Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims

The Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims

I am pleased to add a few comments on the write up by Jim Davis below.

As Muslims we have to learn to accept different practices of Muslims. God has intentionally created diversity, every thing in creation is different and unique, it is a model for us to accept the spiritual differences and co-exist in harmony. Prophet Muhammad expanded on that by acknowledging the otherness of other faiths and including them, as they were, with their own belief system into the Madinah pact, an inclusive form of governance.

God knew we are obdurate beings and had asked us to recite the Sura Fateha with every unit of the prayer, Muslims recite “God alone is the master of the day of Judgment” at least fifty times a day, God was hoping that it will rub off on us, he was hoping we would understood the meaning of it and not be judgmental towards others. A good majority of us do believe that only God alone is the judge in matters of faith, the few others may not be sure about God’s wisdom, so they keep on judging other people.

The Ismailia’s pray differently than the Shia’s, Sunnis and Bohra, it is their right and their belief, just as others do what they are taught. They do believe in God and the prophet like all other Muslims.

Please remember, no one is responsible for other’s deeds, each one of us is on our own.
Let's acknowledge the otherness of other and let every one take pride in their practices.

Mike Ghouse
http://www.worldmuslimcongress.com/
http://www.worldmuslimcongress.org/
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Now comes the article by Jim Davis

The Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims

The Shia Imami Ismaili Muslim sect, or Ismaili for short, is one of the largest and little known esoteric sects in Islam. Its members otal about 15 million people and can be found in India, Pakistan, Central Asia, China, East Africa, Europe, and North America. They are all united by their common allegiance to their spiritual leader, Imam Karim Aga Khan IV, who is a direct descendant of Imam Ali, Prophet Mohammed's son-in-law and successor, appointed to lead the Islamic community.

Most people in the West view Islam as sort of monolithic religion, but in actuality it is divided into numerous sects. The basic division is the Shia/Sunni split over who should have succeeded the Prophet after his death. Before his death, the Prophet appointed Ali as his successor during his last hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) in the year 632 CE. However, Ali as rejected by a group of the Prophet's close followers, known as the Companions, who elected Abu Bakr as their Khalif (political successor the Prophet). Ali was eventually elected as the fourth Khalif, but was always considered the leader (Imam) of the Shia (party of Ali). His assassination and the death of his grandson Hussein split the Islamic community permanently into two factions: the Shia and the Sunni.

Imam-e-zaman (The Imam of the Time) must always be a descendant of Imam Ali, and has the sole authority to interpret the Koran according to the time and place. Ismailis hold that Allah's Noor (the Light) is eternal; they believe this same Noor which was with Ali resides in the current Imam. This light allows the Imam to speak authoritatively and to give out firmans.(spiritual teachings) which Ismailis follow. The Imam has also been called a speaking Koran. As an Ismaili friend once said, "Allah did not stop talking to humankind 1400 hundred years ago; he never has stopped guiding us." They see the Imam as a reflection of the Divine Reality in this world.

The Shia followed Imam Ali and each succeeding Imam thereafter, who is appointed (nass) by the Imam from amongst his male offspring (usually the eldest son, but not always). Shia Muslims have occasionally faced internal problems regarding the succession of an Imam. As a result of disagreements, the community split and a new sect came into existence. Such a split occurred over the succession of the 6th Imam, Jafar es-Sadiq. It was this split that gave rise to the Ismaili sect. They followed the Imams from Imam Jafar's son Ismail, while the majority of the Shia followed his other son, Musa al-Kazim. Musa's followers are known as Ithna Asharis (The Twelvers) which became the state religion in Iran.

Since the split from the Ithna Asharis, the Ismaili movement went on to spread throughout the Islamic world as a social revolutionary movement. Ismaili Dais (religious teachers), appointed by the Imam, would form teaching cells in local communities and conduct missionary work (Dawa).

Their mission was to lead others to recognize and give allegiance to the Imam of the Time. By the 9th century, these groups were strong enough to launch a revolt in North Africa and Eastern Arabia, which resulted in the formation of the Ismaili led Fatimid Empire in Egypt (lasting until 1171 CE).

