As a Shia muslim it was very interesting to learn more about the history of Ismailism. Also it is very useful to know what the original and historical meaning of Taqiyya constitutes of: a tool used to protect yourself against prosecution as a result of your philosophical ideas rather than ”lying in order to achieve your goals” which is perpetuated by the media. The examples in the powerpoint of media headlines about Muslim politicians and their suspected role with Taqiyya were shocking, but at the same time nothing new as this also happens in Dutch media. Also the concept of metempsychosis makes sense because in the Shia traditions there are 12 imams and the last imam, imam Mahdi, is the saviour and will reveal himself on/shortly before the day of judgement. I wonder whether the concept of metempsychosis also means that the souls of these imams will migrate to the next one after each dies, because this sounds a little bit like the avatar hehe.
A new concept that I encountered is the Ismaili denial of the existence of hell and paradise and their idea of metaphysical punishment instead of a physical punishment. I admire their view on other religions and their tolerancy. They see all the religions as having comparable inner teachings. Their mode of teaching with animals is a creative way to make people aware of their behaviour which operates most of the time on a subconscious level. By listening to a speech of a animal you can listen freely without any societal restrictions or biases. But this mode of teaching makes also clear how corrupted people have become that they have to be teached by animals how to act rightfully, ethically and in accordance with moral standards.
Mohammad's blog 