Theoretical and Practical Relationships between Sufism and Ismailism from the Beginning to the Fall of Alamut

The historical connection between Ismailism and Sufism can be traced back to a period preceding the fall of Alamut. Nevertheless, it is important to note that there exist accounts documenting theoretical and practical associations between these two groups even prior to this era. Therefore, it is crucial to explore the earliest instances when Ismaili communities began establishing connections with Sufism. This article considers historical sources and accounts preceding the fall of Alamut, showing that with the beginning of the translation movement when Aristotle’s idea of the unity of being entered Muslim communities, Ismailists were the first to be influenced by the idea. They formed their own beliefs and rites first in association with Bāṭin movements and then with certain Sufi ideas of Ḥallāj in the fourth century AH. This association is manifested in the first works by Ismaili intellectuals were Sufi immitations of certain Fatimid Imams, the period of the declaration of uprising in Alamut, and performance of Sufi rites and practices in their royal courts.