During the later days of the Fatimid Empire, the Ismaili movement split into two factions over the succession to the 19th Imamate. The Must'ali factions, who maintained control over the Fatimid Empire, are now known as the Bohras, who live mainly in India and Yemen. Since their line of Imams went into hiding, the Dais assumed leadership of the community in the Imam's name. Before the murder of Imam Nizar by his brother Must'ali, a Dai by the name Hasan bin Sabbah established an Ismaili stronghold in the mountains of Northern Iran. When Nizar was killed, Sabbah started a Dawa called, "The New Preaching." A son of Nizar was smuggled out of Egypt and kept concealed at the fortress of Alamut. From Alamut, Ismaili missionaries (Pirs) spread the ideas of Ismailism throughout the Middle East and South Asia. They were very successful in South Asia, where several Hindu castes converted en mass to the new faith. These South Asian Ismaili's gave the Ismaili faith a body of religion called ginans.

In the year 1256 CE, the Ismaili State at Alamut came to end when the expanding Mongolian Empire destroyed it. Ismaili Imams and their followers then went into hiding. They mostly disappeared from history until Imam Aga Khan I fled Iran in 1841 and took charge of his Khoja Ismaili followers in South Asia. In Iran, the group took on the appearance of a Sufi Order, whereas in South Asia, they appeared as Hindus. This concealment, called "taqqiya," is practiced by all Shia sects for self-defense. From the time Imam Aga Khan I entered India, the Ismailis have gradually lifted taqqiya and practiced their faith openly as a group.

Ismailis today continue to practice their beliefs in secrecy for fear of persecution. The faith, however, is becoming more recognized by outsiders and no longer a secret. They meet daily in Jamatkhanas for prayer and community activities. Only Ismaili Muslims who have pledged allegiance to the Imam are allowed in the Jamatkhanas for services (though most Jamatkhanas do give tours to interested persons). It is Ismaili doctrine that unless one has taken baiyat (oath of allegiance) to the Imam, then Jamatkhans services would not be of any value to the visitor or to the Ismailis worshiping. So visitors during services would merely be a distraction.

While the religious rites are performed privately in Jamatkhanas, their doctrines are not hidden from public view. The teachings and practices of the Ismailis are readily available in books and on the Internet. The group is open to converts, though they do not seem to actively recruit new members. The Ismailis follow the Five Pillars of Islam by obeying the Farmans (official teachings) of the Imam of the Time. Their interpretation of Islamic doctrines and practice can change according to the time and place in which they live. This change can only be brought about by the Imam of the Time.

Ismailis learn from their Imam how to live ethically and find the true way o achieve union with "Divine Reality." The first step taken by an Ismaili to begin this journey is to recite the Shahada: "There is no God but Allah, Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, and Ali, the commander of the faithful, is from Allah." Every Ismaili, or a convert to the faith, must pledge allegiance to the Imam of the Time and follow his Farmans. This is basically how Ismailis receive and follow Allah's achings.

Ismailis perform Du'a (prayer) three times a day in Jamatkhanas or at home. This is derived from the later Shia practice of combining the five regular prayers into three prayer sessions.

Ismailis pay Zakat (alms levied) to the Imam of the Time, which is collected monthly in the Jamatkhanas. It is set at 12½ % of one's income, but individual Ismailis may pledge to pay more. This tithe is called the Dasond. A portion of this money is used to finance local Jamatkhanas,with the rest being sent to the Imam. The current Imam has used these funds in various Aga Khan Foundation projects throughout the Third World, often in close association with the United Nations (many of the Imam's close family work in various U.N. developmental projects). Ismailis practice ritual fasting according to the religious customs of the regions in which they live. Some follow the typical Islamic fast of Ramadan as a form of taqqiya in countries ruled by Islamic Governments, while others living in secular societies do not. Many Ismailis fast on days of the year known as Shakravari Beej, which occurs when Fridays coincide with the appearance of a New Moon. This is a traditional fast practiced by Ismailis of South Asian origin. During this fast they repent of their sins and ask for Allah's forgiveness through their Imam.

