismaili Imamat in Portugal. The Agreement marks the first such accord in the Imamat’s modern history. It will come into effect once it has been approved by Portugal’s Parliament and ratified by the President of the Portuguese Republic.
Also present at the signing ceremony was Portugal’s Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho and other senior government officials.
Thanking the government for inviting the Ismaili Imamat to establish its permanent seat in Portugal, the Aga Khan, Spiritual Leader (Imam) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, hailed the agreement as a historic milestone in the Imamat’s history, which spans more than 1400 years. He noted that the agreement provides an enabling framework, which will facilitate the work of the Ismaili Imamat and the Imam globally.
The accord will result in intensified cooperation between Portugal and the Ismaili Imamat in supporting research and the knowledge society and in improving the quality of life of Portugal’s inhabitants.
The new agreement builds on a series of earlier accords. They include an agreement on religious and cultural matters and a protocol on international cooperation with the Aga Khan Development Network, which serves communities across the world irrespective of their ethnicity or faith. The Ismailis are an ethnically and linguistically diverse Shia community residing in many countries across the world. In Europe, Portugal has one of the largest concentrations of Ismaili Muslims.
The Ismailis are the only Shia Muslim community led by a living Imam who is vested with global religious authority and has the responsibility for the community’s spiritual and material well-being.
The Imamat is the institution or office of the Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.
For further information please contact:
Nazim Ahmad
Ismaili Imamat Delegation
Rua São Domingos a Lapa, 58
1200-836 Lisbon, Portugal
Tel: 213949110
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His Highness the Aga Khan ordained the Diwan on 11 July 2018
Hazar Imam ordained in a Firman, the "Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat", and signed the constitutional legal instrument on 11 July 2018
Link to the video
http://ismaili.net/timeline/2018/2018-0 ... -didar.mov
http://www.ismaili.net/html/modules.php ... 3583#63583
Link to the video
http://ismaili.net/timeline/2018/2018-0 ... -didar.mov
http://www.ismaili.net/html/modules.php ... 3583#63583
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Agreements Ismaili Imamat & Institutions with Portugal
Link to the agreements. More to be added. http://ismaili.net/html/modules.php?op= ... 8deb210389
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Ismaili Imamat nor Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat
This is an Ismaili community constitutional entity which Imam has said is set up to "Better serve the Jamat"(community)This must not be confused with the Imam in his role and capacity as Hazar Imam (Imam of the time)
Lisbon, 12 May 2016 — The Portuguese Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education and the Ismaili Imamat signed an agreement today that will strengthen research capacity and improve quality of life in Portugal and in Portuguese-speaking countries. Mawlana Hazar Imam and members of his delegation, as well as Ministry staff were present at the signing ceremony. The Ismaili Imamat is supporting the agreement with a €10 million grant over 10 years.
“Your Highness, we are here building the future,” said Professor Manuel Heitor, Portugal’s Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education. “We are not just signing an agreement between Portugal and the Aga Khan Development Network, we are essentially putting together our common effort towards the development of scientific capacity in African countries.”
The Minister signed the Agreement of Cooperation with Nazim Ahmad, Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to the Portuguese Republic. Mawlana Hazar Imam and members of his delegation, as well as Ministry staff were present at the signing ceremony, which took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“We are convinced that this protocol is another significant step in the expanding nature and extraordinary potential of this relationship, of the sincere commitment of the Ismaili Imamat in its goal to promote the improvement of the quality of life in Portugal and Portuguese-speaking countries,” said Nazim Ahmad.
The accord emphasises research in the areas of poverty alleviation, food security and biodiversity, early childhood development, sustainable energy systems and urban development, resettlement of migrants, civil society and pluralism. It will also build research capacity to support the forthcoming establishment in Lisbon of the International Centre for Advanced Training of Researchers from Portuguese speaking Countries.
Earlier in the day Mawlana Hazar Imam visited the Assembly of the Republic, where he met with the President of Parliament, Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues and members of parliament. The President of Parliament hosted a luncheon in Hazar Imam’s honour. A meeting between Mawlana Hazar Imam and Prime Minister António Costa followed, which took place at the Prime Minister’s official residence.
Hazar Imam also held meetings today with former Portuguese President Aníbal Cavaco Silva and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who is in Lisbon to receive an award.
Mawlana Hazar Imam departed Lisbon this evening, wrapping up a two-day visit to the country — his first official visit since a landmark agreement establishing the global Seat of the Ismaili Imamat in Portugal came into effect.
Lisbon, 12 May 2016 — The Portuguese Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education and the Ismaili Imamat signed an agreement today that will strengthen research capacity and improve quality of life in Portugal and in Portuguese-speaking countries. Mawlana Hazar Imam and members of his delegation, as well as Ministry staff were present at the signing ceremony. The Ismaili Imamat is supporting the agreement with a €10 million grant over 10 years.
“Your Highness, we are here building the future,” said Professor Manuel Heitor, Portugal’s Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education. “We are not just signing an agreement between Portugal and the Aga Khan Development Network, we are essentially putting together our common effort towards the development of scientific capacity in African countries.”
The Minister signed the Agreement of Cooperation with Nazim Ahmad, Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to the Portuguese Republic. Mawlana Hazar Imam and members of his delegation, as well as Ministry staff were present at the signing ceremony, which took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“We are convinced that this protocol is another significant step in the expanding nature and extraordinary potential of this relationship, of the sincere commitment of the Ismaili Imamat in its goal to promote the improvement of the quality of life in Portugal and Portuguese-speaking countries,” said Nazim Ahmad.
The accord emphasises research in the areas of poverty alleviation, food security and biodiversity, early childhood development, sustainable energy systems and urban development, resettlement of migrants, civil society and pluralism. It will also build research capacity to support the forthcoming establishment in Lisbon of the International Centre for Advanced Training of Researchers from Portuguese speaking Countries.
Earlier in the day Mawlana Hazar Imam visited the Assembly of the Republic, where he met with the President of Parliament, Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues and members of parliament. The President of Parliament hosted a luncheon in Hazar Imam’s honour. A meeting between Mawlana Hazar Imam and Prime Minister António Costa followed, which took place at the Prime Minister’s official residence.
Hazar Imam also held meetings today with former Portuguese President Aníbal Cavaco Silva and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who is in Lisbon to receive an award.
Mawlana Hazar Imam departed Lisbon this evening, wrapping up a two-day visit to the country — his first official visit since a landmark agreement establishing the global Seat of the Ismaili Imamat in Portugal came into effect.
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This institution and instrument, is a part of the Ismaili constitution, which Aga Khan has said must be read, understood, & shared by all Ismailis and is freely available to all Ismailis - Link to rekated constitution and Firmans (decrees) of Imâm Aga Khan http://ismaili.net/timeline/2018/101-proofs-chatur.pdf
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Current contact details & Ismaili constitution
The present address and contact details of the Diwan of the Imamat in Lisbon is as follows
This & other Ismaili community constitutional entities will move to the new Palace of Mendoza which is being renovated and is almost completed.
Address and contact details
Diwan of Ismaili Imamat
Ismaili Imamat Delegation DDA
Rua São Domingos a Lapa, 58
1200-836 Lisbon, Portugal
Tel: 213949110
Sede: (Address)
Rua São Domingos à Lapa, nº. 58
1200-836 Lisboa ( Lisbon)
Portugal
Contactos:
Tel: +(351) 213 949 110
Fax: +(351) 213 949 119
The last Ismaili constitution of 1998. now includes the instrument of the Diwan of Ismaili Imamat (seat of Imamat) ordained on 11 July 2018.
Links
http://www.ismaili.net/html/modules.php ... pic&t=8190
http://www.ismaili.net/html/modules.php ... 3585#63585
This & other Ismaili community constitutional entities will move to the new Palace of Mendoza which is being renovated and is almost completed.
Address and contact details
Diwan of Ismaili Imamat
Ismaili Imamat Delegation DDA
Rua São Domingos a Lapa, 58
1200-836 Lisbon, Portugal
Tel: 213949110
Sede: (Address)
Rua São Domingos à Lapa, nº. 58
1200-836 Lisboa ( Lisbon)
Portugal
Contactos:
Tel: +(351) 213 949 110
Fax: +(351) 213 949 119
The last Ismaili constitution of 1998. now includes the instrument of the Diwan of Ismaili Imamat (seat of Imamat) ordained on 11 July 2018.
Links
http://www.ismaili.net/html/modules.php ... pic&t=8190
http://www.ismaili.net/html/modules.php ... 3585#63585
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Agreeemrnt .. Diwan of Ismaili Imamat & Portugal
Agreement between the Ismaili Imamat & the government of Portugal
Link http://ismaili.net/heritage/node/31946
Link http://ismaili.net/heritage/node/31946
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The Ceremony on 11 July 2018 in Lisbon
11 July 2018 : At a ceremony earlier today, marking the conclusion of his Diamond Jubilee year, Mawlana Hazar Imam officially designated the premises located at Rua Marquês de Fronteira in Lisbon — the Henrique de Mendonça Palace — as the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat, and declared that it be known as the “Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat”.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Imam’s family including Prince Amyn, Princess Zahra and her children Sara and Iliyan, Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa with their children Prince Irfan and Prince Sinan, Prince Hussain and Prince Aly Muhammad as well as leaders of the Jamat from around the world.
The Seat of the Ismaili Imamat was established in Lisbon by Mawlana Hazar Imam at the invitation of the Portuguese government. This reflects the strong historical ties that have developed over generations. During the ceremony, Mawlana Hazar Imam remarked about the long-standing relationship.
“I am grateful for the government of Portugal for inviting me to establish the Seat within its territory. Over the years, the Portuguese have shown friendship, understanding, and a warm welcome to the Jamat as well as to the Imamat,” he said. “Ours is a relationship grounded in the shared values of religious freedom, tolerance, and pluralism. I believe, alongside strengthening the Imamat’s capacities, this will also enable our institutions to make a constructive and beneficial contribution to areas of mutual interest.”
This is the first time in the Ismaili Imamat’s 1,400-year history that a Seat has been established following a treaty with a sovereign non-Muslim country, making the designation a milestone moment for the global Ismaili community. Mawlana Hazar Imam highlighted the significance of the agreement on a global scale, as well as to the Jamat, during his remarks.
“Establishing a Seat in Portugal will also provide a platform for enhancing international relationships and taking them in new directions. At this time I wish to acknowledge the diligent work of many murids who over the years have contributed to the process that has resulted in this milestone agreement with Portugal,” Hazar Imam said. “It is my hope that the Jamat will share in my happiness over the accomplishment of this significant milestone which I believe will strengthen the Imamat’s capacity to fulfil its mandate of ensuring the Jamat’s safety, security, and quality of life.”
The notion of a Seat goes back to the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family), whose residence in Medina served both as a seat and a mosque. Hazrat Ali, during his reign as the first Imam and the fourth Caliph of the nascent Muslim Ummah, established his Seat in Kufa, Iraq. In the Fatimid caliphal era, the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat moved from Raqqadah in Qayrawan (now Tunisia), first to al-Mahdiyya, and thereafter to al-Mansurriya and eventually to al-Qahira (now Cairo) in Egypt, a city founded by Mawlana Hazar Imam’s ancestor, our 14th Imam, Caliph al-Mu’izz.
In Ismaili tradition, the notion of the Seat of the Imamat corresponds to the Imam’s physical presence. Depending on the requirements of the Imamat and the Ismaili community, it is the Imam’s prerogative formally to designate a Seat in one or more locations.
Historically, including during the periods when they ruled over territories and peoples, Ismaili Imams have engaged in global diplomatic relations, with the Seat serving as the locus of such relations. In the modern era, the Imamat collaborates with national governments, regional and international institutions, and civil society organisations, to fulfil its mandate, which includes to guide the Jamat, and to improve the quality of life around the world.
The official designation of the Seat’s premises follows a series of significant developments in the relationship between Portugal and the Ismaili Imamat and builds on accords with the Republic of Portugal, the first of which was signed in 2005 and thereafter in 2008 and 2009.
In June 2015, Portugal welcomed the establishment of the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon. The Agreement signed on that occasion, represents a pioneering gesture that underlines the values of tolerance, cooperation, and mutual respect. It provides an enabling framework that will facilitate the global work of the Ismaili Imamat and marks the first such accord in the Imamat’s modern history and is a historic milestone. The premises at Rua Marquês de Fronteira, home of the Seat, provides a long-term base from which the Imamat will address complex international requirements and challenges.
In his address to the Portuguese Parliament on 10 July 2018, Mawlana Hazar Imam referred to the Seat as a “committed global institution” and spoke of the meaning and impact it will have, remarking “Lisbon, already a leading international crossroads city, will also now serve as a central connecting point for the global Ismaili community.” He reaffirmed the magnitude of the decision to establish a Seat in Portugal “taken after much reflection and consultation” saying that “it represents a true milestone moment in the long history of the Imamat.”
This milestone moment is also recognised by Portugal and its people. At the Parliamentary address yesterday, His Excellency Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues, the President of the Assembly of the Republic, referred to the Diamond Jubilee of Mawlana Hazar Imam as well as this historic occasion as “the high point, even a historic point of projection of the Ismaili community and Portugal.”
He went on to say “that celebration, and that all of this is celebrated here, and the fact that the headquarters of the Ismaili Imamat is going to be established here – is historic, it gives us great pride, great pleasure, but also great responsibility.”
His Excellency also shared his hope of what these events will bring for Portugal saying, “Your visit here and your establishment here, shows how we would like to project ourselves in the international community as a bridge-building country. We offer you our heartiest congratulations at this high point in history. We hope that your presence in Portugal will be a catalyst for energy and joint work for the creation of more fair, more open, and more pluralist societies.”
To mark the significance of the occasion, a gift — a meticulously detailed coloured print depicting the Qajar monarch Fath Ali Shah — was presented to Mawlana Hazar Imam on behalf of the global Jamat. The print, with its exquisite detailing and saturated colours, evokes the powerful impression of the monumental imperial enthronement scenes.
