Book Review: The Fatimids- The Rise of a Muslim Empire by Shainool Jiwa

This is the first volume of the book Fatimids. It is an interesting account that brings out the complex history of the Ismaili Fatimid dynasty in North Africa. It presents a new view point in looking at the Mediterranean during crucial times of western world history.

The book is based on five chapters which discuss the origins of the Fatimid Empire, expansion in Mediterranean region, empire building and the Fatimid advance in Egypt. Fatimids ruled over a diverse religious and ethnic populace for over two-and-a-half centuries (909-1271). 10^th century was often known as the century of Shi Islam as there was a rise in the number of Shia dynasties across the Muslim world.

 In the first chapter of the book the Ismaili views on the identity of Mahdi are shared. These were conflicting views. Prior to the Fatimids the Umayyad Caliphate was established in 661. Later Abbasids rose to power and established themselves in 750. The assassination of Ali had allowed Mu’awiya to establish the Umayyad Caliphate in 661. It was during Imam-caliph Al-Qaim’s reign that the animosity between Umayyads and Fatimids came to the forefront. In addition to that the author provides an insight to the divisions in Shia Islam.

Explaining the origins of the Fatimid Empire the author reflects on the Ismaili Da’wa.  During the emergence of the Ismaili Da’wa a period of concealment took place. This concealment was known as Dawr Al-Satr which was from 765-909. The Imam of the time remained hidden except from the most trusted of believers.  Da’wa (religious-political mission) gained momentum across the Muslim world. In early 9^th century Ismaili Da’wa became highly organized and tiered.

The first Imam-Caliph of the Fatimid Empire was Abd Allah. He ruled for 25 years. The Fatimids fought the Byzantine Empire which succeeded to the Roman Empire. At times period of intense war would continue and at other times peace would be restored though truce. The Ismaili ruled over what today is known as Sicily, parts of Tunisia and Egypt. Their rule is explained in great detail. The period of turmoil, rivalries between tribes, expansion of empires, commercial interests between empires and construction of fort cities has also been described in great detail.

Qadi al-Nu’man an Ismaili scholar became one of the most influential scholars, jurists and writers of the Fatimid Age. Imam-caliph Al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah founded his new capital in Al-Qahira, modern day Egypt. Jawdhar continued his role as Chief administrator and a dedicated advisor to the Imam when he received a letter from AL-Mu’izz. Jawdhar was of Slavic origin. He was brought as a slave to Ifriqiya. Impressed by his intellect, Imam-Al Mansur bi’llah appointed him as his personal scribe (katib). Later Jawdhar became a seasoned bureaucrat, administrator and a battle commander.

Sicily had always remained a bone of contention from Byzantine and the Fatimids. Fatimid influence expanded eastwards towards Sind. Scholars such as Abu Hatim al-Razi, Muhammad al-Nafasi Abu Ya’qub al-Sijistani played their part in adding more people to the Ismaili fold. Around 958 Prince of Multan accepted the Da’wa from the Ismaili da’is of Yemen who travelled a short journey to Sind. These Da’is were under the direction of Ibn Hawshab.

Further in the book the Grand Fatimid Circumcision Ceremony are discussed. Majalis (teaching sessions), Principle of Walaya, Ahd of Ali, Roles and responsibilities of Dai and, war and peace with the Umayyads is explained in great detail. An Imam had to appoint his Hujja during his life time. Ismaili Imam-Caliphs believed that God’s support (ta’yid) transferred on the transfer of the Imamat.

Moreover the construction of Al-Azhar mosque was founded in 969 is also briefly mentioned. Where Sicily was under Ismaili rul, the Mediterannean engendered inter-racial, inter-ethnic, inter-religious societies. The last chapter focuses on the Fatimid venture in Egypt. When Imam-Caliph Al-Mui’zz arrived, the name Al-Qahira was given.

In 972 Al-Mu’izz began his migration to Egypt. His extended family, others including Qadi Al-Nu’man, chiefs of the Kutama and al-ustadh Jawghar joined him.This great migration set the closure of Fatimid rule in the west and the dawn of the two-century age in Egypt.

Later Hasan-i-Sabah established Nizari Ismaili rule in 1090 with its headquarters at Alamut.