The Fatimid's Policies towards their Sunni Subjects during the Invitation Period and at the Beginnings of the Formation of the State

Two founders of Fatimid caliphates were Abu cAbd Allah al- Shici and cUbayd allah al- Mahdi. They had different behavior with their Sunni subjects in two different era, i.e., invitation time and then at the beginnings of the formation of the state in Ifriqiyya. Taking into consideration those policies and behaviors, this article shows that there is a significant difference between the former caliphate and the latter with regard to the status of Sunnites. While Abu cAbd Allah followed a policy of toleration towards the Sunnites, al-Mahdi was prejudiced against them. Apart from their individual characteristics, the obvious difference was a result of the socio-political conditions. Historians told that Abu cAbd Allah's policy was according to the necessities of the missionary or invitation period on which it was going to fascinate hearts of the religious opponents to pave the way for the formation of the new state, but cUbayd Allah's policy was aimed at stabilizing of the state by emphasizing on Ismacili identity.