What Ismailis Believe
Video: Why are prayers in jamatkhana only for Ismailis?
13 September 2023
Participation in formal prayers in Ismaili jamatkhanas is restricted to those who pledge their allegiance (bay‘a) to the Ismaili Imam-of-the-Time. In Shia Islam, the authority of the Imam is rooted in the notion of hereditary succession from Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny), and the practices observed in jamatkhanas are the sole prerogative of the Imam-of-the-Time.
Video: What are jamatkhanas?
30 August 2023
Jamatkhanas are one of the many types of spaces of gathering and worship found among the world’s various Muslim communities. Today, Shia Ismaili Muslims use jamatkhanas as their primary space of worship and gathering, under the authority of the Ismaili Imam-of-the-Time.
Video: What is Eid al-Fitr?
19 April 2023
What is Eid al-Fitr? Watch this clip to learn about the festival that celebrates the end of the month of Ramadan.
What is the purpose of fasting in Ramadan?
21 March 2023
One of the many devotional practices Muslims observe at various points of the year is fasting (sawm). Muslims have different ways of fasting, including all forms of self-restraint. This includes not eating and drinking, feeding a poor person, being absorbed in the remembrance of God, avoiding gossip or saying mean things, not being greedy with one’s eyes or mouth, showing humility, and the purification of oneself.
Why do Muslims revere Jesus?
23 December 2022
Muslims regard Jesus (peace be upon him) as one of the great prophets who brought divine guidance to humanity before Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family).
Video: Why do Ismailis celebrate their Imam’s birthday?
10 December 2022
The latest short video in our What Ismailis Believe series explains why Ismailis celebrate their Imam's birthday every year.
Why do Ismailis recite salawat for the family of the Prophet (pbuh)?
5 October 2022
The latest article in our What Ismailis Believe series explains why we recite the salawat for the family of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family).
Video: The Exalted Status of the Ahl al-Bayt
7 August 2022
This short video explains the Shia view of the Ahl al-Bayt, the family of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family).
Video: Imam Ali in Islamic Traditions: In conversation with Dr Hussein Rashid
19 July 2022
In this talk, Dr Hussein Rashid discusses the moral leadership of Imam Ali and his significance to all Muslims, both Shia and Sunni.
Video: Why is Ghadir Khumm Important?
15 July 2022
According to Shia belief, by declaring Hazrat Ali as Mawla after him, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) transferred his own spiritual authority bestowed upon him by Allah to Hazrat Ali, making him — and all the Imams that follow — the Amirul Mu’minin, or Master of the Believers.
Why do Ismailis call their Imam Khudavind?
4 July 2022
The Persian word khudavind or khudawand means, “a king, prince, lord, master; or man of great authority.” Many Persian and Central Asian empires used this term throughout history to refer to people of high standing, including, at times, the sultan (ruler), wazir, government officials, and patrons.
Shia and Sunni: Understanding different Muslim interpretations
10 June 2022
Sunni and Shia Muslims share many central beliefs, including a belief in the Oneness of Allah (tawhid), and that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) was the final Messenger of Allah, who received Divine revelations recorded in the Holy Qur’an.
