[God] has not left the earth without an Imam on it for the community, who states the truth and who serves as the proof.” Qadi al-Nu'man
Posted Tweet by The Ismaili IIS on X
Qadi al-Nu‘man, a leading #Ismaili jurist & theologian, under 4 #Fatimid Imams—from al-Mahdi (founder) to al-Mu‘izz.
He affirms a core Ismaili doctrine : a living Imam who guides humanity as bearer of truth (ḥaqq) & God’s proof (ḥujja)
In this context:
• Haqa (ö»)
Means Truth — not just factual truth, but ultimate divine reality, justice, and what is right.
When used for the Imam, it means the Imam is the bearer and interpreter of God's true guidance.
• Hujja (ü0)
Means Proof or Divine authority/evidence.
In Ismaili understanding, the Imam is the living "proof of God" on earth—a clear, present guide through whom God's guidance is known.
Farmans and Hadiths - Understanding, Sharing and Need
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mahebubchatur
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Re: Farmans and Hadiths - Understanding, Sharing and Need
[God] has not left the earth without an Imam on it for the community,mahebubchatur wrote: Sun Apr 12, 2026 3:08 pm [God] has not left the earth without an Imam on it for the community, who states the truth and who serves as the proof.” Qadi al-Nu'man
Posted Tweet by The Ismaili IIS on X
Do you mean, Imam is only for a particular community and not for humanity?
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mahebubchatur
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- Joined: Mon Jan 13, 2014 7:01 pm
Re: Farmans and Hadiths - Understanding, Sharing and Need
The quotation reflects a philosopher’s insights & perspective, which invites understanding and interpretation.swamidada wrote: Mon Apr 13, 2026 9:21 pm[God] has not left the earth without an Imam on it for the community,mahebubchatur wrote: Sun Apr 12, 2026 3:08 pm [God] has not left the earth without an Imam on it for the community, who states the truth and who serves as the proof.” Qadi al-Nu'man
Posted Tweet by The Ismaili IIS on X
Do you mean, Imam is only for a particular community and not for humanity?
When ‘community’ is referenced, it should not be seen as exclusive to a single group, but as encompassing all believers.
In the Qur’an, a believer is anyone open to seeking, understanding, and engaging with the Divine message. Access is not restricted—all guidance including Farmans are from Allah and available to all humanity not a select group or community
Whether one accepts or rejects it is a matter of individual free will, not limitation of the message from Allah conveyed through the Noor of Imam
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mahebubchatur
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- Joined: Mon Jan 13, 2014 7:01 pm
Farmans and Hadiths - Understanding, Sharing and Need
Understanding faith of Shia Ismaili Nizari Islam
The Role and Authority of the Imam and the source of Farmans blessings and mercy
⸻
The following is a summary from the excellent video presentation of about 1 hour - link below
In the Ismaili faith, the Imam is the living, ever-present bearer of the Noor - Light - Knowledge - Command - Amr of God - Will of Allah
Imams are designated by divine will through an unbroken lineage by Allah, and in the 6th Cycle of Prophets, through and conveyed by Prophet Muhammad.
The Imam is ever present eternally : never absent from the world and serves as the continuous link between Divine guidance and humanity.
The Imam’s authority is conveyed from and rooted in God’s Command (Amr) and expressed through Divine Light (Noor). This is not knowledge acquired independently or through personal interpretation; rather, it is Divinely bestowed knowledge—the same essential truth conveyed to the Prophet by command Will or Amr of Allah transmitted through the spiritual light - intellect (‘aql).
The Imam, as the bearer of this Divine Light and Command, conveys (not independently interprets) this knowledge to humanity in forms appropriate to the time and context through Farmans, reflecting the Command Amr or Will of Allah.
Accordingly, the Imam does so with the full authority in all matters—spiritual, material, and jurisprudential—because what is conveyed through him originates from the Divine Command ( Amr & Will)
His guidance (Farmans) conveyed is therefore regarded as final and authoritative, as it reflects Divine Will, not personal interpretation & reasoning.
Ismaili theology also teaches that history unfolds through seven prophetic cycles, culminating in the present era of the 7th cycle—Qiyamah (Resurrection)—a time deeper spiritual (batin) understanding and the inner and spiritual meanings of the Ismaili faith.
Religious understanding of Ismailism includes:
* Zahir (outer material form)
* Batin (inner spiritual meaning)
* Ta’wil (spiritual/esoteric understanding and teachings - Talim)
The Imam alone is the Divinely appointed bearer and conveyor of these inner truths. True worship, therefore, includes both outward practice and intellectual and spiritual alignment with the Imam, who is the locus through which Divine knowledge blessings and mercy is conveyed & made accessible.
