Daim Al-islam English Pdf -
(Arabic: دائَم الإسلام), often translated as The Pillar of Islam or The Perpetual [Code] of Islam , is the most authoritative and comprehensive legal treatise in Tayyibi Ismaili (Musta‘lī Ismaili) jurisprudence (fiqh). It was authored by the eminent Fatimid jurist and chief judge (Qāḍī) Al-Nu‘mān ibn Muḥammad (d. 974 CE / 363 AH) under the direct guidance of the Fatimid Caliph-Imams, particularly Imam al-Mu‘izz li-Dīn Allāh.
The Daim al-Islam (The Pillars of Islam) is arguably the most influential legal and theological compendium in Ismaili jurisprudence. Authored during the golden age of the Fatimid Caliphate, this monumental work has served as the bedrock of Fatimid law and continues to guide the religious practices of various Musta'li Ismaili communities today, most notably the Dawoodi Bohras, Sulaymani Bohras, and Alavi Bohras.
The book is unique because it draws on traditions (hadith) from the early Shia Imams—primarily —which are often accepted by both Ismaili and Twelver Shia schools of thought. Structure and Key Contents
was kept as a manuscript within private Isma'ili libraries. However, it has been meticulously translated into English to make its wisdom accessible to a global audience. Asaf A.A. Fyzee's Translation: Daim Al-islam English Pdf
: Both Volume 1 and Volume 2 of the Oxford translation are available for viewing and download.
Furthermore, for contemporary Islamic scholars, the Daim offers a fascinating window into an alternative paradigm of Islamic governance. It proves that classical Islamic law was never a monolith, showcasing a highly sophisticated, state-sponsored legal system that successfully blended spiritual esotericism ( batin ) with rigorous exoteric legalism ( zahir ).
: When exploring religious texts or documents from cultures not your own, it's essential to approach the material with respect and an open mind. Islamic texts, like those of any other religion, carry deep meaning and significance to their adherents. The Daim al-Islam (The Pillars of Islam) is
Born in Qayrawan (modern-day Tunisia), al-Nu‘man converted to Ismaili Islam and rose to become the most prominent judge of the Fatimid state. His career spanned the rule of four Fatimid Imams, from the 11th Imam, Abdullah al-Mahdi Billah, to the 14th Imam, al-Mu‘izz li-Din Allah, who famously moved the Caliphate to Egypt. As the official historian and chief Qadi, al-Nu‘man was uniquely positioned to codify the laws and doctrines of the Imams into a single, authoritative collection. His most prominent work, the Da'a'im al-Islam , reportedly took nearly thirty years to complete, reflecting the immense scholarly rigor applied to its compilation.
Alternative Search: "Daim al-Islam Volume 1 English translation Poonawala PDF"
The first volume focuses on acts of worship and the core pillars of faith. Unlike Sunni tradition, which lists five pillars, the Ismaili tradition outlines seven pillars, with Walayah (devotion to the Imam) serving as the supreme foundational pillar. Structure and Key Contents was kept as a
For the community (the largest contemporary Tayyibi Ismaili group), Dā‘im al-Islām remains the primary source of religious law, second only to the Quran and the current Imam’s directives.
The material is presented not as a series of personal rulings by al-Nu'man or the Fatimid caliphs, but rather as a collection of legal traditions ( hadith , akhbar ) that are narrated from the earlier Imams, particularly Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq and his predecessors. This approach gives the work a trans-sectarian character, rooted in the foundational teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (the family of the Prophet), making it of immense value not just to Ismailis but to students of early Shi'i law in general.
While orthodox Sunni Islam recognizes five pillars, the Daim al-Islam outlines of faith. This structural difference highlights the distinct theological framework of Ismaili Shi'ism. The text is divided into two primary volumes: Volume 1 covers matters of faith and worship ( Ibadat ), while Volume 2 addresses worldly transactions, ethics, and civil law ( Mu'amalat ). The Seven Pillars of Islam according to the Daim