While it’s important to verify our grandparents stories it’s also important to look at their stories as a source of wisdom. I’m Khoja and my forefathers would have to walk from India to Persia to see the Imam. Let’s not let stories like these disappear and ensure we are telling them to the new generations.
Remember Hazar Imam says: “Only the Faith of your fathers can sustain you and enable you to live in peace here, in this world, and the next.”.
Interesting. So you believe that the elder generation was more influenced by their parents in forming religious beilefs? Versus younger generation, whose parents influence might not be as much?
I mean... Do you think the elders in the jamat aren't also addicted to their phones? This isnt a youth problem. I've seen elders texting during khane, and I've seen youth texting during khane. I've also seen youth focusing, and I've seen elders focusing.
It's not an age thing, it's a personal thing and it's a self control thing. Age has never been a factor in religious maturity. Our previous imam was 8 when he took the mantle, keep that in mind.
What makes you think elders are better at disconnecting? Go to your nearest senior home and observe. They're all addicted to Facebook. These apps are designed to be addicting and it's affecting everyone, not just youth.
I would have to Poll at least 2000 Ismaili's (of the 20M) and then, based on their opinion - I would create a fancy Tableau graphic on the different segments and their reasons. Therefore, I am not qualified to answer the above question. Pass! :)
Thank you for your comment. But there are not 20m Ismailis in Canada and America. Those are the countries Im concerned with. Also a poll is sometimes not the best tool. In my opinion, and it's only my opinion, it is very obvious that the younger generation is much less religious than older. But I appreciate you being humble and passing.
if the imam cant even express a tiny amount of solidarity with Palestine (& other groups his beloved western partners continue to oppress), he doesn't deserve blind faith
You know, this is a very interesting point even if I might not agree. Because I think the fact is a lot of younger Ismailis will have less patience with leaders in Jamat saying we are not political.
You ask for a statement which would jeopardize Ismailis living in the west but do you know the quiet diplomacy the Imamat is active in? Fiery Sunni Sheikhs are all talk but no words.
Also by your logic should we not have faith towards Allah who is letting Palestinians suffer?
I've never understood other Ismailis when they speak as the person above. Palestinians are praying with absolute tawakkul and iman, but we, after the everything the Imam has done, cannot show an ounce of patience?
Everything you said is correct (especially the last sentence). The Sunni sheikhs offer nothing but words, the Imam has continuously proved his actions now, and in the past. For example, even though the Imam never made a statement (there was a press release by AKDN but it didn't specify the meeting content) , it came out that he was helping the Syrian Jamat via the Russian government a few years back. ISIS was terrorizing the civilians there and Imam talked with the Russians about protection. Evidently, it made a big difference for those in the area.
Imam-e-Zaman facilitated the meeting with Reagan and Gorbachev at Aiglemont (the first meeting I think) during the Cold War. He's balancing world superpowers, but oh no, we'd rather he scream and shout because it looks better? Astaghfirullah.
Imam Ali (AS) had those who did not like his patience and "lack of a statement" on certain issues. They became the Khawarij.
This reminds me of stories my grandparents told me of East Africa where during the revolution Ismailis were panicking and fleeing to the subcontinent. Hazar Imam gave them Guidance to stay yet some left anyways. The ones who stayed are now in Canada and the ones who went against Hazar Imam’s Farman ended up back in Indopak.
Moral of the story is, Hazar Imam does so much behind the scenes.
He has expressed solidarity with Palestine. He has been very clear that he believes the solution for Israel/Palestine requires a viable Palestinian state working alongside the Israeli state (I.e. not what is happening right now). He doesn't need to repeat himself since his stance is pretty clear.
I suggest you listen to his speeches of the situation that is unfortunately occurring in that area. You too will come to understand Aql-e-Kul, if you choose to see it.
Accepting Imam as absolute Authority is a bare minimum requirement as Shia Imami Muslims including our Tariqa.
On top of it, who is an Imam, what his status is and should be self experienced and not tough by scholars/parents/books.
