Expressions and Stories of Faith, Devotion and Intellect from the Alid and the Shia Imami Ismaili Traditions

“Kindle the candle of intellect in your heart and hasten with it to the world of brightness; If you want to light a candle in your heart, make knowledge and goodness its wick and oil.” Ismaili Poet, Pir Nasir Khushraw

Simerg draws its name from Simorgh, mentioned by Farid ud Din Attar in his epic poem which has been translated into English as “The Conference of the Birds”.

In this poem, a group of birds realize that life’s purpose can only be realized if they reach the presence of Simorgh, who stands for the Sufi Concept of God.

Central to the search for Simorgh, however, is the wisdom and guidance of the hoopoe, who leads the birds in their quest. The hoopoe is like the Sufi Master who guides his disciples to truth and liberation.

In the Shia context the role of the Imam, who is a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, becomes central in the search for Higher Truths through the Ta’lim that the Imam imparts to his Murids. Amongst the many groups of Shias, who are all commonly tied by their reverence to Hazrat Ali, one group that follows a living hereditary Imam are the Nizari Ismailis. To them, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan is the 49th in line in succession to Hazrat Ali.

“Like the sun in the sky he is manifest in the world but the blind bat cannot see his luminous face”, Fida’i Khurasani*

One of the purposes of this page, Literary Readings, is to provide a context in which the murids of the Imam of their time sought to come closer to the Imam through service in various forms, including literary works.

Literary Readings will examine the lives, works and thoughts of these exceptional Ismailis  who are now better known to us through the research that has taken place in recent decades. The teachings and guidance of the Imams imparted to their citizens and followers will also form part of   Literary Readings.

The readings will become our vehicle to proceed in the right direction, and will help and inspire  us to overcome the everyday obstacles that set us back.

Please contribute to this blog in a constructive and positive manner. Send stories and anecdotes from our literary heritage that we can all reflect upon, quoting the specific text from which your contribution is taken.

Please share the content of this web site with your friends and family members and visit it frequently –  new readings will be added on a regular basis.

Thank you

* Please see:  ♦ Literary Reading: The Imam, Manifest in the World

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LITERARY READINGS (latest on top)

NOTE: This page has not been updated for a considerable length of time. We recommend that you visit SIMERG’S TABLE OF CONTENTS for a complete and most current list of articles on this website.

