“For Ismailis faith, intellect and social improvement go hand in hand”
Produced to commemorate the Aga Khan's 50th Jubilee in 2007, An Islamic Conscience positions Ismailism as the moderate voice of Islam in a 45 minute film that features some fascinating archival footage.
The Good
This documentary stands out from other overviews of Ismailism precisely because of its medium: the visual content is far more novel than the views expressed. Scenes of the third Aga Khan playing golf, his son at the races, a young Aga Khan IV, weddings, funerals and jubilees are all fascinating.
Also of interest are the various individuals interviewed. The film does a great job of representing the diversity and skill in the Ismaili community. Interviewees include businessmen, a journalist, a politician, a lawyer, professors and even Dr Shafik Sachedina, the Aga Khan's senior aide.
Commendably, the film doesn't shy away from the more sensitive issues, the controversies surrounding the Aga Khan. It touches on the delicate subject of wealth and the “sensual pleasure” of the third Aga Khan, as well as the lifestyle of Aly Khan, the Aga Khan's father. Karim Aga Khan even admits
“my father was an elder brother to me. I saw him ocassionally”
The Not so Good
Some may find the strikingly North American accented narration a slight aural affront given the diverse provenance of the Ismaili community.
Conclusion
Professor Ali Asani reminds us in this video that
"in Fatimid times you had Ismaili philosophers affirming that religious truths can be found in many different cultural systems, that religious truth is not exclusive to one cultural system.”
An Islamic Conscience does an excellent job of weaving this central Ismaili tenet through a documentary that is compelling if not comprehensive. Very much worth watching for anyone with an interest in the Aga Khan, his family, faith, fortune and Foundation.