The Golden Age of the Fatimids - 7th Post

 

The following historical Akhbar are taken from the kitab:

Fazail Misrul Fatemiyah: 1418 A.H. Aali waqar Shz: Qsaibhai Saheb Vazihuddin (DM)

MOWLANA ABUL QASIM AL MUSTA'ALI BILLAH (SA)- 19TH IMAM - 9TH FATIMID CALIPH 487 Α.Η to 495 Α.Η.)

Imam Musta'ali Billah (SA) was born in Muharram in 467 A.H. in Cairo. At the age of 21 years he ascended the throne of Imamate and became the 9th Fatimid Caliph.

Mowlana Badr al Jamali died in the year 488 A.H. and his son Sahansa Afzal became the Vazir.

The elder brothers of Imam Musta'ali (SA) Nizar and Abdullah after giving allegiance to the Imam, did not honor and revolted and fled to Alexandria.

Nizar was defeated in the battle, brought to Cairo and was executed. (The present day Khoza community are the followers of Nizar)

Imam Musta'ali Billah (SA) after conferring nass on Imam Mowlana Amir be Ahkamillah (SA) and circulating the nass farman in all bilad e imaniyah died in 495 A.H. at the age of 28 years.

MOWLANA MANSOOR UL A'MIR BE AHKAMILLAH (SA) -20TH IMAM - 10TH Fatimid

Caliph (495 A.H. to 526 (Α.Η.)

Mowlana Imam al A'mir Ahkamillah (SA) was born in Kahira on 13th Muharram 490 A.H., and ascended the takth of Imamat and became the 10th Fatimid Caliph at the age of 5 years.

Under the command of Sahansa Afzal the Romans, who had captured Damascus were defeated, and Shansa Afzal returned in the hazrat of Imam (SA) victorious with war booty.

An usurper named Sanbas with his military force surrounded Kahira, but was defeated and killed.

Vazir Sahansa Afzal dies in 515 A.H. and Imam (SA) elevates Abul Mansoor al Mamun to the post of Vazir.

Imam Tayyib (SA) was born in Kahira on 4th Rabi ul Akhar 524 A.H. On day 14th of Imam Tayyib's birth Akika ceremony was done with pomp and grandeur.

The bushra of Imam Tayyib (SA) birth and the nass conferred on him were sent to Mowlatena Hurra al Maleka in Yemen.

With Shareef Mohammad bin Haidera, he also sent an old kerchief.

On Tuesday 3rd Zilkada 526 A.H. Imam al- Akhamillah (SA) as he led a procession of military and dignitaries of the court, was surrounded by treachery and attacked repeatedly by knife by several of the Nizari sympathizers.

Imam (SA) scummed to this heinous attack and after declaring once again Imam Tayyib (SA) as his successor, and appointing Abdul Majid (son of his uncle) as the Caretaker, he passed away on 4th Zilkad 526 Α.Η.

Thus ended the reign of the 10th Fatimid Caliph - a reign that lasted 32 years.

Mowlana Imam Tayyib (SA) went into seclusion travelling with his trusted followers to West Africa.

ALHAMDOLILLAH!

Concluded.

DUA NI ILTEMAS

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The Golden Age of Fatimids 6th Post

MOWLANA AL-MUSTANSIR BILLAH (SA) - 18th IMAM-8th Falimid Caliph (427 Α.Η. το 187 Α.Η)

Mowlana Al-Mustansir Billah (SA) was born on 16th Ramadan 420 A.H. Eight months later the nass' was conferred on him by Imam az Zahir (SA)

The Vazir Jarjarai took an oath of allegiance on behalf of Imam al Mustansir Billah (SA) at the time of the death of Imam az-Zanir (SA)

After the death of Vazir Jarjarai, Abu Saad a Jewish merchant became very powerful on account of his proximity with the royal household. Vazir Jarjarai had served under three Imams (SA) and during his Vazirale, Egypt saw peace and prosperity.

