The non-sectarian Leader

The rich leader of 15 million people who made his followers equally rich and admired. Perhaps one of the few non-sectarian leaders to lobby for equality and education, his legacy is undeniable.

He commanded his audience with his rational thoughts. Image source: NPG.org.uk

Muslim clerics face a lot of criticism for the fatwahs they issue time and again. Many western scholars and citizens perceive Islam to be a religion that is intolerant towards women and conservative in every sense. Freedoms are restricted, and uncertainty brews everywhere. You only abide by the rules laid down by the religious leaders.

Aga Khan III was born into a noble family in Karachi. His royal ancestry paved the way for his education at Eton and Cambridge. At the mere age of 7, he was appointed the 48th Imam of the Nizari Ismaili community.

Although his real name was Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah (he was conferred with a knighthood thus the prefix- 'sir' was added to his name), he got the title Aga Khan which was something of a unique hereditary appointment. Interestingly, Aga Khan III became the head of the state even though he didn't inherit one!

Being the leader of 15 million Muslims isn't easy. But Aga Khan managed to do it gracefully and skillfully. He was determined to safeguard the rights of the Muslim population in a predominantly Hindu nation. Thus, he founded the AIML (All India Muslim League) and served as its first president.

The league pushed for the creation of a separate Muslim state within India. This demand infuriated India but the British seemed to have considered this option with keen interest, if only for their benefit.

Nevertheless, Aga Khan made numerous contributions towards bettering the lives of Muslims. Since he actively worked towards the economic upliftment of the Ismailia community, it is no surprise that during Jubilees of Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah, Aga Khan III, he was weighed in gold, diamonds, and even platinum. The proceeds from this celebration were channeled towards the development of social institutions in Asia and Africa.

One of the biggest advantages of being well-read is that you understand the relevance of education for all. Aga Khan advocated education for girls. He even opened a school for girls in the remote northern areas of Pakistan. Scholarships were also given to the girls who needed financial aid to pursue education.

Aga Khan III imparted modern and civil thoughts to his followers. He believed that education was fundamental to boys and girls and saw no problems with co-ed learning systems. He was in awe of Sir Sayyed Ahmed Khan and became one of the founders of the Aligarh Muslim University. Khan believed so strongly in this idea that he tirelessly raised funds and even made generous donations of his own to keep the institution running seamlessly.

While Aga Khan opposed the complete westernization of Islam, he did believe that adopting a modern approach would help Islam adapt well globally. A consensual approach towards the formulation of laws, application of logic, and steering away from superstitions was the way to strengthen Islam and Muslims. According to him, Islam was a peaceful, democratic religion that was also liberal, and that sectarianism was the bad seed that caused all problems for Islamists everywhere.

He was perhaps one of the few Muslims who believed in giving women equal rights, and the liberation of women from social evils. He did not believe in propagating the practices of purdah and zenana.

Even though Aga Khan was a spiritual leader, he used his influence and power to spread the message of humanism.

It is said that Aga Khan offered to help Hitler during World War II, and the only reason Britain did not try him for war crimes was that he was a British subject, and his arrest and trial would lead to turmoil in the Muslim world.

Aga Khan III worked extensively and did all in his might as a leader to uplift the Ismailia sect of Islam. His efforts came to fruition as the Ismailia Muslims are one of the richest, most educational, and liberal people today.