How to be a Ismaili ?
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MujeebUddin
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Sat Feb 28, 2004 7:51 pm
How to be a Ismaili ?
I am residing in Dubai and I am a muslim shea. What should I do in order to be a part of Ismaili Community ?.
how to be an Ismaili.
Isn't it sad that no one has responded?
It seems that Khojas are very stingy about sharing their love for the Imam.
Constantly think the salwaat.
Patience is half of faith.
It seems that Khojas are very stingy about sharing their love for the Imam.
Constantly think the salwaat.
Patience is half of faith.
In order to have your question answered, you must understand what makes an Ismaili Muslim different from non-Ismaili Muslims.
Ismailis, like most other Shias, believe in the Imamat. What makes them different from other Imami Muslims is the line (ancestry) of the Imam, for which line the Imam is present (mawjud) and open (hazir). This is why the Imam is often called Mowlana Hazir Imam, meaning our Master the Visible Imam. "Hazir" is the opposite, if you will, of "Ghaib," like the Imam of Ithna Ashari Imam Muslims, the Imam of Tayyibi/Bohra Muslims, etc.
The Imam of Nizari Qasim-Shahi Ismailis is His Highness Prince Karim Shah al-Husseini Aga Khan IV (may God bless Him and His progeny!). Ismailis make baiyat, or an oath of allegiance, to him. The belief is that by making baiyat on the mukhi's hands (a mukhi is the leader of a jamaat or congregation), one is making baiyat on the Imam's hands, which means one is making baiyat on Allah's hands. In order to become an Ismaili, technically, you would need to make baiyat to the Imam (usually through your local mukhi) and thereafter remain faithful to that oath, which means obeying the teachings, rules, and practices as declared by the Hazir Imam.
The real issue you need to focus on is initiating the process that will, insha Allah, lead to you making baiyat to the Imam. You will need to submit a letter stating your intention to become an Ismaili to the local Ismaili Tariqa and Religious Education Board, who will examine your petition, teach you the basics or test your knowledge of the basics of Ismailism, and then guide you as they see fit.
I, unfortunately, have no idea how to get in touch with local Ismaili authorities in your area so you can contact the right people, but perhaps you can find out.
Above all, study, study, and study even more about Ismailism, its beliefs, its history, its practices. And may Allah guide you to the Nur on Earth.
Mowla hafiz,
Omayr
Ismailis, like most other Shias, believe in the Imamat. What makes them different from other Imami Muslims is the line (ancestry) of the Imam, for which line the Imam is present (mawjud) and open (hazir). This is why the Imam is often called Mowlana Hazir Imam, meaning our Master the Visible Imam. "Hazir" is the opposite, if you will, of "Ghaib," like the Imam of Ithna Ashari Imam Muslims, the Imam of Tayyibi/Bohra Muslims, etc.
The Imam of Nizari Qasim-Shahi Ismailis is His Highness Prince Karim Shah al-Husseini Aga Khan IV (may God bless Him and His progeny!). Ismailis make baiyat, or an oath of allegiance, to him. The belief is that by making baiyat on the mukhi's hands (a mukhi is the leader of a jamaat or congregation), one is making baiyat on the Imam's hands, which means one is making baiyat on Allah's hands. In order to become an Ismaili, technically, you would need to make baiyat to the Imam (usually through your local mukhi) and thereafter remain faithful to that oath, which means obeying the teachings, rules, and practices as declared by the Hazir Imam.
The real issue you need to focus on is initiating the process that will, insha Allah, lead to you making baiyat to the Imam. You will need to submit a letter stating your intention to become an Ismaili to the local Ismaili Tariqa and Religious Education Board, who will examine your petition, teach you the basics or test your knowledge of the basics of Ismailism, and then guide you as they see fit.
I, unfortunately, have no idea how to get in touch with local Ismaili authorities in your area so you can contact the right people, but perhaps you can find out.
Above all, study, study, and study even more about Ismailism, its beliefs, its history, its practices. And may Allah guide you to the Nur on Earth.
Mowla hafiz,
Omayr
Re: how to be an Ismaili.