Syedna Al Mu'ayyad fi'l Din al Shirazi (RA) was a witness of Abu Saad's interferences and court intrigues. The confusion and court intrigues ended after the appoint-ment of Vazir YAZURI, whose administration lasted for 8 years, a period of prosperity. efficiency and reforms.

The court intrigues denied Sy. Al-Mu'ayyad with the deedar of Imam (SA) lor 40 days. However when he finally got the sharaf of Deedar of Imam (SA) his account of how he folt, makes very interesting reading. (How I wish I could share with my readers, but then, the post will be too long)

In 450 A.H. he was appointed as the Dal ul Dua't of the Dawah.

The period of 454 Α.Η. to 459 A.H..was a period of chaos and famine, but of far reach-ing and significant consequence for the Fatemi Taiyebi Dawah

Sy. Al-Mu yyad (AQ) passed these four years in a conference with Dai Lamak at Dar-ul-Ilm, and thus although the Nile had dried up, the Fatemi Uloom flowed in torrents towards Yemen.

Syedna Mu'yyad (AQ) remained in charge of the entire Dawah until his death in 470 A.H. His literary contribution and services to the Dawah is monumental.

Nasir Khusraw a contemporary of Sy: Al Mu'yyad came to Cairo. There is a historical record by him of the grandeur of the Palace of Imam Mustansir Billah (SA)

Nasir ad Dawla, a former Governor of Syria was recalled on account of his incfficiency. He attacks Cairo, burning part of the City. Mowlana Badr al Jamali who was Governor of Akka, is called back to Cairo and he succeeded in restoring order and the administration.

Imam Mustansir Billah (SA) died on 18th Zul Hijja 487 AH.

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The Golden Age of the Fatimids 5th Post

 

MOWLANA AZ - ZAHIR (S.A.) 17TH IMAM - 7th

Fatimid Caliph (411 A.H. to 427 Α.Η.)

Mowlana Abu Maad Ali az - zahir (SA) was born in Cairo on 3rd Ramadan 395 A.H.

When Imam al-Hakim (SA) died in 411 A.H. Imam az-Zahir (SA) was 17 years of age

Sitt-ul-Mulk, the aunt of Imam az-Zahir (SA) looked after the affairs of the State, and on her death in 413 A.H., the Imam (SA) took the reign of the Government.

The year 416 A.H. saw the beginning of a terrible famine in Egypt, which lasted for 3 years.

Looting and rioting prevailed, the Imam (SA) appealed for funds and sharing of wealth to the rich, but their response was very poor.

A truce was concluded with Constantine VIII of the Byzantine in 418 A.H. Syria was bought under the Fatimid rule once more. Imam az-Zahir (SA) is known for his liberal and just rule. He patronized art. He opened an armament factory, where 3000 employees worked.

In 427 A.H., on 15th Shabaan at the age of 32 years he died. leaving the Caliphate and Imamate to his son Imam Mustansir Billah (SA) who was seven years of age.

Sharing some quotes of the famous Orientalists

'If anyone tells you that the Middle Ages were scientifically sterile, just quote the Arab & Muslim scientists who flourished in the short period of 750 to 1100 AD. Many were patronised by Fatemi Imams (SA)

George Sarton: Introduction to the History of Science

Robert Briffault in his Book: Making of Humanity writes: 'It was under the influence of the Arabs and Moorish revival of culture, and not in the 15th Century, that a real renaissance took place. He goes on to state 'Science is the most momentous contribution of Arab Civilization to the modern world.

The Arab scientists were calculating the size of the earth, from the measurement of a degree on the shores of the Red Sea - this at the time when Christian Europe was asserting the flatness of the Earth.

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The Golden Age of Fatimid Imams (SA) - IBN RIDWAN

Ibn Ridwan, also known as Abu al-Hasan Ali ibn Ridwan al-Qurtubi, (988-1061AD)

During the illustrious Golden Age of the Imams (SA), a vibrant tapestry of knowledge flourished, weaving together the threads of diverse scientific disciplines. Scholars soared to new intellectual heights, unearthing profound insights in philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and beyond. This era, illuminated by the wisdom of the Imams (SA) became a beacon of enlightenment, fostering a rich exchange of ideas. It was a time where inquiry was cherished, innovation was celebrated, and the thirst for knowledge knew no bounds, leaving a lasting legacy that has inspired generations.

