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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Members of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslim community |
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are visiting the State Capitol on April 15, 2025; and |
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WHEREAS, Commonly known as the Ismailis, members of this |
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denomination belong to the Shia branch of Islam, one of the |
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religion's two major interpretations; the Ismailis number as many |
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as 15 million in over 35 countries around the world; and |
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WHEREAS, The Ismailis have been guided by a hereditary imam |
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throughout a history that spans 1,400 years; their first leader, |
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Imam Ali, was a cousin and the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad; |
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today, they benefit by the wisdom and compassion of the 50th imam, |
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His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, known to them as Mawlana Hazar |
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Imam; a noted philanthropist, he meets regularly with leaders of |
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government, international organizations, and civil society to |
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strengthen their relations with the Ismaili Imamat and to advance |
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endeavors in behalf of the most vulnerable; he closely follows the |
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work of the Institute of Ismaili Studies and the Ismaili |
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community's social governance institutions; and |
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WHEREAS, Under the leadership of the imam, the Ismailis have |
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created a well-defined institutional framework through which they |
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have established schools, hospitals, health centers, housing |
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organizations, and a variety of social and economic development |
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institutions; these efforts are undertaken for the common good of |
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all people, regardless of race or religion; Ismailis the world over |
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are committed to responsible citizenship, embracing pluralism, and |
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building bridges of peace and understanding; and |
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WHEREAS, Members of the Ismaili community in Texas express |
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their faith by giving generously of their time, talents, and |
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material resources to improve the lives of others, and it is indeed |
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fitting to recognize their contributions; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize April 15, 2025, as Ismaili Day at the |
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State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere best |
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wishes for a memorable and enjoyable experience in Austin. |