Imam Moiz (AS), 14th Imam

His name was Ma'ad, and kunyat was Abu Tamim, surnamed al-Moiz le-din'allah (Fortifier of the religion of Allah). He was born in Mehdiya in 319 H when Imam al-Mehdi (AS) was alive, who had predicted that Imam Moiz would be a man of great glory. He was very intelligent from his infancy. Syedna Qadi Noman (RA) writes in "al-Majalis wa'l Musayarat" that Imam Moiz (AS) recalled his infancy that: "I am reminiscing about the day I was a small child, I could understand what was spoken. The day I was taken into his (al-Mehdi) presence, I had been weaned and I could understand and remember that what happened. He reached for me and kissed me and took me into his robe. He seated me by his side and ordered something for me to eat. A gold and silver platter was brought, containing apples, grapes, Bananas etc. He put it before me. I did not eat anything from it. He then took it and gave it to me and said: "Go and eat what is in it and give the platter to such and such child, she was of my age." I told him: "No, I will keep the platter and give the fruits to her." Imam Mehdi laughed and wondered at my perception. He prayed for me and asked our leave. As we were leaving he that said: "A glorious future awaits him."
Syedna Qadi Noman Says "That Imam Moiz had a close relation with his grand father Imam al Qaim (AS) since his childhood. Imam Qaim used to confide him in important matters. He used to send for al-Moiz whenever he was away and consult him in privacy.
During the Imamate of Imam al Mansur (AS) the sign of Imamate had began to appear in the actions of Imam Moiz. His rulings in the court of Imam al Mansur would speak of justice with both sides having been pleased by the it. His every step would speak for his knowledge and wisdom.
Syedna Qadi Noman (RA) has written various incidents, that revealed the status of Imam Moiz during the days of Imam al Mansur (AS). Many of which he had witnessed himself and some narrated to him by Imam Moiz (AS).
Imam Moiz ascended the throne of Imamat in Shawwal 341 H. He covered the wafat of Imam al Mansur till the day of Eid al-Ad'ha. On that day the Imam (AS) arrived for the Eid Khutba and declared the sad demise of his father (AS). The days of his Imamat is noted for the extension of the Fatimid domination from Maghrib to Mashriq, Egypt and Syria. His period is also acclaimed for the progress of learning and arts. He himself was a learned philosopher, scientist and astronomist. His court always remained full of jurists, traditionists, poets and historians. It was a golden era of the Fatimid empire.
War with the Byzantines
In 345 H, the Fatimid naval fleet inflicted a major defeat on the Byzantines in Italy under the command of Ammar bin Hasan, following several minor entanglements and forcing the emperor Constantine VII (913-959) to pay tribute and send a peace-negotiating embassy to the court of Imam Moiz. Later the Umayyids joined hands with Rome and started a campaign against the Fatimids. Imam Moiz traveeled to Mehdiya in a huge army and ordered the Fatimi fleets to pursue them under the command of Qaid Joher and Hasan bin Ali, Governor of Sicily. It was no sooner that Rome was inficted with a heavy defeat and they had to flee. The news of the defeat had reached the Umayyids in Spain, who ordered their men to return. Ibn Hani of Spain, one of the famous poets of the Fatimid Era has described with detail in many verses, about the victory of the Fatimi forces.
The emporer later sent gifts and precious tokens of silk and gold to the court of Imam Moiz asking him to return his forces back home and award a peace treaty with Rome. In 356 H, a peace treaty was concluded between the Fatimids and the Byzantines, and accordingly, the Muslims sought the right to impose jizya on the Christian inhabitants of Sicily. This defeat of the Byzantines was indeed celebrated with pomp through out the Islamic world.
Moiz Imam in Egypt.
Long before the land of the Qibt had been overrun by the mighty forces of the Fatimids, the predecessor Imams of Al-Moiz (AS) had declared his rule over Egypt. Imam Mehdi and Imam Qaim (AS) had sent forces to the Egyptian land but had known of the of the fact that it was only a preparation for the task that had to be completed by Imam Moiz (AS) only. It is related that long before the conquest of this land Syedna Qadi Noman was informed by the Imam that one day he was to become the Chief Justice of Egypt.
During this time Egypt was ruled by Ustaz Kafur al Ikhshidi - a care taker of the Government, who is said to have sworn allegiance to the Imam (AS) under a Fatimi Dai who was in Egypt. When Kafur died he was succeeded by the people who could no longer govern the powerful nation. The Abbasids in the east had neglected it and the Romans were ready to take it over. As Egypt was the main cross way for the people of North Africa for Hajj it was threatened by pirates and many could not seek to go to Mecca for pilgrimage. The Economy was down trodden and the Egyptian coin no longer accepted by traders from other parts of the world. Wealthy merchants and chiefs requested the Fatimi Imam to take over Egypt and restore peace and prosperity to the country.
