Technology Saved Our Time… But What Did We Do With It?

In the blessings and guidance of our beloved Hazir Imam, a humble treasure has been found.

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

O Imam-e-Zaman, through the hurmat of Your Pirs and Awliya, today we humbly seek a little knowledge.Ya Mawla, from Your infinite treasure, bless us with even a single drop. Ameen.

The speed with which time is passing — especially over the last few years — makes it feel as though time is slipping through our hands. Events come and go, technology continues to evolve, and new changes constantly knock at our doors. Amidst all of this, the most precious thing we either invest wisely or waste unknowingly is time.

In reality, the arrival of technology is meant to make human life easier. But why? So that we may come to recognize ourselves more deeply. And from an Ismaili perspective, so that we may discover the hidden light of the Imam within our souls and attain the true recognition of the Imam of the Time.

As Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:

“And within yourselves — do you not reflect?”(Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:21)

Everything in this world has two aspects — positive and negative. The positive aspect helps make life easier for us, while the negative keeps us distracted and trapped in worries about tomorrow. If a task that once took four hours can now be completed in two, then the remaining two hours can either be used to grow further or simply be lost in habits and distractions.

Whatever the case may be, today we stand at such a delicate point in time where we barely find moments for ourselves, let alone for the recognition of Imam-e-Zaman.

By Time, indeed mankind is in loss, except those who believe, do righteous deeds, encourage truth, and encourage patience.

(Surah Al-Asr 103:1-3)

That Imam who, at times, is seen walking among people, at times participating in marathons, is silently giving us a message:“My beloved murids, We are here in this world to help you become complete.”

At this point, a question naturally arises:If the Imam has physically manifested Himself in this world, and today anyone can learn through the internet or events who Aga Khan is, then has everyone attained true ma’rifat (spiritual recognition)?

The answer is no.The recognition of Imamat is not attained through documents, articles, or outward appearances alone. Physically, one may see a human being, but what truly resides within is Noor and a spiritual kingdom beyond worldly understanding.

And this is in accordance with Allah’s promise when He said to Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.):

“Indeed, I will make you an Imam for the people.”(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:124)

Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) then prayed for this blessing to continue through his progeny.

So the question becomes: how does the Imam grant spiritual recognition?Indeed, the Imam does — but through the language of signs and wisdom. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:

“We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the Truth.”(Surah Fussilat 41:53)

And also:

“Indeed in that are signs for a people who reflect.”(Surah Ar-Rum 30:21)

This is why the Imam often guides through indications and actions. For example, when the Imam participates in a marathon, it is not merely about physical fitness. It is also a reminder that just as we strive to keep our bodies healthy, we must also strive to keep our spirituality alive and strong.

Only when we are balanced both physically and spiritually can our intellect truly turn toward the Imam. Allah says in the Qur’an:

“So race toward all that is good.”(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:148)

And:

“It is they who hasten to good deeds, and they outstrip others therein.”(Surah Al-Mu’minun 23:61)

And among the greatest forms of goodness is humanity itself — and understanding the human soul.

Hazrat Imam Shah Karim Al-Husayni (A.S.) once beautifully guided that when we look at the second hand of a clock and see it pass, we should realize that one more second has gone by in which we could have acted upon the Imam’s Farman.

Today, not just seconds, but entire years are racing past us.

Allama Nasiruddin Sahib beautifully writes in Imam Shanasi:

“Allah did not command the rope to hold firmly onto people. Rather, He commanded people to hold firmly onto the rope, so that they do not go astray.”

As Allah says:

“And hold firmly to the Rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.”(Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:103)

Now it depends upon us — with how much sincerity and determination we run toward spirituality, seek the sacred knowledge of the Imam, nurture our intellect, and strive toward the Universal Intellect, so that we may attain the true ma’rifat of the Imam.

If there are any shortcomings or mistakes in these humble words, forgiveness is sincerely requested.

Yaa Ali Madad