The coloured aquatint on paper depicts the Qajar ruler Fath Ali Shah enthroned with princes, noblemen, ministers, foreign ambassadors, and envoys. The print is one of a series of reduced copies of life-size wall paintings completed in 1812-13, evoking the splendour and glory of Fath Ali Shah’s reign at the Court of Persia in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
The occasion was also marked by the launch of the official website of the Ismaili Imamat: https://Ismaili.Imamat. (TheIsmaili)
The ceremony was attended by members of the Imam’s family including Prince Amyn, Princess Zahra and her children Sara and Iliyan, Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa with their children Prince Irfan and Prince Sinan, Prince Hussain and Prince Aly Muhammad as well as leaders of the Jamat from around the world.
The Seat of the Ismaili Imamat was established in Lisbon by Mawlana Hazar Imam at the invitation of the Portuguese government. This reflects the strong historical ties that have developed over generations. During the ceremony, Mawlana Hazar Imam remarked about the long-standing relationship.
“I am grateful for the government of Portugal for inviting me to establish the Seat within its territory. Over the years, the Portuguese have shown friendship, understanding, and a warm welcome to the Jamat as well as to the Imamat,” he said. “Ours is a relationship grounded in the shared values of religious freedom, tolerance, and pluralism. I believe, alongside strengthening the Imamat’s capacities, this will also enable our institutions to make a constructive and beneficial contribution to areas of mutual interest.”
This is the first time in the Ismaili Imamat’s 1,400-year history that a Seat has been established following a treaty with a sovereign non-Muslim country, making the designation a milestone moment for the global Ismaili community. Mawlana Hazar Imam highlighted the significance of the agreement on a global scale, as well as to the Jamat, during his remarks.
“Establishing a Seat in Portugal will also provide a platform for enhancing international relationships and taking them in new directions. At this time I wish to acknowledge the diligent work of many murids who over the years have contributed to the process that has resulted in this milestone agreement with Portugal,” Hazar Imam said. “It is my hope that the Jamat will share in my happiness over the accomplishment of this significant milestone which I believe will strengthen the Imamat’s capacity to fulfil its mandate of ensuring the Jamat’s safety, security, and quality of life.”
The notion of a Seat goes back to the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family), whose residence in Medina served both as a seat and a mosque. Hazrat Ali, during his reign as the first Imam and the fourth Caliph of the nascent Muslim Ummah, established his Seat in Kufa, Iraq. In the Fatimid caliphal era, the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat moved from Raqqadah in Qayrawan (now Tunisia), first to al-Mahdiyya, and thereafter to al-Mansurriya and eventually to al-Qahira (now Cairo) in Egypt, a city founded by Mawlana Hazar Imam’s ancestor, our 14th Imam, Caliph al-Mu’izz.
In Ismaili tradition, the notion of the Seat of the Imamat corresponds to the Imam’s physical presence. Depending on the requirements of the Imamat and the Ismaili community, it is the Imam’s prerogative formally to designate a Seat in one or more locations.
Historically, including during the periods when they ruled over territories and peoples, Ismaili Imams have engaged in global diplomatic relations, with the Seat serving as the locus of such relations. In the modern era, the Imamat collaborates with national governments, regional and international institutions, and civil society organisations, to fulfil its mandate, which includes to guide the Jamat, and to improve the quality of life around the world.
The official designation of the Seat’s premises follows a series of significant developments in the relationship between Portugal and the Ismaili Imamat and builds on accords with the Republic of Portugal, the first of which was signed in 2005 and thereafter in 2008 and 2009.
In June 2015, Portugal welcomed the establishment of the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon. The Agreement signed on that occasion, represents a pioneering gesture that underlines the values of tolerance, cooperation, and mutual respect. It provides an enabling framework that will facilitate the global work of the Ismaili Imamat and marks the first such accord in the Imamat’s modern history and is a historic milestone. The premises at Rua Marquês de Fronteira, home of the Seat, provides a long-term base from which the Imamat will address complex international requirements and challenges.
In his address to the Portuguese Parliament on 10 July 2018, Mawlana Hazar Imam referred to the Seat as a “committed global institution” and spoke of the meaning and impact it will have, remarking “Lisbon, already a leading international crossroads city, will also now serve as a central connecting point for the global Ismaili community.” He reaffirmed the magnitude of the decision to establish a Seat in Portugal “taken after much reflection and consultation” saying that “it represents a true milestone moment in the long history of the Imamat.”
This milestone moment is also recognised by Portugal and its people. At the Parliamentary address yesterday, His Excellency Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues, the President of the Assembly of the Republic, referred to the Diamond Jubilee of Mawlana Hazar Imam as well as this historic occasion as “the high point, even a historic point of projection of the Ismaili community and Portugal.”
He went on to say “that celebration, and that all of this is celebrated here, and the fact that the headquarters of the Ismaili Imamat is going to be established here – is historic, it gives us great pride, great pleasure, but also great responsibility.”
His Excellency also shared his hope of what these events will bring for Portugal saying, “Your visit here and your establishment here, shows how we would like to project ourselves in the international community as a bridge-building country. We offer you our heartiest congratulations at this high point in history. We hope that your presence in Portugal will be a catalyst for energy and joint work for the creation of more fair, more open, and more pluralist societies.”
To mark the significance of the occasion, a gift — a meticulously detailed coloured print depicting the Qajar monarch Fath Ali Shah — was presented to Mawlana Hazar Imam on behalf of the global Jamat. The print, with its exquisite detailing and saturated colours, evokes the powerful impression of the monumental imperial enthronement scenes.
The coloured aquatint on paper depicts the Qajar ruler Fath Ali Shah enthroned with princes, noblemen, ministers, foreign ambassadors, and envoys. The print is one of a series of reduced copies of life-size wall paintings completed in 1812-13, evoking the splendour and glory of Fath Ali Shah’s reign at the Court of Persia in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
The occasion was also marked by the launch of the official website of the Ismaili Imamat: https://Ismaili.Imamat. (TheIsmaili)
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Access to Ismaili constitution-A public legal document
ACCESS TO THE ISMAILI CONSTITUTION WHICH IS A FARMAN IS TO BE GIVEN FREELY TO ALL ISMAILIS..
“After the Rules and Regulations have been sanctioned and all parts of the constitution have come into force, copies of the constitution, incorporating the relevant Rules and Regulations for each country will be freely available to members of the Jamat.”
(Announcement made at the time of promulgating the constitution)
Confirmation by a Leading Alwaz Missionary Kamaludin
http://www.kamalzar.com/pres/07.ppt
AND FARMANS
http://ismaili.net/timeline/2018/101-proofs-chatur.pdf
“After the Rules and Regulations have been sanctioned and all parts of the constitution have come into force, copies of the constitution, incorporating the relevant Rules and Regulations for each country will be freely available to members of the Jamat.”
(Announcement made at the time of promulgating the constitution)
Confirmation by a Leading Alwaz Missionary Kamaludin
http://www.kamalzar.com/pres/07.ppt
AND FARMANS
http://ismaili.net/timeline/2018/101-proofs-chatur.pdf
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New Website Publication is launched of Ismaili Imamat Seat.
A new Ismaili community publication - website of the Seat - Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat has been launched on 11 July 2018. It does not so far have ;
1. names & details of the Team in Portugal and
2. the names and details of the Departments of the Jamati and Diplomatic affairs.
3. Nor the Ismaili constitution including the instrument ordained by Aga Khan
4. Nor the address of the Diwan in Lisbon.
The only email on the website is
[email protected]
The website
url https://ismaili.imamat/#seat-of-imam/1
A letter below has been sent to the Community Leaders requesting information and clarification.
To IPL/DJI/DDA/LIF/IIS/AKF/ AKDN Diwan of Imamat & UK Council & President - UK Mukhi Saheb.
RE: The Ismaili.Imamat - new Ismaili community constitutional publication-website & TheIsmaili
constitutional & legal Request for information regarding the terms and conditions and privacy policy - (see text below) & Feedback
————————————
1 In this, our communities new publication, it is claimed that it is owned c and operated in the UK , & by a UK company namely Islamic Publication Limited -IPL. And it is controlled by an off shore company AKD holdings Ltd. Please confirm, and whether IPL own this publication- rights and entity beneficially, or under some agency or management agreements with AKDN - IIS and or the Imamat (the Institution), and or any of the Ismailis other constitutional entities. Please also provide copies of the related documents.
2 Please confirm that IPL is one of the Ismaili constitutional entities. You state that the present controlling shareholders of IPL is an “offshore” company.AKD Holdings Limited. Who are the Directors and shareholders of this channel Islands company. The name is close to AKDN. Does AKD mean “Aga Khan Development”. Can we have a copy of their accounts. Is AKD beneficially owned by, and is an Ismaili community constitutional entity. Please confirm . The Directors of IPL on record are Shafik Sachedina, Nagib Kheraj & Zauhar Meghji. All also in IIS AKF and or AKDN too. The beneficial owners IPL is not stated as any of them ? Are they not the beneficial and controlling parties of IPL? If not who is ?
3 Please confirm that IPL is registered under the UK data acts, and registration details and who is/are the administrator (for complaints and or claims). If not this is against the Law. No such statement in the Audited accounts of IPL.
4 The search boxes on the new website under speeches, do not work.
5 The website does not have the Diwan of Imamat contact address & usual details or feed back forms. The terms has as address. Please let us know the contact details and names of the management and operation team of this website. This is normal good and best practice and should be there.
6 Please let us know the reason why this website is not owned and operated in Portugal or by the Diwan of Ismaili Imamat or Council in Portugal, which is the new seat of the Ismaili Imamat (our Jamats constitutional institution)
7 The constitution and related documents of the Ismaili community& Imamat include the “instrument” ordained on 11 July 2018. Please let me have a copy. And these are not on the website. Can these be uploaded. This is not best practice, and these should be freely available as Hazar Imam says, and in the interest of our community, transparency, Farmans, and what Imam and Imamat and Hazar Imam, exemplifies, advocates and says . Including about best practice , and I quote “ Trust equity and accountability are key aspect of Leadership,which are underpinned with concepts of transparency meritocracy and competence ,motivated and directed by demanding moral standards “ (Aga Khan) and see link and Farman below http://ismaili.net/timeline/2018/101-proofs-chatur.pdf
8 The company has its revenue from IIS, loans from IIS, owes IIS substantial sums. Pays Audiros and admin op costs of £30,000 per annum, has no asters on the Balance sheet, including any rights , has accumulated losses of nearly £1 million - why is this company active and this business not done by IIS ? Why are the same directions since 1995 when our constitution says a change every 3 years ? And in the UK company why is the president of UK council not a director - The last one who was snd stayed is Z Neghji and why all Directods are also controlling IIS - This is against our constitution Farmans and or Best Practice. Which Hazar Imam has decreed in Farmans including very recently.
9 Similarly there is a claim in TheIsmaili the Ismaili community publication & Website and social media. Please clarify and or confirm
10 There is a claim that IPL owns some and some owened by Hazar Imam. None were claimed in your lawsuit in Canada by IPL but all were owned by Hazar Imam. Please confirm all are owned by Hazar Imam or by the Ismaili community through its construction and constitutional entities.
I am asking as a Murid, entitled under our constitution, law, decreed and or ordained in Farmans and as “being a Dai”, as Hazar Imam has decreed on 11 July 2018
Yours faithfully
Mahebub Chatur
cc Noorani Family
““ Always remember whose needs are being fulfilled. Are they yours or are they the persons you are trying to help...and for me the most important word is accountability. We must be accountable at all times to the organisations we serve and to the people (Jamat) we serve."
Terms and Conditions of Use of the Ismaili.Imamat Website
https://ismaili.imamat/terms-and-conditions.php
1. names & details of the Team in Portugal and
2. the names and details of the Departments of the Jamati and Diplomatic affairs.
3. Nor the Ismaili constitution including the instrument ordained by Aga Khan
4. Nor the address of the Diwan in Lisbon.
The only email on the website is
[email protected]
The website
url https://ismaili.imamat/#seat-of-imam/1
A letter below has been sent to the Community Leaders requesting information and clarification.
To IPL/DJI/DDA/LIF/IIS/AKF/ AKDN Diwan of Imamat & UK Council & President - UK Mukhi Saheb.
RE: The Ismaili.Imamat - new Ismaili community constitutional publication-website & TheIsmaili
constitutional & legal Request for information regarding the terms and conditions and privacy policy - (see text below) & Feedback
————————————
1 In this, our communities new publication, it is claimed that it is owned c and operated in the UK , & by a UK company namely Islamic Publication Limited -IPL. And it is controlled by an off shore company AKD holdings Ltd. Please confirm, and whether IPL own this publication- rights and entity beneficially, or under some agency or management agreements with AKDN - IIS and or the Imamat (the Institution), and or any of the Ismailis other constitutional entities. Please also provide copies of the related documents.
2 Please confirm that IPL is one of the Ismaili constitutional entities. You state that the present controlling shareholders of IPL is an “offshore” company.AKD Holdings Limited. Who are the Directors and shareholders of this channel Islands company. The name is close to AKDN. Does AKD mean “Aga Khan Development”. Can we have a copy of their accounts. Is AKD beneficially owned by, and is an Ismaili community constitutional entity. Please confirm . The Directors of IPL on record are Shafik Sachedina, Nagib Kheraj & Zauhar Meghji. All also in IIS AKF and or AKDN too. The beneficial owners IPL is not stated as any of them ? Are they not the beneficial and controlling parties of IPL? If not who is ?
3 Please confirm that IPL is registered under the UK data acts, and registration details and who is/are the administrator (for complaints and or claims). If not this is against the Law. No such statement in the Audited accounts of IPL.
4 The search boxes on the new website under speeches, do not work.
5 The website does not have the Diwan of Imamat contact address & usual details or feed back forms. The terms has as address. Please let us know the contact details and names of the management and operation team of this website. This is normal good and best practice and should be there.
