'UNDERSTANDINGISMAILISM' Continued from Section Five Unique Beliefs Reality and Reliance You are reading this sentence - that is a reality to you. I wrote it - that is a reality to me, but for you, it is a matter of reliance. My signature on the book is the basis of your reliance. Similarly, the realities behind the tenets or creeds of a religion are what give it credence and support. Based upon the level of reliance one has and where one places it, one becomes a Jew, a Christian, a Muslim or an Ismaili. A man of religion rejuvenates his faith and becomes devout when his reliance meets with affirmative responses. When the faith overtakes the realities however, the religion transforms itself into a blind faith or a cult. Here the man of religion has given up his power of reasoning. The authorship of a book can be established without even showing the signature on the book. Falsehoods, fictions and fabrications can be traded as Realities and Reliabilities. The faith can now be distorted and molded at the whims and wishes of the dictator of tenet. There is a Farman of Aga Khan III wherein he says;
There is a fine line, drawn between religion and cult. A religion that tells you to sacrifice your mind and then commit yourself with emotions, is not a religion but a cult. A true religion does not expect you to sacrifice your mind, but it tells you to commit it. If emotionalism turns you "on" and intellectualism turns you "off', then you should take some time to think; Why? Am I immolating the God-given priceless gift of 'Aq'l' (power of reasoning), on an altar, with a sword of devotions and traditions? Am I leading myself with an open mind or being lead by sentimental beliefs? Am I imitating others in a society, so as not to be an outcast? Sometimes it makes me wonder as to why a person that would not invest a small portion of his material wealth on the words of his relatives and elders without inquiring and understanding the nature of investment, risk involved and gains expected; would gamble his total spiritual wealth (his soul), on the words of the same relatives and elders without inquiring and understanding the realities and principles of a religion. Furthermore, when confronted with unfavorable or negative feed backs, he simply shrugs his shoulders, as if the soul he is committing every day is not his. I wish Allah had put a price tag in dollars and cents, on each and every human soul, and collected that sum from the owner, out of his accumulated material wealth. Perhaps then he would not be gambling it so remorselessly. The realities of the Day of Judgement are not compelling enough to those who have not read the Quran. On that day every individual; not his relatives and elders, will be held responsible for not making use of his 'Aq'l' and giving credence to the unverified claims of his kith and kin, who in turn had done what he is doing today, that is, gambling their souls on the reliances and convictions of their predecessors. Conviction No. 1: "Heaven and Hell, (to give) is in my hand." Many Ismailis do sincerely believe that on the Day of Judgement, Aga Khan will be enthroned upon the Sovereign Throne and he will dispense the Judgement. Their conviction is based upon various Farmans of Aga Khan. Quoted below is one such Farman made in Rajkot, India and published in a book called "Khangi Farman' (Private Commands), printed in "Khojki" (a secretive script used by Khojas):
over whether you shall receive Heaven or Hell in the hereafter. Because, all things - Heaven and Hell, (to give) is in my hand." (Dated 20th February, 1910; Page 72) 'Chhanta' means sprinkling of (holy) water on the face of an Ismaili when alive or upon his dead body or on the face of his relative after the burial, by Aga Khan's representatives to forgive the sins. An Ismaili takes between 2000 and 5000 "Chhantas" during his lifetime and a dozen or so after his death. Of course, there is a fee to be paid for every 'Chhanta'. Note: It may sound strange and unreal but it is a fact that Aga Khan III, in whose hand was Heaven and Hell and who gave "Chhantas" (forgiving sins) to his followers during his term of Imamat, was given "Chhantas" by one of his own followers (Mukhi), before his burial in Aswan, so that the departed soul may be forgiven! The question is: Forgiven by whom? Mukhi! Allah says:
Here above, we have perfect examples of irrational convictions overtaking the positive realities. For an outsider to visualize them, with his open mind, is very easy Whereas, those who have sacrificed their power of reasoning, would be harboring false vanity, that a devout's reliance on the Farmans of his Imam is beyond human reasoning and logic. Their reliance on Farmans has overshadowed the truth, and the basis of their reliance is emotionalism, which their sentiments and pride would not allow them to admit. Conviction No. 2: 'Facing Qibla is not a fundamental principal of Islam" Ismailis do not face in the direction of Mecca, the Islamic Qibla, while reciting their ritual prayers. To uphold and support their Unique Belief Al-Waiz (missionary) Abualy writes:
