What the difference between Prophets and Saints versus ordinary people?

The most direct answer to the above question is captured in the following excerpt:

"We have already seen that the Prophets and saints are essentially "angelic" beings, since their intellects have vanquished their egos. We have also seen that they represent one of the most important Touchstones: If a person is able to recognize the prophets and saints for what they are and to follow their guidance, this shows that in him also the intellect dominates the ego. But of course he (the person) will not be able to attain to a spiritual station wherein his intellect has completed vanquished his ego without a long period of effort and striving on the spiritual path." [Source: W. C. Chittick, The Sufi Path of Love, p.119]

What is the trade of securing ourselves in the next world?

The most direct answer to the above question is captured in the following teaching of Rumi:

"Whoever flees from a master in this world flees from good fortune. Know this! You have learned a trade to make a livelihood for your body. Now grasp the trade of religion! You have become clothed and wealthy in the world. What will you do when you leave this place? Learn a trade through which you can earn the income of forgiveness in the next world! (M II 2591-94)" [Source: W. C. Chittick, The Sufi Path of Love, p.121]

Who can show the way?

The most direct answer to the above question is captured in the following teaching of Rumi:

"Seek the people of God! Enter thou among My servants! Enter thou My Paradise! [Holy Qur'an 89:29-30]. God does not speak to everyone, just as kings of this world do not speak to every weaver. They appoint ministers and representatives so that through them people may find the way to them. In the same way God has singled out certain servants, so that everyone who seeks Him may find Him within them. All the prophets have come for this reason. Only they are the Way. (F 229/237)" [Source: W. C. Chittick, The Sufi Path of Love, p.122]

What is the advantage of having a guide?

The most direct answer to the above question is captured in the following teachings of Rumi:

"Whoever enters the Way without a guide will take a hundred years to travel a two-day journey ... Whoever undertakes a profession without a master becomes a laughingstock of city and town. (M III 588, 90)"

"In the Sea of the Spirit, swimming is no avail: Noah's ark is the only escape. Muhammad, that king of the prophets, said, "I am the ship in this Universal Ocean. I, or that person who has become my true vicegerent in inward vision. (M IV 3357-59)" [Source: W. C. Chittick, The Sufi Path of Love, p.123]

How do the above teachings relate to Hazrat Ali (a.s.), the Ismaili Imamat and the Ismaili Muslim Community?

The most direct answer to the above question is captured in the ta'wil of word 'Ayat' (The luminous personality of the Imam in which all signs are encompassed) which is the fundamental belief of all Shia Muslims:

In addition to this, the Ismaili Muslim Community believes that Noor Mowlana Hazar Imam Shah Rahim al Hussaini, His Highness Prince Aga Khan V, is direct lineal descent from the Holy Prophet (S.A.S) through Hazrat Mawlana Ali (A.S.) and Hazrat Bibi Fatima (A.S), is the fiftieth Imam of the Ismaili Muslims. The Ismaili community acts on the principle that the Imam of the time is concerned with spiritual advancement as well as the improvement of the quality of life of his murids. The mechanism of guidance is based on the principle that the Imam's Ta'lim lights the murid's path to spiritual enlightenment and vision.