Thousands welcome the 'very gracious' Aga Khan to Calgary

This week thousands of Calgary Ismaili Muslim are welcoming their spiritual leader, the Aga Khan, and getting inspired to do good works in their communities.

The visit by His Highness PrinceKarimAga Khan IV marks hisdiamond jubilee as 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.

Event organizerTasneemRahimsaysher faith community's celebrationhas brought out about 20,000 to welcome him to the city on his first visit to Calgary in a decade.

• Ismaili Muslims from Edmonton area welcome Aga Khan in Calgary

Rahim has met him before, and found he moved her and others to do community service.

"He's a very gentle, kind man, a very gracious man," she told theCalgary Eyeopener on Wednesday.

"You know, when he speaks, he speaks a lot about ethics and values, and applying those ethics and values in our daily lives."

The Aga Khan arrived in Calgary on Monday after trips to B.C. and Ottawa, where he was photographed with Prime Minister Trudeau.

The prime minister has come under fire for not disclosing a family Christmas vacation to the Aga Khan's private island, which he accessed using the spiritual leader's private helicopter.

The Aga Khan is independently wealthy due to business and family inheritance. He's also well-respected in Canada.

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Former primeministerStephen Harper awarded him honorary citizenship, a rare designation awarded only to the likes of Nelson Mandela andMalalaYousafzai. The 81-year-old is known for his philanthropy and charitable works.

"He's very committed to improving the quality of life of millions around the world, and this is a great way to commemorate that,"Rahimsaid.

'Ready to celebrate'

In Calgary, the Ismaili Muslim community has five Jamatkhanas, which are places of worship and community meetings. Those centres contribute to good works, such as the Women in Need Society, the Calgary Drop-In Centre and city parks. They also host a popular Stampede breakfast each year.

This four-day visit is a big moment for the busy community, Rahim said.

"I am excited, I am ready to celebrate. It's an exciting time," she said.

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With files from theCalgary Eyeopener.