Difference Between Shia and Ismaili Sect
There are several sects in the Muslim world today, but the two mainstream sects are Sunni and Shia. Shia is the second largest sect, and has a few sub-sects as well.
Ismaili is one of the sub-sects of Shia Islam, having a limited number of followers across the world. Although Shias are the largest denomination of overall Muslim world, Ismailis have isolated themselves from the mainstream Shia Islam for centuries and like to have separate identity.
There are many differences between Shia Islam and Ismaili Islam. Both sects believe in the superiority of Ahl-ul-bayt—family of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) and His descendents. The major difference between the two sect is that Shias consider the first twelve Imams (leaders)—descendents of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)—rightly guided mentors chosen by Allah. Whereas, Ismailis believe that the leaders (Imams) are still chosen by Allah and will continue to play their role till the end of the world.
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Shiaism is one of the three main sects of Islam with Sunni and kharidjisme. The sect has about 10 to 15% Muslims, 90% of them are Iranians." One of stances that Shiites hold is that they refuse the first 3 caliphs of Islam, Abu Bakr, Omar and Usman. They maintain that the rights of Ale-Muhammad (S.A) were snatched by naming the above three as caliphs before Imam Ali, who was always preferred by the Holy Prophet on countless occasion. They also remember the occasion of Ghadir, when the Holy Prophet named Imam Ali as his successor. That is a reality Sunnis don't accept.
Literally, Shiaism means a group of associates or supporters. In the Qur'an, this term is used several times in this regard. Like Sunnis and other smaller sects of the mainstream Islam, Shias recognize the uniqueness of God, the sacred texts of the Qur'an, Muhammad (PBUH), the five fundamental obligations, the last judgment and resurrection.
Shiaism gives a special importance to the support of Imam Ali, Hassan and Hussein (A.S). They mourn the murder of Imam Hussain at the hands of then dictator Yazid, the son of Mawia, who raged a war against Hazrat Ali (A.S). The rituals are almost the same as those performed by Sunnis’. However, Shias follow the laws and guidance directed by their Imams, as these cannot be challenged . Shias don't bow down on carpets and rugs like the Sunnis. They will instead prefer putting their forehead on a small, flat clay (the purest clay from Karbala) disc of about 6-8 cm diameter.
- Image courtesy: sacred-destinations.com
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Ismaili sect is a minority of Shi'a Islam. Its members are called Ismailis. Ismailis are not specifically Persian or Arabic or Indian, they have a long history that is complex and far from being unified. Isamilis are scattered across the globe, with India being the biggest country that has the largest Ismaili population.
Ismailism is divided into several branches such as Mubarakiyya, Khattabiyya, Qaramita, Druze, Musta’aliyya, Nizariyya, Saba`iyya. Modern Ismailis are sometimes referred to as neo-Ismaili. The “neo-Ismailis” are more than 15 million living in India, Pakistan, Syria, Yemen and other Arab countries.
- Image courtesy: ismaili.net
 and His descendents. The major difference between the two sect is that Shias consider the first twelve Imams (leaders)—descendents of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)—rightly guided mentors chosen by Allah. Whereas, Ismailis believe that the leaders (Imams) are still chosen by Allah and will continue to play their role till the end of the world.Next%20stop%3A%20Pinterest "Pin It")
