Authority & Nur (light), of Imam in Quran & Farmans

[swamidada786]

On the topic of Noor I am quoting Sir Mazhar. 70s/80s famous RC teacher in Karachi, who started Quran classes in many centers, taught Arabic in mostly RC centers, in Garden center restarted 11th grade and took it to 14th grade. During lecture he said, I quote; " The Noor is the binding force of universe, the Noor is the bloodline of universe, each particle is mazhar of Noor. On Doomsday when God will withdraw Noor, the universe will collapse".

[mahebubchatur]

Surah al-Barā’ah (Surah at-Tawbah, 9:3) and
the Appointment of Imam ʿAli (AS) - Divine authority & designation

“This is a proclamation from Allah and His Messenger to the people on the day of the greater pilgrimage: that Allah is free from obligation to the polytheists, and so is His Messenger…” (Qur’an 9:3)

After its revelation, the Prophet ﷺ initially sent Abu Bakr to lead the Hajj and convey the message. Later, divine instruction required that this proclamation — which annulled treaties and declared Allah’s position toward the polytheists — be delivered by the Prophet himself or by one “from him,” acting with his authority.

Accordingly, the Prophet ﷺ recalled Abu Bakr and appointed Imam ʿAli (AS) to publicly disseminate Surah al-Barā’ah — Allah’s will — during the Hajj.

This also demonstrates that divine will and authority can be conveyed only by the Prophet ﷺ or one vested with divine authority from Allah.

Ghadir Khumm and the Appointment of Imam ʿAli (AS)

During the declaration of Ghadir Khumm, the Prophet ﷺ formally appointed abd designated Imam ʿAli (AS) as his successor, declaring him the wali (guardian) and leader of the believers). The community gave Bay’ah (allegiance) to Imam ʿAli (AS), affirming obedience and recognition of his divinely mandated authority.

The Prophet ﷺ entrusted Imam ʿAli (AS) with the authority to continue the Tawil (esoteric interpretation) and Talim (teaching) of the Qur’an and Allah’s will, ensuring the continuity of divine guidance for the Ummah. This established the fact that succession in spiritual authority is divinely designated by the will of Allah and cannot be assumed by human will alone.


More in Bayah

http://ismaili.net/timeline/2025/bayah.pdf

viewtopic.php?p=73597#p73597

Link to X Post

https://x.com/chaturmahebub/status/2004 ... hqfO552USg

[mahebubchatur]

Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS)
Ismaili Tariqah & Religious Education Board (ITREB)

Al-Waʿeẓ Farukh Amiry
10 January 2026

Al-Waʿeẓ Farukh Amiry delivered a Waʿez at the Jamatkhana in the presence of the Mukhi and Kamadia Sahebans and the Jamat. The session was also livestreamed on Zoom, which I attended.

The session was introduced as follows:

Title: Imamat – The Living Guidance of Islam

“Drawing from the Qur’an, Hadith, Farmans, and authoritative Ismaili sources, this session will be reflective, accessible, and relevant to everyday life for both youth and adults.”

During the Waʿez, Al-Waʿeẓ emphatically affirmed the following core principles of the Ismaili faith concerning the role authority & guidance of Imam and the Imamat (full audio, approx. 45 minutes, linked below):

He confirmed that every Imam of the time is designated by Allah, & is infallible, and is bearer of the Noor that pre-existed creation. The Imam is perfect, beyond the physical realm, and ever-present as the Noor-e-Imam. He has access to all the treasures of Allah — the Will of Allah. There is no limit to the Imam’s knowledge of Allah’s will, which is the source of the guidance conveyed by the Imam through Farmans.

He explained that the Imam knows the future, including the identities of future Imams, which is a part of the will of Allah.

The Imam’s authority and knowledge are from Allah & limitless, as it forms the entirety of knowledge and divine will

By way of example, he referenced the designation of Shah Karim during the Imamat of Shah Karim, noting that succession is determined by Allah’s will — not lineage, seniority, or personal human choice of the Imam

He quoted Hazar Imam Prince Rahim, stating that the next Imam is designated by Allah alone, pre-creation, and that the Imam does not choose his successor of his own volition. This knowledge comes from
Allah & forms part of Allah’s will — a pre-ordained divine trust.

