Forty Esoteric Imamat Gems

:: Post No. 30: The Seven Pillars of Ismailism ::

Monday, Mar. 10, 2025

Ya Ali Madad! This post has four parts.

Part 1. Knowledge Section

Teachings of Noor Mowlana Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.):

The Seven Pillars of Ismailism

1. Walayah 'Guardianship': Denotes love and devotion to God, the Prophets and the Fatimid Imams.

2. Taharah 'Purity': Emphasizes all aspects of purity and its related practices.

3. Salah 'Prayer': All types of prayers designated by Noor Mowlana Hazar Imam.

4. Zakah 'Charity': This is Dasond which is submitted to Noor Mowlana Hazar Imam.

5. Sawm 'Fasting': Fasting is physical as well as spiritual.

6. Hajj 'Pilgrimage': The didar of the Noor Mowlana Hazar Imam is the most aspired pilgrimage.

7. [The greater] Jihad 'Struggle': The definition of [the greater] jihad is struggle against one's own vile instincts (nafs-i-amara)"

Arzina R, Lalani, 'Early Shi'a Thought — The Teachings of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir', p.85

What is the relationship between Iman and Islam?

"One of the essential questions that was discussed at this early period, and upon which the various schools were divided, was iman. A number of related questions were raised such as the distinction between iman and islam, 'faith' and 'submission', and their connection. Another issue was whether there were degrees of faith. Al-Baqir, basing his views on the Qur'anic verse 49:14 — 'The Bedouins say "we believe". Say: you do not believe; rather say, "we have accepted Islam (aslamnaa). Faith has not yet entered your heart." '— made a clear distinction between iman and islam. For him iman included islam, but islam did not encompass iman."

Arzina R, Lalani, 'Early Shi'a Thought — The Teachings of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir', p.85

From the above, I deduce that acceptance of the faith is the first step. The enlightenment or entry of faith into one's heart comes after ardent practise of the faith. Let us now read more from the teachings of Noor Mowlana Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.):

Insights into Iman and Islam

"Further details of the difference between iman and islam can be deduced from yet another question put to al-Baqir, when asked if he who witnesses that there is no God but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God, was a believer, al-Baqir replied: 'Then what about the duties imposed by God?'. As noted earlier, according to al-Baqir there are seven such duties, but walaya was the foremost around which all other revolved. Thus, for al-Baqir, true iman is directly related to the walaya of Imams; iman emerges from the belief in Imam. According to him iman, as distinct from islam, is belief in the prophets, messengers and imams of God with complete obedience to the Imam of the time."

Arzina R, Lalani, 'Early Shi'a Thought — The Teachings of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir', pp.85-86

Part 2. Affirmation of Baiyat:
Let us also reaffirm our baiyat to our Holy 50th Imam, NOOR Mawlana Shah Rahim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam by reciting the Shahada from the second part of our Holy Dua:

"La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur-Rasoolullah, 'Aliyyun Amirul-Mu'mineen 'Aliyullah
Mawlana Shah Rahim ul Hussaini, Al-Imamul Hazarul Maujood."

"There is no deity except Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, 'Ali - the master of believers - is from Allah. Our Lord Shah Rahim Al-Hussaini is our present and living Imam"

Shukran wa Mubarak, Shukran wa Mubarak, Shukran wa Mubarak

Part 3. Dhikr
Let us perform dhikr to invoke infinite blessings:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Ya Ali Ya Muhammad, Ya Muhammad Ya Ali
I call upon the Light of Ali and the Light of Muhammad through this prayer

Recited by Noorallah Juma

Al-hamdu lillahi rabbil 'alamin.
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds!

Part 4. Angelic Salwat
Let us recite angelic salwats to invoke Divine grace and mercy.

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad:
O Allah! Bestow Peace on and through Muhammad and his Descendants

33 beads recited by Noorallah Juma

101 beads recited by Noorallah Juma

Al-hamdu lillahi rabbil 'alamin.
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds!

Haizinda — Qayampaya
(Our Present Imam is Living and His NOOR is Eternal)

Forty Esoteric Imamat Gems

Article by Dr. Noorallah Juma