Issa Khan (Kinshasa, DRC)
His Highness Shah Karim Al-Hussaini, the 49th Imam, was the one who provided us with every basic necessity, from clean drinking water to electricity, from roads to hospitals, from irrigation channels to schools. He was the guiding light who ensured that no one in our community was left behind, that progress and prosperity reached even the most remote villages.
He was the one who taught us that being different is not a weakness but a strength. In a world where divisions often lead to conflict, he reminded us that diversity is a gift, that our unique identities enrich our lives rather than diminish them.
He was the one who stood firm on international platforms, daring to protect the honor of the Prophet (PBUH) with wisdom, dignity, and unwavering courage. His voice carried the principles of Islam – of peace, justice, and respect – into the hearts of millions.
He was the one who was respected, regarded, and honored by the great nations of the world. He was the one whom the greatest leaders of the world felt honored to be with. His presence commanded admiration, not through power, but through the immense wisdom, compassion, and vision he carried.
He was the one who established one of the most effective and systematic charitable networks – the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) -which has transformed millions of lives across the globe through education, healthcare, economic development, and cultural preservation.
He was the one who had millions of devoted followers who served his mission tirelessly without compensation, moved by their love, faith, and dedication to his vision of a better world.
He was the one who built a highly respectable and dignified community, stretching from the East to the West and from the North to the South, a community recognized for its integrity, resilience, and contributions to society.
He was the one who taught us to follow the law of the country, to be honest in our dealings, to never harm others, and to respect all religions. In a time when misunderstandings and divisions are rampant, his teachings served as a beacon of ethical conduct, fostering harmony among people of different faiths and backgrounds.
He was the one who foresaw the importance of skills and market knowledge decades before the world fully realized their value. He encouraged education, innovation, and entrepreneurship, ensuring that the Ismaili community remained resilient and forward-thinking.
He was the one who emphasized girls\’ education, even in deeply conservative places like Pakistan, where social barriers have long prevented women from accessing learning opportunities. He firmly believed that educating girls was not just a right but a necessity for a prosperous society. Because of his vision, generations of women in Pakistan and beyond have been empowered to become teachers, doctors, engineers, leaders, and change makers.
He understood that when you educate a girl, you educate a family, a community, and ultimately, an entire nation. Girls\’ education leads to stronger economies, healthier families, and more just societies. His unwavering commitment to this cause has transformed the lives of countless women, allowing them to stand with confidence and contribute meaningfully to the world.
He was the one who stood with us in every difficult time, placing his hand on our shoulders and blessing us with his support. Whether it was an earthquake, a flood, heavy snowfall, or a storm, he was there. His compassion and leadership extended beyond our community – he helped countries in crisis, whether it was the economic struggles in Pakistan, the genocide in Eastern African countries, or the humanitarian crises in Syria and Afghanistan. His unwavering dedication to humanity knew no borders.
It is because of him that we are able to understand, read, write, and speak the global language, opening doors of opportunity for us across the world. What we are today is only because of him. It is because of him that we, as a community, stand tall, confident, and united in front of the world.
He was not just a leader; he was our guardian, our guide, and our inspiration. My Imam, Shah Karim, was and will always be the reason we continue to thrive, serve and contribute to the betterment of society.
May his teachings continue to illuminate our paths for generations to come. O my Mola, give us strength to bear the loss, stand firm in his guidance, and continue this great legacy. Ameen.