I think it is more cultural thing of being stingy (chinsy) with them. Just go to subway (a fast-food chain in US & Canada) and you'll see. I have been told that the most open-minded ones are in Canada when it comes to conversions. It may be because The Imam may have issued a directive to the Tariqa Board for Da’wa.tasbiha wrote:Isn't it sad that no one has responded?
It seems that Khojas are very stingy about sharing their love for the Imam.
Constantly think the salwaat.
Patience is half of faith.
I know in States the Tariqa board has mocked the US INS (immigration and naturalization service) they literally have forms that mock the INS forms for green card and naturalization process. Sometimes I think it is a payback to people here who may want to convert.
I think it is worth repeating what I have said on "Converting to Ismaili tariqah" Forum ( http://www.ismaili.net/html/modules.php ... 9a72fab53b )
Yes shamsu is correct you need to submit a letter of intent to start with and once it is received you'll be contacted for an interview and then they'll give you forms to fill out and ask that you also give letters of references from Ismailis that you may know (I think they need min of 3 letters) don’t be surprised to see that the forms look like the US INS forms! Once the forms are received you'll be assigned a religious teacher who will go over most if not all aspects of the faith and you'll be asked to memorize the Du'a and the (summarized) meaning. I think the teacher will meet with you for 14 sessions and then you'll be meeting for the final interview and that time your reference letters must be submitted. At the conclusion of your final interview you'll be asked to recite the Dua in its entirety and may be asked for summarized meaning of one or two of the six parts of the Du'a. Once your last interview is over they will send your paper work to the National Tariqa Board and depending upon how much you push them it could take 1 to 3 days (if you are heavy hitter) to 6 weeks for final approval and then your teacher will arrange for the Biat with the Mukhi of the Jamet (usually before the prayer times). At the conclusion of the Jameti ceremonies during announcements you or your name will be announced as a newcomer to the Jamet. Also you’ll be asked to choose a Muslim name (just like as you would if you are Catholic for your confirmation).
Good luck and if you should have question feel free to ask here or PM.
This may be a shock to everyone but no one is "born into this faith" I wish that some day (or may be it is out there but suppressed or not very well known farman) a farman will clear this once and for all. Ismaili faith is accepted; Just as Islam is accepted by an individual.shamsu wrote: Mowla Aly Madad,
I do not know much about how to go about converting as most of the Ismailies I know were born into this faith.
Shams
Yes shamsu is correct you need to submit a letter of intent to start with and once it is received you'll be contacted for an interview and then they'll give you forms to fill out and ask that you also give letters of references from Ismailis that you may know (I think they need min of 3 letters) don’t be surprised to see that the forms look like the US INS forms! Once the forms are received you'll be assigned a religious teacher who will go over most if not all aspects of the faith and you'll be asked to memorize the Du'a and the (summarized) meaning. I think the teacher will meet with you for 14 sessions and then you'll be meeting for the final interview and that time your reference letters must be submitted. At the conclusion of your final interview you'll be asked to recite the Dua in its entirety and may be asked for summarized meaning of one or two of the six parts of the Du'a. Once your last interview is over they will send your paper work to the National Tariqa Board and depending upon how much you push them it could take 1 to 3 days (if you are heavy hitter) to 6 weeks for final approval and then your teacher will arrange for the Biat with the Mukhi of the Jamet (usually before the prayer times). At the conclusion of the Jameti ceremonies during announcements you or your name will be announced as a newcomer to the Jamet. Also you’ll be asked to choose a Muslim name (just like as you would if you are Catholic for your confirmation).
Good luck and if you should have question feel free to ask here or PM.
It is with a great disappointment and sadness to inform that according to the Midwestern Tariq Board Chairperson that the conversion process (application and to byat) has a lot to do with if one is going to marry an Ismaili. In other words, if someone is just wanting to convert on the faith bases only would take longer to convert than if one was to or going to marry an Ismaili.
