[We are pleased to adapt the following piece on the status of the Imam, which appears in The Ismaili Portugal. It is essential reading for all Ismailis and for non-Ismailis interested in understanding how the Imam’s spiritual role is central to the Ismaili faith, highlighting the belief that each Imam, from the first Imam Ali, is the bearer of the same Noor of Imamat and holds the same infinite knowledge contained in the Holy Qur’an, which the Imam-of-the-Time interprets for his community of his time. Please note that the quotes from Aga Khan III, IV, and V are not part of the original piece in Ismaili Portugal — Ed.]

“O Jamat do not consider me small. I am the descendant of the Prophet and my grandfather is Hazrat Amirul Mominin [Hazrat Ali] and my grandmother is Khatoon-e-Janat [the Lady of Paradise] Hazrat Bibi Fatima. I am the Light [Nur] of both Hazrat Ali and the Prophet [Muhammad]. Though young in age, I am exalted.” — Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, His Late Highness Aga Khan III, when he assumed the Imamat at the age of seven in August 1885.

Mawlana Ali (peace be upon him) said: “Remember that we are the Ahl al-Bayt of the Holy Prophet. We are his true companions. We are the guardians and treasurers of the knowledge bestowed upon him, and we are the gates through which one can reach the repository of wisdom and knowledge.” These words remind us that the Imams are the successors of the Prophet and the guardians of Allah’s revelation. It is through the Imams that the deeper meaning of Allah’s message is unveiled.

Mawlana Muhammad al-Baqir (peace be upon him) explained that the Imams are known as the rasikhun fi’ilm — those firmly rooted in knowledge. Thus, they know the ta’wil, the true inner interpretation of the Qur’an.

The Imams possess the ilm of the Qur’an and are the heirs of prophetic wisdom – hikma. Each Imam, in his time, is a gateway to this treasure of spiritual knowledge.

For us, Mawlana Ali, as the first Imam, is the asas al-Imamah – the Foundation of the Imamat.

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“We Imams change the physical bodies in this world but our Nur is eternal and originates from the very beginning. You should therefore take it as one Nur. The Light of God is ever present. The Throne of the Imamat of Mawlana Murtaza Ali continues and it will remain till the Day of Judgement.” — Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, excerpts from Le Renovation du Shiisme Ismailien en Inde et au Pakistan by Michele Boivien.

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His presence is a source of protection for us. A prayer that highlights the special status of Mawlana Ali and the Imams of his descent is: to Nad-e Ali. It says:

“Nad-e `Ali Nad-e `Ali an mazharal `aja’ibi, tajidhu `awnan laka fi’n-nawa’ibi, kullu hammin wa ghammin sayanjali bi-wilayatika. Ya `Ali, Ya `Ali, Ya `Ali.”

What translates to:

“Invoke Ali, who is the manifestation of divine wonders, you will make him a help in all calamities. All difficulties and sorrows will be removed through its guidance. “Oh Ali, Oh Ali, Oh Ali.”

Reciting this prayer alleviates our difficulties and gives us strength to overcome life’s challenges. In the Iranian tradition, it is also recited daily after the evening prayers. By invoking the name of Ali, we invoke the support and guidance of the Imam-of-the-Time, who carries the same light as Mawlana Ali.

The concept of loyalty and devotion to Mawlana Ali is central to this prayer. The Prophet, on many occasions, made it clear that Mawlana Ali was his successor and the guardian of the faith. In Ghadir Khumm, the Prophet pronounced: “He whose Mawla I am, Ali is your Mawla.” For us, the word “Mawla” means “Lord” or “Master” and refers to spiritual authority of our Imam.

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“For hundreds of years my spiritual children have been guided by the rope of Imamat; you have looked to the Imam of the Age for advice and help in all matters and through your Imam’s immense love and affection for his spiritual children, his Noor has indicated to you where and in which direction you must turn so as to obtain spiritual and worldly satisfaction” — Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV (Salgirah Darbar, Karachi, December 13, 1964)

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“There is always an Imam to guide the Jamat.” — Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, Paris, July 12, 2025.

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The prominent Ismaili Fatimid Da`i al-Shirazi stated in his writings that the Imams possess the true and unlimited understanding of the Quran. They uphold the sacred book as a moral and spiritual guide.

Within a few days of meeting with our beloved Mawlana Hazar Imam, let us reflect on how we will strengthen our spiritual relationship with our beloved Imam. His chatra chaya — canopy of love and protection — surrounds us so that our hearts and souls can become more enlightened and open to receive his nurani didar.

Date posted: November 21, 2025.

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