Imam Shah Karim had also stated that the next Imam is known, but only to him.

Al-Waʿeẓ added that the Imam’s knowledge is limitless and that the Imam can know who the next six Imams will be.

Al-Waʿeẓ further stated that the Imam is infallible and incapable of corruption — financial, moral, intellectual, or otherwise. The Imam is not driven by ego or personal interest. His leadership and authority are pure, divinely purified, and continuously protected by Allah’s will. In this context, he referenced Qur’an 33:33 (Ayat-e-Tathir).

The Waʿez was clear, comprehensive, and deeply engaging. Al-Waʿeẓ welcomed questions and responded to as many as time permitted, including questions relating to Ali-Allah.

This session forms part of an ongoing series on Didar and the Imamat day on 4 February 2026. The first Imamat day for Prince Rahim - Hazar Imam

The next session is scheduled in two weeks.

Link to FULL audio recording:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1neY8pe ... p=drivesdk

Announcement

*Ya Ali Madad!*

In preparation for *Imamat Day*, *ITREB Kenya* warmly invites you to *Session one of a new three-part lecture series* exploring the heart of our faith:

*Imamat – The Living Guidance of Islam*

*Today – Saturday, 10th January*

Join Alwaez Farukh Amiry as he begins this series by addressing a foundational question:

*Why does Imamat matter?*
Who is the Imam of the Time, and why has humanity always needed living, divinely guided leadership?

Drawing from the *Qur’an, Hadith, Farmans,* and authoritative Ismaili sources, this session will be reflective, accessible, and relevant to everyday life for both youth and adults.

*Venue*: 1st Floor, Town Jamatkhana, Nairobi
🕰 *Time*: 7:45 pm, after Jamatkhana ceremonies
⏱ *Format*: 30 minutes lecture followed by Q and A
Light refreshments will be served thereafter

*Zoom link for those unable to attend in person:*
https://tinyurl.com/2026itrebseries-imamat

Let’s participate, ask, reflect and articulate your views as we begin this meaningful journey together.

*Please share with family and friends.*

[swamidada786]

By way of example, he (al Waiz) referenced the designation of Shah Karim during the Imamat of Shah Karim, noting that succession is determined by Allah’s will — not lineage, seniority, or personal human choice of the Imam

Chatur ji, the above paragraph from your post creates confusion. You wrote, "succession is determind by Allah's will not lineage, seniority, or personal human choice of the Imam". It suggests that Imam can be any person not necessary from the family of Imam or progeny of the Prophet, and it should be determined according to Allah's will.
Please clear the fog.

[mahebubchatur]

By way of example, he (al Waiz) referenced the designation of Shah Karim during the Imamat of Shah Karim, noting that succession is determined by Allah’s will — not lineage, seniority, or personal human choice of the Imam

Chatur ji, the above paragraph from your post creates confusion. You wrote, "succession is determind by Allah's will not lineage, seniority, or personal human choice of the Imam". It suggests that Imam can be any person not necessary from the family of Imam or progeny of the Prophet, and it should be determined according to Allah's will.
Please clear the fog.

Understanding the Designation (Nass) of Ismaili Nizari Imams of the time

In the Ismaili faith & tradition, the succession of the Imam is not like a normal job appointment. It is much deeper, spiritual, and guided by God. This special process is called designation, or nass.

⸻

1. Divine Will is limitless
• God’s Will is behind everything in creation — the heavens, the earth, and all life.
• The Imamat is part of God’s will from the very beginning and pre creation
• This means the Imam is not chosen by humans, but is always part of the divine design

⸻

2. What is Nass?
• Nass is the living Imam naming his successor under God’s will & guidance.
• It is sacred and spiritual, not based on family seniority or human preference.
• This act does not create the Imam — it makes visible who God has guided to continue the Imamat.

⸻

3. Imamat is Continuous
• The Nur (Light) of the Imamat is ever present & never stops.
• Only one Imam exists at a time, keeping unity and divine authority & guidance clear
• When an Imam physically passes away, that very second the next Imam continues the Imamat, even before it is publicly announced.

