Ismailism

Ismailism is a special branch of Shia Islam. It is also called Batiniyya, which means "esotericism." This means that Ismailis look for hidden, deeper meanings in Islamic teachings.

Ismailis get their name from Imam Isma'il ibn Jafar, whom they believe was the chosen spiritual leader after Ja'far al-Sadiq. This is different from Twelver Shia, who believe Musa al-Kazim, Isma'il's younger brother, was the true leader. Ismaili beliefs were shaped by Neoplatonism, an ancient philosophy.

After the death of Muhammad ibn Isma'il in the 8th century CE, Ismaili teachings grew into what they are today. Most Ismailis are Nizaris, who recognize Aga Khan V as their 50th hereditary Imam. Other groups are called Tayyibi. You can find Ismailis in many places around the world, including Central Asia, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Yemen, Lebanon, Malaysia, Syria, India, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, East Africa, Angola, Bangladesh, and South Africa. In recent years, many have also moved to Europe, Russia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Trinidad and Tobago.

History

Further information: Musta'li Ismailism, Tayyibi Isma'ilism, Nizari Isma'ilism, History of Nizari Isma'ilism, and Isma'ili Constitution

Succession crisis

Main article: Succession to Muhammad

Ismailism started as part of early Shia groups. These groups formed after a big debate about who should lead Muslims after Muhammad. The Shia believed that Ali, Muhammad's cousin, and his family should be the leaders. This belief caused some disagreements.

After Ali became leader, some people wanted him to punish those responsible for Uthman's death. Ali did not agree, and this led to a battle called the Battle of the Camel.

Later, Mu'awiya challenged Ali. They agreed to let the Quran decide their dispute, but some of Ali's followers left him. Ali was eventually killed, and leadership passed to his sons Hasan and Husayn.

Karbala and afterward

The Battle of Karbala

Main article: Battle of Karbala

After Hasan's death, Husayn and his family had a hard time under the rule of Yazid. In 680, Husayn went to Kufa to help the people there, but he was stopped by Yazid's army in Karbala. The army did not let Husayn's family have food or water, and Husayn and his companions were killed.

This event became very important for many Shia Muslims, who remember it during a special occasion called Ashura.

The beginnings of Ismāʿīlī Daʿwah

Main article: Zaidiyyah

After being freed by Yazid, Zaynab shared stories about Karbala with people. Later, after the death of Ali ibn Husayn, a new leadership dispute happened. Some followed Zayd ibn ʻAlī, while others followed Muhammad al-Baqir.

Muhammad al-Baqir taught Islam in Medina. His son, Ja'far al-Sadiq, continued this work.

After al-Sadiq's death, a split happened. Ismaʻil ibn Jafar was thought to be the next leader, but he seemed to have died before his father, leading to different beliefs about who should lead. This split created different groups within Ismailism.

Ascension of the Dais

Main article: Da'i

Some Ismailis believed that after Isma'il ibn Ja'far, the leadership ended, but most recognized Muhammad ibn Ismaʻil as the next leader. Some thought he was hidden and would return later. With the leaders hidden, the community was guided by special teachers called Da'is.

The Qarmatians

Main article: Qarmatians

A group called the Qarmatians became violent. They took over Bahrain and stole a special stone from Mecca in 930. They were defeated by 976 and slowly disappeared.

The Fatimid Caliphate

Main article: Fatimid Caliphate

Rise of the Fatimid Caliphate

Main article: Abdullah al-Mahdi Billah

The Fatimid Caliphate began when Abdullah al-Mahdi Billah became leader in 910. This was the only time Shia leaders also served as political rulers after Ali.

The empire was named "Fatimid" after Fatimah, Muhammad's daughter.

The Middle East under Fatimid rule

The Fatimid Caliphate grew quickly, with Egypt as its center. It included parts of North Africa, Sicily, Palestine, Syria, and more. Egypt became an important trading center.

The Fatimids had new ideas, like promoting people based on their skills. During this time, the three main branches of Ismailism formed.

One branch, the Druze, began when a leader named al-Hakim was seen by some as a special spiritual figure. Another split happened after the death of al-Mustansir Billah in 1094, dividing the group into Nizari and Musta'li branches.

The Musta'li branch later split again into Taiyabi and Hafizi groups.