6 Please let us know the reason why this website is not owned and operated in Portugal or by the Diwan of Ismaili Imamat or Council in Portugal, which is the new seat of the Ismaili Imamat (our Jamats constitutional institution)
7 The constitution and related documents of the Ismaili community& Imamat include the “instrument” ordained on 11 July 2018. Please let me have a copy. And these are not on the website. Can these be uploaded. This is not best practice, and these should be freely available as Hazar Imam says, and in the interest of our community, transparency, Farmans, and what Imam and Imamat and Hazar Imam, exemplifies, advocates and says . Including about best practice , and I quote “ Trust equity and accountability are key aspect of Leadership,which are underpinned with concepts of transparency meritocracy and competence ,motivated and directed by demanding moral standards “ (Aga Khan) and see link and Farman below http://ismaili.net/timeline/2018/101-proofs-chatur.pdf
8 The company has its revenue from IIS, loans from IIS, owes IIS substantial sums. Pays Audiros and admin op costs of £30,000 per annum, has no asters on the Balance sheet, including any rights , has accumulated losses of nearly £1 million - why is this company active and this business not done by IIS ? Why are the same directions since 1995 when our constitution says a change every 3 years ? And in the UK company why is the president of UK council not a director - The last one who was snd stayed is Z Neghji and why all Directods are also controlling IIS - This is against our constitution Farmans and or Best Practice. Which Hazar Imam has decreed in Farmans including very recently.
9 Similarly there is a claim in TheIsmaili the Ismaili community publication & Website and social media. Please clarify and or confirm
10 There is a claim that IPL owns some and some owened by Hazar Imam. None were claimed in your lawsuit in Canada by IPL but all were owned by Hazar Imam. Please confirm all are owned by Hazar Imam or by the Ismaili community through its construction and constitutional entities.
I am asking as a Murid, entitled under our constitution, law, decreed and or ordained in Farmans and as “being a Dai”, as Hazar Imam has decreed on 11 July 2018
Yours faithfully
Mahebub Chatur
cc Noorani Family
““ Always remember whose needs are being fulfilled. Are they yours or are they the persons you are trying to help...and for me the most important word is accountability. We must be accountable at all times to the organisations we serve and to the people (Jamat) we serve."
Terms and Conditions of Use of the Ismaili.Imamat Website
https://ismaili.imamat/terms-and-conditions.php
https://www.coe.int/en/web/north-south- ... uth-centre
Newsroom
Relations between Portugal, AKDN and the North-South Centre
26/02/2018
Portugal is hosting in Lisbon the headquarters of the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe, is member of the Bureau of the Executive Committee of the North-South Centre and is contributing to its activities through several voluntary contributions. The Aga Khan Development Network is also cooperating with the Centre earmarking its voluntary contributions to some of its activities.
Intervention of Mr. Nazim Ahmad, representative of the Imamat Ismaili in Portugal, at the Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, on the relations with the Portuguese Republic
Here is the PDF of this presentation:
http://rm.coe.int/notas-introdutorias-n ... 168078d082
Newsroom
Relations between Portugal, AKDN and the North-South Centre
26/02/2018
Portugal is hosting in Lisbon the headquarters of the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe, is member of the Bureau of the Executive Committee of the North-South Centre and is contributing to its activities through several voluntary contributions. The Aga Khan Development Network is also cooperating with the Centre earmarking its voluntary contributions to some of its activities.
Intervention of Mr. Nazim Ahmad, representative of the Imamat Ismaili in Portugal, at the Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, on the relations with the Portuguese Republic
Here is the PDF of this presentation:
http://rm.coe.int/notas-introdutorias-n ... 168078d082
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What Imam AgaKhan said to Leaders on 11 July 2018
11 July 2011- what Aga Khan said to the community Leaders present.
He Started with
My beloved Spiritual Children;
Summary
1. Thank you for Gift. This is From an epochal period of our past
2. Our history is long and filled with lessons to bring forward from the past
3. To build peace and unity in the Jamats world wide
4. New seat established after much reflection and consultations
5. This is to formalise Jamats engagement
6. Seat is physical presence of Imam at a given time and age and can be changed by Imam
7. This is in the interest and benefit of the Jamat
8. A long term stable base for Jamats
9. Religious values and freedom
10. Build capacity
11. Instrument ordained completes the process
12. Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat is named and set up
13. Much remains to be done and will be done “to institutionalise The Diwan” as we take this process forward
14. This will fulfil the Imams capacity & mandate for the safety security and worldly life of the Jamaats
15. This is a significant milestone for the Jamats
16. Thank you
Hazar Imam ended with
Thank you.
He did not give his usual Blessungs & Khanavadan to the Leaders during or at the end of his Firman.
He Started with
My beloved Spiritual Children;
Summary
1. Thank you for Gift. This is From an epochal period of our past
2. Our history is long and filled with lessons to bring forward from the past
3. To build peace and unity in the Jamats world wide
4. New seat established after much reflection and consultations
5. This is to formalise Jamats engagement
6. Seat is physical presence of Imam at a given time and age and can be changed by Imam
7. This is in the interest and benefit of the Jamat
8. A long term stable base for Jamats
9. Religious values and freedom
10. Build capacity
11. Instrument ordained completes the process
12. Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat is named and set up
13. Much remains to be done and will be done “to institutionalise The Diwan” as we take this process forward
14. This will fulfil the Imams capacity & mandate for the safety security and worldly life of the Jamaats
15. This is a significant milestone for the Jamats
16. Thank you
Hazar Imam ended with
Thank you.
He did not give his usual Blessungs & Khanavadan to the Leaders during or at the end of his Firman.
Re: What Imam AgaKhan said to Leaders on 11 July 2018
Correction - 2018mahebubchatur wrote:11 July 2011- what Aga Khan said to the community Leaders present.
We have one thread on Diwan in the Law section. That section should only contain documents related to the formation of the Seat of Imamat, the agreements with the Portuguese or any other government and legal interpretation and discussion on this specific topic. If any discussion, it has to keep with legal interpretation.
We have a second thread under Imamat. That thread should contain what is related to Imam and Diwan within the contemporary period. Any quote from speech or interview referring to the Diwan may be posted in this section.
This third thread under Doctrine should only contain doctrinal matters on the concept of Diwan, sources from our history, interpretation from our Dai's and discussion on similar matter. Quotes from Farmans, speeches and interview can only be posted in this section if they help clarify in any way the doctrinal aspect.
Please make sure not to cross post or post under the wrong thread. It is important to keep these 3 threads separated but if there are cross posting, I will close threads or remove postings. Please be rigorous. We want to keep these thread alive and separate.
We have a second thread under Imamat. That thread should contain what is related to Imam and Diwan within the contemporary period. Any quote from speech or interview referring to the Diwan may be posted in this section.
This third thread under Doctrine should only contain doctrinal matters on the concept of Diwan, sources from our history, interpretation from our Dai's and discussion on similar matter. Quotes from Farmans, speeches and interview can only be posted in this section if they help clarify in any way the doctrinal aspect.
Please make sure not to cross post or post under the wrong thread. It is important to keep these 3 threads separated but if there are cross posting, I will close threads or remove postings. Please be rigorous. We want to keep these thread alive and separate.
Epochal milestone for Ismaili Muslims – History in making
His Highness the Aga Khan’s Diamond Jubilee on 11 July 2018 – Lisbon
]A recent article on the Diwan and the Ismaili Imamat including some of the legal texts establishing the Seat of Imamat.
Download PDF here:
http://ismaili.net/timeline/2018/2018-0 ... rticle.pdf
His Highness the Aga Khan’s Diamond Jubilee on 11 July 2018 – Lisbon
]A recent article on the Diwan and the Ismaili Imamat including some of the legal texts establishing the Seat of Imamat.
Download PDF here:
http://ismaili.net/timeline/2018/2018-0 ... rticle.pdf
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Will there be one or more Seats of Imamat . What Imam says
Thought provoking Question and response
Will there be one or many Seats, as Hazar Imam has not committed to move - see below.
The Question
What do you make of MHI's statement that: "it is the Imam’s prerogative formally to designate a Seat in one or more locations" (The.Ismaili)
Is the one established in Lisbon then the singular global head office of the Ismaili Imamat, especially since MHI has not committed to moving there, when asked directly in an interview? (Expresso)
The Response
My thoughts.
The statement in The.ismaili news, is their view. What Hazar Imam said in Lisbon Parliament is “Through the centuries, the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat has been formally designated in one or more locations by the Imam-of-the-Time, depending on the requirements of the day. It has known many homes over the years”
Regarding moving to Portugal , when asked Hazar Imam said
“I do not know. But I know I will come much more often. I'm still contemplating if I will move or not. You will see me more often, I am sure of that.”
Mawlana Hazar Imam’s prerogative is the following “By virtue of His office and in accordance with the faith and belief of the Ismaili Muslims, the Imam enjoys full authority of governance over and in respect of all religious and Jamati matters of the Ismaili Muslims”. “The authority of the Imam in the Ismaili Tariqah is testified by Bay'ah by the murid to the Imam which is the act of acceptance by the murid of the permanent spiritual bond between the Imam and the murid. .” (constitution)
We need to fully understand the distinction between Imam of the time and our constitutional entities.
On the one hand there is Imam of the time & His Tawil and Talim to the Jamat & world.
On the other hand are the constitutional entities for operational dissemination implementation and governance by them. This includes Dewan of the Ismaili Imamat.
In the Agreement with Portugal there is that distinction too. Hazar Imam has Diplomatic prerogatives.
Hazar Imam has also said the following regarding the Jamats constitutional entities
" I am proud of two things. The first is the creation, in a variety of countries, of institutions of the community which possess real autonomy, which do not depend on the intervention, nor the thinking, nor the support of the Imam. "
The following community chart Gives a visual overview & distinction
The main and most important objective of the agreement with Portugal. Is,
“Facilitating* the spiritual and secular guidance of the Imam of the Ismaili community “ These are called Firmans of the Imams & includes the Ismaili constitution. (Firmans and the continuity of Firmans is the very basis and foundation of the Ismaili Muslim faith. Imam, says that these must be given freely to all Ismailis globally and the Ismaili constitution, must be read with Firmans, and in a difference, a later Firman supersedes and earlier Firman (constitution)
* Facilitating Firmans means, to make easier, or less difficult; to help forward, to make possible, and to make easier.
Does Hazar Imam have a seat or Seats of Imam as Imam. In Aiglemont, France. there is the Hazar Imams office & residence. There is also a holy dedicated Deedar space (Jamat Khanna) for Murids-Leaders who come to meet him (Hazar Imam does not live in Aiglemont all of the the time. We know he has other residences & he is a citizen of many countries too. Including the UK.
He does not need a Seat of Imam because, he confirmed that “The authority of the Ismaili Imam is spiritual rather than temporal in nature.” Therefore is not every Jamat Khanna, the Seat of the Imam. where the Noor and Amr of Hazar Imam is present everyday.
The big question is whether now Farmans & the full constitution will continue to be blocked from the Jamat and if so what will be the impact on the community and the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat in Portugal whose people will find out the truth soon
Therefore a change is needed sooner, than later.
Any clarification and related documents or Firmans will be gratefully received.
Ya Ali Madad
Will there be one or many Seats, as Hazar Imam has not committed to move - see below.
The Question
What do you make of MHI's statement that: "it is the Imam’s prerogative formally to designate a Seat in one or more locations" (The.Ismaili)
Is the one established in Lisbon then the singular global head office of the Ismaili Imamat, especially since MHI has not committed to moving there, when asked directly in an interview? (Expresso)
The Response
My thoughts.
The statement in The.ismaili news, is their view. What Hazar Imam said in Lisbon Parliament is “Through the centuries, the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat has been formally designated in one or more locations by the Imam-of-the-Time, depending on the requirements of the day. It has known many homes over the years”
Regarding moving to Portugal , when asked Hazar Imam said
“I do not know. But I know I will come much more often. I'm still contemplating if I will move or not. You will see me more often, I am sure of that.”
Mawlana Hazar Imam’s prerogative is the following “By virtue of His office and in accordance with the faith and belief of the Ismaili Muslims, the Imam enjoys full authority of governance over and in respect of all religious and Jamati matters of the Ismaili Muslims”. “The authority of the Imam in the Ismaili Tariqah is testified by Bay'ah by the murid to the Imam which is the act of acceptance by the murid of the permanent spiritual bond between the Imam and the murid. .” (constitution)
We need to fully understand the distinction between Imam of the time and our constitutional entities.
On the one hand there is Imam of the time & His Tawil and Talim to the Jamat & world.
On the other hand are the constitutional entities for operational dissemination implementation and governance by them. This includes Dewan of the Ismaili Imamat.
In the Agreement with Portugal there is that distinction too. Hazar Imam has Diplomatic prerogatives.
Hazar Imam has also said the following regarding the Jamats constitutional entities
" I am proud of two things. The first is the creation, in a variety of countries, of institutions of the community which possess real autonomy, which do not depend on the intervention, nor the thinking, nor the support of the Imam. "
The following community chart Gives a visual overview & distinction
The main and most important objective of the agreement with Portugal. Is,
“Facilitating* the spiritual and secular guidance of the Imam of the Ismaili community “ These are called Firmans of the Imams & includes the Ismaili constitution. (Firmans and the continuity of Firmans is the very basis and foundation of the Ismaili Muslim faith. Imam, says that these must be given freely to all Ismailis globally and the Ismaili constitution, must be read with Firmans, and in a difference, a later Firman supersedes and earlier Firman (constitution)
* Facilitating Firmans means, to make easier, or less difficult; to help forward, to make possible, and to make easier.
Does Hazar Imam have a seat or Seats of Imam as Imam. In Aiglemont, France. there is the Hazar Imams office & residence. There is also a holy dedicated Deedar space (Jamat Khanna) for Murids-Leaders who come to meet him (Hazar Imam does not live in Aiglemont all of the the time. We know he has other residences & he is a citizen of many countries too. Including the UK.
He does not need a Seat of Imam because, he confirmed that “The authority of the Ismaili Imam is spiritual rather than temporal in nature.” Therefore is not every Jamat Khanna, the Seat of the Imam. where the Noor and Amr of Hazar Imam is present everyday.