⸻

4. Nass Makes It Known
• Although the Imamat exists continuously, it becomes manifest in time when nass is declared.
• This enables the community to recognize and follow the Imam of the Time.
• On 4 February 2025, the nass of Mawlana Shah Karim al-Husayni (Aga Khan IV) was confirmed, marking the manifestation of the continuum of the light of Imam in our time
• Imamat Day celebrates this sacred divinely designed event, and the continuous guidance blessings and intercession conveyed by the Imam.

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5. Appointment vs. Designation

Aspect Ordinary Appointment Nass (Designation)
Nature Human choice, administrative Divine guidance, sacred act
Timing Starts at selection Reveals spiritual reality already present
Authority Depends on humans Continuity of Nur and Imamat
Purpose Fill a position Show the bearer of Imamat, keep unity

An ordinary appointment can change; nass is permanent, because it reflects God’s eill and the continuous one light of Imamat.

⸻

6. Therefore Remember
• God’s Will shapes creation.
• The Imamat is part of that divine plan and will
• Each Imam’s role is made manifest in time through nass.
• Nass reveals what God’s will has already guided.
• The continuity & presence of the Nur of Imam is never broken. Only the physical person changes.

Through nass, the Imam continues as the living guide, ensuring the community always has spiritual guidance under one Imam at a time.

7. The Source of the Light - Nur — Theological Clarification
The designation (nass) is divinely ordained from the Nur, the Light that mirrors the Will of Allah. The Light, and all that flows from it — including knowledge, wisdom, Farmans, guidance, blessings, intercession, and temporal or material benefit — originate from Divine Will, not from the physical person of the Imam.

The Imam is the bearer and voice of that Light, conveying it for the upliftment of humanity.

Consequently:
• Guidance and blessings are for the benefit of all, not restricted to a part of a community.
• Once revealed or declared, Farmans & guidance are given and are never obstructed or withheld, by Imam because it is sourced in Divine Will and precedes all creation.
• No human, institution, leaders Dais or mechanism — whether legal, administrative, or otherwise — can eithhold, claim ownership of, or restrict what the Light has conveyed
• The reality of nass, the Light, and all guidance is not merely belief or theory, but a living, tangible reality, confirmed by Quranic teachings, prophetic guidance, and the continuum of Farmans of all Imams, including at present His Highness the Aga Khan. V

This affirms that the Imamat is universal in role authority & purpose, for the collective good of humanity, ensuring that guidance, blessings, and spiritual intercession are never limited, obstructed, or restricted to only a portion of any community.

⸻

8. Conclusion
The Imamat - Light - Nur of Imam - is the living manifestation of Divine Will & guidance on earth, revealed through the sacred act of nass. It is ever present, continuous, indivisible, and universal. It exists not to empower an individual, but to guide, bless uplift, and intercede to serve all of humanity, reflecting the eternal Light of Allah in every age and time.

More at

Links

http://heritage.ismaili.net/node/10665


https://www.ismailignosis.com/p/transit ... esignation



For Students and Educators

The Light That Never Stops: Understanding the Imam and Nass

Imagine a beautiful lamp that has been shining for hundreds of years. This lamp is special — it never goes out, even for a single moment. It gives light so that everyone can see the right path.

In the Ismaili tradition, this lamp is like the Imamat, and its light is called the Nur, representing God’s guidance in the world.

⸻

1. The Lamp & light Comes From God
• Just as the sun lights the sky, the Imamat is part of God’s eternal plan & will
• Imam is not chosen by people or family rules — the Light flows from God’s Will, and the Imam is the bearer and voice of that Light - Noor

⸻

2. Passing the Lamp
• When one Imam passes away, the lamp & light never stops shining & lighting the way
• The next Imam already carries the Light, even before the world knows who it is.
• Only one Imam exists at a time, keeping the guidance & blessings unified and whole.

