The Fatimid Caliph Al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah (342-365 AH/953-975 AD) in the writings of the Orientalist De Lacy O'Leary, by choice

Abstract

The Fatimid state played a significant role in the historical events of the Arab Islamic state from its founding in North Africa. It later extended its influence to Egypt and parts of the Levant, attempting to overthrow the Abbasid Caliphate. The Fatimids exploited the political turmoil and weakness within the Abbasid Caliphate, stemming from internal power struggles and foreign interventions. Thus, the Fatimid state sought to seize control of the Caliphate. During the rise of the Fatimid state, several caliphs played a crucial role in consolidating its power, including al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah al-Fatimi. He succeeded in establishing the foundations of the state in North Africa and continued his efforts to extend Fatimid influence over Egypt, capitalizing on internal instability, power struggles, and the rise of incompetent leaders during the Ikhshidid period. These Fatimid figures have attracted the attention of historians, both Arab and Orientalist, who have focused on documenting their achievements. For example, the Orientalist De Lacy O'Leary was among those historians who showed interest in recording al-Mu'izz's accomplishments. Al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah, which he conveyed with accuracy and impartiality, especially regarding all the details of the life of the Fatimid Caliph al-Mu'izz, about whom he said: "The new Fatimid Caliph was somewhat different from his predecessors. He proved that he was indeed like them, and he was the opposite of them, as he demonstrated that he was a man who possessed refined taste and literary ability." Therefore, the research was divided into an introduction and two sections. The introduction introduced al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah al-Fatimi and Ray de Lacy and Leary about the Fatimid Caliph. The second section explained the conditions of Egypt before the Fatimid control, and included the efforts of Jawhar al-Siqilli, the commander of al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah al-Fatimi, in controlling Egypt and the Levant, and the Fatimid Caliph's journey to Egypt to transfer the Fatimid state from the Maghreb to Egypt and to achieve the dream that the Fatimid Caliphs before him had sought in their attempt to control Egypt.