What Religion Were the Assassins? Unraveling the Faith of the Nizari Ismailis
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The Assassins, historically known as the Nizari Ismailis, were a breakaway group from the Ismaili branch of Shia Islam. Their religious identity is therefore rooted in Shia Islam, but with distinct theological and political interpretations that set them apart. Understanding their religion requires delving into the complexities of Islamic history and the schisms within Shia Islam. They were not simply a band of assassins; they were a community with a specific religious doctrine and a powerful political agenda.
Understanding the Nizari Ismaili Faith
The Nizari Ismailis emerged from a succession crisis within the Ismaili Shia community in the late 11th century. When the Fatimid Caliph al-Mustansir Billah died in 1094, a dispute arose over his successor. One faction supported his older son, Nizar, while another backed his younger son, al-Musta’li. The faction that supported Nizar became known as the Nizari Ismailis.
Key Beliefs and Doctrines
Several core tenets characterized the Nizari Ismaili faith:
- Emphasis on esoteric interpretation (ta’wil): Unlike some other Islamic groups, the Nizari Ismailis placed a strong emphasis on the hidden, inner meanings of the Quran and Islamic teachings. They believed that these esoteric meanings were accessible only through the guidance of a divinely appointed Imam.
- The Imamate: Central to their faith was the belief in a continuous line of Imams, descendants of Ali (the fourth Caliph and the son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad), who possessed divine knowledge and authority. They saw the Imam as the ultimate spiritual and temporal leader.
- Political Activism: The Nizari Ismailis believed in actively working to establish justice and righteousness in the world. This often involved political action, including resistance against what they perceived as unjust rulers.
- Fidais and Assassination: While not a core doctrine, the practice of assassination became synonymous with the Nizari Ismailis. These fidais (self-sacrificers) were highly trained individuals who carried out targeted killings of political and religious figures deemed enemies of the Nizari cause. They believed that such actions were necessary to protect the community and advance their goals.
Distinguishing Nizari Ismailis from Other Islamic Groups
It’s crucial to understand the distinctions between the Nizari Ismailis and other Islamic groups:
- From Sunni Islam: Sunni Islam, the largest branch of Islam, recognizes the first four Caliphs as the rightful successors to Prophet Muhammad. Shia Islam, on the other hand, believes that Ali and his descendants were the rightful successors.
- From Twelver Shia Islam: Twelver Shia Islam, the dominant form of Shia Islam in Iran, believes in twelve Imams, the last of whom went into occultation and will return at the end of times. The Nizari Ismailis diverged from this belief by recognizing a different line of Imams after the seventh Imam.
- From Other Ismaili Branches: Even within Ismailism, there were differences. The Nizari Ismailis emerged from a succession crisis within the Ismaili community, leading to distinct theological and political paths.
The Role of Hassan-i Sabbah
Hassan-i Sabbah, a key figure in Nizari Ismaili history, played a crucial role in establishing their independent state. He seized Alamut Castle in Persia (modern-day Iran) in 1090 and transformed it into a stronghold and center for Nizari Ismaili learning and political activity. Under his leadership, the Nizari Ismailis developed a sophisticated system of fortifications and a dedicated network of fidais.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Religion of the Assassins
1. Were the Assassins Muslims?
Yes, the Assassins (Nizari Ismailis) were a branch of Shia Islam. They adhered to the fundamental principles of Islam but had their own distinct theological interpretations.
2. Were the Assassins Sunni or Shia?
The Assassins were Shia Muslims, specifically a branch of Ismaili Shia Islam.
3. Did the Assassins believe in God?
Yes, the Assassins, as Muslims, believed in Allah (God), the same God worshipped by all Muslims.
4. Did the Assassins follow the Quran?
Yes, the Assassins followed the Quran but interpreted it through their own esoteric lens, emphasizing the hidden meanings within the text.
5. What was the Assassins’ view on the Imam?
The Imam held a central position in Nizari Ismaili belief. They believed in a continuous line of Imams who possessed divine knowledge and were the ultimate spiritual and temporal leaders.
6. What is esoteric interpretation (ta’wil)?
Esoteric interpretation (ta’wil) is the process of uncovering the hidden, inner meanings of religious texts, especially the Quran. The Nizari Ismailis believed that these deeper meanings were accessible only through the guidance of the Imam.
7. Why did the Assassins engage in assassinations?
The Nizari Ismailis believed that political assassinations were sometimes necessary to eliminate corrupt rulers and protect their community. These acts were seen as a means of achieving justice and ensuring the safety of the common people.
8. Who were the fidais?
The fidais were highly trained individuals who carried out assassinations for the Nizari Ismailis. They were often motivated by religious zeal and a willingness to sacrifice themselves for the cause.
9. Was Hassan-i Sabbah the founder of Islam?
No, Hassan-i Sabbah was not the founder of Islam. He was a key figure in the Nizari Ismaili movement and established their independent state with Alamut Castle as its center. Islam was founded by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century CE.
10. Did the Assassins have any religious texts besides the Quran?
While the Quran was their primary religious text, the Nizari Ismailis also had their own interpretations and commentaries on Islamic teachings, often passed down orally or in esoteric writings.
11. How did the Mongol conquest affect the Assassins?
The Mongol conquest in the 13th century significantly weakened and ultimately led to the decline of the Nizari Ismaili state. Mongol forces destroyed Alamut Castle and other Nizari strongholds, dispersing the community.
12. Do the Nizari Ismailis still exist today?
Yes, the Nizari Ismaili community exists today, and they are a peaceful and progressive community led by their Imam, the Aga Khan. They are known for their charitable work and commitment to education.
13. How has the Assassin’s Creed video game series portrayed the Assassins’ religion?
The Assassin’s Creed video game series takes creative liberties with the historical portrayal of the Assassins (Nizari Ismailis). While the games draw inspiration from their history and beliefs, they also introduce fictional elements and narratives that deviate from historical accuracy. As explored in the GamesLearningSociety.org community, video games can inspire, and also often misinterpret, historical themes.
14. Is the concept of “nothing is true, everything is permitted” a real tenet of the Nizari Ismailis?
The phrase “Nothing is true, everything is permitted” is often associated with the Assassins in popular culture, largely due to the Assassin’s Creed series. However, there is no historical evidence to suggest that this was an actual tenet of the Nizari Ismailis. It is more likely a fictional addition that reflects the game’s themes of free will and moral ambiguity.
15. What is the difference between the Assassins and the Templars in history?
In reality, the Templars were a Christian military order during the Crusades, while the Assassins (Nizari Ismailis) were a Shia Islamic sect. Their historical conflicts were more nuanced and interwoven with regional politics.
Understanding the religious identity of the Assassins (Nizari Ismailis) requires appreciating the complexities of Islamic history and the diverse interpretations within Shia Islam. They were not merely assassins, but a community with a distinct religious doctrine and a political agenda that shaped their actions and history.