I still remember the first time that I was introduced to the local Shia Ismaili Muslim community. It was at a Chai and Chat networking event at the Ismaili Jamatkhana in Decatur. From that moment I knew that these were my people! I knew that our shared values of service, pluralism, and ethical leadership aligned so much that we would do great things together to make our wonderful City of Atlanta even better. Since that moment I have seen from afar and up close the impact the Ismaili community has had on our city and state!
For the Ismaili community, their spiritual leader, His Highness the Aga Khan IV, who passed away earlier this month, emphasized that faith is not just a belief but a call to action, shaping their engagement with the world through values of service and compassion. And his life’s work reflected this principle! My love and condolences to the Ismaili Muslim community, as they lost a visionary leader who served as a guiding light.
In the 1970s, he founded the Aga Khan Development Network, one of the world’s largest private development organizations focused on economic, social, and cultural development in over 30 countries, with over 90,000 employees and over 1000 projects. But his work to uplift and empower communities was never just about building infrastructure or delivering aid, it stemmed from a belief that serving humanity is the responsibility of every Muslim and a noble form of devotion. His example of service to humanity and peacebuilding has inspired Ismaili Muslims to follow and contribute to society in their own ways as a fundamental expression and responsibility of their faith.
In metro Atlanta, this selfless philosophy has motivated me to continue partnering with the local Ismaili Muslim community! Whether it is interfaith dialogue, environmentalism, helping fellow Atlantans who are most vulnerable, or championing educational programs, the Ismaili Muslims are ready to take charge! When there is a need, I know that the Ismaili Community is one I can call upon and look towards for leadership, because this is how they put their faith into action!
One of the first Ismaili community programs I was integrally involved in was the Day of Pluralism in 2018. I was on the host committee and we focused on interfaith harmony through art and music. We gathered a wide range of civic, elected, and interfaith leaders at Atlanta City Hall and spent the evening basking in the beauty of our various faith identities, enjoying music from Hindu, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, and Muslim traditions.
We ended the night in purposeful conversations with Inclusiv (formerly Civic Dinners) about bringing together our resources, aligning our faith values, and investing our efforts toward a united cause. We left inspired to support each other to make our great city one where all its residents thrive. Last year the community organized another Day of Pluralism, this time focusing on environmental justice!
Programs like these are frequently organized by the Ismaili Muslim community, and it’s common to see them in action through Ismaili CIVIC, their global community service platform. Whether they are packing 60,000 meals in honor of His Highness’ Diamond Jubilee, partnering with the American Red Cross of Georgia for Hurricane Helene disaster relief and semi-annual blood drives, collecting and sorting food for the Atlanta Community Food Bank, or participating in an interfaith Habitat for Humanity build, the Ismaili Community comes through, time and time again in their generosity and commitment to make our city a great one!
The late Aga Khan IV had a unique and meaningful connection to the State of Georgia. He was an official guest in 2008, hosted by Governor Sonny Perdue, and again in 2018, welcomed by Governor Nathan Deal—both times honored for his decades of humanitarian work through the Aga Khan Development Network. But his ties don’t end there. In a remarkable historical moment, he stood alongside our own President Jimmy Carter as a pallbearer at the 2000 funeral of Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. Just two years earlier, President and Mrs. Carter attended the Aga Khan Award for Architecture ceremony in Granada, further highlighting their shared commitment to global progress.
Thinking about these connections, I can’t help but draw parallels to other visionary leaders from Georgia—Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Ambassador Andrew Young, and so many more — who, like the Aga Khan IV, champion social justice and human dignity. Their legacies continue to inspire us all to lead with purpose and serve in whatever ways we can, wherever we are.
My Ismaili friends have told me that under the leadership of their new Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan V, eldest son of Aga Khan IV, their dedication to improving lives and strengthening communities remains as strong as ever. For them, faith isn’t just a belief — it’s a driving force for positive change, inspiring action that makes a real difference in the world! I embrace my Ismaili friends, sharing both in their grief at the passing of Aga Khan IV but also in their celebration of a the accession of Aga Khan V, and engage with them to continue striving for peace and social justice!
Featured image: Inaugural Day of Pluralism, at Atlanta City Hall, photo by Naz Samji
I am proud to be Ismaili Muslim