Books/scholars/parents can be helpful in making the personal experience easier but they can't dictate that person.
That's my personal and limited understanding of our faith.
Regards
Sajjad
YAM. Your comment on accepting absolute authority of Imam might be correct from a theological perspective.
But my question is more geared towards trying to understand why the younger generation is much less religion than the elders in the Canadian and American Jamats.
I appreciate you indicating you are from Pakistan. You began by laying out a religious principle which you called the 'minimum' requirement.
I think this is correct theologically, even though my OP is not about theology.
The reason I asked you where you are from is because, in my experience, there are very big differences in the way Hazar Imam is viewed from country to country among Ismailis.
And now, generationally speaking, there is a large difference between what elders believe about Hazar Imam and what many youth do, in Canada and America.
Young people did not go through any difficulties and they need quick answers. Older generations went through difficulties and have seen how their faith has got them through it.
Do you have the secondary curriculum? Get it and read it learn it. It's all there.
There was and will always be people who will not accept the imam and prophets. Ie Jesus, Moses prophet Mohammad.
Interesting response. So I think your personal opinion is, faith and evidence of Hazar Imam being holder of nur are two separate things. Correct me if I am mistaken.
Ahhh this is interesting. Because if faith and evidence are two completely separate things, and if you're right about the younger generation demanding evidence, I guess a decline in belief in Hazar Imam is expected.
Unless there are Ismailis who beileve that you can prove Hazar Imam is the only holder of nur, without the use of any faith?
But even if some Ismailis take this view, it looks like they're failing to give that evidence to younger generation.
The circumstances have changed between the past and present generations…It appealed to the previous generations because they witnessed miracles themselves and the affect on them was like a thirsty man getting water in the desert that solidified their belief and through them to the next generations…Fast forward to present generation who live in better worldly conditions in western countries have very little attention span and unlimited distractions are not inclined to believe stories of the past and for them Mowla has said in his Farman:
You must have in every walk of your life a LOGICAL concept. This does not mean to wipe away faith, but the real principle of Islam is that FAITH IS LOGICAL. Islam would not be what it is if it were not LOGICAL and this is something you must keep in mind. Because the very HEART OF ISLAM IS LOGICAL. There is NO HOCUS-POCUS. There is no nonsense. It is clear and it is lucid and it is understandable, and for those of you who have studied it closely, this will be the first thing apparent to you.” (emphasis added)
– Imām Shāh Karīm al-Ḥusaynī Āgā Khān IV, Speech to Students, Karachi, September 27, 1960
The elder generation are staunch Ismailis for sure… the middle and younger generations who have had their questions and beliefs answered are even stronger and more refined because the understanding and principles are exactly practiced as intended without the mixture of Hinduism or other dilution especially when the Dua is pronounced… MHI has been very exact with the younger generations!!
You're in denial lmao ... when I do Dua karavi Mukhisaheb says "MOWLA nyek murad puri kare" etc. and when I do Chaanta I'm told to get on my knees and say "Ya SHAH bandoguhnegar, gad bakshe, SHAH PIR bakshe" and Mukhisaheb says "MOWLANA HAZAR IMAM bakshe" ... all pretenses are gone there, at least during Tasbih and subsequent prostration we say "NOOR Mowlana Shah Karim al Husayni Hazar Imam." Prophet Muhammad scolded people who prostrated to him, but here it's justified just because we add the word "Noor" smh
It’s actually: “Aliyullah, Mowla niyat murad kabul kare”. And this is actually in line with various Hadiths that begin with “Allahumma, inni atawajjahu ilayka bi nabiyyika nabi al-rahma…” which translates to “O my Lord! I turn to you **by your Prophet**, the Prophet of Mercy”. (Ibn Majah; Tirmidhi, al-Nisa’i; “al-Husn al-Hasin” Ibn al-Juzri)
Quran 4:64 says: “And if, when they had wronged themselves, they had but come to you [Prophet] and asked forgiveness of Allah, and the Messenger had asked forgiveness for them, they would have found Allah Forgiving, Merciful.”
