The Isma'ilis:

This section discusses how Isma'ilis break away from the main body of the Shi'iasw when questioning the line of Imams in succession to the prophet Muhammed. Between the Isma'ilis and the Shi'ia, the main conflict concerned the seventh imam, in the later years of the 8th century. The Shi'as gave this position, back in the 8th century to Musa; while the Ismailis supported his elder brother, Ismail. The author also points out the significant contributions of the Ismai'ilis to the cultural, intellectual and religious life of Muslims. For instance, The University of al-Azhar and the Academy of Science, Dar al-Ilm, in Egypt were build under the Fatimids during the Isma'ilis supremacy.

Additional Info:

- In medieval times, the Ismailis twice established their own states, first in North Africa and Egypt and later in Iran and Syria.

- The first success of the Isma'ili movement was the establishment of the Qarmat state in Bahrain

- the Ismailis are the only Shia Muslim community throughout their history to have present and living Imam (Aga Khan).

- Representing the second-largest Shia Muslim community in the Muslim world, the Isma'ilis are today settled in more than 25 countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and North America.