Allah Commands:
Tawaf of Kabah made obligatory because of Ali! Below is an extract from 'Ismaili Tariqah', page 208:-
Translation by Abualy:
(a Gujrati Ginan appears here) Translation:
Where was Karim Aga Khan born? In 1960, a biography of Karim Aga Khan was published in Gujrati by Aga Khan's institution for the publication of Ismaili literature, the Ismailia Association for India, Bombay. This biography records that Karim Aga Khan was born in Paris, France. Ismaili leaders who have been closely associated with the Aga Khans also say he was born in Paris. In 1970, Willi Frischauer, a hagiographer, published his book 'The Aga Khans'. The author was given full cooperation by Karim Aga Khan and his office. Willi Frischauer and Al-Waiz Abualy record that Karim Aga Khan was born in Geneva, Switzerland. 'Noorum-Mubin' (1951) a book of history of all the Ismaili Imams and Pirs, records that the message of birth came from Geneva, and it was dated 13th of December. 'Noorum-Mubin' does not specify where Karim Aga Khan was born. Author Mihir Bose of 'The Aga Khans' has avoided the controversy by not mentioning the place of birth. He writes
When was Prince Aly Khan born? Abualy writes: "He was born on Tuesday the thirteenth of June, 1911 at Turin". (page 99) Noorum-Mubin writes : "He was born on Monday the 13th June 1910 A.D. i.e. 5th day of Jamadil Akhir in 1328 Hijri, in Turin, Italy" (page 483) Conviction No. 4: "Ithna'asri religion will not exist at all". Below is a Farman of Aga Khan III, Translated:-
Note: The sole object of my quoting this Farman is to prove the point of 'Divine Vision'. I am not an Ithna'ashri. Conviction No. 5 "I will send to you the Original Quran". A Farman of Aga Khan III, translated:
The Ismailis who have been waiting for the arrival of the Original Quran from their Imam will have to keep waiting, probably to the Day of Judgment. On that day the 'True Realities' will be made known. But, it will be too late to repent. Conviction No. 6: ... Go to Australia If Karim Aga Khan was to say; "Move out of Canada, go to Australia", the very next day Ismailis would start selling their businesses and tender their resignations in a rush to obtain immigration visas for Australia. This is because Ismailis firmly believe their Imam knows precisely what is going to happen the next day, in the next year or in the next century. Their reliance has moulded them to rely and trust the Aga Khan's so-called 'Divine Vision' and the 'Noorani Power'. My father emigrated from Bombay in the year 1953 and went to East Africa. He wrote a letter to Aga Khan seeking his guidance and blessings for the establishment of his business and a quick settlement in Africa. He was advised to settle himself with his family in the Congo. The rationale given was that the independence of the African countries would commence from British East Africa. The Congo would be the last to receive its independence. Similar advice was also given to other Ismailis. My father being a devout follower of Aga Khan, settled himself in Leopoldville, Belgium Congo (now known as Kinshasha, Zaire), in 1954. In December 1954, my wife and I had a 'Mulaqat' (audience) with Aga Khan III and his fourth wife, at Villa Yakimur in Cannes. The Aga Khan asked, if I had made any plans to go to the Congo. I replied; I had not considered it. In March 1955, I received a letter from him in response to my article on the subject of "Ismaili Theory of Ten Incarnations - Das Avtar". At the bottom thereof Aga Khan wrote in his own shaky hand writing: (here appears the hand-written text which
reads:
My wife and I considered this line of repeated
questioning to be an insinuation. In February 1956, I sold my business,
disposed of my personal assets, packed my suitcases and moved to Leopoldville
with my family. The movement for Independence had already started in
Tanganyika became independent in December 1961. Uganda became independent in October 1962. Zanzibar became independent on December 10, 1963. And Kenya, which was supposed to get its independence first, was the last to become independent on December 12, 1963. Unique Reality Ismailis would rather obey the Farmans of their Imam than the Commands of Allah - the Quran. This is not only an established practice amongst Ismailis but a fact that has been recorded by the Courts of Law in India, as a piece of evidence. Abualy writes:
Does the interpretation of the Quran mean authority to (a) abrogate the Commands, (b) to substitute the Commands or (c) to introduce new Commands? Have not Ismailis (a) abrogated the Command of performing 'Hajj', (b) substituted the Command of fastings during the month of Ramadhan with the fastings of "Beej Shukarwari' and "Satima no Rozo", and (c) introduced the ceremony of taking "Chhantas" (forgiving sins) at the command of their Imams? "The Sure Reality" After having examined the "Unique Reality", let us find out what is "The Sure Reality". Allah (S.W.T.) has revealed an entire 'Sura' (chapter) on "Haqqa" (The Sure Reality). He says:
Abdullah Yusuf Ali, a well known translator of the Quran, writes in his commentary:
Be my slaves not Allah's On 17th Ramadan 559 A.H. i.e. 8th August 1164, Imam Hasan, ala Zikrihis Salaam, the 23rd Imam made the following Proclamation:
'A Brief History of Ismailism', page 73 Noorum -Mubin writes:
History records: One and half years after the Proclamation of "Eid-ul Qiyama"(the Unique Realities), the 23rd Imam, the proclaimer of the Proclamation and leader of the Assassins was assassinated with a dagger (traditional weapon of the Assassins), by his own brother-in-law on 10th January 1166. The 24th and 25th Imams died of poisoning in 12l0 and 1221. The next Imam, the 26th, was murdered in 1255 and the last Imam of the Alamut, the 27th Imam was captured and drowned in a river by the army of Halaku Khan, the grandson of Ghenghis Khan. In less than a century from the proclamation of the Freedom from Law, the empire of Ismailis (Assassins) met it's violent fate and came to an end. All the forts of Alamut, Lamasar, Rudhar, Kohistan and others were completely destroyed. Most of these forts were destroyed and levelled by Ismailis themselves at the command of their last Imam, Rukn al-Din Khurshah. He was following the orders of Halaku Khan, for the destruction of these forts, one after another, in return for the safety of his own life and that of his family members. Finally he surrendered to the Mongolian army; hoping he and his family and his last fort would be spared, but they drowned him in a river, killed each and every Ismaili and destroyed the last fort of the Assassins. Professor Bernard Lewis writes:
Allah says:
"When it is said to them: 'Come to what Allah hath revealed, and to the Apostle': Thou seest the Hypocrites avert their faces from thee in disgust". "Those men, - Allah knows what is in their hearts; so keep clear of them, but admonish them, and speak to them a word to reach their very souls". 'Holy Quran' 4/61 & 63 Unique Confession Judaism, Christianity and Islam A great historian of religion devoted forty years of his life to determining what the world's religions have in common, and came up with two things: "Belief in God if there be a God," and "Life is worth living - sometimes." That was the point of view of a historian - one who narrates past events. If a theologian - one who analyses the scriptures, was to devote that many years of his life to determine what the major religions of the world have in common, then he would come up with one thing: "A thread is woven through the cardinal principles of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The Prophets of these three great religions have taught one lesson over and over again - the monotheism". The spiritual development of mankind has been gradual and in stages, like the physical development of a child. Lord the Almighty has been sending His Messengers to warn mankind about attributing His Glory to others and associating partners to him. He is Absolute. Each Prophet brought the concept of ONE GOD, as Cardinal Principle of God's religion, and submission to that ONE GOD ALONE as the fundamental credo and profession of faith. Prophet Musa (s.a.s.), (in Latin - Moses) formed a center of consolidation for the early Semitic tribes. From there on, their acceptance of Yahweh as God, rather than their tribal ancestry made them Jews. God gave to the children of Israel the great credo, 'Shema'
History of the Prophets of the Middle East records that with the exception of Islam, every time a Prophet had departed from amongst his people, the followers had, in one way or another, reverted to the practice of associating others with the Absolute Being. Whilst Moses was on the mountain receiving God's Commandments, the Israelites became impatient, and led by Samiri, formed a molten statue of a golden calf or a gold plated wooden calf. They worshipped it, sacrificed to it, bowed before it, ate, drank, and reveled in song and dance surrounding the calf which represented God. The Jews had not fully understood and accepted the Command of worshipping "One Lord" of great 'Shema', although 'Shema' was on their lips, in their prayers, and placed on the posts of their front doors. History confirms the fact that Judaism until as late as the advent of Islam had pictures of Sun gods and heavenly hosts in the Synagogues. The