When the time had arrived Imam Moiz (AS) ordered a massive force to start its march towards Egypt under the command of Qaid Joher on Saturday, 14 Rabiul Awwal 358H. Ibn Hani has said various verses in description of its splendour and unique features. Qaid Joher entered Egypt after a blood less campaign on 17 Shaban 358H and declared truce and peace for the people. It is said that it took the army seven days to enter the city with its heavy equipments and complete forces. Qaid Joher had ordered his forces to provide complete security to all and started to build the city of Cairo under the instructions of Imam Moiz (AS). Every little bit of instructions were given from the Hazrat Imamiyah for the city plans. A gold mint was set up to restore the currency to its normal standards and coins were made having the name of the Imam on it. Fatimi Khutba was recited on the pulpits of Egypt. Al-Azhar was erected as a centre of learning for the muslim community. A Masjid was also built to declare the philosophy of learning in Islam, as the first symbol of learning was indeed the Masjid in Islam. In accordance to the instructions of the Imam (AS) a Grand Palace was also built by Qaid Joher for the Imam (AS). Law and order was restored to the country and now a golden era had knocked its doors.
After making necessary appointments in Maghrib, Imam Moiz departed from Mansuria on Monday, 21 Shawal, 361H with his family and notable persons. His caravan reached Alexandria on 23rd Shaban, 362H. On Saturday, the 2nd Ramdhan, 363H he stopped at Mina, the wharf of Egypt. He stayed there for three days and then crossed the river Nile on 5th of Ramadhan. Imam Moiz entered Qahira, or Cairo, that day, henceforward, it became the capital of the Fatimids.
The Qaramites had now become very powerful in Damascus and had terrified the people their, it was no longer that Imam Moiz called for Qaid Joher to put an end to their mischief. The Khutba in Mecca was also recited in the name of the Fatimi Imam as it was under the government of Eygpt. The Shariffs of Mecca were care takers of the law in the holy city. Imam Moiz (AS) ordered for full security for the Hajis and also ordered the curtains of the Kabbah to be restored. The Shariat Law was imposed on the whole empire and religious tolerance was preached, as well as, declared by the Fatimi Imam. Scholars of all schools of thought were given their place in Eygpt and were welcomed.
The period of Imam Moiz (AS) was one of the most glorious ever recorded in Egyptian history. He displayed judgement and justice in the management of his mixed subjects. He did not allow his troops to interfere with the people. He was well disposed towards the Copts. His land revenue reforms were highly admired, for which he was ably assisted by his vazir Yaqub bin Killis. The Imam (AS) divided the provinces into districts and were placed under capable officers. A naval fleet was also organized to protect the coastal trade and commerce from pirates. The Fatimids built a big dockyard (dar al-sina'a) at Alexandria and Damietta, inside the country on the Nile at Maks near Cairo and Aydhab near Sanga on the Red Sea opposite to Jeddah. In the dockyard, more than 600 ships were built - the largest fleet that Egypt had ever seen since the Arab conquests. The commander of the naval force was called Amir al-Bahr (the chief of the sea). Textile industry also florished in Eygpt under the Fatemi rule with wonderful works of decor and embroidery, which later became famous. Traders and Merchants flocked to the country for its highly valued and standardized currency, that was brought into circulation by Qaid Joher.
Imam Moiz (AS) had openly declared Imam Aziz (AS) as his successor during the later phase of his life. On Jumoa, 11 Rabiul Akhar 365H. the Imam (AS) passed away to the heavenly abode and was burried in Qahera. Imam Moiz lived for 13 years, 5 months and 10 days after the wafat of Imam al-Mansur (AS).
The actual Qibla of Imam Moiz of Jame' Azhar were hidden under a plaster and were unknown till it had been revealed by Syedna Taher Saifuddin (RA) during his visit to Qahera. He is the first Dai to visit this Fatimi Capital and was given a warm welcome by the Eygptian Government and the people of Cairo. One of the Eygptian poets has said to Syedna (RA) during his visit, that I feel as if you were Moiz Imam (AS) himself and his Noor in your face. The heir of Syedna Taher Saifuddin (AS), our Moula (TUS) has visited this Fatemi capital several times and always prays for its glory and prosperity of its people. He is warmly welcomed and loved by its people. May Allah grant him a long life for our guidance and may his Dua bring peace and prosperity worldwide.
by: Mulla Juzar Sh Yusuf