Ismailism

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Ismailism, known historically as Batiniyya (lit. 'esotericism'), is a denomination of Shia Islam. It is one of the three denominations of Shia Islam, the other two being Twelver Shia Islam and Zaydism. The Ismailis and Zaydis constitute a minority within Shia Islam, in contrast to Twelvers, who constitute the predominant denomination. The Ismailis emphasize a distinction between the exoteric (zahir) and esoteric (batin) dimension of Islam. Unlike the Twelvers, the Ismailis are characterized by a unique emphasis on the esoteric. The Isma'ilis get their name from their acceptance of Isma'il ibn Ja'far as the appointed spiritual successor (Imām) to Ja'far al-Sadiq. The question of succession after al-Sadiq's death divided the early Shia Muslims. The first group accepted the Imamate of his younger son Musa al-Kazim, while the second group considered the Imam to be his eldest son Isma'il, who had predeceased his father. The first and much larger group became known as the Twelvers, while the...

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