In the early 9th Century many Muslim factions believed in the idea of a 'Mahdi', typically the last leader of their faction, who had been taken away by God but would at some point return as a type of Messiah. This disappearance was known as 'Occultation'. Several prominent Ismaili figures taught that this had happened to Muhammad ibn Ismail, the son of the Imam whose succession had been debated.
However, at the turn of the 10th Century a Syrian named Al-Mahdi announced that Muhammad ibn Ismail and his descendants had in fact been hiding to protect themselves from persecution and that he, Al-Mahdi, was the rightful successor to this line. He quickly won a following in North Africa and in 909 founded the Fatimid Caliphate (Empire) from his base in Tunisia.
It grew rapidly across the Middle East and became the supreme Muslim dynasty in the world, the only time in history Ismailis have held such a position. Encompassing so many nations and cultures, it was held together by the Ismaili religion which inspired loyalty to the man who was both Imam (religious leader) of the Ismailis and Caliph (political leader) of the Muslim world. Eventually however, the Fatimid Caliphate shrank until, in 1169, it fell to Saladin and his armies.
This was the golden era of Ismailism. It was during this period that many of the great Ismaili philosophers developed the core beliefs of Ismailism. The era is a source of pride for our Ismaili friend and a framework around which to shape his history and theology.
Originally published 2 years ago