Paris, France – Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived in Paris this evening for his first official visit to meet with the Jamat since assuming the Imamat as the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims. This historic occasion marks a moment of deep spiritual and communal significance for the Ismaili community across the France jurisdiction and beyond.
At the special invitation of His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, Mawlana Hazar Imam was formally received by Jean-Christophe Peaucelle, the French government’s official representative to the Ismaili Imamat. Also in attendance to welcome him were Shamir Samdjee, the Ismaili Imamat’s Representative to France, and Aiaze Mitha, President of the Ismaili Council for France.
Mawlana Hazar Imam was accompanied on this momentous visit by his sons, Prince Irfan and Prince Sinan, symbolizing the continuation of the Imamat’s enduring legacy of service, guidance, and commitment to the community.
A delegation of Jamati leaders extended a warm welcome to Hazar Imam on behalf of the Jamats from France, Switzerland, Belgium, and Côte d’Ivoire, reflecting the transnational presence and unity of the Ismaili community.
During his stay, Mawlana Hazar Imam is expected to hold high-level meetings with President Macron and senior officials of the French government. These discussions will likely touch upon matters of mutual interest, including collaboration in the fields of education, cultural development, pluralism, and global humanitarian efforts—areas in which the Ismaili Imamat has long-standing contributions.
A highlight of this visit will be the Didar (a spiritual audience) that Mawlana Hazar Imam will grant to the France jurisdiction Jamat, an event awaited with great anticipation, joy, and reverence. The Didar is a sacred moment for Ismaili Muslims, offering spiritual upliftment and the reaffirmation of the bond between the Imam and his followers.
This visit underscores the strong and historic relationship between the Ismaili Imamat and the French Republic, anchored in shared values of inclusivity, dialogue, and a commitment to human dignity.
BY: The Times Union
