Security of Hajj during the Fatimid Era From the Conquest of Egypt to the End of Al-Mustansir’s Rule (358-487 AH)

Given the importance of Hajj, as one of the most important religious duties, Islamic states have always considered the security of pilgrims as a criterion for achieving authority and legitimacy. After the conquest of Egypt in 358 AH, the Fatimid dynasty (297-567 AH) dominated one of the most important highways for dispatching pilgrims for more than two centuries and consequently was responsible for providing its security. The dominance over this highway was important as the scope of Fatimid influence and domination extended not only to Egypt but also to the Levant, the Hejaz, and the Hajj; and for a long time, this Shia-Ismaili dynasty had considerable influence in holding the Hajj. Classifying and analyzing the data collected from the primary sources, this study discusses the output of the performance of the Fatimid in the field of Hajj security in the peak of their rule. By Hajj security, it means establishing the security of the pilgrims in the areas under the rule of the Fatimid, from the beginning of their dispatch to the Hajj ceremony and returning. According to the findings of this study, two historical periods can be considered. From the conquest of Egypt in 358 AH to the second half of the reign of Al-Hakim bi Amrallah (early years of the 5th century AH), due to their military and economic capabilities, the Fatimid dynasty was able to provide adequate security for the pilgrims in the areas under its rule by solving the previous problems. But from the beginning of the 5th century AH, for reasons such as the instability of its status in the Levant, as an important part of the Egyptian path to Hajj, as well as the economic and political crises within the government, its ability to provide the security for the pilgrims was gradually reduced so that during this period, it did not have much success in dispatching and securing the pilgrims compared to its powerful rule in Egypt.