large central medallion of the mosaic floor in Bet Alpha Synagogue (6th Century A.D.) had Hellos driving the horses of the Sun God surrounded by the signs of the Zodiac. The four seasons were pictured in the four corners of the medallion. After seeing the Islamic Mosques decorated with floral and geometric patterns and the artistic calligraphy that not only adorned the House of God, but also conveyed His message, the Jews began changing the pattern of decorating their Synagogues. The mission of Moses for establishing "Unity of God" was not completed. The Bible records that seven centuries before the coming of Jesus Christ, King Josiah (622 B.C.) burnt down the wooden chariots of the Sun god and vessels made for Baal (the god of fertility), which were kept in the house of the Lord by the Jewish high priests. Besides, the Jewish community had monopolized on the words "our God" of their capsule credo - the 'Shema', and made their religion and God, sectarian and prepossessed. They had built high walls surrounding the religion, taught by Prophet Moses. The Message of God became non-universal and exclusive for the tribes of Israel. The name Yisra'el is explained through popular etymology as "He contends against El (God)". The Almighty now sent another Messenger of His, named Issa (s.a.s.), (in Latin - Jesus). Being anointed he became Jesus Christ. It is recorded that, when a man versed in "the Law" (the Old Testament) asked Jesus Christ, "Teacher, which is the greatest Commandment in the Bible?" Jesus quoted the First Commandment, "Thou shalt have no other gods before Me" and added, "You must Love the Creator your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind." The Message that Jesus had brought was the same as declared in the fifth Book of Moses, called Deuteronomy, which is: "Thou shalt have no other gods before Me." "Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them; for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God..." In other words, God not only resents the idea of associating a partner or partners to Him, but takes most serious offense at the concept of sharing His Glory because He is the SOLE OWNER of that Glory. The lesson that Jesus had taught was of believing, obeying, serving, praying to and loving ONE GOD, whom he used to call my Father and your Father in the Heaven. The philosophical and spiritual statements of Jesus were misinterpreted by the Apostles after his departure. The misunderstood relationship of "my Father" made him the only "begotten" son of the Heavenly Father, in its physical sense and meaning. Centuries later Trinitarian terms were added by the Church, to the Biblical description of "ONE GOD". The term Trinity is not a divine revelation; neither the word 'Trinity', nor the explicit doctrine of Trinity, appear in the Bible. It developed several centuries after the departure of Jesus and through many controversies. In John 1:14, the Divine Command, "The Word" became "The God", when "theos" (God) at the end of the verse, John 1:1 became "ho theos"( the God) in its interpretation of John 1:14. In other words, "Theos", that described the nature of "the Word" (which was Divine) was identified with his person as "the God." Actually, in the Greek text, the definite article "ho" (the), appears before the first "God", but there is no article before the second. Moreover, the phrase "with God" in the middle of the verse, John 1:1, separates the entity of God from 'the Word". On the same subject of Divine Command, Quran teaches that when Allah commands "BE; 'it happens'. It was a Divine Command (the Word "BE") that brought forth Flesh or "The Command" was made flesh. In the words of John 1:14, "The Word was made flesh", in the womb of the Virgin Mary. The Quran acknowledges the birth of Jesus from his mother Mary, who was a virgin. To ward off skepticism it goes further and explains that, if God could create Adam without a Father and Mother, then it is not difficult for Him to create someone with Mother alone by His Command. It is interesting to note that to reinforce the theory of "the only begotten Son", in John 1:14 - the verse on the basis of which the said concept is advocated - after the words "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us", the following phrases have been added, within brackets, in the middle of the verse:
