The Concept of Hadd
Limit as cosmic category: In Ismaili philosophy, a hadd (limit) is not merely a grade in a human organization but a cosmic station — a position in the divine hierarchy that corresponds to a level of being and a level of knowledge. The Imam’s da’wa mirrors the cosmic hierarchy; its grades are the earthly manifestations of cosmic realities.
The Quran’s opening: “These are the limits (hudud) of Allah, so do not approach them.” (2:187) — In Ismaili ta’wil, the hudud of Allah are not merely prohibited acts but the graded stations of the da’wa through which divine guidance flows. Approaching the hudud means entering the da’wa hierarchy; transgressing them means claiming a station one has not been authorized to hold.
See also: Ismaili Philosophy, Tawil Esoteric Interpretation, Imamah
Fatimid Da’wa Hierarchy
The major grades: The Fatimid da’wa system typically distinguished several major hudud:
- Imam — the supreme hujja, the divinely authorized head of the da’wa
- Bab (Gate) — the Imam’s closest representative
- Hujja (Proof) — major regional representatives, often twelve, corresponding to the zodiacal signs/islands
- Da’i al-Mutlaq (Absolute Missionary) — the chief Da’i; became the summit of the da’wa during sitr
- Da’i al-Mahdud (Limited Missionary)
- Ma’dhun (Licensed/Authorized Agent)
- Mukasir (Breaker — one who breaks the ta’wil open for beginners)
- Mumin (Believer — the ordinary initiate)
This structure was elaborated and described in Ismaili texts, with different sources giving different numbers of grades. The number seven had cosmological significance.
See also: Fatimid Caliphate, Fatimid Cairo, Dai Al Mutlaq Institution, Tayyibi Dawat
Tayyibi Da’wa and the Bohra Hierarchy
The Da’i al-Mutlaq’s role: When the Imam entered occultation (ghayba) after al-Tayyib in 1130 CE, the Da’i al-Mutlaq became the summit of the accessible hierarchy — the Imam’s representative with full authority to lead the da’wa, initiate members, and transmit the Imam’s guidance. This transformation reshaped the hudud system: the Bab and Hujja became honorific or internalized roles, while the Da’i became the practical center.
Current Bohra structure: The Bohra da’wa maintains a functional hierarchy descending from the Da’i al-Mutlaq through appointed representatives (‘amil, shaykh, mulla) who serve the community in different regions. Initiation (misaq) into the da’wa remains a formal rite that marks entry into the hierarchy of mumineen.
See also: Tayyibi Dawat, Dai Al Mutlaq Institution, Sitr And Zuhur, Misaq The Covenant, Imamah, Wali Al Asr
See also: Ismaili Philosophy, Tawil Esoteric Interpretation, Imamah, Fatimid Caliphate, Fatimid Cairo, Dai Al Mutlaq Institution, Tayyibi Dawat, Sitr And Zuhur, Misaq The Covenant, Wali Al Asr