Analytical Study of Van Vloten’s Perspective on Elm-e-Imam

One of the most important flourishing periods of Islamic civilization took place in Fatimid era. As they were Shi'ite rulers and they emphasized on religion, many of non-Muslim researchers have assessed religious elements which influenced scientific flourishing in Fatimid era. The religious, political and economic factors effecting scientific flourishing of Islamic civilization in Fatimid era will be analyzed based on Western scholars' perspective. After assessing and analyzing their perceptions, it become clear that they mentioned two main factors for this scientific flourishing: (1) the role of Fatimid caliphs and officials, their rivalry with Abbasid dynasty and political and religious tolerance, and (2) the religious identity of Isma'ilis, expanding religion, the organization of Da'wat by Isma'ilis, the influence of philosophical and logical thoughts of Greek and neo-Platonic scholars and its integration with Isma'ilism. Furthermore, some of the mentioned factors were also stated by Muslim historians which were used by Western researchers. However some of the factors, including the influence of philosophical and logical thoughts of Greek and neo-Platonic scholars were incredibly highlighted and emphasized in their works.