Ismailism

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/isma-ilism

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. Who wrote Ismailism?The Imamate, a continuous hereditary line of divinely guided spiritual leaders
2. What is the key theological concept?Emphasis on the esoteric, inner meaning (batin) of religious texts and practices
3. What is the major ismaili group?Nizaris, who recognize the Aga Khan V as their 50th hereditary Imam

Shia Islam: A branch of Islam that emphasizes the spiritual leadership of Ali ibn Abi Talib and his descendants.
Imamate: The divinely appointed leadership of Imams in Shia Islam, considered infallible guides.
Batin: The hidden, esoteric, or inner meaning of Islamic texts and practices, contrasted with zahir.
Zahir: The outward, literal, or exoteric meaning and practice of Islamic law and scripture.