Neoplatonism and Imamism

The Isma'ilis were of the opinion that man or I would say the humankind cannot come to know God through his act or intellect alone. This was really the starting point of the shea and they furthermore held that the message of Islam in fact came from the sources which were beyond the comprehension of dream men. And this actually did fit rather well with the Neoplatonism which they adopted but they did adopt that in a very creative manner to suit their own message. They believed that the sacred history of mankind would be consummated in seven eras each era beginning with a speaker, a nautic or a prophet who would bring a new religious law.