What is Imamat Day? | What Ismailis Believe

What is Imam day?

Imam day commemorates the anniversary of

the accession of the Imam of the time to

the Ismiley Immad. The Ismiley Imamoth

is a hereditary institution of Shia

Muslim leadership in direct descent from

Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and

his progeny. In Shia belief, the prophet

designated his cousin and son-in-law

Hazat Ali, peace be upon him, to be the

first hereditary imam at Gadirkum.

Just as the prophet explicitly

designated Hazat Ali upon divine

command, each Imam has the absolute

prerogative to designate his successor.

This designation takes effect on the

death of the previous imam. For 14

centuries, Shia is smiley Muslims have

been continuously led by living

hereditary imams.

The role of the Imam is to interpret the

faith and guide the community through

changing historical contexts as well as

to seek to improve the quality of life

of the community and the wider societies

in which they live. His highness Prince

Raheem Aakhan is the 50th Ismiley Imam

having succeeded to the Imamoth on the

4th of February 2025.

The observance of Imam Day every year is

a reminder for Ismileies of the

continuity of the Imam through history.

It is also an occasion to reaffirm their

commitment to the faith, to celebrate

the accession of the Imam of the time,

and to offer gratitude for his guidance,

leadership, and loving care.