Memoirs of a Mission: The Ismaili Scholar, Statesman and Poet, al-Mu'yyad fi'l Din al-Shirazi (Ismaili Heritage)

Al-Mu'ayyad fi'l-DÌn al-ShÌrzÌ (d. 470/1087) was an outstanding, multi-talented Fatimid scholar of Persian origin. He excelled as a missionary-agent, statesman, poet, preacher and theologian. Based on his autobiography, this work provides an insight into the remarkable life and achievements of al-Mu'ayyad through important stages of his career, describing his daring attempt to win over the Buyids of western Iran to the Fatimid cause, his dangerous flight to Cairo and finally his expedition to Syria and Iraq to build up an alliance of local rulers against the invading Saljuk Turks. Al-mu'ayyad Fi'l-din Al-shirazi (d. 470/1087) Was An Outstanding Ismaili Scholar Of Persian Origin. He Excelled As A Missionary-agent (da'i), Statesman And Poet. Towards The End Of His Long And Active Life, Al-mu'ayyad Became The Head Of The Ismaili Mission (da'wa) - The Chief Da'i - In The Time Of The Fatimid Caliph-imam Al-mustansir In Cairo. Based On His Memoirs, Sirat Al-mu'ayyad Fi'l-din, This Work Provides An Insight Into The Remarkable Life And Achievements Of Al-mu'ayyad Through Important Stages Of His Career. Written In A Masterful Arabic Literary Style And Rhetoric, The Sira Describes In Detail His Daring Attempt To Win Over The Buyid Rulers Of Western Iran To The Fatimid Cause; His Flight To Cairo Where His Ambitions To Be Near The Imam Are Initially Frustrated By Powerful Court Officials; And Finally, His Expedition To Syria And Iraq As A Fatimid Plenipotentiary To Forge An Alliance Of Local Rulers Against The Saljuq Turks Invading The Central Islamic Lands From The East. Through A Close Analysis Of The Sira, The Author Of This Book Demonstrates That, In Addition To Being A Personal Account Of A Highly Dedicated Fatimid Da'i, This Is A Rich Historical Source On The Organisation And Function Of The Ismaili Mission. It Is Also An Extensive And Valuable Source For Islamic History In The 5th/11th Century, Dealing With Crucial Events In The Struggle Between The Fatimids, Abbasids, Buyids And Saljuqs For Political And Military Supremacy In The Muslim World. Thus, Al-mu'ayyad's Memoirs Serve As A Unique Magnifying Glass Concentrating The International Political Dynamics Of The Age In The Narrative Of One Life And Destiny.--jacket. 1. Introduction. -- Part I: Al-muʼayyad's Mission In Fārs. 2. The Rise And Fall Of A Dāʻī. 3. Al-muʼayyad's Memoirs As A Source For History. 4. The Self-portrayal Of A Dāʻī. -- Part Ii: Al-muʼayyad In Egypt And Syria. 5. Al-muʼayyad At The Fatimid Court In Cairo. 6. Al-muʼayyad's Political Mission In Northern Syria. -- Part Iii: Al-mu'ayyad At The Pinnacle Of His Career. 7. Al-muʼayyad As Chief Dāʻī In Cairo. 8. Epilogue. -- Appendix 1: The Works Of Al-muʼayyad Fi'l-dīn Al-shīrāzī. -- Appendix 2: The Hierarchy And Pedagogy Of The Fatimid Daʻwa. Verena Klemm. Published In Association With The Institute Of Ismaili Studies. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 147-153) And Index. I.B. Tauris in association with the Institute of Ismaili StudiesAl-Mu'ayyad fi'l-DIn al-ShIrzI (died 470/1087), was an outstanding, multi-talented Fatimid scholar of Persian origin. He excelled as a missionary-agent, statesman, poet, preacher and theologian. Based on his autobiography, this work provides an insight into the remarkable life and achievements of al-Mu'ayyad through the important stages of his career, describing his daring attempt to win over the Buyids of western Iraq to the Fatimid cause, his dangerous flight to Cairo and finally his expedition to Syria and Iraq to build up an alliance of local rulers against the invading Saljuk Turks. The author demonstrates that in addition to being an intriguing personal account, the life of al-Mu'ayyad is a rich source of Islamic history in the 5/llth century, which deals with crucial events in the struggle between the Fatimids, Abbasids, Buyids and Saljuks for supremacy in the Muslim world. "Al-Mu'ayyad fi'l-Din al-Shirzi (died 470/1087), was an outstanding, multi-talented Fatimid scholar of Persian origin. He excelled as a missionary-agent, statesman, poet, preacher and theologian. Based on his autobiography, this work provides an insight into the remarkable life and achievements of al-Mu'ayyad through the important stages of his career, describing his daring attempt to win over the Buyids of western Iraq to the Fatimid cause, his dangerous flight to Cairo and finally his expedition to Syria and Iraq to build up an alliance of local rulers against the invading Saljuk Turks. The author demonstrates that in addition to being an intriguing personal account, the life of al-Mu'ayyad is a rich source of Islamic history in the 5/llth century, which deals with crucial events in the struggle between the Fatimids, Abbasids, Buyids and Saljuks for supremacy in the Muslim world."--Bloomsbury Publishing Al-Mu'ayyad's memoirs lift the curtain on a scenery far remote from the two imperial cities of Cairo and Baghdad.