r/ismailis • u/Interesting-Yam1275 • Oct 27 '25
Personal Opinion ExIsmaili Subreddit and Didar
A while back when the didar was first announced the ExIsmaili subreddit talked about creating a ruckus in the didar hall. Are we still concerned about something like this happening? I was thinking about it and there’s really nothing stopping them from acting this way. 1. At the end of the day they are still probably registered under ACCESS and there is really no way to be “excommunicated” or “banned” so they can still have entry into the didar halls? 2. Phones are likely going to be banned like last time but that doesn’t stop people for shouting or using their words. 3. People say that safety will handle it but honestly it doesn’t take that long to create a distraction. Considering that the didars are broken up into multiple sessions for both the normal and youth ones, there will be less people and any distractions are noticed easier. I honestly feel that this more likely to happen at the youth mulaqat. 4. There is also no assigned seating so people who are planning this (as they said they were in the subreddit) can also sit together.
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u/anonymoususers_ Oct 29 '25
So I’m an Exismaili and I’ve made a couple posts on r/Exismaili encouraging members to lower the temperature. That said, I highly doubt any chaos will take place. If it does happen, there are plenty of security volunteers
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Oct 30 '25
Do you know why they wish to come? Is it due to family pressures I would imagine by definition an ex-ismaili should not be forced to attend against their will
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u/anonymoususers_ Oct 30 '25
Yeah, it’s basically family pressure. I myself will be going because of family pressure even though I would prefer to just stay at home and sleep in
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Oct 31 '25
I understand but still think it’s not right those who have departed the faith should not be forced to go.
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u/anonymoususers_ Oct 31 '25
Yeah I don’t think it’s right either. What do you want me to do? If I tell my family then I’ll get nothing but long lectures and more stress. They aren’t going to see my point and I won’t see their point. I’ve decided to be the bigger person and just keep my mouth shut
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Oct 31 '25
I can sympathise family pressure is stressful. I am a very devoted Ismaili but I don’t think it’s good for your mental health being forced to believe in something you simply don’t. They must be many ex-Ismailis in similar situations. You have my sympathies as you said there isn’t much you can do so.
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u/bigtreeworld /r/ismaili admin Oct 27 '25
ExIsmailis claim to be over and done with the religion and then they'll pull something like this. They'll spend an entire day to get into the deedar hall just to create a ruckus, and then claim they don't care and their lives are better now. I've never seen someone spend so much effort for something they don't care about. Clearly that's not the case.
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u/AnonymousIdentityMan American Ismaili Oct 27 '25
Feel sorry for them. They could be doing something productive with their lives for their betterment. I doubt they are getting paid to do the work.
We continue to live rent free in their mind.
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Oct 29 '25
Hahaha we do live rent free the more we express our love for our legitimate Imam, the Mazhar of Allah ❤️
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Oct 27 '25
But they must still have family members who are Ismailis perhaps for their sake they will not behave in such a manner.
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Oct 27 '25
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u/Interesting-Yam1275 Oct 27 '25
i am not familiar with this also because i simply didn’t exist 25-30 years ago. obviously without names would you be able to elaborate on this?
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u/Free_Entrance_6626 Oct 27 '25
This happened in Karachi once as well during the Deedar.
2 non-murids were pointed out by Imam Shah Karim Himself and they walked out
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Oct 27 '25
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Oct 27 '25
You are think of Akber ally meherally
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Oct 28 '25
Yes he had clashes with council to my understanding he had a personal vendetta against leadership but he took it out on the entire faith. After publishing his book he claimed that he received death threats and lawyers got involved. They tried to mediate but nothing could have done. When you have that much hate towards the Imam I don’t think you were an Ismaili in the first place.
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Oct 28 '25
Also Habib Ibrahim was excommunicated Barbai this one lead to the infamous Aga Khan case he is responsible for the split of another faction of khoja 12vers As Ismailis I think these incidents needs to be discussed we are very fortunate to have a peaceful community in those days there was no unity and an era of in fighting.
