Milestones in History: Mawlana Hazar Imam's Address to Canadian Parliament

This week marks the 10th anniversary of an historic event in Canada – the address by Mawlana Hazar Imam to a Joint Session of the Parliament of Canada on February 27, 2014. It was the first time in 75 years that a spiritual leader had addressed the Senate and the House of Commons together, as part of an official visit, reflecting the warm friendship between the Ismaili Imamat and Canada.

In his speech, Mawlana Hazar Imam spoke to his role as a spiritual leader deeply committed to improving the quality of human life, recounted significant milestones in the long-standing relationship between the AKDN and Canada, reminded the esteemed crowd of the diversity of the global Ummah, and articulated the critical role of civil society in transforming fear into hope, amongst other key themes. 

In the decade since, Mawlana Hazar Imam's words have served as an enduring inspiration. The ten-year milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on Mawlana Hazar Imam's words, and to rededicate ourselves to realizing his vision of a peaceful, pluralist and equitable world. As Mawlana Hazar Imam said, "A cosmopolitan ethic is one that welcomes the complexity of human society. It balances rights and duties, freedom and responsibility."