I think in my opinion that if someone who with good faith and conscience and in the name of the Imam wants to convert to Ismailisam is not good enough. So much for being esoteric or may be it is just the Khoja Tradition, I don't know all I know is that someone higher up has to educate the Tariqa Board in the US. I know the Canadian Tariqa Board has for sometime far advanced in this matter and may be some day not too late will help there neighbors to the south.
I think in my opinion that if someone who with good faith and conscience and in the name of the Imam wants to convert to Ismailisam is not good enough. So much for being esoteric or may be it is just the Khoja Tradition, I don't know all I know is that someone higher up has to educate the Tariqa Board in the US. I know the Canadian Tariqa Board has for sometime far advanced in this matter and may be some day not too late will help there neighbors to the south.
It was a great joy to find and report that the best and the most compassionate TARIQ Board in terms of Conversions is in Calgary Alberta, Canada. And if you have true intention to accept the Ismail Faith and regardless of your marital status/intent then Calgary would be the answer for you and it is my sincere hope that the Calgary model of the process someday soon will enlighten the rest of the Boards across the globe.
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faisall667
- Posts: 159
- Joined: Sun Sep 26, 2004 10:57 pm
I have to say after reading this, it really infuriates me. How do you become the president of the Tariqa. (I am too young, but I am asking for future reference--maybe).It is with a great disappointment and sadness to inform that according to the Midwestern Tariq Board Chairperson that the conversion process (application and to byat) has a lot to do with if one is going to marry an Ismaili. In other words, if someone is just wanting to convert on the faith bases only would take longer to convert than if one was to or going to marry an Ismaili.
Faisal
The correcgt title would be Tariqa Board Chairperson or ITREB Chairperson (in some cases ITREB is broken into two one chair for Tariqaand another for Religous Education Board). The tearm limit for Chariperson is Three Years with one renewal after the second term they are termbared.faisall667 wrote:I have to say after reading this, it really infuriates me. How do you become the president of the Tariqa. (I am too young, but I am asking for future reference--maybe).It is with a great disappointment and sadness to inform that according to the Midwestern Tariq Board Chairperson that the conversion process (application and to byat) has a lot to do with if one is going to marry an Ismaili. In other words, if someone is just wanting to convert on the faith bases only would take longer to convert than if one was to or going to marry an Ismaili.
Faisal
As to how to become a chir person is the similar process as if it was for regular (everyday) and Majalis Mukhis and Assistant Mukhis, local and regional council presidents (This excludes Darkhana Mukhis and National Council President, where their names are seleted from a list by The Imam Himself).
The post/positions except for the ITREB & Council are usually from within the group they belong to and to be blunt are political. The current Chairperson picks 2-3 names and brings it to the meeting with current Mukhi and council president and this usually happens a month before or last chandraat before the term is to expire. After their discussion the nominee is contacted by the Mukhi on July10th for reminder call to be seated close to the front so when their names are announced the can "take their positions" ore seats in front, although there is no seating arrangements but usually on mukhi's frist right is the council prez, ITREB chair and on the assistant mukhi's first left is Council seceratary followed by the charperson for the Religous Education Board. The same follows if for the Females if the President or chairperson or seceratary happens to be one.
****Just so that you know, people who happen to become the titled position they some how seemed to forget or loose their fire as you have expressed and go on a power-tip (in most cases)
creepy polcies of tariqa board
Yes, thinks sounds really sick, like a cult, really.
But I do think these policies will change within the next couple of years.
I know the proper Salwaat (better than you guys), I have the Holy Du'a memorized, I understand most of it in Arabic - do you?
I can't enter a JK, but I can pray at home. I understand your religion better than most of you.
I could probably debate with a mukhi or a waez and win the argument.
The important thing is being chained to MHI on Judgment Day. All else is bullshit.
But I do think these policies will change within the next couple of years.
I know the proper Salwaat (better than you guys), I have the Holy Du'a memorized, I understand most of it in Arabic - do you?
I can't enter a JK, but I can pray at home. I understand your religion better than most of you.
I could probably debate with a mukhi or a waez and win the argument.
The important thing is being chained to MHI on Judgment Day. All else is bullshit.
