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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