Our 23rd Holy Imam Hasan Ala-Zikrihisalam was born in Alamut, Iran in A.H. 506. He ascended to the throne of Imamat in A.H. 557 at Alamut. He was known by his title of "Ala-Zikrihisalam" (on whose name is Peace). Imam Hasan Ala-Zikrihisalam declared in Alamut the Day of Resurrection (Qiyama) Ismaili eschatology had always predicted that the Imam of the Resurrection would come to usher in the rule of righteousness, when Ismailis would no longer have to `dissimulate' by obeying the ritual law; now that longed-for day had finally dawned.

s it not true that the quality of our lives is fundamentally shaped by the spaces in which we live, spaces that provide physical security, and spaces where we seek spiritual enrichment? They are spaces where we work, and where we pause from work; where we expand our minds and restore our health,

Many forces exert pressure to divide nations; recession, the polarisation between the developed and the developing countries, divisions in religious faiths. In my view it is, therefore, all-important that countries in the same continent, troubled by similar economic and other problems, should find common areas of endeavour and strive to assist each other

The preservation of democratic institutions requires a strong sense of integrity and discipline. Striking a balance between freedom and unbridled licence demands constant pragmatic adjustments in all areas of life