Ismaili attitudes towards the Qur'an, the central religious text of Islam, are shaped by their interpretation of the events surrounding its revelation to Muhammad. The traditional Muslim understanding is that the Angel Gabriel first revealed the Qur'an to Muhammad on the Night of Power by dictation.
Ismailis, however, believe that the Spirit of God infused Muhammad's heart and soul with spiritual knowledge. This knowledge was then expressed by Muhammad through his own words and personality, themselves divinely given. The consequence is that Muhammad didn't just receive the Qur'an, he became the Qur'an.
Muhammad was thus the Speaking Qur'an, or the Speaking Word. The same Spirit that inspired Muhammad continues to inhabit the souls of the successive Imams. Thus, the Aga Khan today is the Speaking Word, or the Word of God.
Although there is no new revelation, there continues to be new interpretation. Aga Khan IV himself said that the Qur'an lends itself to “a wide spectrum of interpretations” and Allah will forgive errant interpretations when done in all sincerity.
Ismailis though, despite having access to the Qur'an, rarely read it. They are content to rely on the Aga Khan's interpretation, since it is he, and not them, who are infused with and inspired by, the Spirit of God.
The 48th Imam is quoted as saying,
If you want to learn the Qur’an, become students of those who know its real meaning. In this way you will learn its real meaning. You are unaware of the many books of our Faith (din). Therefore you have not studied most of them. If you study such books you will understand and no defect will remain within you."[^1]
Interestingly, he also said:
“…any of us, if the Holy Spirit ever present grants us that enlightenment, can, being thus blessed, have the power which Christ had.”[^2]
It is theoretically possible then, within Ismaili doctrine, to be blessed with enlightenment towards the Scriptures by the Spirit of God.
[^1] Essential Ismaili
[^2] Amaana
Originally published 2 years ago