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faisall667
- Posts: 159
- Joined: Sun Sep 26, 2004 10:57 pm
Correction..Any position that has a 3 year term is appointed directly by Mowlana Hazar Imam. All practises and processes of our Tariqah are governed by Mowlana Hazar Imam...he has said so in the farman.unnalhaq wrote:The correcgt title would be Tariqa Board Chairperson or ITREB Chairperson (in some cases ITREB is broken into two one chair for Tariqaand another for Religous Education Board). The tearm limit for Chariperson is Three Years with one renewal after the second term they are termbared.faisall667 wrote:I have to say after reading this, it really infuriates me. How do you become the president of the Tariqa. (I am too young, but I am asking for future reference--maybe).It is with a great disappointment and sadness to inform that according to the Midwestern Tariq Board Chairperson that the conversion process (application and to byat) has a lot to do with if one is going to marry an Ismaili. In other words, if someone is just wanting to convert on the faith bases only would take longer to convert than if one was to or going to marry an Ismaili.
Faisal
As to how to become a chir person is the similar process as if it was for regular (everyday) and Majalis Mukhis and Assistant Mukhis, local and regional council presidents (This excludes Darkhana Mukhis and National Council President, where their names are seleted from a list by The Imam Himself).
The post/positions except for the ITREB & Council are usually from within the group they belong to and to be blunt are political. The current Chairperson picks 2-3 names and brings it to the meeting with current Mukhi and council president and this usually happens a month before or last chandraat before the term is to expire. After their discussion the nominee is contacted by the Mukhi on July10th for reminder call to be seated close to the front so when their names are announced the can "take their positions" ore seats in front, although there is no seating arrangements but usually on mukhi's frist right is the council prez, ITREB chair and on the assistant mukhi's first left is Council seceratary followed by the charperson for the Religous Education Board. The same follows if for the Females if the President or chairperson or seceratary happens to be one.
****Just so that you know, people who happen to become the titled position they some how seemed to forget or loose their fire as you have expressed and go on a power-tip (in most cases)
We are a batini faith..we have no active mission to recruit new members, I understand the need for a process around admittance to prevent the pretenders from getting in..if someone is genuine about becoming an Ismaili they will persevere through the process and understand the value and importance of being an ismaili..A trial by fire.....
In parts of Asia and Africa there are people that would become ismailies just so that they can then claim benefits from the institutions that are set up for Ismailies...(the Welfare Association, Social Services etc) whilst at home or even in public they will practise their own faith..whilst i understand that in the West that might not be the case..but I am sure that this Process is put in place to ensure that no one that isn't sincere gets through.
Shams
Re: creepy polcies of tariqa board
Have you given Baiyat to the Imam or his representative..IE the Mukhisaheb of your local Jamat Khana?...because without it..you have not yet become an Ismaili...in becoming an Ismaili that is the first step...tasbiha wrote:Yes, thinks sounds really sick, like a cult, really.
But I do think these policies will change within the next couple of years.
I know the proper Salwaat (better than you guys), I have the Holy Du'a memorized, I understand most of it in Arabic - do you?
I can't enter a JK, but I can pray at home. I understand your religion better than most of you.
I could probably debate with a mukhi or a waez and win the argument.
The important thing is being chained to MHI on Judgment Day. All else is bullshit.
No offense or insult intended.
Ya Ali Madat
Shams
ShamsB.
I think we should start a new thread on this topic. Giving "Bayat" to the Imam isn't something that has retained its value. Today most if not all Ismailis give Bayat to the Imam via a Mukhi or what not right at birth, correct?
I can guarantee that not even 10% of the younger generation knows it's significance... Why? It is done because its more so looked at as a tradition.
Parents have never bothered to sit down and explain to their children what Islam or Ismailism is. We are simply told to worship Hazar Imam. I am not saying it is wrong to worship him, I am just speaking on behalf of those who are illeducated... I was once one of them. Parents today simply either stuff religion down their children's throats, or never bother explaining anything. When there is a waez in khane or a missionary is asked a question, it's always about hearsay and what happened to a friend of a friend of his. Nothing but "DINDARO! We must bla bla bla".
