PARIS, July 13, 2025: His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, has concluded his historic first visit to France since ascending to the Imamat last year.
The Imam granted two Didar to his followers during the visit, the first one on July 12 and the second on July 13.
The deeply spiritual and emotionally uplifting visit brought together thousands of Ismailis from across France, Belgium, Switzerland and beyond.
The two-day visit included the Didar gatherings, a youth Mulaqat, a multi-faith family meeting and a formal institutional lunch in Paris, all attended by Imam\’s sons Prince Irfan and Prince Sinan, who accompanied Mawlana Hazar Imam throughout his time in France.
A message of confidence and hope
At the institutional lunch, Aiaze Mitha, President of the Ismaili Council for France, thanked Mawlana Hazar Imam for his presence and leadership:
“Because of you, we feel more confident in our lives, more anchored in this part of the world, and inspired to serve the Jamat and become better human beings.”
In response, Mawlana Hazar Imam expressed his deep gratitude and joy at the visit: “I’m deeply happy – it has been a wonderful three days. I could not have had a first official trip better than this one.”
Strengthening global partnerships
During the visit, Mawlana Hazar Imam also met with President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace, where they signed three major agreements between the Ismaili Imamat and the government of France. These agreements focus on humanitarian development in Syria, the Indian Ocean region, and other vulnerable areas, continuing a 30-year collaboration between the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and French institutions.
A moment of spiritual renewal
The Didar and Mulaqat provided a powerful opportunity for murids to renew their baya and strengthen their spiritual connection with the Imam of the Time. The events were filled with joy, unity, and expressions of deep gratitude for the Imam’s guidance.
As the official visit concluded, Jean-Christophe Peaucelle, France’s diplomatic representative to the Ismaili Imamat, joined senior Jamati leaders in bidding farewell to Mawlana Hazar Imam.
Why this visit matters to Ismailis
First official Didar since the new Imamat began
Strengthened international partnerships with the French government
Powerful spiritual experience for the global Ismaili community
Continued presence and engagement of the next generation of the Imamat.
Chitral Today joins Ismailis around the world in celebrating this milestone event, which reaffirms the timeless bond between the Imam and his global Jamat, including those living in Chitral, Gilgit-Baltistan and across Pakistan.
His appearance in a simple suit rather than traditional religious attire sent a clear message that leadership in Ismailism is not bound to symbolic dress, unlike many other religious traditions.