Lady Arwa: The Ismaili Ruler of Yemen

In Yemen, when governments like Zeidis were very weak, the Ismaili Shiites managed to seize the power; they established the Salihian government (439-532). One of the most remarkable rulers of Salihi government who was also its last ruler was a lady called Arwa (440-532). Because of her authority and firm character, she has been regarded as the most powerful female ruler during the Islamic history. In addition to her impressive achievements in constructing the country and organizing the political affairs, she was active in religious matters, spreading Islam in Ismaili lines. She was also loyal to Mustali Fatimid caliphs of Egypt. After the death of Al-Amir bi-Ahkami l-Lah, a Fatimid caliph, she supported the idea of the existence of Al-Amir's child called Tayyib, who was supposed to sustain the Ismali Imamate in occultation; she thus separated herself from the rulers and so called Imams who claimed to be the successors of Al-Amir in Cairo