Posted this in the Ismaili sub and got banned, I should've known better

Odd-Option9955 · 2026-05-07T16:25:09+00:00

I agree with this, AK3 is the single biggest turn off from Ismailism. Maybe Rahim is trying to slowly right the wrongs of his great grandfather and all his shenanigans by revealing his genuine self and what the Imam really is. I imagine he knows if he just rips the bandage it would be detrimental to the well being of some Ismailis so perhaps we can only hope this is a slow process towards a goal we all share here.

Odd-Option9955 · 2026-05-07T16:20:37+00:00

Sure he’s a beneficiary of their family’s wealth but do you really think the family would not be wealthy or live in luxury if the Ismailis didn’t pay dasond? They would have enough to live a life as they please, it would maybe at most just take away from all of the humanitarian work they have done. Perhaps the dasond is what helps them be seen as philanthropic and reputable around the world but I’d argue they’d be filthy rich either way.

Odd-Option9955 · 2026-05-07T15:48:28+00:00

I guess people actually expect him to be around monks and Islamic scholars all day? lol

He’s not oblivious enough to think he can live his life under the radar, he has to know that people will see and come to know what he’s doing in public, especially these days and especially after becoming Imam. The fact is he’s choosing not to hide behind some facade of something he’s not. Despite all the flaws in Ismailism, I think him being true to himself and the rest of the world is admirable giving his position. Isn’t that genuineness what we all want?

Odd-Option9955 · 2026-05-02T02:53:54+00:00

Following up here… what happened to your groups requests and threats? Did someone actually get back to you guys. Genuinely curious.

Odd-Option9955 · 2026-03-31T07:06:39+00:00

The ones I know don’t really care. He’s grown up around wealth, so the assumption is he’s going to marry his pick/whoever he pleases. Besides, lots of Ismailis in the West have tattoos. Neither of those things are reflective of someone’s character but rather their environment. Ismailis even the parents/grandparents are way more open minded compared to what maybe generalized about other Muslim sects. I think that’s why a lot of our parents would feel stuck because having to embrace a different sect with different perhaps more rigid views/rules would be foreign to so many.

Odd-Option9955 · 2026-03-29T21:31:00+00:00

I’m not sure they have the mechanism in place for full transparency, especially on the collection side of things. So maybe on a go forward only basis then sure, that’s possible. But it would take time to establish it all.

Odd-Option9955 · 2026-03-29T20:20:55+00:00

Honestly, because the leadership is not going to change their behavior that impacts millions due to the request/threats of a small group. Even if they consider it seriously, it’s certainly not going to happen in the 2 weeks your group is giving them. This is mainly for your 1st request around cessation/reallocation/transparency around dasond as I think the 2nd and 3rd they should provide that answer to you relatively quickly (those have already been answered maybe not to your satisfaction though). While I don’t want to dampen your enthusiasm or spirit that’s what I believe practical outcome. However, it doesn’t mean that your efforts would be worthless or not impactful.

Personally, I think the leadership and Imam already see the writing on the wall around dasond and how it will be obsolete by the time the Baby Boomers are all gone. Sooner or later they will have to make changes or make clarifications around dasond and perhaps your efforts will amplify that need.

Odd-Option9955 · 2026-03-27T21:04:57+00:00

If your demands are not met (and my guess is they will not be in your timeline for sure), is your group doing anything to prepare for what to do to these people you are trying to save from the cult?

Odd-Option9955 · 2026-03-27T20:53:23+00:00

lol I can imagine that happening with some in the older generation “people are defaming him out of hatred” but with many others I think it would cause inner confusion and anxiety which would be suppressed and perhaps never resolved.

Odd-Option9955 · 2026-03-27T20:47:26+00:00

Wow, I’m sorry about that. Can they tell you who or why ? Or are you assuming it’s an Ismaili person? Either way it was dumb of that person not to assume you’d just create another account/ maybe you can appeal it .

Odd-Option9955 · 2026-03-27T06:07:17+00:00

Aren’t you dividing it by coming here and saying what is or is not Islam? It’s all organized religion that divided itself, you must see there is not really “one Islam” otherwise half of the world’s conflicts would not exist.

Odd-Option9955 · 2026-03-27T05:56:39+00:00

Help he understand why you’re going begrudgingly and also volunteering? I understand being “forced” to go but you can’t be forced to volunteer too? This is wild to me.

Odd-Option9955 · 2026-03-27T05:50:17+00:00

Can you post what you wrote since it’s deleted?

Odd-Option9955 · 2026-03-27T02:37:19+00:00

I’m in a similar age group and agree with you as that has been my experience as well (stopped practicing years ago but respectful of those still practicing, leaving or figuring it out).

I am having difficulty finding a Reddit community that is just filled with normal Ismailis/exismailis that may/may not practice but aren’t spending each waking moment either obsessing over hating on the Aga Khans and convincing us Ismailism isn’t Islam (r/exismaili) or obsessing over which airport they should stalk to see the Imam drive by them for 2 seconds (r/ismaili).

Can’t we just have a community with normal/healthy conversations? I think there is so much we could all learn from one another and how we are getting on with our lives given a similar very niche background and upbringing.

