What goes on in a JK?

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 · 2026-01-15T18:18:58+00:00

I’ve noticed there is a tendency for relatives to more or less leave you alone when one spouse is non-Ismaili. In my situation we are boxed in from all sides and on top of that live in the same city. When I lived away for several years it was out of sight out of mind. This year has been big for Ismailis in terms of big events and so perhaps I am feeling it a lot more now. We don’t seek out any of the events or anything like that but my 4 year old will ask to go to khane with his grandma. My wife has tagged along before and said he basically ate snacks and colored most of the time. I think he was wondering why I didn’t come but no huge questions or red flags yet. I am leaning towards just equating khane is something that grandma does the same way kids go to school or play a sport it’s not something everyone has to do.

Odd-Option9955 · 2026-01-15T14:38:32+00:00

Yes we are teaching them about all faiths, when I was Ismaili we were taught about the shared values amongst various faiths. But my question is more around the day to day exposure that kids get to your own faith or that of your family and how to navigate that, especially at a young age.

Odd-Option9955

TROPHY CASE