An Apocalyptic History of the Early Fatimid Empire by Jamel Velji

An Apocalyptic History of the Early Fatimid Empire by Jamel Velji

Explores the role of apocalyptic symbolism in the formation and maintenance of a medieval Islamic empireHow can religion transform a society? This book investigates the ways in which a medieval Islamic movement harnessed Quranic visions of utopia to construct one of the most brilliant and lasting empires in Islamic history (979-1171). The Fatimids' apocalyptic vision of their central place in an imminent utopia played a critical role in transfiguring the intellectual and political terrains of North Africa in the early tenth century. Yet the realities that they faced on the ground often challenged their status as the custodians of a pristine Islam at the end of time.Through a detailed examination of some of the structural features of the Fatimid revolution, as well as early works of 'ta'wil', or symbolic interpretation, Jamel Velji illustrates how the Fatimids conceived of their mission as one that would bring about an imminent utopia. He then examines how the Fatimids reinterpreted their place in history when the expected end never materialised. The book ends with an extensive discussion of another apocalyptic event linked to a Fatimid lineage: the Nizari Ismaili declaration of the end of time on August 8, 1164.Key featuresIntroduces selected themes, texts and theoretical problems in early Fatimid history and thought to those unfamiliar with Islam or the Shia tradition Explores the nature of apocalyptic rhetoric, what constitutes an apocalypse and how apocalyptic prophecies can be reinterpretedUses techniques from religious studies and rhetorical analysis on data from the Fatimid tradition, showing how Islam can contribute to broader discussions in the history of religionsContains extensive translations from two Fatimid texts, including: the 'Kitab al-Kashf' (Book of unveiling), and 'Qadi l-Nu'man's Ta'wil al-da'a'im' (Symbolic interpretation of his Pillars of Islam)

Jamel Velji is an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, California. In addition to his interests in Shia materials and Islamic intellectual history more broadly he is interested in apocalypticism, method and theory in the study of religion, and religion and violence.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781474432207
ISBN 10	1474432204
Title	An Apocalyptic History of the Early Fatimid Empire
Author	Jamel Velji
Series	Edinburgh Studies In Islamic Apocalypticism And Eschatology
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Edinburgh University Press
Year published	2018-02-28
Number of pages	184
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.