Shi`a Pajoohi

Shi`a Pajoohi

The Role and Actions of the Egyptian Fatimids in the Flourishing of Cultural and Civilizational Manifestations with Emphasis on Religious Tolerance

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Ali Aqanuri 1
Mohsen Walizadeh 2
1 Associate professor, Department of Twelver Shiism, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran
2 PhD Student in Shiite History, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran
Abstract
The Fatimid period is one of the prominent periods in the history of Islam, which deserves serious and new research due to the time span and the vastness of their government. Their two-hundred-year rule over Egypt and their influence on Islamic civilization is enough in itself to make them worthy of such attention. The present study aims to recognize the practical actions of the Egyptian Fatimids in order to help create Islamic civilization. For this purpose, the practical actions of the Fatimid caliphs, which are considered manifestations of civilization, such as their relations with neighboring powers, the construction of scientific centers and libraries, the establishment of scientific chairs in the form of seminaries and other activities such as translating and writing books have been studied. Using a descriptive-analytical method based on historical and first-hand sources, the present study emphasize that the Fatimids during the rule over Egypt were able to pursue a tolerant policy due to political and social circumstances in pursuit of their freedom-seeking ideals and to help Muslim civilization. The adoption of this approach and the policy of tolerance towards other religions and denominations has been significantly effective in the formation of Islamic civilization in the third and fourth centuries, which is called the golden age of Islamic civilization. And because the relations of this government with neighboring and contemporary governments have contributed to flourishing the religious culture, civilization and tolerance, this issue is also examined at the beginning of the article.
Keywords
Fatimids
Islamic Civilization
Sunnis
Abbasids
Tolerance
Religious Broad-mindedness
Culture
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