Ismaili.NET - Heritage F.I.E.L.D.

I phoned.

A gentleman replied. I told him who I was and where I
came from and then another man came on line and
bombarded me with several questions at the same time
in an accent that is totally foreign to me and spoke
so fast that I could hardly keep up with him.

I told him that I wanted to know the opening times of
the JK since I was visiting here and wanted to attend
Sugarland JK.

He was very rude and questioned me as to whether I was really
an Ismaili or not and that he needed to know where I came from
to verify that I was an Ismaili, before he could give me any info.
This made me a bit frustrated.

I told him that I was an Ismaili and I wanted to go to the JK
and that is why I had phoned this number.
He told me that it was not enough and that I must prove
that I was an Ismaili.
How can one do that?
I told him that I am an Ismaili and even have been a Mukhi at
one time, but he said that I must prove that I am an Ismaili.

I got very annoyed and told him not to question my faith.
It, sadly was a reaction due to my umpteen attempts to
be able to talk to someone on these telephone lines, and
subsequent failures due to the person on the other side
hanging up as soon as one started to speak.

Now, since when have our Ismaili brethren started scrutinising
other Ismailis, and on what authority?
How can one prove on a phone-line that one is an Ismaili, since
one has already greeted the person with "Ya Ali Madad"?
And, also told the person that one has been a Mukhi before.

Why are these people so impolite? I phoned another JK before this
and twice the lady hung up on me after the greeting of "Ya Ali Madad"
and as soon as I spoke to ask about the JK times.
What is the matter with the people answering the phones in the
Jamati Institution offices in Houston?

I am saddened by such behaviour by Ismailis towards the visiting Ismailis.
We are strangers and your guests. Please treat us with some due respect.

One just wonders, where we ismailies are heading. Despite Mowla's
firmans to respect each other and be humble and helpful.

I hope that when I make dua, the Mukhisaheb will not ask me for the
proof that I am an Ismaili. Because, come what may, I am going to
try and attend the JK for my duas.
This whether the Ismailis in Houston like it or not.
Mowla's home is for all of us, even if we
come from somewhere else.

Thank you.

Humbly yours,

A. Alibhai