This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared in the publication Spirit and Life: A Catalogue of the Treasures of the Aga Khan Museum published by The Aga Khan Trust for Culture to accompany the exhibition Spirit & Life at The Ismaili Centre, London in 2007.
Abstract
In this article Professor Azim Nanji provides a brief overview of the history of Islam, tracing the origins of the Shi‘a and the Sunni perspectives. Within this context, we learn of the emergence of Shi‘a Ismaili Muslims and their history, from the foundation of the Ismaili Fatimid caliphate in North Africa in 909 CE up to the contemporary period.
via The Institute of Ismaili Studies – The Shi‘a Ismaili Muslims: An Historical Context.
Ismailimail 