"... and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a saviour; there is none beside me." Isaiah 45:21 God now sent Muhammad (s.a.s.) and gave the concept of "Allah". Allah is formed by joining the definite article "Al" (meaning "The") with "Illah" (God). Literally, Allah means 'The God', not 'God' or 'A God', for there is only ONE GOD. Allah is the Almighty Creator and Sustainer of all upon this world as well as of all upon all the other worlds. He is therefore called "Rabbil alamin"- the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds. He is not just for a particular group or race of people. His Message (the Quran) is for mankind in its entirety and not only for Muslims. His Message is universal and eternal. The Quran confirms the previous scriptures because the Prophets that brought them were all sent by One God. It repeats some of the stories of the previous scriptures because the originator and inspirer is the same One God. The Quranic text has been free from human editing and consequently stories are neither exaggerated nor understated, hence more logical and coherent. God gave through Muhammad "Shahadah", instead of "Shema". The root word of Shema is "to hear", whereas the root word of "Shahadah" is 'to confess". Mankind had been hearing about "ONE GOD" for a long time. Now the time had come to "confess" aloud, from the heart, what it had been hearing. The spiritual development of the human race has been like that of a child who had been hearing names and relating them to persons and things and then begins repeating the same words and names with the knowledge and understanding of their meanings and relationships. God says:
Anyone who associates other god or gods besides God has not surrendered himself fully to One God. This has been the eternal Message that God has been repeating again and again through various Messengers. The Islam acknowledges these Messengers that came before Muhammad and there are recitals of Aaron, Abraham, Adam, David, Elias, Elijah, Ishmael, Issac, Jacob, Jesus, Job, John the Baptist, Jonah, Joseph, Lot, Mary, Moses, Noah, Saul, Soloman, Zechariah and others in the Quran. Abdul-Khaliq, but not Khaliq Abdul Khaliq was an office-bearer of the Ismailia Council in Kuwait and a friend of mine. Often, he would come to Karachi to see his relatives. We used to call him Khaliq (a short for Abdul-Khaliq), whenever he was in Karachi. One day I was in Kuwait and wanted to speak to Abdul-Khaliq. I picked up a telephone, dialed his office number and asked his secretary: "Can I please speak to Khaliq?". My friend's secretary was a Muslim lady from Kuwait. She answered back: "La" meaning "No", or that is to say "There is no Khaliq" and she hung up. I tried again, asked the same question and she gave me the same reply and hung up. That day I must have tried several times, each time hoping that my friend must have now returned to his office. But every time the lady would shout louder and hang up. In the evening I met Abdul-Khaliq in the Kuwait Jamatkhana (most of the Jamatkhanas in Middle East and Malaysia are now closed permanently). I asked my friend if he was in his office that day. He replied; yes. Thereupon I mentioned what had happened over the phone. He immediately understood the problem, because, I was not the first Pakistani friend of his to have encountered it. Abdul-Khaliq then gave me an explanation for his secretary's action and that was my lesson in "Tawheed" (Unity of Allah). He mentioned that if his secretary had passed the call to him, then it would be a confirmation on her part, that she has recognized my friend as "Khaliq"; which literally translated "a Creator". Such a confirmation would constitute "Shirk", meaning she had associated someone else beside Allah as a Creator. In Islam, "Shirk" is an unpardonable sin because it repudiates "Tawheed" (Unity or Oneness of Allah) and disowns the "Shahadah" (the confession of faith). My friend suggested that in future I should ask for him by his full name, "Abdul-Khaliq" (slave of the Creator), and not as "Khaliq". Remember: There is no Khaliq but the Khaliq. Two Confessions The Ismaili Tariqah being a Unique Tariqah, has two Shahadahs, like two sets of teeth of an elephant. A Shahadah that is visible like a protruding tusk is published in the book of Ismaili Constitution. The second Shahadah that is hidden like a set of chewing teeth is published in the book of Ismaili Dua. The 'Shahadah' (Confession of Faith) of the Constitution is the one that any Muslim would recite and confess. The 'Shahadah' of the Dua (ritual prayer) has an extra phrase annexed to it. This annexed phrase negates the "Unity of God" by confessing: "The Ali, the God." Below are the photographic reproductions of the Ismaili 'Kalimah Shahadah' with its transliteration and translations from the book of Ismaili Dua, published by The Shia Imami Ismailia Association for Africa, Kenya, 1963. (Here appears in the book, the Arabic text) La ilaha illallaha, Mohammedur-Rasoolullahi,
There is no deity except Allah, Muhammad is the
(Here appears in the book, the Gujrati text) The phrase that negates the "Tawheed" (Unity
of Allah) is "Aliyyullah". It appears at the
end of the Shahadah. This phrase is a combination of two words. "Aliyyun"
and
"Allah".
