It was a greeting suitable for royalty.
Thousands lined Vancouver streets Monday night for a brief glimpse of the Aga Khan as he arrived in B.C. for a quick stop.
The leader of the world's 15 million Ismaili Muslims is on the last leg of an eight day, four city tour of Canada to commemorate his 50th anniversary as Imam.
Ismailis consider the billionaire philanthropist to be the direct descendant of the prophet Muhammad.
Many people travelled thousands of kilometres for a moment they say they've been waiting their whole lives for.
"This is a very great occasion, very very great occasion to welcome our beloved Hazar," one worshipper who came all the way from Florida told CTV.
"This is the first time being here and for a lot of people this is their first opportunity for people to see him."
Premier Gordon Campbell will host the Aga Khan at a luncheon in his honour Tuesday, only hours before he will attend a religious gallery at B.C. Place.
Born Prince Karim Aga Khan, the Aga Khan IV is the eldest son of Prince Aly Kh�n, a Pakistani leader of independence whose second wife was screen legend Rita Hayworth.
The Aga Khan's personal wealth is estimated to exceed $1 billion, with interests in horse racing, stock investments, and a tourist complex in Sardinia, a large island in the Mediterranean Sea.
