“I would begin by emphasising a central point about the Ummah often unseen elsewhere: the fundamental fact of its immense diversity. Muslim demography has expanded dramatically in recent years, and Muslims today have highly differing views on many questions. Essential among them is that they do not share some common, overarching impression of the West. It has become commonplace for some to talk about an inevitable clash of the industrial West and Islamic civilizations. But Muslims don’t see things in this way. Those whose words and deeds feed into that point of view are a small and extreme minority. For most of us, it is simply not true. We find singularly little in our theological interpretations that would clash with the other Abrahamic faiths — with Christianity and Judaism. Indeed, there is much that is in profound harmony.”

Mawlana Hazar Imam
Address to the Parliament of Canada, Ottawa
February 27, 2014

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“All across the planet, political and economic developments, the forces of globalisation, are connecting Muslim and non-Muslim societies ever more intimately and yet, at the same time, misunderstandings between those worlds are becoming an increasingly dangerous threat… That context is precisely the reason that the potential contribution of an institution such as the Aga Khan Museum can be so important. I believe strongly that art and culture can have a profound impact in healing misunderstanding and in fostering trust even across great divides.”

Prince Amyn Aga Khan
Opening Ceremony of the Aga Khan Museum, Toronto
September 12, 2014

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“In its origins, in its design, and in its programmes and activities, the complex we inaugurate today is animated by a truly pluralistic spirit. In this respect too, it reflects the deep-set Ismaili values — pluralistic commitments that are so deeply embedded in Canadian values.”

Mawlana Hazar Imam
Opening Ceremony of the Ismaili Centre, Toronto 
September 12, 2014

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"When our planning for the Toronto Ismaili Centre started in 1996, we decided to ask the younger generation of Ismailis about their vision for this building… They told us that they wanted a building that would be forward looking, while also being anchored in traditional community values. They also wanted a building in which they could strengthen their personal relationships – a place where they could not only unite in prayer, but could also develop new life-shaping associations – amongst themselves and with other Canadians… And the result, as you can see, is a building in which traditional elements of Muslim architecture are given a confident, forward-looking vocabulary."

Mawlana Hazar Imam
Opening Ceremony of the Ismaili Centre, Toronto
September 12, 2014

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