When the two are
As an example, if I was to write "The Abualy, The Missionary", it would mean "That particular Abualy (is) the Missionary". To contend and say that I have meant "That particular Abualy is from the missionary" is totally incorrect and nonfactual. Hence, the English translation, which reads "Aly...is from Allah" is a baseless smoke screen. The Arabic word for "from" is "min", and it does not appear in the Arabic text. Therefore, it is not incorrect to say that the Ismaili Kalimah Shahadah negates the "Unity of Allah". I remember the answer given by Abualy. An Ismaili questioned: What is the difference between the Kalimah of our old Dua, wherein we used to recite 'Ali sahi (truly)Allah', and of the new Dua which recites "Aliyyullah"? Abualy's response was: There is no difference. He added, while demonstrating: We (Ismailis) used to hold our ear with our hand from the front - across the chest. Now we are holding the same ear with the same hand but from the back of our neck. In other words; Aga Khan is truly Allah. Ismailis are not raising their voices for the removal of the last phrase of their Kalimah. But they all know that one day, if not today, they could be thrown out of the fold of Islamic Ummah (Brotherhood), especially in Pakistan, for their un-Islamic Kalimah. Equating Aga Khan with Allah is far worse than the equating of Mirza Gulam Ahmed with Prophet Muhammad by the Qaddiyanis (Ahmediyyas), who have recently been declared "non-Muslims" by the Law in Pakistan. Today many Ismailis in India and Pakistan have given up the recitation of the Ismaili Dua. More Ismailis are openly reciting Islamic Namaz (Salat). Ismailia Namazi Khidmat Committee of Pakistan has constructed two Masjids (Mosques) in Karachi to recite Azan and Namaz with other Ismailis in congregation. Similarly, in India, Islah Educational Foundation of Bandra, Bombay has constructed a Mosque for Ismailis of Bombay and is now constructing a 13.18 million rupees complex in the town of Tighra in the District of Valsad. The project includes Boarding House, Sanitarium, Medical Center, Buildings for Secondary, Technical and Social Education where the Boarders will learn to recite the entire Quran by heart, call the Azan and lead the Namaz. I have been informed from several sources that a draft of 'Namaz for Ismailis' has been submitted by the Institute of Ismaili Studies, London, to the office of Karim Aga Khan in France for signature and promulgation. The need for change has been perceived as more acute since June 1986 when a group of Ismailis filed a civil suit in the High Courts of Sind at Karachi, Pakistan, for the right of Ismailis to recite Azan and Namaz in Jamatkhanas. The judgment is expected very soon. Whatever the eventual outcome, however, this litigation has raised some eye-brow raising questions in the minds of local Muslims, through the Pakistani media. The case has generated momentum from the non-Ismaili Muslims, many of whom have come out in the open supporting the plaintiffs. It will not be an easy task for the Courts of an Islamic Republic to restrict Ismaili Muslims from reciting Namaz in a House of Prayer built for Ismaili Muslims. However, the Defendants are trying their best to sway the decision in their favour, by making a submission in their Counter-Affidavit, that "Inherent right of devolution of ownership of Jamatkhanas (is) in the Imam"; "Jamatkhanas are not dedicated as Masjids" and historically, such establishments are "additional places for religious practices, other than Masjids, for supererogatory prayers". Note: The above mentioned sworn statement acknowledges that a Jamatkhana is a place for supererogatory prayer but not a place for Sujood (Prostration) - the root word for Masjid. Do not Ismailis make Sujoods in their Dua? Literally Masjid means, a place for making Sujood. "O Ali - You the Creator -
I have met hundreds of educated Ismailis who take pride in declaring themselves as unorthodox Ismailis. They say they are not like other traditional, ill-advised Ismailis who call Hazar Imam (Aga Khan) God. They only consider him their religious leader and head of the community. The most surprising thing is that most of these Ismailis who call themselves unorthodox and do not believe in the Divinity of the Aga Khans, send their children to the religious night schools in Jamatkhanas. One of the most popular and elementary Ginans that these youngsters are taught in the religious night schools is "Haqq tu - Pak tu". It is one of the most frequently recited Ginan in the Jamatkhanas. What does the Ginan "Haqq tu - Pak tu" pronounce and
declare?
Haqq tu = You the Truth;
Pak tu = You the Holy;
I do not see any difference whatsoever between Ismailis who boast that they do not call Aga Khan God, and then teach their children "Haqq tu - Pak tu" and a father who would boast that he is a teetotaler (anti-alcoholic) and then sends his son or daughter to a pub to learn how to drink alcohol. Allah says: "And if it be said unto them: Follow that which Allah hath revealed,
they say: Nay, but we follow that wherein we found our fathers. What! Even
though the devil were inviting them unto the doom of (blazing) fire?"
