Military and judicial organizations in the Buyid and Fatimid states (comparative study)

Abstract

The study highlights the military and judicial organizations in the Buyid         and Fatimid states as key tools for building authority and enhancing political and religious influence. In the Buyid state, the army relied on the feudal military system, where leaders were granted land in exchange for military service. This system concentrated loyalty in the hands of the commanders rather than the central authority, with the army mostly consisting of Daylamite, Persian, and Turkish elements. In contrast, the Fatimid state focused on building a regular multi-ethnic army, including Kutama, Berbers, Nubians, and Turks. The Fatimid army served as a direct tool to strengthen Ismaili Imamate and protect the state from invasions and revolts, maintaining close ties with the caliph to ensure loyalty and discipline.   On the judicial level, the Buyid state demonstrated flexibility in dealing with different sects. Despite its Twelver Shiite orientation, it maintained a Sunni judicial framework, especially due to its connection to the Abbasid Caliphate. The judiciary combined Shiite scholars and Sunni jurisprudence to ensure the stability of the Abbasid society. In the Fatimid state, the judiciary revolved around Ismaili Shiite doctrine, with the chief judge appointed directly by the caliph, reflecting complete loyalty to the authority and reinforcing the principles of Ismaili doctrine in society. The judiciary in the Fatimid state was centralized and organized, reflecting adherence to religious doctrine, while the judiciary in the Buyid state was influenced by sectarian and social diversity. The study clarifies that both states utilized military and judicial organizations to consolidate their power, with differences in their methods of application and structure. The Buyid state was more flexible and diverse due to its connection with the Abbasid Caliphate, while the Fatimid state emphasized centralization and doctrinal cohesion.