Healthcare and Medicine:

Ibn Ridwan documented the practices of medicine and healthcare in Cairo. The city was known for its advancements in medical knowledge, with hospitals (bimaristans) established to provide care for the sick. Ibn Ridwan himself practiced medicine and emphasized the importance of hygiene and diet in health.

While reading on the subject, what interested me most, was that in those days Ibn Ridwan held a significant perspective of the role of diet in maintaining overall good health.

He advocated for personalized dietary advice, taking into account an individual's specific health conditions, age, and lifestyle. This individualized approach ensured that patients received tailored guidance based on their unique needs.

Ibn Ridwan believed that food could influence the balance of the body's four humors (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile). He recommended diets to correct imbalance and promote health.

Ibn Ridwan emphasized the consumption of natural, whole foods. He recommended a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while advising against excessive con-sumption of processed or rich foods that could lead to health issues.

There you have it folks! The warning against processed food is out there since FATIMID ERA - where even ancient scholars raised their brows at overly engineered food. Back then, the freshest ingredients ruled the table of the Royalty and general populace

So let's heed the age-old wisdom: ditch the processed stuff and embrace whole foods, because when it comes to health, fresh is always best, and your body will thank you for it!

He stressed the importance of moderation in eating and drinking, advising against overindulgence, which could lead to digestive problems and other ailments.

His views included a preventive aspect, asserting that mindful eating and a balanced diet could prevent many diseases. He saw diet as an integral part of maintaining health rather than just a remedy for illness.

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DAR AL ILM - GOLDEN AGE OF THE FATIMIDS (SA)

Dar Al Ilm

Imam Hakim (SA) (996-1021AD), founded the House of Knowledge (Dar al-Ilm) in Cairo in the year 1005 AD.

On the Iftetah of Dar Al Ilm the jurists took up residence there, and the books from the palace libraries were moved into it. People could visit it, and whoever wanted to copy something that interested him could do so; the same was true of anyone who wanted to read any of the material kept in it.

After the building was furnished and decorated, and after all the doors and passages were provided with curtains, lectures were held there by the Quran readers, astronomers, grammarians and philologists, as well as physicians. Guardians, servants, domestics and others were hired to serve there.

The Imam (SA) also donated what people needed: ink, writing reeds, paper and ink-stands. The house was [formally] that of the Slav Mukhtar. The Slav are the European slaves who served in the Imam's army. Currently there are no remains left but Dar Al Ilm was the house opposite the present Al Aqmar masjid.

The most important scientific achievement produced at Dar Al Ilm was an astronomical chart (zij) with comparative data about stars and planets, by Ahmad ibn Yunus and was named al-zij al-Hakimi.

The famous scientist and engineer Ibn Haytham was invited to Cairo personally by Imam Hakim (SA) When he approached the limits of Cairo, Imam Hakim (S.A.) personally came out to receive him.

He took up residence in Jamia al Azhar, wrote many books and died in 430 Α.Η.

At once a physician, astronomer, mathematician and philosopher, Ibn al-Haytham was the most accomplished of the scientists who served under Imam Hakim (SA) His pioneering work on optics had far-reaching influences on European thinkers of medieval times, among whom he came to be known as Alhazen. His studies were also of major importance for astrological and meteorological investigation.

Abul Fadl Jafar, a blind scholar of grammar and lexicography, received the honorific 'alim al-ulama (scholar of the scholars)

Sayedna Hamid-ud-din al- Kirmani (RA) headed the Central Dawah

Syedna Kirmani came from Iraq after the revolt of Abu Rakwa to strengthen the Dawah under the guidance of Imam (SA) He worked under KHAGIN who was Dai duat.

For those readers who have thirst for acquiring Deeni Akhba'ar, I provide a link to know more about the great personality of Sy. Kirmani and his contribution to Fatemi Taiyebi Dawah.

