Ismailis in Medieval Muslim Societies

by Farhad Daftary

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781845110918
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	12/20/2005
Series:	Ismaili Heritage , #12
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.62(d)

About the Author

Farhad Daftary is Associate Director at The Institute of Ismaili Studies and Head of its Department of Academic Research and Publications. He is the author and editor of several acclaimed books.

Table of Contents

Introduction * Diversity in Islam: Communities of Interpretation * The Earliest Ismailis * A Major Schism in the Early Ismaili Movement * The Ismaili Da'wa outside the Fatimid Dawla * Intellectual Life among the Ismailis: An Overview * Ali in Classical Ismaili Theology * Persian Historiography of the Early Nizari Ismaili Movement * Hasan-I Sabbath and the origins of the Nizari Ismaili Movement * The Ismailis and the Crusaders: History and Myth * Nasir al-Din Tusi and the Ismailis of the Alamut Period * Ismaili-Sufi Relations in Early Pots-Alamut and Safavid Persia * Shah Tahir and the Nizari Disguises * Bibliography * Index

Editorial Reviews

"this book is not only of high academic calibre but is eminently readable...well produced and meticulously edited." —Mela Notes

From the Publisher