KG - 3rd
Grades
Grades
In Ismaili philosophy, the Ark of Nuh wasn't just a wooden boat for animals; it is a metaphor for this source of safety that protects the soul from the "flood" of ignorance.
What is the Guidance of the Imam?
The Fatimids didn't just build mosques; they were famous for minting these, which were so pure they were used as the standard currency for trade across the Mediterranean.
What are Gold Dinars (or Fatimid Coins)?
We were introduced to this concept of “inner meaning,” the idea that verses, rituals, and stories have deeper symbolic levels beyond the surface.
What is ta’wil?
While the media often portrays Jihad simply as war, the "Greater Jihad" discussed in our Ethics module refers to this internal battle against our own ego, selfishness, and bad habits.
What is the internal struggle?
While the Quran condemns hoarding, successful business is not forbidden; rather, wealth is viewed as a trust from God that must be earned honestly and purified through this action to uplift others.
What is charity (or "What is giving back")?
As children we learned that this is the most basic truth in Islam: Allah is not many, not divided, and not like anything in creation. Allah is One, merciful, and the Creator of everything.
What is tawhid (the oneness of Allah)?
The name "Alamut" is popularly translated as "Eagle's Nest," but in the Ismaili tradition of Ta'lim, the legend suggests the eagle did this to the King.
What is "Taught" (The Eagle Taught)?
In the poem Conference of the Birds by Attar, the 30 birds finally reach the King (Simurgh), only to look in a mirror and realize the King is actually this.
What is Themselves (or the Divine within them)?
Imam Shah Karim stated that the world is not facing a "Clash of Civilizations," but rather a "Clash of This."
What is Ignorance?
The Ismaili Constitution requires loyalty to the country of abode; rather than seeking isolation or sedition when facing difficult laws, the faith encourages using civic engagement to do this.
What is contribute positively (or "What is work within the laws")?
The "Great Sacrifice" of Prophet Ibrahim is not about slaughtering a sheep, but rather the slaughtering of this internal enemy to submit fully to God's Will.
What is the Ego (or Nafs)?
The word "Ginan" comes from the Sanskrit word Jnana, which means this—distinguishing it from a simple folk song or hymn.
What is Contemplative Wisdom (or Divine Knowledge)?
The Ottoman architect Sinan built mosques with massive domes and hundreds of windows. His goal was to flood the space with this, which is a symbol of God's presence in the Quran.
What is Light (or Nur)?
In Grades 9-10, students learn that the Holy Dua is not just a list of requests; its structural flow moves from acknowledging God's power, to seeking forgiveness, to affirming loyalty, and finally to this.
What is asking for help?
Beyond the basic prohibition, the esoteric reason for avoiding alcohol is that it clouds this God-given instrument used to distinguish right from wrong and recognize the Truth.
What is the Intellect (or "What is Aql")?
Iblis refused to bow to Adam because he looked only at the clay body and failed to recognize this Divine element hidden within the human form.
What is the Divine Spark (or Light/Intellect)?
In the Ginanic metaphor of the ocean, the diver must hold their breath and dive deep to find the "Pearl," which represents this ultimate goal.
What is True Understanding (or Ma'rifat/Gnosis of the Imam)?
Rumi is famous for his poetry on love, but his "Guest House" poem teaches a psychological lesson: we should treat every emotion (joy, depression, anger) as this.
What is a Guest (or a Guide/Visitor)?
Imam Shah Karim talked about a "Cosmopolitan Ethic." This is different from just "tolerance." What's the difference?
Tolerance is passive ("I put up with you"), but Cosmopolitanism is active ("I want to learn from you").
When facing insults to the Prophet in the media, the Ismaili ethos advises against violence or anger, preferring to ignore provocation while using intellectual dignity to correct this.
What is misinformation?
Long before he became a Prophet, Muhammad (S.A.S) was known by this title because he always kept his promises and told the truth.
What is Al-Amin (The Trustworthy)?
This famous Ismaili poet and philosopher was a high-ranking noble who got "bored" of his rich lifestyle and went on a 7-year journey to find the Truth, writing the Safarnama.
Who is Nasir Khusraw?
From Medina to Kufa, to Cairo, to Alamut, the Seat of Imamat has moved through history. In 2018, this new city became the official Seat of the Ismaili Imamat.
What is Lisbon, Portugal?
Addressing the common struggle of "Science vs. Religion," the Ismaili tradition views the relationship between Intellect (Aql) and Faith (Iman) in this way.
What is "there is no conflict" (or "What is they support one another")?
In a polarized world of "Us vs. Them," the Ismaili Centre is designed not just as a prayer hall, but as a bridge to connect with this group.
What is Civil Society (or the Wider Public/The City)?