Page 113 - Gulf Precis (VI)_Neat

Chapter III. 91
Tho 5th grndc comprises those philosophers who are taught to dcspiso tho traditions
(Iladccth) looked upon as tho necessary complement of tho sacred tcachiugs oE tho Koran, and
tho legal observances imposed by tho text of tho book.
Tho sixth, those who are taught that no logal Ordinance is literally obligatory on those
who are acquainted with it9 hidden and mystic meaning, and that such laws have been divinely
established for tho common herd, for the maintenance and repose of society. Reverence for
ancient philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, and • Pythagoras is inculcatod in this degree,
beyond which many, if not most, of the Days do not go.
There are, however, three other grades comprising—
]. Those Days who aro taught to believe in two principles, that of the supremo givor or
male superior priuciplc, and that of tlio female or inferior but fertile principle.
2. Those who study tho nature and origin of these two principles; and, finally,
3. Those who follow tho philosophical system which attracts each individual most, whether
Unitarian, dualist, materialist, pautheist, or rationalist, etc., or believe in a combination of
them.
Theso initiates are respectively ontillcd Daylkobir or Grand Prior, Khoja or Master, and
Schoykh or Elder.
It may be of interest to state that tho Sultan Mahomed Shah, mentioned by Consul
Richards as being the supreme head of the sect, is His Highness tho Agha Khan, G.C.I.E.,
who some years ago, Mr. Block informs me, while on his way to London to attend the
celebration of Her late Majesty’s Diamond Jnbilco, passed through Constantinople, and was
graciously received by His Majesty the Sultan. He also attended, I believe, at His Majesty
King Edward's Coronation last year.
With regard to the charges of treason and disloyalty, i.e., rejection of tho Sultan's
Caliphate, etc., brought against Sheikh Ahmed, tho head of the sect in Syria, and thirteen
of his disciples, while I can express no opinion on the charges of murder which may have been
brought against them, there can be no doubt that the effect of this prosecution is to penalize
the profession, not only of Ismailian religious tenets, but also those of all Shiahs within the
Empire who do not rccogniso the Sultan’s pretensions to tho Caliphato, or even the existence
of that supremo dignity.
This is tho impression that will doubtless be created by the sentences (especially the
sentence of death imposed on Sheikh Ahmed) pronounced against the prisoners throughout
the Islamic world, and especially in Persia and India.
JUSTIN ALVAREZ.
The 22nd October 1903.