Ismaili Sect: Complete History
The Ismaili sect is a branch of Shia Islam that emerged due to disagreements over the issue of Imamate following the death of Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (RA). According to Twelver Shia belief, after Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (RA), his son Imam Musa al-Kadhim (RA) became the Imam. However, some individuals believed that Imam Jafar al-Sadiq’s eldest son, Ismail (RA), should have been the rightful Imam, and they continued to recognize his lineage as the true line of Imamate. This led to the formation of the Ismaili sect.
Ismail had passed away during Imam Jafar al-Sadiq’s lifetime, but his supporters argued that the Imamate should have gone to him and then continued through his descendants. Initially, this group was referred to as “Sevener Shias” or “Waqqifis.” Thus, the foundation of the Ismaili sect was laid, with its followers considering themselves the true adherents of Ahl al-Bayt.
The Fatimid Caliphate (909-1171 CE)
One of the most significant periods in Ismaili History was the establishment of the Fatimid Caliphate, also known as the Ubayd Allah Caliphate.
Establishment of the Fatimid Caliphate:
In the 9th century, Ismaili missionaries established a strong network in North Africa. In 909 CE, Ubayd Allah al-Mahdi Billah founded the Fatimid Caliphate in what is now Tunisia, claiming descent from Ahl al-Bayt.
Fatimids in Egypt:
In 969 CE, under the reign of Caliph al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah, the Fatimids conquered Egypt, and the capital was moved from Tunis to Cairo. Al-Azhar University was also established during this period, which remains one of the most prestigious Islamic institutions today.
Key Fatimid Caliphs and Their Achievements:
- Al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah (953-975 CE): Conquest of Egypt and the founding of Cairo.
- Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah (996-1021 CE): Known for controversial reforms and religious changes.
- Al-Mustansir Billah (1036-1094 CE): The longest reigning Fatimid caliph, whose death led to a split within the Ismaili sect.
Division of the Ismaili Sect: Nizari and Musta’li
After the death of Caliph al-Mustansir Billah in 1094 CE, the Ismaili sect split into two major branches:
- Nizari Ismailis: Those who recognized the elder son of al-Mustansir, Nizar, as the rightful Imam. After disputes over the Imamate, this group migrated to Iran.
- Musta’li Ismailis: Those who accepted al-Mustansir’s younger son, Musta’li, as the Imam. This group eventually moved to Yemen.
Later, the Musta’li Ismailis became known as the “Bohras,” while the Nizari Ismailis came to be known as the “Aga Khanis.” The Bohras further divided into two groups: the Dawoodi Bohras and the Sulaimani Bohras.
The Nizari Ismailis and Hasan bin Sabbah (Hashshashin Movement):
The Nizari Ismailis left Egypt and continued their movement in Iran and Syria. Hasan al-Sabbah, a prominent Nizari missionary, established the fortress of Alamut in Iran as the center of the Nizari movement. He also formed a secret group of assassins known as the “Hashshashin,” famous for carrying out political assassinations against Sunni scholars, Seljuk rulers, and other Arab and Turkish governments. Sultan Saladin made peace with them before capturing Jerusalem.
The Fatimid (Ismaili) Caliphate in Egypt ended under the rule of Sultan Saladin, while the Mongol ruler Hulagu Khan destroyed the fortress of Alamut in 1256 CE, ending Nizari power. Afterward, the Nizari Ismailis went underground to continue their activities secretly.
The Aga Khan Lineage and Modern Nizari Ismailis:
For centuries, the leadership of the Nizari Ismailis remained in Iran. In the 19th century, the Qajar rulers of Iran bestowed the title “Aga Khan” upon their Imam, Hassan Ali Shah. Later, Aga Khan I rebelled against the Iranian government, suffered defeat, and eventually settled in Sindh and Bombay, where he received British support.
Modern Aga Khans:
- Aga Khan III (Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, 1885-1957):
- A supporter of the Pakistan Movement and an early leader of the All-India Muslim League.