⸻

3. Nass: Revealing the Lamp
• The living Imam performs nass, which is like showing everyone who holds the lamp next.
• Nass does not create the Light — it already exists. It simply reveals the Light within the Imam of the Time, making God’s will and designation manifest in time and for our history.
• This is what happened on 4 February 2025, at the moment of passing, when the nass of our Imam, Mawlana Shah Karim al-Husayni (Aga Khan IV), was confirmed. The passing Imam Shah Karim knew who it would be during his lifetime

⸻

4. The Source of the Light
• The Light of the Imamat is divinely ordained and reflects the guidance of Allah.
• Everything that flows from the Light — knowledge, wisdom, Farmans, guidance, blessings, intercession, and even temporal or material benefits — comes from Divine Will, not from the physical person of the Imam.
• The Imam is the conduit, conveying this Light for the benefit of humanity.
• This guidance is universal. It is never meant to be limited or withheld from any part of the community.
• No one — human, institution, or legal mechanism — can block, own, or restrict it. The Light is reality itself, confirmed by the Quran, Prophet Muhammad, and the Farmans of all Imams, including His Highness the Aga Khan.
• All that flows from the Light is for the collective good of humanity, ensuring that spiritual guidance and blessings are never obstructed.

⸻

5. Appointment vs. Designation
• Imagine giving a flashlight to someone for a game — that is like an ordinary appointment. The light depends on human choice, and it can change.
• Nass, however, is like revealing the special lamp that has always shone. The Light is divine, continuous, and the Imam is chosen by God’s guidance.

⸻

6. Key Lessons
• God’s Will guides all creation.
• The Imamat is part of that divine plan.
• Each Imam’s Light is manifested in time through nass.
• Nass reveals what God has ordained.
• The continuity of the Imamat is never broken.
• The Light and all guidance flow from God, for everyone, and can never be obstructed.

⸻

Through nass, the Imam is the living guide, ensuring that humanity always has access to Divine guidance. The lamp of the Imamat never stops shining, lighting hearts and minds across generations, for the benefit of all people, at all times.

[mahebubchatur]

By way of example, he (al Waiz) referenced the designation of Shah Karim during the Imamat of Shah Karim, noting that succession is determined by Allah’s will — not lineage, seniority, or personal human choice of the Imam

For further clarity

The Imam is Always a Male Descendant
The Imam of the Time is always a male descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through Imam Ali and Lady Fatima, following the sacred line of the Ahl al-Bayt. This has been affirmed by His Highness the Aga Khan IV and by the long tradition of Nizari Ismaili Imams.

While the Light of Imamat is divine and eternal, its manifestation in the world flows through a male successor, designated by the living Imam through nass. The gender is part of the continuity of the spiritual lineage, ensuring that the Nur (Light) and guidance remain unbroken, shining clearly for the entire community.

This also means that the Imam is not chosen randomly or by human preferences — he is divinely designated and is part of the Prophet’s family, bearing the Light and conveying divine guidance blessings and intercession of and by the will of God

[kmaherali]

The Imam is Always a Male Descendant
The Imam of the Time is always a male descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through Imam Ali and Lady Fatima, following the sacred line of the Ahl al-Bayt. This has been affirmed by His Highness the Aga Khan IV and by the long tradition of Nizari Ismaili Imams.

The Will of Shah Karim:

“Ever since the time of my ancestor, Ali – A.S. – was designated as the first Imam, that is to
say over a period of nearly fourteen hundred years, it has always been the custom that, in
accordance with the Shia Imami Ismaili interpretation of Islam, each Imam designates his
successor at his absolute discretion from amongst any of his male descendants, whether they
be sons or remoter male descendants.

[swamidada786]

The Imam is Always a Male Descendant
The Imam of the Time is always a male descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through Imam Ali and Lady Fatima, following the sacred line of the Ahl al-Bayt. This has been affirmed by His Highness the Aga Khan IV and by the long tradition of Nizari Ismaili Imams.

The Will of Shah Karim:

“Ever since the time of my ancestor, Ali – A.S. – was designated as the first Imam, that is to
say over a period of nearly fourteen hundred years, it has always been the custom that, in
accordance with the Shia Imami Ismaili interpretation of Islam, each Imam designates his
successor at his absolute discretion from amongst any of his male descendants, whether they
be sons or remoter male descendants.

Please elaborate and explain Imam's following words;
" each Imam designates his successor at his absolute discretion from amongst any of his male descendants, whether they be sons or remoter male descendants". REMOTER MALE DESCENDANTS !!!
REMOTER MEANS FAR AWAY OR DISTANCE.