The Fāṭimid Revolution

One Thursday in early January in 910 (Rabi’ II, 297 ah) an event took place that would mark the history of the Mediterranean region for more than two and a half centuries. On that day, Abū Muḥammad ‘Abd Allāh, a man who was said to be a descendant of the Prophet Muḥammad, made his triumphal entry into the city of Qayrawān in Ifrīqiya (in modern Tunisia). Belonging to the Prophet's family was in its own right a badge of distinction, but for many Muslims a further degree of honour was bestowed on those who could trace their descent back to the marriage of the Prophet's daughter, Fāṭima, to one of the most significant and charismatic figures of early Islam: ‘Alī b. Abī Ṭālib, the Prophet's cousin, who had been one of his first and most fervent followers. Hence, it comes as no surprise that the arrival in Qayrawān of someone who claimed to be a direct descendant of this renowned union was greeted by crowds of bystanders hoping to catch a glimpse of him. Observed by throngs of people and accompanied by his son and the troops that had won him a series of resounding military victories, Abū Muḥammad ‘Abd Allāh entered the city, where he was met by the city elders, who gave him a courteous, yet tepid welcome. The following day, a Friday, he issued a lengthy edict in which he proclaimed himself caliph with the title of al-Mahdī, and promised harsh treatment for anyone who dared stand against him, and high hopes for those who placed their trust in the justice he would administer. Thus began the long succession of Fāṭimid caliphs, who governed first in Ifrīqiya and then in Egypt, and went on to establish one of the most important medieval dynasties until its demise in 1171.

The proclamation of al-Mahdī as caliph in 297 of the Hijra, just three years prior to the end of the third century of the Islamic era, was an extraordinary event. All of a sudden much of what many Muslims considered to be certain was called into question, and for a time many became hopeful that major changes were about to take place.