Thousands of Ismaili Muslims in B.C. prepare for Aga Khan visit

Thousands of IsmailiMuslims in Metro Vancouver are preparing for the arrival of their spiritual leader,the Aga Khan.

Prince Shah Karim Al Hussaini,the 49th hereditary leader of Nizari Ismailism,a branch of Shia Islam, is coming to Canada to celebrate 60 years his diamond jubilee as Imam.

• Aga Khan to visit Canada in May

Kahleel Meghjisays the Aga Khan's arrival will be special.

"It's a really personally special time for every member of the community to spend time with someone who has really dedicated his life to improving the quality of life for Ismailisand for people who share our communities," he said.

The Aga Khan has held the position since 1957 andis an advocate foreliminatingglobal poverty, promoting secular pluralism, advancing the status of women and honouring Islamic art and architecture. He was named an honorary Canadian in 2010.

• The Aga Khan: 6 things to know about the wealthy spiritual leader

The Aga Khanwill be in Canada May 1. The trip includes adinner at Rideau Hall in Ottawa and then stops in Vancouver and Calgary, according to Global Affairs Canada.

He wasafigurein an ethics scandal involving Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, after Trudeaustayed at the Aga Khan's home on Bell Island in the Bahamas over the 2016 Christmas holidays.

In Vancouver, he will host around 20,000 people from across the province at B.C. Place over Saturday and Sunday.

Saira Suleman is one of around 5,000 volunteers working to make sure the visit goes well.

"Ithink it's a really special time," she said. "Ithink with all of he joy and excitement that's been going around the community,Ithink being able to help and being able to give back and support one another throughthis journey is really important."

Many like Suleman say volunteering is an important part of their faith and His Highness, the Aga Khan, is their inspiration for that.

"You just have to serve," said AzimRaghavji. "Imean how can you not? And it can be simple as like ...serving a glass of water to a senior.

"It's in my DNA and it's something Iwill forever continue as it bringsme quite a bit of joy and happiness," saidShelina Dilgir.

With files from Chad Pawson.