Qarmatians

Quick Facts: Who was Qarmatians?

Subject:

Qarmatians

Known for:

Militant Shia movement centered in Eastern Arabia, known for challenging major Islamic caliphates.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Qarmatians were an Isma'ili Shia militant movement led by an Arabized dynasty of Persian descent. Claiming an Alid descent, the Qarmatians were centred in al-Ahsa in Eastern Arabia, where they established a religious state in 899 CE. The Qarmatians adhered to a syncretic branch of Sevener Ismaili Shia Islam, and were ruled by a dynasty founded by Abu Sa'id al-Jannabi. They rejected the claim of the Fatimid caliph Abdallah al-Mahdi Billah to the imamate and, clinging to their belief in the coming of the Mahdi, revolted against both the Fatimid and Abbasid caliphates. The Qarmatians are perhaps most notable for sacking Mecca in 930 CE under the leadership of Abu Tahir al-Jannabi.

Career & Major Achievements

This violent act outraged the contemporary Muslim world, particularly because of their theft of the Black Stone and the desecration of the Zamzam Well with the corpses of pilgrims during the Hajj season. The origin of the name "Qarmatian" is uncertain. According to some sources, the name derives from the surname of the sect's founder, Hamdan Qarmat. The name qarmat probably comes from the Aramaic for "short-legged", "red-eyed" or "secret teacher". Other sources, however, say that the name comes from the Arabic verb قرمط (qarmaṭ), which means "to make the lines close together in writing" or "to walk with short steps".

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The word "Qarmatian" can also refer to a type of Arabic script. The Qarmatians in Sawad (southern Iraq) were also known as "the Greengrocers" (al-Baqliyyah) because they followed the teachings of Abu Hatim al-Zutti, who in 908 forbade animal slaughter. He also forbade radishes and alliums such as garlic, onions, and leeks. By 928, it is uncertain whether the people still held on to those teachings. The founder of the dynasty, Abu Sa'id al-Jannabi, was of Persian origin, from Jannabah in coastal Fars.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Qarmatians

True or False: “Did the Qarmatians steal the Black Stone from Mecca and hold it for ransom?”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): Yes, they sacked Mecca in 930 CE and took the Black Stone to Ain al-Kuayba, forcing the Abbasids to pay a large sum for its return in 952.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Qasem Soleimani — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Influential Iranian military commander, architect of asymmetric regional power.
• Qatar diplomatic crisis — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A period of intense diplomatic hostility between Qatar and four major Arab states (2017-2021).
• Qays–Yaman rivalry — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A historical tribal rivalry in the Middle East between Qays-Mudar (North) and Yaman (South).
• Qays–Yaman war (793–796) — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A prolonged tribal conflict in Palestine and Transjordan between the Qays (Mudar) and Yaman confederations.
• Qazi Touqeer — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Indian singer and actor known for winning Fame Gurukul and performing in Kashmiri, Hindi, and Urdu.
• Qi Baishi — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Master of whimsical Chinese painting, renowned for nature subjects and self-taught artistry.

Frequently Asked Questions about Qarmatians