Ismaili muslims wikipedia

Ismaili Muslims are a branch of Shia Islam that follows the teachings of the Aga Khan, the 49th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims. Here is a summary of Ismaili Muslims based on Wikipedia:

History

Ismaili Muslims trace their history back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad, who appointed his cousin and son-in-law Ali ibn Abi Talib as his successor. After the death of Ali, the Islamic community split into different factions, with some supporting the caliphate of Abu Bakr and others supporting Ali's son Hussein. The Ismaili branch emerged from the Fatimid dynasty, which was founded by Ismail ibn Jafar, the son of Jafar al-Sadiq, the sixth Imam of the Shia Muslims.

Beliefs

Ismaili Muslims believe in the following:

  1. The Imamat: They believe in the institution of the Imamate, which is the spiritual leadership of the Muslim community. They recognize the Aga Khan as the 49th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims.
  2. The Quran: They believe in the Quran as the word of God, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
  3. The Hadith: They believe in the Hadith, the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, as a source of guidance.
  4. The Five Pillars: They believe in the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the declaration of faith, prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage.

Practices

Ismaili Muslims practice the following:

  1. Prayer: They perform the five daily prayers, as well as the Friday prayer.
  2. Fasting: They fast during the month of Ramadan, as well as during the three days of the Islamic New Year.
  3. Charity: They give charity, known as zakat, to the poor and needy.
  4. Pilgrimage: They perform the pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Hajj, if they are physically and financially able.

Community

Ismaili Muslims have a strong sense of community and are organized into a hierarchical structure, with the Aga Khan as the spiritual leader. They have a global presence, with communities in over 25 countries around the world. They are known for their cultural and intellectual achievements, and have made significant contributions to fields such as medicine, science, and the arts.

Notable Ismaili Muslims

Some notable Ismaili Muslims include:

  1. Aga Khan IV: The current Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, who has been the spiritual leader of the community since 1957.
  2. Aga Khan III: The previous Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, who was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement.
  3. Prince Aly Khan: The father of Aga Khan IV, who was a diplomat and a philanthropist.
  4. Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan: The uncle of Aga Khan IV, who was a diplomat and a humanitarian worker.

Overall, Ismaili Muslims are a diverse and vibrant community that has made significant contributions to the world in many fields.