Ishq-e-Karimi Podcasts: The Light of Ismailism

Ya Ali Madad.

Dear brothers and sisters... dear seekers of the Divine Light...

Welcome.

Welcome to Ishq e Karimi.

Before we say another word...

Let us pause for just a moment.

Let us close our eyes — even for a second.

And ask ourselves...

When was the last time we gave something up — truly gave something up — not because we had to...

...but purely out of love?

That question, my dear friends, is the very heartbeat of what we are about...

Ya Ali Madad…

Today’s reflection is not just a discussion. It is a reminder of a sacred covenant — Bayat. A covenant that is not merely spoken but lived, fulfilled and accounted for.

In this episode, we reflect upon the teachings of Dai Qadi al-Nu‘man from Code of Conduct for the Followers of the Imam — preserving his words with full respect, exactly as conveyed.

The foundation begins with the command of God:

“O momins, fulfil the terms of your contracts. Fulfil your promise; you will be enquired about it” And further: “...

You fight distractions daily… but what if the real force is something deeper—your nafs?

Navroz is not just the arrival of spring in nature — it is the awakening of something far deeper within us.

Listen Navaroz Special Song

Just as a withered flower longs to regain its beauty, our hearts too experience moments of dryness, distance, and restlessness. Often, we do not realize it, but this hidden sadness is the soul’s longing for its true connection — the Imam of the time.

In this reflective podcast, we explore:

Why our hearts drift into gaflat (heedlessness)

How divine ta’yid awakens awareness within us

The...

Bismillāhir al-Raḥmān al-Raḥīm.

Fasting in Ismailism.

With the respect and blessings of my teachers (PIRS), I seek knowledge in the presence of the Imam of the Time, so that this humble servant may receive even a little understanding.Āmīn.

Often, Ismailis are asked:

“Do you keep fasts in the month of Ramadan or not?”

It is natural for such a question to arise, and there is nothing unusual about it.

However, it is also important that a clear and thoughtful answer be given.

...

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.

Today we are celebrating Imamat Day—and this is the first Imamat Day that we are celebrating with our 50th Imam, Mawlana Shah Rahim al-Hussaini (s.a.). During this one year, the Imam-of-the-Time has blessed us with his deedar, bestowed love upon us, and guided us through his farmans. No matter how much gratitude we express for this, it will still be insufficient.

In this one year, many changes have also taken place in our world—AI and technology have very rapidly transformed the face...

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

Today, I want to talk about something very close to my heart. Parenting. Or rather… Parenting in today’s world.

Before I begin, I seek strength and knowledge in the presence of the Imam of the Time, through the respect and blessings of my teachers and spiritual guides. Ya Imam-e-Zaman, from your treasure of knowledge, bless us with drops of wisdom. Ameen.

Nearly forty years ago, Hazrat Imam Shah Karim al-Hussaini, alaihi salam, gave a Farman that feels more relevant today than ever before. He warned us that a time woul...

Whenever the Imam has veiled Himself, tests have appeared — and we often failed to recognize those tests.

The Qur’an reminds us that trials are part of the path:

“Do you think you will be left alone while Allah has not yet made evident those among you who are truthful?”

— Surah At-Tawbah 9:16

Imamat is Divine Light — and the Qur’an clearly expresses this:

“Allah brings you out of darkness into Light.”

— Surah Al-Baqarah 2:257

Then how is it that we begin to see the Imam merely...

Every artist, every creator, every dreamer has felt it — that spark we call talent.But what if our talent isn’t really ours?In this heartfelt reflection, we explore how ta’yid — divine support — flows through every note we sing, every word we write, every creation we share.

When we stop chasing recognition and start seeking khushnudi — the Imam’s pleasure — our art transforms from expression to worship.This episode is a reminder that true peace doesn’t come from views or applause,but from knowing who gifted us the ability to create in the first place.

From the hear...

In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

I often ask myself: why is there dasond? why is there naandi? why is money collected in majalis?

With respect to my teacher — who is like a gate — and to the Imam, who is Light, through them I seek the spiritual strength of the Imam of the Time, so that this reflection may remain filled with light.

I know there are many waez and historical answers to these questions… but today, instead of going into history, I want to pause… and reflect on somet...

Ya Ali Madad. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

I prostrate myself while seeking divine support at the sanctuary of the Lord of the Time, Shah Rahim al-Husayni, so that this beggar may be granted a drop from the treasure of His knowledge, by His grace. Ameen.

