Imamat Day, also known as Khushali, is celebrated by
Nizari
The Nizaris ( ar, النزاريون, al-Nizāriyyūn, fa, نزاریان, Nezāriyān) are the largest segment of the Ismaili Muslims, who are the second-largest branch of Shia Islam after the Twelvers. Nizari teachings emphasize independent ...
Ismaili Shiʿi Muslims to mark the anniversary of the day that their present
(Hazar) Imam Aga Khan IV succeeded his predecessor to become the Imam of the Time.
[Salima Versi,]
Make This Your Home:The Impact of Religion on Acculturation. The Case of Canadian Khoja Nizari Isma'ilis from East Africa
(unpublished MA thesis, Queen's University, 2010), p. 59, fn. 40.
The
Aga Khan IV
Shāh Karim al-Husayni (born 13 December 1936), known by the religious title Mawlānā Hazar Imam by his Ismaili followers and elsewhere as Aga Khan IV, is the 49th and current Imam of Nizari Ismailis, a denomination within Shia Islam. He ha ...
is the
49th Imam of the Ismailis, having succeeded his grandfather, the
Aga Khan III
Sultan Muhammad Shah (2 November 187711 July 1957), commonly known by his religious title Aga Khan III, was the 48th Imam of the Nizariyya. He played an important role in British Indian politics.
Born to Aga Khan II in Karachi, Aga Khan II ...
on July 11, 1957.
His Imamat Day is therefore observed annually on July 11.
The recognition of the Imam of the Time is central to Ismailis' faith and belief.
Imamat Day provides occasion to reinforce this and to express gratitude to the Imam who, in keeping with the centuries-old tradition of leadership, provides guidance in matters of faith, and works to improve the quality and security of their lives.
It is a day to reaffirm their spiritual allegiance to the Imam and renew their commitment to the ethics of their faith.
References
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Islamic festivals
July observances
Islamic terminology