A smaller branch of Shiism, Ismailism (Shia-Imamite-Ismaili) shares “shahad” with other branches of Islam. This is the testimony of faith: “There is no God but God.” Believers revere the prophet and obey Allah. It is the only Muslim community of believers led by Imam Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, “His Highness”.
Although they are a minority, it is estimated that there are 15 million Ismailis scattered around the world. There were about eight thousand of them in Portugal in 1974, mostly from Mozambique.
Centro Ismaelita de Lisboa was opened on July 11, 1998. It was attended by Mawlana Hazar Imam and the then President of the Republic, Jorge Sampaio. It has served as a stage for many events and activities. Concerts, exhibitions, cultural events such as Africa Day, among others, with distinguished guests such as the current President of the Republic, Prof. Dr. Marcelo Rebelo de Souza. Patriarchal Cardinal D. José Policarpo and United Nations Secretary General António Guterres were also present.
The official website of the Portuguese Ismaili Center mentions that this space it is characterized not only by being a prayer space for the community, but also by a meeting place for people from different social and cultural backgrounds. Thus, it contributes to the creation of bridges between different communities. It is seen as a place for knowledge sharing and intellectual development, celebrating values such as pluralism.
Two women were stabbed to death Tuesday morning at the Centro Ismaelita in Lisbon. The teacher of the Center was stabbed in the neck and taken to the hospital with serious injuries.