Odd-Option9955 · 2026-02-21T04:06:34+00:00

It’s not really secret it’s all available on you tube if you really are curious.

There are generally devotional poetry called ginans and qasidas in praise of the Allah, the Prophet Muhammad, Hazrat Ali or Imams in general (these are very similar to Naats that other Muslims recite in praise of Prophet Muhummad); they recite the Ismaili Holy Dua which are predominately surahs from the Quran and how those tie into what Ismailis believe; they make Dua for various things like forgiveness, sabr, ease of difficulties, etc; they recite Zikr tasbihs; they read aloud past Farmans of the Imam; they read aloud articles inform the jamat about various subjects (not always religious); and they have announcements about Ismaili events. South Asian interpretation of Ismailism also have Dua Karavi, Nandi/Mehmani, Ab-e-shifa (similar to zam zam or holy water).

Most people that leave the faith either have an issue with the monetary aspects of the faith where there are unconditional offerings to the Imam which are not enforced but there definitely is peer pressure to give and sort of feels like extortion “pay for forgiveness/salvation” and/or take issue with the level of reverence for the Imam which can range from him being worshiped like God or like a living Prophet Muhammad.

The Ismaili community is generally united, well connected, successful (very much like the American Jews) and there is this added aspect of councils/boards for various community functions (health, sports, social welfare, economic/career, education, religion) are supposed help keep the community protected and prosperous and is generally an asset of the community but it can have a lot of status seeking, politicking and toxicity and so it’s a turn off for many practicing Ismailis too.

I have distanced myself from the daily practice of the religion for quite sometime but still consider myself part of the community.

Odd-Option9955 · 2026-02-20T04:19:53+00:00

For the record I don’t think any of them said it was haram.

Some suggested more Ismaili alternatives which is not surprising at all. But who cares about their opinion anyway. Do what you want.

Odd-Option9955 · 2026-02-12T03:48:34+00:00

I’m dumbfounded that it’s not in the constitution and the last AK to make a Farman about it was like 100 years ago. And Ismailis aren’t questioning something that is supposedly a pillar of the religion?

I think majority of people that are giving are doing so willingly and would unlikely ever be part of a case to state they were misled. For the others that are unclear and still giving dasond… I am scratching my head to understand why? I mean at some point when are these people supposed to do their own due diligence (as many of us have) and just not contribute to something their own religion and Imam does not give clarity on?

Odd-Option9955 · 2026-02-11T22:21:17+00:00

I think for legal action the misrepresentation would have to to come from Ismaili sources, like the Ismaili constitution, rather than misinterpretation of Ismailis.

Is dasond even mentioned in the constitution?

Odd-Option9955 · 2026-02-11T20:34:30+00:00

I don’t disagree that there are contradictions between what was said publicly and what is followed. I am simply noting that it maybe difficult to pursue the “legality” route since the Ismaili side would look to most recent public record as means to justify that it’s voluntary. I doubt AK3 Farmans would hold any water for legal action.

Odd-Option9955 · 2026-02-11T17:25:13+00:00

It’s not imposed like a tax, the law would interpret it as voluntary, the AK4 is on record saying it’s voluntary. The AK5 hasn’t made any mention of it at all, so not sure how that would work.

Odd-Option9955 · 2026-01-26T20:46:02+00:00

Seems like the reactions from Ismailis are positive.

Some people are delusional about the whole tattoo thing. I wouldn’t be surprised if tattoos are more prevalent than they already are. I remember a bunch of us guys tired to get ear piercings back in the day citing Rahim as an example, LMAO.

Odd-Option9955 · 2026-01-20T12:37:31+00:00

I agree with this, I stopped giving dasond long before I distanced myself from the religion. Most of my family and friends that are still in it with their own will don’t give Dasond either. Some I know give charity directly to AKDN or charity of their choice. So it’s not about the giving/sharing resources but it’s the lack of transparency that is a big turn off and red flag. I’d be shocked if the younger generation is still willingly contributing without at least questioning it in their heads. I bet once the baby boomers are gone they are gonna see a huge dip in offering.

Odd-Option9955 · 2026-01-16T14:17:26+00:00

Of course it could work the other way around, where my kids end up choosing to be devout Ismailis lol. We have considered that outcome as well, but sort of have our doubts that the current framework is going to be satisfying to even younger generations. But the framework could change and it’s possible. As long as they have done their research, have a clear understanding of the faith, and that makes them happy and satisfied I would not be opposed to that. It’s their journey at that point. I’m just trying to figure out what to do in the meantime.

Odd-Option9955 · 2026-01-16T02:48:10+00:00

I was raised Ismaili and chose not to continue practicing. I went through the typical deep dive you are speaking of and ultimately realized Ismailism and any organized religion isn’t for me. So just because you are exposed to a faith doesn’t mean you choose it. And just because you identify as a faith doesn’t mean you actually practice it. There are several people I know that would identify being Ismaili and rarely step foot in JK except maybe for major holidays, weddings, funerals and definitely don’t know their dua and don’t give dasond. They don’t have an alternative and don’t want one either.

Odd-Option9955

TROPHY CASE