Ismaili Shia in Yemen: A Study of Origins, Development, and Contemporary State

Abstract

The study aims to explore and investigate the history and significance of the Ismaili Shia sect, which played a significant role in Yemen. The study comes in an introduction, six sections, and a conclusion. Section one discussed Shia and their presence in Yemen. Section two focused on origin and emergence of Ismailism in Yemen. Section three examined Qarmatians split in Yemen from the main Ismaili movement in Morocco. Section four dealt with Ismaili movement re-entry to Yemen, its covert and overt activities and its unique influences. Section five explored the various aspects of Ismaili sects in Yemen, including their denominations, principles, practices, and points of agreement and disagreement. Section six presentrf the opinions of scholars, historians, and authors who have written about these sects. The study results revealed that since its emergence in Yemen, Ismailism  transitioned from a missionary phase to establishing states, such as the Qarmatian state and the Sulayhid state. The Qarmatians' deviation from Ismailism principles prompted various Yemeni factions to unite against them and overthrow their rule early on in 303 AH.