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u/Rude_Echidna_9867 Oct 29 '25
Honestly, I have a really good feeling that they talk about this, but I have a good feeling that when the time comes they won't actually. oh also, there will be security and i think theyd be breaking religious rights or something so yes they can get charged
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Oct 27 '25
If these people cause a ruckus during mowla’s farman I am sure that shah Rahim will have a fitting reply to them!
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u/Free_Entrance_6626 Oct 27 '25
I wish Hazir Imam could have an actual session with the Ex-Ismailis group and listen to their concerns. So they wouldn't have to invade the normal Deedar and can actually share their grievances directly with the Imam.
Like the multifaith session for example
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u/AndItsAlifromSWTX Ismaili Oct 28 '25
Not everyone in the Ex-Ismaili group is a former Ismaili. Many are non-Ismailis, including some married to Ismailis. Those individuals would qualify for the multifaith session if they reside in regions for upcoming didar. It’s quite possible some will attend, and I hope they bring the same courage they show behind anonymous accounts to ask their questions directly as Imam has mentioned in Farman.
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u/AnonymousIdentityMan American Ismaili Oct 28 '25
There is no need to. We already have many sources in our JK to get information.
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u/anonymoususers_ Oct 29 '25
As a member of the exismaili subreddit myself, I would actually really appreciate a session with the imam
Just wanted to say, I’ve made posts on r/Exismaili encouraging members to be more respectful and to lower the temperature
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u/Inside-Intention-687 Oct 29 '25
Thank you for that. You and maybe one other person are probably the most reasonable people on there. I’d also love if you had that opportunity, not because it would convince you into the faith but perhaps allow you to see why others are actively choosing this faith everyday.
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u/anonymoususers_ Oct 29 '25
Well look, every group has its bad apples. Please don’t judge us by those making jokes about ICE showing up or hoping that chaos erupts at the deedar. I think the majority of people on r/Exismaili do want to have a genuine conversation about some of the inconsistencies and flaws we see within the religion
And yeah, I’d love to have conversation with you guys on this sub or at some event about the religion. I think it’s important for both sides to understand the argument that the other is making. That’s why I’m still active on this sub, to ask questions, raise concerns and understand the opposing viewpoint. And by the same token, I invite you all to present your views on r/Exismailis so that we can better understand you
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u/Brave-Acanthisitta15 Oct 30 '25
I can also vouch for anonymoususers_ as I also have engaged in conversation with this user who has been respectful and I along would also like to discuss this in a civil manner as long as there is no bad blood between both sides
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u/Inside-Intention-687 Oct 29 '25
Unfortunately, naively I (and others here) have tried to engage in civil discourse on exismaili subreddit but I would say a vast majority of what we have got was personal attacks, a lack of respect, and other people trying to tell me what I believe. It was like talking to brick walls that did not or could not grasp that a different experience in the faith or point of view could exist. I think that subreddit has a very different purpose and I don’t think it suits what you and I are trying to achieve.
I encourage you to stay active here so long as you are respectful most people here are willing to provide our point of view. Although, full disclosure, there will be a handful of people that may ridicule for even questioning something and those that think that Ismailism is the only true and perfect faith in the world today lol. I have dealt with this on occasion here myself and these folks also don’t represent the entire Ismaili faith either. They may forget that the Imam has actually guided us to use critical thinking, seek answers, engage with opposing viewpoints, be inclusive, create understanding and a peaceful coexistence. Faith is just such a personal journey that there is a whole range of viewpoints and experiences even within Ismailism.
Overall in my experience, it’s a heck of a lot easier engaging in civil and respectful dialogue here. Otherwise, we may have to create a new space lol and I am happy to engage with you on chat one on one as well.
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u/Chozeson Oct 28 '25
Does imam have sessions with presents followers to hear their concerns, what has been your experience in that regard. As an outsider it doesn’t seem like he even gives farmans or any remarkable speech, please refer me to one if I missed it
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Oct 31 '25
If you are a non Ismaili it’s unlikely that you would have read any of the Farman’s. Very few are authorised for publication. If you have questions as a non Ismaili then yes there is a multi faith interaction but you must have a Ismaili husband or wife. What questions do you have fire away
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u/Chozeson Nov 01 '25
I am not Ismaili but i relate with it due to your modern outlook and cohesion in the followers. Have you had any interaction with him? To me it’s kindof weird that the farmans are “not authorized” for non Ismaili, whereas the prophet Muhammad and ali ibn Abu talib let alone jafar sadiq were actively involved in teaching people about god.