Decline of the Caliphate

In the 1040s, a group called the Zirids turned against the Fatimids and joined Sunni Islam. By the 1070s, the Fatimids lost most of their lands except Egypt. After the Fatimid government weakened in the 1160s, the city of Egypt was taken over by Saladin, ending the Fatimid Caliphate.

Alamut

Main article: Nizari Ismaili state

Hassan-i Sabbah

Main articles: Hassan-i Sabbah and Alamut Castle

Hassan-i Sabbah was an important leader who helped the Nizari branch of Ismailism survive. He took over a strong fortress called Alamut.

The Hashasheen / Assassiyoon

Main article: Order of Assassins

To protect themselves, Hassan-i Sabbah and his followers used a strategy of targeting important enemies.

Threshold of the Imāmate

Main article: Nizar (Fatimid Imam)

After Nizar was imprisoned, his son is believed to have escaped to Alamut. The leadership was kept secret for a while but was later announced by Imam Hassan II.

Afterward, his descendants led the community from Alamut until it was destroyed.

Destruction by the Mongols

Main article: Mongol campaign against the Nizaris

In 1256, the Mongol leader Hulagu Khan attacked and destroyed Alamut, forcing the leaders and followers to flee.

Aftermath

After the Fatimid Caliphate and their bases in Iran and Syria were destroyed, the three main branches of Ismailism spread out. The Musta'li group moved to India, while the Nizari group stayed in places like Syria, Pakistan, and parts of Africa. The Druze community mainly lives in Syria and Lebanon.

Ismaili historiography

One important book about Ismaili history is called ʿUyun al-Akhbar, written by Idris Imad al-Din. It tells the story of the Ismaili leaders and their work to spread their beliefs.

Beliefs

Further information: Seven pillars of Ismailism

Ismailis are people who follow a special kind of Shia Islam. They think about things in two ways: what you can see and what is hidden inside. This helps them understand their faith.

View on the Quran

See also: Esoteric interpretation of the Quran

For Ismailis, the Quran is very important. They believe God’s messages came to prophets in special ways. These messages are like light that helps people understand true meanings. The Quran, written in Arabic by the prophet Muhammad, shows these messages. But Ismailis also think there are deeper meanings inside the Quran that need special understanding.

The Ginans and Qasidas

Main article: Ginans

Ismailis have special poems called Ginans that help explain the meanings of the Quran. Other Ismaili groups have poems called qasidas that share important ideas.

Numerology

Main article: Numerology (Ismailism)

Ismailis think numbers have special meanings. They often use the number seven, believing it appears in many parts of life, like the days of the week or the heavens.

Imamate

Main articles: Imamah (Ismaili doctrine) and List of Ismaili imams

Ismailis believe that special leaders, called Imams, help people understand their faith. These leaders guide the community and share deep knowledge.

Pir and Dawah

Main article: Da'i al-Mutlaq

In Ismaili communities, teachers called Dais share important knowledge. In some groups, the main Dai is called a Pir.

Zāhir

Main article: Zahir (Islam)

Ismailis believe that everything has an outer appearance, called zahir.

Bātin

Main article: Batin (Islam)

Ismailis also believe that everything has a hidden inner meaning, called batin.

'Aql

Main article: 'Aql

Ismailis believe that understanding God comes from a special light called 'Aql, or Intellect. This light helps everyone know God.

Acts of worship

Approach to the traditional five pillars of Islam

Main article: Five pillars of Islam

Ismailis have some special ways of practicing their faith. Nizari Ismaili Muslims say a special prayer called Du'a three times a day. They don’t have to do other prayers, but they can if they want to.

Giving to others, called Zakat, is very important for Ismailis. They also give money to help community projects. The amount they give can change.

During Ramadan and other times, Ismailis think about the deeper meaning of fasting. They believe fasting helps them be better people by avoiding bad actions and doing good deeds. Some Ismailis also fast on certain Fridays that match the New Moon.

Many Ismaili groups believe that visiting their spiritual leader, the Imam, is a very meaningful act, more so than traveling to Mecca. The Druze have different traditions and do not visit Mecca, while some other Ismaili groups visit both.

Additional Isma'ili pillars

Ismailis follow two extra pillars of worship. The first is taharah, which means staying pure. This includes keeping the body, clothes, and prayer space clean so that prayers are accepted.