"And Satan will say when the matter is decided: 'It was Allah who gave you a promise of Truth; I too promised, but I failed in my promise to you. I have no authority over you except to call you, but you obeyed me; so blame me not, but blame yourselves. I cannot help you, nor can you help me. Lo! I had already beforehand rebelled against God with whom you associated me. Lo! For wrong-doers there must be a grievous penalty". Holy Quran 14/22 Path to Peace "O Believers, enter into Peace, all together." Holy Quran "What is next?" One Sunday morning, I was awakened from my peaceful sleep by the telephone. It was around seven o'clock. I picked it up. On the other end was an Ismaili missionary calling long distance. He is a well educated, outspoken, middle-aged preacher with western concepts and innovative ideas - a rare combination for an Ismaili missionary He had come across some of my papers and questionnaires on the subjects of Ismaili Tariqah, probably passed on to him by members of his congregations. His primary interest was to know if I had received any response to my questionnaires on the Ismaili Traditions and Dua, from any of his fellow missionaries or the institutions that look after the propagation of Ismaili faith. I explained to him that I had mailed the papers to The Institute of Ismaili Studies, London and to The Ismailia Associations all across the world but unfortunately none of them had answered or came forth to have either private or public dialogues on the issues. Probably the matter for discussion was too hot. He remarked; the matter is uncomfortably warm and there are only a few trained firefighters (missionaries), the rest are only dressed like firefighters. He requested me to mail him a few more papers and details on subject matters where ambiguities were prevalent. A few weeks later, on a Sunday morning when it ischeaper to call from the States, we were again discussing the issues over the telephone. He concluded by asking me a question. He said, "the arguments that you have put forth are of a fundamental nature. The questions you want to be answered are key issues. Your line of interrogation is logical. Even if we were to go to the extent of admitting that your concerns are well founded, what is your suggestion? What do you want us to do? My question to you is - what is next?" This same question is being asked over and over again by Ismailis, especially in the 80's. The recent publication of 'The Aga Khans' by Mihir Bose, articles by foreign journalists in international magazines on the life of the Aga Khans and his followers, letters to editors, open questionnaires and public appeals to Aga Khan through the media have made the Ismailis, intellectually curious and eager for knowledge. Contradictory records from Ismaili history have added fuel to some of the age old burning questions. Today Ismailis are discussing issues and topics in the open, about which they would not be candid two or three decades ago. When ambiguities and uncertainties continue to prevail, the question is - what is next? Before I answer the question, let me briefly elaborate the goal. "Dar-us-Salaam" Come winter and every year the migrating birds begin their journey to the South from Alaska and North Canada - most of them reach their destinations. But on their path, a few of them get stranded or waylaid. I often wonder, were my forefathers lured or got stranded,
in their journey to 'Dar-us-Salaam' (House of Peace)? I am told their aim
was freedom from idol worshipping; a journey from theomorphism to monotheism.
A pilgrimage from Hinduism to Islam. The question is; “did they or their
descendants -my parents - reach their destination”?
The journey for my parents and grandparents came to an end, when their souls departed from this world. For their brothers and sisters who are alive, the journey is not yet over. The Path to Peace is open for those who wish to continue the march. A peace, that is within and without; no 'taqiyya' (concealment of faith), no double standards, no 'Unity' in Duality or Trinity. A monotheism that is pure and simple, open and honest. A relationship that is unmediated; no intervening agent(s), no human bondage, no shackles of Constitutions or Clergy. A Peace that has the harmony of body, mind and soul. The goal is to reach that Dar-us-Salaam (House of Peace). Our existence for it is short. So take heart, ponder for whatever time is left with you out of the unknown and act, lnsha-Allah, "Fadhlun min Rabbi, fathun qareeb". The Journey Every journey begins with the first step. “… Lo! Allah changeth not the condition of a folk until they (first) change that which is in their hearts …” Holy Quran 13/11 Step No. 1: A drowning person can only be pulled aboard a ship by a Captain if he is holding a rope coming from that ship. If he holds two ropes coming from two ships, he faces the danger of being torn apart rather than being rescued. Evaluate, do you fear the primary authority or the secondary authorities? Who should you trust, the Creator Himself or His creations? After having evaluated, make a firm decision to obey and pray to that alone whom you have chosen as your Captain and Rescuer. “Allah has said: 'Take not (for worship) two gods: For He is just One Allah; then fear Me (and Me alone)’.” Holy Quran 16/51 Step No. 2: No teacher can write a fresh lesson on a slate that is already filled with old lessons. Clean your slate without any hesitation. If the old lesson that you had learnt was 'The Truth', then Allah will not mislead you to other than 'The Truth’. Not cleaning the slate proves that you have not sincerely embarked upon a project of knowing the Truth but your object is to collect facts and evidences that would support and strengthen a particular truth, that you happen to possess by inheritance or acquaintance. In other words you have