ABSTRACT
The Ismailis belong to the Nizari and Tayyibi branches and are scattered as religious minorities in many countries of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America. Ismaili Gnosis essentially attempts to explain, to the initiated, the hidden spiritual meaning of the Islamic revelation. By the middle of the ninth century, the Ismailis had appeared on the historical stage as the most revolutionary faction of Shii Islam. In Fatimid Egypt, a variety of lectures were organized on Ismaili esoteric teachings, known as the majalis al-hikma, or "the sessions of wisdom," for the Ismaili initiates. Despite their rich intellectual heritage and contributions to Islamic culture, the Ismailis were often accused of heretical teachings and a multitude of myths and misrepresentations circulated about them. Ismaili esotericism and Gnosis entailed a fundamental distinction between the exoteric and the esoteric aspects and dimensions of the sacred Scriptures, as well as religious commandments and prohibitions.