The big question is whether now Farmans & the full constitution will continue to be blocked from the Jamat and if so what will be the impact on the community and the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat in Portugal whose people will find out the truth soon
Therefore a change is needed sooner, than later.
Any clarification and related documents or Firmans will be gratefully received.
Ya Ali Madad
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France - Reasons why it was chosen as Seat of Ismailis..
Hazar Imam explained in the following BBC interview why the Seat of Imamat was in France. The main reasons were thatthe country is traditionally sympathetic to Islam ( freedom of religion), & allowed the number of people to work there.
TODAY IN HISTORY - 1979,
September 6: Mowlana Shah Karim was interviewed on BBC Radio 4 by Michael Charlton in London. "HH: Well, I think there again the Imam has always moved right from the time of Hazrat Ali in fact. In the circumstances today, the Imamat as an Institution, I think, is freer to be effective in its work, based in a country which is not involved, nor potentially involved in turmoil and which is traditionally sympathetic to Islam. "
INTERVIEW: http://www.ismaili.net/intervue/790906.html
TODAY IN HISTORY - 1979,
September 6: Mowlana Shah Karim was interviewed on BBC Radio 4 by Michael Charlton in London. "HH: Well, I think there again the Imam has always moved right from the time of Hazrat Ali in fact. In the circumstances today, the Imamat as an Institution, I think, is freer to be effective in its work, based in a country which is not involved, nor potentially involved in turmoil and which is traditionally sympathetic to Islam. "
INTERVIEW: http://www.ismaili.net/intervue/790906.html
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The Dewan signing ceremony -The Speech & Firman 11 July
Speech By M Eboo on 11 July 2018 - at signing of our Ismaili constitutions’ instrument. establishing “The Dewan of the Ismaili Imamat” in Portugal.
M Eboo is Chairman of the Leaders International Forum (LIF). He is also the Ismaili community Ambassador to Canada. These are a part of the Ismaili community entities under the Ismaili constitution.
M Eboo started by welcoming and thanking Hazar Imam ( His Highness) and the Noorani Family present.
He said he is representing and speaking on behalf of all the members of the community (murids) present here, and the many millions around the world. There were about 50 Selected Leaders present
We are commemorating the end of the Diamond Jubilee, & celebrating the 61st anniversary of Hazar Imam becoming 49th Imam, in 1957.
He added that we are all grateful for Hazar Imam bestowing so many blessings and guidances (Firmans), to us, during the Diamond Jubilee.
He acknowledged that Hazar Imam together with all the Imams in our long history, have been giving & guiding our interpretation of Islam. He added that our Imams as trustees of creation have have all been tirelessly championing our progress and giving guidance (Firmans) to enable us to interpret and understand our faith materially and spiritually
The establishment of Seat of the Ismaili Imamat today, is an epochal milestone for the Identity & institutional capacity of the Ismaili community, and our Imam.
He thanked Hazar Imam on behalf of the community for Hazar imam’s leadership, as a true exemplar and of the foresight , heritage, vision, drive, and determination for strengthening of the global scope reach and progress of the Ismaili community and of our institutions.
He ended by requesting Hazar Imam (His Highness the Aga Khan) to sign & execute the instrument (of our Ismaili constitution) establishing the Dewan of the Ismaili Imamat.
This was followed by Hazar Imam giving a Firman to all the community. A Sumaria is set out below
Hazar Imam first executed the constitutional instrument and then He first thanked all his spiritual children for the lovely gifts given to him today.
He added that we have history, a very long history which is filled with lessons to bring forward from the past in order to build unity & confidence of the Jamat (meaning all his spiritual children worldwide)
He said that this gift is especially meaningful because it is from an epochal period of our long history
The establishment of the Seat of Imamat in Portugal has been done after much reflection and consultations, added Hazar Imam
In view of the increasing activities of the community and community institutions it was essential to formalise the graphical locus of the Imamat in order to facilitate the growing engagement world wide of the Jamat, and for international relations for the benefit of the Jamat.
Historically the seat of the Imamat corresponded to the physical presence of the Imam of the time. There has been more than one location in the past. The location of the seat of the Imamat is at a given time & age. Hazar Imam added that The Seat can be changed by the Imam when the Imam decides which is when it is in the interest of the Jomat.
The Seat in Portugal is a long term global base of the Imamat institutional activities and having regard to the complex requirements and challenges of today.
This has been a process which the Imam said He started in 1957 by building on working relationships with many countries and international organisations for the benefit of the Jamat.
He added he was grateful to Portugal & the Portuguese government for inviting us to establish the new seat of the Ismaili Imamat in Portugal
We have had over many years a partnership with Portugal & there has been a friendship towards our Jamaat which has been the reason for welcoming the Jamat and the Imam to Portugal. This is very important for us having regard to religious freedom, Pluralism and tolerance by people and government of Portugal.
This seat of Imamat will enable us to build capacity and enable our institutions to make a constructive and beneficial contribution of mutual benefit. and interest of the Jamat.
The Seat of Imarmot will also be a platform to enhance international relations and take them forward into new directions
Hazar Imam acknowledged, and said he was grateful for the contributions of many members of the community & others in reaching this milestone agreement and the the instrument he has ordained today.
He added that this Instrumtnt also designates the name Seat of the imamat as “The Dewan of the Ismaili Imamat”
Therefore going forward most will now refer to this Seat as “ The Diwan “
He said finally that he looks forward to working together with Leaders of the community and others in taking this forward.
He hopes that all members of the community will share in the happiness of this significant milestone which will help improve the safety security and the quality of life of all His spiritual children world wide.
Lisbon Portugal at “The Diwan” 11 July 2018
M Eboo is Chairman of the Leaders International Forum (LIF). He is also the Ismaili community Ambassador to Canada. These are a part of the Ismaili community entities under the Ismaili constitution.
M Eboo started by welcoming and thanking Hazar Imam ( His Highness) and the Noorani Family present.
He said he is representing and speaking on behalf of all the members of the community (murids) present here, and the many millions around the world. There were about 50 Selected Leaders present
We are commemorating the end of the Diamond Jubilee, & celebrating the 61st anniversary of Hazar Imam becoming 49th Imam, in 1957.
He added that we are all grateful for Hazar Imam bestowing so many blessings and guidances (Firmans), to us, during the Diamond Jubilee.
He acknowledged that Hazar Imam together with all the Imams in our long history, have been giving & guiding our interpretation of Islam. He added that our Imams as trustees of creation have have all been tirelessly championing our progress and giving guidance (Firmans) to enable us to interpret and understand our faith materially and spiritually
The establishment of Seat of the Ismaili Imamat today, is an epochal milestone for the Identity & institutional capacity of the Ismaili community, and our Imam.
He thanked Hazar Imam on behalf of the community for Hazar imam’s leadership, as a true exemplar and of the foresight , heritage, vision, drive, and determination for strengthening of the global scope reach and progress of the Ismaili community and of our institutions.
He ended by requesting Hazar Imam (His Highness the Aga Khan) to sign & execute the instrument (of our Ismaili constitution) establishing the Dewan of the Ismaili Imamat.
This was followed by Hazar Imam giving a Firman to all the community. A Sumaria is set out below
Hazar Imam first executed the constitutional instrument and then He first thanked all his spiritual children for the lovely gifts given to him today.
He added that we have history, a very long history which is filled with lessons to bring forward from the past in order to build unity & confidence of the Jamat (meaning all his spiritual children worldwide)
He said that this gift is especially meaningful because it is from an epochal period of our long history
The establishment of the Seat of Imamat in Portugal has been done after much reflection and consultations, added Hazar Imam
In view of the increasing activities of the community and community institutions it was essential to formalise the graphical locus of the Imamat in order to facilitate the growing engagement world wide of the Jamat, and for international relations for the benefit of the Jamat.
Historically the seat of the Imamat corresponded to the physical presence of the Imam of the time. There has been more than one location in the past. The location of the seat of the Imamat is at a given time & age. Hazar Imam added that The Seat can be changed by the Imam when the Imam decides which is when it is in the interest of the Jomat.
The Seat in Portugal is a long term global base of the Imamat institutional activities and having regard to the complex requirements and challenges of today.
This has been a process which the Imam said He started in 1957 by building on working relationships with many countries and international organisations for the benefit of the Jamat.
He added he was grateful to Portugal & the Portuguese government for inviting us to establish the new seat of the Ismaili Imamat in Portugal
We have had over many years a partnership with Portugal & there has been a friendship towards our Jamaat which has been the reason for welcoming the Jamat and the Imam to Portugal. This is very important for us having regard to religious freedom, Pluralism and tolerance by people and government of Portugal.
This seat of Imamat will enable us to build capacity and enable our institutions to make a constructive and beneficial contribution of mutual benefit. and interest of the Jamat.
The Seat of Imarmot will also be a platform to enhance international relations and take them forward into new directions
Hazar Imam acknowledged, and said he was grateful for the contributions of many members of the community & others in reaching this milestone agreement and the the instrument he has ordained today.
He added that this Instrumtnt also designates the name Seat of the imamat as “The Dewan of the Ismaili Imamat”
Therefore going forward most will now refer to this Seat as “ The Diwan “
He said finally that he looks forward to working together with Leaders of the community and others in taking this forward.
He hopes that all members of the community will share in the happiness of this significant milestone which will help improve the safety security and the quality of life of all His spiritual children world wide.
Lisbon Portugal at “The Diwan” 11 July 2018
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Governance Farman by Hazrat Mawlana Ali - relevant today
Imam Ali’s Farman on Governance - This is as relevant today , In conjunction with our Ismaili constitution & Farmans and now “The Diwan” and related Farmans and instrument of 11 July 2018
Farman to Malik Ashtar on his appointment on the ethics of Leadership & governance ( Hidayat - Farman)
A must study today for Presidents, Leaders, Mukhis Dais & murids.
The Farman - Hazar Imâm says we must learn from the past and bring that forward , and to Be his Dais ( 11 July 2018)
“Be it known to you, O, Malik, that I am sending you as Governor to a country which in the past has experienced both just and unjust rule.
Men will scrutinise your actions with a searching eye, even as you used to scrutinise the actions of those before you, and speak of you even as you did speak of them. The fact is that the public speak well of only those who do good. It is they who furnish the proof of your actions.
Hence the richest treasure that you may covet would be the treasure of good deeds. Keep your desires under control and deny yourself that which you have been prohibited from, for, by such abstinence alone, you will be able to distinguish between what is good to them and what is not.
Develop in your heart the feeling of love for your people and let it be the source of kindliness and blessing to them. Do not behave with them like a barbarian, and do not appropriate to yourself that which belongs to them. Remember that the citizens of the state are of two categories.
They are either your brethren in religion or your brethren in kind. They are subject to infirmities and liable to commit mistakes. Some indeed do commit mistakes. But forgive them even as you would like God to forgive you. Bear in mind that you are placed over them, even as I am placed over you. And then there is God even above him who has given you the position of a Governor in order that you may look after those under you and to be sufficient unto them. And you will be judged by what you do for them.
Do not set yourself against God, for neither do you possess the strength to shield yourself against His displeasure, nor can you place yourself outside the pale of His mercy and forgiveness. Do not feel sorry over any act of forgiveness, nor rejoice over any punishment that you may mete out to any one.
Do not rouse yourself to anger, for no good will come out of it.
Do not say: “I am your overlord and dictator, and that you should, therefore, bow to my commands”, as that will corrupt your heart, weaken your faith in religion and create disorder in the state. Should you be elated by power, ever feel in your mind the slightest symptoms of pride and arrogance, then look at the power and majesty of the Divine governance of the Universe over which you have absolutely no control. It will restore the sense of balance to your wayward intelligence and give you the sense of calmness and affability.
Beware! Never put yourself against the majesty and grandeur of God and never imitate His omnipotence; for God has brought low every rebel of God and every tyrant of man.
Let your mind respect through your actions the rights of God and the rights of man, and likewise, persuade your companions and relations to do likewise. For, otherwise, you will be doing injustice to yourself and injustice to humanity. Thus both man and God will turn unto your enemies.
There is no hearing anywhere for one who makes an enemy of God himself. He will be regarded as one at war with God until he feels contrition and seeks forgiveness. Nothing deprives man of divine blessings or excites divine wrath against him more easily than cruelty. Hence it is, that God listens to the voice of the oppressed and waylays the oppressor.
The Common Man
Maintain justice in administration and impose it on your own self and seek the consent of the people, for, the discontent of the masses sterilises the contentment of the privileged few and the discontent of the few loses itself in the contentment of the many. Remember the privileged few will not rally round you in moments of difficulty: they will try to side-track justice, they will ask for more than what they deserve and will show no gratitude for favours done to them. They will feel restive in the face of trials and will offer no regret for their shortcomings. It is the common man who is the strength of the State and Religion. It is he who fights the enemy. So live in close contact with the masses and be mindful of their welfare.
Keep at a distance one who peers into the weaknesses of others. After all, the masses are not free from weaknesses. It is the duty of the ruler to shield them. Do not bring to light that which is hidden, but try to remove those weaknesses which have been brought to light. God is watchful of everything that is hidden from you, and He alone will deal with it. To the best of your ability cover the weaknesses of the public, and God will cover the weaknesses in you which you are anxious to keep away from their eye. Unloose the tangle of mutual hatred between the public and the administration and remove all those causes which may give rise to strained relations between them. Protect yourself from every such act as may not be quite correct for you. Do not make haste in seeking confirmation of tale-telling, for the tale-teller is a deceitful person appearing in the garb of a friend.
The Counsellors
Never take counsel of a miser, for he will vitiate your magnanimity and frighten you of poverty. Do not take the advice of a coward either, for he will weaken your resolve. Do not take counsel of the greedy: for he will instill greed in you and turn you into a tyrant. Miserliness, cowardice and greed deprive man of his trust in God.
