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Ismaili Center Chicago
6259 North BroadwayChicago, IL
Shortly after the death of Prophet Mohammed in 632 A. D. there
came the first split in Islam, the religion he had founded. The first sect,
that came about after his death, was that of the Shia Muslims, who believe
in the Prophet Ali (Mohammed's uncle and the devoted guardian). After the
death of Jafar-as-Sadiq in 765 (the 6th Imam after Ali), Ismail was designated
to be next of the series of Imams, or priests of the Shia muslims. Instead,
his brother Musa was appointed as the Imam of the Shia sect. This did not
change the respect of those who wanted Ismail to lead them. Thus those Shia
muslims who revered Ismail formed the Ismaili sect of Islam. Today, they aren't
welcomed by the Sunni Muslims (the ones who are against the Ismailis.) In
addition to Chicago, Ismailis live in England, Iran and India as well.
The Ismaili Center of Chicago, representing a different interpretation of Islam, organizes conferences and is free to the all Muslims for daily and Friday prayers.