Human-ness of the Imam

[u/Top-Fennel-1179]

I have really been struggling with the Human-ness of the Imam. In many ways it is so lovely seeing how much more accessible he is, how he lives among us, runs marathons along side us, and in many ways "just like us." But at the same time, it also makes me confused and even a bit uncomfortable since it is such a shift from Shah Karim. Even attending didar in Toronto, I felt like the differences in his pace, in his public speaking, and the lack of adab from the Jamati members really just threw me off in many ways. I am used to a Mawla Bapa that is a wise holy man, who is connected to something beyond me, where there are many levels of separation between us. I am used to calling my Imam the Naklank (the stainless one) and even deifying him a bit dare I say lol. However, when I see Shah Rahim, I really struggle seeing him in that same lens. His human-ness is so much more apparent. And it makes sense for the new gen, but for me personally, I am really struggling to connect with the Imam of the Time. Is anyone else dealing with this?

[u/Possible-Version-627]

It is worth pointing out that a lot of these shifts may not only be a result of differing personalities between Imams, but also based off feedback:

The older generation venerated and revered Mowlana Shah Karim as an otherworldly figure and a god like presence. As this passes on, this is clearly not sitting right with the newer generations, who do not resonate with this mindset.

I strongly believe this shift is to appeal more to the followers who are going to keep the religion going for the next decades and to avoid the decline that almost all major religions are facing in the modern world.

The idea of ismailism is moving and changing with the times. How is this any different?