• Remembering the Heroism and Ethic of Hazrat Ali (a.s.) in the Persian New Year
• The Common Word for a Common Humanity: The Underlying Essence of the Message as Rooted in the Holy Scriptures of Islam and Christianity
• Hazrat Hasan: Ahead of His Time and Perhaps Would Be If He Were With Us Today
• Jesus Through a Muslim Lens
• Imam Ja‘far’s Legacy to the Community – The Formulation of the Doctrine of Imamate
• How a Muslim Sees Muhammad
• Two Songs for Miladun-Nabee
• The 1979 London Didar: The Setting and The Experience
• Pomp and Celebration in Fatimid Egypt During the Flooding of the Nile
• Cairo in the Light of Nasir Khusraw’s Safarnama
• The Ismailis: From the Earliest Times to the Fall of the Fatimid Empire
• A Reflection on Wajhullah (‘The Face of Allah’)
• Proofs of Islam
• A Brief Note on Ahlul-Kitab or ‘The People of the Book’
• The Story of Noah’s Ark in the Holy Qur’an
• The Traditional Ismaili Greeting “Ya Ali Madad”
• Two Orations of Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (AS)
• A Brief Introduction to the Muslim Calendar and Major Muslim Festivals and Religious Observances
• Seeking the Forgiveness of the Imam of the Time: A Short Explanation (II)
• Seeking the Forgiveness of the Imam of the Time: A Short Explanation (I)
• The Noble Qur’an –  An Inexhaustible Well-Spring of Inspiration and Knowledge
• The Fountain Pen and its Fatimid Origins
• Preparing for Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Didar: Short Essential Readings (VII) – Imamat in Ismaili Ginanic Literature
• Preparing for Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Didar: Short Essential Readings (VI) – The Merciful Glance and other readings
• Preparing for Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Didar: Short Essential Readings (V) – Ya Ali Khuba Mijalas and other readings
• Preparing for Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Didar: Short Essential Readings (IV) – Aab-i Shifa and other readings
• Preparing for Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Didar (III) – An Ode on Imam’s Essence and other readings
• Preparing for Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Didar (II): Spiritual Enlightenment Under the Imam’s Guidance and other readings
• Preparing for Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Didar (I): Dazzled by the Light and other readings
• Islam’s Great Striver: Hazrat Ali
• Journey of Discovery: A Recent Visit to the Mausoleums of Pir Sadardin and Pir Hasan Kabirdin
• “The Ruby Shines On” – A Play About the Life of Nasir Khusraw
• The Wisdom of Hazrat Ali: Selections from Nahj al-Balaghah for Young People (I)
• Islam: The Religion of Equality and Universal Brotherhood by Prince Aly S. Khan
• How Are Essential 21st Century Innovations Vested in the Abbasid and Fatimid Dynasties?
• A Brief Discussion on Avicenna’s Madhab
• In the Beginning….The Qur’an and Muslim Thinkers on Creation
• Averroes and Maimonides: Master Minds of 12th Century Medieval Thought
• Persians in Fatimid Egypt: (III) Their Role in Commerce, the Economy and Trade
• Persians in Fatimid Egypt: (II) Their Role in the Da’wah and Ismaili Doctrines
• Persians in Fatimid Egypt: (I) Their Role in the Army
• Pir Nasir-i Khusraw on the Gateway and Key to Paradise
• Avicenna on the Aims of Education, Stages of Education and Methods of Teaching
• Great Muslim Thinkers: Avicenna on Education (I)
• Exchange of Letters Between Sultan Malik Shah and Hasan-i-Sabbah
• Nativity of the Prophet Muhammad: The Mevlud/Mawlid Tradition
• Ismaili Dawa and Politics in Fatimid Egypt
• Great Moments in Ismaili History: Ismaili Castles in Syria
• Great Moments in Ismaili History: The Establishment of the Fatimid Caliphate
  • Photos of Mausoleums of Ismaili Imams of the Dawr Satr Period
  • Photos of the Ruins of the Fatimid Capital, al-Mahdiya, and the Ajdabiyah Fortress Palace
• Henry Corbin and his Understanding of Ismailism
• Pir Nasir Khusraw’s Theory of Intellectual Education
• Pir Nasir Khusraw’s Concept of Intellect and Theory of Intellectual Education (I)
• Imam of the Time: “The Straight Path”
• The Quintessential Marking Point of Islamic History
• Wladimir Ivanow, First Modern Champion of Ismaili Studies, Explains Why the Community Should Study its Spiritual Heritage
• A Brief Intuitive Note on the ‘Void’ with Reference to the Ginan “Aad Thaki”
• Hazrat Ali’s Tradition Emphasizes Islam as a Thinking and Spiritual Faith
• Imam Hussein (AS): “The Chief of the Youth of Paradise”
• Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Salgirah and the Depth of His Love for the Jamat
• A Translation and Brief Commentary of Pir Sadardin’s Ginan “Jem Jem Jugatsu Preet Kareva”
• Reflections on the Scope of Knowledge in Islam: The Interdependence of the Spiritual and Material Dimensions
