Idrīs ʿImĀd al-Dīn and medieval Ismaili historiography

Idrīs ʿImĀd al-Dīn, a celebrated Ismaili historian born in the fortress of Shibam, Yemen, stands out for his significant contributions to medieval Ismaili historiography. His work, rooted in access to extensive archival documents such as decrees and letters, provides invaluable insights into the Ismaili movement's political fortunes, particularly during the reign of Queen Arwa of Yemen (1084–1138). Al-Dīn’s historiography uniquely blends Ismaili theology with Neoplatonism and other philosophical traditions, offering a distinct intellectual tradition that reflects the evolution of the Ismaili movement. This study highlights his role as a key figure in preserving and interpreting historical narratives, bridging theological discourse with political history.

Farhad, D. (Ed.). (2017). Idrīs ʿImĀd al-Dīn and medieval Ismaili historiography. Ismaili History and Intellectual Traditions, 92–99. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315268095-5