Imamology in Ismaili Gnosis

Ismailism is a mystical path (tariqa) belonging to Islam, it forms a subdivision of Shi’ism, which began with the death of the prophet. The Arab term Shi’a (meaning party, members, loyal supporters) was gradually applied to those who claimed for Ali ibn Abi Talib (the  Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law) and his descendants (the Shi’i Imams) the exclusive right to guide the community. The present study attempts to bring light on the evolution of Nizari Ismaili Imamology from its origin to the present Imam of the time, Agha Khan IV. The main goal is to discover how Ismailis understand the Imam and the concept of Imama based on his teaching or that his closest disciples. (jacket)