al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah facts for kids

al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah الحاكم بأمر الله
Gold dinar of al-Hakim minted in 391 AH (1000/1001 CE)
Imam–Caliph of the Fatimid Caliphate
Reign	14 October 996 – 13 February 1021
Predecessor	al-Aziz Billah
Successor	al-Zahir li-I'zaz Din Allah
Born	al-Mansur 13 August 985 Cairo, Fatimid Egypt
Disappeared	13 February 1021 (aged 35) Mokattam, Cairo, Fatimid Egypt
Issue	Ali az-Zahir
Full name Abu 'Ali Mansur al-Ḥākim bi-Amr Allāh
Dynasty	Fatimid
Father	Abu Mansur Nizar al-Aziz Billah
Mother	as-Sayyidah al-'Azīziyyah
Religion	Ismaili Shia Islam

Abū ʿAlī Manṣūr (born August 13, 985 – disappeared February 13, 1021) was an important ruler in ancient Egypt. He is better known by his royal name, al-Ḥākim bi-Amr Allāh. This name means "The Ruler by the Order of God" in Arabic. He was the sixth Fatimid caliph and the 16th Ismaili imam, ruling from 996 to 1021.

Al-Hakim is a key figure for several Shia Ismaili groups. These include the Nizaris and Musta'lis, as well as the Druze people. His life and rule are seen differently by various historians. Some describe him as a strict ruler, while others see him as a wise and divinely guided leader.

Life of Caliph al-Hakim

Al-Hakim was born in 985 CE in Cairo, Egypt. He was the first Fatimid ruler to be born in Egypt itself. His birth name was Abu 'Ali Mansur.

Becoming a Ruler

In 993 CE, Abu 'Ali Mansur was named the future ruler, or wali al-'ahd. He became caliph on October 14, 996, when he was just eleven years old. He took the title al-Hakim Bi-Amr Allah. His father, Abū Mansūr Nizār al-Azīz bil-Lāh, had passed away.

When his father died, al-Hakim was very young. A trusted official named Barjawan helped him take power. This smooth transfer of power showed how strong the Fatimid dynasty was. Barjawan was meant to guide al-Hakim until he was old enough to rule alone.

However, different groups in the government wanted more power. The Kutama Berbers, a powerful army group, tried to take control. They made al-Hakim remove his Christian vizier (a high-ranking minister). Barjawan then worked to balance the power between the different groups. After Barjawan was killed in 1000, al-Hakim took full control. He then limited the power of his future viziers.

Challenges and Rivals

Al-Hakim faced many challenges during his rule. The Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad was his main rival. They tried to stop the spread of Ismaili beliefs. In 1011, the Abbasids even claimed that al-Hakim's family was not truly descended from 'Alī, an important figure in Islam.

Inside his own empire, there was tension. The Fatimid army had two main groups: the Turks and the Berbers. These groups often disagreed. Near the end of his rule, the Druze movement began. This religious group believed al-Hakim was a divine figure.

Diplomacy and Foreign Relations

Al-Hakim worked to maintain good relationships with other countries. He had to be skillful in dealing with the Byzantine Empire, which was a powerful neighbor.

One of his most far-reaching diplomatic efforts was with Song Dynasty China. In 1008, a Fatimid sea captain traveled to China. He presented gifts from al-Hakim to the Chinese emperor Zhenzong of Song. This helped restart diplomatic ties between Egypt and China.

Disappearance of al-Hakim

In the last years of his rule, al-Hakim became more focused on spiritual practices. He often went on solitary meditation journeys. On the night of February 12/13, 1021, he left for the Mokattam hills near Cairo. He was 35 years old. He never returned.

A search found only his horse and some bloodstained clothes. His disappearance remains a mystery. After he vanished, his nephew al-Zahir li-I'zaz Din Allah became the new caliph. Al-Hakim's sister, Sitt al-Mulk, played a role in this succession.

Al-Hakim in History

In Western writings, al-Hakim has sometimes been called the "Mad Caliph." This name came from his unusual actions and how he treated religious minorities. For example, he ordered the destruction of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem in 1009. This act is sometimes seen as a factor leading to the Crusades.

However, many historians disagree with the "mad" label. They argue that his actions might have had reasons related to the political situation of his time. Some scholars believe the "mad" label was spread by his enemies. They point out that such harsh treatment of non-Muslims was rare in Islamic history. His son later helped rebuild the Holy Sepulchre.

Al-Hakim and Learning

Al-Hakim was very interested in education and knowledge.

House of Knowledge

One of his most important contributions was founding the Dār al-ʿIlm in Cairo in 1005. This was a major center for learning. Many subjects were taught there, from religious studies to philosophy and astronomy. The Dār al-ʿIlm had a huge library. Al-Hakim even provided free paper, ink, and pens for students. This made education available to many people. It was a place where scholars from different fields could research and share ideas.

Sessions of Wisdom

Al-Hakim also made sure that Ismaili religious education was a priority. He supported special study sessions called majalis al-hikma (wisdom sessions). These sessions taught deep Ismaili beliefs. Al-Hakim himself often attended these meetings. Today, the Druze, Nizari, and Taiyabi Ismailis still use the term Majlis for their religious meeting places.

Al-Hakim and Religions

Al-Hakim's relationship with different religions changed over time.

Early Rule (996–1006)

In his early years, al-Hakim's advisors handled most of the government. During this time, he was generally tolerant of Jews and Christians. They paid a special tax called jizya, which was common for non-Muslims in Islamic lands.

However, he showed a less tolerant attitude towards some Sunni Muslims. He ordered public curses against the first three Caliphs and against Aisha, the wife of Muhammad. This was in line with some Shia beliefs. He also changed some parts of the daily prayers.

During this period, al-Hakim also issued some strict rules. For example, he banned the use of wine for everyone, including Christians and Jews, which caused difficulties for their religious practices. He also ordered Jews and Christians to wear special clothes to distinguish themselves.

Later Rule (1007–1012)

From 1007 to 1012, al-Hakim became more tolerant towards Sunnis. However, his attitude towards Jews and Christians became stricter. On October 18, 1009, he ordered the destruction of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. This was a very important Christian site. Many other churches and convents in Palestine were also destroyed or taken over. It was not until 1042 that the Byzantine Emperor was allowed to rebuild the Holy Sepulchre.

Final Years (1012–1021)

In his final years, al-Hakim became more tolerant of Jews and Christians again. He allowed those who had been forced to convert to Islam to return to their original faiths. He also permitted them to rebuild their places of worship.

During this time, the Druze religion began to form. Its founder, Hamza ibn Ali ibn Ahmad, proclaimed that God had appeared in human form as al-Hakim. This belief is central to the Druze faith.

Family of al-Hakim

Al-Hakim's son and successor was 'Alī az-Zāhir. His mother was Amīna Ruqayya. Al-Hakim also had a daughter named Sitt Misr. She was known for her generosity and noble character.

Al-Hakim in Stories

Al-Hakim's life has inspired many writers. The French author Gérard de Nerval wrote a story about him called "History of the Caliph Hakem." He is also a main character in the novel The Prisoner of Al-Hakim by Bradley Steffens. This book tells the story of Ibn al-Haytham, a famous scientist, who was imprisoned during al-Hakim's rule.

See Also

• Family tree of Muhammad
• List of Egyptians
• List of Ismaili imams
• List of people who disappeared
• Lists of rulers of Egypt

Images for kids

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  al-Hakim Mosque