• Excavation of a Byzantine Shipwreck and the Discovery of Fatimid Artefacts
• Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah – An Astonishing and Extraordinary Personality
• Life Under the Fatimids: Clothing, Women’s Undergarments, Veiling and…A Winter Image of Fatimid Cairo!
• The Socio-Economic Aspects of the Fatimid Caliphate
• Ismaili Studies: Book Briefs (II)
• Egypt’s present-day Shias live on Fatimid legacy
• Ismaili Studies: Book Briefs (I)
• The Ramadan Lantern – A Fatimid Tradition
• Some Considerations of the Term ‘Imam’ in the Holy Qur’an
• Fatimid Object: Door Wings of Imam al-Hakim bi-Amrillah
• Fatimid Monument: Great Mosque of Mahdiyya
• Surrender and Realisation: Imam Ali on the Conditions for True Religious Understanding
• Literary Reading: Farmanbardari – Obedience to the Imam of the Time
• Literary Reading: Sayyid Shamsi Seeks Out His Master in Devotional Ginan “Eji Navroz na Din Sohamna”
• Literary Reading: Shi’a Ismaili Tradition in Central Asia – Evolution, Continuities and Changes
• Literary Reading: Some Guidelines On Being a Good (Jamati) Leader
• Literary Reading: Hazrat Ali’s Principles of Good Governance – Early Muslim Style
• Literary Reading: Doctrine of Imamat During the Fatimid Period
• Literary Reading: Imamat in Ismaili Ginanic Literature
• Literary Reading: Qadi al-Nu’man on the Distinction between Islam and Iman
• Literary Reading: Karim Master’s Legacy Lives on Through Students He Taught…and a Beautifully Illustrated Journal, “Rahe Rast”
• Literary Reading: In Ismaili Ginanic Literature Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s) is Symbol of Moon-Light, a Mercy to All Nations, and Intercessor
• In Metaphoric Ginan “Eji Dhan Dhan Aajano” Pir Sadr al-Din Asks Mu’mins to Act Righteously and Gain Spiritual Recognition of Imam-e-Zaman
  • Literary Reading: Pir Sadr al-Din and the Da’wah in India – A Brief Note
• Literary Reading: Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III: The Face of Imamat
• Literary Reading: Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III – Long Reign Ends
• Literary Reading: Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III – 48th Ismaili Imam’s Platinum Jubilee: World Evolved from Candle Lights and Horse Carriages to Nuclear Physics and Jet Travel
• Literary Reading: Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III – The Diamond Jubilee: “An Incomparable Occasion in the World”
  • Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III: Lakhpaty’s Intriguing Poster for 48th Ismaili Imam’s Diamond Jubilee Shows Artistic Ingenuity
• Literary Reading: Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III – The Diamond Jubilee: “An Incomparable Occasion in the World”
  • Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III: Lakhpaty’s Intriguing Poster for 48th Ismaili Imam’s Diamond Jubilee Shows Artistic Ingenuity
• Literary Reading: Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III – Ismailis Celebrated Longest Imamat in History with Three Magnificent Jubilees
• Literary Reading: Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III – Titles, Decorations and Honours Conferred on 48th Ismaili Imam; 72 Year Reign Spanned Six British Monarchs and Seventeen PM’s
• Literary Reading: Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III – Defender of Islam, Activist for Justice and Equality, Confidence Booster, And Deliverer of Joy
• Literary Reading: Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III –  The Road to Happiness and The Concept of Life
• Literary Reading: Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III – Imam’s Message in South Africa Addressed Artificial Barriers, Unity, Education for All, and Damaging Social Habits
• Literary Reading: Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III – A “Mendicant” Who Transformed a Dream into Reality and Stirred the Soul of a Bitter Critic
• Literary Reading: Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III – A Muslim’s Analysis of Lessons that Can be Learnt from the 48th Ismaili Imam
• Literary Reading: Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III – Links to Movies at British Pathe
• Literary Reading: Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III – The Imam of the Socio-Economic Revolution
• Literary Reading: Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III – Successor and a Son Reflect on Accomplishments of the 48th Ismaili Imam
• Literary Reading: Fatimid Objects – Glass Weights Bearing the Names of Imams al-Zahir and al-Mustansir
• Literary Reading: Fatimid Objects – Exquisite Gold Earrings, Pendants and Bracelets
• Literary Reading: Fatimid Objects – Four Ivory Panels
