Ismaili facts for kids

Ismaili Shia (or Ismailiya; Arabic: الاسماعيلية) are a group of Shia Muslims. They are different from most other Shia Muslims because they have a different idea about who the 7th Imam (a very important religious leader) should be. Most Shia Muslims believe that Musa ibn Jafar was the 7th Imam. But Ismailis believe that Ismail ibn Jafar was the correct 7th Imam. Ismail passed away while his father, Jafar ibn Muhammad (the 6th Imam), was still alive. The Ismailis believed that Ismail's son, Muhammad, should be the next Imam.

The Ismaili Shia are divided into different groups. The largest group is called the Nizaris. Their leader is known as the Aga Khan. This is a special title for the Ismaili Imams. The current Aga Khan is Karim Al Hussaini, who is the 49th Imam.

Images for kids

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  Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo, Egypt. It was built by al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, an Ismaili Imam and Fatimid Caliph.

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  A map showing the Fatimid Caliphate when it was largest.

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  A view of Alamut during a siege.

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  Ismailis believe the Quran has two layers of meaning. These are the zāhir (apparent) and the bātin (hidden).

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  This image shows how Ismaili Shia branched off within Shia Islam.

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  This image shows the divisions of the Mustaali, also known as Bohras.

See also

In Spanish: Ismailismo para niños