Ghayat al-amani and the life and times of al-Hadi Yahya b. al-Husayn: an introduction, newly edited text and translation with detailed annotation

Abstract

The thesis is anchored upon a text extracted from an important 11th / 17th century Yemeni historical work. This text deals primarily with al-Hādī ilā 'I-Haqq, the founder of the Zaydī Imamate in the Yemen that lasted well over a thousand years. AI-Hādīs imamate, of considerable significance in itself, also coincides with one of the most turbulent periods of early Yemeni mediaeval history. The- edited Arabic text, with its accompanying apparatus criticus. Is to be found at the opposite end of this volume. The Introduction considers various aspects of Imam al-Hadī’s life, religious ideas and aspirations and matters directly connected with the edited text and the work of which it forms a part. Among the most important subjects discussed are the MSS used in the production of the edited text, the problem concerning the authorship of Ghāyat al-amānī and the relationship of the latter work to Anbā' al-zaman. A short biography of al-Hādī is provided, together with a treatment of the historical background to ai-Hādīs imamate. The introduction also describes the editorial method followed with regard to the text, and certain key personal names and toponyms are dealt with there. The method employed by the author of the Ghāyat is to record the events of any one year by Itself. I have translated one year at a time and then followed it by the annotations appertaining to it. It is hoped that by means of these annotations. (some of which through necessity are quite detailed ), the text will be better understood. The numerous personages, tribal names and toponyms are considered, as well as problems concerning points of chronology and various matters of historical and religious significance. Specific comment is made upon certain interesting terms or any unusual or striking vocabulary. The thesis concludes with maps, genealogical tables and a comprehensive bibliography.