Understanding the Uniplural Divine in the Ismaili Faith

Ismaili Uniplural Concepts

The concept of the uniplural Divine represents a unique theological perspective within the Ismaili tradition, a branch of Shia Islam. This understanding emphasises the oneness of God while recognising the multiplicity of His manifestations in the world. It is a complex yet profound interpretation that informs the Ismaili worldview, guiding the faith’s teachings, practices, and community life.

The Nature of God

At the heart of Ismaili belief is the understanding of God as a singular, transcendent entity — with a uniplural character. This concept asserts that while God is one, His essence can manifest in various forms. The Ismailis hold that God is beyond human comprehension, existing beyond the limitations of time and space. This idea echoes in many Islamic teachings but is particularly nuanced in Ismailism.

The term “uniplural” itself is indicative of this duality. “uni” implies unity and singularity, whereas “plural” acknowledges the diverse manifestations and expressions of the Divine in the world. In Ismaili theology, this manifests through the recognition of multiple forms of divine guidance and authority.

Divine Emanation

Divine emanation, or fayḍ, is a metaphysical concept that describes the process through which all created entities (the cosmos) arise from the Divine source (God). The act of creation is not viewed as a separate event but as a continuous process of emanation, where the Divine essence flows into the various levels of existence.

For example, according to Ismaili beliefs, from the Godhead there are emanated a series of pure intellects or angelic beings, which are the first manifestations of the divine will. This process of emanation is seen as the source of creation, shaping the cosmos and the human soul.

In Ismaili cosmology, the divine emanation unfolds through a series of stages or hypostases. The first emanation is the Universal Intellect (al-‘aql al-kulli). From the Universal Intellect emanates the Universal Soul (al-nafs al-kulli). The Universal Soul is the source of all individual souls and the animating principle of the physical world.

In Isma’ili belief, God’s Speech (kalam Allah) represents the eternal creative command that not only initiates all existence but also embodies the essence of every being. The Holy Spirit, embodied by Gabriel, plays a crucial role in this transmission, illuminating the souls of the prophets and enabling them to receive and interpret God’s eternal wisdom.

The Quran

Ismailis believe that when the archangel Gabriel illuminated the prophet Muhammad with a divine light (nur), he became the vessel through which God’s nonverbal revelations were articulated. Muhammad’s task was to convey these celestial truths using the Arabic language, ultimately leading to the formation of the Quran. In this context, Isma’ili thought posits that while the Arabic Quran serves as a significant expression of God’s Speech, it does so in a secondary and subordinate manner. The Quran verbalises the “signs” (āyāt) of God’s cosmic commandments rather than encapsulating the totality of divine truth.

The Role of Knowledge and Interpretation

In Ismaili thought, the quest for knowledge plays a crucial role in understanding the Uniplural Divine. Ismailis emphasise the importance of intellectual engagement with faith, advocating for a dynamic interpretation of Islamic teachings.

[Do] not abhor any science or shun any book, and [do] not be unduly biased against any creed; for our philosophy and creed encompasses all creeds and all knowledge; [for] our creed consists of studying all existing things in their entirety, the physical and the intellectual, from their beginning to their end, their apparent and their hidden, their manifest and their concealed, with the aim to grasp their Truth, with the understanding that they emanate from one source, one cause, one world, [and] one soul, which encompasses their different essences, their diverse species, their various types, and their changing forms.

—Excerpt from the Epistles of Ikhwan al-Safa, an encyclopedic work on religion, sciences, and philosophy that permeates the Isma’ili school of thought. (Sourced from Wikipedia.)

The Ismaili philosophy is deeply rooted in the pursuit of both spiritual and material knowledge. The community places a high value on education, with a strong emphasis on scientific inquiry, social responsibility, and ethical behaviour. This holistic approach reflects their understanding of the Uniplural Divine, recognising that all knowledge ultimately leads back to God.

Manifestations of the Divine

One of the key aspects of the Divine is the recognition of the Imamate. In Ismaili belief, the Imam, who is a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatimah and her husband Ali, embodies a divine authority and guidance that continues the legacy of the Prophet. The Imam is considered the spiritual leader of the community and is seen as a manifestation of the divine will, as an emanation of the first-created Light, embodying the divine knowledge and guidance necessary for navigating the complexities of existence. Through this framework, the Isma’ili tradition emphasises the continuous flow of divine insight from God through an established hierarchy, culminating in the lived experience and teachings of the Imams, who serve as spiritual guides for their followers.

This belief reinforces the idea of plural manifestations of the divine, as each Imam brings forth unique teachings and interpretations relevant to their time.

The Community and the Divine

Ismailis believe that serving humanity is a way of honouring the Divine and recognising His presence in all aspects of life. This belief is particularly significant in Ismaili practices, where communal worship and social engagement play vital roles. The Jamatkhana, a space for community gathering and prayer, serves as a focal point for spiritual and social activities.

The Uniplural Divine in the Ismaili faith represents a rich and multifaceted understanding of God, bridging the concepts of unity and plurality. This theological perspective fosters a deep appreciation for the diversity of divine manifestations and underscores the significance of recognising that, whilst ever-present God is ultimately beyond human comprehension.

Through an emphasis on knowledge, interpretation, and community engagement, Ismailis navigate their spiritual journeys while contributing to the greater good of society. Ultimately, the Ismaili concept of the Divine reinforces a vision of a world where the divine presence is not only acknowledged but actively engaged in the quest for knowledge, justice, and communal harmony.