Ismailis perform their hajj (pilgrimage) by seeking a Deedar (glimpse) of the Imam of the Time. Since the Noor (Light of the Imam) is present in every Jamatkhana, going to Jamatkhana each day is equal to performing hajj. In the Prophet's time, to go on hajj was to be with the Prophet.

Therefore, to be in his successor's (the Imam) presence is the modern hajj. Also, Imam Aga Khan IV has been the most accessible of all Imams. He regularly visits his followers all over the world. This can be seen as an interesting reversal of the pilgrimage. The ultimate goal of Ismailis is to achieve union with Divine Reality.

This part is the deepest secret of Ismailism and must be taught in person. It is pure gnosis, a gift from Allah given to those who prepare to receive the Light of Qiyamat.

Esoteric means the "inner, in the sense of the inner consciousness;
the contemplative, mystical or meditative transpersonal perspective.
This can only be understood by intuition or higher mental or spiritual
faculties.Shiites, more especially Shia Ismailis or Batinis follow the
esoteric interpretation of some of the verses of Qur'an.

Exoteric is opposite of esoteric, which means the "outer", i.e. the
outer or surface or everyday consciousness.This includes both the
scientific-materialistic and the conventional (or literal) religious
perspective.Sunni Muslims follow exoteric interpretation of Qur'an.

Peace and Light,
Jim Davis

Aga Khan: 50 years of Imamat

http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2008/04/aga-khan-50-years-of-imamat.html

Aga Kha: 50 years of Imamat

His Highness, Prince Karim Aga Khan completes 50 years as the Imam of Shia Ismaili Muslim community.

Congratulations for leading the community to create a better world through interaction with all of God’s creation.

During the 50 Golden years of Imamat, his highness has dutifully followed Qur’aan, Prophet Muhammad and Hazrat Ali.

Hazrat Ali taught one to maintain a balance between spirituality and the world. We are born to live on this earth as well as be ready for the life hereafter. His highness Aga Khan has led his community to be successful in business not only for themselves, but through their service for the human kind. The Aga Khan Development is one of the most honored human service organizations dedicated to helping the downtrodden lift themselves on to a level playing field.

Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) described a good deed as an act which benefits others, such as planting a tree that serves generations of wayfarers with fruit and the shade. The world is a better place today because of a good legacy bequeathed to humanity by people of all faiths that came before us. We owe it to coming generations to leave the world a little better than we found it, to usher an era of justice and peace.

Aga Khan indeed has led his community to precisely do that through the net work of schools, hospitals and other institutions to serve humanity.

God addresses the mankind in Qur’aan, Al-Hujurat, Surah 49:13: "O mankind! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. The noblest of you, in sight of Allah, is the best in conduct. Allah Knows and is Aware."The Aga Khan has initiated one of the first institutions in the world committed to developing understanding between peoples of different faiths and traditions. Alhamdu Lillah, Praise the lord for his wisdom in initiating the Pluralism Center in Canada, a beacon of light for generations to come.

Prince Karim Aga Khan completes 50 years as the Imam of Shia Ismaili Muslim community. We are pleased to congratulate the Imam for leading a vibrant community that is seeking to create a better world through interaction and co-existence. The pluralism center indeed aspires to promote goodwill amongst people of different affiliations, regardless of their faith, gender, race, nationality, culture or any other uniqueness blessed by the creator.

The Golden Jubilee celebrations are carried on a grand scale in San Antonio, Los Angeles, Chicago and Atlanta with a massive religious gathering of Ismaili Muslims. The event, called the Golden Jubilee, will bring nearly 100,000 followers of Aga Khan in four venues shown below starting second week of April, 2008. He will also meet Governors and top officials of four states during his visit.May God bestow him with a long life to do more good to the humankind. Amen.

