Aga Khan - My Grandmas Dream

Posted: 01:56 PM ET

April 17, 2008

The mountains of Pamir, Tajikistan Zarifmo Aslamshoyeva CNN International assignment editor (Dedicated To All Grandmas in Pamir, Tajikistan) Editors Note: Pope Benedict XVI is not the only religious leader visiting America. Also touring the country, the Aga Khan. To about 20-million people around the world who practice the Ismaili branch of Islam, he is their imam, or spiritual guide. He has a worldly mission, as well, overseeing a large, nondenominational foundation dedicated to easing global poverty. The Aga Khans tour of Ismaili communities in the United States and around the world has unleashed an outpouring of affection among Ismaili Muslims. In the case of CNN journalist Zarifmo Aslamshoyeva, his visit also brings back memories of his impact on her small town, in the Tajik province of Pamir, in a poor corner of the former Soviet Union. Zarifmo begins her story by saying: If only my Grandmother could hear this. When I was growing up, my grandma and her friends in my tiny Boziqala, and villages nearby, knew little about the world. They didnt have much education and never traveled beyond their province, Pamir. Their children and grandchildren, though, were well educated. It made them proud, but the pain of longing for their faraway imam never left their hearts. My grandma said, before the Soviet Union, it was easier to get messages from the imam, but now we are disconnected. She used to blame the government, sometimes. But most of the time she blamed people for not remembering God I loved sitting next to my grandma when she was praying because, at the end of her prayers, she used to shake my hand saying shohi didor, a prayer for an audience with the 1

imam. My brothers and I fought over who would sit closer to her to hear the shohi didor. There was a special sacred place in the corner of our house, where my grandma used to sit during her evening prayers. Thats all I knew about the Aga Khan while growing up. Once, though, in college, I heard one Pamiri professor asked why Pamiris pay so much attention to education. And his answer: Its a wish of the imam. I graduated and went back home to my village Boziqala. I was a teacher for 3 months then got a job in Badakshan Radio station and few years later became a newscaster on Badakshan TV station. Got married and had two small children. I loved my life. Then, the USSR collapsed. Winter came. So did civil war. My remote corner of the world first turned chaotic, then the chaos cut us off nearly completely from the outside. I had visions of my two children starving. Then, one snowy night, I was called to the TV station to broadcast the most important words of my career and, perhaps, my life. The studio was very cold. The engineers told me Id have to wait for two hours for the power to be restored. While I was waiting, I went over the announcement. Only then did I realize, it was a letter from the Aga Khan Foundation, a letter telling people not to give up hopes, aid is on the way. I dont know how to describe it. I wish there were words to express the feelings. I moved closer to the window. The snow was falling, but I didnt feel the winter anymore. I knew Spring was coming. My children, my neighbors and I wouldnt starve. This group, sponsored and inspired by that man, a man I had only known through memories of my grandmother, had saved us. Filed under: Aga Khan Roger Shah April 17th, 2008 2:38 pm ET This is a wonderful story. I have heard great things about Aga Khan through my Ismaili friends in India. Although I am Hindu, I have utmost respect for this great man. There have been numerous occasions in the past when he has come to the rescue of his community. Be it Adi Amin incident in Africa or recent riots in Africa. Even folks from the Hindu community too refuge in the Jamadkhana in Africa. The importance of education preached by him is particularly admired by me. All my Ismaili friends are very very nice people, well educated, they respect other religions, are a tightly knit community, helpful to othersReading this story has only added to my respect for Aga Khan. I sincerely hope all religions would follow suit and preach the importance of education. Annie Kate April 17th, 2008 8:42 pm ET Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. I had never heard of the Aga Khan before this and I was impressed by how through his foundation the Aga Khan reached out to not only

lift the spirits of his followers but to provide them with the physical means to survive that terrible winter. And with his emphasis on education he provides a means to survive and flourish in the years to come. It is wonderful to see a religious leader who takes care of and cares for his followers on so many different levels. Annie Kate Birmingham AL Nash Velshi April 18th, 2008 12:19 am ET The emphasis on education by His Highness the Aga Khan has its philosophical basis in the linking of intellect to faith in the Shia Ismaili Muslim interpretation: The second great historical lesson to be learnt is that the Muslim world has always been wide open to every aspect of human existence. The sciences, society, art, the oceans, the environment and the cosmos have all contributed to the great moments in the history of Muslim civilisations. The Quran itself repeatedly recommends Muslims to become better educated in order better to understand Gods creation(Closing Address by His Highness Aga Khan IV at the Muse-Muses Round Table Louvre Museum, Paris, France, October 17th 2007) Gulnar Nanji April 18th, 2008 1:07 am ET This is very beautiful story, thanks for sharing with me. I am very lucky that I am born Ismaili and I know Aga Khan since I was kid. He is like father to us and always guides us to the right path. He is a man of personality, purity, unique and he is our spiritual Leader. He is not only concern about Ismails but also to other communities. I feel very much great to hear good things about him. I feel proud to be an ISMAILI. Since last year we all Ismailis are celebrating Aga Khans Golden jubilee in all part of the world. I WISH HIM A VERY HAPPY GOLDEN JUBILEE AND LIVE LONG. Rowzani April 18th, 2008 10:56 am ET What a wonderful story which brings tears to eyes , His Highness The Aga Khan has changed many lives around the world, live by his teachings and live happy Mary Hass April 18th, 2008 2:29 pm ET I am amazed to see what one person could do to alleviate global poverty. Recently I read about his $ 750 Million hydro project in Uganda that will supply electricity to whole of East Africa. The Aga Khan has served humanity unconditionally. What a good role model. Mary Hass Alberta, Canada

Abdulrehman Premji April 18th, 2008 9:51 pm ET What you have heard and knew of above is just a fraction of what The Aga Khan, the Imam, is doing. It is not only just for His community but for others in general. You should read and study His life story and you will be amazed as to what He has done, doing and the future plans for His community and public at large, unbelievable. With best of regards. Abdulrehman. http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/17/aga-khan-my-grandma%E2%80%99s-dream/