Shia imami ismaili community
The Shia Imami Ismaili community is a branch of Shia Islam that is part of the larger Shia Muslim community. Here's an overview:
History: The Ismaili community has its roots in the early days of Islam, dating back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The community was founded by Ismail ibn Ja'far, a great-grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was considered a descendant of the Prophet's daughter Fatima and her husband Ali ibn Abi Talib.
Beliefs: Ismailis believe in the same fundamental principles of Islam as other Shia Muslims, including the importance of the Imamat (the institution of spiritual guidance) and the concept of the Mahdi (the guided one). They also believe in the importance of the Quran and the Hadith (the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad).
Imams: The Ismaili community has a unique system of Imams, which is different from the Twelver Shia tradition. Ismailis believe that the Imams are the spiritual guides and leaders of the community, and that they are chosen by God to guide humanity. The Ismaili Imams are considered to be infallible and sinless, and are believed to possess spiritual powers and knowledge.
Practices: Ismailis follow many of the same practices as other Shia Muslims, including the Five Pillars of Islam (prayer, fasting, charity, pilgrimage, and declaration of faith). They also have their own unique practices and customs, such as the celebration of the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (Mawlid al-Nabi) and the commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (Ashura).
Community: The Ismaili community is found in many parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. They are known for their strong sense of community and their commitment to education, social welfare, and cultural preservation.
Leadership: The current leader of the Ismaili community is Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who is the 49th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims. He is a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and has been the spiritual leader of the community since 1957.
Notable Ismailis: Some notable Ismailis include:
- Aga Khan III, who was the 48th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims and played a key role in the development of the community.
- Aga Khan IV, who is the current leader of the Ismaili community and has been recognized for his humanitarian work and philanthropic efforts.
- Prince Aly Khan, who was a diplomat and a philanthropist and was the son of Aga Khan III.
- Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan, who was a diplomat and a humanitarian worker and was the son of Aga Khan III.
Overall, the Shia Imami Ismaili community is a vibrant and diverse community that is known for its strong sense of faith, its commitment to education and social welfare, and its rich cultural heritage.