I feel that if there is someone out there who feels he wants to follow Ismailism and has no access to giving Bayat to the Imam, then he should be allowed. If he wants to practice Ismailism, he has the full right to. You or a Mukhi or no one else has any right to refuse information and refuse the practice of faith to him.
After all there are sayings that Hindus and other people have had dreams telling them their "Lord Krishna" will be here at such and such time, and when they see Hazar Imam they claim to have seen their Lord Krishna... This is great... and infact these are people who have not given Bayat to the Imam and yet he has given deedar to them.
Tasbiha you're not an Ismaili?... I'm sorry I wasn't quite clear on what you were/are talking about. Please clarify.
I think we should start a new thread on this topic. Giving "Bayat" to the Imam isn't something that has retained its value. Today most if not all Ismailis give Bayat to the Imam via a Mukhi or what not right at birth, correct?
I can guarantee that not even 10% of the younger generation knows it's significance... Why? It is done because its more so looked at as a tradition.
Parents have never bothered to sit down and explain to their children what Islam or Ismailism is. We are simply told to worship Hazar Imam. I am not saying it is wrong to worship him, I am just speaking on behalf of those who are illeducated... I was once one of them. Parents today simply either stuff religion down their children's throats, or never bother explaining anything. When there is a waez in khane or a missionary is asked a question, it's always about hearsay and what happened to a friend of a friend of his. Nothing but "DINDARO! We must bla bla bla".
I feel that if there is someone out there who feels he wants to follow Ismailism and has no access to giving Bayat to the Imam, then he should be allowed. If he wants to practice Ismailism, he has the full right to. You or a Mukhi or no one else has any right to refuse information and refuse the practice of faith to him.
After all there are sayings that Hindus and other people have had dreams telling them their "Lord Krishna" will be here at such and such time, and when they see Hazar Imam they claim to have seen their Lord Krishna... This is great... and infact these are people who have not given Bayat to the Imam and yet he has given deedar to them.
Tasbiha you're not an Ismaili?... I'm sorry I wasn't quite clear on what you were/are talking about. Please clarify.
Please don't confuse the issues or add any issues..s786 wrote:ShamsB.
I think we should start a new thread on this topic. Giving "Bayat" to the Imam isn't something that has retained its value. Today most if not all Ismailis give Bayat to the Imam via a Mukhi or what not right at birth, correct?
I can guarantee that not even 10% of the younger generation knows it's significance... Why? It is done because its more so looked at as a tradition.
Parents have never bothered to sit down and explain to their children what Islam or Ismailism is. We are simply told to worship Hazar Imam. I am not saying it is wrong to worship him, I am just speaking on behalf of those who are illeducated... I was once one of them. Parents today simply either stuff religion down their children's throats, or never bother explaining anything. When there is a waez in khane or a missionary is asked a question, it's always about hearsay and what happened to a friend of a friend of his. Nothing but "DINDARO! We must bla bla bla".
I feel that if there is someone out there who feels he wants to follow Ismailism and has no access to giving Bayat to the Imam, then he should be allowed. If he wants to practice Ismailism, he has the full right to. You or a Mukhi or no one else has any right to refuse information and refuse the practice of faith to him.
After all there are sayings that Hindus and other people have had dreams telling them their "Lord Krishna" will be here at such and such time, and when they see Hazar Imam they claim to have seen their Lord Krishna... This is great... and infact these are people who have not given Bayat to the Imam and yet he has given deedar to them.
Tasbiha you're not an Ismaili?... I'm sorry I wasn't quite clear on what you were/are talking about. Please clarify.
The Hindu's getting deedar is a totally separate issue.
I am sorry it's not as easy as that..for a hindu to have witness Lord Krishna is between the Hindu and the Imam of the time..that isn't the concern of this topic...that Hindu probably had never practised ismailism or even thought about conversion...
