⚠️ Copyright note: The English translation by Fyzee/Poonawala (OUP) is under full copyright. Downloading unauthorized PDFs from file-sharing sites violates copyright law and harms academic publishing. If you need only specific chapters, contact the publisher for permissions or purchase a digital edition.
Would you like a summary of one specific chapter (e.g., prayer or marriage) from the English translation, or guidance on how to locate a library copy near you?
The Da'at al-Islam (often referred to as Daim-ul-Islam or The Pillars of Islam) is a foundational legal text of the Fatimid Ismaili school of jurisprudence, authored by the 10th-century jurist Al-Qadi al-Nu'man.
While complete PDFs of the English translation are often found via academic portals (like JSTOR or the Institute of Ismaili Studies) or library archives, Overview of the Text
Author: Al-Qadi al-Nu'man (Chief Justice under the early Fatimid Caliphs).
Significance: It serves as the primary source of Fatimid law and is still the principal legal authority for the Dawoodi Bohra community.
The "Pillars": Unlike the standard five pillars in Sunni Islam, this text outlines seven pillars of faith. The Seven Pillars (Pillars of Islam)
Walayah (Devotion): Love and devotion to God, the Prophet, and the Imams. This is considered the most important pillar.
Taharah (Purity): Rules regarding physical and spiritual cleanliness and ritual ablutions. Daim Ul Islam English Pdf
Salah (Prayer): The performance of the five daily prayers and special congregational prayers.
Zakah (Alms-giving): Religious tithes and charitable contributions. Sawm (Fasting): Regulations for the month of Ramadan.
Hajj (Pilgrimage): The journey to Mecca and associated rituals.
Jihad (Struggle): Defined both as the defense of the faith and the internal struggle against one's ego. English Translation Details
The most widely recognized English translation was completed by Asaf A.A. Fyzee and revised by Ismail Kurban Husein Poonawala.
Volume 1: Focuses on the "Pillars" of Islam (Acts of Devotion/Ibadat).
Volume 2: Focuses on "Mu'amalat" (Social Transactions), covering marriage, divorce, inheritance, and criminal law. Where to Access
Oxford University Press: The official publisher of the modern English translation. ⚠️ Copyright note : The English translation by
The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS): Often provides summaries and historical context on their official website.
Internet Archive: You may find digitized versions of older translations or study guides by searching for "Da'at al-Islam" or "Pillars of Islam Nu'man."
The Legacy of "Daim al-Islam": A Guide to the Pillars of Ismaili Jurisprudence
For centuries, Da’a’im al-Islam (The Pillars of Islam) has stood as the definitive source of law and tradition for the Ismaili community. Authored by the renowned scholar Al-Qadi al-Nu’man under the guidance of the Fatimid Caliph-Imam al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah, this work remains a cornerstone of spiritual and legal life for millions, particularly within the Dawoodi Bohra community.
Whether you are a student of Islamic history or a practitioner looking for an English translation, understanding this text is essential for grasping the foundations of Fatimid jurisprudence. What is Daim al-Islam?
"Daim al-Islam" translates to "The Pillars of Islam". Unlike many legal texts that focus solely on "thou shalt nots," this work balances rigorous legal rulings with the importance of manners (adab), etiquette, and spiritual devotion.
Author: Syedna al-Qadi al-Nu’man, the Chief Judge (Qadi al-Qudaat) of the Fatimid Empire.
Purpose: It served as the official legal code of the Fatimid state. Would you like a summary of one specific chapter (e
Scope: It draws on the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad and the early Imams, particularly Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq. The Structure of the Work
The book is typically divided into two major volumes that cover every aspect of a believer's life:
Volume 1: Ibadat (Acts of Devotion)This volume focuses on the spiritual foundation of Islam, famously outlining seven pillars instead of the five commonly cited in other schools:
Walaya (Devotion/Love for the Imam) — considered the most excellent pillar. Tahāra (Purity). Ṣalāt (Prayer). Zakat (Alms tax). Sawm (Fasting). Hajj (Pilgrimage). Jihad (Striving).
Volume 2: Mu’amalat (Worldly Affairs)This volume acts as a comprehensive legal manual, covering marriage, divorce, inheritance, business transactions, and food laws. Accessing the English Translation
For a long time, this work was only accessible to those proficient in Arabic, Urdu, or Gujarati. Today, scholars and seekers can access high-quality English translations, most notably by Asaf A.A. Fyzee, which was later revised and annotated by Ismail Kurban Husein Poonawala. WISDOM OF THE ANCIENTS - Telegraph India
A: Likely not. Many free PDFs are poor scans of the 1974 edition. For critical research, you need the 2002 Oxford revised edition. Check the copyright page. If it says "Printed in India by M. S. Printers" without an Oxford logo, it is a reprint missing crucial footnotes.
A: No. The Quran is the literal word of God. Daim Ul Islam is a collection of Hadith (sayings of the Prophet and Imams) explaining how to implement the Quran.