Posted by Mawlana Hazar Imam’s fifth Takht Nashini ceremony was held in Dacca, Bangladesh, on 12 February 1958.
“The position which I hold has no political significance. The Ismailis are scattered all over the world, owing allegiance to many flags and serving beneath many different forms of government. In taking up my new duties, it has been a tremendous inspiration for me to experience the hospitality and personal kindness so readily offered by national leaders wherever I go… I know how much this kindness is due to the respect in which the world holds in memory of my beloved grandfather. I can only hope to justify the faith he placed in me…
…the younger generation should think of your country as something more than a cradle in which to be born, to grow up, make money, marry, have children and die…
…No nation can prosper unless its people are alive to their civic responsibilities….
… The recent decision to make Islamic teachings compulsory in the schools will, I believe, prove a very wise one. But its benefits will not be fully experienced if that religious instruction is too hidebound by dogmas of the past. There is no need to discard the great traditions of our Faith. There is every need to adapt and invigorate them in light of the quite altered circumstances of today.
We should not be afraid of material progress. The less advanced nations need its fruits desperately in their fight against poverty and disease. If Muslims will accept this need, and at the same time ensure that the living essence of their Faith infuses every field of human activity, you will re-discover the ancient glories of Islam.”
Extracts from Mawlana Hazar Imam’s address
Source: Ilm, July-Nov 1982
Also see:
Footprints-Golden-Jubilee – Highlights of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s vast work during the 50 years of his Imamat – 1957-2007
Memories-Golden-Jubilee – Events commemorating the extended Golden Jubilee year – from July 11, 2007 to December 13, 2008
Footprints-II-Diamond-Jubilee – Work of Mawlana Hazar Imam and AKDN following the Golden Jubilee commemoration – from January 1, 2009 to July 10, 2017
Memories-Diamond-Jubilee – Commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Imamat – July 11, 2017 to July 11, 2018
Hazar-Imams-Jubilee-Projects – Silver, Golden, and Diamond Jubilee Projects
Countdown to Diamond Jubilee
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