The worst of counsellors is he who has served as a counsellor to unjust rulers and shared in their crimes. So, never let men who have been companions of tyrants or shared their crimes be your counsellors. You can get better men than these, men gifted with intelligence and foresight, but unpolluted by sin, men who have never aided a tyrant in his tyranny or a criminal in his crime. Such men will never be a burden on you. On the other hand, they will be a source of help and strength to you at all times. They will be friends to you and strangers to your enemies. Choose such men alone for companionship both in privacy and in the public. Even among these, show preference to them who have a habitual regard for truth, however trying to you at times their truth may prove to be, and who offer you no encouragement in the display of tendencies which God does not like His friends to develop.
Keep close to you the upright, and the God fearing, and make clear to them that they are never to flatter you and never to give you credit for any good that you may not have done: for, the tolerance of flattery and unhealthy praise stimulates pride in man and makes him arrogant.
Do not treat the good and the bad alike. That will deter the good from doing good, and encourage the bad in their bad pursuits. Recompense everyone according to their deserts. Remember that mutual trust and goodwill between the ruler and the ruled are bred only through benevolence, justice and service. So, cultivate goodwill among the people; for their goodwill alone will save you from troubles. Your benevolence to them will be repaid by their trust in you, and your ill-treatment by their ill-will.
Do not disregard the noble traditions established by our forbears, which have promoted harmony and progress among the people; and do not initiate anything which might minimize their usefulness. The men who had established these noble traditions have had their reward; but responsibility will be yours if they are disturbed. Try always to learn something from the experience of the learned and wise, and frequently consult them in state matters so that you might maintain the peace and goodwill which your predecessors had established in the land.
The Different Classes of People
Remember that the people are composed of different classes. The progress of one is dependent on the progress of every other, and none can afford to be independent of the other. We have the Army formed of the soldiers of God. We have our civil officers and their establishments, our judiciary, our revenue collectors and our public relations officers. The general public itself consists of Muslims and other subjects and among them of merchants and craftsmen, the unemployed and the indigent. God has prescribed for them their rights, duties and obligations. They are all defined and preserved in the Holy Quran and in the traditions of his Prophet.
The army, by the grace of God, is like a fortress to the people and lends dignity to the state. It upholds the prestige of the faith and maintains the peace of the country. Without it the state cannot stand. In its turn, it cannot stand without the support of the state. Our soldiers have proved strong before the enemy because of the privilege God has given them to fight for Him; but they have their material needs to fulfil and have therefore to depend upon the income provided for them from the state revenue. The military and civil population who pay revenue, both need the co-operation of others – the judiciary, civil officers and their establishment. The judge administers civil and criminal law; the civil officers collect revenue and attend to civil administration with the assistance of their establishment. And then there are the tradesmen and the merchants who add to the revenue of the state. It is they who run the markets and are in a better position than others to discharge social obligations. Then there is the class of the poor and the needy, whose maintenance is an obligation on the other classes. God has given appropriate opportunity of service to one and all; then there are the rights of all these classes over the administration which the administrator has to meet with an eye on the good of the entire population – a duty which he cannot fulfill properly unless he takes personal interest in its execution and seeks help from God. Indeed, it is obligatory on him to impose this duty on himself and to bear with patience the inconveniences and difficulties incidental to his task.
The Army
Be particularly mindful of the welfare of those in the army who in your opinion, are staunchly faithful to their God and the prophet and loyal to their chief, and who in the hour of passion can restrain themselves and listen coolly to sensible remonstrance, and who can succor the weak and smite the strong, whom violent provocation will not throw into violent temper and who will not falter at any stage.
Keep yourself in close contact with the families of established reputation and integrity with a glorious past, and draw to yourself men brave and upright in character, generous and benevolent in disposition; for such are the salt of society.
Care for them with the tenderness with which you care for your children, and do not talk before them of any good that you might have done to them, nor disregard any expression of affection which they show in return, for such conduct inspires loyalty, devotion and goodwill. Attend to every little of their wants not resting content with what general help that you might have given to them, for sometimes, timely attention to a little want of theirs brings them immense relief. Surely these people will not forget you in your own hour of need.
It behooves you to select for your Commander-in-Chief one who imposes on himself as a duty, the task of rendering help to his men, and who can excel in kindness every other officer who has to attend to the needs of the men under him, and look after their families when they are away from their homes; so much so, that the entire army should feel united in their joys and in their sorrows. The unity of purpose will give them added strength against the enemy. Continue to maintain a kindly attitude towards them so that they might feel attached to you. The fact is that the real happiness of the administrators and their most pleasant comfort lies in establishing justice in the state and maintaining affectionate relations with the people. Their sincerity of feeling is expressed in the love and regard they show to you, on which alone depends the safety of the administrators.
Your advice to the army will be of no avail, unless and until you show affection to both men and officers, in order that they might not regard the Government as an oppressive burden or contribute to its downfall.
Continue to satisfy their needs and praise them over and over again for what services they have rendered. Such an attitude, God willing will inspire the brave to braver actions and induce the timid to deeds of bravery.
Try to enter into the feelings of others and do not foist the mistake of one over another and do not grudge dispensing appropriate rewards. See to it, you do not show favours to one who has done nothing but merely counts on his family position; and do not withhold proper rewards from one who has done great deeds simply because he holds a low position in life.
The Real Guidance
Turn to God and to His prophet for guidance whenever you feel uncertain as to what you have to do. There is the commandment of God delivered to those people who He wishes to guide aright: “O people of the Faith! Obey God and obey His prophet and those from among you who hold authority over you. And refer to God and His prophet whenever there is difference of opinion among you.” To turn to God is in reality to consult the Book of God; and to turn to the prophet is t follow his universally accepted traditions.
Chief Justice
Select as your Chief Justice from the people, one who is by far the best among them – one who is not obsessed with domestic worries, one who cannot be intimidated, one who does not err to often, one who does not turn back from a right path once he finds it, one who is not self-centered or avaricious, one who will not decide before knowing full facts, one who will weigh with care every attendant doubt and pronounce a clear verdict after taking everything into full consideration, one who will not grow restive over the arguments of advocates and who will examine with patience every new disclosure of fact and who will be strictly impartial in his decision, one who flattery cannot mislead or one who does not exult over his position. But it is not easy to find such men.
Once you have selected the right man for the office, pay him handsomely enough, to let him live in comfort and in keeping with his position, enough to keep him above temptations. Give him a position in your court so high none can even dream of coveting it and so high that neither back-biting nor intrigue can touch him.
Subordinate Judiciary
Beware! The utmost carefulness is to be exercised in its selection: for it is this high office which adventurous self-seekers aspire to secure and exploit in their selfish interests. After the selection of your chief judge, give careful consideration to the selection of other officers. Confirm them in their appointments after approved apprenticeship and probation. Never select men for responsible posts either out of any regard for personal connections or under any influence, for that might lead to injustice and corruption.
Of these, select for higher posts, men of experience, men firm in faith and belonging to good families. Such men will not fall an easy prey to temptations and will discharge their duties with an eye on the abiding good of others. Increase their salaries to give them a contented life. A contented living is a help to self-purification. They will not feel the urge to tax the earnings of their subordinates for their own upkeep. They will then have no excuse either to go against your instructions or misappropriate state funds. Keep a watch over them without their knowledge. Perchance they may develop true honesty and true concern for the public welfare. But whenever any of them is accused of dishonesty and the guilt is confirmed by the report of your secret service, then regard this as a sufficient to convict him. Let the punishment be corporal and let that be dealt in the public at an appointed place of degradation.
Revenue Administration
Great care is to be exercised in revenue administration, to ensure the prosperity of those who pay the revenue to the state, for on their prosperity depends the prosperity of others, particularly of the masses. Indeed, the state exists on its revenue. You should regard the proper upkeep of the land in cultivation as of greater importance than the collection of revenue, for revenue cannot be derived except by making the land productive. He who demands revenue without helping the cultivator to improve his land, inflicts unmerited hardship on the cultivator and ruins the state. The rule of such a person does not last long. If the cultivators ask for a reduction in their land tax for having suffered from epidemics, drought, excessive rainfall, soil infertility, floods impairing the fertility of the land or the cause of crop damage, then reduce the tax accordingly, so that their condition may improve. Do not mind the loss of revenue on that account, for that will return to you one day manifold in the hour of greater prosperity of the land and enable you to improve the condition of your towns and to raise the prestige of your state. You will be the object of universal praise. The people will believe in your sense of justice. The confidence which they will place in you in consequence will prove your strength, as they will be found ready to share your burdens.
You may settle down on the land any number of people, but discontent will overtake them if the land is not improved. The cause of the cultivator’s ruin is the rulers who are bent feverishly on accumulating wealth at all costs, out of the fear that their rule might not last long. Such are the people who do not learn from examples or precedents.
Clerical Establishment
Keep an eye on your establishment and on your scribes, select the best among them for your confidential correspondence such among these, as possess high character and deserve your full confidence, men who may not exploit their privileged position to go against you, who may not grow neglectful of their duties, who in the drafting of treaties may not succumb to external temptation and harm your interests, or fail to render you proper assistance and to save you from trouble, who in carrying out their duties can realize their serious responsibilities, for he who does not realise his own responsibilities can hardly appraise the responsibilities of others. Do not select men for such work merely on the strength of your first impressions of your affection or good faith, for as a matter of fact, the pretensions of a good many who are really devoid of honesty and good breeding, may cheat even the intelligence of rulers. Selection should be made after due probation, which should be the test of righteousness. In making direct appointments from people, see to it that those selected possess influence with the people and who enjoy the reputation of being honest, for such selection is agreeable to God and the ruler. For every department of administration, let there be a head, whom no trying task might cause worry and no pressure of work annoy.
Remember, every weakness of any one among your establishment and scribes, which you may overlook, will be written down against you in your scroll of deeds.
Trade and Industry
Treat businessmen and artisans well, and advise others to do likewise. Some of them live in towns, while some move from place to place with their wares and tools earning their living by manual labour. Trade and industry are the real sources of profit to the state and the suppliers of consumer goods. While the general public is not inclined to bear the strain, those engaged in these professions take the trouble to collect commodities from far and near, from land and across the sea, from mountains and forests and naturally derive benefits.
It is this class of peace loving people from whom no disturbance need be feared. They love peace and order, indeed they are incapable of creating disorder. Visit every part of the country and establish personal contact with this class, and inquire into their condition. But bear in mind that a good many of them are intensely greedy and are inured to bad dealings. They hoard grain and try to sell it at a high price and this is most harmful to the public. It is a blot on the name of the ruler not to fight this evil. Prevent them from hoarding, for the prophet of God had prohibited it. See to it, that trade is carried on with the utmost ease, that the scales are evenly held and that prices are so fixed that neither the seller nor the buyer is put to a loss. If in spite of your warning, anyone should go against your commands and commit the crime of hoarding, then deal him appropriately with a severe punishment.
The Poor
Beware! Fear God when dealing with the problem of the poor who have none to patronise them, who are forlorn, indigent, helpless and are greatly torn in mind – victims of the vicissitudes of time. Among them are some who do not question their lot in life and who, notwithstanding their misery, do not go about seeing alms. For God’s sake, safeguard their rights, for on you rests the responsibility of protecting their interests. Assign for their uplift a portion of the state exchequer (Bayt al-Mal), wherever they may be, whether close at hand or far away from you. The rights of the two should be equal in your eye. Do not let any preoccupation slip them from your mind, for no excuse whatsoever for the disregard of their rights will be acceptable to God. Do not treat their interests as of less importance than your own, and never keep them outside the purview of your important considerations, and mark the persons who look down upon them and of whose conditions they keep you in ignorance.
Select from among your officers such men as are meek and God fearing who can keep you properly informed of the condition of the poor. Make such provision for these poor people as shall not oblige you to offer an excuse before God on the Day of Judgement for, it is this section of the people which, more than any other, deserves benevolent treatment. Seek your reward from God by giving to each of them what is due to him and enjoin on yourself as a sacred duty the task of meeting the needs of such aged among them as have no independent means of livelihood and are averse to seek alms. The discharge of this duty is what usually proves very trying to rulers, but is very welcome to societies which are gifted with foresight. It is only such societies or nations who truly carry out with equanimity their covenant with God to discharge their duty to the poor.
Open Conferences
Meet the oppressed and the lowly periodically in an open conference and conscious of the divine presence there, have a heart-to-heart talk with them, and let none from your armed guard or civil officers or members of the Police or the Intelligence Department be by your side, so that the representatives of the poor might state their grievances fearlessly and without reserve. For I have heard the prophet of God say that no nation or society, in which the strong do not discharge their duty to the weak, will occupy a high position. Bear with composure any strong language which they may use, and do not get annoyed if they cannot state their case lucidly. Even so, God will open for you his door of blessings and rewards. Whatever you can give to them, give it ungrudgingly and whatever you cannot afford to give, make that clear to them in utmost sincerity.
There are certain things which call for prompt action. One of them is correspondence regarding the redress of grievances, which your heedless staff have been unable to tackle. See to it that petitions or applications that are submitted for your consideration, are brought to your notice without any delay, however much your officers might try to intercede them. Dispose of the day’s work that very day, for the coming day will bring with it its own tasks
Communion with God
Do not forget to set apart the best of your time for communion with God, although every moment of yours is for Him only, provided it is spend sincerely in the service of your people. The special time that you give to prayer, is to be devoted to the performances of the prescribed daily prayers. Keep yourself engaged in these prayers both in the day and in the night, and to gain perfect communion, do not as far as possible, let your prayers grow tiresome.
When you lead in congregational prayer, do not let your prayer be so lengthy as to cause discomfort to the congregation or raise in them the feeling of dislike for it or liquidate its effect, for in the congregation there may be invalids and also those who have to attend pressing affairs of their own.
When, on receiving an order to proceed to Yemen, I asked of the prophet of God, how I should lead the people there in prayer, he said “Perform your prayers even as the weakest among you would do, and set an example of consideration to the faithful”.
Aloofness not desirable
Alongside the observance of all that I have said, bear one thing in mind. Never, for any length of time, keep yourself aloof from the people, for to do so is to keep oneself ignorant of their affairs. It develops in the ruler a wrong perspective and renders him unable to distinguish between what is important and what is not, between right and wrong, and between truth and falsehood. The ruler is after all human, and he cannot form a correct view of anything which is out of sight.
