Nether Fortresses
What year was Alamut built in
What is 860 AD
Who was Hasan-I-Sabah
He was an Ismaili Dai, and a historical and religious leader.
True or False - The Ismailis were very open and enthusiastic about their faith during their time in Persia and Syria
False
How does the leadership of the Ismailis differ from other Muslim groups?
Ismailis believe in a living imam to provide spiritual guidance, whereas Sunnis follow the Quran and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad s.a.s.
Who are the Ismailis, and what branch of Islam do they belong to?
The Ismailis are a branch of Shia Islam, they believe in the Ahl-Al-Bayt and that there is always a living Imam.
What was the point of having numerous large fortresses
Fortresses served as strategic strongholds, centers of power, and havens for Ismailis that were often at odds with other rulers
Which Saljuq leaders retaliated against the Ismailis
Nizam al-Mulk and Sultan Malikshah
What was the significance of the Ismaili Fatimid caliphate?
The Fatimid caliphate was founded in Egypt, and it supported the spread of Ismaili beliefs across the Muslim world.
Why was Persia an important place for the spread of Ismailism
Persia had a strong tradition of religious scholarship and educational principles, there was a desire to learn.
Why did the Nizari imams go into hiding, and what was this period called
Persecution from external powers, Dawr-al-Satr
What was the role of Alamut in Ismaili History
What doctrine did Hasan-I-Sabah create
The Doctrine of Talim
What caused the fall of the Fatimid empire
A combination of internal instability, including internal divisions between Sunnis and Shias, and external pressures from groups like the Seljuk Turks and the Crusaders
______informed the Jamat about current affairs and spread the guidance of the Imam; they worked between the Da'wa network.
Dais
When did Ismailis spread to Persia and Syria
They spread during the late 10th and 11th century following the fall of the Fatimids.
How was Alamut castle acquired by Hasan-I-Sabah
Through a strategic, almost bloodless maneuver. He infiltrated the castle disguised, gradually gaining influence and turning key figures within the fortress to his side. Eventually, the governor was forced to leave, effectively handing over control to Hasan and his supporters. The takeover was facilitated by a payment of 3,000 gold dinars.
What was Rashid al-Din Sinan known as and how did he become known as said nickname
He was known as the Old Man on the Mountain, he acquired the nickname due to European perception of his involvement with the assassin legends.
Which empires persecuted the Ismailis
The Saljuq, Abbasid, Mongol, and European empires.
What were the key principles of the Doctrine of Talim
The belief in a divinely appointed leader, or Imam, who possesses unique knowledge (ilm) and serves as a guide for the community.
Is the Doctrine of Talim still relevant today, and what did the doctrine help respond to
Yes, the doctrines' ideals are preserved and used today, but the problem of who was the inheritor of Prophetic authority.