“You ˹O Prophet˺ may see them facing towards you, but they cannot see.” — (Qur'an 7:198)

By the boundless kindness and infinite mercy of Mawla Shah Rahim, the Jamat in France witnessed the Deedar (vision) of the Imam for the first time. Alhamdulillah, what a glimpse it must have been! Ev...

Are We on the Right Track?

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Ya Ali Madad.Today, we will reflect on a topic that is particularly important for the youth. A sincere question: Are we truly on the right track?

At first glance, this question might seem unusual, but in today’s time, it has become critically important. This video may come across as bold and even a little bitter—but sometimes, truth must be shared sincerely.

Allah states in the Holy Qur’an that.

“Believers strive with one another in good deeds.”

Surah Al...

How does the concept of sacrifice in Eid al-Adha relate to the Ismaili understanding of the Imamat?

Eid al-Adha is recognized as a symbol of sacrifice. In the Ismaili tradition, this commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim's (peace be upon him) willingness to sacrifice his son holds a deep esoteric meaning (ta’wil), which is considered the reality (haqiqah) of the story.

According to Ismaili interpretation, the divine command for Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) to "sacrifice" his son, Prophet Ishmael (peace be upon him), does not mean to slaughter him physically, as such an act wo...

The Noor (Divine Light) of Imamat is an unbroken chain, a sacred trust passed from one Imam to the next, just as a flame transfers seamlessly from one lamp to another—never extinguished, always illuminating. This Noor has shone through the ages, from Mawlana Ali (A.S) to Imam Jafar as-Sadiq (A.S), from Imam al-Mustansir Billah (A.S) to Mawlana Shah Karim al-Husayni (A.S), guiding the Jamat with wisdom, love, and divine grace.

As we stand in the sacred moment of transition, the Noor of the 49th Imam, Mawlana Shah Karim al-Husayni (A.S), continues it...

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem.

Ya Ali Madad, dear listeners! Welcome to today’s special episode, where we explore the eternal Noor of Imamat, its divine continuity, and its significance in our lives.

The world we live in is faani—temporary. But if there’s something that is lafaani—eternal—it is the Noor of Allah. This Noor manifests through the institution of Imamat, continuing under the divine principle of Noorun Ala Noor—Light upon Light.

Today, we reflect on this divine light that has guided humanity for centuries and continues to illuminate our path through the...

Deep Dive: Ismailis and Intoxicants – Faith, Ethics, and Modern Challenges

In this episode, we explore the Ismaili perspective on intoxicants, drawing from historical, ethical, and spiritual insights. What does Ismaili doctrine say about alcohol and other substances? How have Farmans, religious texts, and cultural practices shaped the community’s stance? We also discuss modern-day challenges, social pressures, and the balance between faith and contemporary lifestyles. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on faith, discipline, and conscious living.

In this episode of the Ishq-e-Karimi podcast, we delve into the profound ways faith fosters unity in an increasingly diverse world. Rooted in the teachings of love, compassion, and understanding, we explore how spiritual traditions across cultures inspire harmony and bridge differences.

Pluralism means not only accepting but embracing human differences. It sees world variety as a blessing rather than a burden. Regarding encounters with others as opportunities rather than a threat

His Highness the Agakhan (IV) (49th Imam of Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims)

Embracing Diversity and Unity Through...

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

Welcome to this episode of Timeless Light, where we explore spiritual concepts, historical truths, and the timeless journey of the soul. Today, we’ll discuss the profound concept of Imamat and its eternal nature—a light that has illuminated the world across all eras.

Before we dive deeper, let’s take a moment to reflect on the idea of time. Time has no beginning and no end—it flows in a continuous circle. Imamat, too, shares this timeless quality. It has no starting point or endpoint. It is eternal, existing since the beginnin...

Ya Ali Madad and welcome to today’s episode. Together, let’s turn to the guidance of the Imam of our time and the wisdom of our Pirs as we explore today’s deeply spiritual and thought-provoking topic.

Today, we’ll examine the matter of alcohol consumption through the lens of the Quran and the guidance of our beloved Imam, Mawlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam (Allaihi Sallam). Along the way, we’ll reflect on historical examples, the transformative journeys of Ismaili Dais, and the timeless wisdom of our Imams.

Gradual Prohibition of Alcohol in the Quran<...