TEXAS GOVERNOR HONORS; AGA KHAN SPEAKS

Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at theDinner hosted by the Governorand First Lady of TexasAustin, Texas12 April 2008

Governor Perry and First Lady Anita PerryDistinguished GuestsLadies and Gentlemen
Governor Perry, you have been very generous in your remarks - even as you have been most gracious in your hospitality. We are deeply grateful for the warmth of the Texas welcome which you have extended to us. Of course we have known from previous experience about the wonders of Texas hospitality. As I am told one might say in Texas, “this is not our first rodeo”. But I must also say that you have outdone yourselves today - and you have our deepest appreciation.

Of course, I know that Governor Perry is highly experienced as an official host - I understand you are about to become the longest serving governor in Texas history. And this accomplishment has only been the recent culmination of your long career in public service.

I am also looking back at a long career this year, as I mark my fiftieth anniversary as Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. I have been celebrating this Golden Jubilee by visiting places which have been of particular importance to the Ismaili Community over the last half century.

As many of you know, I was studying in the United States when I succeeded my grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, as Imam in 1957. My ties here thus go back to the very beginning of my Imamat.It is fitting that the first stop on this current visit is in Texas. Of course, Texas is known around the world as a place which likes to be first and foremost in just about every area of accomplishment! So it should come as no surprise that for the Ismaili community - as for so many others - Texas is a place where superlatives apply.

Our community’s life in the United States began only a few decades ago - as our people, like so many others, found here a welcoming land of opportunity. So many of them settled in Texas, in fact, that the Ismaili community here has recently been the fastest growing anywhere on earth.
At the heart of that growth of course, is the fact that Ismailis have felt so welcome here. And the critical reason for that compatibility, I believe, is captured in the word “opportunity”. The American ethic and ideal – the Texan ethic and ideal - has always been one of openness to others and openness to the future. It is an ethic of opportunity, which the Ismaili Community deeply shares.

This commitment to opportunity is exemplified in the vitality of your diverse multi-ethnic society. It is rooted in a deep respect for the individual human being - independent of one’s background or origins.

The Governor has cited words from the Quran about the affinity of our religious commitments. The teachings of the Quran, like those of the Bible, also resonate with the words that rang out from Philadelphia in 1776: affirming that “all men are created equal, and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.” Those words express our common ideal.
One of the purposes of my trip this week is to meet with the Ismaili community - all across this country. But another purpose is to meet with civic and government leaders, and to discuss ways in which the Ismaili Imamat, the institutions of our Community and the Aga Khan Development Network can partner with them even more effectively.We would like to build, for example, on the encouraging start we have made, working with educational institutions here in Texas and elsewhere, to span the cultural gap which too often has separated the Islamic World from the West. As you may know, I see this problem not as a clash of civilizations but rather a clash of ignorances - on all sides - and ignorance is a condition that we can do much to remedy.
Similarly, I believe that we can work together to encourage the development of sustainable democracies in parts of the world where democracy has not flourished - reflecting even more rigorously on the conditions which make democracy possible, and helping democratic institutions adapt more effectively to local conditions.

Thirdly, I believe we can partner effectively in applying the world’s most advanced expertise to the challenges of development in parts of the world which are less advanced.
The United States’ position as a world leader, in my view grows directly out of its accomplishments as a Knowledge Society - and this Knowledge - rightly applied - can continue to be a resource of enormous global value.

I thought it might be appropriate for me to say a few words at this point about the Ismaili community and my role as Imam. The Ismailis are a diverse community within the Shia branch of Islam, living in many parts of the world, and encompassing numerous ethnic and linguistic traditions. Their diversity reflects the profound pluralism of the Muslim world. The diverse Ismaili community has been united over many centuries by an allegiance to the living hereditary Imam of the time.

Let me also emphasize the inseparable nature, within Islam, of faith and world: the intertwining of spiritual responsibility with the conduct of daily life. My responsibilities as Imam for interpreting the faith are thus accompanied by a strong engagement with issues relating to the quality of life, affirming the dignity of all peoples.

