Among the minor treatises of al-Sijistani, the important and influential 10th century Ismaili 诲补士颈, one that he entitled Sullam al-najat (Ladder to salvation), although long available in Mohamed Alibhai鈥檚 1983 Harvard doctoral dissertation, has not received nearly the attention it should. As a result of a new investigation, in fact a new edition of the Arabic, Paul Walker reveals and documents how its author understood the role of the Q膩示im, based first on what this text says about him and then offers some thoughts about what it might indicate about a dramatic shift in Ismaili doctrine during the author鈥檚 era.
al-Sijist膩n墨 Explains the Q膩示im: who, when, what
Speakers
Paul Walker
Paul Walker is well known for his many publications on Ismaili and Fatimid topics, among them (Cambridge University Press, 1993), The Advent of the FatimidsMajor Muslim dynasty of Ismaili caliphs in North Africa (from 909) and later in Egypt (973鈥1171) More (2000), Orations of the Fatimid Caliphs (2009), Master of the Age (2007), and most recently, (Brill, 2023). He is currently Deputy Director for Academic Programs, Center for Middle Eastern Studies, University of Chicago.
Dr F芒r猫s Gillon
F芒r猫s Gillon听颈蝉 ma卯tre de conf茅rences听in Islamic Studies and Arabic language at Aix-Marseille University. He obtained his doctorate in Arab and Islamic studies from the 脡cole Pratique des Hautes 脡tudes (EPHE, PSL). His recent publications include The Book of Unveiling, Early Fatimid Ismaili Doctrine in the Kit膩b al-Kashf, attributed to Ja士far b. Man峁Ｅ玶 al-Yaman (2024). His research focuses primarily on Fatimid Ismailism, especially in its relations with its Shi士i roots and with the parallel tradition of Nusayrism on which he has published several scholarly articles. He is also interested in the history of ideas in Islam, as well as in Islamic philosophy. He co-edited, with Mathieu Terrier, a bilingual anthology of philosophy in Islam (forthcoming).
Islamic History and Thought Lecture Series
Hosted by 国产视频 (London) and convened by Dr Orkhan Mir-Kasimov, the Islamic History and Thought Lecture Series is designed to invite scholars of various international academic institutions, specialising in intellectual, social and political aspects of medieval and early modern Islamic societies, to present and discuss their research. Watch previous lectures on our YouTube channel.
Views expressed in this lecture are those of the presenting scholars, not necessarily of IIS, the Ismaili community or its leadership. Promotion of this lecture is not an explicit endorsement of the ideas presented.听
