Asas
أساس
asās
✨Ismaili Terms
Foundation; the prophet's successor who reveals inner meanings.
Full Definition
In Ismaili theology, the asas (foundation) is the figure who follows each natiq (speaking prophet) and reveals the inner (batin) meanings of the prophet's revelation. For example, Ali is the asas to Muhammad's prophethood. The asas possesses the authority to interpret the esoteric dimensions of revelation and initiates the line of Imams for that cycle.