As many of you know, Ismaili institutions everywhere are anchored in the community’s Jamatkhanas, our places of congregation. Governor Perry has honored us by being present at the ceremonies in years past when we have laid the foundations and opened our Jamatkhanas in Texas, both in Sugarland and Plano. Most recently, the Governor’s encouragement has been instrumental in our decision to build the Community’s first high-profile Ismaili Center in the United States - and to situate it in Houston. For this support, Governor, we are profoundly grateful.

This new edifice will take its place along with six other Ismaili Centers - now located or soon to be located - in London, Vancouver, Lisbon, Dubai, Dushanbe and Toronto. You have mentioned, Governor, your own visit to the Dubai Center, which I had the honor of opening officially last month. We are confident that the new Ismaili Center in Houston, like the Center in Dubai, will not only enhance the physical fabric of the city, but will also serve as a tangible symbol of the values we share with our good neighbors here in Texas.

Shared values are what underly successful partnerships. We look forward to continuing and expanding our partnerships with the people of Texas as we work to extend the blessings of opportunity throughout our communities - and throughout the world.
My thanks to all of you for sharing in this memorable evening.

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I appreciate the material Hasni Essa has shared below, indeed, we, the people of the world, Muslims and Non-Muslims alike should seriously pursue HH Prince Karim Aga Khan to head the Organization of Islamic Countries. His leadership will certainly be good for Muslims and good for the World. He is one of the rare humans who is packed with spirituality, statemenship, political acumen and business savvy. His approach to solutions will build confidence in the community of Nations to raise every one up towards peaceful and prosperous societies.

The cry for leadership is there, and we will face a few people who wll oppose the moves, indeed it will augur the need for HH's leadership. We have to work towards this goal, and God willing let's take a few small steps and turn it over to the big people.

By the way, the gentleman who has written umpteen comments assumes I am a Ismaili, and even if I am, one should look to the work of HH Aga Khan and not my affiliation or admiration for HH's work, which is very Islamic; serving others. Look at the cash Middle East has and see what their leadership has done with it, and look at the Work done in Africa and Asia by AKDN and the fine management of far fewer resources. He has the ability to make that Middle East wealth benefit the World in general and Muslims in particular.

Mike Ghouse

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From Hasni Essa

Aga Khan

Aga Sultan Mohammed Shah, President of League of Nations representing Indian Muslim population in 1935 - 1937 to promote international peace and security

Excerpt from speech by Sir Sultan Shah at the conference of League of Nations:

"I am speaking here for many millions of my fellow countrymen,who place the love of peace and the repudiation of violence among the first of the human virtues; with them, the ideal of peace is no mere economic expedient; it is an element deep-rooted in their very nature. That is the spirit which it is my task to reflect in making what contribution I can to the proceedings of this Conference."

Excerpted from:

Star of India, Calcutta, 15 March 1934

A Call To The Islamic World..................

"The world of Islam to-day is at a turning point of its history.The Middle Ages are over and either Islam must now go foreward or be added to the other might-have-beens of history.The Muslims must now awake and taking their example from the glorious life and the marvellous teachings of the holy the Holy Prophet,build their spiritual and religious faith on Muhammed and work for the development in Science,Knowledge and and Politics, and social advancement along the lines of the most progressive races of mankind. My fellow Muslims,I implore you,I beg of you, to work for the advancement of the whole world of Islam, but never forget our spiritual debt to our Holy Prphet." - Aga Sultan Mohd. Shah

Aga Khan IV - destined for leadership of world-wide ummah

The Aga Khan says a “clash of ignorance” has led to friction between Islam and the West.

The Aga Khan said that pluralistic education is as important in the West as it is in the developing world. He proposed that the International Baccalaureate community of educators work together with the Aga Khan Academies to build a bridge between the developing world and the developed world, between North and South, and between the Muslim world and the West.

Together, we can help reshape the very definition of a well educated global citizen. And we can begin that process by bridging the learning gap which lies at the heart of what some have called a clash of civilizations, but which I have always felt was rather a clash of ignorances," he said.

Brother Mike,

First, let me congratulate you for fair and impartial presentation of "Aga Khan : 50 years of Imamat." on your community blog, which indeed is highly commendable by Ismaili Muslim Community.Hope leaders of Organization of the Islamic Conference would get to see your excellent blog and approach Aga Khan to lead OIC to build bridge between east and west for world peace and security.