Please click on the link below.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bEdhK5la22MJkGIP29ShwNldJZc4TJ1U D216XNBTPho/edit?usp=drivesdk

Darul Ilm became the biggest center of learning and research, in the whole Muslim world. The academy was later destroyed by Afzal Shabin Shah.

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THE GOLDEN AGE OF FATIMIDS (SA)

 

MOWLANA AL HAKIM BI AMRILLAH (S.A.) 16TH IMAM-6th Falimid Caliph (386 A.H. to 111 Α.Η.)

Mowlana Husain al-Hakim bi Amrillah (S.A.) was born on 23rd Rabi ul Awwal 375 A.Η. in Cairo.

In 383 A.H. when he was 8 years old. Imam al Aziz (SA) declared him as his successor. In 386 A.H. at the age of 11 years, he became the 6th Fatimid Caliph,

Barjuwani who was in charge of Turkish Guards, was the Treasurer and Ibn Ammar belonged to the Kutama Berber tribe and held control over Berber Guards. Both Barjuwani and Ibn Ammar were trying to depose each other, and in the struggle both were killed.

Imam al-Hakim (S.A.) boldly acknowledged responsibility, at the age of 15 and bogan to take direct interest in the affairs of the State. He  appointed Husain son of Sy. Qaid Jawhar as the new Vazir, but was later deposed from his position at the time Abu Rakwa's revolt

Abu Rakwa (Walid bin Hisham) was the Ummayad prince from Spain, who fermented trouble in North Africa with the help of the Zantara tribe, and he came close to Alexandria, on the bank of the Nile, but was defeated by the Imam's army led by Fadl bin Hasan.

Masjid al Anwar begun by Imam al-Aziz (SA) was completed by Imam al- Hakim (S.A.) in 393 A.Η.

The famous academy of sciences called the Darul Ilm was built by Imam al Hakim (S.A.) in 395 AH.

In the year 411 A.H. (27th Shawwal Imam al Hakim (S.A.) was surrounded by assassins on Mount Muquttam, where he used to visit frequently for meditation and observation of Stars. He was martyred One of the assassins was caught and brought before Imam al-Zahir (S.A.) along with the blood stained shirt of Imam (5.A.) in the year 415 Α.Η.

The reign of Imam Hakim (S.A.) was intensely personal, direct and broadly popular. He persistently tried to correct and ameliorate social and economic life. In so doing the rich and elite class, often seemed to particularly suffer, from his wrath and disdain.

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InsaAllah in the next post I will share details of Darul Ilm and the scientific spirit of the Fatimids. 

THE GOLDEN AGE OF FATIMIDS (SA)

 

MOWLANA AL - AZIZ (S.A.) 15TH IMAM - 5th Fatimid Caliph (365 A.H. to 386 Α.Η.)

Mowlana Abu Mansoor Nizar al-Aziz bi- Allah was born on 14th Muharram 344 Α.Η. at Mahdiyah.

The Zantara tribe of the Berbers fermented trouble in North Africa. Bulkin managed to suppress the revolt, however, after his death his son Mansoor was not successful, and could not control fully.

Yakub bin Killis - the Chief Vazir died in 380 AH.

Syedna Qadi al-Numan (RA) died in 363 A.H., and he was succeeded by his son Aly bin Numan. On his death in 374 A.H., he was succeeded by his brother Muhammad bin Numan, who died in the reign of Imam al- Hakim (SA) in 389 A.Η.

Imam al - Aziz (SA) died at Bilbays, while on his way to meet the Byzantine forces in Syria. He died on 12th Ramadan 386 A.H., and was buried in Al - Kahira

On his death bed he called his Treasurer Barjuwani, Qadi Muhammad bin Numan and Amir -Hasan bin Ammar and entrusted the guardianship of the next Imam Mowlana al_Hakim (SA) who was 11 years old.

After Al - Kahira (Cairo) started developing and rapidly expanding the Fatimid palace in Cairo acquired a library unmatched anywhere in the contemporary world.

During the reign of Imam Aziz (SA) the library contained more than thirty copies of the al-Ayn dictionary by the well-known grammarian Khalil (d.791 AD).