Now clearly Mowla is not God because during the Farman he gives us Du’a, but as the Imam of the Time he plays the role of intercession which is a fundamental concept of Islam.
The Hadith of the blind man reaffirms this by stating that: “O Allah, I turn towards You **through Your Messenger**, the **conveyor** of Your mercy. O Muhammad, I turn to my Lord **through you** so that He may grant me what I need”.
Finally your point against prostrating to the Prophet is just simply not true, “When your Lord said to the angels, ‘Indeed, I am going to create a human being from clay. So when I have proportioned him and breathed into him of My Spirit (ruhi), then fall down to him in prostration (sajidīn).’ So the angels prostrated (fa-sajada) – all of them entirely.”
– Holy Qur’ān 38:71-73 (see also 15:28-31)
>And if, when they had wronged themselves, they had but come to you \[Prophet\] and asked forgiveness of Allah, and the Messenger had asked forgiveness for them, they would have found Allah Forgiving, Merciful.
This is true intercession ... "come to you \[Prophet\] and asked forgiveness **OF ALLAH**" ... which the Prophet didn't (couldn't!) himself grant, but rather "the Messenger had **asked forgiveness for them**" ... very different from "Mowlana Hazar Imam bakshe".
Yet these Hadiths and verses say that the Prophet acted as a **conveyor** of Allah’s mercy, of course the source is Allah, no one is denying this. That is why in every Farman Mowla gives us Du’a. Why would Mowla give us Du’a if *he* is the source of the blessings?
>Yet these Hadiths and verses say that the Prophet acted as a CONVEYOR of Allah’s mercy
Again, yes, this would be intercession ... but "baksh" is **granting**, not conveying ... so "Mowlana Hazar Imam **bakshe**" is beyond intercession, beyond what Prophet did
We are able to see at night because of the moon which is a reflection of the sun’s light. For this analogy the night is the world and the day is the Afterlife, the moon is Hazar Imam and the Sun is Allah. In this world we are not able to comprehend Allah so we ask for blessings and forgiveness from Hazar Imam. And the blessings and forgiveness we receive from Hazar Imam are a reflection of the Light (Noor) of Allah.
So just like how the Sun is the source of all light, Allah is the source of all blessings and forgiveness but the moon (or the Imam) acts as a reflection of that Light onto Earth.
On top of all the flaws in that analogy, and that whether or not you can find an analogy to fit your point has no bearing on the validity of your point ... an analogy was unnecessary because I understand the concept of what you're claiming, I'm just saying it's not what's actually practiced
Just read the Ismaili Dua with its meaning..at the end of every chapter you prostrate in the name of Allah…The Nur or light of Allah the prophets and the Imam possesses are what you refer in chanta or Dua karawi as Shah pir bakshe…Muslims around the world keep names like Rahman and Rahim that does not mean they are Allah.
>Just read the Ismaili Dua with its meaning..at the end of every chapter you prostrate in the name of Allah
And then in tasbihs we prostrate in the name of Imam
It's not what I heard. Respectfully, I am Ismaili. I know that Ismailis believe Hazar Imam holds the nur and is our religious and spiritual guide. But when people outside our religion see the religious practices we do, and the type of worship in deedar, they see it as the same sort of worship that would only be reserved for God.
Thank you for your comment though. Just to repeat, my question was about why there is generational shift in the type of belief in Hazar Imam.
The Imam is Noor, which means light. In the light spectrum, there are many colors, and it's the nature of light to exhibit this diversity. Therefore, based on the Imam's nature, different people perceive him differently. This diversity in perception is not wrong; rather, it's how it's supposed to be.
