Zulfiqar Ahmad
Garam Chashma, May 25, 2026: His Highness Prince Shah Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, said on Monday that ultimate authority in matters of faith rests exclusively with the Imam of the time, underscoring what he described as a central principle of continuity in Ismaili interpretation.
Addressing a large gathering of followers in Garam Chashma, the Imam emphasised that Ismaili doctrine is interpreted within the framework of the Imamat and cautioned against competing or unofficial claims to the authority of the Imam of the time.
He also warned against internal division arising from what he described as unauthorised interpretations of Shia Ismaili teachings, urging adherence to guidance issued through the institution of the Imamat.
The Imam did specifically refer to Khana-e-Hikmat. The directives were widely interpreted within the community as an implicit response to the Khana-e-Hikmat movement, founded by the late Nasiruddin Hunzai, a ontroversial former Ismaili who was later expelled after asserting independent religious authority and promoting alternative interpretations of Ismaili doctrine.
Ismaili representative institutions have previously disavowed Hunzai’s teachings and those of his followers, who are present in significant numbers in Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan, stating that they fall outside the established structure of the Ismaili Imamat.
In Ismaili belief, Prince Rahim Aga Khan V is regarded by followers as a direct descendant of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through Hazrat Bibi Fatima and Hazrat Ali, the fourth caliph in Sunni tradition and the first Imam in Shia Islam.
The controversial Khana-e-Hikmat group was banned in 2013 by the Ministry of Interior under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.
A notification issued at the time directed provincial authorities and the Gilgit-Baltistan administration to freeze its bank accounts and monitor its activities, which the ministry described as detrimental to national interests.
Beyond questions of authority, the Imam used his address in Garam Chashma to call for stronger family cohesion, expanded access to education, and greater participation of women in social and economic life.
He urged his followers to promote partnership within households, describing it as essential to stability and long-term community progress.
“You will face hardships in life,” he said, according to Ismaili accounts of the address, “but whenever you encounter difficulties, seek help only from Allah.”
A substantial portion of the speech focused on development themes, particularly early childhood education.
The Imam said learning begins at birth and urged families and institutions to invest in children’s intellectual and moral development from the earliest stages of life.
He described education as the foundation of long-term social and economic advancement, calling for sustained investment in institutions capable of preparing younger generations for rapid global change.
The Imam also stressed the importance of harmony within families, the Ismaili community, and broader society, urging mutual respect, compassion and cooperation across differences.
At the conclusion of the visit, he expressed appreciation to the federal and provincial authorities for what he described as their hospitality.
The address was broadly viewed by members of the Ismaili community as a reaffirmation of long-standing principles emphasising pluralism, education, gender inclusion and social cohesion.
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