Ismailis in Medieval Muslim Societies: A Historical Introduction to an Islamic Community (Ismaili Heritage)

Discussing the different phases in Ismaili history, this book describes both the early Ismailis as well as the contributions of the later Ismailis to Islamic culture in medieval times. A number of chapters deal with key Ismaili individuals such as Hasan-i Sabbah. Other chapters contextualize the Ismailis within the early Muslim societies, in addition to investigating the Ismaili-Crusader relations and the resulting legends on the Ismaili secret practices. "This important book, by an internationally acknowledged expert in Ismaili studies, introduces Ismaili history and thought in medieval times. Discussing the different phases in Ismaili history, it describes both the early Ismailis as well as the contributions of the later Ismailis to Islamic culture. A number of chapters deal with key Ismaili individuals such as Hasan-i Sabbah. Other chapters contextualise the Ismailis within the early Muslim societies, in addition to investigating the Ismaili-Crusader relations and the resulting legends on the Ismaili secret practices. Over the course of the work, it becomes clear that Ismaili historiography, and the perception of the Ismailis by others (in both Muslim and Christian milieus), have had a fascinating evolution. In the course of their long history the Ismailis have often been accused of various heretical teachings and practices and - at the same time - a multitude of myths and misconceptions have ciculated about them. This state of affairs reflected the fact that the Ismailis were, until the middle of the twentieth century, studied and judged almost exclusively on the basis of evidence collected, or even fabricated, by their enemies. As the most revolutionary wing of Shi'ism, with a religio-political agenda that aimed to uproot the Abbasids and restore the caliphate to a line of 'Alid imams, the Ismailis naturally from early on aroused the hostility of the Sunni establishment and majority. Farhad Daftary here separates myth from fact, propaganda from actuality, in a work characterised by his customary mastery of the sources and literature."--Bloomsbury Publishing I.B. Tauris in association with the Institute of Ismaili StudiesA comprehensive treatment of Ismaili medieval history in its entirety. It will have great appeal to all scholars of medieval Islam. Farhad Daftary is one of the world's leading authorities on Ismaili history and literature. This important book, by an internationally acknowledged expert in Ismaili studies, introduces Ismaili history and thought in medieval times. Discussing the different phases in Ismaili history, it describes both the early Ismailis as well as the contributions of the later Ismailis to Islamic culture. A number of chapters deal with key Ismaili individuals such as Hasan-i Sabbah. Other chapters contextualise the Ismailis within the early Muslim societies, in addition to investigating the Ismaili-Crusader relations and the resulting legends on the Ismaili secret practices. Over the course of the work, it becomes clear that Ismaili historiography, and the perception of the Ismailis by others (in both Muslim and Christian milieus), have had a fascinating evolution. During their long history the Ismailis have often been accused of various heretical teachings and practices and - at the same time - a multitude of myths and misconceptions have ciculated about them.Farhad Daftary here separates myth from fact, propaganda from actuality, in a work characterised by his customary mastery of the sources and literature. A comprehensive treatment of Ismaili medieval history in its entirety. It will have great appeal to all scholars of medieval Islam. Farhad Daftary is one of the world's leading authorities on Ismaili history and literature. This important book, by an internationally acknowledged expert in Ismaili studies, introduces Ismaili history and thought in medieval times. Discussing the different phases in Ismaili history, it describes both the early Ismailis as well as the contributions of the later Ismailis to Islamic culture. A number of chapters deal with key Ismaili individuals such as Hasan-i Sabbah. Other chapters contextualise the Ismailis within the early Muslim societies, in addition to investigating the Ismaili-Crusader relations and the resulting legends on the Ismaili secret practices. Over the course of the work, it becomes clear that Ismaili historiography, and the perception of the Ismailis by others (in both Muslim and Christian milieus), have had a fascinating evolution. During their long history the Ismailis have often been accused of various heretical teachings and practices and - at the same time - a multitude of myths and misconceptions have ciculated about them. Farhad Daftary here separates myth from fact, propaganda from actuality, in a work characterised by his customary mastery of the sources and literature. This Book Deals With Aspects Of Ismaili History And Thought In Medieval Times. Discussing The Different Phases In Ismaili History, It Describes Both The Early Ismailis As Well As The Contributions Of The Later Ismailis To Islamic Culture. A Number Of Chapters Deal With Ismaili Individuals Such As Hasan-i Sabbah. Others Chapters Contextualise The Ismailis Within The Medieval Muslim Societies, In Addition To Investigating The Ismaili-crusader Relations And The Resulting Myths And Legends About The Ismailis. The Essays Collected In This Volume, Representing The Results Of Modern Scholarship In Ismaili Studies, Make A Powerful Contribution To Our Understanding Of An Islamic Community In Medieval Times And Will Prove Invaluable To Historians And Scholars Of The Muslim World.--jacket. Hasan-i Sabbah And The Origins Of The Nizari Ismaili Da'wa And State -- The Syrian Ismailis And The Crusaders : History And Myth -- Nasir Al-din Al-tusi And The Ismailis -- Ismaili-sufi Relations In Post-alamut Persia -- Intellectual Life Among The Ismailis. Farhad Daftary. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 231-246) And Index. Following the death of the Prophet Muhammad after a brief illness in the year 632, the nascent Islamic community (umma) was confronted with its first major crisis over the succession to the Prophet.