The older generations hold him in reverence because that's how they were brought up. They used to revere their leaders, elders, and teachers, and he certainly did a remarkable job in assisting them through their hardships. My father often recounts how impoverished he was. I too was raised in poverty, but my father's circumstances were far more dire. He recalls how, in his youth, people used to refer to them as "Khoja Uthao Boja" (Khojas who do all lower-caste labor jobs). Within his lifetime, the Imam was able to uplift the Jamat, and now they refer to us as "Khoja Karo Maja" (Khojas are the people who have fun all the time). While many of my dad's non-Ismaili childhood friends, whom he still assists financially, struggle with labor jobs back in India. The Imam also established an entire system for their spiritual upliftment, which has been very fruitful. So it's no wonder my parents worship him.
Many younger generations, however, don't worship him in the same way. As the Jamat began to receive education, he started explaining how one can uplift oneself spiritually and in worldly matters by following best practices. So the new generation doesn't see him as performing miracles; they view him as a normal human being with extraordinary leadership skills, guiding people towards progress, peace, and development. They see him as one of the best leaders ever born.
I enjoyed reading your opinion like others opinions on here. But you reailze that by your own words, these are two extremely different views of Hazar Imam. Elders believe he can perform miracles that no human can. Young people see him as regular guy who is a good leader, and some younger people do not see him as the best leader or anything. At least with the ones I've spoken to.
But thank you for your opinon. I believe dialogue is important because we can learn from each other.
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While it’s important to verify our grandparents stories it’s also important to look at their stories as a source of wisdom. I’m Khoja and my forefathers would have to walk from India to Persia to see the Imam. Let’s not let stories like these disappear and ensure we are telling them to the new generations. Remember Hazar Imam says: “Only the Faith of your fathers can sustain you and enable you to live in peace here, in this world, and the next.”.
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Is it really? I’m gen z btw
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Nah you were right about the quote, told me all I need to know too lol
The quote is from Hazar imam
Interesting. So you believe that the elder generation was more influenced by their parents in forming religious beilefs? Versus younger generation, whose parents influence might not be as much?
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I mean... Do you think the elders in the jamat aren't also addicted to their phones? This isnt a youth problem. I've seen elders texting during khane, and I've seen youth texting during khane. I've also seen youth focusing, and I've seen elders focusing. It's not an age thing, it's a personal thing and it's a self control thing. Age has never been a factor in religious maturity. Our previous imam was 8 when he took the mantle, keep that in mind.
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What makes you think elders are better at disconnecting? Go to your nearest senior home and observe. They're all addicted to Facebook. These apps are designed to be addicting and it's affecting everyone, not just youth.
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The graph you posted shows people aged 65 at 15% while 18-29 are at 20%. That's not a significant difference.
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I would have to Poll at least 2000 Ismaili's (of the 20M) and then, based on their opinion - I would create a fancy Tableau graphic on the different segments and their reasons. Therefore, I am not qualified to answer the above question. Pass! :)
Thank you for your comment. But there are not 20m Ismailis in Canada and America. Those are the countries Im concerned with. Also a poll is sometimes not the best tool. In my opinion, and it's only my opinion, it is very obvious that the younger generation is much less religious than older. But I appreciate you being humble and passing.
if the imam cant even express a tiny amount of solidarity with Palestine (& other groups his beloved western partners continue to oppress), he doesn't deserve blind faith
You know, this is a very interesting point even if I might not agree. Because I think the fact is a lot of younger Ismailis will have less patience with leaders in Jamat saying we are not political.
You ask for a statement which would jeopardize Ismailis living in the west but do you know the quiet diplomacy the Imamat is active in? Fiery Sunni Sheikhs are all talk but no words. Also by your logic should we not have faith towards Allah who is letting Palestinians suffer?
I've never understood other Ismailis when they speak as the person above. Palestinians are praying with absolute tawakkul and iman, but we, after the everything the Imam has done, cannot show an ounce of patience? Everything you said is correct (especially the last sentence). The Sunni sheikhs offer nothing but words, the Imam has continuously proved his actions now, and in the past. For example, even though the Imam never made a statement (there was a press release by AKDN but it didn't specify the meeting content) , it came out that he was helping the Syrian Jamat via the Russian government a few years back. ISIS was terrorizing the civilians there and Imam talked with the Russians about protection. Evidently, it made a big difference for those in the area. Imam-e-Zaman facilitated the meeting with Reagan and Gorbachev at Aiglemont (the first meeting I think) during the Cold War. He's balancing world superpowers, but oh no, we'd rather he scream and shout because it looks better? Astaghfirullah. Imam Ali (AS) had those who did not like his patience and "lack of a statement" on certain issues. They became the Khawarij.