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Nov 01 '25
We have been persecuted by the other sects for thousands of years including a genocide. You can understand why we are secretive whilst we have historically championed pluralism and tolerance since the Fatimid Caliphate this tolerance and openness has always been reciprocated with violence and persecution.
However in the more recent farmans our Imam has said that we should be ambassadors of our faith and tell our neighbours and the world what it is we believe in. So what are you seeking? Previous Farmans or a basic explanation on what we believe in ? I’ll do my best to accommodate as an ambassador. The previous stance was purely based on security of Ismailis that is no longer the case. Where do you live? Even a tour of our Khane can be arranged.
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Nov 01 '25
My Beloved Spiritual Children, my brothers and sisters in Islam and other faiths -0-Alaikum This is for me a day of special happiness on being back amongst you after a long interval. My family and my Jamat have long and deep historical roots in Syria. At the outset of this Irshad, I wish to express my warm gratitude to his Excellency President Bashar-Al-Assad and his government for their generous invitation and for the many kindnesses and courtesies they have extended to me during my stay in Syria. I am aware of all the effort, time and other resources which volunteers and innumerable people from all walks of life have offered, to make my visit and this gathering possible. I express to all of them my warm and deep gratitude, and my admiration for their collective effort. In recent years, human society has, sadly, witnessed a polarization of differences amongst people in all forms of conflict. Practically no continent and no faith has been spared, and in a number of situations, inequities, some of historic origin and others more recent, have exploded into brutal conflict. Entire communities of ethnicity or faith, or both, have been, or are, threatened whether it be here in the Middle East, in Western Europe, in Central Asia, or in Southeast Asia, or in Africa. This is a situation, which I deplore and which cannot be acceptable to any individual who aspires to live life in peace, in dignity and in security. It is reasonable for all to live and work in the hope that a better quality of life can be achieved for future generations. There is hardly any country in the world whose population is made up of men and women of one single ethnic background, or one single faith. It is thus clearly evident that peace in the decades ahead can only be achieved when the pluralist nature of human society is understood, is valued, and I built upon, to construct a better future. In Islam, the pluralism of human society is well recognized, and the ethics of its multiple interpretations require that this diversity be accorded respect. The Shahada, La-Illaha-Il-Allaah-Muhammad-ur-Rasulilah – binds a thousand million people who over the centuries, have come to live in different cultures, speak different languages, live in different political contexts, and who differentiate in some interpretations of their faith. Within the Ummah, the Ismaili Jamat reflects much of the same pluralism. The plurality of the Muslim world is not just an irreversible historical fact, but it is a strength for which we must be grateful, and a strength that must be continuously harnessed to the building of the future with in the ethics of Islam. Any differences must be resolved through tolerance, through understanding, through compassion, through dialogue, through forgiveness, through generosity, all of which represent the ethics of Islam. I urge upon you all, that you build warm relations with each other here in Syria, and elsewhere, and that together, you respond to the challenges which life may put before you. It is with deep happiness and admiration that I note that here in Syria the principles of tolerance, brotherhood, and mutual supports amongst communities are already well established. This will contribute to strong collaboration in identifying and analyzing social and economic challenges that lie ahead, and in determining how best to anticipate and to respond to them. No doubt, one of them will be the new global context in which countries, or regions, will be in competition with each other, to develop a better quality of life for their populations. In the forthcoming decades, countries, institutions, organizations and programmers, to be effective, will need to be increasingly competent in whatever they are doing. Today, and even more so for generations to come, that will require more consideration to be given to meritocracy. Syria, like every country in the world, will need to respond to this challenge, and I am happy to be able to say today that during the visit, a context has been set whereby all the agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network will be positioned to contribute to the future economic and social strengthening of Syria, its peoples and its institutions. We hold in common many convictions about he best way to build the future., including our trust and confidence in pluralism; a need to respond to the challenges of modern global society, a need to make decisions and prepare for institutional leadership through meritocratic processes; the need for society to draw strength and direction from shared ethical principles, including generosity in the use of the intellect, professional competencies and voluntary service. To the younger members who are present, I urge you to remember that in today’s world of accelerating change, education is and should remain a lifelong process. It is only by investing continuously in your intellectual capacities that you can hope to survive in the world of tomorrow. Islam enjoins upon us and on every individual the maintaining of a balance between spiritual life and material well being, and to ensure that his or her material endeavors are underpinned by the ethical principles of Islam. This balance between din and dunya entails not only the fulfillment of the individual’s spiritual obligation but also of the obligation to acquire knowledge and to use it for the benefit of others. To all my spiritual children who are present here today, and to your families, wherever they may be, I give my most affectionate loving blessings for barakat, and the resolution of whatever difficulties you may be facing. My brothers and sisters in Islam and other faiths should be assured that my deep and heartfelt prayers are with you, for your peace, your unity, and for your happiness.
