Mr Andani, a PhD candidate at Harvard and unofficial spokesperson for the Ismaili community, gives us a look into the pillars of Ismailism and their differences from traditional Muslim orthopraxy.
Here are some highlights:
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Esotericism
Eid al-Adha, (known elsewhere as Eidi Korbon and meaning the 'Festival of Sacrifice') commemorates the story of Abraham's test of faith and the substitution of a ram in place of Abraham's son as a sacrifice to God.
The Qur'an offers a summary of the story in Surah as-Saffat:
Knowledge is as much a pillar of the Ismaili faith as any theological concept and perhaps second only to the adoration of the Aga Khan in the thoughts of our Ismaili friends.
Knowledge is key in every gnostic faith, and Ismailism is no exception.
In just a few days time, the Muslim holy month of _Ramadan_ comes to an end. Across the world millions of Muslims are fasting from all food and liquids during daylight hours. Many will be making _Hajj_ (pilgrimage) to Mecca, the holiest city in the Muslim world.
For most Ismailis, however, this month has passed with little or no difference.
At the heart of Ismaili philosophy is the idea that there is a hidden meaning within their religious texts.
They will trace the origins of this idea back to the 8th century when Ismailis were creating for themselves something unique, something distinct from mainstream Islam.