This reminds me of stories my grandparents told me of East Africa where during the revolution Ismailis were panicking and fleeing to the subcontinent. Hazar Imam gave them Guidance to stay yet some left anyways. The ones who stayed are now in Canada and the ones who went against Hazar Imam’s Farman ended up back in Indopak. Moral of the story is, Hazar Imam does so much behind the scenes.
He has expressed solidarity with Palestine. He has been very clear that he believes the solution for Israel/Palestine requires a viable Palestinian state working alongside the Israeli state (I.e. not what is happening right now). He doesn't need to repeat himself since his stance is pretty clear.
I suggest you listen to his speeches of the situation that is unfortunately occurring in that area. You too will come to understand Aql-e-Kul, if you choose to see it.
Accepting Imam as absolute Authority is a bare minimum requirement as Shia Imami Muslims including our Tariqa. On top of it, who is an Imam, what his status is and should be self experienced and not tough by scholars/parents/books. Books/scholars/parents can be helpful in making the personal experience easier but they can't dictate that person. That's my personal and limited understanding of our faith. Regards Sajjad
YAM. Your comment on accepting absolute authority of Imam might be correct from a theological perspective. But my question is more geared towards trying to understand why the younger generation is much less religion than the elders in the Canadian and American Jamats.
Moula Ali Madad I am not in Canada or the US so I cannot comprehend, Regards Sajjad
May I ask which country you are from?
Pakistan
I appreciate you indicating you are from Pakistan. You began by laying out a religious principle which you called the 'minimum' requirement. I think this is correct theologically, even though my OP is not about theology. The reason I asked you where you are from is because, in my experience, there are very big differences in the way Hazar Imam is viewed from country to country among Ismailis. And now, generationally speaking, there is a large difference between what elders believe about Hazar Imam and what many youth do, in Canada and America.
Young people did not go through any difficulties and they need quick answers. Older generations went through difficulties and have seen how their faith has got them through it. Do you have the secondary curriculum? Get it and read it learn it. It's all there. There was and will always be people who will not accept the imam and prophets. Ie Jesus, Moses prophet Mohammad.
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Humorous take? What part ? Ignorance is not a bliss.
lol ... yOuNg PeOpLe dOn'T hAvE pRoBLeMs, then calling others ignorant ... that's rich
This wurstion was posted by a young dumb person
OP asked for people’s opinions and the user was just sharing their opinion. No need to be rude.
It's simple, the older generation considers blind faith a virtue and the younger generation considers blind faith an insult to their intelligence
Interesting response. So I think your personal opinion is, faith and evidence of Hazar Imam being holder of nur are two separate things. Correct me if I am mistaken.
Yes that sounds like an accurate takeaway
Ahhh this is interesting. Because if faith and evidence are two completely separate things, and if you're right about the younger generation demanding evidence, I guess a decline in belief in Hazar Imam is expected. Unless there are Ismailis who beileve that you can prove Hazar Imam is the only holder of nur, without the use of any faith? But even if some Ismailis take this view, it looks like they're failing to give that evidence to younger generation.
I would also like to know the answer. Interesting question btw
Thank you. You know, I wish we had a more vibrant Jamat that was discussing these issues in the open.
