For followers of the Fatimid tradition, Daim al-Islam is their primary legal reference. English-speaking youth born in the West often struggle with classical Arabic, so an English PDF is essential for daily religious guidance.
The text offers a fascinating contrast to Sunni and Twelver legal traditions, especially in its treatment of walayah as the first pillar.
For decades, the only accessible versions of Daim al-Islam were in Arabic (the original) and Gujarati (for the Bohra community). Western academic libraries housed rare copies, but the general public had no access.
No. While it is the primary legal source for Musta’li Ismailis, Sunni and Twelver scholars also study it for comparative fiqh and Fatimid history.
I cannot directly provide or link to a copyrighted PDF file of the full English translation. However, I can tell you exactly where to find it legally and summarize the "full story" — the historical context, purpose, and content of the book.
Would you like a more detailed chapter-by-chapter summary of the Da'a'im instead of the PDF?
Introduction to Daim Al-Islam
Daim Al-Islam, also known as "The Pillar of Islam", is a significant Islamic text that outlines the fundamental principles and practices of the Islamic faith. The book is a comprehensive guide for Muslims, providing insights into the essential aspects of Islam, including its history, theology, and jurisprudence.
Overview of Daim Al-Islam
Written by a renowned Islamic scholar, Daim Al-Islam offers a detailed analysis of the Islamic faith, covering topics such as: Daim Al-islam English Pdf
Importance of Daim Al-Islam
Daim Al-Islam is considered an essential resource for Muslims seeking to deepen their understanding of the Islamic faith. The book serves as a valuable guide for:
Availability of Daim Al-Islam in English PDF
For those interested in reading Daim Al-Islam in English, a PDF version is available online. The book has been translated into English to make it accessible to a broader audience, allowing readers to explore the principles and practices of Islam in a clear and concise manner.
If you're looking for a specific PDF version, I can suggest some possible sources:
Please note that I do not provide direct links to copyrighted materials. You may be able to find the PDF version by searching online or visiting the above-mentioned sources.
The Da'im al-Islam (Arabic: دعائم الإسلام, lit. The Pillars of Islam) is the foundational text of Ismaili Shia jurisprudence, authored by the 10th-century scholar Al-Qadi al-Nu'man. Written at the request of the Fatimid Caliph-Imam al-Mu'izz, it served as the official legal code of the Fatimid Empire. Key Features of the Work
Official Code: It was the supreme legal authority in the Fatimid state and remains the primary source of law for the Musta'li-Tayyibi (Dawoodi Bohra) community today. Structure: The work is divided into two major volumes:
Volume I ('Ibadat): Focuses on the "seven pillars" of Islam (including Walaya, or devotion to the Imam), faith, prayer, and pilgrimage. For followers of the Fatimid tradition, Daim al-Islam
Volume II (Mu'amalat): Covers social and civil matters such as marriage, trade, inheritance, and food laws.
Ismaili Legal Theory: Unlike Sunni traditions that rely on consensus (ijma) or analogy (qiyas), the Da'im al-Islam is grounded strictly in the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt, primarily Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq. English Translations and PDF Access
For a long time, this work was only accessible in Arabic or community-specific translations. However, authoritative English versions are now available: The Pillars of Islam (Oxford University Press): This is the first complete, scholarly English translation.
Volume 1: Translated by Asaf A. A. Fyzee, revised by Ismail K. Poonawala (2002). Volume 2: Covers civil and criminal law (2004). PDF Resources:
Scribd: Both Volume 1 and Volume 2 of the Oxford translation are available for viewing and download.
SweetStudy: Offers digitized selections and chapter summaries of the text.
Misbah.info: Provides thematic overviews and context for the book within the Fatimid library. Importance Today
Beyond its religious significance, the Da'im al-Islam is recognized by courts in the Indo-Pakistani subcontinent as a primary legal source for personal and family matters within the Ismaili community. Da Ā Im Al-Islām Vol | PDF - Scribd
1. The Historical Context (The Fatimid Caliphate) In the 10th century CE, the Fatimid Caliphate (a rival to the Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad) ruled over North Africa and later Egypt. They followed Isma'ili Shi'ism. The fourth Fatimid Caliph-Caliph, Imam al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah, needed a single, authoritative legal code to unite their diverse empire (which included Sunnis, Christians, Jews, and various Shi'a groups). Importance of Daim Al-Islam Daim Al-Islam is considered
2. The Author: Al-Qadi al-Nu'man Al-Qadi al-Nu'man (d. 974 CE) was a brilliant jurist who served four Fatimid Imams. Originally from a Sunni Maliki background, he converted to Isma'ili Islam. He was tasked with creating a legal system that was based on the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (the Prophet's family) but structured like a mainstream Sunni legal manual for practical use.
3. The Purpose of the Book The title Da'a'im al-Islam means "The Pillars of Islam" (note: different from the Sunni Five Pillars). Its purpose was to:
4. The Content – The Seven Pillars Unlike the Sunni Five Pillars, the Isma'ili Da'a'im outlines Seven Pillars. The book is divided into two main volumes:
Volume 1: The Pillars of Action (Ibādāt)
Volume 2: The Pillars of Social Order (Muʿāmalāt) This volume covers contracts, inheritance, marriage, divorce, crimes, punishments (hudud), evidence, and judicial procedure.
5. Why is it significant?
Dā‘im al-Islām (Arabic: دائَم الإسلام), often translated as The Pillar of Islam or The Perpetual [Code] of Islam, is the most authoritative and comprehensive legal treatise in Tayyibi Ismaili (Musta‘lī Ismaili) jurisprudence (fiqh). It was authored by the eminent Fatimid jurist and chief judge (Qāḍī) Al-Nu‘mān ibn Muḥammad (d. 974 CE / 363 AH) under the direct guidance of the Fatimid Caliph-Imams, particularly Imam al-Mu‘izz li-Dīn Allāh.
The title Dā‘im al-Islām carries a dual meaning: