Ta'lim - Context: Faith and Practice

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Ta’lim: ‘Teaching’ or ‘instruction’. In the Ismaili tradition. A doctrine of necessity of the true Imam as a teacher to arrive at the truth.

Here are some relevant points:

The term "Ismaili Talimat" refers to the teachings and instructions imparted within the Ismaili branch of Shia Islam. These teachings are based on the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, as interpreted through the Imams, who are considered to be the divinely appointed spiritual leaders of the Ismaili community.

The Talimat cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Quranic studies: The Quran is considered the central religious text of Islam, and Ismailis study it in depth.
• Islamic beliefs: Ismailis believe in the oneness of God, the prophethood of Muhammad, and the importance of following the Imams.
• Ethics and manners: The Talimat emphasize the importance of living a moral and ethical life.
• Practical rules and jurisprudence: Ismailis follow Islamic law, as interpreted by the Imams.
• History of Islam: Ismailis study the history of Islam, with a particular focus on the lives of the Imams.

The Talimat are not only theoretical teachings but are also meant to be applied in daily life. They provide guidance on how to live a meaningful and fulfilling life as an Ismaili Muslim.

Ta'lim goes beyond just reciting the Quran. It emphasizes understanding the Quran's meaning and its inner message. This is seen as crucial for applying its guidance in daily life.

Quran as a Living Text: Ismailis view the Quran's reality as going beyond the recited Arabic text. They see it as having a spiritual essence (ruh) and light (nur) that can be experienced through various means - specifically, God gifted INTELLECT to each human - not just recitation.

Here are a couple of Quranic verses that extoll the use of intellect for deep thinking:
Surah Al-Nahl (16:68):
“ وقال تعالوا أندعو من دون الله ما لا ينفعنا شيئا ولا يضرنا وأنحن نرد على أعقابنا ونضل سواء السبيل ”
Translation: "And [Allah] said, "Call upon besides Allah upon that which can neither benefit you nor harm you. And would you then turn back after you have been rightly guided and become like those who are astray and confused?" (English interpretation by Sahih International)
This verse emphasizes the importance of using reason to discern truth from falsehood. It criticizes blindly following tradition without critical thought.
Surah Az-Zumar (39:9):
“ أفلا يتدبرون القرآن أم على قلوب أقفالها ”
Translation: "Do they not then contemplate the Quran or are there locks upon their hearts?" (English interpretation by Sahih International)
This verse encourages deep reflection and contemplation of the Quran's message. It questions those who don't use their intellect to understand the deeper meanings of the scripture.
These are just two examples, and the Quran contains many other verses that encourage the use of reason and pondering the wonders of creation.
Quranic Injunctions:

• Surah Al-Baqarah (2:269): "He grants wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever is granted wisdom has indeed been given a great bounty. And none remember إلاَّ (illa - except) Allah except those of sound reason." (This verse highlights the importance of knowledge and its connection to divine favor)

Al-Baqarah ayat 269 (youtube.com)

• Surah Al-Zumar (39:9): "Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?'" (This verse emphasizes the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who don't)

• Surah At-Taubah (9:122): "And why do not the believers – men and women – and those who have the power, when Allah and His Messenger command them concerning an issue – why do they not have any decision except to obey Allah and His Messenger?" (This verse emphasizes seeking knowledge from reliable sources, like the Prophet and Imam of the time)

Hadith Injunctions:

• Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: "Seek knowledge, even if it be in China." (Sahih al-Bukhari) - This Hadith emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge regardless of location or difficulty.

• Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: "The ink of the scholar is holier than the blood of the martyr." (Various Hadith collections) - This Hadith elevates the importance of knowledge dissemination through scholarship.

Applying it to Talim:

While these verses and hadiths don't specifically mention "talim" in the Ismaili , they can be understood as encouraging the pursuit of Islamic knowldge from qualified teachers. Since Ismaili teachings are based on sound Islamic principles and interpretations by the Imam of the time, seeking knowledge through their talim is seen as fulfilling the Quranic and hadith on learning.

It's important to ensure the knowledge being taught aligns with Quranic injunctions. God gifted intellect can help you understand the specific teachings of the Ismaili talim and its conformance with broader Islamic principles.