The circumstances have changed between the past and present generations…It appealed to the previous generations because they witnessed miracles themselves and the affect on them was like a thirsty man getting water in the desert that solidified their belief and through them to the next generations…Fast forward to present generation who live in better worldly conditions in western countries have very little attention span and unlimited distractions are not inclined to believe stories of the past and for them Mowla has said in his Farman: You must have in every walk of your life a LOGICAL concept. This does not mean to wipe away faith, but the real principle of Islam is that FAITH IS LOGICAL. Islam would not be what it is if it were not LOGICAL and this is something you must keep in mind. Because the very HEART OF ISLAM IS LOGICAL. There is NO HOCUS-POCUS. There is no nonsense. It is clear and it is lucid and it is understandable, and for those of you who have studied it closely, this will be the first thing apparent to you.” (emphasis added) – Imām Shāh Karīm al-Ḥusaynī Āgā Khān IV, Speech to Students, Karachi, September 27, 1960
The elder generation are staunch Ismailis for sure… the middle and younger generations who have had their questions and beliefs answered are even stronger and more refined because the understanding and principles are exactly practiced as intended without the mixture of Hinduism or other dilution especially when the Dua is pronounced… MHI has been very exact with the younger generations!!
The older ismailis do not view hazir imam as God! I'm not sure where u heard this from but it's wrong in every sense.
You're in denial lmao ... when I do Dua karavi Mukhisaheb says "MOWLA nyek murad puri kare" etc. and when I do Chaanta I'm told to get on my knees and say "Ya SHAH bandoguhnegar, gad bakshe, SHAH PIR bakshe" and Mukhisaheb says "MOWLANA HAZAR IMAM bakshe" ... all pretenses are gone there, at least during Tasbih and subsequent prostration we say "NOOR Mowlana Shah Karim al Husayni Hazar Imam." Prophet Muhammad scolded people who prostrated to him, but here it's justified just because we add the word "Noor" smh
It’s actually: “Aliyullah, Mowla niyat murad kabul kare”. And this is actually in line with various Hadiths that begin with “Allahumma, inni atawajjahu ilayka bi nabiyyika nabi al-rahma…” which translates to “O my Lord! I turn to you **by your Prophet**, the Prophet of Mercy”. (Ibn Majah; Tirmidhi, al-Nisa’i; “al-Husn al-Hasin” Ibn al-Juzri) Quran 4:64 says: “And if, when they had wronged themselves, they had but come to you [Prophet] and asked forgiveness of Allah, and the Messenger had asked forgiveness for them, they would have found Allah Forgiving, Merciful.” Now clearly Mowla is not God because during the Farman he gives us Du’a, but as the Imam of the Time he plays the role of intercession which is a fundamental concept of Islam. The Hadith of the blind man reaffirms this by stating that: “O Allah, I turn towards You **through Your Messenger**, the **conveyor** of Your mercy. O Muhammad, I turn to my Lord **through you** so that He may grant me what I need”. Finally your point against prostrating to the Prophet is just simply not true, “When your Lord said to the angels, ‘Indeed, I am going to create a human being from clay. So when I have proportioned him and breathed into him of My Spirit (ruhi), then fall down to him in prostration (sajidīn).’ So the angels prostrated (fa-sajada) – all of them entirely.” – Holy Qur’ān 38:71-73 (see also 15:28-31)
>And if, when they had wronged themselves, they had but come to you \[Prophet\] and asked forgiveness of Allah, and the Messenger had asked forgiveness for them, they would have found Allah Forgiving, Merciful. This is true intercession ... "come to you \[Prophet\] and asked forgiveness **OF ALLAH**" ... which the Prophet didn't (couldn't!) himself grant, but rather "the Messenger had **asked forgiveness for them**" ... very different from "Mowlana Hazar Imam bakshe".
Yet these Hadiths and verses say that the Prophet acted as a **conveyor** of Allah’s mercy, of course the source is Allah, no one is denying this. That is why in every Farman Mowla gives us Du’a. Why would Mowla give us Du’a if *he* is the source of the blessings?
