Not only are Ismailis Muslims but are also human beings. I have not heard a Farman made in the presence of non-Ismailis. Irshard Mubarak are made when there are non-Ismailis - Muslims and people of other faiths.mazharshah wrote:Are Ismailis Muslim or not?
While making farman, does Imam says to non Ismailis, please put ear plugs in your ears now I am making a farman to my followers! The philosophy of Bismillah is very important to Ismailis. Mowla Ali said," Ana nukta tullati tahtal baai Bismillah."
Consider for example Irshad Mubarak posted in this forum at:
http://www.ismaili.net/html/modules.php ... opic&t=211
He begins by:
Bismillah-Al-Rahman-Al-Rahim My Beloved Spiritual Children, my brothers and sisters in Islam and other faiths Assalam-0-Alaikum
Then he gives guidance/advice applicable to all. In the end he says:
To all my spiritual children who are present here today, and to your families, wherever they may be, I give my most affectionate loving blessings for barakat, and the resolution of whatever difficulties you may be facing. My brothers and sisters in Islam and other faiths should be assured that my deep and heartfelt prayers are with you, for your peace, your unity, and for your happiness. Khanavadan, Khanavadan, Khanavadan.
So he gives blessings to his murids and offers prayers to others. So he makes a distinction.
To his murids he is the Mazhar i dhat illahi, that means if he says BISMILLAH, it would be like saying IN THE NAME OF MYSELF, which would not make sense and hence he does not say it when beginning a Farman. However to others, he is an ordinary human being who prays to Allah and hence he says BISMILLAH. I hope you understand the difference.