- Actively involved in education, health, and welfare projects.
- Aga Khan IV (Prince Karim Aga Khan, since 1957):
- The current Imam of the Nizari Ismailis, who ascended the throne at the age of 20.
- Adopted a Western lifestyle and has been active in developmental projects worldwide.
- Passed away on February 4, 2025, in Lisbon, Portugal, at the age of 88.
The Musta’li Ismailis (Bohra Sect):
After the fall of the Fatimid Caliphate, the Musta’li Ismailis established centers in Yemen and India. They further divided into two groups:
- Dawoodi Bohras:
- Centered in Surat, India.
- Follow strict Islamic practices, including prayer and fasting.
- Currently led by Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the son of the late Burhanuddin.
- Sulaimani Bohras:
- Based in Yemen, with a significant presence in South India.
- Their leaders (Da’i) reside in Yemen.
Ismaili Beliefs:
Ismaili beliefs differ from other Islamic sects in several key aspects:
- Concept of Imamate:
- Ismailis consider their living Imam as God’s vicegerent, responsible for both spiritual and temporal leadership.
- Esoteric and Exoteric Sharia:
- Nizari Ismailis interpret certain Islamic laws and pillars esoterically, often emphasizing inner meanings over outward practices.
- Unique Prayer Practices:
- Aga Khani Ismailis do not follow traditional Islamic prayers; instead, they prioritize the teachings of their Imam.
- Rejection of Bodily Resurrection:
- Some Ismaili groups reject the concept of physical resurrection, viewing it as a spiritual reality rather than a literal event.
Modern Ismaili Sects:
Today, the Ismaili sect is divided into three main groups:
- Nizari Ismailis (Aga Khanis)
- Musta’li Ismailis (Bohras)
- Druze (a separate branch found in Lebanon and Syria)
The Bohra sect generally follows Islamic traditions, but all three groups are exclusive in their proselytization efforts, similar to Jewish practices.
The Aga Khan Family:
The title “Aga Khan” was originally granted by the Qajar dynasty of Iran to Prince Karim Aga Khan IV’s great-grandfather. Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the 49th Imam of the Nizari Ismailis, passed away on February 4, 2025, in Lisbon, Portugal, at the age of 88. He succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan, at the young age of 20, bypassing his father, Ali Khan, who did not become Imam.
Prince Karim Aga Khan spent much of his life in Switzerland and Europe but was actively involved in development projects in Pakistan, Central Asia, and Africa. His initiatives include the Aga Khan Health Services, Aga Khan Hospitals and Universities, and Aga Khan Secondary Schools. His organizations are also active in disaster relief, microfinance, rural development, and cultural preservation.
While maintaining close ties with European royalty and business elites, Prince Karim Aga Khan was also known for his passion for horse racing and high-profile marriages. He married twice: first to English fashion model Begum Salima Aga Khan (formerly Sarah Frances Croker-Poole), and later to German noblewoman Princess Gabriele zu Leiningen (formerly Princess Gabriele of Bavaria). Both marriages ended in divorce.
His children include:
- Daughter: Zahra Aga Khan (married to Jewish model Mark Bouwer, now divorced, with two children).
- Sons: Rahim Aga Khan, Hussein Aga Khan, and Ali Muhammad Aga Khan.
Rahim Aga Khan, the designated 50th Imam, has also divorced his American ex-wife, Kendra Spears (now known as Salwa Aga Khan), with whom he has two sons, Irfan and Sinan.
Conclusion:
The Ismaili sect has a rich and complex history marked by political rise and fall, doctrinal divisions, and diverse beliefs. Today, the sect is represented by three main groups: the Nizari Ismailis (Aga Khanis), the Musta’li Ismailis (Bohras), and the Druze. While the Aga Khan family has played a significant role in global philanthropy and development, their personal lives have often been the subject of media attention due to high-profile marriages and divorces.
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