Overview of the Fatimid Caliphs
The Fatimid Caliphate was led by a total of fourteen caliphs, commencing with Ubayd Allah al-Mahdi and concluding with Al-Adid li-Din Allah. This dynasty lasted for approximately 270 years, with its decline marked by the conquest of Saladin.
List of Fatimid Caliphs
The following is a sequential list of the Fatimid caliphs:
- Ubayd Allah al-Mahdi, also known as Al-Mahdi
He established the island of Mahdiyya in Ifriqiya, dedicating five years to its construction. Al-Mahdi erected a formidable wall and secure gates, ultimately designating it as the seat of his governance. Upon completion, he remarked, “Now I feel secure for the Fatimid dynasty due to its fortification.”
- Al-Qaim bi-Amr Allah
Mohammed ibn Ubayd Allah succeeded his father after his passing. He kept the news of his father’s death secret until he organized his affairs and received the people’s allegiance. He acted as a governor over them.
- Al-Mansur
Isma’il ibn Al-Qaim bi-Amr Allah was proclaimed caliph on the day of his father’s death. He was known for his eloquence and ability to deliver speeches to large crowds. His life came to an end in Al-Mansuriyyah as he faced natural calamities brought forth by God.
- Al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah
Abu Tamim Ma’ad ibn Al-Mansur was designated as caliph during his father’s reign and reaffirmed after his father’s death. He successfully expanded the empire through military conquest and sent a commander, Jawhar, who established Cairo, which was named Al-Qahirah Al-Mu’izziyya in his honor. He passed away in Cairo.
- Al-Aziz bi-Allah
Nizar ibn Al-Mu’izz ascended the caliphate following his father’s demise. He was recognized for his bravery, generosity, and clemency. Notable constructions during his rule include the Mosque of Cairo, the Palace of the Sea, the Palace of Gold, the Mosque of Al-Qarafa, and several palatial structures in Ayn Shams.
- Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah
Abu Ali Al-Mansur ibn Al-Aziz bi-Allah was known for his lavishness and the numerous laws he enacted, which he mandated the populace to follow.
- Al-Zahir li-I’zza Din Allah
Ali ibn Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah was esteemed for his just governance and the equitable treatment of his subjects.
- Al-Musta’li bi-Amr Allah
Abu al-Qasim ibn Al-Mustansir ibn Al-Zahir ibn Al-Hakim witnessed a decline in the Fatimid state during his rule, as their influence dwindled in various regions.
- Al-Amir bi-Ahkam Allah
Abu Ali Al-Mansur ibn Al-Musta’li assumed the caliphate when he was just five years old, receiving the people’s pledge of allegiance shortly thereafter.
- Al-Hafiz li-Din Allah
Abu Al-Maimun Abdul Majid ibn Abu Al-Qasim ibn Al-Mustansir led for a duration of nineteen years.
- Al-Dhafir bi-Amr Allah
Abu Mansur Isma’il ibn Al-Hafiz was assassinated after being sworn in when he turned against Abbas, the adopted son of Al-Adil ibn Al-Sallar.
- Al-Fa’iz bi-Nasr Allah
Abu Al-Qasim Isa ibn Al-Dhafir Isma’il was commonly referred to as the righteous king.
- Al-Adid li-Din Allah
Abu Mohammed Abdullah ibn Al-Amir Yusuf ibn Al-Hafiz succeeded his cousin after the death of Al-Fa’iz bi-Nasr Allah.
Establishment of the Fatimid Caliphate
The Fatimid Caliphate made several unsuccessful attempts to attain the caliphate since the era of the Umayyad state. These efforts persisted until Abu Abdullah declared the establishment of the Fatimid Caliphate, pledging allegiance to Ubayd Allah al-Mahdi in Tunisia in the year 297 AH.