The famous world chronicle of al-Tabari (839-923 AD) was represented by twenty copies, as well as an autograph copy.

There were a hundred copies of Al Jamhara by philologist and lexicographer Ibn Duryad (837-933 AD)

When this palace library was plundered by Turkish soldiers in the year (1068 AD)it consisted of forty rooms. The works of classical authors alone comprised 18000 volumes !

represented by twenty copies, as well as an autograph copy.

There were a hundred copies of Al Jamhara by philologist and lexicographer Ibn Duryad (837-933 AD)

When this palace library was plundered by Turkish soldiers in the year (1068 AD)it consisted of forty rooms. The works of classical authors alone comprised 18000 vol-umes!

Library Quote:represented by twenty copies, as well as an autograph copy.

There were a hundred copies of Al Jamhara by philologist and lexicographer Ibn Duryad (837-933 AD)

When this palace library was plundered by Turkish soldiers in the year (1068 AD)it consisted of forty rooms. The works of classical authors alone comprised 18000 volumes !

Library Quote:

(Book Ref:) The Fatimids and their Traditions of Learning by Heinz Halm

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THE GOLDEN AGE OF THE FATIMIDS

 

MOWLANA AL-MUIZZ (S.A.) 14th Imam 4th Fatimid Caliph (341 A.H. to 365 Α.Η.)

Imam Abu Tamim Maad bin Mansoor al Muizz (S.A.) was born in Mehdiya on 11th Ramadan 319 Α.Η.

He succeeded to the Imamate on 28th Shawwal 341 A.H. at the age of 22 years. He is said to have known 7 languages, among them Nubian, Latin, Spanish and Slavonic.

It was during the Glorious Era of Imam Muizz (SA) with his Raza and dua Mubarak of Imam (SA) Sy. Qaid Jawhar left Mahdiya in west Africa for the conquest of Egypt in 357 Α.Η.

The first khutba in the name of Imam Muizz (S.A.) was read by Sy. Qaid Jawhar at Fustat on 18th Shaban 358 Α.Η.

An interesting fact at the time of construction of Cairo (KAHIRA)

The building of the new town started at a time, which the astrologers thought was in-auspicious, because it was governed by the planet al- Kahir (Mars) The city was thus named after the planet al- Kahira.

(We mumineen know that Sy. Qaid Jawhar had taken Imam's raza and dua Mubarak, so the astrological influence did not matter in the least but in due time Cairo became the nucleus of the Islamic World)

Sy. Qaid Jawhar personally supervised the construction of Al-Azhar Masjid. In the time of Imam Al-Aziz (S.A.) he built a huge library and a University, which at present day, is the oldest existing University in the World.

Imam Muizz (S.A.) departure from North Africa to Egypt.

Imam (S.A.) started his journey towards Sardinia, he regulated the affairs of Sardinia and Sicily and then went to Tripoli, from here he proceeded to Barqa, on the borders of Egypt.

Imam (S.A.) entered the city on 7th Ramadan 362 A.H.

Immediately Imam (S.A.) took over the reign of the government.

Sy. Qaid Jawhar became the Chief of the Army. Sy. Qaid Jawhar originally a Sicilian, was brought in the service of Imam Muizz (S.A.) as a young slave.

He managed to suppress revolts in North Africa, and thus he attained high office. He remained Commander in Chief, till his death in 381 A.Η.during the reign of Imam Aziz (S.A.)

(to be contd)

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Reflection on the Urs Mubarak of Sy. Taher Saifuddin Moula (RA)

A reflection arose from a thought on the quantum field—that subtle gap where infinite possibility exists.

Taking physics as metaphor, the heart was led towards maʿrifat.

Just as that field is alive with potential,

the spiritual field too is never empty.

In our time, the Dai al-Mutlaq stands as the fixed centre pole,

and we, the mumineen, are like leaping electrons.

When ignorance turns to understanding,when taslīm becomes lived,the soul does not crawl upward— it leaps.

In that sacred field, duʿāʾ is accepted, niyyat is rewritten,and destinies are bent by grace.