⸻
Jurisprudence
In matters of Ismaili jurisprudence - as the essence of Ismaili faith - authority rests in:
1. The Qur’an
2. The teachings of the Prophet
3. The rulings (Farmans) conveyed by the Imam. The Farmans of the later Imams of the time can supersede the earlier Farmans
Independent reasoning without reference to the Imam is not considered valid where authoritative guidance -Farman is required, because Divine knowledge is entrusted to and conveyed through the Imam.
⸻
Prayers, Intercession, and Tawhid
Directing prayers through the Imam does not constitute shirk (associating partners with God).
Rather, the Imam functions as a Divinely appointed intermediary:
* Believers offer prayers through the Imam
* The Imam conveys these to Allah
* Allah alone determines acceptance, reward, mercy, and blessings which are conveyed through the Imam
In return, guidance and blessings are conveyed to humanity through the Imam in the form of Farmans.
This preserves absolute monotheism (Tawhid) while recognizing the Imam’s authority as the bearer and channel of conveying Divine Command Will Amr and Light.
⸻
Historical Context
This authority was also manifested historically, particularly during the Fatimid Caliphate, where the Imam served as both spiritual Imam of the time for Ismailis and temporal leader for Ismailis and the state & the Fatimid empire
⸻
Selected Quotations & Farman from the presentation
“The Ismaili Imam of any given time-period has the full authority and right to interpret Islam, implement religious laws, institute or abrogate religious practices, and give socio-political guidance as he sees most appropriate for the current circumstances, even if that guidance contradicts that of a prior Imam.”
— Khalil Andani
“God is the originator (al-mubdi), and His command (amr) acts as an intermediary between Him and His creation. The universal intellect (‘aql) is the first originated being… the source of all light.”
— Farhad Daftary
“The esoteric interpretation of ritual prayer is the worship of God with the rational soul… turning towards the qiblah of spirits, which is… the Imam of Truth.”
— Nasir Khusraw
“The Book of God comprises four things: the explicit statement, the implied meaning, the hidden meanings, and the highest spiritual truths.”
— Ja’far al-Sadiq
“A judge should decide in accordance with the Book of God… and if he does not find it, he should refer it to the Imam… and not decide based on personal opinion or analogy.”
— Qadi al-Nu’man
“Only the Imams from his progeny can expound the inner meanings of the Qur’an… this knowledge is inherited and entrusted to them.”
— Qadi al-Nu’man
“Those jurists followed their own whims… and produced rulings without guidance from God, contradicting the Book and the Messenger.”
— Qadi al-Nu’man
⸻
Further Learning (Video Presentation)
For a full, referenced explanation (approx. 1 hour), please watch:
https://youtu.be/CFm03oac9es?si=miGpFAqXSdRoP-sk
⸻
Closing Note
This resource is intended for those seeking to understand or revisit the foundations of the Ismaili faith, particularly the central role of the Imam as the bearer, conduit, and conveyor of Divine guidance, knowledge, and authority in all matters—spiritual, material, and jurisprudential.
The Role and Authority of the Imam and the source of Farmans blessings and mercy
⸻
The following is a summary from the excellent video presentation of about 1 hour - link below
In the Ismaili faith, the Imam is the living, ever-present bearer of the Noor - Light - Knowledge - Command - Amr of God - Will of Allah
Imams are designated by divine will through an unbroken lineage by Allah, and in the 6th Cycle of Prophets, through and conveyed by Prophet Muhammad.
The Imam is ever present eternally : never absent from the world and serves as the continuous link between Divine guidance and humanity.
The Imam’s authority is conveyed from and rooted in God’s Command (Amr) and expressed through Divine Light (Noor). This is not knowledge acquired independently or through personal interpretation; rather, it is Divinely bestowed knowledge—the same essential truth conveyed to the Prophet by command Will or Amr of Allah transmitted through the spiritual light - intellect (‘aql).
The Imam, as the bearer of this Divine Light and Command, conveys (not independently interprets) this knowledge to humanity in forms appropriate to the time and context through Farmans, reflecting the Command Amr or Will of Allah.
Accordingly, the Imam does so with the full authority in all matters—spiritual, material, and jurisprudential—because what is conveyed through him originates from the Divine Command ( Amr & Will)
His guidance (Farmans) conveyed is therefore regarded as final and authoritative, as it reflects Divine Will, not personal interpretation & reasoning.
Ismaili theology also teaches that history unfolds through seven prophetic cycles, culminating in the present era of the 7th cycle—Qiyamah (Resurrection)—a time deeper spiritual (batin) understanding and the inner and spiritual meanings of the Ismaili faith.