We Ismaili Muslims believe, like his grand father, Sir Sultan Mohd. Shah, present Aga Khan who teaches and preaches the message of virtue, love and compassion and respect for other religions and sects is well fitted and capable to be president of OIC which represent 57 Islamic states.We also believe he is the right man who could represent world-wide ummah to stabilize international disequilibrium brought about by economic, political and social forces.

It's possible to settle minor political clashes between smaller nations.But, it's almost impossible to settle a conflict,if major power is involved.Aga Khan understands the realities of global politics and is well equipped socially, politically and theologically to be a liason between east and west and could contribute his time and knowledge to bring peace, pluralism and security in the world.

Since the fall of the Taliban in December 2001, the Aga Khan Development Network has channeled $380 million into Afghanistan, of that, $145 million came from the Ismaili imamate, and the balance came from donors, lenders and other investors in the Aga Khan's companies.The network fed 500,000 during a drought in 2002; built three bridges, 12 health centers and 26 schools; and repaired cultural sites including the mausoleum of former Afghan king Timur Shah in Kabul, says Mawji, the Kabul representative. It has also extended 6,400 microloans to farmers and traders and trained 189 midwives and doctors.

Hasni Essa
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COMMENTS::

Rashid Samnakay;

Folks, Salaams.
Congratulations to The Aga Khan on the 50th Anniversary. It is an achievement to have lead an organization for half a century and that too with out any scandal attached to the personality of the leader, which is in itself quite some thing in this day and age.

"His Highness, Prince Karim Aga Khan completes 50 years as the Imam of Shia Ismaili Muslim community".

There is one thing that leaves an unpleasant taste in the mouth though, and that is to see the prefix attached to the community of Muslims, like Sunni or Shia etc. To my humble understanding any adjective attached to Muslims renders it UNISLAMIC (6-159 etc).
teri nazar mey mai hun kaafir meri nazar mey tuu hai kaafir!- said Iqbal.

Muslims today, more then ever NEED a worldly-wise Leader to lead a extra ¡religious¢, that is Islamic Nation and represent it in the non Muslim world forum. That is what an Imam is to me.
One would be correct in jumping to the defense of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) , in this role. Unfortunately in this context its record to date is dismal to say the least . Does any body know the name of the Secretary of OIC? I would like some body to show me what it has done to date to stem the tide of Islam bashing (and correctly I might add as depicted by Muslim practices world wide) that has gone on say since 911.

My vote goes for The Aga Khan for this job, much to the chagrin of majority of "good" Muslims, I am sure!!!!
Rashid.

Mike Ghouse:

Rashid, beautiful sentiments. In one of my earlier postings I have expressed my thoughts as to who should invite the Pope for a dialogue - My suggestion was HH Aga Khan. He has demonstrated the leadership in business, spirituality, inclusivness and above all service to mankind. I am certain an overwhelming majority of Muslims, regardless of their suffixes or prefixes and differences would nominate him to represent Muslims in the dialogue for peaceful co-existence.

The other Muslim leaders who could join the Aga Khan are Syedna Burhanuddin, spiritual leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani spiritual leader of the Shia community, Secretary General of Organization of Islamic Nations Prof .Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu and Shaista Amber, President of All India Muslim Womens Personal Law Board. These Men and woman can perhaps speak for the Muslim Community at large as they are the legitimate representatives who have earned their position and are well respected around the globe. It is time for them to step up to create a better world for the human kind, by reducing conflicts and nurturing good will.

Mike Ghouse is a Speaker, Thinker, Writer and a Moderator. He is a frequent guest on talk radio and local television network discussing Pluralism, politics, Islam, Religion, Terrorism, India and civic issues. His comments, news analysis, opinions and columns can be found on the Websites and Blogs listed at his personal website http://www.mikeghouse.net/. He can be reached at mailto:MikeGhouse@gmail.comor (214) 325-1916

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