There is no distinctive sign attached to truth which may enable one to distinguish between the different varieties of truth and falsehood. The fact is that you must be one of two things. Either you are just or unjust. If you are just, then you will not keep yourself away from the people, but will listen to them and meet their requirements. But, if you are unjust, the people themselves will keep way from you. What virtue is there in your keeping aloof? At all events aloofness is not desirable, especially when it is your duty to attend to the needs of the people. Complaints of oppression by your officers or petitions for justice should not prove irksome to you.
Make this clear to yourself that those immediately about and around you, will like to exploit their position to covet what belongs to others and commit acts of injustice. Suppress such a tendency in them. Make a rule of your conduct never to give even a small piece of land to any of your relations. That will prevent them from causing harm to the interests of others and save you from courting the disapprobation of both God and man.
Deal justice squarely, regardless of whether one is a relation or not. If any of your relations or companions violates the law, mete out the punishment prescribed by law, however painful it might be to you personally, for it will be all to the good of the state. If at any time people suspect, that you have been unjust to them in any respect, disclose your mind to them and remove their suspicions. In this way, your mind will get attuned to the sense of justice and people will begin to love you. It will also fulfill your wish that you should enjoy their confidence.
Peace And Treaties
Bear in mind that you do not throw away the offer of peace which your enemy may himself make. Accept it, for that will please God. Peace is a source of comfort to the army, it reduces your worries and promotes order in the state. But Beware! Be on your guard when the peace is signed for, certain types of enemies propose terms of peace just to lull you into a sense of security only to attack you again when you are off your guard. So you should exercise the utmost vigilance on your part, and place no undue faith in their protestations. But, if under the peace treaty you have accepted any obligations, discharge those obligations scrupulously. It is a trust and must be faithfully upheld and whenever you have promised anything, keep it with all the strength that you command, for whatever differences of opinion might exist on other matters, there is nothing so noble as the fulfilment of a promise. This is recognized even among non-Muslims, for they know the dire consequences which follow from the breaking of covenants. So never make excuses in discharging your responsibilities and never break a promise, nor cheat your enemy. For breach of promise is an act against God, and none except the positively wicked acts against God.
Indeed Divine promises are a blessing spread over all mankind. The promise of God is a refuge sought after, even by the most powerful on earth, for there is no risk of being cheated. So, do not make any promise from which you may afterwards offer excuses to retract, nor go back upon what you have confirmed to abide by, nor break it, however galling it may at first prove to be. For it is far better to wait in patience for wholesome results to follow, than to break it out of any apprehensions.
Beware! Abstain from shedding blood without a valid cause. There is nothing more harmful than this which brings about one’s ruin. The blood that is wilfully shed shortens the life of a state. On the Day of Judgement it is this crime for which one will have to answer first. So, beware! Do not wish to build the strength of your state on blood for, it is this blood which ultimately weakens the state and passes it into other hands. Before me and my God no excuse for wilful killing can be entertained.
Murder is a crime which is punishable by death. If on any account the corporal punishment dealt by the state for any lesser crime results in the death of the guilty, let not the prestige of the state stand in any way of the deceased relations claiming compensation.
Last Instructions
Do not make haste to do a thing before its time, nor put it off when the right moment arrives. Do not insist on doing a wrong thing, nor show slackness in rectifying a wrong thing. Perform everything in its proper time, and let everything occupy its proper place. When the people as a whole agree upon a thing, do not impose your own will on them and do not neglect to discharge the responsibility that rests on you in consequence. For, the eyes of the people will be on you and you are answerable for whatever you do to them. The slightest dereliction of duty will bring its own retribution. Keep your anger under control and keep your hands and tongue in check. Whenever you fall into anger, try to restrain yourself or else you will simply increase your worries.
It is imperative on you to study carefully the principles which have inspired just and good rulers who have gone before you. Give close thought to the example of our prophet, his traditions, and the commandments of the Holy Qur’an and whatever you might have assimilated from my own way of dealing with things. Endeavor to the best of your ability to carry out the instructions which I have given you here and which you have solemnly undertaken to follow. By means of this order, I enjoin on you not to succumb to the prompting of your own heart or to turn away from the discharge of duties entrusted to you.
I seek the refuge of the might of the Almighty and of His limitless sphere of blessings, and invite you to pray with me that He may give us together the grace willingly to surrender our will to His will, and to enable us to acquit ourselves before Him and His creation, so that mankind might cherish our memory and our work survive. I seek of God the culmination of his blessings and pray that He may grant you and me His grace and the honour of martyrdom in His cause. Verily, we have to return to Him. I invoke His blessings on the prophet of God and his pure progeny.
Video
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Farman to Malik Ashtar on his appointment on the ethics of Leadership & governance ( Hidayat - Farman)
A must study today for Presidents, Leaders, Mukhis Dais & murids.
The Farman - Hazar Imâm says we must learn from the past and bring that forward , and to Be his Dais ( 11 July 2018)
“Be it known to you, O, Malik, that I am sending you as Governor to a country which in the past has experienced both just and unjust rule.
Men will scrutinise your actions with a searching eye, even as you used to scrutinise the actions of those before you, and speak of you even as you did speak of them. The fact is that the public speak well of only those who do good. It is they who furnish the proof of your actions.
Hence the richest treasure that you may covet would be the treasure of good deeds. Keep your desires under control and deny yourself that which you have been prohibited from, for, by such abstinence alone, you will be able to distinguish between what is good to them and what is not.
Develop in your heart the feeling of love for your people and let it be the source of kindliness and blessing to them. Do not behave with them like a barbarian, and do not appropriate to yourself that which belongs to them. Remember that the citizens of the state are of two categories.
They are either your brethren in religion or your brethren in kind. They are subject to infirmities and liable to commit mistakes. Some indeed do commit mistakes. But forgive them even as you would like God to forgive you. Bear in mind that you are placed over them, even as I am placed over you. And then there is God even above him who has given you the position of a Governor in order that you may look after those under you and to be sufficient unto them. And you will be judged by what you do for them.
Do not set yourself against God, for neither do you possess the strength to shield yourself against His displeasure, nor can you place yourself outside the pale of His mercy and forgiveness. Do not feel sorry over any act of forgiveness, nor rejoice over any punishment that you may mete out to any one.
Do not rouse yourself to anger, for no good will come out of it.
Do not say: “I am your overlord and dictator, and that you should, therefore, bow to my commands”, as that will corrupt your heart, weaken your faith in religion and create disorder in the state. Should you be elated by power, ever feel in your mind the slightest symptoms of pride and arrogance, then look at the power and majesty of the Divine governance of the Universe over which you have absolutely no control. It will restore the sense of balance to your wayward intelligence and give you the sense of calmness and affability.
Beware! Never put yourself against the majesty and grandeur of God and never imitate His omnipotence; for God has brought low every rebel of God and every tyrant of man.
Let your mind respect through your actions the rights of God and the rights of man, and likewise, persuade your companions and relations to do likewise. For, otherwise, you will be doing injustice to yourself and injustice to humanity. Thus both man and God will turn unto your enemies.
There is no hearing anywhere for one who makes an enemy of God himself. He will be regarded as one at war with God until he feels contrition and seeks forgiveness. Nothing deprives man of divine blessings or excites divine wrath against him more easily than cruelty. Hence it is, that God listens to the voice of the oppressed and waylays the oppressor.
The Common Man
Maintain justice in administration and impose it on your own self and seek the consent of the people, for, the discontent of the masses sterilises the contentment of the privileged few and the discontent of the few loses itself in the contentment of the many. Remember the privileged few will not rally round you in moments of difficulty: they will try to side-track justice, they will ask for more than what they deserve and will show no gratitude for favours done to them. They will feel restive in the face of trials and will offer no regret for their shortcomings. It is the common man who is the strength of the State and Religion. It is he who fights the enemy. So live in close contact with the masses and be mindful of their welfare.
Keep at a distance one who peers into the weaknesses of others. After all, the masses are not free from weaknesses. It is the duty of the ruler to shield them. Do not bring to light that which is hidden, but try to remove those weaknesses which have been brought to light. God is watchful of everything that is hidden from you, and He alone will deal with it. To the best of your ability cover the weaknesses of the public, and God will cover the weaknesses in you which you are anxious to keep away from their eye. Unloose the tangle of mutual hatred between the public and the administration and remove all those causes which may give rise to strained relations between them. Protect yourself from every such act as may not be quite correct for you. Do not make haste in seeking confirmation of tale-telling, for the tale-teller is a deceitful person appearing in the garb of a friend.
The Counsellors
Never take counsel of a miser, for he will vitiate your magnanimity and frighten you of poverty. Do not take the advice of a coward either, for he will weaken your resolve. Do not take counsel of the greedy: for he will instill greed in you and turn you into a tyrant. Miserliness, cowardice and greed deprive man of his trust in God.
The worst of counsellors is he who has served as a counsellor to unjust rulers and shared in their crimes. So, never let men who have been companions of tyrants or shared their crimes be your counsellors. You can get better men than these, men gifted with intelligence and foresight, but unpolluted by sin, men who have never aided a tyrant in his tyranny or a criminal in his crime. Such men will never be a burden on you. On the other hand, they will be a source of help and strength to you at all times. They will be friends to you and strangers to your enemies. Choose such men alone for companionship both in privacy and in the public. Even among these, show preference to them who have a habitual regard for truth, however trying to you at times their truth may prove to be, and who offer you no encouragement in the display of tendencies which God does not like His friends to develop.
Keep close to you the upright, and the God fearing, and make clear to them that they are never to flatter you and never to give you credit for any good that you may not have done: for, the tolerance of flattery and unhealthy praise stimulates pride in man and makes him arrogant.
Do not treat the good and the bad alike. That will deter the good from doing good, and encourage the bad in their bad pursuits. Recompense everyone according to their deserts. Remember that mutual trust and goodwill between the ruler and the ruled are bred only through benevolence, justice and service. So, cultivate goodwill among the people; for their goodwill alone will save you from troubles. Your benevolence to them will be repaid by their trust in you, and your ill-treatment by their ill-will.
Do not disregard the noble traditions established by our forbears, which have promoted harmony and progress among the people; and do not initiate anything which might minimize their usefulness. The men who had established these noble traditions have had their reward; but responsibility will be yours if they are disturbed. Try always to learn something from the experience of the learned and wise, and frequently consult them in state matters so that you might maintain the peace and goodwill which your predecessors had established in the land.
The Different Classes of People
Remember that the people are composed of different classes. The progress of one is dependent on the progress of every other, and none can afford to be independent of the other. We have the Army formed of the soldiers of God. We have our civil officers and their establishments, our judiciary, our revenue collectors and our public relations officers. The general public itself consists of Muslims and other subjects and among them of merchants and craftsmen, the unemployed and the indigent. God has prescribed for them their rights, duties and obligations. They are all defined and preserved in the Holy Quran and in the traditions of his Prophet.
The army, by the grace of God, is like a fortress to the people and lends dignity to the state. It upholds the prestige of the faith and maintains the peace of the country. Without it the state cannot stand. In its turn, it cannot stand without the support of the state. Our soldiers have proved strong before the enemy because of the privilege God has given them to fight for Him; but they have their material needs to fulfil and have therefore to depend upon the income provided for them from the state revenue. The military and civil population who pay revenue, both need the co-operation of others – the judiciary, civil officers and their establishment. The judge administers civil and criminal law; the civil officers collect revenue and attend to civil administration with the assistance of their establishment. And then there are the tradesmen and the merchants who add to the revenue of the state. It is they who run the markets and are in a better position than others to discharge social obligations. Then there is the class of the poor and the needy, whose maintenance is an obligation on the other classes. God has given appropriate opportunity of service to one and all; then there are the rights of all these classes over the administration which the administrator has to meet with an eye on the good of the entire population – a duty which he cannot fulfill properly unless he takes personal interest in its execution and seeks help from God. Indeed, it is obligatory on him to impose this duty on himself and to bear with patience the inconveniences and difficulties incidental to his task.
The Army
Be particularly mindful of the welfare of those in the army who in your opinion, are staunchly faithful to their God and the prophet and loyal to their chief, and who in the hour of passion can restrain themselves and listen coolly to sensible remonstrance, and who can succor the weak and smite the strong, whom violent provocation will not throw into violent temper and who will not falter at any stage.
Keep yourself in close contact with the families of established reputation and integrity with a glorious past, and draw to yourself men brave and upright in character, generous and benevolent in disposition; for such are the salt of society.
Care for them with the tenderness with which you care for your children, and do not talk before them of any good that you might have done to them, nor disregard any expression of affection which they show in return, for such conduct inspires loyalty, devotion and goodwill. Attend to every little of their wants not resting content with what general help that you might have given to them, for sometimes, timely attention to a little want of theirs brings them immense relief. Surely these people will not forget you in your own hour of need.
It behooves you to select for your Commander-in-Chief one who imposes on himself as a duty, the task of rendering help to his men, and who can excel in kindness every other officer who has to attend to the needs of the men under him, and look after their families when they are away from their homes; so much so, that the entire army should feel united in their joys and in their sorrows. The unity of purpose will give them added strength against the enemy. Continue to maintain a kindly attitude towards them so that they might feel attached to you. The fact is that the real happiness of the administrators and their most pleasant comfort lies in establishing justice in the state and maintaining affectionate relations with the people. Their sincerity of feeling is expressed in the love and regard they show to you, on which alone depends the safety of the administrators.
Your advice to the army will be of no avail, unless and until you show affection to both men and officers, in order that they might not regard the Government as an oppressive burden or contribute to its downfall.
Continue to satisfy their needs and praise them over and over again for what services they have rendered. Such an attitude, God willing will inspire the brave to braver actions and induce the timid to deeds of bravery.
Try to enter into the feelings of others and do not foist the mistake of one over another and do not grudge dispensing appropriate rewards. See to it, you do not show favours to one who has done nothing but merely counts on his family position; and do not withhold proper rewards from one who has done great deeds simply because he holds a low position in life.
