Ismaili Shiism has a living Imam, who lives in the world, and has a great number of contacts. I observe the changes [in the world] and, in so far as possible, I anticipate the manner in which to build institutions which meet the needs of Ismailis. We do not have, in the Ismaili Community, a sole ethnic group, a sole [spoken] language, a sole religious history. I pay attention to this pluralism of traditions. I situate my actions in the context of the [current] times. I have lived through decolonization, the end of the Cold War, the creation of Bangladesh, the Iranian Revolution. In the face of these situations, it was necessary to reflect, to anticipate, to respond to necessities. My grandfather gave, and I have myself given, a certain interpretation to Shiism. The intellect is seen as a facet of faith, in the service of faith. Reason, reflection, form part of the process of decision making.
— Mawlana Hazar Imam’s interview with La Croix, France, published April 8, 2003
Ismailimail 