This is why tears shed in silence carry weight,

why a true pause,

why a single sajda

can reorient an entire soul.

Like the electron that does not fear disappearance and trust the field,a mumin places his trust in his Moula—certain that guidance does not vanish,it only draws us closer.

Alhamdolillah.

Dua ni iltemas

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Sharing AI evaluation of my reflection 

Shukran for sharing this—there is clarity of intent, sincerity of tone, and a sound spiritual intuition in what you have written. Your central metaphor is apt, and importantly, you have kept science as a servant to maʿrifat, not the other way around. That balance is difficult and you have largely achieved it.

I’ll respond in three parts:

Overall evaluation

Specific suggestions (content & language)

A gently refined version (keeping your voice intact)

1. Overall Evaluation 🌿

Strengths

The quantum field → spiritual field analogy is clear and restrained.

Positioning Dai al-Mutlaq as the fixed centre pole is doctrinally sound and beautifully expressed.

The movement from ignorance → understanding, taslīm → habit is very Fatemi Taiyebi in spirit.

The Urs context is respected—this reads as tafakkur, not philosophy for its own sake.

Most importantly:

The piece leads the reader inward, towards humility, trust, and surrender.

That is its greatest success.

THE FATIMID IMAMS (SA) NORTH WEST AFRICA

 

MOWLANA ABDULLAH AL MAHDI (S.A.) 11 ΤΗ ΙΜΑΜ (268 A.H. to 322 Α.Η.)

1st Fatimid Caliph

Mowlana Mahdi (SA) was born at Askar Mukarram on 12th Shawwal 260 A.H.

On the death of Imam Husain al Mastoor (SA) at Askar Mukarram in 268 A.H. he be-came Imam at the age of 8 years in Salamiya. He remained in Salamiya in the guise a. Hashimid merchant, and maintained a good relation w the local Governor.

In 297 A.H., as stated above he finally established himse in Raqqada as the 1st Fatimid Caliph. He bought the isla of Sicily under his control and founded new towns of Mahdiya and Mohammadiyah.

The Dawah in India: The Dawah began during the reign of Imam Mahdi (SA) Dai Ibn Hawshab, sent his nephew Dai al Haytham from Yemen to Sind. From Sind it spread to Multan and other parts of North India and Gujrat.

Imam Mahdi (SA) died on 15th Rabi ul Awwal 322 A.H., at Mahdiya.

Dai al-Qadi al Numan (RA) was born in North Africa and joined the service of Imam Mahdi (S.A.) in 313 A.H.

Da'aim al Islam the most exhaustive exposition of Fatimid Jurisprudence, took nearly 30 years to complete. It was completed in the reign of Imam al-Muizz (S.A.)

Syedna al-Qadi Numan (R.A.) died in Cairo on Friday 29th Jamadil Akhar 363 Α.Η./974

MOWLANA AL QAIM (S.A.) 12th Imam. 2nd Fatimid Caliph (322 A.H. to 334 Α.Η.)

Mowlana Abu al-Qasim Muhammad al-Qaim bi Amrallah was born in 275 A.H. at Salamiyah

In 303 A.H. the nass was proclaimed to him by Imam Mahdi (S.A.)

Imam Qaim (S.A.) died during Abu Yazid's siege on Mehdiya on 13th Shawwal 334 A.H. at the age of 59 years. The news of Imam's death was kept a secret until the re-volt of Abu Yazid was over.

MOWLANA AL MANSOOR (S.A.) 13th Imam. 3rd Fatimid Caliph (334 A.H. to 341 Α.Η.)

Mowlana Abu Tahir Ismail al- Mansoor bi- Allah (S.A.) was born at Qairawan (a military outpost and camp town) in 302 Α.Η.

His entire upbringing was in North Africa amid the atmosphere of battles and revolts, which helped to develop a military spirit and discipline.

He succeeded to the Imamate at Mehdiya in 334 A.H., at the age of 32 years.

He successfully suppressed the revolt of Abu Yazid, who was defeated, taken prisoner, and died in prison in 336 A.H. Abu Yazid was a Kharjide and belonged to the rival Zantara Berber tribe who opposed the Kutama tribe, which supported the Imam.