The Real Guidance
Turn to God and to His prophet for guidance whenever you feel uncertain as to what you have to do. There is the commandment of God delivered to those people who He wishes to guide aright: “O people of the Faith! Obey God and obey His prophet and those from among you who hold authority over you. And refer to God and His prophet whenever there is difference of opinion among you.” To turn to God is in reality to consult the Book of God; and to turn to the prophet is t follow his universally accepted traditions.
Chief Justice
Select as your Chief Justice from the people, one who is by far the best among them – one who is not obsessed with domestic worries, one who cannot be intimidated, one who does not err to often, one who does not turn back from a right path once he finds it, one who is not self-centered or avaricious, one who will not decide before knowing full facts, one who will weigh with care every attendant doubt and pronounce a clear verdict after taking everything into full consideration, one who will not grow restive over the arguments of advocates and who will examine with patience every new disclosure of fact and who will be strictly impartial in his decision, one who flattery cannot mislead or one who does not exult over his position. But it is not easy to find such men.
Once you have selected the right man for the office, pay him handsomely enough, to let him live in comfort and in keeping with his position, enough to keep him above temptations. Give him a position in your court so high none can even dream of coveting it and so high that neither back-biting nor intrigue can touch him.
Subordinate Judiciary
Beware! The utmost carefulness is to be exercised in its selection: for it is this high office which adventurous self-seekers aspire to secure and exploit in their selfish interests. After the selection of your chief judge, give careful consideration to the selection of other officers. Confirm them in their appointments after approved apprenticeship and probation. Never select men for responsible posts either out of any regard for personal connections or under any influence, for that might lead to injustice and corruption.
Of these, select for higher posts, men of experience, men firm in faith and belonging to good families. Such men will not fall an easy prey to temptations and will discharge their duties with an eye on the abiding good of others. Increase their salaries to give them a contented life. A contented living is a help to self-purification. They will not feel the urge to tax the earnings of their subordinates for their own upkeep. They will then have no excuse either to go against your instructions or misappropriate state funds. Keep a watch over them without their knowledge. Perchance they may develop true honesty and true concern for the public welfare. But whenever any of them is accused of dishonesty and the guilt is confirmed by the report of your secret service, then regard this as a sufficient to convict him. Let the punishment be corporal and let that be dealt in the public at an appointed place of degradation.
Revenue Administration
Great care is to be exercised in revenue administration, to ensure the prosperity of those who pay the revenue to the state, for on their prosperity depends the prosperity of others, particularly of the masses. Indeed, the state exists on its revenue. You should regard the proper upkeep of the land in cultivation as of greater importance than the collection of revenue, for revenue cannot be derived except by making the land productive. He who demands revenue without helping the cultivator to improve his land, inflicts unmerited hardship on the cultivator and ruins the state. The rule of such a person does not last long. If the cultivators ask for a reduction in their land tax for having suffered from epidemics, drought, excessive rainfall, soil infertility, floods impairing the fertility of the land or the cause of crop damage, then reduce the tax accordingly, so that their condition may improve. Do not mind the loss of revenue on that account, for that will return to you one day manifold in the hour of greater prosperity of the land and enable you to improve the condition of your towns and to raise the prestige of your state. You will be the object of universal praise. The people will believe in your sense of justice. The confidence which they will place in you in consequence will prove your strength, as they will be found ready to share your burdens.
You may settle down on the land any number of people, but discontent will overtake them if the land is not improved. The cause of the cultivator’s ruin is the rulers who are bent feverishly on accumulating wealth at all costs, out of the fear that their rule might not last long. Such are the people who do not learn from examples or precedents.
Clerical Establishment
Keep an eye on your establishment and on your scribes, select the best among them for your confidential correspondence such among these, as possess high character and deserve your full confidence, men who may not exploit their privileged position to go against you, who may not grow neglectful of their duties, who in the drafting of treaties may not succumb to external temptation and harm your interests, or fail to render you proper assistance and to save you from trouble, who in carrying out their duties can realize their serious responsibilities, for he who does not realise his own responsibilities can hardly appraise the responsibilities of others. Do not select men for such work merely on the strength of your first impressions of your affection or good faith, for as a matter of fact, the pretensions of a good many who are really devoid of honesty and good breeding, may cheat even the intelligence of rulers. Selection should be made after due probation, which should be the test of righteousness. In making direct appointments from people, see to it that those selected possess influence with the people and who enjoy the reputation of being honest, for such selection is agreeable to God and the ruler. For every department of administration, let there be a head, whom no trying task might cause worry and no pressure of work annoy.
Remember, every weakness of any one among your establishment and scribes, which you may overlook, will be written down against you in your scroll of deeds.
Trade and Industry
Treat businessmen and artisans well, and advise others to do likewise. Some of them live in towns, while some move from place to place with their wares and tools earning their living by manual labour. Trade and industry are the real sources of profit to the state and the suppliers of consumer goods. While the general public is not inclined to bear the strain, those engaged in these professions take the trouble to collect commodities from far and near, from land and across the sea, from mountains and forests and naturally derive benefits.
It is this class of peace loving people from whom no disturbance need be feared. They love peace and order, indeed they are incapable of creating disorder. Visit every part of the country and establish personal contact with this class, and inquire into their condition. But bear in mind that a good many of them are intensely greedy and are inured to bad dealings. They hoard grain and try to sell it at a high price and this is most harmful to the public. It is a blot on the name of the ruler not to fight this evil. Prevent them from hoarding, for the prophet of God had prohibited it. See to it, that trade is carried on with the utmost ease, that the scales are evenly held and that prices are so fixed that neither the seller nor the buyer is put to a loss. If in spite of your warning, anyone should go against your commands and commit the crime of hoarding, then deal him appropriately with a severe punishment.
The Poor
Beware! Fear God when dealing with the problem of the poor who have none to patronise them, who are forlorn, indigent, helpless and are greatly torn in mind – victims of the vicissitudes of time. Among them are some who do not question their lot in life and who, notwithstanding their misery, do not go about seeing alms. For God’s sake, safeguard their rights, for on you rests the responsibility of protecting their interests. Assign for their uplift a portion of the state exchequer (Bayt al-Mal), wherever they may be, whether close at hand or far away from you. The rights of the two should be equal in your eye. Do not let any preoccupation slip them from your mind, for no excuse whatsoever for the disregard of their rights will be acceptable to God. Do not treat their interests as of less importance than your own, and never keep them outside the purview of your important considerations, and mark the persons who look down upon them and of whose conditions they keep you in ignorance.
Select from among your officers such men as are meek and God fearing who can keep you properly informed of the condition of the poor. Make such provision for these poor people as shall not oblige you to offer an excuse before God on the Day of Judgement for, it is this section of the people which, more than any other, deserves benevolent treatment. Seek your reward from God by giving to each of them what is due to him and enjoin on yourself as a sacred duty the task of meeting the needs of such aged among them as have no independent means of livelihood and are averse to seek alms. The discharge of this duty is what usually proves very trying to rulers, but is very welcome to societies which are gifted with foresight. It is only such societies or nations who truly carry out with equanimity their covenant with God to discharge their duty to the poor.
Open Conferences
Meet the oppressed and the lowly periodically in an open conference and conscious of the divine presence there, have a heart-to-heart talk with them, and let none from your armed guard or civil officers or members of the Police or the Intelligence Department be by your side, so that the representatives of the poor might state their grievances fearlessly and without reserve. For I have heard the prophet of God say that no nation or society, in which the strong do not discharge their duty to the weak, will occupy a high position. Bear with composure any strong language which they may use, and do not get annoyed if they cannot state their case lucidly. Even so, God will open for you his door of blessings and rewards. Whatever you can give to them, give it ungrudgingly and whatever you cannot afford to give, make that clear to them in utmost sincerity.
There are certain things which call for prompt action. One of them is correspondence regarding the redress of grievances, which your heedless staff have been unable to tackle. See to it that petitions or applications that are submitted for your consideration, are brought to your notice without any delay, however much your officers might try to intercede them. Dispose of the day’s work that very day, for the coming day will bring with it its own tasks
Communion with God
Do not forget to set apart the best of your time for communion with God, although every moment of yours is for Him only, provided it is spend sincerely in the service of your people. The special time that you give to prayer, is to be devoted to the performances of the prescribed daily prayers. Keep yourself engaged in these prayers both in the day and in the night, and to gain perfect communion, do not as far as possible, let your prayers grow tiresome.
When you lead in congregational prayer, do not let your prayer be so lengthy as to cause discomfort to the congregation or raise in them the feeling of dislike for it or liquidate its effect, for in the congregation there may be invalids and also those who have to attend pressing affairs of their own.
When, on receiving an order to proceed to Yemen, I asked of the prophet of God, how I should lead the people there in prayer, he said “Perform your prayers even as the weakest among you would do, and set an example of consideration to the faithful”.
Aloofness not desirable
Alongside the observance of all that I have said, bear one thing in mind. Never, for any length of time, keep yourself aloof from the people, for to do so is to keep oneself ignorant of their affairs. It develops in the ruler a wrong perspective and renders him unable to distinguish between what is important and what is not, between right and wrong, and between truth and falsehood. The ruler is after all human, and he cannot form a correct view of anything which is out of sight.
There is no distinctive sign attached to truth which may enable one to distinguish between the different varieties of truth and falsehood. The fact is that you must be one of two things. Either you are just or unjust. If you are just, then you will not keep yourself away from the people, but will listen to them and meet their requirements. But, if you are unjust, the people themselves will keep way from you. What virtue is there in your keeping aloof? At all events aloofness is not desirable, especially when it is your duty to attend to the needs of the people. Complaints of oppression by your officers or petitions for justice should not prove irksome to you.
Make this clear to yourself that those immediately about and around you, will like to exploit their position to covet what belongs to others and commit acts of injustice. Suppress such a tendency in them. Make a rule of your conduct never to give even a small piece of land to any of your relations. That will prevent them from causing harm to the interests of others and save you from courting the disapprobation of both God and man.
Deal justice squarely, regardless of whether one is a relation or not. If any of your relations or companions violates the law, mete out the punishment prescribed by law, however painful it might be to you personally, for it will be all to the good of the state. If at any time people suspect, that you have been unjust to them in any respect, disclose your mind to them and remove their suspicions. In this way, your mind will get attuned to the sense of justice and people will begin to love you. It will also fulfill your wish that you should enjoy their confidence.
Peace And Treaties
Bear in mind that you do not throw away the offer of peace which your enemy may himself make. Accept it, for that will please God. Peace is a source of comfort to the army, it reduces your worries and promotes order in the state. But Beware! Be on your guard when the peace is signed for, certain types of enemies propose terms of peace just to lull you into a sense of security only to attack you again when you are off your guard. So you should exercise the utmost vigilance on your part, and place no undue faith in their protestations. But, if under the peace treaty you have accepted any obligations, discharge those obligations scrupulously. It is a trust and must be faithfully upheld and whenever you have promised anything, keep it with all the strength that you command, for whatever differences of opinion might exist on other matters, there is nothing so noble as the fulfilment of a promise. This is recognized even among non-Muslims, for they know the dire consequences which follow from the breaking of covenants. So never make excuses in discharging your responsibilities and never break a promise, nor cheat your enemy. For breach of promise is an act against God, and none except the positively wicked acts against God.
Indeed Divine promises are a blessing spread over all mankind. The promise of God is a refuge sought after, even by the most powerful on earth, for there is no risk of being cheated. So, do not make any promise from which you may afterwards offer excuses to retract, nor go back upon what you have confirmed to abide by, nor break it, however galling it may at first prove to be. For it is far better to wait in patience for wholesome results to follow, than to break it out of any apprehensions.
Beware! Abstain from shedding blood without a valid cause. There is nothing more harmful than this which brings about one’s ruin. The blood that is wilfully shed shortens the life of a state. On the Day of Judgement it is this crime for which one will have to answer first. So, beware! Do not wish to build the strength of your state on blood for, it is this blood which ultimately weakens the state and passes it into other hands. Before me and my God no excuse for wilful killing can be entertained.
Murder is a crime which is punishable by death. If on any account the corporal punishment dealt by the state for any lesser crime results in the death of the guilty, let not the prestige of the state stand in any way of the deceased relations claiming compensation.
Last Instructions
Do not make haste to do a thing before its time, nor put it off when the right moment arrives. Do not insist on doing a wrong thing, nor show slackness in rectifying a wrong thing. Perform everything in its proper time, and let everything occupy its proper place. When the people as a whole agree upon a thing, do not impose your own will on them and do not neglect to discharge the responsibility that rests on you in consequence. For, the eyes of the people will be on you and you are answerable for whatever you do to them. The slightest dereliction of duty will bring its own retribution. Keep your anger under control and keep your hands and tongue in check. Whenever you fall into anger, try to restrain yourself or else you will simply increase your worries.
It is imperative on you to study carefully the principles which have inspired just and good rulers who have gone before you. Give close thought to the example of our prophet, his traditions, and the commandments of the Holy Qur’an and whatever you might have assimilated from my own way of dealing with things. Endeavor to the best of your ability to carry out the instructions which I have given you here and which you have solemnly undertaken to follow. By means of this order, I enjoin on you not to succumb to the prompting of your own heart or to turn away from the discharge of duties entrusted to you.
I seek the refuge of the might of the Almighty and of His limitless sphere of blessings, and invite you to pray with me that He may give us together the grace willingly to surrender our will to His will, and to enable us to acquit ourselves before Him and His creation, so that mankind might cherish our memory and our work survive. I seek of God the culmination of his blessings and pray that He may grant you and me His grace and the honour of martyrdom in His cause. Verily, we have to return to Him. I invoke His blessings on the prophet of God and his pure progeny.
Video
https://youtu.be/grHUPOEVlWk
Credit http://www.amaana.org/ali/ismaali.html
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Why Imam chose Portugal
Hazar Imam says, Hazar Imam chose Portugal as the headquarters of the Imamat because Imam wanted a headquarters in a Western country which recognises the Imamat as a religious institution. Portugal has signed the Concordat with Rome. Therefore a similar Concordat was signed by the Ismaili Imamat institutions.
