Aga Khan urges Muslims to solve their problems through consensus
The Aga Khan, spiritual leader of Shia Ismaili Muslims, yesterday committed himself to support democratic processes, find means to help ultra-poor and address political and theological tensions through consensus amongst all Muslims.He was speaking at a ceremony that marked the 50th anniversary of his accession to Ismaili Imamat in the city on Wednesday. The Aga Khan succeeded his grandfather Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan as the 49th hereditary Imam on July 11, 1957, said a press release. Speaking about the development of various institutions that constitute the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), one of the largest non-profit development networks, the Aga Khan said he is fortunate in having the support of wise men and women from the Ismaili communities throughout the world whose honorary service was a continuum of magnificent and timeless tradition of service. He highlighted the importance of civil society and its effectiveness towards having a democratic government. The Aga Khan said, "In many countries of Asia and Africa, democracy is young and still relatively ineffective in supporting modern development activities. A strong civil society can help counter-balance such ineffectiveness." Turning to present global conflicting situations, the Aga Khan emphasised that Muslims themselves are best suited to address some of the issues facing them. He called for revitalisation of essential values of Islam, which he felt could only be done through greater collaboration among different interpretations of the faith. Over 250 leaders of Ismaili community from some 25 countries attended the colourful ceremony.
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