The Political and Religious Function of Poetry in the Era of the Egyptian Fatimids (358-567 AH) in dealing with Their Foreign Opponents

Poetry has always been an influential art and powerful medium in human societies. Hence, it has always played a significant role as an advertising tool for governments, sects, parties, tribes and even individuals. The Fatimid caliphate (358-567 AH) was using various strategies to advance their goals in opposition to his opponents, especially the Abbasid caliphate, by supporting poetry and poet.This research has a descriptive approach concentrated on analyzing and evaluating the functions of the poetries of the Egyptian Fatimid poets (358-567 AH) in order to strengthen the Fatimid caliphates in opposition to their opponents. The results of this study reveals that in the Fatimid caliphate, in addition to the aesthetic and artistic approach of poetry, the poem is used as a means of the implementing of beliefs and the publishing the ideas, including: proof of the Imamate and the succession of Ali (AS) and their sons, and consequently, the legitimacy of Fatimid caliphs, emphasizing on the Fatimid parentage verity; encouragement and persuasion towards the Fatimid caliphate, provocation, and discipline against the enemies; libeling of the opponents, weakening of their legitimacy foundations.