Hundred Questions - Isma`ili Jama`at
Isma`ili Jama`at
Q70 How should we explain our faith to others when the need arises? Why do we not allow non-Isma`ilis to come into our congregation (Jama`at) while others do not do so?
A70 Until we have sufficient literature, to how many people and to what extent would we be able to explain our faith solely on a verbal basis? Therefore, it is necessary to have a considerable stock of books on a variety of subjects, so that our faith may gradually be introduced to others, questions may cease to exist and doubts and suspicions be removed. It is obvious that the work that we can achieve through literature cannot be achieved verbally.
Further, even a better verbal introduction to our faith is possible only in the light of books, without which we cannot do much.
As for the answer to the second question, why we do not allow non-Isma`ilis to our special circle (jama`at), it is because our faith is esoteric, spiritual and based on ta'wil. Therefore, it is not possible for every individual to comprehend it. All its virtues are hidden in secrets, for most of its teachings are the secrets of haqiqat and ma`rifat. Therefore, non-Isma`ilis will not benefit from participating in our beliefs and rites and rituals, nor would we benefit from their attendance.
Other faiths are not esoteric, spiritual, and based on ta'wil. They are exoteric faiths. Whatever is exoteric is open to everybody's view and therefore it is not difficult to understand, however the reality and wisdom of Isma`ilism, which are hidden, are very difficult to understand.
One bright proof in this connection is that the confession of God's existence and His Oneness (wahdaniyyat) is easy for people, but believing in the holy Prophet Muhammad (May Allah send blessings and peace through him and his progeny)'s messengership is comparatively difficult. Again it is easy to accept the holy Prophet Muhammad (May Allah send blessings and peace through him and his progeny)'s messengership, but to accept `Ali (May peace be through him)'s walayat and Imamat is extremely difficult. Likewise, regarding Imamat and Isma`ilism the more we move from the past to the present, the more difficult it becomes for people to accept, for which there are several reasons.
| Chapter Index | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter |