alMustalis

alMustalis is a term that has appeared in historical and sometimes polemical contexts, primarily referring to a faction or lineage within Islamic history. It is most commonly associated with the Mustali branch of the Nizari Ismaili Shia community. The Mustalis trace their lineage and leadership claims through a specific line of Imams, diverging from the Nizaris who follow a different succession. This split originated in the late 11th century CE.

Historically, the term has been used by various groups to describe or identify these individuals, sometimes with differing connotations. The Mustali branch themselves recognize a specific line of succession from the Fatimid Caliphate. Their religious practices and interpretations of Islamic law have evolved over centuries, leading to distinct communities such as the Dawoodi Bohras, Sulaymani Bohras, and Alavi Bohras, all of whom identify with the Mustali heritage.

Understanding alMustalis requires looking at the broader context of Ismaili history and the theological debates that shaped its branches. The term itself highlights a particular historical and theological lineage within Shia Islam, emphasizing the importance of leadership succession and the continuity of the Imamate for these communities.