Lisbon as the ‘Holy See’ for Ismaili Shia Muslims

The Portuguese capital is to become the seat of the Ismaili Shia Muslim community and its spiritual head Imam Aga Khan.

“Portugal is a country whose pluralist vision has had an impact on history that continues today with its prominent role in the UN, UNESCO and within the European community,” said Prince Karim Al Hussaini, also known as Karim Aga Khan IV, imam of the Ismaili Muslim community.

The prince made his comments during a state ceremony in his honor in Lisbon, which is to become the seat of the Imamah or world headquarters of the Ismaili community.

Previously, the Ismailis, who are part of the Shia branch with a presence in 30 countries, have had a dozen representative offices throughout the world.

Aga Khan dispensed from land tax

The Prince Aga Khan signed an agreement with the Portuguese government in 2015 setting the rules for the establishment of an Ismaili diplomatic representative office in Lisbon.

The agreement provides for diplomatic immunity and protections similar to those offered to heads of state or government. It also allows for many fiscal advantages.

Thus, the Aga Khan will be dispensed from land tax, a significant concession since he has already spent 12 million euros to purchase the Mendonça Palace, located right in the center of Lisbon, as headquarters for the Imamah and his foundation.

Restoration of the 1909 building will cost an estimated 6 million euros more. All donations and legacies will be free of tax as will staff salaries and various properties, including motor vehicles.

On the other hand, business revenue will continue to be taxed.

As spiritual head of the Ismaili community, the imam is responsible for interpreting the Koran and ensuring that its principles are respected.

He is also responsible for gainfully managing the property of the organization. Ismailis pay a tithe to the Aga Khan based on their wealth.

He also launched the Aga Khan Development Network, which builds and manages schools, universities, hospitals and various development projects. The network employs 80,000 people and will now be managed from Lisbon.

Portugal to benefit from Aga Khan generosity

Since 1998, the Portuguese capital has also hosted a worship and meeting center for the 7,000 members of the Ismaili community.

Coming from Mozambique and originally from India, the Ismailis are respected traders, who fled the former Portuguese colony during the war of independence in 1975.

The current generation now owns a variety of businesses, hotel chains and fashion boutiques.

The remarkable integration of the community, who are also known as the Nizaris after an 11th century mystic, has enabled the Aga Khan to build a solid and influential local support network in Portugal.

The Lisbon Imamah, equivalent to the “Holy See” for the Ismailis, is expected to attract many new followers interested in Portugal’s “opportunities” for investment.

Portugal will also benefit from the generosity of the Aga Khan, who plans to develop a high school and invest 10 million euros in Portuguese science and research.