What Ismailis Believe
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.
Video: The Glorious Qur'an
22 April 2022
As part of our series What Ismailis Believe, this short film details the historical origins of the Holy Qur'an, its significance to Muslim societies, and its inspiration in our daily lives.
Why do Ismailis seek help from Hazrat Ali and the Imams?
27 March 2022
Both Sunni and Shia Muslims believe in intercession. Believers ask those considered close to God to intercede with the Lord on their behalf.
Navroz: A time of renewal
20 March 2022
This short film explores the meaning and history of Navroz, and highlights the diverse ways in which the festival is celebrated in different parts of the world.