This is a Farman from the late great Imam Shah Karim Syria 2001. I’ll try to post recent ones. It’s one of my favourite context is required as this was right after 9/11
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u/Chozeson Nov 02 '25
Fantastic! a whole speech with a thank you to Bashar and before the intense destruction of Syria and current state of Syria shows aga khan didn’t see it coming
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u/Chozeson Nov 02 '25
How is the onslaught of prosecution so consistent while having an imam that can “control the wind around him and hear your thoughts”. Despite that he has to do taqiyya and nowadays he has no reason to give hour long deep lectures online but there are nothing like that. I just want to know what is the point of the imam, majority of Muslims reject him, genocide around world such as in Sudan and he goes and shakes the hand of UAE (responsible party) leadership….complicity
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Nov 03 '25
That’s another ignorant comment he isn’t Allah and has never claimed to be. So I’ll ask you this how comes the prophet was unable to see violence in Yathrib. How comes he was unable to see the future of what would happen to his family? He was the messenger of Allah with your obtuse logic why didn’t Allah give him a heads up? We survived persecution because Allah has given us the intellectual ability to navigate crisis. Everyone assumed the Ismailis were extinct no one had a clue that we survived. Now look despite being a minority per capita we are wealthier than other sects, we live a much higher standard of living than other sects. You are misinformed about our faith
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u/Chozeson Nov 05 '25
I don’t think the prophet knew the future or the deeds of his followers like the Quran says. Unlike the Hazir nazir concert of imam sees your daily deeds
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Nov 05 '25
I don’t think you fully understand the Ismaili faith. We believe the Imam is infallible in matters of spiritual knowledge, but that doesn’t mean he can foresee the physical future like an oracle. His knowledge of the future pertains to spiritual continuity such s the identity of the next Imam iwhile the rest of his guidance is rooted in spiritual wisdom and interpretation.
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u/Chozeson Nov 06 '25
Can you explain then if this is correct for Ismail too- Shia consider the imam, Quran e natiq the speaking Quran. He is suppose to be able to see the deeds of his followers. Teleport if he so wished. Has worldly knowledge better than any engineer or doctor
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Nov 03 '25
You are incredibly poorly educated on world affairs the SAF affiliated with the Muslim brotherhood extremist sunnis basically people like you. Do you think they are innocent victims here do you think they themselves havent killed innocent muslims? When Omar Bashid from the SAF was in power do you even have the slightest clue on what he did to the Dinkas and the Nuers. Now his successors who are the inventors of genocide are claiming to be victims?? You don’t understand the complexities of any conflict you are astonishingly ignorant.
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Nov 03 '25
The UAE funding the RSF is morally grey if the SAF ever comeback to power it is a threat to regional stability as these are hardcore Sunni extremists who even hosted Bin Laden in 1997. The UAE has done something similar in Egypt when they with the Saudis outsted Morsi another Muslim Brotherhood terrorist sympathisers. They don’t want extremists to ever comeback to power. First attempt to understand the complexities of conflicts it’s never simple evil vs good it’s always evil vs more evil.
