So who is the Aga Khan? Ask a widow who's benefited from his NGO and she'll tell you he's a great man who provided for her family after last year's floods. Ask a media hack and you'll hear he's a billionaire whose enthusiasm for race horses is exceeded only by his interest in women. Ask Prince Charles and you'll discover he's a passionate statesman committed to bridging the gap between East and West, Muslim and Christian.
But ask an Ismaili and you'll get a more personal answer: “He is our Imam (spiritual leader) and our Mawla.” The meaning of the latter, Arabic word in this context is unclear, but it can be rendered 'Lord'.
Some Ismailis may be tempted to equate it with'God' but, within orthodox Ismaili belief, this isn't quite right. Unlike Jesus, the Aga Khan is not, in fact, an incarnation of God. However, the conclusion of a 1975 Ismaili conference used language familiar to Christians. He is “The Image of God”.
The personal life and history of such a high profile figure as the Imam is, naturally, intriguing. He was educated at Harvard, divorced twice, owns a chateau in France and a private island in the Bahamas. The history of his public office is similarly interesting, particularly his leading role in the development of the AKDN charity.
Ismailis long to catch a glimpse in person of this man they consider sinless, and so have all their sins forgiven. Their adoration is total.
Ultimately, our Ismaili friends hold the Aga Khan in highest esteem. When they're in trouble, their thoughts will turn first to 'the Living Imam', God's merciful gift to mankind that they never be left without divine guidance.
Originally published 2 years ago