Concordat means a sovereign country in this case Portugal signs an agreement with a religious organisation which is not a state or a country - Like Portugal signed with The Catholic Church - Pope.
Interview 29 Jan 2019 - AKDN-The.Ismaili)
Concordat means a sovereign country in this case Portugal signs an agreement with a religious organisation which is not a state or a country - Like Portugal signed with The Catholic Church - Pope.
Interview 29 Jan 2019 - AKDN-The.Ismaili)
2021, September 21: United Nation
7:30am : Arrivals and Welcome to Heads of State
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Safeguarding the achievements of 20 years of international engagement in Afghanistan: how to continue supporting the future of afghan women and girls and their access to education
The virtual Ministerial-Event aims at assessing the situation on the ground and the main challenges and risks currently faced by Afghan women and girls, to identify how the international community can support immediate and medium-term needs, having in mind the need to safeguard the achievements registered over the last years in the promotion of the rights of women and gender equality, including women’s and girls’ increased access to education.
It will also provide a platform to discuss the most pressing needs of Afghan women and the possible tools to face them, including humanitarian aid, the institution of a monitoring mechanism on the human rights situation in the country, including through a gender-disaggregated methodology, as well as other ways to concretely support Afghan women and girls and the continuity of their access to education.
H.H. The Aga Khan, Mowlana Hazar Imam heads the Delegation representing the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamate
VIDEO WEBCAST: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX2tXnUL-cY
See second line
If Mowlana hazar Imam talks to the United Nation, his name will appear in the list below for Thursday or later.
https://www.un.org/en/ga/info/meetings/76schedule.shtml
7:30am : Arrivals and Welcome to Heads of State
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Safeguarding the achievements of 20 years of international engagement in Afghanistan: how to continue supporting the future of afghan women and girls and their access to education
The virtual Ministerial-Event aims at assessing the situation on the ground and the main challenges and risks currently faced by Afghan women and girls, to identify how the international community can support immediate and medium-term needs, having in mind the need to safeguard the achievements registered over the last years in the promotion of the rights of women and gender equality, including women’s and girls’ increased access to education.
It will also provide a platform to discuss the most pressing needs of Afghan women and the possible tools to face them, including humanitarian aid, the institution of a monitoring mechanism on the human rights situation in the country, including through a gender-disaggregated methodology, as well as other ways to concretely support Afghan women and girls and the continuity of their access to education.
H.H. The Aga Khan, Mowlana Hazar Imam heads the Delegation representing the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamate
VIDEO WEBCAST: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX2tXnUL-cY
See second line
If Mowlana hazar Imam talks to the United Nation, his name will appear in the list below for Thursday or later.
https://www.un.org/en/ga/info/meetings/76schedule.shtml
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Fatimids Dynasty & Empire
During the early Fatimid Period the Imams advocated inclusion and pluralism in the governance Leadership appointees and government through what was called the chancery
Read more https://twitter.com/chaturmahebub/statu ... 34724?s=21
Read more https://twitter.com/chaturmahebub/statu ... 34724?s=21
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Canada Appoints new representative to Imamat
The Government of Canada is pleased to announce that H.E. Marc-André Blanchard, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the @UN, has been appointed as Canada’s Representative to the Ismaili Imamat
3 May 2018
https://twitter.com/canadafp/status/992 ... 49536?s=21
https://twitter.com/mablanchard65/statu ... 84160?s=21
3 May 2018
https://twitter.com/canadafp/status/992 ... 49536?s=21
https://twitter.com/mablanchard65/statu ... 84160?s=21
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In country ambassadors of the Ismaili community
Ismaili community ambassadors are appointed in many countries, under the Ismaili constitution. They are also called AKDD representatives of the country.
Link to more and that separate thread - forums
http://www.ismaili.net/html/modules.php ... pic&t=9188
Link to more and that separate thread - forums
http://www.ismaili.net/html/modules.php ... pic&t=9188
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Ismaili Imamat - The Objectives
Aga Khan explained Imamat - the Institution
Link & Video https://twitter.com/chaturmahebub/statu ... MY_FSJB0dw
Full speech
https://www.akdn.org/speech/his-highnes ... athi-river
Link & Video https://twitter.com/chaturmahebub/statu ... MY_FSJB0dw
Full speech
https://www.akdn.org/speech/his-highnes ... athi-river
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Ismaili Leadership past & Present
Shia Ismaili Leadership past and present – An article and review by Prof Karim H. Karim who is ex Co Director of Institute of Ismaili Studies, and presently Director, Carleton Centre for the Study of lslam Professor, School of Journalism and Communication Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
Link https://ismaili.net/source/2016-review- ... -karim.pdf
Link https://ismaili.net/source/2016-review- ... -karim.pdf
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Ismaili Imamat - A recognised Legal entity
On the Ismaili Imamat Website it is stated that the Ismaili Imamat is a recognised legal entity which can and does enter into legal agreements and recognises the Ismaili constitution and all the constitutional entitiesmahebubchatur wrote: ↑Tue Apr 19, 2022 12:20 am Aga Khan explained Imamat - the Institution
Link & Video https://twitter.com/chaturmahebub/statu ... MY_FSJB0dw
Full speech
https://www.akdn.org/speech/his-highnes ... athi-river
“ In 2010 the Parliament of Portugal unanimously ratified a landmark faith agreement with the Ismail Imamat.
The agreement acknowledged the institution of the Ismail Imamat is an international legal entity, with capacity to enter national and international treaties and conferred formal recognition of the Ismaili communities constitutional bodies established by the Imam. The agreement outlined a commitment to shared goals the promotion and upholding of human dignity and pluralism, working to promote peace and stability in improving the quality of the life of the vulnerable in Portugal and elsewhere.
The establishment of a seat for the first time in the modern history of the Ismail Imamat strengthens the institutional capacity of the Imamat ( Legal entity) with the seat, establishes a global headquarters in Lisbon for all dimensions of its activities including those concerned with the affairs of the Ismaili community international engagement, and the Imamat (legal entity’s ) commitment to improving the quality”
On 11 July 2018 , Hazar Imam named and declared the seat to be known as “Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat”
more https://twitter.com/chaturmahebub/statu ... 34724?s=21
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AKDN New Logo Branding & Website is launched ..
“The Aga Khan Development Network AKDN is excited to announce the launch of its new website, which features a redesign and new visual identity.” meaning a new logo and Branding etc
It is claimed this has been approved by Hazar Imam. A request has been made for a copy of the submissions and the approval ( That is a part of Farmans by Imam which are still blocked by the Leadership in control )
It is also claimed that a few hundred Ismailis were consulted. Details of this has not been provided.
It is stated “Pluralism – the embrace of difference – is central to AKDN’s work. If this was actualised there would be a demonstration of inclusion transparency and accountability.
“His Highness the Aga Khan, the Founder and Chairman of AKDN, is the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of
the Shia Ismaili Muslims. Since 1957, as part of his mandate to guide the Ismaili community, he has been deeply engaged in issues relating to the quality of life and well-being of Ismailis and the countries and regions in which they reside.”
The Ismaili constitution is not referenced nor a link provided to a full sent not provided
It is also claimed that this has been approved by Hazar Imam. A copy of the submission and approval has not been provided on request so far ***
The New Website link
https://the.ismaili/global/news/institu ... ew-website
The full details and names of members of the Boards, choir and the executive teams & committees nor all financials of each constitutional entity are provided, nor on request. A further request has been made
Pluralism as defined & championed by Hazar Imam for 25+ years
link http://www.ismaili.net/html/modules.php ... 1808#71808
Inclusive leadership - Directions Farmans by Hazar Imam
link http://ismaili.net/source/chatur-best-practice.pdf
***. His Highness the #AgaKhan alerted the #Ismaili community to ask, & verify what their Leaders tell them. They ask him “but I am not sure they tell you what I tell them to tell you”
Link to Audio https://www.dropbox.com/s/yo5jk8n2kkxp2 ... 9.m4a?dl=0
It is claimed this has been approved by Hazar Imam. A request has been made for a copy of the submissions and the approval ( That is a part of Farmans by Imam which are still blocked by the Leadership in control )
It is also claimed that a few hundred Ismailis were consulted. Details of this has not been provided.
It is stated “Pluralism – the embrace of difference – is central to AKDN’s work. If this was actualised there would be a demonstration of inclusion transparency and accountability.
“His Highness the Aga Khan, the Founder and Chairman of AKDN, is the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of
the Shia Ismaili Muslims. Since 1957, as part of his mandate to guide the Ismaili community, he has been deeply engaged in issues relating to the quality of life and well-being of Ismailis and the countries and regions in which they reside.”
The Ismaili constitution is not referenced nor a link provided to a full sent not provided
It is also claimed that this has been approved by Hazar Imam. A copy of the submission and approval has not been provided on request so far ***
The New Website link
https://the.ismaili/global/news/institu ... ew-website
The full details and names of members of the Boards, choir and the executive teams & committees nor all financials of each constitutional entity are provided, nor on request. A further request has been made
Pluralism as defined & championed by Hazar Imam for 25+ years
link http://www.ismaili.net/html/modules.php ... 1808#71808
Inclusive leadership - Directions Farmans by Hazar Imam
link http://ismaili.net/source/chatur-best-practice.pdf
***. His Highness the #AgaKhan alerted the #Ismaili community to ask, & verify what their Leaders tell them. They ask him “but I am not sure they tell you what I tell them to tell you”
Link to Audio https://www.dropbox.com/s/yo5jk8n2kkxp2 ... 9.m4a?dl=0
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Re: AKDN New Logo Branding & Website is launched ..
The new AKDN website states that the owner and manager of the website is Aga Foundation which is the “registered home for AKDN and several agencies who maintain small headquarters offices in Geneva where some of their programmes are Coordinated “serves as a hub for the coordination of development programmes within AKDN and with international partners”mahebubchatur wrote: ↑Tue Sep 20, 2022 2:00 pm “The Aga Khan Development Network AKDN is excited to announce the launch of its new website, which features a redesign and new visual identity.” meaning a new logo and Branding etc
It is claimed this has been approved by Hazar Imam. A request has been made for a copy of the submissions and the approval ( That is a part of Farmans by Imam which are still blocked by the Leadership in control )
It is also claimed that a few hundred Ismailis were consulted. Details of this has not been provided.
It is stated “Pluralism – the embrace of difference – is central to AKDN’s work. If this was actualised there would be a demonstration of inclusion transparency and accountability.
“His Highness the Aga Khan, the Founder and Chairman of AKDN, is the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of
the Shia Ismaili Muslims. Since 1957, as part of his mandate to guide the Ismaili community, he has been deeply engaged in issues relating to the quality of life and well-being of Ismailis and the countries and regions in which they reside.”
The Ismaili constitution is not referenced nor a link provided to a full sent not provided
It is also claimed that this has been approved by Hazar Imam. A copy of the submission and approval has not been provided on request so far ***
The New Website link
https://the.ismaili/global/news/institu ... ew-website
The full details and names of members of the Boards, choir and the executive teams & committees nor all financials of each constitutional entity are provided, nor on request. A further request has been made
Pluralism as defined & championed by Hazar Imam for 25+ years
link http://www.ismaili.net/html/modules.php ... 1808#71808
Inclusive leadership - Directions Farmans by Hazar Imam
link http://ismaili.net/source/chatur-best-practice.pdf
***. His Highness the #AgaKhan alerted the #Ismaili community to ask, & verify what their Leaders tell them. They ask him “but I am not sure they tell you what I tell them to tell you”
Link to Audio https://www.dropbox.com/s/yo5jk8n2kkxp2 ... 9.m4a?dl=0
The Global Seat of the Ismaili Imamat and all the constitutional entities of the Ismaili community is Lisbon, Portugal.
Therefore are all the AKDN & Ismaili entities entities, now domiciled managed operated and or controlled from Portugal
“The AKDN website is owned and operated by the Aga Khan Foundation (the “Foundation”).
Contact Details for AKDN is;
Aga Khan Foundation,
1 – 3 Avenue de la Paix, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland, [email protected].
AKDN | SWITZERLAND
The Aga Khan Foundation, the first component part of AKDN, was founded in Switzerland by His Highness the Aga Khan, in 1967, as a private, international, non-denominational, non-profit development agency.
Switzerland is the registered home for AKDN and several agencies maintain small headquarters offices in Geneva.
As such, Switzerland often serves as a hub for the coordination of development programmes within AKDN and with international partners.
The Geneva head office represents approximately 0.1 percent of AKDN staff globally, with most staff based in the field.
AGA KHAN FOUNDATION
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a private, not-for-profit, non-denominational, international development agency established in 1967 by His Highness the Aga Khan. AKF brings together human, financial and technical resources to address some of the challenges faced by the poorest and most marginalised communities in the world. With an emphasis on women and girls, AKF invests in human potential, expanding opportunities and improving quality of life.”
How do we collect your data?
We may collect your personal data in a number of ways, for example:
From the information you provide to us when you interact with us.
Online forms in the web Site: the.akdn, www.agakhanacademies.org, www.agakhanschools.org, www.akfusa.org, www.akf.org.uk, www.akfc.ca, www.agakhanhospitals.org, www.aku.edu
When you submit for a Job application or any other applications from our Career portal or via email, or from third parties, for example partner organizations or recruitment agencies.
When you communicate with us by telephone, email or via our website or our social media channels.
With Whom we Share your Personal Data
We may share the personal data you provide to us within the AKDN agencies and partners, always in accordance with the applicable laws.
We may perform some of our operations by relying on third-party suppliers. The personal data that you provide may be shared with these suppliers in order to enable them to perform the required tasks. However, these suppliers are required to exclusively use the received information for the respective services on behalf and as instructed by us and they are obliged to comply with the applicable data protection regulations.
Third parties may have access to your personal data without your consent if there is a legal basis for it.
https://the.akdn/where-we-work/europe/switzerland
https://the.akdn/our-agencies/aga-khan-foundation
Comments and or clarification with any more related details has been requested from AKDN/AKF/DJI/LIF in UK & Lisbon Portugal
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