The Shia Ithnashari who settled in East Africa in the last quarter of the 19th century were mostly Khoja by origin and traders by profession.They had themselves separated from H.H. the Aga Khan, and, as a result of that upheaval, were facing social and economic troubles.Naturally, in that situation, they were more concerned with establishing their own identity, rather then reaching out to others. No attention was given to channelling their religious zeal towards propagation of the faith among other groups; and, unwittingly, the African Muslims came to look upon this holy faith as something that originated in India. Thus, in their minds, Shia faith had nothing to do with the original Islam!