An Evolving Ethic of Service -Seva
The essence of Service - An integral part of the Ismaili faith - Seva in all its forms
1. Historical Foundation (1919–1920)
The formal foundation of the Ismaili volunteer institution dates to 1919, with the establishment of the Volunteer Corps in Mumbai and Karachi under the guidance of Aga Khan III.
A defining moment followed:
“Get such Coat-of-Arms prepared and every volunteer should wear it on his cap.”
(April 3, 1920 — presentation of the Imam’s crest to the Volunteer Corps)
This act was not symbolic alone—it established:
• Identity
• Discipline
• Unity
• Service under the Imam’s authority
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2. The Foundational Ethic: “Work No Words”
The Imam later articulated the enduring volunteer ethic:
“Work No Words… Labour for the welfare of others is the best way of improving ourselves.”
Meaning:
• Service with humility
• No expectation of recognition
• Action over speech
• Inner transformation through service
This became the defining motto for decades, shaping generations of volunteers.⸻
3. Continuity of Spirit (20th Century → Present)
For over a century:
• Volunteers served in Jamatkhanas and beyond
• Across continents, cultures, and contexts
• As a quiet but essential backbone of the Jamat
The essence remained unchanged:
Service as duty, discipline, and devotion.
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4. A Turning Point: 2018 (Diamond Jubilee)
A major evolution came under Aga Khan IV.
At the Calgary Mulaqat (May 10, 2018):
“Today my Farman is ‘Work and Many Words’. Communicate, enjoy life, be happy…”
This was a pivotal shift:
From:
• Silent service
To:
• Service + communication
Implications:
• Volunteers are not only doers
• They are also:
• Communicators
• Representatives
• Bridges to wider society
In today’s world, communication is part of service.⸻
5. Institutional Evolution (2022–2023)
Building on this guidance, new global principles were introduced:
Key changes approved by Mawlana Hazar Imam:
• Name:
→ Ismaili Volunteers (removing “Corps”)
• Motto:
→ Khidma (Service)
• Identity:
→ Unified global framework
• Objective:
“To bring about standardisation… without compromising their spirit of service.”
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6. The Meaning of “Khidma”
Khidma (خدمة) means:
Service — unconditional, sincere, and for the sake of God
It reflects:
• Commitment to the Imam
• Service to the Jamat
• Responsibility to society
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7. The Deeper Ethic: “Lillah” (For God)
The new visual identity incorporates “Lillah” (لِلّٰه):
“For the sake of God”
This introduces a deeper spiritual dimension:
• Service without ego
• No expectation of reward
• Rooted in niyyah (intention)
• Pure sincerity and humility
Khidma Lillah = Service solely for God⸻
8. What Has Changed — and What Has Not
What has NOT changed:
• The essence of service
• The call to humility
• The ethic of selflessness
What HAS evolved:
• Language
• Expression
• Scope
• Responsibility
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9. The Continuum of Guidance
This is not replacement—it is progression:
• 1920s: Identity, discipline, crest — Institutional foundation
• Mid-20th century: Work No Words — Silent, humble service
• 2018: Work and Many Words — Service with communication
• Today: Khidma (Lillah) — Spiritualised, global service
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10. The Position Today
Today, the Ismaili Volunteer ethic can be understood as:
To serve selflessly (Work No Words),
to engage openly (Work and Many Words),
and to do so purely for the sake of God (Khidma Lillah).
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11. Final Reflection
The journey from “Work No Words” to “Khidma” is not a change of direction—it is an expansion of meaning.
• The spirit remains constant
• The expression evolves with time
The responsibility today is not only to serve,but also to:
• communicate
• represent values
• strengthen understanding
• and uphold sincerity