The Fatimids: 1 - The Rise of a Muslim Empire

by Shainool Jiwa

I.B.Tauris in association with the Institute of Ismaili Studies

Emerging from a period of long seclusion, the leader of the burgeoning community of Ismaili Shi'i Muslims was declared the first Fatimid Imam-caliph in the year 909. Abd Allah al-Mahdi founded the only sustained Shi'i dynasty (909-1171) to rule over substantial parts of the medieval Muslim world, rivalling both the Umayyads of Spain and the Abbasids. At its peak, the Fatimid Empire extended from the Atlantic shores of North Africa, across the southern Mediterranean and down both sides of the Red Sea, covering also Mecca and Medina. This accessible history, the first of two volumes, tells the story of the birth and expansion of the Fatimid Empire in the 10th century. Drawing upon eyewitness accounts, Shainool Jiwa introduces the first four generations of Fatimid Imam-caliphs -- al-Mahdi, al-Qa'im, al-Mansur, and al-Mu'izz -- as well as the people who served them and those they struggled against. Readers are taken on a journey through the Fatimid capitals of Qayrawan, Mahdiyya, and Mansuriyya and on to the founding of Cairo. In this lively and comprehensive introduction, readers will discover various milestones in Fatimid history and the political and cultural achievements that continue to resonate today.

160 pages, Paperback

Published February 18, 2018

Reviews

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a well-researched book on an important dynasty who brought together North Africa and ruled over Meditarean. Fatamids influence has expanded across time and borders inspiring different nations and interpretations. Theirs was the first Islamic state to recognize pluralism among Muslims. Fatimid Caliph-Imams, although Shi'a themselves, constantly appointed scholars from different Islamic schools as judges, administrators, and ministers. They recognized the diversity of society and ruled over Sicily and Crete as communities of Muslims, Christians, and Jews. Ironically the highest Sunni authority on Islamic matters, Al-Azhar, was founded by these Shi'a rulers in their capital of Cairo. The book describes their early days while highlighting a few important events. However, it is not elaborating on arts, culture, and literature of the Fatimid era, focusing more on the rulers instead of focusing on the civilization they established. Still it is a very interesting book and I highly recommend it.

[Ahmad M Bohindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great beginner's guide to rise of the Fatimids until the founding of Cairo. Intriguingly summarises the political, social, and intellectual history, as well as the lasting consequences and legacy of these events in the most understudied empire in Islamic history.
A weakness to look out for is bias. This book is funded and published by an Ismaili institute, and the hagiologist aspect is evident. Doesn't change my convection that early Fatimid Caliphs were among the most just, progressive, and competent monarchs the world had ever seen.

[Irfan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy read and concise history of the Fatimid empire. Nevertheless, this part only focuses on the first four Imam-Caliph which constitutes the rise of Fatimid empire. The focus of this book is to understand the rise of this glorious empire through a macro lens as opposed to deconstructing each event in detail. Moreover, it narrates some interesting stories about the Fatimid empire, which really engages one to think about the life, condition and political situation of the early 10th century...

[Nix_Whisper · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book...I had expected more. The topic is really interesting, but there are other books that do a better job in explaining history in a more engaging way than this book.

Maybe I'll continue it later? I don't know, we'll see.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it. It’s a lot of information which can be daunting as this was one of my first books about Islam.

[Khalil Jivraj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Educational, filled in some gaping holes