Ismailieh

Ismailiyyah!

Ismailiyyah is a branch of Shia Islam that emerged in the 7th century. It is named after Ismail ibn Jafar al-Sadiq, the seventh Imam of the Shia Imamiyyah, who was the son of Ja'far al-Sadiq, the sixth Imam.

Ismailiyyah is characterized by its unique beliefs and practices, which distinguish it from other branches of Shia Islam. Some of the key beliefs and practices of Ismailiyyah include:

  1. The concept of the Imamate: Ismailiyyah believes that the Imam is the spiritual and temporal leader of the community, and that he is infallible and divinely guided.
  2. The importance of the Fatimid dynasty: Ismailiyyah places great emphasis on the Fatimid dynasty, which was a Shia Muslim dynasty that ruled Egypt and North Africa from the 10th to the 12th centuries.
  3. The role of the Aga Khan: The Aga Khan is the spiritual leader of the Ismailiyyah, and is believed to be the direct descendant of the Fatimid caliphs.
  4. The practice of taqiyya: Ismailiyyah believes in the practice of taqiyya, or dissimulation, which allows followers to conceal their beliefs and practices in times of persecution or danger.
  5. The emphasis on spiritual growth: Ismailiyyah places great emphasis on spiritual growth and self-purification, and encourages followers to engage in spiritual practices such as meditation and prayer.

Ismailiyyah has a significant presence in many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Europe. The Ismailiyyah community is known for its diversity and inclusivity, and is home to people from many different backgrounds and cultures.

Some of the notable Ismailiyyah figures include:

  1. Aga Khan IV: The current spiritual leader of the Ismailiyyah, who is known for his philanthropic work and his efforts to promote interfaith dialogue.
  2. Fatima al-Fihri: A prominent Ismailiyyah scholar and writer, who is known for her works on Islamic theology and philosophy.
  3. Nasir Khusraw: A 11th-century Ismailiyyah poet and philosopher, who is known for his works on Islamic mysticism and spirituality.

Overall, Ismailiyyah is a rich and diverse branch of Shia Islam that has a long and complex history, and continues to play an important role in the lives of millions of people around the world.