History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps HoP 136 - Farhad Daftary on the Ismailis
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Jul 7, 2013 AI Snips
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Origins Of Isma'ilism
- Isma'ilis are a Shia community who trace rightful leadership after the Prophet to Ali and his descendants.
- They split into groups by disputes over succession, producing distinct imam lineages like the Isma'ilis and Twelvers.
Occultation Used As Practical Strategy
- Isma'ili groups sometimes declared an imam as Mahdi when circumstances forced concealment or there was no progeny.
- The concept of occultation thus served tactical protective and messianic purposes historically.
1094 Split Into Two Branches
- A major split in 1094 produced Nizari and Mustalian Isma'ilis after a disputed Fatimid succession.
- The two branches followed different historical paths but both survived beyond the Fatimid Caliphate.