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Our first true hero Prince Karim Aga Khan by Lester Hale ( non -Muslim)
Jim Davis, a non-Muslim, has said, "Given that Ismailism is a successful synthesis [under the leadership of the Imam] of West and East, it may become the religion for our times."
Never has the Earth seen a character of such influence on the lives of so many. Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community, has been instrumental and fundamental in the elevation of his some 15 million followers to a higher socio-economic standing.
Millions of people look to him for inspiration in all aspects of life, including myself.
He is a religious leader, but he is much more than that. He is a meritocratic visionary, he is amongst the greatest philanthropists of all time, he is an amazing businessman with operations around the world, and he is a spokesperson for a hurting Islam.
The Aga Khan has built a bridge between eastern and western religions, understanding the need for cross-cultural communication and dialogue.
He is not “famous” in the typical sense of the word – only political leaders, scholars, his followers, and those who care for the plight of the poor know his work.
The Aga Khan Foundation is considered the second largest NGO in the world after the Ford Foundation.
Its numerous branches focus on long-term sustainable development projects, education, health care, and more.
The Aga Khan University in Pakistan is a perfect example of the extraordinary achievements of this humble man.
He worked very closely with the late Pierre Elliot Trudeau to ensure that his people would have a better future in Canada, in the face of corrupt East African regimes – a future filled with opportunity, security, and identity.
He has assisted thousands of people in Asia resettle in the developed world, particularly those suffering in Afghanistan and the former USSR.
His emphasis on obtaining the best possible education, along with his informed guidance, has placed his people in many of the top positions in societies around the world. My visions, goals, and morals have been shaped around his life and guidance.
These morals include the avoidance of alcohol and drugs, and service to the community, the poor, and the elderly. He taught me to provide a 'spark' in the lives of those less fortunate.
His effect on Society far outweighs the effect any famous person has had on the world. His kindness, compassion, and achievements would make one wonder if he were of this Earth.
Scholars have called his community, the Shia Ismaili Muslims, the most progressive, organized, schooled and financially well-off sect within Islam.
To me a hero is a leader whose efforts are not always recognized, at least to the extent they should be. People are beginning to notice, and the more people who do, the better the world will become.
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