Esoteric Shi'ism

Esoteric Shi'ism is a monotheistic religion centred on the life and teachings of Al-Sayyid al-Mu'alim and the Hidden Imam, an eschatological figure who Esoteric Shias believe has symbolically returned from a state of hiddenness, or occultation, to herald the Day of Judgment. Esoteric Shi'ism teaches the equality of men and women, the importance of reason, the acceptance of religious differences, the rejection of blind imitation as well as social justice, amongst others. It was founded in 10th-century Maqtajer by Al-Sayyid al-Mu'alim, who claimed to be the recipient of a new revelation from God through the intermediary of the Hidden Imam. Esoteric Shias believe that Al-Sayyid al-Mu'alim fulfilled the prophecies of Muzdatijeri Shias whereby the Hidden Imam will return to institute a new religion, a new scripture and new laws in the 'end times'. There are approximately 60 million adherents of Esoteric Shi'ism in Astyria, most of whom are concentrated in Hindia Belanda, where it remains the largest of religious denominations. They also constitute a minority in a number of Lorecian countries, as well as in Maqtajer, where they face continuing persecution from Muzdatijeri Shias. Esoteric Shias neither consider themselves to be Shias in the conventional sense nor Muslims, but rather as followers of an independent religion.

Esoteric Shias diverge from the mainstream narratives of Abrahamic eschatology in rejecting the idea of universal resurrection and a literal day of judgment, arguing instead that a symbolic Day of Judgment has occurred with the proclamation of Al-Sayyid al-Mu'alim as the symbolic return of the Hidden Imam and that the world will continue on forever. Al-Sayyid al-Mu'alim's ministry lasted from Year until Year, after which leadership of the religion was passed to the Auxiliary Imams, who is currently Siyyid Hussain al-Hakim Billah. The religion has been led centrally by the Auxiliary Imam through the Shia Convocation, the governing body of the religion headquartered on Mount Ilias in Java, Hindia Belanda. Esoteric Shias elect

The writings and teachings of Al-Sayyid al-Mu'alim are considered to be Esoteric Shia scripture, of which the most important is the Lisan al-Hikma, the religion's holiest book which Esoteric Shias believe was revealed by God through the Hidden Imam. This belief is known as emanationist revelation, which states that Al-Sayyid al-Mu'alim received revelation from God through the Hidden Imam rather than directly from God. Al-Sayyid al-Mu'alim occupies a unique station in the religion; although he is not considered a prophet, being the Qa'im al-Qiyamah or intermediary between the Hidden Imam and the believers, he is nonetheless the central figure of the Esoteric Shia religion.

Social practices

Batini calnedar

See Batini calendar