The deedar given to them was probably due to their good deeds..notice they didn't see Mowlana Hazar Imam as Mowlana Hazar Imam or Ali...but as Shri Krishna..but that is a different issue altogether.
and it isn't for you and I to decide to Whom Mowlana Hazar Imam gives deedar to.
Deedar isn't a right of ismailies..it is a privilege...
Noorani Deedar is an even bigger privelege as stated by Mowlana Hazar Imam in more than one farman..
You are talking about 2 different issues here..
Ismailism is based on one thing and one thing only and that is the Imam of the time..giving baiyat to the Imam of the time is the only thing that admits one to the faith..to the community...without Baiyat you CAN NOT consider yourself an Ismaili
The Mukhisaheb is the representative of Mowlana Hazar Imam and is (in most instances) appointed DIRECTLY BY MOWLANA HAZAR IMAM..and giving him Baiyat is as good as giving Hazar Imam baiyat.
Just because some of our ismaili youth do not understand baiyat doesn't mean that it isn't SIGNIFICANT...and that is another topic as to the lack of education provided to the youth..not this issue...
Baiyat is what makes us Ismaili...no one that hasn't given Baiyat should enter Jamat Khana during prayer times..
this issue is in regards to the process of becoming an Ismaili..
How can you say that there is no access to give Baiyat..all one has to do is go through the process and once one has satisfied all requirements, one will be allowed to give Baiyat...
Amazing we will go thru all hoops to join an exclusive country club or a fraterinity but when it comes to joining our faith..we have issues with the process and we want to have all shortcuts.
I know for a fact that the current process has been approved and put in place by Mowlana Hazar Imam himself..maybe you want to tell him that HE is WRONG?
My point is that if someone views the Imam as the manifestation of Allah..(to me he's is Ali which equals to Allah).or even the guide to salvation..do you not think that they'd be willing to jump through all hoops to gain salvation..don't you think they'd be willing to wait for as long as it takes for them to become Ismaili?..if they want an instant response..sorry than this isn't the faith for them...remember...it could be a trial by fire..if you are sincere about your quest to join our faith..you will be patient and wait to join our faith..
as Hazar Imam has stated : This is a faith of Conviction not one of Convienence...
He wants murids that are convinced..he wants murids that will be farman bardari..we aren't forcing anyone to join our faith...people want to join of their own accord...they have to go thru the process set out by Mowlana Hazar Imam..
and we are Ismailies because of Hazar Imam..he isn't Hazar Imam
because of us..we can't change his processes or the requirements of the faith to suit our needs or wants...
As he has stated in the Preamble to the Constitution and in recent Farmans..
ONLY THE IMAM OF THE TIME CAN CHANGE TARIQAH MATTERS.
This is a tariqah matter...leave it to him...
Shams
Re: creepy polcies of tariqa board
You nailed right on the head, sis. I know they are going to start the spin now! I think the DNC goes to then to learn how to spin.tasbiha wrote:Yes, thinks sounds really sick, like a cult, really.
But I do think these policies will change within the next couple of years.
I know the proper Salwaat (better than you guys), I have the Holy Du'a memorized, I understand most of it in Arabic - do you?
I can't enter a JK, but I can pray at home. I understand your religion better than most of you.
I could probably debate with a mukhi or a waez and win the argument.
The important thing is being chained to MHI on Judgment Day. All else is bullshit.
You may have noticed when it comes to Hindus; it is always a "different story". I think they-(ismaili-hindus) are still in infancy, long long ways from Shia-Ismaili.
Performing Bayat and living by its principles and obligations avails one an effective and efficient path to God realisation.
However others who are devoted to their own traditions and practice them rigorously will also attain salvation though the process may be less efficient.
As Imam Sultan Muhamad Shah remarked concerning the sect out of 73 sects that will attain salvation is comprised of all pious people from all sects. In that respect salvation is available to all and is not for Ismailis only.
However others who are devoted to their own traditions and practice them rigorously will also attain salvation though the process may be less efficient.
As Imam Sultan Muhamad Shah remarked concerning the sect out of 73 sects that will attain salvation is comprised of all pious people from all sects. In that respect salvation is available to all and is not for Ismailis only.