Do we Choose to be Born...and be Born Ismaili? Why Come to this World at all?
A short article of prose and original poetry reflecting on our birth and purpose as Ismaili Muslims advancing on the esoteric path of the Manifest Imam.
Selected & Accepted (A Friendly, Gentle Reminder)
The poem above addresses fellow Shi‘i Ismaili Muslim brothers and sisters, who, by virtue of being born into a family that follows the present and living Shi‘i Imam, are on a specific, esoteric path (Tariqa) of Truth (Haqiqa)—the Tariqa of the Manifest Imam. The concept of being “born” into the Ismaili Tariqa also extends to those not initially or physically born into an Ismaili household, but who later learn about and accept the Ismaili Imam of the time and join the Tariqa after pledging their spiritual allegiance (ba‘ya) to the Imam. Whether this occurs through physical birth into an Ismaili family or through a subsequent “religious birth” by way of “conversion” from another religious tradition (or none) to the esoteric Tariqa of the Imam, the poem suggests that this was part of one’s pre-arranged destiny—a destiny that was, in fact, determined and accepted by a selected soul prior to its earthly birth or manifestation.