Light upon Light: Glimpses into the Succession of the Shia Ismaili Imams

“The Ismaili Imamat is a supra-national entity, representing the succession of Imams since the time of the Prophet.”  
- Imam Shāh Karīm al-Ḥusaynī Āgā Khān IV

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Introduction

“In the early hours of July 11, the Aga’s heart-beat weakened.  Aly and Sadruddin were summoned to the Barakat but their dying father could no longer speak.  Karim came and the Begum was still keeping up her vigil.  Four doctors were in attendance and nurses left the sick-room only to change their clothes or take a bite.  At midday, the Aga Khan was sleeping peacefully.  Forty minutes later his life slipped quietly away… The curtains were drawn and darkness fell over a great figure of the age.”
(Willi Frischauer, The Aga Khans, 1970, p. 206)

The above narrative describes one of the most difficult moments faced by every generation of Isma‘ili Muslim communities: the death of the…