Dāʿim al-Islām (دعائم الإسلام) is one of the most authoritative and revered scriptures in Ismaili Shi'a literature. Written by the jurist Qadi al-Nu'man (d. 974 CE), it serves as a comprehensive compendium of law, theology, and tradition.
If you are looking for an English PDF of this text, here is a breakdown of the content, its significance, and where to find legitimate translations.
Only out-of-copyright editions (pre-1929) are legal on the Internet Archive. Since Fyzee died in 1981, his translation remains under copyright until 2051 (in most jurisdictions). However, Arabic originals from the 19th century are available for download.
To understand the value of Daim al-Islam, one must first understand its author. Qadi Abu Hanifa al-Nu’man ibn Muhammad (died 974 CE) was the chief jurist of the Fatimid Caliphate under Caliph al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah.
The result was Daim al-Islam, a text that draws heavily from the Ahl al-Bayt (the family of the Prophet Muhammad) and the teachings of the Imams, similar to how Ja’fari jurisprudence relies on the Imams of the Twelvers. Daim Al-islam English Pdf
The title Da‘a’im al-Islam refers to the seven "Pillars" that constitute the foundation of Ismaili faith and practice. Unlike the Sunni tradition which focuses on five pillars, Ismaili jurisprudence expands this to seven:
The text is divided into two volumes, reflecting a critical distinction in Shi‘i thought:
Al-Nu‘man’s methodology relies heavily on the narrations (akhbar) of the Prophet Muhammad and the Shi‘i Imams, particularly Ja‘far al-Sadiq. He employs a rationalist approach to legal deduction, often prioritizing the instructions of the living Imam over conflicting historical reports.
The text is divided into two massive volumes, covering the exoteric (Zahir) and esoteric (Batin) aspects of the faith. For students searching the PDF, knowing the structure helps in navigating the document. Dāʿim al-Islām (دعائم الإسلام) is one of the
Volume One: Acts of Devotion (The Foundations) This volume covers the "Pillars" literally, detailing the jurisprudence of daily life and worship.
Volume Two: Social and Civil Code This volume functions as a civil code, similar to a constitution, governing society.
Dā‘im al-Islām is a foundational text for understanding Ismaili (Tayyibi) jurisprudence, bridging the Quran, Prophetic tradition, and the living authority of the Imam. While a complete, free English PDF is not legally available, the two-volume English translation by Asaf Fyzee (revised by Poonawala) is the gold standard and can be accessed through purchase or academic subscription.
Recommendation: If you need the English version for serious study, invest in the IIS/Oxford University Press volumes or request interlibrary loan. For casual reference, explore the partial previews on Google Books or sample chapters on Academia.edu. Only out-of-copyright editions (pre-1929) are legal on the
Disclaimer: This article provides factual information. Always respect copyright laws and publishers’ rights when seeking digital copies of religious texts.
Yes, but with important clarifications.
A full, public-domain English translation of the entire Dā‘im al-Islām is not widely and legally available as a free PDF. However, there are two significant resources:
In the vast ocean of Islamic literature, few texts hold as much authoritative weight for the Dawoodi Bohra and Musta’li Ismaili communities as Daim al-Islam (دعائم الإسلام), meaning “The Pillars of Islam.” Written over a thousand years ago by the illustrious Qadi al-Nu’man, this book remains the primary source of Fatimid jurisprudence (al-Fiqh al-Fatimi).
For English-speaking researchers, students of comparative religion, and Ismaili community members, finding a reliable Daim al-Islam English PDF has historically been a challenge. This article serves as a comprehensive resource—explaining what the book is, why it matters, how to access its English translations legally, and its relevance in modern Islamic studies.