In Islam, spirituality and the purification of the soul lie at the heart of a believer’s quest for ultimate fulfillment and eternal closeness to the Divine. This podcast delves into the profound nature of the soul, uncovering the stages of its spiritual ascent and the transformative journey of self-purification. It explores the timeless principles that guide believers toward enlightenment, divine love, and the transcendent connection with their Creator that defines the essence of true spiritual fulfillment.

This podcast explores the intricate history of the Ismailis in Persia, drawing from Shafique N. Virani’s article “The Eagle Returns: Evidence of Continued Isma‘ili Activity at Alamut and in the South Caspian Region following the Mongol Conquests “ published by the IIS. The article challenges the widespread belief that the Mongol conquest of Alamut in 1256 CE marked the end of Ismaili influence in the South Caspian region. Using a diverse range of historical sources—such as the writings of ‘Ata-Malik Juwayni, Rashid al-Din, regional histories, and Ismaili literature from India—Virani demonstrates that Ismaili activity continued for over a century after the Mongol invasions. He critiques Juwayni’s account as politically biased, arguing it downplays the Mongols’ destruction of Baghdad while exaggerating the annihilation of the Ismailis. Virani supports his argument with evidence, including attempts to reclaim Alamut, the ongoing collection of religious dues, and the Ismaili community’s resilience and eventual displacement, revealing their enduring presence in the region.

Timeline

- 11th Century: Wahsudan b. Marzuban of the Justanid dynasty builds the Aluh amu [kh]t castle, later known as Alamut.

- 1090 CE: Hasan Sabbah seizes Alamut, making it the Nizari Isma’ili stronghold.

- 13th Century: Mongol invasions devastate the Muslim world.

- 1256 CE: Hulagu Khan captures Alamut. Historian Juwayni emphasizes Isma’ili destruction. Imam Rukn al-Din Khwarshah surrenders and is killed.

- 1256–1270 CE: Girdkuh, an Isma’ili fortress, resists but falls in 1270.

- 1275 CE: Rukn al-Din’s son leads a brief recapture of Alamut.

- Post-1275 CE: Mongols retake Alamut but do not occupy the region, leaving Gilan relatively undisturbed.

- 1307 CE: Uljaytu Khan plunders Daylam; local leader Shiru resists but is defeated.

- 1340 CE: Nuzhat al-Qulub notes Isma’ili-controlled districts between Iraq and Gilan.

- 1368–69 CE: Kiya Sayf al-Din establishes Isma’ili rule in Daylaman but is later defeated by Zaydi leader Sayyid ‘Ali Kiya.

- 1370s–1390s: Khudawand Muhammad rallies Isma’ilis, briefly retakes Alamut amidst ongoing power struggles.

- Late 14th Century: Kiya Malik retakes Alamut but is later murdered. Khudawand Muhammad reclaims Alamut from Sayyid rivals.

- 15th Century: Isma’ili activity persists; imams relocate to Anjudan.

- 1416 CE: Radi Kiya massacres Isma’ili leaders in Daylam.

- 1478 CE: Zaydi ruler Muhammad Kar Kiya claims 40 years battling Isma’ili “innovations.”

- 16th Century: Sultan Muhammad b. Jahangir spreads Isma’ili creed in Rustamdar.

- 1591–1597 CE: Shah Abbas I subjugates the region; Jahangir is executed, ending Isma’ili political activities.

- 17th Century: Poet Khaki Khurasani hints at Isma’ili survival in the region.

This podcast explores the life and legacy of Hasan-i Sabbah, the founder of the Nizari Ismaili state in Persia. It traces his journey from his birth into a Twelver Shi’i family to his conversion to Isma’ilism, highlighting his conflicts with the Fatimids and his eventual establishment of an independent Ismaili state at Alamut. The discussion examines his strategic resistance against the Saljuqs and his efforts to support the Nizari Ismailis following the Nizari-Musta’li schism within the Fatimid Empire. Additionally, the podcast delves into Hasan-i Sabbah’s religious and political motivations, his administration of Alamut, and his enduring legacy as a masterful organizer and theologian.

Timeline of Main Events:

Mid-1050s CE: Hasan Sabbah is born in Qum to a Twelver Shi'i family.

- Early life: Hasan's family moves to Ray, where he receives early religious education in the Twelver Shi'i tradition.