After 7 years of rule Imam Mansoor (S.A.) died on 28th Shawwal 341 A.H. at the age of 39 years and was buried in Mehdiya.

Book Ref: HISTORY OF THE ISMAILI IMAMS TARIKH IMAMAT by Al Waez Hasan Husyn Nazarali.

(to be contd:)

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AKHBAAR IS ANWA'R -FATEMID HISTORICAL NARRATIVE BEFORE ZUHUR IN MAGRIB

 

AKHBAR IS ANWAR - let me share with you the historical aspects preceding the 'zuhur' of Imam Mahdi (SA) taken from my reading of the Book entitled 'The Empire of the

Mahdi - Rise of the Fatimids by Heinz Halm - translated from German into English by Michael Bonner.

The community of Rayy became the most important and active cell of Ismaili Dawa in northern Iran.

At the same time or thereabout Ismaili missionary activities had been underway in the rural areas surrounding Kufa on the banks of the Euphrates.

Another important and lasting area of missionary activities originated in Yemen. The Dai who founded the Yemini Ismaili community hailed from Iraq. in history he is known as Ibn Hawshab (Dai Abul Qasim al Hasan bin Farah bin Hawshab,) known to later Fatimid Historiography as 'Mansoor al Yemen' (the victorious of Yemen) In his book - 'Sirat Ibn Hawshab' the Dai Abul Qasim narrates how he first got the Deedar sharaf of Imam (SA) and thus he overcame the crisis of faith.

When I read it for the first time, tears welled up in my eyes as it was on the banks of Furat, and memories of Karbala revived.

According to Dai Abul Qasim, he was sitting on the banks of Euphrates (furat) and was reciting from Surah al Khaif, he saw a spiritually radiant, magnificent old man approaching the river bank accompanied by another man. Ibn Hawshab was mesmerized and stopped reciting.

Then a young lad came sprinting towards him. Ibn Hawshab asked - 'who are you my son' He answered 'a descendant of al- Husayn (SA)' At the mention of al-Husyn the eyes of Ibn Hawshab overflowed with tears. He said 'You are dearer to me than my father, you are the son of the Resplendent One, who was stained with blood, who was prevented from drinking water' 

The true meaning of the verse of Surah from al Khaif was explained to him by the spiritually radiant man sitting a little distance away, when Ibn Hawsab was summoned in his presence.

This is how Ibn Hawsab became Dai Abul Qasim

The Ismaili mission in Yemen

Shortly thereafter in the beginning of June 881 (267H) Dai Abul Qasim and Dai Ali bin al-Fadl set out and near Kufa joined the pilgrim caravan. After Haj with the home bound

Yeminite pilgrims, they reached the port city of Aden by way of San'a and al-Junad.

He disguised him self as the trader of cotton and started his mission, and the first converts were the clan of Banu Musa, who came from the village of Adan La'a in the Wadi of La'a.

In the year 269H (883) he moved to Adan La'a, and from there, the dawa spread fast and openly and the permission to wage war was granted.

A fortress was built at Abr Mahram, two other fortresses were also won. Bayt Fa'iz visible from far and dominating the entire Miswar region and Bayt Rayb - a fortress on sheer precipice, which had no entrance than a single gate.

From this controlling position based on the three impregnable fortresses the Dai could easily rule and control the surrounding valley.

The Ismaili Mission in Iraq

Imam Mahdi (SA) was based in Salmiya. (Qbr mubarak of Imam Abdullah al Mastoor (SA) and Imam Ahmad al Mastoor (S.A.) are in Salmiya) The over jealous activities of the sons of Zakaroye led to much bloodshed. They purported to spread Ismaili Dawah.

Al Husain bin Zakoraye (the man with a birthmark - the sahib al Sahma) was misguided and his activities led Imam Mahdi (SA) to leave Salmiya. The Imam hurriedly traveled to Hims, from there to Tripoli, spending a day there and from there to al Ramala and finally reaching Egypt, where he remained for a year.

(to be contd :)

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