• Literary Reading: Fatimid Object – Fragment of Robe Attributed to Imam al-Mustansir
• Literary Reading: Fatimid Monuments – The Al-Hakim Mosque and Bab al-Futuh (Gate of Conquest)
• Literary Reading: Fatimid Object – Textile Fragment Attributed to Imam al-Aziz
• Literary Reading: Fatimid Monument – Aqueduct in Kairouan, Tunisia; Patron Imam al-Mu’izz
• Literary Reading: “If You Perform the Pilgrimage…” – Nasir Khushraw’s Advice To a Pilgrim
• Literary Reading: “If You Perform the Pilgrimage…” – Nasir Khushraw’s Advice To a Pilgrim
• Literary Reading: Imagery in Ginan, “Ooncha re Kot…”, Underscores Soul’s Yearning for the Beloved
• Literary Reading: Imams Muhammad al-Baqir and Ja’far as-Sadiq on Love for the Imam
• Literary Reading: “Ahl al-Bayt” – An Understanding Based on the Holy Qur’an, Hadith and Historical Events
• Literary Reading: Imam as Divine Guide, Proof of God and Source of Salvation in Ismaili Ginanic Literature
• Literary Reading: Suddh-Buddh and Other Key Terms in Ginan “Bindrare Vann Manhe Sukh Charere Gavantri”
• Literary Reading: Service to the Imam, the Greatest Source of Happiness – Diwan Sir Eboo Pirbhai
• Literary Reading: The Inward Odyssey in Two Key Ismaili Ginans, “Brahma Prakash” and “Sakhi Mahapada”
• Literary Reading: Faith (Iman) and its Foundation
• Literary Reading: An Aspect of Imamat as understood by Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims
• Literary Reading: Fatimid Coins at the David Museum in Copenhagen, Part III
• Literary Reading: Fatimid Coins at the David Museum in Copenhagen, Part II
• Literary Reading: Fatimid Coins at the David Museum in Copenhagen, Part I
• Literary Reading: The Munajat – Ya Ali Khuba Mijalas
• Literary Reading: “The Pure Progeny” and “The Ascension of Intellect”
• Literary Reading: Islamic Teachings Of Shared Responsibilities and Ethics Guide Work of the Aga Khan Development Network
• Literary Reading: Allah in Kufic Script basis of Aga Khan Award for Architecture Logo
• Literary Reading: Nasir Khushraw – “Foundations of the Faith of Muhammad…”
• Literary Reading: “Mu’izz, The Glory of Our Time” and “Imam, You are the One…”
• Literary Reading: Fatimid Rock Crystal Ewers, Most Valuable Objects in Islamic Art
• Literary Reading: Imams are Ships of Salvation
• Literary Reading: Aga Khan Foundation Logo, Characterized by a Universal Symbol of Skill and Caring
• Literary Reading: True and Unconditional Love
• Literary Reading: Ethics in the Kalam-i Mawla of Hazrat Ali, Part Five
• Literary Reading: Ethics in the Kalam-i Mawla of Hazrat Ali, Part Four
• Literary Reading: Ethics in the Kalam-i Mawla of Hazrat Ali, Part Three
• Literary Reading: Ethics in the Kalam-i Mawla of Hazrat Ali, Part Two
• Literary Reading: Ethics in the Kalam-i Mawla of Hazrat Ali
• Literary Reading: Nasir-i-Khusraw on The Excellence of ‘Ali
• Literary Reading: Aab-i Shifaa, Water that Heals
• Literary Reading: Fatimid Scientist, Al Hazen, Inspired by the Spirit of the Qur’an
• Literary Reading: Enduring Teachings of Hazrat Ali
• Literary Reading: The Imam, Manifest in the World
• Literary Reading: Beholding the Face of the Imam
• Literary Reading: The Essence of Imam – An Ode by Imam ‘Abd al-Salam
• Literary Reading: Qadi No’man on Obedience to the Imam
• Literary Reading: The Historical Roots of Imamat
• Literary Reading: Imam Mustansir bi’llah on How to Strengthen Faith
• Literary Reading: The Founding of al-Mahdiyya
• Literary Reading – Where there is Bliss and Prosperity
• Literary Reading – The Inspiration for the Aga Khan University Logo
• Literary Reading: Fatimid Astronomer’s Account of the Lunar Eclipse and Planetary Conjunctions
• Literary Reading: Imam as the Source of Salvation
• Literary Reading – Imam’s Recognition and Love for an Outstanding Murid
• Literary Reading: The Vision That Transformed Nasir Khushraw
• Literary Reading: Text and Explanation of “Eji Shah Islamshah Amne Maliya”
• Literary Reading: The Ginanic Literature of the Ismailis
• Literary Reading: The Light of Imam and the Festival of Nawruz
• Literary Reading: On the Fall of Pride
• Literary Reading: Imam Mustansir bi’llah on the Importance of Zaheri and Batini Aspects of Didar
• Literary Reading: The Devotion of Nizar Quhistani
• Literary Reading: The “Light” that will keep on burning
• Literary Reading – Imam Muizz’s Love for Books and Reading
• Literary Reading: Pir Sadr al-Din on the Beatific Vision of the Imam
• Literary Reading: The Greatness of Fatimid Cairo
• Literary Reading – Imam’s Favours for his Murids
• Literary Reading: Spiritual Enlightenment Under the Imam’s Guidance
• Literary Reading: “Dazzled by the Light” – An Encounter with the Imam of the Time
• Literary Reading: The Mystery of the Missing Mount Nasir Khushraw (March 2009)