- Around 17 years old: Hasan is introduced to Isma'ili teachings by Amira Zarrab in Ray. He further studies Isma'ilism under Abu Nasr Sarraj and other da'is.

- 1072 CE: Hasan converts to Isma'ilism and pledges allegiance to the Fatimid Caliph al-Mustansir. He impresses 'Abd al-Malik b. 'Attash, who appoints him to the da'wa (mission) organization.

- 1074-75 CE: Hasan accompanies Ibn 'Attash to Isfahan, the secret headquarters of the Isma'ili da'wa in Persia.

- 1076-77 CE: On the instructions of Ibn 'Attash, Hasan leaves Isfahan for Cairo to further his Isma'ili education.

- 1078 CE: Hasan arrives in Egypt, spending three years in Cairo and Alexandria.

During his time in Egypt: Hasan clashes with the Fatimid vizier Badr al-Jamali.

- 1081 CE: Hasan is banished from Egypt on Badr's instructions and returns to Isfahan.

-1081-1087 CE: Hasan travels through Persia, serving the da'wa and assessing Saljuq military strength.

- Around 1087 CE: Hasan concentrates his efforts in Daylam, a Shi'i stronghold, targeting the fortress of Alamut as his headquarters.

- 1090 CE: Hasan seizes Alamut through infiltration, establishing the Nizari Isma'ili state. He fortifies Alamut and improves the cultivation and irrigation systems of the valley.

- 1091 CE: Hasan sends the da'i Husayn Qa'ini to Quhistan to mobilize support, resulting in an uprising against the Saljuqs. The Isma'ilis gain control of several towns in.

- 1092 CE: Major Saljuq expeditions are launched against the Isma'ilis, but these are halted due to the assassination of Nizam al-Mulk and the death of Sultan Malikshah shortly thereafter. Hasan consolidates power in the resulting disorder. He seizes the fortress of Lamasar, Girdkuh, and others in various regions.

- After 1092 CE: Hasan implements his strategy of using assassination against key Saljuq leaders.

- 1094 CE: The death of the Fatimid Imam-caliph al-Mustansir leads to a permanent schism between the Nizari and Musta'li factions. Hasan supports Imam Nizar, breaking with the Fatimid regime in Cairo. Hasan establishes an independent Nizari Isma'ili da'wa.

- Post 1094 CE: Hasan sends da'is to Syria to propagate the Nizari da'wa.

- 1095 CE: Imam Nizar is killed in Cairo. Hasan acts as hujja (chief representative of the hidden imam) due to the absence of a manifest Imam.

- 1094-1105 CE: During the reign of Barkyaruq, the Persian Isma'ilis achieve new gains, seizing the fortress of Shahdiz.

- 1105-1118 CE: Muhammad Tapar initiates a major campaign against Alamut. Hasan successfully defends the fortress, leading to a stalemate between the Saljuqs and Isma'ilis. Throughout his rule at Alamut: Hasan leads an austere life, strictly observing the shari'a, and administers his realm. He has his two sons executed for transgressions.

- 1124 CE: Hasan Sabbah dies after a brief illness and is buried near Alamut. He had previously designated Kia Buzurg-Umid as his successor.

This podcast explores the paper “The Ismailis and their Role in the History of Medieval Syria and the Near East” by Farhad Daftary and Azim Nanji, published by the IIS. The discussion delves into the history and influence of the Ismaili sect of Shia Islam in medieval Syria and the wider Near East. It traces their journey from their origins to the establishment of the Fatimid Caliphate in Egypt, highlighting their significant contributions to intellectual and cultural life. The podcast examines the Ismailis’ experiences during the Crusades, their fortified strongholds in the Jabal Bahra region of Syria, and their interactions with rulers like the Crusaders and Mamluks. It concludes with the loss of their independence under Mamluk rule. Throughout, the authors challenge common misconceptions about the Ismailis, shedding light on their scholarly achievements and nuanced political strategies.

Article Link:

https://www.iis.ac.uk/learning-centre/scholarly-contributions/academic-articles/the-ismailis-and-their-role-in-the-history-of-medieval-syria-and-the-near-east/

This podcast explores the rich history of the Ismaili sect within Shia Islam, tracing its roots from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Hazrat Ali as the first Imam, through the split following Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq’s death, to its evolution during pivotal eras such as the Fatimid dynasty and the Alamut period. It examines key doctrines like taqiyya (dissimulation), the central role of the Imam, and the interplay between zahir (exoteric) and batin (esoteric) interpretations of faith. The discussion also highlights the Ismailis’ modern transformation under the guidance of the last four Imams, the Aga Khans, emphasizing their efforts to balance religious tradition with contemporary societal needs. The narrative underscores their steadfast faith in the teachings of the Prophet, their Imams, and their resilience throughout history.