not chosen Him as your Teacher with complete confidence. "When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them); I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me: Let them also, with a will listen to My Call, and believe in Me; that they may walk in the right way" Holy Quran 2/186 Step No. 3: We have cleaned our slates. Now where is the lesson? Allah says: "And We have revealed the Book to thee for the express purpose, that thou mayst explain unto them that wherein they differ, and that it should be a guide and a mercy to those who believe."Holy Quran 16/64 Step No. 4: Having accepted that the Revelations of Allah - the Quran - as our teacher we consider which version of the Quran to read. First of all, the concept of the existence of more than one version of the Quran is incorrect. In the case of the Holy Bible, there are several versions, e.g., Vulgate, Wycliff, Tyndale, the Authorized Version (King James Version), the Revised Standard Versions and so forth. Even the Revised Version of 1952 is rerevised in 1971. There are textual differences and contrasts between these versions. Whereas, since the last 1400 years, the Arabic text of the Quran has not been revised or altered. The differences that we see lie in its translations, interpretations and commentaries. So, the question would be, which is the correct interpretation? How do we know it is not biased or misleading? Allah, subhanhu wa ta’ala, has already solved this problem. He says: "He it is who hath revealed unto thee (Muhammad) the Scripture wherein are clear revelations - they are the substance of the Book - and others (are) allegorical. But those in whose hearts is doubt pursue, forsooth, that which is allegorical seeking (to cause) dissension by seeking to explain it. None knoweth its explanation save Allah. And those who are of sound instruction say: We believe therein; the whole is from Lord; but only men of understanding really heed." Holy Quran 3/7 This verse makes it clear that the verses of the Quran that are clear to understand, meaning verses of explicit instructions, are the substance or nucleus of the Quran. They are the basic messages and fundamental commands. Step No. 5: How do we understand the rest of the Message? Once we have read the clear and explicit Message of the Quran, and continue observing the rules of practical conduct and the prescribed statutes, then He with His Mercy will guide us unto the finer things. Allah, had He willed, would have made us all into one community and expanded equal understandings, but He wants to test us with what He has prescribed. Our duty is to follow His plan, obey the Law prescribed, do good deeds, and strive as in a race for His Mercy He will then gradually show us the traced out way for the finer things. He will keep opening up the 'Open Way' "How?" This entire process has been beautifully explained in the Quran. The prescribed Statute is called "Shirat" and the prescribed or traced out way or 'Open Way' is called "Minhaaja" by Allah in the Quran. For full details please open chapter 5 and read verse 48 in Pickthall's or 51 in Yusuf All's translations. I have not quoted the verse this time for the simple reason that I would like you to read the preceding verses, which are also relevant to the subject. The more you read the Quran, the more you will know the answer to "What next?" and "How?" Step No. 6: You can call this a word of caution: please DO NOT break
the covenant that you make with your Creator Please make it a commitment
that when you say "Thee Alone we worship, and Thee
Alone we ask for help" (lyyaaka na’budu, wa iyyaaka nastaiin) you
mean to abide by it. The moment you call upon "other than Allah"
"Lo! As for those who believe not in the hereafter, We have made their deeds fair-seeming unto them; and so they wander about in distraction." Holy Quran 27/4 "Unto Him is the real prayer Those unto whom they pray beside Allah respond to them not at all save as (is the response to) one who stretcheth forth his hands towards water (asking) that it may come unto his mouth, and it will never reach it. The prayer of disbelievers goeth astray. Holy Quran 13/14 Peace of Allah be upon you.
Should I be a Silent Spectator? There was a community of fishermen living in a seaside town. These fishermen were Jews and were commanded to observe the Sabbath (Jewish day of worship and rest), decreed upon them by Mosaic Law (The Pentateuch). Many persisted in breaking the Sabbath by fishing between Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, instead of resting and praying. Allah says in the Quran: “… For on the day of their Sabbath their fish did come to them, openly holding up their heads, but on the day they had no Sabbath, they came not: Thus did We make a trial of them, for they were given to transgression." The traditional story relates that some of these fishermen were smart. Instead of defying the Law in the open, they constructed huge reservoirs channeled into the sea. They would allow the fish to swim into the reservoirs on the Sabbath day and in the evening they would trap the fish in the reservoirs by shutting the gates of the channels. The next dm they would do the fishing from the reservoirs. This kind of circumvention, as well as the open transgression, divided the community into three groups. Group A. Repeatedly transgressed
the Sabbath.
Thereupon some of the Jews said to the people who were
preaching:
Allah says, the preachers replied:
Commenting on the above verses (7/163-164), translator
Abdullah Yusuf Ali writes:
After having read the book, if you believe it is your duty and responsibility to Allah, to warn your fellow brothers and sisters, please do not be a silent spectator. Spread the Truth. Perchance you may save a soul or two. 'Jazakum Allahu Khairan’.
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