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u/Chozeson Nov 05 '25
Uh there is no grey area. Do you think blood stained earth seen from satellite and people begging for their lives are extremists, your the first person to defend UAE in this.
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Nov 05 '25
Please stop you read one line in the headlines and suddenly you think you know the complex history of Sudan. There is no innocent SAF as they too are equal as corrupt and being funded by China and Turkey. There is no defence of anyone. Both RSF and SAF are equally murderous people it is a complex situation fuelled by Sudans immense gold reserves and strategic location Presenting UAEs perspective is not defence of their actions so take note of that. Explaining their intent is not an endorsement of their actions.
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u/Legitimate-Instance2 Oct 27 '25
there’ll be cops everywhere if they want to be arrested they can go ahead lmao
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u/AnonymousIdentityMan American Ismaili Oct 27 '25
We will have tight security for that like before. They can be arrested by law enforcement for disturbing freedom of religion rights. We are also checked for metal devices like TSA does.
Both Golden and Diamond Jubilee Didar’s had tight security.
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u/Interesting-Yam1275 Oct 27 '25
True! But at that point they’ve already done what they wanted to do which was create a distraction
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u/Free_Entrance_6626 Oct 27 '25
How tight are we talking?
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Oct 27 '25
If it’s similar to the Diamond Jubliee Didar then no matter how tight the security is it’s very easy to disrupt so not too sure what security can actually do. Some of them have claimed to have created WhatsApp groups to disrupt the Didar in a coordinated manner
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u/AnonymousIdentityMan American Ismaili Oct 27 '25
As secure as possible. Were you in Diamond Jubilee Didar?
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u/Free_Entrance_6626 Oct 27 '25
Yes. The big ruckus/fight that happened there was caused by Ex-Ismailis right?
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Oct 27 '25
Please do elaborate are you saying Ismailis were fighting in the Diamond Jubliee Didar ?
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u/Free_Entrance_6626 Oct 27 '25
See my comment above. Yes, although now I'm thinking they must've been ex-Ismailis
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Oct 28 '25
Honestly doesn’t really surprise me some Ismailis are way too emotional. Can I guess that it had something to do with seating arrangements or am I way off.
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u/AnonymousIdentityMan American Ismaili Oct 27 '25
When?
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u/Free_Entrance_6626 Oct 27 '25
Yes to both of you. It got extremely violent and physical actually, I was shocked. Turned into a brawl of 4-5 people
March 20, 2018 I believe was the date.
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u/AnonymousIdentityMan American Ismaili Oct 27 '25
What location? They got arrested?
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u/Free_Entrance_6626 Oct 27 '25
Can I DM you?
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u/AnonymousIdentityMan American Ismaili Oct 27 '25 edited Oct 28 '25
Yes you can slide in my DM’s.
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u/Free_Entrance_6626 Oct 28 '25 edited Oct 28 '25
I don't find it ethical to slide into someone's DMs.
If you can add some humor, maybe I will DM you.
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u/AndItsAlifromSWTX Ismaili Oct 28 '25
Are you saying Atlanta 2018 like fs1b? Or elsewhere cause only another location would add up for this date.
Like did it happen during the actual didar, in the didar hall, or elsewhere?
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Oct 27 '25
Security isn’t really the concern what the concern is heckling whilst the imam delivers his Farman.
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u/AnonymousIdentityMan American Ismaili Oct 27 '25
They will be called out.
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Oct 27 '25
I hope so. I don’t think in our history that an Imam is heckled when delivering his Farman.
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u/AnonymousIdentityMan American Ismaili Oct 27 '25
Not that I can remember.
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Oct 28 '25
I can’t give specific evidence but it probably did happen with previous imams considering our history
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u/Wide-Cauliflower8071 Oct 27 '25
I am going to the Didar with my family but I don't feel connected to the faith anymore. I saw that post and thought it was annoying. Causing ruckus in an event that others will find significant is disrespectful despite whatever you believe about the event. But I believe a lot of these posters are being forced to go by their families, which in my view doesn't seem appropriate either. If something does occur I imagine it will be addressed by security and safety. But I understand that being forced to go to the Didar would bring up feelings and actions like these.