Also known as Seveners, the Ismaili is a branch of Shia Islam, named for their acceptance of Isma'il ibn Jafar as the successor to Ja'far al-Sadiq, whereas the Twelvers accepted Mus al-Kadhim, the younger brother of Isma'il, as the true Imam.
Rule of the Imam over the larger Islamic community was made difficult by the Sunni caliphs, who were viewed as usurpers by the Shia, as well as through disagreements within the Shia community over succession. This led to three major divisions: Zaydi, Ismaili, and the Ithna Ashari.
In the 8th century, most of the Shia community split again into its two major branches over who the sixth Imam, Jafar al-Sadiq, actually designated to be his heir. Most accepted his younger son, Mus al-Kazim, while others followed the older son, Ismail. The result was two major Shia communities, the Ithna Asharis (Twelvers) and the Ismailis (Seveners), the numerical designations relating to disruptions in the hereditary succession.
The Ismaili themselves split into subsections. For the largest group of Ismailis, the line of Imams ended in 760 when Ismail, the designated seventh Imam, died before his father. However, another group believed that he did not truly die, but was in seclusion, and would return as the Mahdi, and still others accepted Ismail's son, Muhammad, as Imam.
Today, the Ismailis are viewed as a prosperous merchant class within the Islamic community. However, the early Ismailis were a revolutionary movement that attacked and assassinated Sunni political and religious leaders, at times took power, and once had control over an area that extended from Egypt to the the Sind Province of India.
The Ismaili believe that the Quran had two meanings, exoteric and esoteric, a literal meaning and an inner meaning and that the inner meaning was divulged to the Imam through initiation. The followers of Imam, apart from the larger body of Muslims, formed a religious elite who had the true guidance necessary for salvation, as well as a mission to spread the message and rule of the Imam, by force if necessary.
While residing in areas where they consider themselves to be a persecuted minority, the Ismaili are permitted to conceal their belief for self protection and survival.
Over the years, the Ismaili have been at the head of several wars and other violent actions taken against Sunni Islam as well as against unbelievers.
An offshoot of Ismailism were the Druze of Lebanon, who date back to the early 11th century. They eventually formed their own religion, with many similarities to Islam. Historically, the Druze have been a secret community, now regarded by both Sunni and Shia as heretics.
Branches of the Ismailis today include the Nizari, which is the largest, and which has its own offshoot, known as the Muhammad-Shahi Nizari/Mumini.
Others include the Musta'ali, which are the more traditional Ismaili sects. They include the Dawoodi Bohra, the Progressive Dawoodi Bohra, the Sulaymani, the Alavi Bohra, the Hebtiahs Bohra, and the Atba-i-Malak.
Ismailis tend to place significance on numerology, with the number seven playing a general role in their theology, including mystical speculations that there are seven heavens, seven continents, seven orifices in the skull, seven days in the week, and so on.
The Ismaili are particularly active on the Internet and in social media.
The focus of this category is on the Ismaili Shia Muslims, who may be known as the Seveners or as Ismailism.
Recommended Resources
The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, a peer-reviewed academic resource, presents an overview of Ismaili philosophy, which begins with an introduction to the Shi'a Islam sect, the language and meaning of Ismailism, the stance of Ismaili philosophy, manifesting transcendence, and the knowledge of the cosmos, as well as author information. Submission policies are included and links to other relevant sites are also provided.
https://www.iep.utm.edu/ismaili/
Articles on Christianity, Islam, and Shi'a Ismailism are featured here, with comparisons and contracts, facts, and contemporary news and opinion related to the Shi'a Ismaili faith communities. Topics may be found by browsing topical categories or by keyword search. Book downloads in English, Arabic, Guajardi, and Urdo are available, along with informational video, and video debates on various topics related to Ismailism.
https://insideismailism.wordpress.com/
Created in 2007, the site's purpose is allow local Jamatkhanas to stay in touch with events, religious dates, and occasions at the Jamatkhana without having to to Jamatkhana every day. Full access to the site requires passing a quiz on Ismaili-specific questions, and those with an account may receive weekly reminders, have access to a database of JK locations, and be notified of local JK events, closures, and emergency messages. Classes and other resources are available from time to time.
http://www.ismailicalendar.com/
The private organization is dedicated to reviving Ismaili Muslim esoteric thought and intellectual contemporary discussion, its content representing the individual research, opinions and perspectives of Ismaili Gnosis authors, who focus on the study of Shi'a Ismaili Muslim philosophy and other esoteric traditions, such as Sufism, Kabbalah, Christian mysticism, Vedanta, and others. Organized by topical categories, selected readings are also presented.
https://ismailignosis.com/
Dedicated to The Aga Khan and Ismailism, the Heritage Society offers an electronic library and database of information, including timelines, Ismaili history, statistical data, and a library of selected readings, speeches, interviews, book reviews, theses, manuscripts, religious educational materials, devotional literature, an Ismaili dictionary, and newspaper text, which may are found through an author index. An online discussion forum is also available, although a membership is required.
http://www.ismaili.net/
The supranational entity represents the succession of Imams since the time of the Prophet Muhammad, and is a hereditary office. The Jubilees, the Shia Ismaili Muslims, and a biography of the current Imam is set forth, including his honors and speeches. The role of the Ismaili Imamat in international relations, ethics and social responsibility are set forth, along with a general introduction to Ismaili Shi'a Islam.
https://ismaili.imamat/
The privately operated website and blog has been online since 2006, sharing interfaith and interfaith stories from the Ismaili community around the world. Offering general information about the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslim community and the role played by the Imam, Aga Khan, as well as articles on events, people, and news from or about Ismaili Muslims worldwide. Topics may be found by date, through a keyword search, or in random order.
https://ismailimail.blog/
Ismaili Muslims are found in more than twenty-five countries throughout the world, sharing a 1,400-year tradition of Shi'a values. The official website of the Ismaili Muslim community introduces the Shi'a Muslim sect, the Aga Khan, and the Ismaili Imamat, which represents the succession of Imams sine the time of the Prophet Muhammad. Speeches, schedules, and Ismaili centers are featured, along with news of the Ismaili community, and a calendar of events.
https://the.ismaili/
