Where To Start?

Discussion on doctrinal issues
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UCRIsmaili
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Oct 09, 2005 11:25 pm

Where To Start?

Post by UCRIsmaili »

Ya Ali Madat,

This is my first post. I want to learn alot more about the Ismaili faith and was wondering where to start. I plan on reading a translation of the Quran without any prejudgement, forming my own opinions and going from there and exploring the Ismaili faith. I was wondering what books/websites/doctrines I can read for a beginner to get an idea of the Ismaili faith. Thank you!

-Shez
kmaherali
Posts: 25705
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

YAM,

I would say that if you do not know Arabic, then Quran would not be the ideal place to begin because you would be approaching it through someone else's interpretation which may not accord with our interpretation of faith. A translation is never objective....it always involves an interpretation.

I would begin by reading the chapter "Religion of My Ancestors" in the "The Memoirs of the Aga Khan by H.H. The Aga Khan III". It is an authoritative statement written by the Imam himself about Islam in general and Ismailism in particular. It can be accessed at:

http://www.ismaili.net/Source/0016b.html

Other material of importance would be:

* The `True Meaning of Religion' or Risala dar Haqiqat-I Din by Shihabu'd-Din Shah al-Husayni. Transl. Ivanow. London: Oxford University Press, 1933. This can be accessed at:

http://www.ismaili.net/Source/0693.html

* On the Recognition of the Imam. Translation by Ivanov.
Ismaili Society Series B, II. Bombay: Thacher, 1947 at:

http://www.ismaili.net/Source/0720.html

There are two important publications from the IIS.

1. "Nasir Khusraw, The Ruby of Badakhshan" by Alics Hunsberger

2. "Paradise of Submission" edited and translated by S.J. Badakhchani. In particluar there are two important chapters in it, chapter 24 and 26.
Aliflammeem
Posts: 13
Joined: Sat Oct 08, 2005 2:09 pm

Post by Aliflammeem »

The order didn't come to and end at mohammad's death.  Quran says there is no question you can have which is not answered here.
kmaherali
Posts: 25705
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Common Questions/Answers about Shī‘ī Ismā‘īlī Islam

http://ismailignosis.com/2012/08/30/com ... ili-islam/
nuseri
Posts: 1373
Joined: Thu Jul 12, 2012 8:54 am

Post by nuseri »

The first posting of this topic in is in good English is by someone who may be not interested in conversion but wanting to know your site reply to it.Any educated person first seek info about religion and then may desire conversion much much later.
Conversion in religion in 21st century with the current education status of the world can be very tough(laws of each country) as It can lead to litigations by troubleseekers.
Going forward 'Inspiration with Anticipation' can be the Game changer for the future.
Enforcing our doctrines and practice of our rituals straight away is just not feasible practically.

Maherali Bhai future me milnaa hai ke nahi?
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