A Short History of the Ismailis

Abstract

A major Shī'ī Muslim community, the Ismailis have had a long and eventful history dating back to the middle of the 2nd/8th century. The Ismailis themselves produced a rich literature reflecting their intellectual and literary traditions. However, the Ismailis were until recent times studied primarily on the basis of the accounts fabricated by their detractors, including the Sunni polemicists. Consequently, a host of legends were disseminated on the teachings and practices of the Ismailis. With the recovery of a large number of Ismaili texts, Ismaili studies have been revolutionised in modern times. This book brings together the results of modern scholarship on Ismaili history and doctrines, within the broader context of Islamic history. It covers all the major phases in Ismaili history as well as the various schisms in Ismaili community. This book has been translated into a number of European languages, as well as Arabic, Persian, Urdu and Gujarati.

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