Religious understanding of Ismailism includes:
* Zahir (outer material form)
* Batin (inner spiritual meaning)
* Ta’wil (spiritual/esoteric understanding and teachings - Talim)
The Imam alone is the Divinely appointed bearer and conveyor of these inner truths. True worship, therefore, includes both outward practice and intellectual and spiritual alignment with the Imam, who is the locus through which Divine knowledge blessings and mercy is conveyed & made accessible.
⸻
Jurisprudence
In matters of Ismaili jurisprudence - as the essence of Ismaili faith - authority rests in:
1. The Qur’an
2. The teachings of the Prophet
3. The rulings (Farmans) conveyed by the Imam. The Farmans of the later Imams of the time can supersede the earlier Farmans
Independent reasoning without reference to the Imam is not considered valid where authoritative guidance -Farman is required, because Divine knowledge is entrusted to and conveyed through the Imam.
⸻
Prayers, Intercession, and Tawhid
Directing prayers through the Imam does not constitute shirk (associating partners with God).
Rather, the Imam functions as a Divinely appointed intermediary:
* Believers offer prayers through the Imam
* The Imam conveys these to Allah
* Allah alone determines acceptance, reward, mercy, and blessings which are conveyed through the Imam
In return, guidance and blessings are conveyed to humanity through the Imam in the form of Farmans.
This preserves absolute monotheism (Tawhid) while recognizing the Imam’s authority as the bearer and channel of conveying Divine Command Will Amr and Light.
⸻
Historical Context
This authority was also manifested historically, particularly during the Fatimid Caliphate, where the Imam served as both spiritual Imam of the time for Ismailis and temporal leader for Ismailis and the state & the Fatimid empire
⸻
Selected Quotations & Farman from the presentation
“The Ismaili Imam of any given time-period has the full authority and right to interpret Islam, implement religious laws, institute or abrogate religious practices, and give socio-political guidance as he sees most appropriate for the current circumstances, even if that guidance contradicts that of a prior Imam.”
— Khalil Andani
“God is the originator (al-mubdi), and His command (amr) acts as an intermediary between Him and His creation. The universal intellect (‘aql) is the first originated being… the source of all light.”
— Farhad Daftary
“The esoteric interpretation of ritual prayer is the worship of God with the rational soul… turning towards the qiblah of spirits, which is… the Imam of Truth.”
— Nasir Khusraw
“The Book of God comprises four things: the explicit statement, the implied meaning, the hidden meanings, and the highest spiritual truths.”
— Ja’far al-Sadiq
“A judge should decide in accordance with the Book of God… and if he does not find it, he should refer it to the Imam… and not decide based on personal opinion or analogy.”
— Qadi al-Nu’man
“Only the Imams from his progeny can expound the inner meanings of the Qur’an… this knowledge is inherited and entrusted to them.”
— Qadi al-Nu’man
“Those jurists followed their own whims… and produced rulings without guidance from God, contradicting the Book and the Messenger.”
— Qadi al-Nu’man
⸻
Further Learning (Video Presentation)
For a full, referenced explanation (approx. 1 hour), please watch:
https://youtu.be/CFm03oac9es?si=miGpFAqXSdRoP-sk⸻
Closing Note
This resource is intended for those seeking to understand or revisit the foundations of the Ismaili faith, particularly the central role of the Imam as the bearer, conduit, and conveyor of Divine guidance, knowledge, and authority in all matters—spiritual, material, and jurisprudential.
-
mahebubchatur
- Posts: 795
- Joined: Mon Jan 13, 2014 7:01 pm
Farmans and Hadiths - Understanding, Sharing and Need
Hazar Imam has asked us to read and understand Farmans and In addition, to read books and materials from our institutions and, to also seek knowledge and understanding independently
Imam would never say that Farmans—divine guidance conveyed through the Noor of the Imam for the Jamat by Allah’s will—should be delayed, restricted, or denied to any murid.
Farmans include the Ismaili constitution which is a Farman too
“ Read and study the good religious and cultural educational materials which have been produced for the Jamats by our institutions: seek knowledge and understanding independently. Try to deepen your understanding of our history, our values and the principles of our faith" — Mawlana Hazar Imam, Shah Rahim al Hussaini, Paris, July 12, 2025.X
Imam would never say that Farmans—divine guidance conveyed through the Noor of the Imam for the Jamat by Allah’s will—should be delayed, restricted, or denied to any murid.
Farmans include the Ismaili constitution which is a Farman too
“ Read and study the good religious and cultural educational materials which have been produced for the Jamats by our institutions: seek knowledge and understanding independently. Try to deepen your understanding of our history, our values and the principles of our faith" — Mawlana Hazar Imam, Shah Rahim al Hussaini, Paris, July 12, 2025.X