Batiniyya
باطنية
bāṭiniyya
✨Ismaili Terms
Term used historically to describe those who emphasize esoteric interpretation.
Full Definition
Batiniyya is a term applied by various Muslim writers to groups accused of overemphasizing esoteric (batin) interpretations at the expense of exoteric (zahir) religious law. It was used polemically against Ismailis and other groups, though Ismailis themselves maintain a balance between inner and outer dimensions of faith.