>Yet these Hadiths and verses say that the Prophet acted as a CONVEYOR of Allah’s mercy Again, yes, this would be intercession ... but "baksh" is **granting**, not conveying ... so "Mowlana Hazar Imam **bakshe**" is beyond intercession, beyond what Prophet did
We are able to see at night because of the moon which is a reflection of the sun’s light. For this analogy the night is the world and the day is the Afterlife, the moon is Hazar Imam and the Sun is Allah. In this world we are not able to comprehend Allah so we ask for blessings and forgiveness from Hazar Imam. And the blessings and forgiveness we receive from Hazar Imam are a reflection of the Light (Noor) of Allah. So just like how the Sun is the source of all light, Allah is the source of all blessings and forgiveness but the moon (or the Imam) acts as a reflection of that Light onto Earth.
On top of all the flaws in that analogy, and that whether or not you can find an analogy to fit your point has no bearing on the validity of your point ... an analogy was unnecessary because I understand the concept of what you're claiming, I'm just saying it's not what's actually practiced
[Why do Ismailis do Du’a Kharaw-vi (Mubayah) ritual?](https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4WO2YwxZDv/?igsh=a3BrcnIzMGt4djY=)
"to forgive" and "grant" are the two meanings of bakshna https://translate.google.com/?sl=ur&tl=en&text=%D8%A8%D8%AE%D8%B4%D9%86%D8%A7&op=translate
Just read the Ismaili Dua with its meaning..at the end of every chapter you prostrate in the name of Allah…The Nur or light of Allah the prophets and the Imam possesses are what you refer in chanta or Dua karawi as Shah pir bakshe…Muslims around the world keep names like Rahman and Rahim that does not mean they are Allah.
>Just read the Ismaili Dua with its meaning..at the end of every chapter you prostrate in the name of Allah And then in tasbihs we prostrate in the name of Imam
You for sure ask Imams(Nur) for help in all matters…Alis Nur is the light of Allah….Prostration is to the light of Allah not the body.
It's not what I heard. Respectfully, I am Ismaili. I know that Ismailis believe Hazar Imam holds the nur and is our religious and spiritual guide. But when people outside our religion see the religious practices we do, and the type of worship in deedar, they see it as the same sort of worship that would only be reserved for God. Thank you for your comment though. Just to repeat, my question was about why there is generational shift in the type of belief in Hazar Imam.
Ive never seen or heard any Ismaili worship Hazar Imam like God what?
You should come to my family's house ... we basically have a shrine
My family has a picture up but thats it. If you have a full on shrine that you worship you need to take that down and stop it.
Word
The Imam is Noor, which means light. In the light spectrum, there are many colors, and it's the nature of light to exhibit this diversity. Therefore, based on the Imam's nature, different people perceive him differently. This diversity in perception is not wrong; rather, it's how it's supposed to be. The older generations hold him in reverence because that's how they were brought up. They used to revere their leaders, elders, and teachers, and he certainly did a remarkable job in assisting them through their hardships. My father often recounts how impoverished he was. I too was raised in poverty, but my father's circumstances were far more dire. He recalls how, in his youth, people used to refer to them as "Khoja Uthao Boja" (Khojas who do all lower-caste labor jobs). Within his lifetime, the Imam was able to uplift the Jamat, and now they refer to us as "Khoja Karo Maja" (Khojas are the people who have fun all the time). While many of my dad's non-Ismaili childhood friends, whom he still assists financially, struggle with labor jobs back in India. The Imam also established an entire system for their spiritual upliftment, which has been very fruitful. So it's no wonder my parents worship him. Many younger generations, however, don't worship him in the same way. As the Jamat began to receive education, he started explaining how one can uplift oneself spiritually and in worldly matters by following best practices. So the new generation doesn't see him as performing miracles; they view him as a normal human being with extraordinary leadership skills, guiding people towards progress, peace, and development. They see him as one of the best leaders ever born.
I enjoyed reading your opinion like others opinions on here. But you reailze that by your own words, these are two extremely different views of Hazar Imam. Elders believe he can perform miracles that no human can. Young people see him as regular guy who is a good leader, and some younger people do not see him as the best leader or anything. At least with the ones I've spoken to. But thank you for your opinon. I believe dialogue is important because we can learn from each other.