Editor's Choice -- Ismaili Gnosis -- Answers about Hazar Imam's wealth that will warm your heart

Often, especially in the West, Ismailis in high-school and university question Mawlana Hazar Imam's wealth and life style. Where does it come from? How is it used? What role does dasond play?

In today's skeptical, secular, materialistic world, Hazar Imam's wealth and lifestyle contradict the stereotype of religious or spiritual leaders as people who should lead an ascetic and spartan life. However, such an image is just that: a superficial, naive stereotype without merit or basis in Islam's ethics.

For example, Hazrat Ali said: "Wealth is indeed a blessing, ..." (Living and Dying with Grace, pp 60). Indeed, it is our belief that wealth in all its forms -- material, intellectual, wisdom, time, health -- are blessings from Allah.

Consequently, Hazar Imam said, in 2013, "We have no notion of the accumulation of wealth being evil ... It's how you use it. The Islamic ethic is that if God has given you the capacity or good fortune to be a privileged individual in society, you have a moral responsibility to society."

And it is here, in how one uses one's wealth, one's blessings, and in how one fulfills one's moral responsibility to society, is where Hazar Imam sets an example and standard almost everyone would be hard pressed to match.

The two articles below provide a comprehensive summary of all aspects of Hazar Imam's wealth, the little known, yet immense, sacrifices he makes for the Jamat, as well as serious and thought provoking answers to the questions listed above.

No matter your undertanding of this issue, we can't urge you enough to read both articles. We're sure you'll learn something you weren't aware of and also come away with a new-found respect, insight and love for Mawlana Hazar Imam.

Warm regards
Ismaili Digest