Affirming the Imamate: Early Fatimid Teachings in the Islamic West

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The two sermons presented here are primary sources from the years preceding the establishment of the Fatimid caliphate in 297/909. Authored by brothers Abu 'Abd Allah al-Shi'i and Abu'l-'Abbas Muhammad, they played pivotal roles in the Ismaili da'wa in North Africa. Da'wa refers to the process by which Muslims communicate their beliefs and practices, offering a unique perspective on the evolution of Islam. These texts illuminate the growth of Islam among the Berbers of the Maghreb. The first sermon by Abu 'Abd Allah al-Shi'i articulates the arguments for belief in the 'imamate' of the Prophet's family, emphasizing the Shi'a view that imams should be spiritual descendants of Muhammad. His brother's work, The Book of the Keys to Grace, also highlights the significance of the imam and explores the early organizational structure of the da'wa. Both texts reveal the contemporary theology of the Ismaili da'wa, including the analogy of Moses/Aaron and Muhammad/'Ali, an awareness of diverse religious traditions, and the use of detailed Qur'anic references and various hadith. Consequently, they serve as valuable primary sources for understanding both Ismaili history and the early period of Islam.