Syi'ah ismailiyah

A fascinating topic!

The Ismailiyyah (also known as the Nizari Ismaili) is a branch of Shia Islam that emerged in the 7th century CE. The name "Ismaili" comes from Ismail, the son of Imam Jafar al-Sadiq, who was considered the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad.

Here's a brief overview:

Beliefs:

  1. Imamate: The Ismailis believe in the concept of Imamate, which holds that a divinely appointed leader (Imam) is necessary to guide the community and interpret Islamic law.
  2. Seven Imams: The Ismailis recognize seven Imams, starting from Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, to Muhammad ibn Ismail, who is believed to have disappeared (ghaybah) and will return as the Mahdi.
  3. Tawhid: The Ismailis emphasize the unity of God (Tawhid) and reject the concept of intermediaries between God and humanity.
  4. Shari'ah: They follow the Shari'ah (Islamic law) as interpreted by their Imams.

Practices:

  1. Five Pillars: The Ismailis observe the Five Pillars of Islam (Shahada, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj).
  2. Friday Prayers: They perform Friday prayers (Jumu'ah) in their local mosques.
  3. Khutbah: The Imam delivers a sermon (Khutbah) during Friday prayers, which is considered a vital part of their spiritual practice.
  4. Mawlid: The Ismailis celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (Mawlid al-Nabi) and other important events in Islamic history.

History:

  1. Early Years: The Ismailiyyah emerged in the 7th century CE, during the Abbasid Caliphate, when the Abbasid dynasty sought to eliminate the Fatimid dynasty, which was founded by Ismail, the son of Imam Jafar al-Sadiq.
  2. Fatimid Caliphate: The Fatimid Caliphate, which lasted from 909 to 1171 CE, was a period of significant growth and prosperity for the Ismailiyyah.
  3. Nizari Ismaili: The Nizari Ismaili branch, which is the largest and most well-known, emerged in the 11th century CE and is still active today.

Notable Figures:

  1. Imam Jafar al-Sadiq: Considered the founder of the Ismailiyyah.
  2. Imam Ismail: The son of Imam Jafar al-Sadiq, who is believed to have disappeared and will return as the Mahdi.
  3. Fatimid Caliphs: Notable Fatimid Caliphs include Al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah, Al-Aziz Billah, and Al-Hafiz Li-Din Allah.
  4. Aga Khan: The current Aga Khan IV is the 49th Imam of the Nizari Ismaili community.

The Ismailiyyah is a rich and diverse tradition within Shia Islam, with a strong emphasis on spiritual growth, community, and social justice.