Place of Reason in Ismailiyya Teachings (with emphasis on the old invitation)

Ismailism is one of the most important Islamic sects that looks at intellect and revelation from the historical- philosophical perspective, more distinctly than other schools of thought in Islam. Since, the concept of “salvation” in Ismailism is not just a religious vision but also it is a historical thinking which is possible throughout history, so, in contrast to other Islamic schools, it is possible to raise the relation between intellect and revelation in both historical and philosophical vision of Ismailism. Ismailism believed the ultimate destination or end of history is to achieve general knowledge which is attained throughout history by interacting between intellect and Sharia (divine law). The present study aims at examining the manner of the interaction between intellect and Sharia through the history, according to interpretative method. So, the main question is: “how does the interaction between intellect and Sharia lead to acquisition of knowledge, in Ismailism view?” The hypothesis is: “Intellect and Sharia have a common definition in Ismailism, and intellect has a religious role”. It means that all ways are open to gaining knowledge or acquiring universal intellect through Sharia; and, religion in turn helps to develop the intellect.