The second is jihad, which for Ismailis means trying to be a better person and doing what is right.

Walayah

Ismailis practice walayah, which means loving and devotion to God, the Prophets, and their spiritual leaders. They believe following these leaders’ guidance helps them find the right path.

Branches

Nizari

Main article: Nizari

The largest group of Ismaili people are the Qasim-Shahi Nizari Ismailis. Today, they follow Prince Rahim Aga Khan V as their 50th Imam. The 46th Ismaili Imam, Aga Hassan ʻAlī Shah, left Iran in the 1840s. He was blamed for a failed plan against the ruler of the Qajar dynasty. Aga Hassan ʻAlī Shah moved to Mumbai in 1848.

The Nizari Ismaili Imams have worked to improve life for men and women in their community. Aga Khan III, the 48th Nizari Ismaili Imam, started leading at a young age. His mother, Lady Ali Shah, helped him in the beginning. Later, his wife Umm Habiba also had influence. Imam Aga Khan III led from 1885 to 1957. Then his grandson, Imam Aga Khan IV, led from 1957 to 2025.

Aga Khan III focused on changing rules to help women. He believed women should be free and independent. He told his followers that women should not depend on anyone except God. He encouraged women to join social and political activities. He also spoke against traditions like covering faces and keeping men and women apart.

Aga Khan III thought that for women to be equal, they needed to be economically independent. He wanted women to be educated and have their own jobs. He urged parents to send their daughters to school if they could only send one child. He set a minimum age for marriage for both boys and girls and stopped child marriage. He also made changes to rules about marriage, polygamy, and divorce to treat women more fairly.

Muhammad-Shahi Nizari/Mumini

The Muhammad-Shahi or Mumini Nizari Ismailis follow the older son of Shams al-Din (Nizari) Muhammad, who died in 1310. They followed this line of Imams until the 40th Imam disappeared in 1796. In 1887, most of this group joined the Qasim-Shahi Nizaris led by Aga Khan III. Today, there are about 15,000 followers of this line in Syria.

Musta'ali

Main article: Mustaali

The Mustaali groups are the most traditional of the three main Ismaili groups. They keep rituals like prayer and fasting closely, similar to other Shia groups.

Dawoodi Bohra

Main article: Dawoodi Bohra

The Dawoodi Bohras are a close community. They look to a leader called the Dai for advice on spiritual and everyday matters. The Dai is chosen by the previous Dai.

Dawoodi Bohras support education for both men and women. Many women choose to work. The community believes in fairness and equality for women. They do not require women to cover their faces, and women can visit mosques and join religious events.

Sulaymani

Main article: Sulaymani

Founded in 1592, the Sulaymani are mainly in Yemen, with communities also in Pakistan and India. They are named after their 27th leader, Sulayman bin Hassan.

Alavi Bohra

Main article: Alavi Bohra

The Alavi Bohras follow a different line of leaders starting from the 29th daʼi. They are named after ʻAli Shams al-Din b. Ibrahim. Today, they are led by the 45th dāʿī al-muṭlaq, Haatim Zakiyuddin.

Hebtiahs Bohra

Main article: Hebtiahs Bohra

The Hebtiahs Bohra separated from the main Dawoodi Bohra group after the death of the 39th Da'i al-Mutlaq in 1754.

Atba-i-Malak

Main article: Atba-i-Malak

The Atba-i Malak community also separated from the main Dawoodi Bohra after the death of the 46th Da'i al-Mutlaq. They later divided into two groups.

Progressive Dawoodi Bohra

The Progressive Dawoodi Bohra is a group that separated from the main Dawoodi Bohra around 1977.

Druze

Main article: Druze

The Druze faith began from Ismailism but has its own beliefs and is often seen as separate from Islam.

Satpanth

Main articles: Satpanth and Khoja

Satpanth is a group within Nizari Ismailism that formed from people who changed from Hinduism. They are different from the Nizari Khojas because they do not follow the Aga Khan as their leader.

Ismailism in Shia Islam

The Shia belief has many branches, and one of them is called Ismailism. The largest branch is called the Twelvers, followed by the Ismailis, then the Zaidis, and the Kaysanite. Each group follows a different line of leaders called Imams.