Reference Article

https://www.iis.ac.uk/learning-centre/scholarly-contributions/academic-articles/the-ismailis-in-history/

Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS), born in 599 CE on the 13th of Rajab within the sacred precincts of the Ka‘ba, holds a distinguished and revered position in Islamic history. As the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the first hereditary Imam in Shia tradition, his life and legacy are timeless, embodying the principles of justice, wisdom, and compassion. His exemplary leadership and steadfast dedication to service continue to inspire Muslims globally to strive for a just and ethical society rooted in Islamic values.

Imam Ali is venerated not only as a political leader but also as a spiritual guide (mawla). For Shia Muslims, he is the first in a noble lineage of Imams entrusted with the spiritual and intellectual guidance of the Muslim community. He is seen as the bearer of divine light (nur), a paragon of righteous living, and an intercessor through whom believers seek Allah’s grace and mercy.

His profound teachings, preserved in the celebrated compilation Nahjul Balagha (The Peak of Eloquence), shed light on the harmony between intellect, faith, and ethics. They underscore the pursuit of knowledge and moral integrity as essential elements of a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Sites

The Aga Khan Development Network

https://the.akdn/en/who-we-are

The institute of Ismaili Studies

https://www.iis.ac.uk/

In today’s world, pluralism is not merely an ideal; it is a necessity. With globalization bringing people of different backgrounds into closer contact than ever before, and with increasing migration, technological connectivity, and interdependence, the ability to embrace diversity has become critical for peaceful coexistence. However, this interconnectedness also brings challenges: conflicts over identity, rising nationalism, and polarization threaten to undermine the very fabric of pluralistic societies. On one hand, we are witnessing unprecedented advances in technology, science, and communication, bringing people together in ways unimaginable a century ago. On the other hand, this same interconnectedness has exposed the fault lines of human identity—differences in religion, ethnicity, and ideology have become flashpoints for conflict. In this context, pluralism emerges as both a challenge and a solution. It requires us to navigate the tension between particularity and universality: the particular identities and values that define communities and the universal principles that bind humanity together. Pluralism teaches us that diversity is not a weakness but a strength when embraced with intentionality and wisdom.

This podcast examines the concept of spiritual self-mastery, highlighting the belief that mastering one’s inner self surpasses any external achievement. Author Al Nasir Amlani explores this idea through the lens of Islamic teachings and Sufi traditions. The central theme is that true inner mastery fosters lasting peace, spiritual enlightenment, and a closer relationship with the divine. This journey involves practices that transcend the ego, embrace surrender to divine will, and cultivate detachment from material desires.

This podcast discusses the speech by the Aga Khan, delivered at the Tutzing Evangelical Academy, emphasizing the crucial role of tolerance in fostering peace and understanding in the world. He argues that a "clash of ignorance," rather than civilizations or religions, is the primary obstacle, advocating for increased education and cross-cultural dialogue. Drawing upon Islamic teachings and his experiences with the Aga Khan Development Network, he highlights the importance of religious humility, respect for individual conscience, and hope in overcoming fear and building a more tolerant world. The Aga Khan connects religious faith with active engagement in worldly affairs, promoting a positive vision of tolerance as a sacred imperative. He emphasizes the need for a "cosmopolitan ethic" to address the challenges of globalization and increasing societal pluralism.

Islam’s eternal nature is rooted in its universal principles, preserved scripture, and adaptability through ijtihad. Its teachings provide solutions to the spiritual, moral, and practical challenges of every era, ensuring its continued relevance in an ever-changing world.

The contributions of Ismaili Imams further illuminate the depth and breadth of Islam’s guidance. By fostering education, pluralism, and social justice, they exemplify how Islamic principles can be applied to contemporary issues, affirming Islam’s place as a timeless and universal religion. In the process of Itjihad, the Ismaili Imams provide both the guidance based on the esoteric interpretation of the Qur’an and application of proposed solutions to address contemporary issues.

Through the lens of both traditional Islamic teachings and Ismaili thought, Islam stands as a beacon of hope, purpose, and unity for humanity, proving its eternal relevance for all generations.