There are two types of Ismailis. One group is considered to be innovators. They uphold matters of religion that are necessary but deviate from the explicit texts. This group is called the Bohra Ismailis.

Being an innovator means that one is not an apostate or a disbeliever, but their good deeds will not be accepted until they correct their beliefs. That’s the legal standing of an innovator — their deeds do not count until they fix their beliefs.

Now, the Nizari Ismailis are considered outside of Islam. The Nizari Ismailis are the descendants of the Assassins. You might have heard of them in the game Assassin’s Creed, thats kufr— not the game itself, but the creed of the Assassins was kufr. The modern Nizari Ismailis follow this same creed.

Why is this the case? Because they no longer believe in Salah (prayer), Sawm (fasting), or the obligation of Hajj (pilgrimage). For them, the pilgrimage is to the Aga Khan, not to Mecca.

They also pay zakat on income when it should be paid on savings after certain conditions are met. It should not be paid on income.

~ Shaykh Shadee Elmasry