Ismāʿīlīyah (اسماعيلية)
Definition
The Ismāʿīlīyah (اسماعيلية) sect, also known as Ismāʿīlī Shīʿism, represents a distinct branch within Shīʿah Islam. Adherents of this sect believe that Ismāʿīl ibn Jaʿfar aṣ-Ṣādiq, rather than his brother Mūsā al-Kāẓim, was the rightful successor and true Imām after their father Jaʿfar aṣ-Ṣādiq.
Etymology
The term “Ismāʿīlīyah” is derived from Arabic “اسماعيلية,” rooted in the name of Ismāʿīl ibn Jaʿfar aṣ-Ṣādiq, the son of the sixth Shīʿah Imām, Jaʿfar aṣ-Ṣādiq. This nomenclature reflects the group’s allegiance to Ismāʿīl as their spiritual leader and Imām.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: Ismāʿīlīyah (اسماعيلية)
- Turkish: İsmailîlik
Primary Beliefs
The Ismāʿīlīyah espouse a unique set of theological principles:
- Imamate: They assert that Ismāʿīl ibn Jaʿfar aṣ-Ṣādiq, rather than Mūsā al-Kāẓim, should be recognized as the rightful Imām.
- Divine Nature: Their belief system maintains that God transcends all human categories of existence and attributes. According to sources like “Kitābu ʾt-Taʿrīfāt,” God is beyond being described as existent or non-existent, intelligent or unintelligent, powerful or powerless. They emphasize God’s transcendence beyond any names and attributes.
Historical Context
Ismāʿīlī Shīʿism emerged as a distinct movement in the 8th century CE amidst theological and political challenges within the early Shīʿah community. Their emphasis on the Imāmate and the divine nature of God marked a significant divergence from other Shīʿah sects.
Recommended Books for Further Study
- “The Ismāʿīlīs: Their History and Doctrines” by Farhad Daftary: A comprehensive guide to Ismāʿīlī history, theology, and their perception within the broader Islamic tradition.
- “The Intellectual Traditions in Islam” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr: This book provides an in-depth exploration of the intellectual currents within Islam, including those of Ismāʿīlīyah.
- “The Fatimids and Their Traditions of Learning” by Heinz Halm: This work sheds light on the educational and cultural impacts of the Ismāʿīlī Fatimid caliphate.
Key Takeaways
- Ismāʿīlīyah is a distinctive branch of Shīʿah Islam that upholds the Imāmate of Ismāʿīl ibn Jaʿfar aṣ-Ṣādiq.
- Theological beliefs within Ismāʿīlīyah emphasize the transcendence of God beyond any human categories or attributes.
- The origins and development of Ismāʿīlīyah are deeply rooted in the historical and theological contexts of early Shīʿah Islam.
Conclusion
The Ismāʿīlīyah sect represents a significant and intellectually rich tradition within Shīʿah Islam. Understanding their views on the Imāmate and God’s transcendence offers valuable insights into the broader tapestry of Islamic thought and history.
For those interested in delving deeper into this fascinating sect, the recommended readings provide a robust starting point. Through these texts, one can gain a fuller appreciation of the Ismāʿīlīyah’s contributions to Islamic theology, culture, and historical development.
