Hazar Imam: Community Leader or God on Earth?

by Akberally Meherally

Ismailis claim that Karim Aga Khan is no more than a “community leader”, but they don’t know what they are reciting in their daily prayers.

The following Arabic text of  Ismaili prayer is formulated and promulgated by the Aga Khan. Every Ismaili recites this verse, thrice a day as a part of the Holy Du’a:

Tawas-Salu ‘Indal-Masayibi, Bi-Mawlakumil-Hadiril-Mawjud Shah Karimil-Hussainy

Translation:
Seek at the time of difficulties, the help of your Lord, the present living Shah Karim al-Hussainy

(The above translation is reproduced from an authorized Ismaili publication)

A vast majority of the young Ismailis who claim Karim Aga Khan to be no more than their “Community Leader” do not know what the  Arabic passage means. You can seek help in the time of  difficulties only from someone who can and will hear your cries for such help, from any part of the world and at any time, and respond to them.

The above quoted enigmatic text is recited by the Ismailis after they recite the opening chapter of the Qur’an — Surah Al-Fatiah, in their ritual prayers. This text negates the portion of Al-Fatiah which reads:

Iyyaka Naabdu Wa Iyyaka Nastayeen

Translation:
To Thee (Allah) Alone we worship and from Thee (Allah) Alone we seek help

Do these educated Ismailis of 21st century really believe that their “community leader”, the Aga Khan, their Hazar Imam, Karim al-Husseini living in France does hear their cries and responds?

If their answer to the above question is yes, then Karim Aga Khan has the power and ability that even the messenger of Allah had never claimed. Consequently their Lord  – Hazar Imam is greater than Prophet (pbuh) and is therefore God on Earth.

But it has already been revealed to thee as it was to those before thee “If thou were to join (gods with Allah) truly fruitless will be thy work (in life) and thou wilt surely be in the ranks of those who lose (all spiritual good).”

Holy Quran 39: 65

If their answer to the above question is a “No”, then their prayers are in vain and the money that they pay to Karim Aga Khan’s agents (mukhis) in the Jamatkhanas are wasted.

Unto Him is the real prayer. Those unto whom they pray beside Allah respond to them not at all, save as (if the response to) one who stretcheth forth his hands toward water (asking) that it may come unto his mouth, and it will never reach it. The prayer of disbelievers goeth (far) astray.

Qur’an 13: 14

The next time you open up your wallets in the Jamatkhanas or your Ismaili Centers, think. You better give that money to the needy and earn their honest blessings. Is it not better than wasting money and earning the sin of shirk?