Story Of al-Muiz Li Dinillah: Turn Point of Fathimid Dynasty

 

Source: Artstation.com.

Today, we will discuss about al-Muizz Li Dinillah, one caliph from Fathimid Dynasty who became turnpoint of Fathimid Dynasty, one Shia Islamic Dynasty at North Africa,  with conquer Egypt and make Egypt as  basic of Fathimid Dynasty , and when basic at Egypt, Fathimid Dynasty achieve his glory age . Please read this article until end and subscribe my blog for more informations at Islamic History and Civilization. It is easy verb for you, but have big role for help us develop our blog that focuss at Islamic History and Civilization.

Before know biography about this figure, we must know about origin of Fathimid Dynasty.  According Philip.K.Hitti, Fathimid Dynasty begin at 9 TH Century, when Abu Abdullah as-Shii  promoted Shia ideology at North Africa  territories that at this time under Aghlabid Dynasty. This ideology, spread at Tunisia. But, according Hitti, founder of the sect of Abdullah ibn Maymun,  one Persian.

Political role of Fathimid Dynasty, started by Ubaydulla al-Mahdi ( ruled 909-934 AD) that build one goverment basic at Kairouan, Tunisia. He can invaded his territorie to Morocco that ruled by Idrisid Dynasty. Ubaydulla also make alliance with Ibn Hafshun, one Visigoth Rebel who opposited Umayyad Dynasty at Spain. He also can occupied Island Of Sicily at Italy. His successor, Abu al-Qasim Muhammad al-Qaim ( ruled 934-946 AD). Abu al-Qasim attack South Coastal Of France and occupied Genova , Italia. And, Fathimid Dynasty expansion s summit, happened at age of al-Muiz li Dinillah/Abu Tamim Maadd al-Muiz ( ruled 952-975 AD).

According Imam ad-Dhahabi, al-Muiz is son from al-Qaim.Al-Muiz , born at 929 AD.  Al-Muiz, is one caliph who has good education. He can speak at several language, such as Latin, Sicilian, and Sudanese. He also has good skill at literature and art. He replaced his father at 953 AD. Al-Muiz,  completed Fathimid Dynasty s conquest at North Africa. He conquest City Of Sijjilmasa,  Morocco.He also conquer City Of Fez. At his conquest, he helped by Jauhar,  his slave who originated from  Sicily. Jauhar became Fathimid Dynasty Commander and can captured Ruler Of Fez and Ceuta/Sabtah.  Al-Muiz also prepare plan for conquer Egypt.  Ruler Of Egypt at this time, Kafur, that originated from Ikhsid Dynasty, give gift to al-Muiz. Al-Muiz doesnt attack Egypt when Kafur still alive.  When Kafur die at 969 AD,  Fathimid Army attack Egypt. Jauhar became Fathimid Commander at this expedition.  Jauhar can seize City Of Fustat, Egypt. According Islamic Study and Research Team Of Egypt, Jauhar entered Alexandria, Egypt with 100.000 cavalrymens. He can conquer City Of Fustat.  Jauhar also ensure people of Egypt who adherent Sunni School for their security. And, he also build new city, Cairo at Egypt..

Since 973 AD, Cairo became Fathimid Dynasty s capital. Before it, at 972 AD, Jawhar found Mosque of al-Azhar at Cairo. It is origin from al-Azhar University,Cairo.  At 969 AD, Jawhar also conquer Syria and he can occupied Damascus, Syria after defeated Qarmatian Sect that ruled Damascus. According Imam Dhahabi, al-Muiz also can conquer Hijaz.

According Islamic Study and Research Team Of Egypt, Jauhar build 4 gates at City Of Cairo: an-Nashr, Futuh, Zuwayla, and Qaus. He give name to his new city, Cairo,  originated from Arabic Language, al-Qahirah ( the conqueror). With hope, he can conquer Abbasid Dynasty that have capital at Baghdad,  Iraq.  Al-Muiz, also close with Jewishs and Christiants at Egypt. He many ask helped from Jewish doctors. And, one Jewish doctor, Yaqub ibn Kalas, became minister from son and successor of al-Muiz, al-Aziz. Al-Muiz ruled until 975 AD and replaced by his son, al-Aziz.

Refrences:
Imam ad-Dzahabi: Siyar Alam an-Nubala: Mutiara Kisah Pilihan Orang-orang Cemerlang Dalam Sejarah Islam ( edisi ringkas oleh DR.Sulaiman al-Asyqar), Pustaka al-Kautsar, 2019 M.

Hitti, Philip.K: History Of The Arabs: Rujukan Induk dan Paling Otoritatif Tentang Sejarah Peradaban Islam, Penerbit Serambi, 2006 M.

Tim Riset dan Studi Islam Mesir: Ensiklopedi Sejarah Islam, Pustaka Al-Kautsar, 2019 M.

Mukti, Tri Nurul: KEPEMIMPINAN AL-MU’IZ LIDINILLAH DAN PERANNYA DALAM PERKEMBANGAN DINASTI FATIMIYAH DI MESIR (953-975 M). Skripsi UIN K.H.Saifuddin Zuhri, 2023.