Nizari Isma'ilism

A branch of Isma'ilism that recognizes Nizar ibn al-Mustansir and his descendants as the rightful imams after a succession dispute in 1094.

Nizar ibn al-Mustansir: The Fatimid prince whose claim to the imamate founded the Nizari line of succession. His disputed succession after al-Mustansir's death gave the branch its name and defining claim.
Isma'ilism: A branch of Shi'a Islam that recognizes a line of imams descended from Isma'il ibn Ja'far. Nizari Isma'ilism is one of its major branches.
Aga Khan: The hereditary title of the present line of Nizari Isma'ili imams, used since the nineteenth century. The title identifies the modern imams who lead the Nizari community.
Nizari state: The network of Nizari-controlled fortresses and territories in Persia and Syria from the eleventh to thirteenth centuries. It shows the political form the community took before the Mongol conquest.
Al-Mustansir: The Fatimid caliph who ruled from 1036 to 1094. His death triggered the succession dispute that divided Isma'ilism.
Imamate in Isma'ilism: The doctrine that divinely guided imams inherit authority to interpret Islam and lead the community. Nizari identity centers on its continuous line of living imams.
Aga Khan Development Network: A group of development agencies founded by the Aga Khan to improve living conditions in regions where it works. It is a major institutional expression of the modern imam's social leadership.
Assassins: A medieval label for Nizari groups associated with targeted political killings, especially in the Levant. The label narrows a complex religious and political community to one contested historical reputation.
Al-Afdal Shahanshah: A Fatimid vizier who installed al-Musta'li as caliph after al-Mustansir's death. His support for al-Musta'li displaced Nizar and precipitated the split.
Ta'wil: Interpretation that seeks the inner or symbolic meaning of religious texts and practices. Isma'ili teaching uses ta'wil to relate scripture's outward form to inner meaning.

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